Oh god this fanfic almost killed me! I sure hope it's worth tthe effort.
I had the biggest urge to finish an unfinished fanfic in my files. I apologize that it's another oneshot...I know some of you want bigger stories.
Also, I apologize for making Adrien the bad guy again...Again, I like writing him and I usually don't like writing him as the bad guy but I wrote this fanfic months ago and I didn't feel like changing that part. I got some Adrigami fanfics in the works so hopefully that will make up for that.
Anyway, without further ado.
Disclaimer: Miraculous Ladybug belongs to Thomas Astruc and ZAGtoon. This is just a fanfic written by a fan.
Marinette was the luckiest girl alive.
She built up all her courage to confess to popular teen model Adrien Agreste. And he accepted her feelings and agreed to date her.
And the last few months were blissful. Marinette decided to go to Adrien's mansion with a box of delicious peppermint ice cream (his favorite) and surprise him. But Marinette noticed something strange in the garden by the entrance.
Marinette's curiosity got the better of her. She decided to walk through the beautiful garden only to be completely shocked to see Adrien smiling and giggling with Zoe Lee.
Marinette paused for a moment, not being able to process that her boyfriend was acting strange.
Then her mouth dropped as she saw Adrien pressing a kiss on Zoe's lips. Zoe even wrapped her arms around Adrien as he kissed the blonde-haired girl, and Marinette couldn't help but scream a little. Then Zoe winced from Marinette's scream, and her face turned white. She realized that Marinette was right behind them, and Adrien's dazed smile turned into horror as he saw Marinette watching him in the act.
"Marinette!" Adrien cried. He and Zoe looked absolutely horrified as Marinette's face was anger laced with tears. She dropped the box of ice cream on the ground.
"Marinette, this isn't what it looks like!" Adrien cried.
Marinette couldn't listen to his meaningless words anymore and ran off.
"Marinette, I'm so sorry!" Zoe cried.
Adrien ran for Marinette as she ran out of the garden crying. But as Adrien reached out to his girlfriend, he tripped and landed on the concrete, and Marinette was able to run free. But at that point, Adrien realized it was pointless for him to chase after her now.
Everything changed at that moment. Marinette laid in her bed with tears still streaming in her eyes. Her room was dim because of the dark grey clouds outside, not allowing any light in. Marinette turned off her phone because she was getting multiple notifications. Adrien announced that he and Marinette were no longer together because he cheated.
Sure Adrien was honest, but it didn't help all the heartbroken pain Marinette felt, and she didn't want everyone pitying her. Marinette just wanted to forget this whole thing happened, but she couldn't.
Marinette turned over in her bed and finally fell asleep, and Tikki floated down to comfort Marinette.
"Marinette, I am so sorry!" Tikki cried.
At that point, Marinette felt her own heart close up and become numb.
The next day Marinette sat with her friends at lunch for comfort. Marinette was relieved she was surrounded by friends. And thankfully, there was no Adrien and Zoe here to apologize with their tails between their legs. But then Alya suggested there were some other good guys out there, and Marinette was slightly irritated.
She said nothing and walked away from her friends. There was a hint of guilt on Alya and Nino's faces.
"There is someone out there who will love you right Marinette. I just know it!" Alya cried.
"Yeah, just because Adrien cheated doesn't mean you have to suffer," Nino cried.
Marinette ignored them and walked to the drink machine. With her pocket money, she bought herself strawberry milk to sweeten up her sour mood, but then she sighed when the milk bottle got stuck in the machine. She was about to give the machine a harsh knock, but then she heard someone behind her.
"I can get that for you, Marinette."
Marinette felt her heart jump at the sound of the familiar voice from a handsome boy with blue hair. It was Luka!
Marinette turned quickly. "Oh Luka!" She felt a bit frazzled. "You don't have to do that for me. I was going to get it by myself."
Luka said nothing and got on his knees to stick his long arm inside the drink machine. There was a little bit of struggle, but he managed to dislodge the strawberry milk bottle and catch it with his hand. He presented the drink to her with a smile.
Marinette couldn't help but blush as she hesitated to take the drink. But she took her sweet strawberry drink and briefly felt his gentle hand.
Marinette smirked. "Thank you Luka."
Luka gave her a suave smile. "No problem," he said as he turned to get his own beverage.
