Luka gently patted Juleka's brow, her skin damp with sweat. She frowned at the cold cloth he used to wipe with, but otherwise, gave no indication of consciousness. He sighed, his heart worried and his lips a soft frown as he put down the cloth and touched her forehead. Hot to the touch - still feverish.

Ding!

The boy wiped his damp hand on the surface of his jeans before picking up his phone.

From: Rose

Are you and Julie okay?! I texted her and she isn't replying!

Luka let out a small laugh at that, and he glanced at his sister with amused eyes. "You have a diligent girlfriend, Julie. Say, didn't you tell me you hated that name? You always hit me when I called you that, but you let Rose say it as she wants." There was no response, but he wasn't looking for one - his chest bubbled with laughter.

Me:

She got sick from walking in the rain. She has a fever, but she'll be fine in a day.

Rose:

Oh no! I'll bring soup right away when school ends. Poor Julie!

Luka snorted gently at that and patted Juleka's forehead once more with the water-soaked cloth. "Poor Julie, indeed."

He blinked when he felt his phone vibrate once more, and he glanced down at the last text Rose had sent.

Rose:

Marinette and Adrien are asking about you.

The unexpected words sent a sudden flush to his face, and within moments, he felt like his skin was hotter than Juleka's temperature. He let out a huff of laughter, and he quickly sent back:

Me:

Tell them I'll see them tomorrow.

Rose:

3

"She's sweet," he mused, tossing his phone back onto the bed and scooting closer so he could pat Juleka's skin more easily. "You're lucky to have her."

He continued to care for his sister like that - alternating between humming lullabies and soothing her fever.

The thump on the roof, however, made him pause. A smile started to twitch at his lips when he heard the muffled hiss along with rapid footsteps.

"Sorry, sis," Luka said, and he stood up, patting Juleka's arm while doing so. "Looks like we got a visitor." He left the damp towel on her forehead, bending down to butterfly kiss her cheek before straightening. He made sure to grab a black umbrella laying on the table before heading out.

"I thought that kittens didn't like rain?" Luka called, amused, as two blond eyes surrounded by a black mask peered at him from on top of the main deck. Chat blinked widely, and Luka nearly cooed at the cute sight.

"You, uh, I-I was worried about you!" Chat sputtered, and he hesitated before leaping off of the surface and scrambling to fit underneath the umbrella with Luka. The taller boy sighed endearingly, his smile widening.

"Why were you worried for me, chaton?" Luka asked, already coaxing the superhero to follow him inside and out of the rain.

"Er," Chat said, his mind still a little fuzzy from the rain as he tried to give an appropriate answer. "I had a hunch."

Luka resisted the urge to giggle, and he looked at Chat fondly. "Right."

The taller boy turned and shook out the umbrella lightly. Mentally, he thought about his schedule - it was 10:23 right now, which meant physics. His lips twitched, unable to hold back a smile. His kitten really should get going; as sweet as it was for him to be worried, wasn't there a test today?

"I hope you get better," Chat whispered, his eyes wide and innocent as he crouched low beside Juleka's bed. He lightly touched her wrist, a sign of friendship and comfort, and Luka nearly melted. He loved seeing moments like these - when Chat's beautiful heart shined because he was just like that. So loving and kind.

Luka crouched down beside him, and observed his sister with careful eyes. Sighing, he turned and smiled at the superhero, gently thrusting the black and still damp umbrella at him. "I think you know my friend, Adrien, right?"

At that, Chat jumped, visibly rattled as he blinked rapidly before hesitantly taking the umbrella. He gulped before rasping, "the… model for the Agreste brand?"

Luka's smile went lopsided, and he said, "take that to him, will you? I hear he doesn't like the water any more than you do."

Chat's eyes were wide as his claws tightened around the handle of the umbrella. His tail waved slowly, and finally, he said, "how will I know where to find him?"

