The female squeaked like a mouse as her face flushed pink from the sudden touch on her spine. His emotions dropped as he studied her face as their gaze connected. Her blue eyes cut through his soul like a hot knife through butter, they were surrounded by luscious lashes that fluttered softly and dark eyeliner and shadow makeup lined her lids. Her lids had almost a red hue on top of the black at certain angles. Her lips match her goth appearance; crimson black but had hints of glitter embedded. Her blueish black hair was pulled up in two high buns with red ribbons poking out like whiskers almost. He faintly imagined hearing what sounded like dew drops hitting along a piano in the middle of a misty covered forest. His heart skipped in his chest. Shes really cute. He thought. Reality sunk in. He realized he was touching a stranger's back. A girl stranger's back. He surrendered his hands away, as if he touched a rare gem artifact without permission. She gasped not expecting his grip to leave the box. All the weight being shifted back onto her unready arms. She tousled the package a bit and lost her grip.
Quickly they both bent to catch the box but ended up colliding their heads together. The box and the female figure hit the ground. The sound of glass breaking and their groans echoed in the room. Luka rubbed his forehead. "I-Im sorry." He expressed as he stared down at her. He blushed at her tiny body as it was sprawled along the tile floor. She wore tight pink skinny jeans with scattered distressed rips and she wore a slightly larger black Jagged Stone t-shirt from his Hologram tour; the red lettering matched her red ribbons in her buns. Under the shirt she wore a super baggy long sleeve hoodie that was dark gray with thin red and pink lines. She was a fan of one of his favorite singers. She was rocking some clunky combats with dangle hearts and other charms on the laces; her boots made her body seem smaller. No wonder she lost her balance. She was shorter than him already. Wonder how short she was without her boots. She had one of her eyes closed as she rubbed her forehead. She pondered as to why she was cursed with being so clumsy. "I'm such a klutz…" she whined out loud. She looked up to Luka who was staring at her. Did she have something on her face?
He blinked and his hands twitched wondering what to do next. Should he help her up or has he done enough damage? He exhaled quickly and reached for her. "No, that was totally my bad." She stared up at his extended palm, she followed up to his face. This man is very attractive. She stared at his tall exposition with his loose long black locks, each strand fading to a faded blue. His eyes, so lonely but such a hypnotizing blue. His lips were thin and she stared along his studded black snake bite on his lower lip. She always wanted to get snake bites herself. He was very well built, but nothing over the top, she could make out a bit of his muscles along his arms through his long sleeve. Quickly her eyes averted away from his chest area as some was viewable through his loose v-neck long sleeve as he leaned forward. She bite her inner bottom lip as she noticed some chest hair. Quickly she looked to his hand once more; he rocked some black nail polish digits and some interesting jewelery. He had rings along a few of his fingers, some rubber bracelets with tour names along them; she recognized some of the tour names that Jagged Stone toured. It made her smile to know he liked one of her favorite singers. She noticed a leather clasp bracelet, it was embedded with a metal snake wrapping around the brown leather. The designer in her was intrigued by the snake design. Her lips curled up into a soft smile as she took his hand lightly.
A squeak escaped her lips once more as it didn't take much strength for him to get her up on her feet. She felt like gravity was gone as she was lifted off her feet. When her feet reconnected to the ground, she stumbled into his chest as her heart fell into her stomach. The smell of evergreen danced into hers and vanilla brown sugar into his. He blinked not realizing she was so light. She was so small compared to his body, he could smother her with his chest alone. He briefly imagined his body on top of hers but quickly shook those perverted thoughts away. "Getting friendly now with your savior, a little forward if you ask me~" His face simpered as a chuckle escaped his lips which she could hear vibrating in his chest. "I'm sorry! I-m" She was cut short as his fingers interlocked hers before she tripped over the dropped box. She blushed and stood up straight. Like a royal guard, her arms clung to her sides and her legs pinned straight, She was afraid to touch anything now. They looked at one another and then laughed. "I'm sorry, I'm so awkward." She replied with a hint of blush on her cheeks. She always found some way to ruin things. "I'm accident prone. Ever since I was yay-high." She gestured her hand to display the height.
"I don't think working in a glass perfume, glass arrangement and glass potted plant boutique is a smart idea then. Sounds like we have a bull in a china shop going on right now." He smirked as he leaned back onto the counter. He didn't know why but he felt awkward in his skin at this moment. He was trying to act cool and suave. He didn't understand why but he wanted to impress this girl. She didn't notice as she knelt down to the box, peeling the tape off to open it. "At least, I'm assuming you are the new girl, right? If not then this is truly an awkward encounter."
"Y-yea, first day, and already breaking stuff. I hope my boss doesn't get mad."
"My sister is understanding and Rose is too sweet to get angered by a few broken perfume bottles."
The smell of coconut mint trickled the air like pixie dust. Luka stood up straight as he observed her closely. She wears perfume of coconut and mint. No that had to be a coincidence.
She looked over the each perfume bottle inside and frowned that some were indeed were broken, she blinked and looked up at the man. "Your Julekas sister? I mean brother is Juleka. I mean-"
"Yes." He chuckled, knowing what she was trying to say. "Where is Rose and Jules?" He asked as he peered through the backroom doorway, pushing the beads to the side.
The girl picked each intact perfume bottle out of the box and placed it on the counter. "They both went down the street to pick up lunch."
Luka ooohed, he looked outside toward the parking lot. "Assuming that pink flamingo is yours out there." He smirked as he bent down, taking the box of broken products. Her eyes looked out to her bike, she just realized a black and blue motorcycle was parked next to it. Definitely his bike. Her blush never left her cheeks. The color looked good on her complexion. She was porcelain like a glass doll. Sass stared along their interaction. He noticed that the smile on Luka's face never left which caused him to smile. Luka noticed Sass. He made a face as the girl was right there wiping the bottles off. She examined each perfume bottle in her delicate fingers. A bluebell potted flower sat next to her on the counter. The bluebell hue mirrored her eye color. So blue, so striking. "Y-yea, guilty, I like the color pink, so my parents got me an obnoxious pink scooter. Why? You got a problem with pink?"
