(A/N) Holy Banana's

This chapter felt like it went on forever!

I wanted to put it into two parts but I didn't know where to end it and when to start it so Instead you now have just under 4.5k words to read lol

Keep track of what I say in this chapter cause it's all going to unfold. We are also going to see a person show up that will be Marinette's main source of support in future chapters.

P.S. There will be a reveal between Ladybug and Chat Noir, so don't worry I haven't forgotten about them. it will be unexpected.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy this long read lol...


"What about this?" Marinette asked, walking into the room with her black dress she wore on her birthday matched with black fish net stockings.

Of course she had her hair high in a bun and high heel shoes to go with the outfit, followed by a small red clutch hanging from her shoulder.

"I know you took turning twenty five pretty hard but I didn't expect a midlife crisis this early." Alya stated. "We are meant to be chilling at a bar not going clubbing and who wears fish net stockings these days?"

"Ahh!" Marinette groaned, running her fingers through her bangs. "I can't pick an outfit if my life depended on it."

"You're a designer, how hard can it be?" Alya questioned.

Marinette fidget with the end of her dress, not making eye contact with the reporter. "I'm not a designer yet." She muttered.

"But you can be. Girl, I haven't seen you this nervous about someone since your crush on Adrien." Alya pointed out. "Its just Luka. You two have been way more familiar without clothes so you would think finding an outfit would be a piece of cake."

Way to make her go pink at the cheeks from that comment alone.

Alya had been sitting on her bed for the last hour watching Marinette change into different outfits. She herself was already dressed and ready, it was just waiting around for Marinette to put on something decent.

The bluenette huffed, collapsing right next to her friend in defeat. "I don't know what to wear anymore." She exclaimed, turning her head in a awkward way just to glare at Alya and messing up her bun in the process. "Before you say it again, no I'm not nervous about seeing Luka." She pointed to her friend in warning.

But she was about seeing Adrien.

"Well in that case..." The reporter hummed.

Alya jumped off the bed, prompting Marinette to sit up on her elbows and watch what her friend was up to. She had disappeared in her walk in robe, rummaging through the draws and combing through the hangers.

Coming out a few moments later, Alya wore her signature smirk. "What about this?"

Marinettes eyes grew wide, a smile tugged on her lips with the outfit Alya had held up for her.

"You still got this?" She asked, sitting up on the edge of the bed and running her hands over the material she hadn't seen in years.

"Of course I do." Alya stated matter of fact. "I never get rid of my friends designs. Now go try it on before I have to dress you myself."

"Thanks Alya, you're the best."

Marinette gleefully jumped off the bed and hugged her friend before scopping up the clothes and making her way back to the bathroom.

Looking towards Tikki who was perched on Nino's pillow, Alya said. "Was this why she was late to school, minus the akuma attacks?"

The kwami nodded in responds, a macaroon clutched in her grasp. "It was way worse than this I can assure you."

"How do I look now?" Marinette had skipped back into the room with a smile blooming on her face, unaware of their conversation.

She spun around in black jeans and a kitty section singlet she'd designed a few years back for Alya.

Thank goodness for the time and growth spurt or she would've had a hard time trying to fit into her friends clothes with the shape difference.

A leather jacket was tossed over her shoulder and flowing through the air as she turned, boots a third up her leg with a small heel to give her some height.

She needed it with how short she still was compare to her friends.

This time she had her hair down just past her shoulders to suit the outfit and placed on the bangles she had found in the bathroom draw they wore when they went to a music festival back when Marinette was eighteen.

They were in neon pink, green and yellow and she was sure they still glowed in the dark. Well she hoped they did cause it would make a good accessory for the event they were going to.

Marinette looked like a sexy badass.

"Nice." Alya praised. "I like how you partly tucked the shirt into the hem of the jeans. Finally you got your groove back."

Marinette laughed, grabbing her red clutch off the bed and ushered Tikki to get inside. That item she couldn't change but lucky for her it went with the design Alya had chosen for her.

"Who's having a midlife crisis now?" The bluenette chuckled, making her way to the bedroom door. "Who says groove any..."

*knock, knock*

"...more."

"Hey dude, you made it." Nino's muffled voice sounded from the other side of the bedroom door.

"Dude?" Marinette turned to Alya, her eyes wide with worry. "Adrien?" She asked quietly, afraid they would hear her. "Why didn't you tell me?"

