"Hey girls!" Luka called to Juleka and Rose.
It was later Wednesday morning, and three members of Kitty Section were meeting on the houseboat to discuss song ideas for the Battle of the Bands. "Hi," Juleka acknowledged her brother.
"How late were you and Marinette playing Super Penguino?" Rose giggled. Luka blushed and opened his mouth to respond, but Rose cut him off. "And here we thought you were just trading fashion advice for guitar lessons! What you guys really are swapping is - ow! What was that for?" she said, rubbing her arm where Juleka smacked her.
"Gross, that's my brother," Juleka mumbled.
Rose laughed, and her eyes got wide as she looked at Luka. "You are so lucky! Marinette's had at least a couple of boys crush on her, but you're the first one that she's responded to! She's really special."
"Adrien," Juleka coughed.
"Oh, right, there's Adrien," Rose corrected herself. "But that wasn't Adrien crushing on Marinette… that was totally the other way around. That was so bad, I'm shocked that she ever got over it and moved on! I mean, it was almost like she was stalking him, she had it so bad..."
"Like at the ice rink," Juleka said, a wicked smile on her face.
Luka frowned. "Ha ha… yes, it was, actually… she was very obviously distracted by Adrien and his date at the ice rink, and she did ditch me at the end to go talk to Adrien before he left… but Adrien himself insists that she's nothing more than a fan of his. I've heard him say it with my own ears," he chuckled.
That doesn't sound like a happy chuckle, Juleka thought. I probably took the sibling rivalry a bit too far here. "Cool it, she likes you."
Rose nodded. "If you need confirmation, just ask Alya! I'm sure she'll be happy to gush for hours about it."
"No way! I know better than to even try to get in a girl's head by talking to her BFF. Nothing good comes from that. Girl Code specifically states that everything I say goes directly back to the girl, usually with negative comments attached. I've been burned by that before." Luka smiled and sat down on the couch. He strummed a few chords on his guitar. "Alright, Rose… let's officially start Operation: Best Band! Do you have any song ideas besides unicorns and puppies?"
Adrien was staring at his closet. Last night, Kagami took me clothes shopping, of all places… imagine that, me! I've never had to go clothes shopping in my life. Everything was always provided for me… the latest fashions for every season, always tailored to fit just right.
He opened the closet door and took down one of his signature white shirts. Gabriel… I really don't want to be associated with that name anymore. At least, not outside of the job. I'm sure I'll be asked to remain the face of the company for a while, but being a walking billboard is outside of what I want to do. Heh… we'll see how much of a trendsetter I *actually* am…
One by one, he took down the Gabriel-brand clothes and threw them in a heap next to the video games and foosball table in his room. If I'm going to be doing stuff for myself like Kagami said… I should probably start by dressing myself in things that *I* want to wear, not things that have been chosen for me. I've gotta make a list of stuff I need, then it's time to hit the shops. It might be nice to have some company for that. He pulled his phone from his pocket, opened the messaging app, and started composing a new message.
Three hours later, the girls left and Luka went back to his room, alone. He hopped onto his bed and started absentmindedly playing a melancholy song on his guitar. Must be nice to have a girlfriend over a lot and pretty much be able to whatever, whenever! Marinette is so busy, we only get to see each other a few times a week instead of all day every day like Rose and Juleka do. Not that there's anything wrong with that… after all, we've only really been dating for a few days now. And, she *did* come by and see me on Sunday night when she was feeling down. Not that she's told me much about that. I wonder if the "friend" she was referring to was Adrien? If she was obsessed about him, I can see her not wanting to bring him up around me. Besides, she seems fairly popular and probably has a lot of friends who go to her for help and advice.
This line of thought isn't helping your mood at all! Juleka of all people even said that Marinette adores me… and that didn't sound like she was teasing me like she usually does. I adore her, too. She's an amazing person and I'm so happy just being around her…
...but why am I so bummed just thinking about her now? I should shoot her a text… but she's probably doing stuff with her family, like she said. Ehhh… it can't hurt either way. If she is still interested in Adrien, it'll only score points for me if I show I'm interested in her. I can't really compete with a teen idol supermodel, but if she likes me enough to come to me when she needs comfort and I can be there for her… that says a lot, right?
If I do wind up losing her… well, that's kind of on me. I *did* tell her to go after him at the ice rink… but I think how things have gone since then proves who she really wants. If you love somebody, set them free… and she came back.
OK, I'm definitely too deep in my own head. I need to find my center, here…
Just then Anarka Couffaine poked her head into the bedroom. "Arr, laddie, I know ye like practicin' and stuff, but do ye think ye could do something other than play the same four notes over and over like that? My ears are about to commit mutiny!" She was gone as quickly as she appeared.