Marinette quickly grabbed her wallet.
"Luka!"
The blue-haired boy paused and turned to her, seemingly unbothered that Marinette interrupted him. "Yes, Marinette."
Marinette's wallet shook in her hands with the sound of coins. "I-I can pay for your drink!"
Luka smiled down at her, but he reached into his pocket. "There is no need," he said.
But when he pulled out the money he had in his coat pocket, he paused for a moment to see the amount.
Marinette ran to the drink machine. "I have plenty of money Luka!"
Luka gestured at her that it was alright. "I just wanted blueberry root beer. It's no big deal."
Marinette said nothing and quickly placed the money inside the machine for blueberry root beer. This time the drink fell down perfectly, and Marinette took it and presented it to Luka.
Luka didn't accept it at first. He was touched by Marinette's kindness, and Marinette winked at him. It was her way of showing him she could also be chivalrous.
Both of their smiles burst into laughter, and then Luka finally accepted the root beer.
"Thanks Marinette, I owe you," Luka said.
"No!" Marinette cried. He just saved her strawberry milk. "It's alright."
"I should thank you," Marinette said with a genuine smile on her face. Luka taking the time to shove his arm up a drink machine to save her milk was a small thing that made her day.
Marinette gave Luka one last glance before she tried to run back to her friends. But her friends were packing up, and Alya and Nino gestured to Marinette to stay with Luka.
Marinette gave them a betrayed look but at the same time. After Alya and Nino left, Marinette looked back and saw Luka was still beside her. So she chose to spend the rest of lunch with him.
They stood next to each other with their drinks while watching the sky and clouds.
Marinette admitted it was nice to spend time with Luka. It was easy to be happy with him.
"I'm happy to be spending time with you, Marinette," Luka said. "I just hope I'm good company as well."
Marinette's strawberry milk tasted sweeter than usual.
"Mmm! Of course you are!" Marinette said. "I feel…"
"Amazing." Marinette finished.
Luka finished his bottle of blueberry root beer. But Marinette was a bit concerned. She dug into her lunch pouch for an extra wrapped sandwich and presented it to Luka.
"Here, you should eat something!" Marinette said.
Luka was flattered, but he looked as if he didn't want to accept it.
"Please, I have too much," Marinette said.
Luka finally gave in and accepted the sandwich.
"No need for paybacks!" Marinette cried, giving him a stern look.
Luka was happy. He almost held the sandwich close to his heart. Marinette leaned against the column and smiled.
"I heard about Adrien," Luka said. "And I'm sorry."
Marinette figured Luka would bring this up at one point. She would be annoyed, but Luka showed genuine concern, and he was so sweet about it.
Marinette forced a smile as she didn't want Luka to be her security blanket.
"I'll be okay," Marinette said.
Marinette threw her hands up. "I mean, who needs romance anyway when I have friends!"
Luka chuckled. "You're right, but I am here if you ever need me. Remember that."
Marinette felt herself loosen up a bit. She felt like putting up metaphorical armor but with Luka, she felt she could be vulnerable. What was this feeling?
Suddenly Luka's phone rang, and he checked it. "Well actually, I have to go now, but I will see you later."
Luka gave her one more look with his ocean blue eyes.
"I would like that," Marinette said.
Marinette watched as Luka walked away. She felt a stirring in her heart that felt different after so much emotional numbness.
But then Marinette snapped out of her euphoria and remembered why she decided to put up walls. She wanted to choose not to get hurt again. Besides, Luka was just a good friend. There was no reason to read too deeply in it.
But she did have to admit Luka wasn't like Adrien. Comparing Luka to Adrien would be an insult.
Either way, she was done with romance!
Marinette felt a familiar critter on her shoulder.
"Luka certainly is as sweet as strawberry milk!" Tikki said.
"Tikki!" Marinette yelped.
Marinette agreed she could just ignore everyone's suggestions.
One evening Marinette transformed into her Ladybug persona and looked over the city of Paris. The lights were gentle, and the city was quiet.
Marinette chose to be the sole protector of Paris. She always had to shoulder the responsibility anyway. She didn't want Chat as a partner anymore.
She would be just fine on her own.
Marinette watched alone for an hour, checking for trouble, and then she decided to return to her balcony.
