Hey everyone! I am sorry for the wait...I hope this is good enough ugh!

But it was loads of fun writing this so...I hope you guys enjoy the third chapter!

Disclaimer: Miraculous Ladybug belongs to Thomas Astruc and ZAGToon. This is just a fanfic written by a fan.

Could life get any weirder? Marinette would scream on the rooftops to ask The Universe that very question...

...If she wasn't running for her life from a creepy apparition made by the Akuma of the week.

There were enough sinister akumas in Paris to fill an encyclopedia, but what type of Akuma makes apparitions in broad daylight to scare everyone? Marinette was only slightly relieved that she was somewhat good in gym class and close to the building she would take cover in.

There were nights when she wished she could see her hero again, but this was more than what she bargained for. The apparition was closing in on her, and she was making it to safety by the hairs on her head.

Before Marinette could give up, she felt a crash behind her. She nearly fell and dropped her harp. The apparition was crushed and dispelled by a giant regal white harp. Marinette was speechless by this amazing gift from above, but a familiar snake hero revealed himself and gave her a bright smile.

"Viperion!"

The hero winked at her. "Hey Marinette."

Suddenly more creepy apparitions appeared, and Viperion quickly got in front of Marinette to shield her.

"Marinette, head to the nearest building!"

He then got in front of the harp. "I'll use your gift to get rid of these ghosts!"

But Marinette couldn't bring herself to move. Viperion used the giant harp she gave him to make powerful sound waves that caused the apparitions to screech and fade away.

Marinette smiled and knew she was safe with Viperion around, but when she attempted to run to the nearest building, she felt herself stopping. While Viperion was busy defeating evil with the power of his music, she ran back to the other side of the big harp. Before Viperion could tell Marinette not to be so reckless, she smiled at him and started running her fingers through the strings. And Viperion nearly lost his mind for multiple reasons.

"Mari–"

Marinette grinned. "I want to help you!"

Marinette kept playing the magical harp with both of her hands, and the apparitions were overwhelmed by her beautiful music.

Viperion was starstruck as he watched Marinette's harp playing unleash colorful sound waves and musical notes that purified evil apparitions. But eventually, he had to snap himself out of his captivation and get back to his job of being a hero.

"Your melody is amazing!" Viperion cried before running his hands through the strings.

Marinette giggled. "Aw thanks!"

As dangerous and bold as Marinette was, she was having the time of her life, fighting evil firsthand and with Viperion. The two of them closed their eyes and played in sync. Their beautiful duet carried on to the sky and in the clouds, and the army of apparitions grew smaller.

Viperion couldn't tell her that the melody of her heart was making his song stronger and stronger. So strong that fighting the Akuma of the week was becoming a cakewalk.

The song he played with her colored his entire world. But soon, their duet reached a finale, and every last apparition disappeared in purifying lights. Marinette sighed in relief, and Viperion smiled down at her.

He wished he could let this moment play out a bit longer. In all his years of living, breathing, and adoring music, this was a whole new world to him. It made his heart sing, seeing the girl who was originally a bird in a cage playing pained music play a new song that made the world brighter and healed any evil energy.

"Thank you, Marinette…."

Marinette blushed hard and looked away. "Oh! It was nothing! I just wanted to help you!"

Viperion took one step closer. "No really, that was amazing! I was moved!"

Marinette blinked her eyes and took a step closer as well. "Oh really? You thought I was amazing?"

The two grinned at each other, but then they were cut off by someone calling out for Viperion. Marinette and Viperion turned to see Chat Noir and two other male heroes calling Viperion over. Chat and the other boys praised Viperion for his efforts, but Chat Noir noted that Viperion was stealing all the fun as he was the MVP of this hero's mission. Viperion didn't boast because he usually wasn't that strong. He couldn't take all the credit for that win.

The snake hero was about ready to join his teammates, but he turned to Marinette and smiled down at her. "I gotta go," he whispered.

"I know," Marinette gave him the biggest smile, trying to hide her disappointment.

But his adorable smile didn't waver as he placed his hand on the big harp and used his teleportation powers to teleport to his teammates. Once again, he teleported the harp with a crash and caught his teammates off guard. The heroes bantered momentarily, and Marinette couldn't look away. After waiting a moment, Viperion took a moment to wave at Marinette again, and Chat Noir cut him off by teasingly punching him in the arm.

The heroes teleported away with the help of Viperion, and Marinette smiled as the wind blew through her hair. The day was saved again, and Paris could rest easily.

Marinette held her magenta harp close and sat down with her legs crossed as she smiled warmly.