Luka giggled at that, and sighed fondly before reaching out and tapping his nose gently. Chat's face flushed under the teasing gesture, but a slight confused frown also tugged at his lips. Luka smiled. "I have a feeling you'll know somehow, minou."

Luka turns, and he goes back to fiddling with the damp towel on Juleka's brow, resoaking it in the bowl of cold water. He squeezed it, letting the excess drip out, before - "why do you care about him?" Chat's voice cracked.

There it is, Luka thinks, gently placing the cloth onto his sister's forehead with gentle pats. He glanced at Chat. The superhero's face was still red, his claws tight around the umbrella and his eyes desperately seeking answers. His ears, reflecting his inner turmoil, were pulled back and flattened slightly against his blond locks.

"Well," Luka started. He smiled. "That's easy to answer. Adrien's…"

Luka tipped his head, and he looked at Chat with honest eyes as he said, "lonely. I only know a little about his home situation, but from what I already know, that mansion is nothing more than a cage for him. His father's touch is icey, and leaves Adrien just wanting some of love."

Luka leaned in closer, and he murmured gently, "that love? I'm more than willing to give. If Adrien were here, standing here, with us…" His hand gently brushed over Chat's trembling claws holding the umbrella. "I would tell him this; it's okay."

Luka smiled as Chat's wide, starstruck eyes stared at him. The superhero's mask was damp with his tears, so Luka reached out and carefully brushed away the tears trickling down. "Go back to school, kitty. Mme. Mendeleiev has a test today, and I'm sure you don't want to miss your favorite subject."

The taller boy pulled back, and Chat nodded slowly, dazed and flushed.

"Make sure to give the umbrella back to Adrien, chaton." Luka waved, and teasingly, he pressed his lips to his own fingers before brushing them against Chat's lips.

The superhero squeaked, and nodded rapidly, before scrambling to the door. His hand paused before it twisted the handle, and he turned to face Luka. His eyes were wide and earnest as he said, "thank you."

Luka's smile grew wider. "For what?"

"For saying… that."

Luka laughed. "Those words were for Adrien, mon minou. But I'm sure he heard them somehow," he said, amused.

Chat's gaze was affectionate. "Bye, Luka." He turned slightly, and quietly, he said, "I, um… better get this to Adrien."

"Bye," Luka waved, and he watched fondly as the superhero leapt out, baton extending and jacket flapping in the rain as he leapt off of the boat and off into the horizon. Luka shook his head good-naturedly, his voice soft as murmured, "see you in class tomorrow."

XxXxXxXxXxX

Chat Noir leapt into the window of the boy's bathroom, and with a green flash later, Adrien Agreste carefully held his exhausted kwami in one hand before hurriedly digging out a tin of camembert and handing it to the weakened Plagg.

"Plagg?" Adrien whispered after a moment of munching sounds.

The kwami grunted.

"How likely do you think it is that Luka… knows?"

At this, Plagg looked at him wearily, and he sighed before gulping down a piece of cheese. "I'm not gonna lie, kid. I say very likely."

Adrien's eyes closed, and he resisted the urge to curl into himself.

"How did he figure it out?" Adrien whimpered, and he opened his eyes to stare at Plagg, who looked back with tired eyes as he slowly chewed on his snack. "I… I've been so careful."

"Kitten," Plagg started. "I think he knew from the start."

"Oh, gods." Adrien groaned, and he slid down the tiled wall and onto the floor. He clasped Plagg in his cupped hands and brought him closer to his chest. "I think you're right. I should have realized - he kept giving hints and clues. How oblivious am I?"

"Denser than a rock," Plagg grunted. Adrien ignored him.

Adrien tipped his head back, and horrifyingly, he felt like just curling into a ball and staying there until his mind shut down. He couldn't believe it; all this time, Luka had known - or at least had a good suspicion of who he was, and Adrien had practically confirmed it when he didn't even argue against Luka's class comments. Adrien felt like the biggest idiot in the world, in the moment.

"I have to do something," he murmured. "I… I don't even think I can speak to him, anymore. Not when he's gotten this close."