She swung through streetlights and buildings until she nearly lost her momentum when she noticed someone under a street light.
Marinette quickly swung to hide behind a building. From behind the building, she saw Luka playing the guitar under the street light.
Marinette felt so captivated. Luka played the guitar so beautifully under the streetlight as if it were a stage light.
She watched in silence for a while, being respectful of his performance. As forward as it seemed, Marinette had the biggest urge to go to him when he finished playing the final chords. Marinette told Tikki to remove her spots, and she walked slowly toward the street light.
Luka didn't notice her as he adjusted his guitar. But as Marinette took slow steps, Luka froze as if he felt someone else's presence.
Marinette stopped in front of the streetlight, and Luka turned to her, smiling as calmly as usual.
"Hello Marinette," Luka said. "I didn't expect to find you here."
"Oh!" Marinette cried, starting to feel a bit frantic. She moved away from the street light to hide her face. "I was just going on a nice evening stroll and…."
Marinette took a moment to fix her hair. "Your music made me fall in love…."
Did she really just say it like that?
"I mean!" Marinette cried. "You know!"
She was doomed.
Luka put his guitar in his guitar case and walked up to Marinette.
"Marinette, I am happy to have you as an audience member, but you shouldn't be out here by yourself."
Marinette was about to say the same thing to Luka, but she realized she would be the pot calling the kettle black. Luka didn't know she was Ladybug after all.
"Right! I was just-" Marinette stumbled trying to think of a response.
"I needed radio silence."
Luka chuckled. "That's why I like to play my guitar under street lamps at night."
"But yeah," Marinette said. "We should go home."
Marinette glanced around at the night that was beautiful, although anything could lurk around at a time like this.
"Actually," Luka said.
Marinette turned to the boy with enchanting blue eyes. He placed his hand on Marinette's shoulder, which caused her to shiver in a good way.
"There was one place I wanted to go to before I went home. If you want to join me," Luka said.
Marinette felt like fireworks were going off. She had a choice. She thought about turning into Ladybug and heading back to her bedroom fortress. But she wanted to spend time with Luka so much.
"I'd like that Luka," Marinette said.
Luka held out his hand for her, which she accepted, and he guided her away.
With Luka holding her hand, she felt safe even if they were surrounded by the darkness of the night.
Marinette was starting to wonder where they were going until they finally stopped in front of a garden.
"Wow!" Marinette cried.
Luka smiled. "Yeah, it's a nice place to be."
Marinette turned Luka. Her bluebell eyes sparkled. "Come on!" Marinette took Luka's hand and guided him next, ready to explore the garden.
Marinette adored the beautiful fountains, the evening blooms, and the energetic chirping birds flying around. She felt so much peace being in the garden on a beautiful night with Luka.
"I didn't think an evening rendezvous would be so much fun," Marinette said.
Luka chuckled. "I didn't think so either."
Marinette threw her hands up into the starlit sky. "My parents will probably ground me, but it's so worth it!"
Marinette turned back to Luka and took his hands in hers. "Luka, let's-"
When she tried to guide Luka again, she fell over. Luka caught her just in time, and Marinette froze, feeling safe with Luka's arms around her.
"Whoa!" Luka said as he caught her. "Careful!"
Marinette gave an embarrassed blush. "Sorry!" Marinette yelped. Maybe my ankles are weak." She hated to admit it.
Luka surprised her by picking her up bridal style to gently set her down on the bench. A bold move that made Marinette blush even harder. Marinette was too flustered to say anything as Luka sat beside her.
Marinette breathed and sat in blissful silence with Luka until she looked at the galaxy of stars above them. "It's beautiful," she said.
Luka looked at the stars briefly but turned and blinked his aquamarine eyes at her. "Yes it is," he said softly.
Marinette noticed he gave her such a fond look. It almost looked like a loving look.
Marinette bashfully looked away, and she held her ankles close to her chest. "Luka, I should thank you."
Luka smiled. "It's no big deal. I enjoyed your company as well. This isn't a pity party."
Marinette smiled back. "Yeah, this is too fun to be a pity party." Marinette paused and hid her face slightly. "I hope we can do it again," she whispered.
Marinette would punch herself for wearing her heart on her sleeve, but the two of them were in this beautiful garden as if they were the only people on earth. It was like a safe paradise.
