Marinette watched with fond eyes as Chat scrambled for the door, his Miraculous letting out several warning beep before he managed to slam it shut behind him.
Truth be told, she had been worried sick during the whole Akuma battle. Chat had obviously been feeling off the whole time, and the guilt had been eating away at her because she didn't finish his coat yet. But the worst thing?
The bitter, lonely gaze in his eyes as he talked about his current weakness. Her heart reached out for her kitty, and she had desperately been trying to find ways to cheer him up, but her own Miraculous had been running out of time so she had to dash.
She was so relieved that he had shown up at her school (for whatever reason). Not only did this provide her the perfect excuse to really dig down and talk to Chat better, but also, a little selfish part of her was bouncing up and down at the opportunity to just spend time with her silly kitty.
Of course, that excitement doubled when she realized that not only was Chat there, but Luka as well.
It was surprising to see the two of them sharing an umbrella while standing so close, and she had also seen their hands gently grasping as they gazed at each other with fond eyes. It was incredibly intimate. With the scene of the rain around them and their whole atmosphere just crackling with affection, it felt so romantic to watch them.
Should she have been jealous? Maybe. But Marinette only felt satisfaction - it made her incredibly happy that the two people she preferred (crushed on?) were getting along so well.
And 'getting along so well' was an understatement, but in all truth, Marinette was content to see them like that. (It meant that she had a chance with both of them where they could all be happy, right?) (If they perhaps agreed on a relationship, didn't that mean that Marinette could watch not only her relationship with them grow, but each other's?)
Point being: watching her boys - her boys, she wished - made her heart flutter.
"That cat's lucky to have you."
Marinette couldn't hold back a squeak as an arm slid around her waist and gently tugged her back further into the space of the umbrella and away from the dripping edges. Her face burned as she took in his eucalyptus scent and his warm body heat surrounding her and her waist. (Oh my god, he was still holding her.)
"W… What?" Marinette said weakly, trying hard not to melt like goo as Luka looked down at her with a kind smile.
"It's good he has such a wonderful and brave girl looking after him," he said softly, and before she could ask to elaborate further (and also blush more, holy crap he called her brave and wonderful), he continued. "He mentioned you were designing him a coat."
"I am," Marinette said, and she somehow managed to not stutter that time. Her shoulders were tight with tension as he shifted closer until she lightly hit his chest, and she nearly squeaked again. (This was probably the most embarrassing moment of her life - she can't believe she's reacting like a mouse when the guy she semi-likes is cuddling her.)
"You'll make something great," he giggled, and she felt butterflies (the good ones - Hawk Moth and his creepy Akumas could go lie in a ditch somewhere) flutter in her stomach. "I know you will."
"Thank you," she muttered, a blush on her cheeks.
They stood there for a moment in the rain, waiting patiently for their kitten to come out, until suddenly, she had a thought and spoke. "Actually, thank you for the jacket, too."
"Hm?"
"You gave Chat your jacket. It helps him," Marinette smiled, and she leaned a little against Luka, feeling more comfortable and less jumpy. "That silly cat needs all the help he can get."
He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and rubbed his hand gently up and down her arm. His voice was soft as he said, "he's a good person."
"The best."
"The best hero," Luka agreed, before he said even more gently - "but he's just a boy underneath that mask."
Marinette melted like goo like that, finally leaning her whole weight into his side and letting her head tip and fall on his chest. See, it was like this: Chat was a hero of Paris, and because of that, he always needed to appear strong and not let anyone see him as weak. As Ladybug, Marinette could understand that a little too much. But when they patrol, especially on a bad day, she could see that mask crack and show little bits of just a lonely person beneath his puns and toothy grins.
She regrets keeping him at an arm's length as Ladybug - they were best friends, they were bonded by the soul, but she had never let them get to know each other too much. She was afraid of what might slip out and could potentially reveal their identities.
But right now, she was Marinette, not Ladybug - and she was so eager to get to know her silly kitty. To really know him.
She felt so unbelievably relieved that someone else had noticed how lonely Chat was. He deserved the love, and Marinette was more than happy to try and let him somehow earn it.
"I want to be there for him," Marinette muttered.
"I think you already are."
She curled a little into him, and her chest felt light - that inner turmoil she didn't even know she had been having about Adrien and Chat and Luka (it was a mess) was calming down. Maybe it was because Luka and Chat were there, or maybe it was because she had released her energy during the recent fight, but either way, Marinette felt more relaxed than she had been the past few days.
"I think you are too, for the record." Marinette whispered. It was almost drowned out by the sound of the rain, but the gentle squeezing of her shoulder said that he heard.