The rest of the day, Marinette walked the streets of Paris and noticed every beautiful melody as she walked by. A man was drumming random objects with his drumsticks, a group of band kids were practicing their instruments, and an adorable little girl was trying to be an up-and-coming singer. Marinette didn't expect to walk into another chapter in the world of music. Occasionally while listening to everyone play their music Marinette would feel inspired and run her hands through her pink harp. She couldn't stop thinking about the chance encounter of her and Viperion playing a harp duet together. And now every melody she heard felt all the more sweeter, but then she stopped when she heard familiar guitar music.

Marinette searched around all the happy people enjoying the peace and musical melodies in Paris. She searched until she found Luka sitting with a content look on his face as he played his guitar.

"Luka!" Marinette cried as she reached out her hand.

She got so excited that she forgot that she may have ruined his guitar playing. But she ran over to him, and Luka slowed his guitar playing and opened his beautiful aquamarine eyes.

Marinette's bluebell eyes shined, and she giggled. She didn't notice that Luka had the most beautiful glint in his eyes as he rested his chin on his hand and smiled at her.

"Hey Marinette!"

Marinette and Luka walked together, enjoying the sound of music being made by up-and-coming musicians and those eager to express their inner melody. Marinette kept her pink harp close to her heart, and Luka was so cool holding his guitar case behind his back. The two of them talked and laughed about fun little things and took inspiration from their fellow musicians, but eventually, Marinette talked about her progress with playing her harp.

Marinette smiled to herself as she stroked her harp tenderly. "I feel myself getting closer to my harp. I can express anything when I run my fingers through strings."

Luka smiled proudly but was also focused on his phone, which was in his free hand.

"Yeah, you put on a great performance today during the Akuma attack," Luka said.

Marinette gasped and quickly peered at Luka's phone, which showed a news article and an image of herself and Viperion playing the harp together.

"Oh my!" Marinette blushed.

Luka chuckled to himself, and Marinette hid her blush and played with her pigtails.

"I'm sorry I couldn't be there with you during the Akuma attack," Luka said.

Luka looked at her with such relief, and his concern for her safety was so sweet. And it also made her feel that similar feeling of deja vu.

But Marinette felt she was probably thinking too deeply about it and brushed it off like dust.

"Oh, that's alright Luka!" Marinette gaped. "I am just grateful that you were safe from the Akuma attack. These akumas just get weirder and weirder!"

Luka said nothing. What Marinette said made him even more guilty that he wasn't by her side.

Marinette sighed. "It was actually really scary, one of those akumas nearly got me but then Viperion appeared. And when he appeared, I just felt so brave…."

Marinette took a moment before wincing, realizing she had confessed some affection to Luka.

Luka gave her a concerned look, but as soon as she met eyes with him, his concern melted away into a warm smile with his calm ocean-blue eyes shining like sunlight.

Marinette started to wonder why Luka was so easygoing while she was so frantic. Some of her friends said she was an out-of-control fireball.

"I understand," Luka said gently.

Marinette gave Luka a stunned look, and she couldn't ask him for an explanation. Then again, her expression said everything.

"He really inspires you…." Luka said.

Marinette thought momentarily, but all her thoughts felt like a bunch of ingredients in a pot that didn't mix well.

"Yes but…" Marinette bit her lip.

But even if Marinette couldn't find the words to say, Luka continued to smile at her and shake his head.

"I think that's beautiful," Luka said.

Marinette couldn't help but blush at Luka, smiling at her like sunlight. Her heart even thudded and made herself feel warm. He was a great friend. And cute and also very inspiring with his passion for music. And it's not like she put Viperion on a pedestal! She had just a lot of feelings for him that she could not shake.

But still, Luka blinked his eyes before turning his back on her. Marinette was taken aback as she attempted to place her hand on his shoulder.

"I need to go…." Luka said.

"What?" Marinette cried. "Are you sure?"

Luka paused momentarily, and Marinette hoped to convince him to change his mind.

Marinette frowned and hung her head. "I mean, I would love to practice my harp with you…."

Marinette heard a small gasp from Luka, and then she felt guilty, thinking she was guilt-tripping him, but Luka turned to her and gave her another sweet reassuring smile. "Unfortunately, I got some responsibilities I have been putting on hold," he said.

Marinette still looked disappointed, but Luka cupped her face with his hand and lifted her chin to lock her eyes on him. "I believe in you. You got what it takes. But we'll play again during band practice."

Marinette knew that, but he didn't have to spend time and practice with her only during band practice. She was especially considering that Luka was super smooth placing his hand under her chin like that. And then Luka let her go, and Marinette held her harp close.

"Ok…" Marinette said.

And Luka left with style carrying his guitar case on his back. Jumping on benches like he was a skateboarder, Marinette was in awe. But Luka turned back again to give Marinette a wave, and Marinette waved back. At that point, she was in a bit of a trace waving at the blue wonder before he finally left.