This had to be just her luck he had turned up and without warning.

Alya nodded and went for the door handle. Before she open it she turn to Marinette and said. "They offered to give us a ride, I wasn't going to say no to a limousine over my broken down piece of crap."

"They?" She screeched quietly. "Bethany is also..."

"Hey guys." Alya chirped as she came out of her room, interrupting her best friend in the process. "You finally made it." She laughed, going over to greet the couple still lingering near the doorway. "I thought Marinette was surely going to make us late with the way her outfit choices were going." She told the two blonde's before she whispered between them. "I think she's a bit nervous to see Luka."

Adrien's eyes travelled towards the room, hoping to get a glimpse of the bluenette but saw no sign of her.

Marinette just stood still, having a mini heart attack in the process.

This could not be happening to her right now, this had to be a horrible nightmare. No way was she ready to face Adrien and Bethany, especially with what went on recently between them.

"Luka?" Nino almost shouted from the kitchen, grabbing a drink before he hit the road. "Mari is dating Luka again? Why am I the last to always find out?"

Alya huffed, turning towards the kitchen with her fingers rubbing at her temples. "Because you never ask!"

"Hey I always tell you when something comes up with my friends." He fired back.

"Really?" Alya challenged. "Who was the last to find out Adrien was getting married?" She asked before turning back to the blonde's with a wink. "Dont worry its all water under the bridge now." She whispered.

Adrien began to rub the back of his nape out of habit and Bethany's eyes began to wonder the small apartment. Both feeling a bit awkward with the semi fight that was happening in front of them.

"Well I recall you being too occupied in your job and your ladyblog to even focus on anything I was saying so I left it." Nino replied.

Alya went to reply but then Marinette finally appeared around the corner and huffed in frustration, stamping towards the door. "I don't tell anyone about my relationships because you guys parade it around like it's a reality television show!" Marinette said angrily. "Now let's go before we are really late!"

The bluenette past everyone in annoyance, purposely not taking a glance at the two blonde's near the doorway.

"You heard the lady." Adrien sheepishly broke the awkward silence and followed her out. "Let's go."


The music is in full swing when the group entered the venue, all of them coupling off while Marinette walked in on her own behind everyone.

She was used to it, being around Nino and Alya all the time but having a second couple and the guy she was sleeping with being that second pair made things more awkward for her.

So Instead of following her friends to the table, Marinette had made a dash to the bar, ordering a beer for her and a apple and Vodka for Alya.

After all she still owed her for the surprise birthday she hosted last week and made sure it buied her some time before she had to face to music.

Literally!

Taking a quick glance around the room, Marinette scanned the area, first setting her sights on the band with Rose belting out her notes, then to where her friends were seated.

She caught sight of the back of Bethany's long silky blonde hair, cascading down past her shoulders before she saw another figure lean down and plant sweet kisses to her lips.

Bethany pulled Adrien down by his collar for another round of kisses, getting more intimate the longer it went on for.

She just stared at the couple in envy, feeling anger boil through her veins at the sight. How was she even meant to get through this night without her feelings getting in the way.

He's not yours, Marinette reminded herself. You can't be jealous.

"Here are your drinks Miss." The bar tender pulled her away from the couple and back towards what she was doing previously.

Marinette smiled and began to dig through her clutch, weaving around Tikki's sleeping form. "How much?" She asked.

But before she could even get anything out of her bag Adrien spoke up beside her. "I got it covered." He said as he handed over his card before she could protest.

Marinette furrowed her brows at him while he paid for their drinks before turning towards her and giving her a smile like nothing had happened earlier.

Immediately her eyes darted to his lips, the memories how they felt and tasted flooding her scenses.

It was all coming back to haunt her. She came to the bar to get away from him not to end up alone with him.

So Instead of talking, Marinette grabbed the two drinks and made her way to the table, leaving a confused Adrien behind.


"Oh girl! You didn't have to." Alya beamed in awe once Marinette placed the drink in front of her. "Thank you."

She sat beside Alya, placing her own drink at the table. "Its the least I could do for the party you threw me last week."

"You know I was happy to do it, especially since you're making my wedding dress." She pointed out. "You have to stop giving, I can't keep up." Alya laughed.

Marinette didn't join her laughter, instead her eyes followed Adrien as he made his way to the table, sitting besides Bethany and giving her a quick peck and placing her drink in front of her.

