Notes: I had to rewrite a good chunk of my notes for this fic because Chat Blanc and Felix tripped me UP. Sigh. Anyway, thanks for your support! Catch me on my bullshit at geekbaits on tumblr.
The little café down the street from school was going to be Marinette's new spot, she decided. She gazed on wonder at the greenery that seemed to explode from the walls. To Marinette's right, Luka sat laughing at her awed expression. To her left, four cats were pawing at the cat wand dangling from the table.
"You never struck me as a cat person," Marinette remarked.
Luka shrugged, "My mom loved to foster them when I was a kid, but now, the noise from our amps are too loud to keep cats around. So, I just hang around here every time I need my fix of cats. What about you?"
"Me?"
"Are you a cat person?"
A small, warm smiled curled up on Marinette's face. She could only think of one cat in her life. He was a little silly, and got into all sorts of trouble, but he was still hers nonetheless. The smallest cat at the café, a brave black kitten with bright green eyes, leaped into Marinette's lap, letting out a whiny meow.
How fitting, Marinette thought.
She ran her fingers through the cat's fur, stopping briefly to ring the tiny bell on their collar. The kitten purred.
"Before, I would've said no," she said to Luka, "But I've become quite fond of them in the past few months."
She felt the dull ache in her chest again, reminding her that she missed Chat Noir terribly. Her thoughtful smile began to drop, and her eyes began to cloud over.
It's not like Chat is gone, Marinette reasoned with herself, He's right there. He's still your partner.
Even if he doesn't love you anymore, replied a small corner of her mind, the part that was becoming increasingly louder with every passing day. Marinette struggled to push the treacherous thoughts away.
You've been down this road before, she reminded herself, You can't be in love with Chat Noir.
After all, Marinette had witnessed what their love story would be like.
A little cat sits on the roof, all alone without his lady.
Marinette had been so afraid when she discovered Chat had been akumatized. Together, they'd defeated dozens of akumas in the past, but purifying Chat Blanc was one of the most difficult things she'd ever had to do.
She wasn't entirely sure what led up to his akumatization, but she was certain of one thing: she'd rather suffer herself than allow Chat Noir to experience whatever pain he had to get akumatized in the first place.
And if that meant that she wasn't supposed to fall in love with him, then so be it. After all, she wasn't in love with him.
She was in love with Adrien.
And she let him go.
It was over, and that was it.
Her heart throbbed again.
The little cat in her lap noticed Marinette's change in mood and gently pawed at her arm, meowing. Marinette softly smiled when he leaned down to lick her hands.
Luka beamed, "I think that one really likes you. I've been here dozens of times and I noticed that he's too shy to approach the customers."
Marinette peered down at the little kitten, who quietly observed her. She wondered where this kitten had been before the café brought him in. Was he cold and alone?
Did people treat him kindly?
Was he properly loved?
The cat shifted in Marinette's lap, curling up and instantly falling asleep. She listened to his little bell as he moved, the jingling reminding Marinette more and more of her partner. Her eyes burned, and she knew that if she didn't do something soon, she'd end up weeping in this café, in front of Luka.
"…Marinette?" Luka asked. He reached over, placing a warm hand over her clenched fist on the table. "Are you okay?"
She looked into Luka's eyes, finding only warmth and concern towards her.
Luka had become a pillar of support lately, always willing to lend an ear or a shoulder, when she was upset and just needed to cry. It was embarrassing in the beginning, but after Luka reassured her that it was okay, and he wanted to be there, well…
"You can talk all about it," Luka reminded her gently, "Or none of it, if that's what you prefer. I'm here for you, Marinette."
He tightened his grip on Marinette's hand, "I'm here for you, Marinette," he said again.
Anguish gave way to something else in the pit of Marinette's stomach. It fluttered, soothing the pain that had lived with her since Master Fu left. Luka released her hand, reaching up to wipe away the lone tear that trailed down her cheek.
She was so stunned from the contact that she couldn't even blush. Instead, a smile bloomed on Marinette's face, prompting Luka to return the gesture. He leaned back in his chair, taking a sip from his glass of lemonade.
"When you smile, it inspires me to write more music," he admitted.
Though they sat in the middle of a busy café, Luka's quiet confession was the only thing Marinette could hear. The fluttering in her stomach became more prevalent, demanding for Marinette to do something.
This time, Marinette reached across the table, and took Luka's hand in hers.
"I hope I can listen to it sometime," Marinette whispered. "Will you play for me, Luka?"
Wordlessly, Luka released Marinette's hand, and reached for his guitar in the neighboring chair. Expertly, his fingers began to strum along the six-string, and the most beautiful notes filled the café.
Marinette closed her eyes and listened to Luka's composition, feeling at peace.
The little black cat nuzzled closer against Marinette, his soft purrs attracting Marinette's attention once more. She stroke the kitten gently before turning back to Luka, who was still playing. He raised his brows, silently encouraging her to speak.
"Would it be crazy if I adopted this cat right now?"