They stood there, content with each other and patiently waiting for Chat to come back.
Two minutes later, the door opened just a crack before a black blur ripped across the courtyard and dived into the umbrella with them.
Chat's tail was lashing and his ears were twitching underneath his hood, but he was smiling.
Marinette felt butterflies in her stomach, and something in her heart realized it - she liked them. She liked them. It was a crush, and oh my god, it was both thrilling and absolutely terrifying. She had been so hung over Adrien for the longest time that the thought of liking someone else was just… almost impossible to think of. Not even that, but she liked two people.
She knows she's not completely over Adrien - not yet. Emotions couldn't be controlled and she still held some affection for the sweet boy who sat in front of her in class. But by the gods she knew that whatever she was feeling for Chat and Luka, it was stronger. Maybe not too much, maybe just an inch, but it was and her heart leapt to her throat when she met blue and green gazes.
It was inevitable, really. They were both so… well, she didn't quite have a word for it. But they were easy to love - even if she wasn't quite there yet. Inwardly, she berated herself for the many times she refused to even consider Chat as more than a partner, when he was just an incredible person who professed his undying love to Ladybug right to her face.
(Her heart fluttered at the thought.)
"Let's go home," she said, and they looked at her with fondness in their eyes. She mentally preened at the attention, and she resisted the urge to coo at them.
"Your knight in shining armor is here to guide you both," Chat said, his eyes glinting in glee and his ears twitching with amusement.
"Knight in shining leather is more accurate I think," Luka corrected, and he gently lifted the umbrella above them all. He looked down at both of them with affection, and inwardly, Marinette was practically melting at the amount of warmth he had in his eyes. (It was the same look Chat had always given Ladybug - well, up until recently, anyway.) (Oh my god. That was a problem for another day.)
We have a chance, Marinette thought, and she hung back a little to observe the two boys. Chat's tail was high in affection, and he was subconsciously getting closer to Luka with each step. The blue-eyed boy didn't seem to mind, going by how also stepped closer.
And when they both looked back at her with those soft eyes, she smiled, because her step was light and her heart was flying high on their gorgeous smiles.
A chance to be together - all of them.
It was all she needed, just a small sliver of possibility; and she knew she was going to try and nab it and hold on tightly.
She was Ladybug, after all. Her luck was the best.
"Thinking hard, ma-ma-ma-Marinette?"
Marinette jumped at the sudden interjection of Luka's voice, and she blushed. Her mind scrambled for a good excuse, and she finally stuttered out, "j-just… wondering about Adrien?" Ah, crap. Well, it's not the worst excuse ever, but she hopes they don't think she's only been thinking about him so far. (Or worse; what if they think she's a creep for thinking of him for so long? She was genuinely worried about him but he wasn't her priority!
Chat jumped, and he turned around so fast his tail nearly slapped Luka on the wrist. After gently tugging on Luka's shirt as a sign of apology, Chat looked at her with eager eyes, his cheeks a soft pink. "Y-Yeah? You like Adrien, right, Marinette?"
Marinette blinked at him, and then her face went red. Was Chat asking if she like-liked Adrien? Sure, she had a massive crush on him, and her heart still stuttered lightly around him, but definitely not as much as it used to! She liked Chat and Luka.
Wasn't she making it obvious? She flirted with him as Ladybug! (And he didn't flirt back - she needed to worry about that later.)
Marinette resisted the urge to tug on his ear and stomp her foot. Ooh! This dumb alley cat. Marinette (and Ladybug) was not known for her subtlety, as pointed out by Alya many times so how could Chat not understand she liked him?
Still, looking at his earnest green eyes, she knew she had to give an honest answer.
Sighing with both fondness and exasperation, Marinette said, "Adrien's a nice boy."
Chat seemed to deflate a little, and suddenly, Luka let out a giggle and his shoulders were shaking.
"Careful, beautiful," Luka looked over his shoulder and stared at the both of them with amusement in his eyes. "You don't want to hurt the feelings of our resident monsieur model. Besides, I wouldn't say nice - sweet is more like it, don't you think?"
"O-O-Of course!" Marinette squeaked, her face a bright red as she nearly fell behind and risked getting soaked by the rain. (He called herbeautiful.) (Someone pinch her, this must be a dream.)
Vaguely, she heard a strangled noise rise from Chat's thoat, and when she looked at him, his face was a violent shade of pink before he whimpered and tugged the hood down to fully cover his eyes and halfway down his cheeks.