He tried to escape with only a simple kiss but she grabbed his chin and pulled him in again. The kiss was more passionate like before and Marinette was so tempted to shout at them both to get a room with how heated it was becoming.

Adrien's eyes peered over at Marinette breifly, watching her reaction to their moment. They locked eyes for a spilt second but Marinette was first to break contact and look towards Alya who was also starring at him.

"Okay, that's enough." Adrien pulled away from his fiance, clearly looking uncomfortable. "We're in public!" He tried to whisper under the music.

Bethany played with the opening of his shirt, devouring him by the look in her eyes. "You didn't say that when we had sex against the balcony doors the other night." She also whispered, biting her bottom lip seductively. "You were determined to show me off to the world."

Of course Marinette had heard, even over Alya and Nino talking and the music playing in the background. She was only two seats away from Bethany so it wasn't all that hard, especially since her attention was on them.

Immediately Marinette's heart felt like it dropped in the pit of her stomach, her insides began to turn, feeling like she was going to be sick at any moment.

Why did she even listen into their conversation in the first place?

Adrien turned her way again, knowing very well Marinette had heard everything with how her face drain in colour.

She was beginning to look like a ghost.

"Oh this is utterly ridiculous."

Chloe's voice broke everyone's focus, all eyes focusing towards the rich blonde girl standing over them with Sabrina who was still in toe with Chloe to this day.

"You guys couldn't wait up for me!" She huffed before a smile broke out on her face.

Adrien was the first to get up off his seat, giving his old friend a hug in greeting. "Hey Chlo. Glad to see you."

She broke the hug, giving Adrien's arm a small whack before her finger pointed up close to his face and replying. "Hello to you too." She hissed. "Would of been nice to know my best friend has come home."

Adrien rubbed his nape, feeling guilty for forgetting to tell Chloe he had arrived back in Paris. "Well I..."

Chloe interrupted him waving him off. "No need for apologies, I already got word why you're here Adrien and I'm sorry you're dealing with all that." Chloe said sincerely, placing her hands on his shoulders. "You've been excused... for now." She said before being stern. "But you owe me lunch though!"

Adrien nodded and swallowed audibly, feeling relief wash over him. "Sure." He replied before receiving a light tug on his shirt by the girl behind him. "Oh. Chloe, I would like you to meet..."

Adrien stepped to the side, his fiance coming into veiw. She wore a gleeful smile on her face, ready to greet her partners childhood friend with the shake of her hand.

But Chloe scoffed at her, raising her nose in the air. "Yes, I know who you are." Chloe said matter of fact, making Bethany now the one to audibly swallow hard. "And no I'm not in the mood to hear your life story."

The group rolled their eyes at Chloe's bluntness but Bethany sat back down in her seat a bit stunned. She wasnt use to being talked down to like that, especially where she came from.

"Dont worry, she's always like this." Adrien said quietly to Bethany. "We just learn to put up with it."

"Sabrina!" Chloe yelled. "Ear plugs!"

"Yes Chloe, right away Chloe." Sabrina said.

The blonde moved around the table, sitting at the vacant spot next to Marinette.

"Dupain-Cheng." It sound like she spat her name, but it was Chloe, no one could tell if she was going to be mean or nice once she opened her mouth. "How is my dress looking? " She replied a bit more cheerfully.

Chloe had turned her back to Bethany, completely ignoring the girls presence. The only time she turned towards her was to grab the ear plugs off Sabrina's shaky hands.

"G-Good. Almost done." Marinette stuttered, worried the girl would breathe down her neck at any moment.

"Wonderful."

Chloe clasp her hands together before resting them on her lap. Her legs crossed over the other revealing more of her perfect skin under the coloured lights.

She had worn a white pencil skirt, just cutting above the knee with a yellow lose top and a sparkly white jacket overtop with her long blonde hair flowing over the material in curls.

Her feet were covered by golden high heels that weaved and wrapped around her calves. The size of the heel itself made Marinette feel uncomfortable. She couldn't imagine how sore Chloe's feet would be by the end of the night.

"Okay everyone we are going to take a short break. Please sit back, relax, grab a drink and don't go anywhere." Luka's voice boomed into the speakers, grabbing the attention of the whole group and the strangers around them.

They had almost forgotten why they had come here in the first place. This was Kitty's Section's come back after seven years. They were here to support their friends and catch up with the ones who lost touch.