"Sorry, mom…" he called after her. Huh. Looks like my heartstrings are a bit out of tune.
He picked up his phone and tapped out a message.
Marinette was struggling.
Her father had challenged her to see who could frost the most cupcakes in fifteen minutes, and she was struggling to keep up with him. "Look behind you! The, um, the dough mixer has come to life and is running out the door!"
"You can't get me that easily, Marinette!" Tom teased. "I'm going to be halfway through this batch soon, and then it will be curtains for you!"
Marinette groaned. "You make it look so easy! No fair!" She flicked some frosting at him and hit him in the apron.
"Don't start something you're not willing to finish, honey! I will demolish you in a food fight! Remember that one time you were covered in so much frosting one customer wanted to buy you? He thought you were a life-sized cake! It's a good thing your mother talked me out of it; we could have retired to the countryside years ago!" He dodged another frosting missile. "Hey, speaking of boys who want to take you home… what's this I hear about you having a new boyfriend?"
"Subtle, Dad." Marinette rolled her eyes, then laughed. "You remember Luka, from the band?"
"How could I forget! Tall, plays guitar, blue. Is that the guy?"
"The same!" Marinette laughed.
"You two getting along pretty good?"
"Yeah, we are, dad… he's teaching me how to play guitar, and in return I'm making the outfits for the band. There's a competition in a few weeks and I'm helping them look their best!"
"That's great! Another Marinette fashion special! You're going to rock it, just like every other time, honey." They kept frosting cupcakes, although Tom had slowed down to a more comfortable pace. "And about the boy stuff… I know you like talking to your mother about things like that, but I was a boy once too…"
"Yes, Dad… I know. Mom told me," Marinette laughed. "Nothing bad!" she added quickly, seeing the astonished look on Tom's face. "She just told me how you two met and fell in love. I always thought love was only love at first sight, but she told me she had to really get to know you before she fell in love. Was it the same thing for you?"
Tom put the frosting down and tapped his lips with his finger, considering his response. "To be honest, I can't remember a time when I wasn't in love with your mother. A smart, beautiful, lively young woman who just happened to stop by my bakery every day? What more could I have asked for? The real icing on the cake -" Marinette rolled her eyes at the pun "- was that she understood my sense of humor right off the bat. We just clicked that way, and that helped me really relax around her. I probably came off as too showy and over the top right off the bat, but since she 'got' me like that, it was a lot easier for me to open up and trust her with my more sensitive side. Which, thankfully, she also liked."
"Huh," Marinette said.
"Did that help?" Tom asked hopefully.
"You bet it did, Dad… for one thing, You set down your frosting and let me catch up to you while you were rambling on…" She smiled wickedly. "But seriously, thanks. I appreciate your advice more than I can tell you."
"Only the best for my baby girl! And speaking of best… this is the best frosting, don't you think?" Tom charged around the table and squirted some on Marinette's cheek, then proceeded to smear it all over her face and hair before she could react.
"DAD! Ugh… now I'm going to have to shower… again… you menace! You're right, though," she added, dragging a finger through the frosting and sticking it in her mouth, "this is very good. Peach flavor?"
"Yeah, between that special order of peach tarts and Mr. Chou coming in all the time asking for peach pastries, I figured we should make some peach-flavored cupcakes and see if those sell."
"Sounds delicious! You win this time, but you better watch out, Dad, because one day I will conquer you in the frosting war!" She removed her apron and headed upstairs. Her phone buzzed in her hip pocket. I'll have to get to that later… last time I checked my phone immediately after leaving the bakery, I almost voided the warranty.
After showering and getting dressed, Marinette finally allowed herself a chance to relax and check her phone. Two notifications waiting for her, so she quickly unlocked her phone to read them.
[Alya] hey girl, parents are getting scared with all of the Serket stuff going on. they can't keep an eye on me all the time though! but that means they're sending me off to relatives in toulon for the rest of the summer. :( :( :( call me later and i'll fill u in xoxoxo ps i tried to convince them to send me to marseille with nino and his family but noooooo
Marinette chuckled at the text message but was secretly relieved at her friend's predicament. If she's not here, Serket can't get her. At least she's safe… even if she's not with Nino. I'm sure they'll find a way to get together.
The next message read:
[Luka] hope you're doing good today. yesterday was fun, I'm really looking forward to ice cream tomorrow. Can't wait to have a sweet treat with my sweet girl. Text me later if you have time.
That boy is really amazing, Marinette thought. I wish I could find a way to spend more time with him, but… that's just not in the cards right now.
[Marinette] I've got Important Family Stuff to do but believe me you are first on my mind, hot stuff. 3 You'll be my ice *dream* tonight.
