Paris was so calm on this cool late fall night that it felt almost otherworldly.
Viperions body glided across the night sky as a light mist sprinkled overhead along his shoulders as the recent rains were shifting away. The crisp air cut along his cheeks as he descended downward. His heart was heavy, that it made his body feel like a ball and chain weighed his feet down. He stumbled a bit as he landed along a building and fell against the rooftop, rolling on his side. Viperion cursed to himself as his fist pushed him back up to his feet as he leered off in the distance and stared up along the Eiffel Tower that shadowed over him like a devil on his shoulder. His red eyes looked away as he felt the trembling feeling of all of Paris was staring him down. The feeling of all of Paris reeking with disappointment shook at his core. He dusted his body off as he grinded his teeth. "I'm the worst superhero, Paris deserves someone better to watch over their beloved city." Viperion huffed as he glanced at his Miraculous. His fingers felt the metal material as he had the urge to remove the Miraculous from his wrist. He didn't feel worthy of this Miraculous. He made so many mistakes this year, he didn't feel fit to lead his team.
What team? His voice echoed. With Monarch being off radar for almost a year, RubyBug comes and goes, it's been almost three months since he last saw her on patrol. And Chat Noir. Viperion frowned as his hands pressed on the outer edge of the roof top and leaned his weight onto his arms. The scream echoed his skull. Viperion's knees buckled as he grinded his fangs together. His heart rapidly pumped in his chest. The sound of cement cracking echoed on the rooftop from Viperion thrusting his fist into the ledge. His demon crimson eyes glowed from the full moon's light. Chat relinquished his Miraculous after that day. Viperion looked toward the Seine though Liberty was out of sight, his mom came to his thoughts. Luka's civilian world crumbled and came to a stop when his mother passed away a month later from her long battle from kidney failure. His mom was gone and shortly his sister moved out of their boat home and all the responsibility to keep their childhood home a float was on him now. He wasn't mad at Jules for moving, it just was a lot for him to deal with.
Luka often wondered if being home schooled was the best idea after all these years. That was one thing he was jealous over his sister. His sister made lots of friends in school while he wanted to be homeschooled so he could spend as much free time doing music. Luka felt more and more alone with each passing day.
"I don't know what to do, Master…" Viperion whispered as he looked to the sky above as tears filled bottom lashes. "I'm so lost. I feel I have nobody to turn to. I don't know what to do next."
Viperion blinked as a gongs sound vibrated the air. His heart jumped to his throat as he quickly looked down. A tad of disappointment shifted over him when he only realized it was André the ice cream vendor and not Fu. He didn't know why he had that hope it was him. Master Fu was gone. "Another successful love story made!" André sung with joy to a couple by his cart. "Your scoops predict a forever joy you will not want to trade. My last customers be sure to have a lovely night! Now I must get home to my pillow for my dreams to take flight.
Viperion breathed the cold air slowly as he leaned down on the edge. The changing of seasons was one of Lukas favorite times; mainly fall. Rain and cold, falling leaves. He stared along at the couple as they walked on their way as a tickle of envy scratched his neck. Fall was one of the most romantic times of the year, next to winter. André was going to soon close up until next season. Luka often wondered what the ice cream vendor did during winter. He doesn't have his own shop, so it was a big mystery.
André began to pack up his supplies along his cart as Viperion noticed some teenagers skating toward André. Viperion stared along them as it was pretty late for kids to be out and about. They then started circling the man in his cart. "We want ice cream old man." One yelled as he stopped in front of the carts cooler and pushed on it. André stopped and glared holding the cooler from the shaking motion. "I am sorry but I am closed until tomorrow. I hope I did not bring you and your friend any sorrow. After all it is getting rather late and I must get home and put food on my plate."
He glared as the other kid took their bat and stuck it into André's bike wheel as he tried to ride off. Viperion stood up straight as his body tensed up. "We want ice cream, now, or we will force it out of ya."
"Don't you know André's ice cream is famous for spreading love and joy and showing ones true feelings for another. Unless you kids are a couple. I suggest you leave." Viperion remarked as he landed into view with total silence. The boys jumped. "W-we were only joking. Sheesh, over reaction from a canceled hero." One boy remarked as he took his bat out of the bike. "Must be bored not having a villain to fight to go after kids pulling pranks." The other remarked as they took off on their boards. Viperion clenched his fist as he snarled under his breath.