Luka smiled at her as he seemed pleased with the idea of them spending time in this garden again.
"I'll always be here if you need a friend, Marinette," Luka said.
Marinette couldn't hide the shock on her face. Just a friend? She may be reading into his into kindness a bit deeply, but she could've sworn...That he loved her. She remembered dating Adrien, and Luka still gave her all those fond looks, even if she was mostly focused on Adrien.
"Luka!" Marinette cried as she took his hand. Luka was taken aback, but he still held her hand gently.
Marinette looked around her, trying to find the right words.
"Luka, I think I might...I mean, maybe we could…."
After realizing words were tangled on her lips, she let out a sigh of defeat and let her hand slip from Luka's, but Luka gently held on to hers still.
This was going too fast. Marinette was falling for Luka too quickly and after what happened to Adrien. Not to mention he probably didn't love her back, and he was probably just being a good friend.
"Did I say something wrong?" Luka said.
Marinette felt a slight mental panic. "No!" She cried.
She paused again, realizing this was far too fast, and Luka was an amazing friend that she wanted to value.
"No," she said again. "Everything you said was right."
Luka looked at her, now seeming a bit concerned, but Marinette gave him a reassuring smile.
"Thank you Luka."
Luka was about to say something, but Marinette moved in closer. Marinette shook a bit from nervousness until she finally gave in and kissed him on the cheek, causing Luka to make a soft gasp.
Marinette's face was burning, but to her surprise, there was a soft blush on Luka's face as well, showing her that he certainly enjoyed that.
Marinette felt slight guilt for being so bold, even if it was just a friendly kiss and nothing more. She was about to stand up and apologize, but Luka took her hands in his own. And his hands felt so comforting that she couldn't help but stay.
"Marinette," he squeezed her hands gently. "I know I am moving too fast," he paused from a bout of nervousness.
Marinette shook her head in response.
Luka got her message and continued. "But I can make you one promise," he paused as he gave her a look that showed he was serious.
"I will never hurt you!" Luka cried. With his declaration and how he held her hands, it was as if he was making a vow.
"I can't stand the thought of hurting you ever, Marinette." There was a pained look in Luka's eyes that gave Marinette a pang of heartbreak. He didn't have to hurt on her behalf.
"Because you are the sweetest melody I've ever known!"
Marinette felt her heart stir from the sweetest words any guy had ever told her. More precious than any superficial flirty love song. Sincere words that came from a kind-hearted musician. She nearly started to tear up.
"Oh Luka," Marinette cried. "I am afraid of getting hurt, but when I am with you, I feel I can believe…."
She trailed off as Luka was moving closer to her, and with her inner desire, she felt herself moving closer to him as well.
"I…" Marinette stopped as she felt her lips inches from his as she closed her eyes.
"Well! Well! Well!"
Luka and Marinette gasped as they quickly stood up. Luka kept holding Marinette's hands and standing by her to protect her as they saw the masked man before them.
Hawkmoth stared at them like a vulture toward prey.
"I guess the wielder of the snake miraculous likes to hide in mysterious places," Hawkmoth said as his devious grin curled. His tone of voice was certainly unfriendly.
Without hesitation, Luka got in front of Marinette to shield her. But Marinette also placed her hands on his back to protect him.
"What do you want, Hawkmoth?" Luka cried fiercely. "Haven't you tormented our city enough?"
Hawkmoth chuckled. "Oh, I am only just beginning!" He pointed his cane in their direction, and Luka continued to protect Marinette.
"You better give up the snake miraculous or else!" Hawkmoth threatened.
"I don't have it!" Luka cried.
But Hawkmoth wasn't phased. He was so convinced that Luka was lying through his teeth that Hawkmoth found it amusing.
"I am sure if your girlfriend is threatened, you will have no choice but to confess, boy!"
Marinette noticed Luka shook from fear, and she had a bad feeling.
"Marinette, get out here!" Luka urged her.
Marinette wouldn't allow it, she was a hero, and she would protect Luka with her very life. She wrapped her arms around him and held him close.
"No, I can't leave you!" Marinette cried.
Hawkmoth trotted closer without any remorse for trying to hurt two teenagers. Luka and Marinette moved away, but soon Luka turned his head to give Marinette a serious look.
"Marinette please, get to safety and I will be right behind you."