Again with the puns… I've got to have a long talk with that cat… oh!
[Adrien] hey… just wondering if you might have time before the weekend to help me out with something
What on earth could Adrien want with *me*? Maybe he's just checking in on the fitting for the band outfits…
[Marinette (to Adrien)]: hey you! I'm almost done with your shirt… should have it on Saturday morning. Want to come over then?
[Adrien] Sure, that sounds great! I can't wait to see it. That's not what I was texting you about though…
[Marinette (to Adrien)]: Oh, sorry - what can I help you with? :)
[Adrien] I'm rebuilding my wardrobe from scratch. It's a long story. I need a shopping buddy and you were the first person I thought of. Interested? Friday afternoon?
Oh, my goodness, am I *interested*? Am I INTERESTED?! Does the sun rise in the east and set in the west? Of COURSE I'm interested! But… Her thoughts turned to a tall, handsome, guitar-playing boy who had captured her heart. I really can't… that's not fair to Luka. Go figure… Adrien is asking me to do something with him, alone, and I am turning him down! If Alya were here, she'd probably have a fit.
[Marinette (to Adrien)]: Oh, sorry… I've got family stuff to do Friday afternoon. I wish I could go with you.
She sent the message, sighed, and closed her eyes. I just can't say no to him. She quickly composed a second message.
[Marinette (to Adrien)]: But I can't wait to see what you get! Maybe you can come over and model your new look for me.
No! BAD Marinette! Luka's your boyfriend now, you can't just invite another boy, even if it's Adrien, to come over to your house and do things like that. It's not right. She erased the message and composed a new one.
[Marinette (to Adrien)]: Tell me what you get. If you need anything altered, I'm happy to help out :)
There. That's harmless enough. She hit the Send button and turned her phone off. Right before she set it down, she turned it back on and composed another message.
[Marinette (to Luka)]: :-* :-* :-* See you tomorrow. Can't wait!
Nodding at her phone, she hit Send and this time, put her phone down and went to her desk to continue work on her project for the band.
Later that afternoon, Marinette arrived at Master Fu's apartment. She listened carefully at his door after knocking, hoping to hear normal footfalls instead of a cane. Instead, the door opened seemingly on its own, and Wayzz greeted her at the door, a worried look on his face. "Enter, Marinette. Master Fu is waiting for you."
She went in the apartment and closed the door behind her. Her eyes adjusting to the dim light, she gasped when she saw Master Fu laying on the mat, covered by a warm blanket. It's summer! What is he doing underneath that blanket? And he's so pale! He looks like he's lost a few pounds, too. "...Master?" she called out hesitantly.
"Marinette," Fu said gratefully. "I'm glad you came. Do not worry about me, this is just life taking its natural course."
Marinette knelt down and took his hand. "Master… please, don't tell me that you have been just lying here alone all day!"
Fu smiled. "No, Marinette. A nurse came by earlier today to check on me. I have the kwamis to keep me company." He motioned to the corner of the room, where a handful of kwamis, including Sass, Fluff, Wayzz, and Barkk, were gathered. "They have been most helpful. Although," he sighed, "their inexperience with recipes has proven to be my downfall. Despite their best efforts, they can't seem to make tea the exact way that I like it," he grinned.
Tears came to Marinette's eyes. "Master… I'll make the tea for you. Tell me how to do it," Marinette asked.
"First, I have one more important thing to teach you. Please, bring me the gramophone."
Marinette retrieved the gramophone from the credenza and set it down next to Fu.
"This is how you access the Miracle Box, Marinette." He gingerly raised himself on one side. "Place your thumbs on the eyes of the dragons."
Marinette did so, and the eyes of the dragons began to glow red. After a second, the panel between the dragons popped open, revealing nine buttons.
"Now, press the buttons like this." Fu pointed to which buttons to press, and Marinette complied. The gramophone rotated and opened, revealing the Miracle Box. The remaining kwamis floated out of the Miracle Box and surrounded Marinette and Fu.
"It will soon be time, Marinette. You know everything I can teach you about being Guardian of the Miraculous. Please, learn from what I have told you. Guard the Miraculous and the secrets of the Miracle Box and grimoire with your life."
"Master, you can't die, not now…" Tears spilled down Marinette's cheeks.
"You're right, I will not die now. But it is better that I do the formal handing-down of the Miracle Box before that happens. Besides," Fu smiled gently. "I haven't taught you how to make my favorite cup of tea yet."
Marinette smiled in spite of herself. "This sounds like the most important lesson yet," she said.
"In many ways, it will be," Fu smiled. "Now, get ready to take good notes… Guardian."