Chapter 3: Secret's We Keep

"Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, that's Luka! How could I have forgotten about that!" Marinette repeated as her lip quivered. 'This was a total nightmare', Adrien thought, running through all the outcomes of the situation.

Alya rolled her eyes, "I can't believe I'm about to do this." She muttered under her breath. "Get dressed, I'll take care of the rest. Tonight, you're explaining whatever this fiasco is." Alya stated, to Marinette.

Grasping hold of Adrien's arm, Alya pulled him into her bedroom and commanded him to stay put. Running down the hallway. She snatched all the scattered garments from the living room. Keeping up the pace, Alya flung them into her room, observing them land on Adrien.

"For Marinette's sake, you better not say a word. Stay in this room, or else I will knock you into next year." Alya warned. Adrien nodded at her commands, causing Alya to hurl the door shut. "The things I do for my friends," she murmured to herself before walking to the front door.

Taking a deep breath, Alya collected her thoughts, "You got this...You battle villains on the daily. This is nothing," with the pep talk to herself. Alya exhaled and opened the front door.

Luka was standing in front of the door wearing his casual band attire. He seemed surprised when Alya was the one to answer. "Hey Alya, didn't you work last night? Thought you'd be asleep." Luka said walking into the apartment.

"I was just about to get some rest, but I got caught up in something," Alya started observing Luka's bandaged hand, "What happened to your hand, Luka?" She asked, trying her best to stall for Marinette.

"You know the guy, Adrien Agreste, from your old college days. Well, he was flirting with Marinette yesterday. I lost my cool and he broke my hand." Luka answered, holding up his bandaged hand.

"That doesn't seem like the Adrien I know," Alya retorted, her eyes narrow, "I'm sure it was a misunderstanding."

Luka shrugged his shoulders and walked into the kitchen with Alya close behind, "As long as he keeps his hand to himself, I don't really care." Alya felt frantic as Luka began to observe the kitchen. He always loved snacking on Marinette's freshly baked croissants in the morning. However, since she overslept (with Adrien) there was nothing there.

Luka turned to Alya, "That's odd, Marinette usually has breakfast made." He pointed out, watching as Alya's body began to fidget. Becoming more inquisitive, Luka walked back into the living room and spotted the broken coffee table along with the rolled-up rug.

Turning back to Alya with raised eyebrows, "What happened here?"

"Well...I... really hated that coffee table. So, when I came home, I just wanted to get my anger out on it. I beat up the table Luka." Alya said, slamming her fist into the palm of her hand, "and the rug, was old...so I'm giving it away."

Luka stared at Alya with big eyes, "Well, I think I will go back and see Marinette now." as he tried to move past Alya, she quickly caught him and escorted him to the couch.

"Nah, you don't want to do that. She's getting dressed. Stay here and talk to me about music," Alya said, sitting beside Luka on the couch.

"Your acting strange, Marinette is always ready by this time, and she always has breakfast ready," Luka stated.

"Luka relax...she just overslept," Alya laughed nervously as she found herself running out of ideas. Luka stared at her, with curiosity before catching sight of orange converses near the door.

"Are these Ninos?" He asked while walking over to the shoes. Lifting the shoes for Alya to see, her blank expression answered everything, "I'll take that as a no."

Alya was at a loss for words, dropping the act, she tried to explain, "Luka it's not what you think."

Clutching the shoes, Luka charged into Marinette's room, ignoring Alya's pleas. He found Marinette sitting at her desk wearing a white sundress and brushing her hair. Stopping, she placed the brush against her vanity and greeted Luka with a smile.

"Oh, hello sweetheart, how are you?" Marinette said, walking over to kiss his cheek.

"Where is he," Luka started searching her room from top to bottom. He tossed her belongings and looked under the bed. He even searched her closet, "Did he leave early? Get what he needed and left."

"Luka, I don't know what you're talking about-"

"Adrien! These are his shoes aren't they!" Luka yelled, pointing the shoes in her face.

Marinette took the shoes from his hand, "I was looking for these. Nino asked me to design something different on them for him."

Luka raised his brow in confusion, "So they are Nino's then?" He asked, looking back at Alya, who just shrugged.