She still didn't want to leave him, but then she thought Marinette could run to safety. And Ladybug could protect him.
She hugged him from behind quickly before running away and jumping into the hedges to make an escape. She still felt guilty leaving Luka alone with that vulture. But when she was finally in a safe spot, Tikki appeared and the little kwami was just as eager to save Luka.
"Tikki spots on!"
Marinette transformed into her superhero form and jumped into the hedges again to get the advantage on Hawkmoth.
From inside the bushes, she saw Luka inch away from Hawkmoth as Hawkmoth aimed his cane at him.
"I can still get you to talk, boy," Hawkmoth threatened.
"No!" Ladybug cried as she ran out of the hedges and swiftly ran to guard Luka.
"Ladybug!" Luka gasped. Ladybug turned to smile at the blue-haired boy. "You're safe now, Luka." She twirled her yo-yo in circles.
Now Hawkmoth seemed a bit exasperated, which pleased Ladybug as she knew he was intimidated by her tiny teenage self.
"Ladybug," Hawkmoth scoffed at her name. "Come to interrupt my interrogation?"
Ladybug glared at him. "Interrogation? You were bullying someone smaller than you, and I am leveling the playing field."
Hawkmoth aimed his cane and glared. "I can destroy both of you and take all the glory!"
Ladybug took a moment to roll her eyes before turning to Luka and giving him a serious look.
"Run Luka!" She pleaded.
"But…" Luka was at a loss for words.
"Please!" Ladybug cried again.
Hawkmoth's cane shot out light beams, which Ladybug deflected with her spinning yo-yo. Ladybug grunted from impact, and Luka finally ran away.
Be safe Luka! She pleaded.
Hawkmoth was ready to attack again, but he looked as if he were pondering something.
"I wonder where that black cat you have for a partner is!" Hawkmoth said.
Ladybug growled. "Chat Noir isn't my partner anymore! I protect Paris alone! Why don't you ask him where the snake miraculous is?! Don't bother that young man!" She spat.
Hawkmoth merely laughed, and Ladybug glared at him as he approached her.
"Just one little bug to squash." He said as he clenched his hand in front of her.
Hawkmoth tried to hit her with his cane, but she deflected the hit with her strong wrists.
She jumped over the towering man, and when she had a moment of clarity, she activated her lucky charm for a weapon that could defeat Hawkmoth. But her eyes widened when she saw she manifested a red cane with black ladybug spots.
Ladybug was on her guard as Hawkmoth charged a beam with his cane again. Marinette held her own cane and stood her ground with a fierce gaze, hiding the trembling she felt on the inside.
"You're all alone, and you will perish alone, Ladybug!" Hawkmoth cried. "At long last!" Hawkmoth's fierce gaze was highlighted by the light of the beam.
Marinette felt helpless as Hawkmoth unleashed a powerful beam.
"No!"
Ladybug heard a distressed cry that was all too familiar. Time felt like it was moving in slow motion as Luka ran in front of her and used his own body to shield Ladybug from the deadly blast. Hawkmoth was stunned as well, but more from disgust.
"Luka!" Ladybug cried.
She tried to catch him in her arms, but he fell to the hard ground with severe injuries on him. When Ladybug took him in his arms, she could feel how fatally injured he was. His body felt stiff, and it didn't feel like he was breathing.
Ladybug couldn't take it. Tears were flowing from her eyes because Luka sacrificed himself for her, and she wasn't sure if he was still alive.
"Oh Luka!" Ladybug cried desperately. "No! Please don't!"
Without remorse, Hawkmoth let out a chuckle.
"I guess the snake miraculous belongs to me after all."
Ladybug's eyes burned with a flash of anger even if they were still stained with tears. She gently placed Luka down and got in front of him to guard him. Ladybug pulled out the cane she manifested, and this time she was the one who pointed a cane at Hawkmoth.
"You're going to pay for that Hawkmoth!" Ladybug cried.
The red cane glowed before Hawkmoth could react, and a red beam shot out that the vengeful old man only narrowly avoided. Part of the garden burned from the blast of the red beam.
No thoughts, only rage.
Hawkmoth tried to swing his staff at Ladybug's head, but she parried the hit with her red cane.
Ladybug let out a growl and threw a few punches at the older man, and Hawkmoth only managed to knock her back by swinging his cane.