Plagg eyed his Chosen with something akin to a mix of irritation and affection. "Is that so?"

"Of course it's not!" Adrien blurted, and, to both his and Plagg's horror, his eyes were beginning to mist. "I… He… Plagg, I - I like him so much. You listened, right? What he said about me?"

Adrien curled into a tighter position, and he whispered, "he likes me. Me. Adrien, who doesn't know how to act like a normal teenager and has an iceberg for a father. Him and Marinette, I can't lose them."

"And you think staying away would help?"

"What choice do I have?" He furiously whispered. "I thought about this before, remember? I thought, maybe, it'd be okay, because Ladybug didn't say anything to stop me. But now Luka knows and what if Hawk Moth does something to him? What if Luka tells Marinette, and then they both get hurt? I'll never be able to live with myself if I caused them harm."

After a pause, Plagg sighed, and he looked at Adrien in slight annoyance, but his tone was soft as he said, "oh, kitten. You really are a dense fool."

"Plagg - "

"Do you really think your sudden bout of abandonment will help?" The kwami sneered. "Don't be selfish, Adrien. I'm not nearly as, ugh, wise as Tikki, but I sure as hell know the answer to this. Don't. Leave. Them."

"I don't want to leave them," Adrien said quietly.

"Then don't," Plagg relaxed, and he cleaned off the last of camembert from his whiskers. He flashed his sharp canines at Adrien with a grin. "Cats are possessive creatures, kitten. I suggest you keep your mates close at hand."

Adrien flushed, but his decision was made. He chuckled breathlessly, and said, "when'd you get so smart, Plagg? Last I remember, all you went on about was cheese."

"Someone's gotta look out for you," Plagg replied nonchalantly, but he was grinning and his tail was waving pleasantly. "Can't let a blind kitten run around on his own."

Adrien laughed, and he sighed before standing up.

"Well… I can't exactly defy a god, can I?" Adrien exasperated, his smile teasing as he gave Plagg just a little bit of extra cheese before sliding him into his pocket.

There was no reply, but the small vibrations of Plagg's purr was enough.

Even if Hawk Moth did capture Luka or Marinette, then at least Adrien would be able to somehow stop or track him down. Plagg was right - he was being selfish for wanting to stay away. Truthfully, he didn't, and by pulling them closer, he could only offer more of himself and his protection.

His prince and princess weren't going to get away from him so easily.

XxXxXxXxXxX

Marinette wanted to take this physics test and burn it to hell. She couldn't concentrate enough to balance this stupid equation - not only because she was bad at physics (it was really bad), but she kept glancing up to see the empty spot next to Adrien, and if she looked over her shoulder, she could see Rose's melancholy expression.

Marinette - she slammed her pencil down, having given up and just circled random answers - stared at the seat in front of her, almost to the point of not blinking. She bit her lip as she remembered what Rose had told her after Marinette had pestered her a bit; Juleka had fallen sick, and Luka decided to stay behind to take care of her since their mother couldn't be away from work.

Two things came to her mind when she heard that; first was aw. Aw because Luka had been so sweet, missing this test (which was hell) because he wanted to care for his sister. The other thought was aw! Not only was Juleka sick - she reminded herself to bake some cookies for the poor girl later - but it meant Luka wasn't here today. She had been hoping to see him, especially after what happened with Chat.

Marinette was so eager to start a relationship, but it couldn't be just with her silly kitty. They were only two-thirds full that way.

And she had hoped to have a good talk with Luka, somehow coerce Chat into coming by her place again, and finally, finally, they'd all get everything cleared up and - she resisted the urge to squeal - maybe even go on a date.

Not truly paying attention to her surroundings, her eyes slid to Adrien, and at his hunched shoulders. He had looked especially tense when he had come into class ten minutes late. After blurting out that he had to go to the bathroom, he had sprinted out into the classroom and didn't return until almost forty-five minutes later. Looking at him, with his tense posture and the constant sound of his lead breaking from pressing too hard onto the paper, it was obvious he wasn't paying much attention to the test, either.