Well they were all at Marinette's party but with the night she had and how fast time flew by, she didn't get as much as a greeting to half the people who were invited.

Great Birthday host she was.

The band started chatting away on the stage while Luka took off his guitar and sat it near the speaker. He jumped off the side of the stage and strode their way, hands in his jacket pockets.

Marinette could hear Chloe muttering under her breath about some peace and quiet she could now enjoy while Alya, Nino and Adrien, Bethany were speaking about plans for tomorrow amongst themselves.

She was relieve when the musician made his appearance, finally feeling less of an odd one out. Chloe didn't count since she had Sabrina by her side.

"Hey guys." Luka greeted and the group replied their hellos back. "Glad you could all make it." He chirped. "Especially you Chloe. I didn't expect to see you here."

"Yeah, well I had nothing better to do." She Sneered, not making eye contact in Luka's direction while she checked her polished finger nails over.

"I guess I'll take that as a compliment." Luka laughed and everyone joined in except Chloe of course, she just scoffed in annoyance.

The group went back to their chatter and once again Marinette felt alone. She peered towards Luka; who had been staring at her almost the whole time he had been there and watched as he nodded his head over to the bar.

Marinette nodded back before getting up out of her seat, joining him up at the bar. "Hey." She said, sitting on one of the bar stools provided.

"How are you?" He asked, leaning all his weight on the counter in front of him. "I didn't get a reply back from my message the other night."

Marinette gasped, ramaging through her clutch to retrieve her phone. How did she manage to miss a message from Luka of all people?

Hands griped her wrist, stilling her from all movement. "Its okay. I'm just glad you could make it."

Marinette peered up at him and smiled, a dust of pink covering her cheeks. She shut her clutch and let it hang to the side of her.

Hopefully she didn't disturb Tikki too much.

"What can I get you?" The bar tender asked them.

Marinette went to speak but Luka interrupted her. "Whisky on the rocks and a Gin and Tonic for the lady."

The man behind the bar looked towards Marinette, waiting for her to reject the order but she just gave him a small smile instead.

"Coming right up."

The bluenette wanted to tell Luka she didn't really drink and especially those type of beverages anymore, but the way he lit up and smiled towards her she didn't have the heart to say anything.

"I still remember your favourite." He said with glee but that hadn't been her favourite since she was a teenager.

How much time has changed her.

Instead of objecting, she glanced towards him and matched his smile. "Thanks Luka."


They chattered what seemed like hours, catching up on past memories and fun times they had together.

Marinette had almost missed the way things use to be with Luka. So simple and so easy, she didn't have to try and act like someone she wasn't.

But of course dreams got in the way and life ruined their relationship.

"So how long will you be staying in Paris?" Marinette asked. "I'm sure Jaggered will be touring again soon, with his new album and all."

"How long do you want me to stay?" Luka questioned instead, sipping on his second drink for the night.

This time ordering a beer which Marinette was craving for over her Gin and Tonic that was still hardly touched in front of her.

Marinette snapped her attention away from her drink, looking at Luka like he grew a second head. "W-What do you mean?" She asked.

"I mean, I'll stick around, if you want me too."

Before Marinette could give him an answer Luka got called back up on the stage, leaving her to ponder on his question.

Was he asking what I think he was? She questioned her mind.

Eyes wondered towards the musician who was now jumping up on stage and picking up his guitar ready to play another song.

Instead he grabbed the microphone and spoke. "This is a song I wrote for someone very special to me." Luka wink towards Marinette, causing her to blush. "I hope she likes it."

Music began to play and Marinette swayed to the beat, still sitting on the barstool but now facing towards the stage. It was a lovely tune and the words that soon followed made her heart beat just a little bit faster.

But of course that was short lived as her eyes travelled towards the person moving towards her, his eyes also locked onto hers.

She wasn't up for dealing with this now.

So Instead of waiting for the inevitable, Marinette grabbed her drink she barely touched and got up off her seat to go back to the group. At least there she knew Adrien couldn't talk to her without things coming out into the open.

"Does he know?" Adrien asked as she pressed pass him.

The bluenette was not sure what prompt her to even turn around at that moment but she did. He had no right to ask such a question and with the look in his eyes she could tell he wanted to take it back.

"What?" She snapped at him not meaning for it to sound so hostile but it sure came out that way without warning to the both of them.