But Ladybug wasn't ready to back off yet.
With an enraged look on his face, Hawkmoth charged up his cane with more power than before. Ladybug did not once recoil, though.
"You'll die with him, Ladybug!" Hawkmoth cried.
Ladybug held out her magical cane and charged up her own beam. It was a red beam that glowed as bright as the rage she felt. Both cane users continued to charge up their beams even though it could cause an explosion that would take the entire garden.
The power of both canes was unleashed, and Ladybug felt herself being knocked back in front of Luka. But she only suffered from some scratches as Hawkmoth cried out.
The outfit he wore was battered, the mask was broken in a few places, and Ladybug could notice details of his true identity under his mask. But Hawkmoth started to cower in the darkness and leave the destruction he left behind. Ladybug would've caught him and destroyed him, but there was someone more important to focus on right now.
"Miraculous ladybug," she whispered.
Ladybug's magical cane turned into hundreds of magical ladybugs and fixed the destruction in the garden. The garden looked even more beautiful than when she and Luka first spent time here. But Luka was still unconscious on the ground.
Ladybug quickly knelt beside him and took him in his arms. Weeping and stroking his cheek, but his face didn't move.
"Oh Luka!" Ladybug cried. "You didn't have to do this for me!" She choked on her tears. "You didn't!"
Ladybug held him gently and continued to cry, but then he heard him coughing, and she was startled to find out he was still breathing.
"Ma-ri-nette!"
Luka coughed again while trying to breathe. Ladybug gasped and saw Luka was still fighting.
"Luka!" Marinette cried as she quickly pulled out her yo-yo.
"I'll get you out of here!"
Ladybug cradled Luka in his arms and swung in the air to get him to the hospital as quickly as possible. A few hospital workers gasped when she got to the hospital entrance, seeing Ladybug come to the facility with a boy in her arms.
"Please take care of him. He's hurt," Ladybug cried.
The doctors quickly took Luka and placed him on a stretcher to take him inside for treatment. Ladybug held his hand before Luka was taken away.
Her tears continue from there, thinking it was her fault the boy she was in love with was fighting for his life. Ladybug sniffed before throwing her yo-yo and swinging away in shame.
Marinette cried herself asleep again, trying her hardest holding on to hope that Luka would be alright. Her cries filled the room until she exhausted herself and fell asleep.
Tikki took a moment to kiss the pained girl on the forehead. Then Tikki turned in surprise at Sass, who was out of the Miracle Box.
Tikki wondered what Sass was up to, but Sass told her he needed to find his master. Tikki insisted she follow him, and the two kwamis headed out into the night.
Marinette slept in that day. Blanket over her face and still pained from last night except for this time she had a hard time waking up. Eventually, there was a knock on the door.
"Marinette!" Her father cried with a few more knocks.
Marinette groaned and refused to leave the comfort of her bed. But eventually, she heard the door open, and she had to push herself to look at her father.
"Marinette," her father said.
Marinette sat up and wiped her eyes. "I'm up Papa."
"You shouldn't be sleeping all day Marinette, you have a message from the hospital."
Marinette couldn't bring herself to answer as she was terrified on the inside. But Tom smiled at her.
"A friend of yours wishes to see you. I believe his name is Luka Couffaine."
"Luka!" Marinette gasped. "Is he alright?!" Marinette was nearly panicking.
Tom placed his hands on Marinette's shoulders to calm her and smiled down at her. "The doctors said it was nothing short of a miracle. Ladybug saved him just in time."
Tom was heading out the door, but before he got out, he turned back to Marinette.
"He wishes to see you, Marinette, and I have some blueberry scones you could give to him."
When Tom closed the door, Marinette quickly got up and started getting ready to go visit Luka.
Sure she was relieved everything seemed okay, but she wondered what type of miracle came to Luka last night.
Tom drove Marinette to the hospital and gave her a basket of scones. Marinette was super nervous about visiting Luka, but she knew she had to find the courage. When she entered the building, a hospital worker lit up and asked if she was Marinette, and Marinette blankly said yes.
"I knew it! Mr. Couffaine had described you!" The hospital worker said happily.
Marinette was taken aback by such a friendly greeting.
"Follow me!" The hospital worker said.