Twenty minutes later, the test was over, and as Marinette was returning to her seat from turning in her paper, she made a split second decision and slid onto the bench next to Adrien. He jumped at the sight of her, and she made sure to make her smile kind and warm. After all, it seemed like lately Adrien was somewhat jumpy around her. She didn't want to scare him.

"That test was hard," Marinette started. "Do you think you did okay?"

"I, uh," Adrien said, his face going steadily more pink as the seconds passed. "Y… Yes? I, um, I-I like physics."

"Really?" Marinette smiled, because she knew that, but he certainly didn't need to find about her once-crush on him. Oh, maybe it wasn't completely gone, because he was certainly still very handsome and as kind as ever, but she liked to think Luka and Chat were more than good-looking as well. "You seemed stressed."

His ears turned red. "You were watching me?"

At that, Marinette's own nose went a little pink. Okay, so saying it like that made it seem like she was checking him out or creeping on him, which wasn't her intention at all. "Your lead kept breaking from too much pressure. Adrien, are you okay?"

His eyes widened, the green sparkling with something she couldn't quite name as his mouth fell open a little. Then, his expression softened, and a half-smile appeared on his face. His cheeks were dusted a pale rose, his posture finally relaxed as he said, "absolutely."

She stared, more than a little confused, but the constant frown on his face was gone. "Okay?"

Marinette stood, her hands on the top of the table, ready to return to her own seat - but before she could leave, there was a sudden slamming noise as a small, red box thudded right between her hands. She blinked, stunned, before slowly lifting her gaze to see Chloe standing before her, arms crossed and eyes almost refusing to meet her own.

"Your…" Chloe's cheeks went a light pink, and she turned her head to the side, voice embarrassed as she managed to murmur out the rest of her sentence. "Thank you. For the honey pastries. They were… good."

There were light gasps around the room, as everyone had by now gathered around to see what was happening. The fact that Chloe said thank you, and to Marinette of all people, was shell-shocking.

Marinette blinked rapidly, and almost numbly, she lifted the box before slowly uncovering it and gasping softly at what she saw. The most perfect mini macarons were arranged in a circle inside, each one with a different color and pattern. She looked back at up Chloe. "They're… beautiful."

Chloe's embarrassment was furthered at this, her cheeks blooming darker red as she muttered, "I ordered them from the most expensive bakery in France."

"Chloe," Marinette breathed, clenching the box so tightly, she was afraid of squishing it. She blinked, because yes, Chloe had been acting moretame lately, and she did come in to the bakery a few days ago to order a large amount of honey pastries, but she wasn't expecting this. This Chloe was more… kind. Appreciative.

"Thank you," she said earnestly.

Chloe blushed even more, and she refused to meet her gaze, but quietly, she said, "you're welcome, Marinette."

With a haughty flip of her hair, the blond walked out of the classroom without another word, Sabrina scrambling after her.

There was a moment of silence before Nino said, "whoa."

"That about sums it up," Alya immediately jumped in. She looked slightly dazed as she collapsed next to Marinette, her arms swinging over the bluenette's shoulders. Alya blinked down at the macarons, and said, "you gonna try one?"

"Hm?" Marinette turned her attention to the mini macarons, and she picked one up. It was visibly perfect - no cracks on the shells, both were the exact same size, and was colored a light pink. She popped it into her mouth, and the flavor of strawberries filled her. Maybe it was a little dumb, but she felt a little emotional at that. Sniffing, she picked another one and ate it, the texture perfect and the buttercream filling creamy with the most fresh strawberry flavor.

"Why is she crying?" Adrien cried out, alarm clear in his voice as he fluttered over Marinette anxiously. Most of their classmates were the same, squawking and begging for her to not cry.

"Marinette?" Alya asked gently, probing her best friend softly in the side.