"Yes, he just bought them not too long ago. They were supposed to be a surprise for Alya," Marinette declared handing the shoes to Alya. Marinette turned her attention back to Luka, linking her arm with his.

"I'm sorry Alya, I didn't mean to ruin your surprise," Luka said, walking with Marinette to the front door.

"Don't worry about it...Marinette surprises me every single day," Alya replied standing by the apartment door frame.

Marinette eyed Alya and then turned her attention to Luka, "Why don't you wait for me downstairs in the lobby. I'll be right down; I need to grab something." She said with a smile.

Luka grinned and gave her a kiss, "Ok Marinette, I'll be downstairs waiting for you then." Giving Alya a wink, he headed downstairs.

Marinette closed the door and leaned up against it. Sighing in relief, she patted her friend on the shoulder, "Thought you could take care of it?" Marinette teased with a sly grin.

"I was doing fine, not my fault your man has a sharp eye." Alya proclaimed as she gave Marinette a slight push. They laughed for a few moments and settled in with a frail smile. Marinette exchanged a glance toward the hallway. Her smile faded as she recalled the events from last night. She held herself up as if she had experienced a cold chill. Alya noticed her friend's mood shift and cupped Marinette's face; lifting Marinette's face to her own.

"Hey, don't worry. I'll take care of Adrien. Now, get going," Alya chided.

Marinette didn't want to leave Adrien alone with Alya. However, she had no other choice. Sliding on her heels, Marinette gave her friend one last hug and departed. Walking to the elevator, Marinette was greeted by a young woman in seductive clothing; heading in her direction.

Adrien sat on the edge of Alya's bed. He heard everything that was said. His heart set on fire as he listened to Marinette being yelled at. He wanted to go to her defense, to be her hero...But he couldn't do anything. Adrien rested his face in his hands; using his knees for support, he had caused so much damage in such little time.

His ears perked up when the door slowly opened. Lifting his face, Adrien found Alya striding to the edge of the bed. Taking a seat beside him, Adrien felt Alya's arm relax over his shoulders. Snickering, the young woman lifted his clothes from the ground; placing them in Adrien's lap.

"All this time hiding and you couldn't get dressed," She teased as her arms rested against her thighs. Adrien could sense her eyes on his face; sensing she wanted to do more than to tease. After an awkward silence; Alya decided to start a conversation, "Did you break his hand?" She asked coolly. Adrien rolled his eyes and released a sign of frustration. Standing up, he began to dress, ignoring the question.

"Will you at least explain what happened? Why the sudden interest in Marinette?" Alya was a reporter. She was good at pressing the matter until the truth was revealed.

Pulling up his pants, Adrien decided to reply, "I don't want to talk about it," turning back to her; expression of a stern father, "I have no interest in Marinette." He stated coldly.

He witnessed the change in Alya; a snap in her personality. The woman rose from the bed and stood right in front of Adrien. Her brown eyes were on fire as her facial expressions snared in his presence. He felt her hands shove him backward; his back collided against the wall as Alya stood with her arms crossed against her chest.

"How dare you say that! How dare you come in here...create this havoc...and say that" Adrien could hear the rage in her voice. Treading lightly, he studied himself against the bedroom wall and spoke.

"Nothing happened between us. Marinette and I..." Adrien paused as a great ache pressed into his chest. He needed what he said to be true; he needed to mean what he said. However, the truth was the opposite of the words coming out.

"And what if you had? Do you realize what you would've taken from her?" Alya asked as she waited for his response. When Adrien refused to answer, she lost it, "Answer me Agreste!"

"Yes! I realize what could've happened. I am well aware of my mistakes." Adrien proclaimed as he raised his voice. The tension between the two individuals began to cool as Alya relaxed. Backing away from Adrien; she sat back on her bed. Massaging her temples with the tips of her fingers, Alya released a low growl.

"That could've been her first time, Adrien. I don't want her wasting it on someone who will break her heart," Alya told him, lifting her face; brown eyes settled on him. He could sense the worry in her voice as she spoke on Marinette's wellbeing. The two women were like sisters; always protecting the other.