Marinette followed. Of course, she wanted to see if Luka was alright with her own eyes, but she was still wracked with guilt.
She was close, this close to losing Luka forever.
She felt it was all her fault.
The hospital worker smiled at Marinette before unlocking the door, saying goodbye, and leaving to allow Marinette some privacy with Luka. Marinette blinked and took one more breath before opening the door.
Right before her was the blue-haired boy sitting up in the hospital bed and smiling at her as if no life-threatening experience happened last night.
"Marinette, you're alright," he simply said.
Marinette gasped and closed the door behind her to allow them privacy. She thought she was dreaming, but she blinked again, and the beautiful boy was still smiling at her.
"Luka!"
Marinette rushed over to his side.
"How?" Marinette cried. "How did you-"
From behind him, a little mint green kwami and red kwami appeared behind Luka. Luka held out his hands to allow the two kwami to perch on him.
"Sass and Tikki healed me," Luka said.
Tikki flew off Luka's hand and into Marinette's hands for a hug.
"You saved him, Marinette!" Tikki cried. "You saved Luka!"
"Yes," Luka said as he smiled so fondly at her. "You're Ladybug! The heroine of Paris."
Luka took a moment to stroke Sass on the head as Sass perched himself on his shoulder. "Somehow, I knew."
Marinette couldn't share in the enthusiasm. In fact, her shoulders dropped, and there was shame in her eyes.
"Luka, you nearly died and it was my fault."
She turned away from the kind-hearted boy and held herself. "Some Ladybug I turned out to be."
Luka shook his head. "Marinette, you did save me, don't tell yourself otherwise. You were right beside me when Hawkmoth was there...Even when you were just a civilian."
Marinette turned back to him and wiped away the tears that she cried. Sass floated up and made himself known.
"That's why my master should become Ladybug's new partner!" Sass said as he held up his stubby little arms. "Especially since Ladybug doesn't have a partner anymore."
Luka's eyes widened from that revelation, but Marinette stood her ground.
"I don't need a partner!" Marinette said sternly. "And I can't let Luka get involved in this!"
"Marinette," Luka said in a serious tone. "I can't let Hawkmoth terrorize our city."
Marinette shook her head and started crying again. There was clear pain in Luka's face because Marinette felt so much agony inside.
"No Luka!" Marinette cried as she wiped her face and tried to speak clearly. "I can't let you do that!"
Luka tried to get up to comfort her, but Marinette ran to his side again to keep him safe.
"I can't let you do that because I think I am falling in love with you Luka!" Marinette cried. "And I can't lose you again!"
Marinette couldn't take it anymore and cried into the hospital bed.
Luka let her cry for a moment before placing a gentle hand on her arm. "Marinette…"
Marinette sobbed again before looking up to Luka. He took both of her hands to sit her up on the bed and wrap his arms around her. Such a tender reaction helped soften her cries.
"Marinette, I love you too. That's why I cannot let you do this alone," he said as he continued holding her.
Their hug was broken off by Sass cutting in though.
"As long as my master has a miraculous, he can protect himself!" Sass cried. "Besides, Ladybug needs a trustworthy partner, unlike Chat Noir!"
Marinette was still unsure. Luka was confused about why Marinette was fighting crime without a partner, but he could ask about that later.
"I have connected with Master Luka multiple times, and I know his heart and mind," Sass said. He turned to Luka, who did not waver from his vow for a second. "And I know without a single doubt that you can trust Master Luka. And that he loves Guardian Marinette more than anyone!"
After the betrayal Marinette felt, it was nice to hear the whole truth, that Luka loved her completely.
Marinette wiped another tear from her eye and cleared her throat. "Okay, please keep Sass with you so you can be safe, Luka."
Luka retook Marinette's hands. "It's going to be okay Marinette! I'm going to be okay. I'm here! I'm not going anywhere."
"So please don't leave me!" Luka cried.
Marinette looked up, and her bluebell eyes looked deeply into his beautiful aquamarine eyes.
"I won't," Marinette said.
Luka took a moment to wipe a tear from her face and cupped her cheeks with his hands. Both of them started to blush, and Luka removed his hands and turned away. Marinette was slightly offended because she adored his touch.
"Can I at least thank my heroine with a kiss?" Luka asked.