"Oh thank you so much Viperion. I did not know what danger I had stumbled upon. Let me give an ice cream to predict your future. I can sense just by looking, it will be one grand adventure." He sang as he hopped off his bike and bent over his cooler box. Viperion went to protest but the ice cream man was insistent. "Flavors as these are creativity indeed. A match made in heaven, this one will surely succeed. Your meeting is one that will be a surprise. Sweet as can be with blueberry scoop eyes. She wears perfume of coconut and mint. But things won't be easy, there will be conflict. A cookie is the best I can give. It's a hint to where she possibly may live. An interesting pair of a snake and a mouse but I insist, this ice cream indeed is on the house." He spoke as he handed the odd flavor combination cup to him. Viperion chuckled awkwardly, taking it into his hands. "Um, I don't have a girlfriend. Frankly, I don't much care for one at this time." He lied and stared confused. "M-mouse?"
André smiled. "The ice cream never lies. And now we must say our goodbyes. But here is a small gift that is fun, please give this to your little one." He handed a gummy worm to Viperion.
Viperion landed along Liberty. The tiniest of water droplets trickled on the dorsal side of his hands as he leaned over the outer wall of the boat peering over the Seine. He gripped the railing hard, a vein popping and knuckles cracking. He peered along the ice cream in his hand as it began to slowly melt. The smell of the sea water danced into his nose as a light mist of rain fell over head and bounced on his scale covered shoulders that shook slightly. The buildings of the city were dark with some lights gleaming in the distance. Blueberry ice cream, mint chip with coconut shavings on top and a pink macaron cookie with black filling shoved in the side of the scoop. People talk highly of André but this is very weird. If this is true, this girl may be the oddest person in all of Paris. Viperion stared down along the gummy worm in his hand. It was Sass's favorite. He smiled softly but his eyes were glazed over when he thought of what he did to his little Kwami. He was just trying to help. Viperion sighed and looked around. The city was so at peace and it still disturbed him.
"Sass scales rest." The bright electric beam scrolled across his body as it shifted from his armored attire to his civilian form. He opened his eyes and blinked a bit as his hair tussled from the shift in magic and he looked over at his floating friend. Sass floated there crossing his arms. Luka sat in a near by fold out chair. "I'm sorry…"
He handed Sass the gummy worm. Sass continued to stare disappointed but sighed as he took the treat from him and sat on his shoulder. "I'm the worst, I know. I panicked. I was starting to get overwhelmed."
Sass sat there in silence as they both ate their treats.
"Mint chip?" Sass asked.
"Yea, actually my favorite. But I guess André predicts my future love will smell of mint." Luka chuckled. "Yea sure."
"Don't believe in fate?"
"No, I do, I just, I," Luka huffed. "I'm just not ready for a relationship, my last ex, you remember, lied and would never tell me the truth. And I hate people that lie. I just can't trust anyone anymore."
"I remember. But do remember, you lie about being Viperion all the time. You should have faith in others. Not saying this about her, she was, well…"
"A lying bitch," Luka huffed through a smile. Sass looked at Luka with a disapproving look. He would never use that language. His expression made Luka laugh. A much needed laugh.
"Well whoever my ice cream soulmate is, she is a bundle of bipolar flavors." Luka chuckled as he licked the spoon. Maybe that's what he needed. Something unpredictable and different.
All was silent once more as they finished their treats. Sass looked to Luka as he stared along the ground, leaning on his knees. "We should still talk." he said. Luka nodded.
"Can we talk after my shift tomorrow? I should try and get some rest before my morning jog." He wanted to avoid the subjects at all costs.
"Take all the time you need, but you should probably put some clothes on first."
Luka looked down and chuckled; he was only in his boxers from when he woke up.
Tip Toes by Half Alive played in Luka's ear buds.