Marinette shook her head, and her voice was slightly muffled as she murmured, "strawberry."

Understanding filled Alya's expression, and she groaned, rubbing her temples. "Damn that girl - guess I have to admit that she has a heart after all."

"What? Why?" Adrien asked, his eyes wide and frantic as he practically flailed his arms in both confusion and panic. He was patting Marinette's shoulder, but she suspected it was more to comfort himself rather than her.

Alya grumbled, and she sighed, "remember during the first day of school, and we had to say what our favorite thing was? Marinette said strawberries were her favorite fruit."

There were exclaims throughout the room - 'aw's were heard, along with 'what?'s and 'dude's.

"She was listening," Alya muttered. "And actually remembered. Damn. Mari, you okay?"

Marinette nodded, and she gave one last little sniff before smiling brightly. They all gave a collective sigh of relief at that - watching sweet Marinette react in what they thought was negative had been almost emergency worthy.

"Guess even she can grow up," Alya mused, and inwardly, Marinette agreed.

(Secretly, she was so grateful that Chloe had matured like this - she wasn't sure it'd mean their arguments were completely over, but at least they would definitely dwindle down.)

Marinette tucked the little box into her purse, holding back her laugh when she felt Tikki wiggle excitedly while opening the lid.

The rest of the day passed by like a blur, mostly because Marinette's brain could only juggle so many things at once - Chloe, Luka, Chat, Adrien, and Juleka rotated through her thoughts on an hourly basis. By the time she finished what felt like her millionth doodle on her tablet, the final bell rang, and the classroom was filled with chatter as they all packed up, ready to head home.

"Don't forget about Sunday," Alya warned teasingly as she finished zipping up her bookbag, swinging it over her shoulders.

"Of course!" Marinette smiled, and her voice was just as teasing as she said, "can't miss out on you stalking Nino's Instagram, now can I?"

Alya went red, and she hissed, pinching Marinette lightly on the arm as a retaliation. The best friends shared a laugh, only to stop when Alya pulled out her phone because of a familiar ding. She made a face at the screen before typing rapidly, and she sighed, "Maman's called to work late. Have to go take care of the brats," but her voice was only mockingly irritated as she said it.

"Good luck," Marinette grinned, and the two hugged briefly. "Tell them hi for me."

"See you!" Alya tossed over her shoulder, waving bye before darting out quickly and sprinting outside without even so much as a jacket. Marinette shook her head - she was going to get a cold sooner or later, and when she did, Marinette was going to rub it in her face.

She was much slower at leaving; she wandered out of the classroom and down the stairs, wondering if maybe she should bake Juleka's cookies that night or the next morning, but she paused when she saw a familiar head of blond locks waiting right outside of the doors.

Marinette tipped her head to the side in confusion, and she slipped outside silently.

The rain was almost calm at the moment. It was still quite a lot, but not a raging storm like it had been a few days ago. Marinette inwardly huffed at the idea of having to get soaked again just to get home.

Suddenly, there was a soft noise, and Marinette jumped slightly as a black umbrella was presented to her. The scene was achingly familiar - her heart leapt at the gesture, and in that moment, she was reminded why she had been so infatuated with Adrien in the first place. His kindness, his selflessness; it had drawn her in like a moth to a flame, and maybe if this had taken place a few weeks ago, Marinette would have fallen into that same flame just like before. But at that moment, other than a soft blush on her cheeks, she couldn't say her feelings of mellowness has changed.

Marinette stared at the black umbrella to the boy hiding behind it, his ears bright red and his eyes shyly looking away as he shook it slightly, presenting her with it. She laughed softly and shook her head. "It's okay. I'll get home quick."

"You might get sick," he muttered, and one green eye peeked at her. "I, um… I really don't want that to happen."

Her heart was touched at the sentence, and she said fondly, "thank you, Adrien. But I really don't need it."