"Oh, kitty," Luka cooed, and he reached over to tug gently on Chat's bell before scratching him under the chin. A purr rumbled in the superhero's chest while his lips twitched nervously. "Look at your pretty blush. Let the hood down, it's okay. Marinette and I enjoy your cute face."
Marinette nearly purred herself as she watched Chat squeak and only tug the hood down further, the red now creeping down to his neck. God, he was so adorable - and the fact that Luka got this reaction out of him nearly made her bounce with glee. The two had a spark, a spark she wanted to douse with gasoline before jumping in herself.
"Oh, minou," Marinette couldn't resist, a little of her Ladybug personality coming out as she stepped forward and jingled Chat's bell. The purr's volume grew, and she and Luka exchanged excited glances before she continued. "Don't be so embarrassed - come on, you silly kitty. Let us see your cute face."
Another familiar strangled noise left Chat's lips.
"He's not the only one with a cute face, you know." Luka muttered, suddenly sweeping down until his head was just next to hers and the blue tips of his hair tickled her cheek.
Marinette felt blood rush to her face, and the confidence she had fell like a stupid house of cards in the wind.
"Oh~ so the fair princess can dish out compliments but can't handle them?" Chat purred, and he was leaning forward, his catty personality suddenly showing as he pulled off the hood and winked at her.
Marinette felt Luka's breath tickle her skin as he giggled before pulling back, and she blinked widely as Chat grinned, flashing his sharp canines at her and then leaning back as well.
"Well, here we are, princess! We've arrived at your tall tower," Chat said with a flourish, and Marinette looked up in a slight daze to see the bakery. Already? How'd they get here so quickly?
"It was fun walking with you, Marinette," Luka said sweetly, and he sent her a kind smile.
"I-It was," Marinette stuttered in agreement.
"I have to fare thee well," Chat purred, and she could only watch as he swooped down swiftly and gently brushed his lips against the back of her hand. He had done it already, and even more during her times as Ladybug, but she was still utterly charmed by the action. "I'll be stopping by later once again, Marinette."
"C'mon, kitty," Luka laughed. "Take me home?"
"Thank you!" She finally managed to call from the doorway, and the two looked back with blue and green eyes before smiling and walking away.
Marinette stumbled upstairs in a daze and slid onto her chaise in a heap of dreamy sighs.
"I have to admit, they're both very charismatic," Tikki said, zooming out of her purse and then flying to the window and looking out in the rain in thought. "Although… Marinette, have you noticed something?"
"Hm?" Marinette hummed, only paying half a mind to her as she replayed the day through her mind, her cheeks going red once more.
"Oh, bug," Tikki sighed with both fondness and exasperation. She flew forward and gently rubbed her cheek against Marinette's, capturing her Chosen's attention successfully. "Marinette, these past few Akuma attacks have been strange, don't you think?"
Marinette blinked, managing to snap out of her daydreaming and actually focus on what Tikki was saying.
Now that she mentioned it, they have been a little strange. Hawk Moth was a villain, but she knew that even he had limits. Just like Chat Noir and Ladybug could fight for only so long, he could create only so many Champions. Usually there was at least a few days in between each attack, but the Akumas have been popping up almost daily now…
Marinette glanced over at her desk, which was a mess of unfinished designs and overdue homework.
"Yeah…" Marinette said slowly.
"And with Chat Noir handicapped by the rain, it's only a matter of time until you collapse, Marinette." Tikki said.
Marinette opened her mouth to protest, but at glare of her kwami, she deflated and sighed. She was right - no matter how strong Ladybug was, she couldn't shoulder the responsibility of Paris alone, not without Chat. And even though her silly kitty was trying his best, she knew he still struggled. (And even with Luka's and her coat, she doubts he'll be at full strength until the rain went away.)
Marinette blinked, and suddenly, an idea slowly started to weave itself into a web of a plan in her mind. She glanced at her clock, and a blinking 1:24 stared back at her. She had time before Chat showed up again later.
She stood up and a smile started to form on her face. "Tikki?"
"Yes, bug?"
"I think it's time we visit Master Fu again."
The quick run out of the bakery (and past her parents who were confused as to why she was leaving so soon) was horrible, considering her lack of umbrella, but it was hasty and in only ten minutes, she was sitting down with the holder of the Miraculouses and two kwamis floating around them.
"It is good to see you again, my dear," the old Jade Turtle hummed as he gently poured both of them some ginseng tea.
Marinette received her cup with a quiet thank you before letting Tikki take a careful sip. "Master Fu, I know you told me to contact you only in emergencies - "
"Hmph!" Wayzz grunted. Marinette ignored him and continued.