"Are you going to tell him?" Adrien asked again.

"You can't be serious!" Marinette cried softly. "Are you going to tell her?" She asked instead of answering, both looking toward the blonde that was now watching Luka play his music.

"You're mad at me?-" he said and she not sure if that was a question or a statement. "-Aren't you?"

That was a question.

"No." She said sternly back.

But it was true, she wasn't mad at him. She was mad at a lot of things that may have strings tied to him but not at him directly.

Marinette couldn't be mad at the fact he was kissing HIS fiance in front of her. She couldn't be mad she over heard them talking about THEIR intimate night together.

No, she was not allowed to be mad at all and neither was he.

"You are." He replied.

"Look Adrien, I'm not mad at you." She stated. "I'm really not concerned with you at all or what you do with Bethany." The blonde could hear the anger seeping through her voice. "In fact it's okay. Luka is planning on staying here for awhile!"

"So things are actually serious between you two?" He had to ask.

"Seriously?" She tried to whisper in annoyance. "I'm not having this conversation right now!"

"Marinette..."

Adrien grabbed her arm before she walked away but the action made her drop her drink. Glass shattered on the floor at their feet and immediately Adrien let go, feeling horrible for what he just done.

He quickly went down to pick up the broken pieces with her, apologizing endlessly. "I'm so sorry Marinette! Let me get you another one!" He offered.

"Dont worry about it! I didn't really want it anyways!" Anger seeped past her lips.

"What's going on?" Chloe's voice cut in; concerned. "Did I interrupted something?"

Marinette shot up like a rocket off the floor, taking a few steps away from Adrien to get some distance.

"N-Nothing." Marinette stuttered. "N-No."

Adrien peered up at the girls, almost finish picking up the shards of glass.

Well the big bits anyways.

"Marinette's just mad at me I dropped her drink, that's all." Adrien covered.

"Y-Yep, that's all." The bluenette repeated.

Chloe stared at Marinette with one of her eyebrows raised and her arms crossed over her chest. She could tell the blonde didn't believe her for a second.

"Is Alya still at the table?" She awkwardly asked.

Of course she was, why did I ask such a thing? Marinette mentally face palmed herself after the words left her mouth.

"Yes..." Chloe stretched out the word, still peering at her strangely.

"Okay, well..."

In a second Marinette was off back to the group, unaware of Chloe now giving Adrien her questioning glare.

She caught sight of Luka on her way back to the table, his eyes looking at her with worry as his song came to an end.

Marinette felt bad she had missed it.

Instead of making him worry by waiting, she just waved him off and mouthed she was okay.

It was all she really do.

"I'm going to head off." Marinette said, faking a yawn towards Alya. "Its getting late and I'm exhausted."

The reporter was too buzzed to even notice how her friend lied but she wasn't about to let her leave. "Girl, we've only been here for an hour." She stated. "You got to come out with us afterwards, the night is still young!"

Marinette looked towards Bethany who was also encouraging her to stay. "Please?" Bethany asked. "It will be fun."

It didn't sound fun in Marinette's head.

"Yeah girl!" Alya pitched in. "Luka will be there as well." She elbowed Marinette in the hip, making her jump awkwardly to the side. "You don't want him to feel lonely, do you?"

"As tempting as that sounds, I can't..." She tried to explain. "I got too much work I need to get done and I still need hem the bridesmaid dresses."

Nino nodded in understanding, staying out of the conversation until now. "Thats okay dudette. I think Alya is forgetting her wedding is closer than she thinks." Nino got up off his seat to give his friend a hug. "Just make sure you text us when you're home safe, okay?"

Marinette broke the hug and smiled. "Of course. Thanks Nino."

As the DJ sat back down next to Alya and Marinette began to walk away from the group, Alya then spoke up. "When did you become such a softie?" The groups laughter and conversation faded as Marinette left the bar.

She regretted leaving but it was best for everyone if she distance herself from that drama.

At least for now.


(A/N) 4400 Words

Coming up next...

• "You know you didn't need to get me anything. Really."

• "I wasn't born yesterday! I know that's not from garbage boy!"

• "I could sense the sexual tension when you two were alone the other night. You guys seriously need to work on hiding it better if you want to convince those half wits you call friends."

• "You wouldn't be sleeping with Adrien if you thought so highly of her."

• "Does Gabriel know about this?"

Shaz Out...