Marinette felt her heart skip a beat, and she blushed even harder. She smiled at Luka when he met her eyes again.
"Yes, you may," Marinette said.
Luka grinned and sat up so he could move closer to her. Marinette moved in closer and closed her eyes, and puckered her lips slightly.
Luka gently placed his hands on her shoulders and finally met his soft lips on hers. A feeling so amazing that Marinette's eyes snapped open. But as Luka continued to kiss her, Marinette sighed in relaxation and closed her eyes. She cupped his face with her hands to deepen the kiss just a bit.
It was as if everything wrong in the world was fading away as they kissed each other's lips for the first time. But in the background, Tikki happily cheered and noted how adorable they were, and Sass smiled proudly.
When the kiss broke, Luka took a moment to look at her, and Marinette smiled because she saw the love in his eyes. All the love in his aquamarine eyes. Love as deep as the ocean.
"Oh wait!" Marinette gasped as she got off the bed and headed for the forgotten basket.
Marinette returned to the bed with the basket in hand and presented it to Luka.
"My father told me to give these to you," she said.
Luka took the basket and lifted the cloth to see the freshly baked blueberry scones.
Marinette smiled sheepishly. "He thought you would like them." Now she was wondering how her father even knew.
Luka took a scone in hand and took a bite.
"Mmm! I love them!" He cried as he ate the other half of the scone quickly and reached for another.
Marinette was stunned to see how hungry Luka was, and she got off the bed. She cursed to herself that her family's bakery was a long way away and the store was much closer.
"I'll get you more food, Luka, and some blueberry root beer!"
Luka stopped eating for a moment and held out his hand a bit. "You don't have to go through the trouble Marinette, I just want you to stay with me."
Before Marinette left, she gave him a slightly stern look.
"You need more food besides scones Luka, and I know you love blueberry root beer."
Luka didn't argue to that, and he turned to see Tikki and Sass digging into the basket and rapidly chomped on a blueberry scone together before floating toward Marinette.
"I can help you with gathering food," Sass said. "I know all my master's favorite foods."
Marinette smiled and allowed Sass to perch himself on her hand. Marinette placed Sass on her shoulder.
"I'm coming too!" Tikki said before perching herself on Marinette's other shoulder.
Marinette headed for the door, but beforehand she turned to Luka and gave him a reassuring smile.
"This is no problem at all Luka. I want you to get your strength back. I'll be back in no time." She opened the door and blew him a kiss. "I love you Luka!"
Marinette quickly ran out so she could get Luka some snacks.
Luka sighed happily, being so grateful to be breathing and that both he and Marinette were alright.
"I love you too, my melody."
And together, both of them would make sure Paris was safe, and no one they cared about would be in danger.
When Marinette got out of the hospital, Tikki couldn't help but start a conversation.
"I am so happy for you and Luka, Marinette!" Tikki rejoiced.
Marinette blushed and giggled to herself. "Yeah, I'm happy too."
Marinette kept running to make it to the store and back to her boyfriend before he starved. Sass floated up in the air for a moment, and Tikki followed.
"I can see Master Luka and Guardian Marinette attached by a blue string of fate," Sass said. "Far more special and powerful than a red string of fate."
"A what?" Tikki said, perplexed.
Sass turned to the red kwami. "Miss Tikki, it's a special thread of pure blue made especially for the Guardian and the Master. So they will always be connected no matter what!"
Sass himself could see the blue thread connected to Marinette as she ran for the store.
"Uh-huh!" Tikki said as she floated back toward Marinette. She took a moment to turn back to Sass and grin.
"Come on Master Sass, let's get some strawberry milk!" Tikki cried as she flew away.
Sass followed her in tow.
"Strawberry milk?" Sass cried. "I muchly prefer strawberry fruits!"
Tikki turned back again. "We can drink some together!" Tikki grabbed onto the snake kwami to fly alongside him and ask Marinette to buy them strawberry milk.
Guardian Marinette held the strawberry milk bottle with two straws that the snake kwami and the ladybug kwami drank out of. She was eager to deliver the food to her loving boyfriend.
The storm ahead of them was uncertain since Hawkmoth was presumably still out there. But for now, the Guardian and Master and their kwamis were living happily ever after.
Fate may be fragile, but right now, fate was in the hands of both of them. The fate of all of Paris.