"...The feeling is creeping in slow
It's feeding my need to be known
And giving me nothing back
Heart attack, so now I'm on my (Hey, woo)
Heart attack, so now I'm on my (Hey, woo)
Heart attack, so now I'm on my
Tip toes trying to see past my ego
Reaching for something more than this feeling
Of being important
Leaving my heart behind is bleeding
But still my pride is screaming
My future will listen to me
Listen to me, listen to me…"
Luka panted deeply as he jogged along the sidewalk stretch taking each word in with every one of his sharp inhales. He felt he disappeared into the song as he paced around the corner of the street. The line of his ear bugs bounced against his chest with each strut of his legs. The air was a tad cold but Luka couldn't feel it against his legs. His eyes moved downward as he noticed figures dashing toward him. Two ladies about his age jogging their own route toward him. He kept his eyes glued down as they jogged past. The girls watched him as their paths crossed. The girls giggled to each other. Luka faintly heard between the music and the outside world the girls yelled his way; something about his nicely shaped ass or whatever. He continued to run as he shook his head in his mind as he rolled his eyes with a small smirk at the corner. Thirsty girls weren't his thing but at least that gave him a kick in his confidence. He has his moments with some girls that hit on him at work. Good distractions. Nothing really meaningful.
He stepped up his stride as he continued on his route. His hair danced into his face a bit as the back of his hair fanned his neck as it was tied slightly back a bit in a tiny loose ponytail. His hair had grown out a lot in the last year. He just didn't feel much like cutting it down. He kind of liked it a bit longer than he had it for a few years. He saw a glimpse of a strand at the blue as it was starting to fade from the tips. He will have to pick up another box here and redo it soon. Luka held his chest a bit as he eased the slight pain forming in his lungs as his pace began to slow. The buildings hung overhead and the lights passed and blurred in his sight. He tried shaking the feeling of being watched as the windows swiped pass.
"...I'm on my tip toes trying to see past my ego
Reaching for something more than this feeling
Of being important
Leaving my heart behind is bleeding
But still my pride is screaming
My future will listen to me, listen to me
Listen to me
Listen to me
Listen to me
Listen to me
Listen to me
Listen to me
Listen to me
Listen to me
(Hey, hey, hey, hey!)..."
The music fades as Luka pulls his earbud out as he comes to a halt. He tossed his head back and his hands grip his side, taking in the cool air. His lungs burned with each breath. He inhaled sharply through his nose and the sweet scent of freshly baked goods entered. He groaned at the sweet smell as he continued to pant to himself. Damn. He thought. His eyes looked over at the baker nearby that he had gone in only a couple times. Smoke escaped from an overhead wood burning oven chimney. His eyes followed the smoke to the sky and noticed a balcony at the top of the building. He couldn't see much from his angle but could see big lanterns decorating the area above. Luka jumped at the sound of a horn to his left. He didn't realize he had stumbled into the road and was blocking a car's way. He cringed his lips awkwardly as he held his hand up apologizing as he quickly jogged across the way and up to the building.
A sigh escaped his lips as he laid his palm on the building's glass window. His eyes wandered along the business sign overhead. He had picked up deliveries for customers but he had never tried any of their stuff. His black nail polished fingertips pressed along the window looking at the decadent baked goods in the display holders and baskets. For how many times he had been in here getting pick up orders, he had never tried any of their pastries. Everything looked really nice and each seemed to be made with such care. He made note that the place did appear a bit different then he remembered. He headed toward the front of the building as he stared along the banner that hung over the door. "Welcome home." he breathed heavily. "Wonder who is returning back." he questioned as started to put his ear bud back into his ear as fingertips pressed against the logo along the door. Simple but unique. He blinked as he had put a bit too much pressure on the door and it slightly shifted forward and the overhead bell chimed. He didn't expect the door to be unlocked at this hour. A huge man stood by the main counter in the bakery and he waved him inside after he noticed Luka standing there. Luka chuckled and shook his head as he held his hands up surrendering. Luka felt bad for the man as he continued to gesture at him inside. With a sigh he looked up the road. He could just keep on his route but. He looked at the door knob and grumbled.