Marinette's cheeks glowed a bright pink, and she quickly slapped her face a few times, snapping her out of it.

She wouldn't allow herself to become part of a complicated love triangle.

Still, Marinette couldn't hide the desires deep in her heart. Would it be too much to wish for a romance with a superhero instead of a rich jerk? Why must she only have desires that are out of her reach?

She spent so much time out that it was getting dark, and the streetlights were on. But it was a wonderful day nonetheless. And she was going to have another quiet evening with her harp until she stopped at the door of her home when she heard beautiful harp music.

Marinette gasped when she spotted Viperion under a streetlight across the street—playing his harp passionately as if he were on stage under a spotlight.

She couldn't help but place her hands over her mouth, nearly crying happy tears as she saw her hero again. It almost seemed like a dream.

"Viperion," Marinette whispered.

When Viperion finished playing his music, he opened his eyes and waved to her.

As unreasonable as it was, Marinette ran across the street to reach him, and Viperion didn't turn away.

Marinette panted when she reached him and then looked up at him with a smile.

"I am so happy to see you again!" Marinette cried.

Viperion smiled down at her as he kept his harp close to his heart. "I am happy to see you too."

Marinette still wondered if she was resting in her bed covered in homemade knitted blankets and hand-crafted pillows, having the most beautiful elaborate dream of being with her hero again.

"But why…" Marinette said.

Viperion took a moment to rub the back of his head nervously.

"I just had a hunch that I should meet you," he said.

Even if Marinette knew she wasn't dreaming, the two of them under their beacon of light on a quiet night in Paris seemed too perfect.

"Well, maybe we could–" Marinette quickly cut herself off by covering her mouth.

"Hm? What is it, Melody?" Viperion asked.

Marinette squeaked for a moment. She didn't expect Viperion to give her such a cute nickname.

But she wasn't against it…

Marinette quickly tried to find the right words as she circled her index fingers like knitting needles.

"I was suggesting…." Marinette said.

Marinette blushed so hard as she couldn't bring herself to look into Viperion's eyes, but Viperion respectfully tried to meet her eyes and give her another reassuring smile.

"You can tell me anything Marinette. I want to hear it."

Marinette sucked in her breath and clenched her fists as she looked up at him.

"Can I take you somewhere?"

Viperion looked as if he stifled a gasp and gave her an unmistakable sorrowful look. Marinette bit her lip, wondering if she had said the wrong thing.

"Marinette…" Viperion rubbed the back of his head again. "I would like that a lot, but…." He lifted his harp close to his face.

Marinette swiftly took his hand, and Viperion followed as they ran together. For once, the gallant hero Viperion was caught off guard by an ordinary girl.

"Marinette!" Viperion cried.

Marinette turned back to him as they continued running.

"I just need a moment!" Marinette cried.

Viperion smiled at her, and this time he nearly outran her until Marinette got tired and let go of his hand as the two of them continued to walk together, occasionally walking under street lights.

"I know it goes against all reason, but I can't let you slip by right now!" Marinette said.

She may have been an ordinary girl, but to Viperion, she was extraordinary. And he was captivated by every sweet word from her mouth and every smile she flashed at him.

It took Viperion a moment to realize his hero persona was fading in and out. Thankfully Marinette continued walking forward as optimistically as ever with her back turned to him. Not to mention the streets of Paris were dark except for the streetlights, so he cautiously concealed himself away from those streetlights. But Luka still had to do something about his green scales fading back into human hands.

"You and the other heroes carry Paris on your backs," Marinette said.

For a moment, Viperion changed completely back to Luka. But for some miraculous reason, Luka managed to change back into Viperion the moment Marinette stood right under a streetlight and turned to smile at him. Viperion still looked at his hands and arms in bewilderment, but at least this time, he didn't have to conceal himself. Marinette knew her dear snake friend was still with her even if he was hidden in the dark of the night.

"Right Viperion?" Marinette's bluebell eyes glimmered to Viperion.

Viperion gulped. "It certainly keeps life interesting." He was still incredibly bewildered, and Marinette was clueless.

Boldly Viperion walked into the streetlight with Marinette, and Marinette moved closer to Viperion and looked up into his mint-green eyes. She didn't realize how much she was catching him off guard and making him blush under his mask.

"Yes, life is certainly interesting living in a superhero city," Marinette giggled. Viperion took a moment to cover his mouth with his hand. "I must thank you for coloring my life," she said.

Marinette retook his hand; it was like being under a spell where Viperion found it hard to argue. "We're almost there. Just let me steal you away for a little while longer," Marinette winked at him.

Viperion did a low sigh before smiling down on Marinette.

"Ok Marinette, I will go wherever you go."