Adrien's face fell, disappointment obvious as his lips tugged down slightly into a frown and his brows furrowed. Marinette only smiled apologetically before stepping out into the rain, the cold splatters of rain starting to leave dark spots on her clothes. "I'll see you tomorrow!"

"Yeah," he replied, and his hand was raised up in a single wave.

She waved back enthusiastically and she turned, ready to sprint home, only to pause. A sudden spike of confusion rose within her, and she whirled around. "When did you get your umbrella back from Luka?"

He blinked, and he flailed, sputtering, "u-uh, yester… yesterday! Yup! Um…"

Marinette's brows furrowed. That didn't seem right, Adrien had come in this morning slightly damp and with the biggest scowl on his face, hand empty of an umbrella. Was Adrien… lying? But why?

An idea suddenly popped into her head, and all thoughts of Adrien flew out of her head. She vaguely remembered herself shouting another goodbye as she ran off into the rain, her mind racing quickly.

"Where are we going, Marinette?" Tikki asked, just barely letting her head out of the purse as they ran past the bakery.

"I have an idea," Marinette started, eyes darting around quickly for the right place. "Since Adrien has his umbrella back, that means Luka doesn't have one anymore. And, and I know Juleka broke his, since she walked out without one, so… I don't want him to get sick. I'm thinking - "

Marinette broke herself off as she skidded to a stop in front of a store. She grinned and darted in.

Five minutes later, she was outside once more, the bag in her hand a slight weight and shielded with tissue paper from the rain.

Marinette ducked into an alley, and Tikki flew out. The kwami shook her head with fondness and said, "you certainly are clever, bug."

Marinette's smile grew wider.

"Tikki, spots on!"

XxXxXxXxXxX

Luka wasn't smiling when he came home, hair plastered to his skin due to the rain and his shirt clinging to every inch of his body. He sighed, annoyed, just barely stopping himself from slamming the door and disturbing his still resting sister.

The boy tossed off his soaked shirt and pulled on a simple black sweater, one that said rock on on the front in big white letters.

He readied himself for another round of waking Juleka up and trying to get her to eat something - since she had refused to even try to soup he made last time, he went out and bought some ingredients for porridge. He was worried about the state of her stomach, and was determined to at least stuff a few spoonfuls into her mouth before she took her next round of medicine.

He rolled up his sleeves, ready to start chopping up the onions, only to stop as a light thud was heard above him.

Luka blinked - surely that silly kitty didn't come back? He was so sweet, and Luka truly did adore him, but all of that rain couldn't possibly be good for him.

So Luka bolted to the window, opening it before sticking his head out to call, "Chat Noir, please don't tell me you - "

"I didn't know you were expecting a cat," was instead the reply Luka got. And that voice definitely didn't belong to Chat.

Luka watched, a little stunned, as Ladybug slid down on her yo-yo string upside down, a grin on her face and her pigtails hanging in the air. She shook a plain, white bag that she held in one hand, and presented it to him. Her cheeks were a light pink as she said, "I, um, heard from a little bird that you didn't have an umbrella, so…"

His own face starting to flush, Luka took the bag with a quiet thank you.

"I don't usually get presents from superheroes," he said.

"Well, count on this one to get you some," she grinned.

A smile of his own began to unfurl. "I'd be worried about the competition, Ladybug. A certain cat of yours tends to visit me, too."

She winked, and her cheeks were red as she said, "who said anything about competition?" She leaned in closer and whispered, "I like to share."

Luka almost crushed the bag to his chest, properly flustered as Ladybug giggled, her bluebelle eyes twinkling before she blew him a kiss and swung off, her laughter still echoing through the rain.

After a moment of quiet, he muttered, "they're too cute."

Luka shook his head, smiling, and he climbed back inside. He shook the bag with curiosity, wondering what she had gotten him - and why she thought he needed a gift.

He peered in, past the red tissue paper, and couldn't help the sudden bark of laughter that left his lips.

It was a red umbrella with black spots.

XxXxXxXxXxX

AO3 and tumblr. Yup. Find me there at redyarns.