"But Hawk Moth's worrying me lately." She set down the cup and felt Tikki fly down to drink some more. "He's been sending out more and more Akumas - I fought two in the last two days, and they were barely twenty-four hours apart! What does this mean? Did he get stronger? Chat can't fight right now, I'm sure you know, he's trying but he can't concentrate enough in this rain. How am I going to keep Paris safe if Haw - "
"Your bond with your Chat Noir grew stronger."
Marinette stopped mid-rant, and she blushed.
Master Fu chuckled and looked at her with eyes that sparkled in both amusement and wisdom. "He is indeed a good match for you. I must send my gratitude to Tikki and Plagg for guiding you both well."
"She's a wonderful bug," Tikki muttered, her head down as she kept sipping at the tea.
"I'm worried." Marinette muttered.
"About him or Hawk Moth?" Master Fu stood up and started to shuffle to the phonograph that Marinette knew held the chest of Miraculouses.
"Both," Marinette answered, and she watched in awe as once again, he presented to her to red and brown chest. He carefully opened it and revealed the colorful array of Miraculous holds, some empty and some not.
"Worry not," Master Fu chuckled. "I am sure the solution will rise when needed. Go on home, my dear Marinette. This is not a problem meant to be pondered over."
Marinette frowned, but when she looked at Tikki, the kwami only shook her head. The girl sighed and conceded, before saying goodbye to a disgruntled Wayzz and amused Master Fu before preparing herself to dash out into the rain once more.
She'll trust Master Fu's judgment, but she still worried for the future.
XxXxXxXxXxX
"Tikki has a most powerful Ladybug," Master Fu pondered as he watched Marinette run back home with her jacket and arms as protection against the rain.
"The girl's impulsive," Wayzz paused. "But she will protect Paris well."
"She and Chat Noir will protect Paris well," Master Fu corrected, and he walked back to the chest holding the most precious items he possessed. "But… they need help, don't you think, Wayzz?"
The kwami watched warily as Master Fu gently picked up a Miraculous and studied it in the light, the metal glinting softly. "That is a strange choice, Master. I would have assumed you would choose the fox."
"The fox is cunning," Master Fu agreed. "And would indeed be of great help. But it is not time yet."
Wayzz let out an undignified snort and flew up to the Miraculous to scrutinize it. "But this one - are you sure? I know who you think of, Master. She is a mere child."
"As are Chat Noir and Ladybug," Master Fu said. "She will learn to grow with this Miraculous. She will learn to protect Paris alongside them."
Wayzz sighed and only rubbed his head with tiredness. "Oh, what do I know. Go ahead."
Master Fu laughed.
XxXxXxXxXxX
She walked to her bedroom quietly, her heart heavy with guilty and her stomach feeling like a lump of metal resided in it. She gently refused yet another invitation to lunch with her father, and she only felt more guilty as the butler practically coughed in shock at her lack of aggression for once.
Tears sprung to her eyes as she collapsed onto her bed and buried her face into the soft, goose-feathered pillow. Had she really been so horrible all these years?
She wanted to just lie there for hours and wallow. It was beginning to feel like the past few weeks, but she didn't care, because she felt like she was suffocating every time she entered this too-big and too-much room. It was overwhelming.
She turned her head, ready to drift off into yet another fitful sleep -
She blinked and then raised her head slightly. What on earth?
She squinted at the octagonal box that laid ever so closely to her pillow, only a few inches away. It was small, barely the size of her palm, and she resisted the urge to roll her eyes and sigh in frustration.
Did her father send yet another gift? Maybe she would have appreciated it in the past, but as of now, she wanted to grab the box and just throw it into the trash can.
She sat up and reached out, ready to do just that, but she paused. Well… It felt… rude to just throw it away. After all, he was still her father - a father who only threw money at her problems instead of properly being there for her, but her father nonetheless.
So, with a weak sigh and her lip trembling from holding back frustrated tears, she grasped it and lifted it up to her face before opening it.
She gasped loudly as something bright yellow and black flew out of the box, and she dropped it in fright, the wooden object landing on her bed without a sound.
The thing that flew out peered at her with blue, insect-like eyes, and distantly, she realized that the black and yellow pattern of whatever it was resembled… a bee.
"Chloe Bourgeois!" It announced in a female-pitched voice. It had a smirk on its face as it flew closer to her stunned face.
"You have been chosen."
XxXxXxXxXxX
Again, sorry for the sudden tsunami of updates, but I reaaaaaally think you should check out my AO3 or tumblr for better updates or previews. Both of my names there is redyarns.