"I don't want to hurt Marinette, Alya." Adrien breathed; words full of remorse.

"Then leave her alone. She's happy with Luka-"

"Is she? Do you really believe that, Alya?" Adrien interrupted, glaring at his old friend. He witnessed her shake her head at his question and lowered her posture; as if she was defeated.

"It doesn't matter what I believe...it's how she acts. Luka's been here for her. Where have you been Adrien?" Alya replied, raising her attention back to him.

Her words cut through Adrien's demeanor as he realized the truth in them. She was right, after college, he became distant. Wanting his father's approval; Adrien cut everyone from his life who was a distraction. Adrien wasn't there for Marinette when she needed him. Lowering his defense, Adrien took the shoes off the bed and put them on his feet. Slowly walking toward the bedroom door, Adrien turned to Alya and spoke softly.

"I didn't mean to cause any trouble. I truly am sorry; I didn't mean to hurt her. It won't happen again Alya, you have my word." Adrien sorrowfully said.

Moving his feet in depression, Adrien departed the apartment complex. With his head hanging low, flashbacks of last night flooded his memory. He remembered Marinette's body against his, the comfort of her presence, and the kiss she shared. The way he was last night, scared him. The sensations, emotions were powerful, and out of control. Adrien didn't want to take Marinette away from the man she loved. He meant what he said to Alya. Or at least he wanted to believe that he meant it.

As he neared the elevator, Adrien saw a woman wearing: Black heels, mini shorts, and a black blouse standing beside the wall, in a seductive way. Her tanned skin was decorated with various tattoos on her right thigh. The shadow makeup she wore complimented her beauty. Her auburn hair was long and curled across both her shoulders.

Getting closer, Adrien was overpowered by the woman's fruity perfume. He felt uncomfortable as her olive eyes glazed over his body. Minding his business, Adrien pressed the button and awkwardly waited for the elevator to appear. He glanced over to see the mysterious woman grinning at him with a finger perched on her lower lip. The woman had her blouse unbuttoned halfway; allowing her cleavage to be seen.

Grunting uncomfortably, he stood there, keeping his gaze on the elevator doors. A whistle from the woman brought his attention back to her. Leaving the wall, the woman placed herself in between Adrien and the elevator. She began playing with his neck collar and leaned her face closer to his.

"If my eyes don't deceive me, Adrien Agreste. Is it you? It's been ages."

"Do I know you?" Adrien asked in curiosity and ignored her advances.

"Do you want to get familiar?" She asked, bringing her lips to his cheek. He pushed her away in disgust and began pressing the elevator button numerous times.

"I guess I'll just tell Marinette your story about visiting me was all a fake. That you're just a creep who wanted to get to third base." The woman sneered, staring at Adrien with fierce eyes.

"Lila." Adrien hissed, his green orbs flared, and hatred engulfed him as he turned to see her grinning like a Cheshire cat.

"Ding-Ding! Ran into your little side piece on my way to my apartment earlier. We chatted about the 'friend' of yours who needed to see me." Lila mocked, going back to fiddle with his jacket buttons, "Don't worry, I covered for you."

"Leave me alone, Lila." Adrien grabbed hold of her wrists and held them away from his body.

"Oh! You are as strong as you look, I like that in a man." She grimaced when Adrien released his grip and walked into the elevator.

"Seeing you exit her apartment in one piece means that her boyfriend doesn't know. I wonder how he would take the news? To find out precious Marinette is a no-good whore." Her threat caused Adrien's hate to grow. He knew Lila was a great liar; she was talented at the art. However, when it was in 'Her' favor to be truthful; she exposed everything. Ceasing the elevator from moving, Adrien glared at Lila and forced himself to speak.

"You wouldn't," was all he could make out, watching as the woman shot him a playful grin.

"Oh, my dear, I would. However, you could persuade me to behave." She answered, using her finger to lure him to her side. Forcing himself to obey, Adrien growled as he exited the elevator and stood in front of her once again. He allowed her to run her hands over his chest.

"I'll keep quiet...as long as you do me a simple favor," she said seductively wrapping her arms around his neck. Pulling herself against him; Adrien felt uneasy as her lips touched his ear, whispering her darkest desire.