The door chime rang again as he entered the bake shop. It was so small but they used as much of the space as possible to display all their baked goods. Luka peered around the room. Cinnamon rolls, croissants, tarts, baguettes, pretzels and some items he didn't know the names of. The scent of yeast and sugar drifted into his nose and danced around the room. Luka looked back at the very tall and built baker that stood before him. "Bonjour!" He spoke with such energy. "Perfect timing! I need someone to try a bake good I whipped up and I don't see many people up at 5am. It was fate our paths to cross!"
Luka forced a smile. "Y-yea just out for a run, is all. I didn't know the door was unlocked. I'm sorry. I wasn't intending on buying anything."
"Nonsense! You are so tiny, you need some freshly baked goods and you've come to the right place. Please try this." He expressed as he held a tray in his digits. It looked like a tray to Luka but in the mans grasp it looked like a sample plate. "Please, I insist."
Luka sighed and smiled as he walked over taking the tiny pink macaron from the tray and popping it into his mouth. So sweet with a bit of a chewy texture. It had a slight hint of almond but tasted like chocolate coffee. "That's really good." He chuckled as the sweet taste tingled his jaw forcing him to smile. "Makes me want a cup of coffee."
"Excellent. I used fresh espresso from my new coffee machine. I hope my daughter will love these. She will be landing back in Paris at 8am today. I wanted to surprise her with a new treat made specifically for her!"
"Oh, that's nice." Luka expressed, the feeling of awkwardness crept over his skin. He didn't know how to respond to this interaction. "I saw the Welcome Home sign outside."
"Oh yes, I just put that up about an hour ago. Going to get a hundred balloons and streamers up as soon as my wife gets up." He smiled through his mustache as he shoved the tray toward Luka again to try another.
"So. Why mini macaroons?" Luka questioned as he took one with no hesitation.
"Oh, I wanted to make something that reflects her, my darling daughter is the tiniest thing you will ever see. She is also the cutest." he chuckled with a wink. "You seem like a sweet gentleman. You should meet her! She loves coffee and chocolate and my macarons and she adores fashion." He expressed. Luka smiled awkwardly as he backed up a bit. This guy was trying to hook his daughter up with a total stranger. That was so odd. "I went all out. Just for my little girl. You should come by the Welcome Home Party tonight. All my customers are welcomed!" Tom preached as he held a pictured frame up of him, what Luka guessed was an old picture of the family; his wife and a little girl that the man held in his hands blowing out candles to a big cake. Luka smiled.
"Well, I'm flattered but I have to work tonight. I'm sorry but thank you. These macarons are really good. Maybe pair it with a hint of hazelnut or maybe…" his memory imagined the ice cream he had a few hours ago. Luka chuckled at the funny thought. "Mint?" he suggested as he popped the small treat in his mouth.
"Oh! What a beautiful idea! You have a spark of creativity don't you! Just like my daughter! You should be a baker! I can teach you a few things!"
"I'm g-good, but thank you sir. I really should get back to my run, thank you for the treat." He spoke as he went to quickly turn. He stopped and then looked back to the man. "Can I take one more for a friend?" He asked.
"Name is Tom and of course you can." Tom smiled more and tossed a couple macarons into a tiny paper bag. "Please stop by anytime during your jog. This was a nice chat!"
"Hope your little celebration for your little girl goes amazingly." Luka waved as he made his exit. He stopped, staring down at the pink macaron. "H-hey if your daughter loves coffee and is older enough, she should visit the new shop on 18th Street. It's a coffee bar. Just opened three months ago. It's called Brew Tunes. I play music most nights. They got really good coffee."
Tom smiled softly and nodded. "I'll let her know. Thank you."
Luka sighed as the door shut pressing against his spine as he looked down at the bag of treats. That was probably the most human interaction he has had with a stranger in a while outside of work. He had a sinking pit feeling in his stomach as he wasn't used to being social anymore. It seemed like he was getting worse and worse around people and he didn't understand why. It upset him so much that he has changed so much in the last year. It almost felt like his skin was crawling. He was a different person. He used to be so social and now he felt so awkward around others. He reached into his backpack and smiled down at the sleeping snake. He hoped Sass would enjoy coffee flavored macarons, if not more for him. He reached, placing the ear buds back into his ears.
Problems by Weathers played and he continued on his jog.