"Eee!" Marinette cried as she led him into a marathon race again.

Marinette could get used to showing a cute superhero boy around.

And when Marinette finally took Viperion to the destination in mind, Viperion smiled as they stood by the entrance.

"Here we are!" Marinette beamed.

Viperion knew this place. It was the special garden in Paris where everything was in harmony. There were legends that lifelong love bloomed here. But this was also a garden where people could grow with the flowers and plants and find themselves. They were the only two people in the garden, and the whole place looked serene, with all the water fountains flowing water along with the gentle noises of the crickets.

Marinette brought him here, with him as Viperion.

Maybe this was just a dream.

"I know this is a bit much," Marinette said. When Viperion turned to Marinette blushed hard and looked away.

In Viperion's heart, he begged the young girl to tell him whatever was on her mind, but he knew Marinette needed time to find the courage. She was so similar to his sister.

Marinette then let out a dramatic sigh. "I don't know! I just felt like I should bring you here!"

And against all reason, Viperion smiled at her. He smiled at her like she was everything beautiful in the world. Marinette went from the girl on her balcony with a giant regal harp caged by the world and forced to play music to appease others to a girl who went wherever her heart desired and played music to make the world a better and brighter place.

Marinette was taken aback by the warm smile he was giving her.

"I'm happy you brought me here Marinette," Viperion said.

Marinette paused. "Are you sure?"

Viperion took a step closer to her.

"Yes." He felt that with all his heart.

Marinette felt her face heat up again, but she took a moment to giggle and then wiped her eyes.

"Well, I want to show you my favorite parts of this garden," she said.

But then Marinette gasped when she heard the familiar beep of Viperion's hero bracelet. And it was disheartening to see Viperion's usual optimism replaced with a more serious expression.

With a heavy heart, Viperion placed his hands on Marinette's shoulders.

"I need to take you home," he said.

"But Viperion!" Marinette cried.

Viperion's face was crestfallen when Marinette witnessed Viperion's powers up close and personal. Green magic surrounded them as Viperion held Marinette in his arms, and even if Marinette tried to hold on to him, he disappeared before her as she was teleported back to the front of her home.

And this time, no one was under the streetlight across the street.

Marinette fell to her knees and confided quietly to herself.

"I brought you to the special garden because you made me feel like I can do all things."

Marinette was starting to wonder if that was only a dream, but farther away from the bakery Marinette lived in, Luka sat on the steps of someone else's house, allowing the dark of the night to conceal him. He ran his fingers through his hair and hung his head, whispering about all his regrets.

"I'm getting too close…."

"I shouldn't be getting so close…."

But Marinette and Luka looked up into the night sky, wondering about the paths they crossed, the boundaries they pushed, and the memories they would never forget.

"I guess I will see you later," Marinette said as she opened the door of her home.

"I'll see you tomorrow Marinette," Luka said as he picked himself up and walked back home to The Liberty. But the memory of Marinette's beautiful melody at least gave him the strength to believe that tomorrow would be a better day.

Up in a sleek penthouse apartment on a tall building, a light from the window shined in the night like the eye of a storm.

A rich boy sat on his leather reclining computer chair with a keyboard attached. He was awfully pleased about whatever internet browsing he was doing, with his three large computer screens being the only thing lighting his dark room.

But eventually, the door opened, and a servant woman smiled, but the rich blonde-haired boy kept his eyes on his screen.

"You have a visitor, a young master."

"Hm, and what have I told you about bothering me at this time of night," said the rich boy.

Suddenly another woman wearing a news cap appeared beside the servant.

"I got the picture Sir!" The other woman said.

"Ah!" The boy's keyboard moved past him when he pulled the lever. He turned his couch-like computer chair around as the other servant gleefully handed him a photograph. The young boy with blonde hair and shiny green eyes gave a pleased grin.

"Thank you for your service," the boy said.

"The pleasure is all ours, young master," the servant ladies said in unison as they left the boy's room.

The boy turned his chair back to his computer screens and smiled when he was back in solitude.

"It appears Miss Dupain Cheng has been getting better at her harp playing."

The middle computer screen brought up the news article with the image of Marinette and Viperion playing a giant magical harp together, saving Paris from scary apparitions.

Felix Graham De Vanily rested his face on his hand and gave a deviously pleased smile seeing Marinette playing her harp again, even if it was only an image.

And Felix also glanced at the photograph of Marinette and Luka walking Paris together. He saw Luka was a boy with a guitar, and Marinette had a tiny pink harp of her own.

He took a moment to let out an amused laugh before giving a content sigh.

"This is going to be interesting."

...What? You didn't actually think Felix was gone did you?

I think it goes without saying that things are going to get interesting next chapter teehee!

I will see all of you next chapter!