Luka shimmied over to his helmet. "Nah, nah, it suits you, I just prefer black or blue."
She giggled. "I can tell. I-I really like your hair colors." She pushed her hair tuff behind her ear, he noticed her black gauges. His stomach filled with butterflies. "Y-yea, I need to get the tips redone here s-soon." He said sheepishly as he grabbed his helmet. He pushed Sass down secretly. Sass bit him with his fangs. Luka winced but held his demeanor. "W-well, I better get back to the unpickling the perfume and some flowers." She stated. Luka raised a brow at her as he bit his inner lip trying to not laugh. "Unpickling?"
She stared and blinked a few times. "Unpacking! Did I really say that?!" She hid her face with her hands. "Gahhh."
"You're funny." Luka replied. "If Jules didn't say, I'm Luka."
"Luka, like this Luka." She asked as she reached, pulling the flier in her back pocket. "I hope you don't mind that I took one. I really love coffee and music, so I thought this place sounded perfect. I've been away from Paris for a while. A Lot has changed. It's nice."
Lukas' plastered smile never left. "Yea, I play Friday. Hope you can stop by." He whispered as he twiddled his thumbs as he stared, picking at the dirt under his nails. The corner of her mouth quirked up, she nodded. "Just this Friday, it just says Friday."
Standing straight he walked over as strolled around her. "Suppose to be. Got a deal I have to keep with my boss."
She stared confused. "I promised my boss I would talk to more people at the bar. As long as I do that, I will keep my Friday night spot."
"Don't like talking to people?"
"Nah. Not really." He looked over as she moved her eyes down away to the flier. His eyes soften. "I only like talking to super cute girls with blue eyes and black lipstick."
He side eyed her for her reaction. He watched as her pink cheeks flushed over to red. She started hiding her face behind the flier as she pretended to read. Her heart raced super fast. She was so quiet and shy, like a little mouse. His ears perked a bit as André came to mind once more. Was this her? Who was he to judge predictions, he does transform into a snake super hero thanks to a floating genie like snake creature. Luka half suppressed a laugh as he walked over and pulled the flier down.
"Soooo. Do I get to learn your name, little mouse?" He grinned. She pursed her lips as she scrunched her head into her neck as he was leaning really close. Really really close. Her ears heated up. If she was told steam was coming out, she would believe them. His evergreen cologne trickled into her nose once again. "I-I-I'm Mari-"
They both jumped as the chimes rang to the entrance. They both looked over and they didn't know but both their hearts sank. Her hot blush skin turned to cold white. Three figures strolled in. "So this is the shop. So tiny." Lila spoke as her fingers glided along the flowers on display. A blonde and a red head followed in tow. "These look cheap and fake."
"Shush Chloe." Lila called to the blonde, who followed with a 'whatever'. They made their way around the displays. "So this is your sister's store, I've never seen such a bright yet death looking store. Interesting esthetic. Very, unique." Lila stopped and observed a perfume bottle before putting it back down.
Luka glared along the group; corner of his eyes he noticed mouse pulled her hood up as she tittered back, playing with her sleeves. His eyebrows creased in confusion. Her heart beat fast as she tried to not be noticed. He knows them. Oh no. That's not good. Maybe his kindness was all an act. She thought. This would be her first time being fooled by niceness. She scooted a bit away from him.
"These toxic fumes make me want to puke." Chloe commented. She winced as Lila kicked her ankle. With a roll of her eyes, she peered around the room and then squinted her eyes at Mouse trying to look the hiding girl's face over. The girls approached closer as Lilas eyes never left Luka. "Came to pass on the event information." She grinned, handing over a copy of an invite to the bat mitzvah. "I'm super excited to hear you play again. It's been way too long." Lukas face dropped as he huffed, snatching the paper. "Could have just called to pass info over. Like I said earlier."
"Well, I was on my way to the Grande Theatre. We got invited to a play. I know the lead ballerina at the Opera House. She and I are really close friends, saved her cat from a burning car."
"Sure Lila," He said annoyed. "Such a grande and blessed life you have. Totally jealous, and it's not like the Grande Theatre is in the opposite direction."
"We had to stop and get Sebrina." She giggled. "Also wanting to get chai latte before hand. There this coffee bar I go to every morning, you should totally try them. Brew Tunes. You'd like it there, they play lots of music."
Luka tried to hide his expression from showing any fear or panic. She goes to his work? She's bound to find out about him working and playing there. Knowing her she already knows and is trying to fish info out of me. He nodded. "Been in there." He didn't lie.
"I miss listening to you play for me. Our time together was very calm, so you didn't get to experience much of my super exciting life. If you want to, I'm sure we can bring you to the play. Need to stop and get you a decent outfit." He didn't understand why she still would spit these lies at him, she knows he doesn't believe her. Probably to keep an image around others. Mouse pulled her hood to the side, she wanted to see Lukas expressions. Was he happy to see her or not? She couldn't tell from her view. Her stomach felt like it was full of mud. With the way they were talking about their past together. They sound like they were really close. Mouse glanced up and flinched as Chloe's eyes were staring her down. Her eyes widened.
Suddenly Chloe pushed Lila to the side and glared. "Dupain-chang! That is you! What are you doing back in Paris!" Her raspy high pitch voice screamed like a banshee. Luka stared confused until he looked to mouse as she was turning away. Lilas eyes darted over as she didn't notice her there. An old flame of hatred resparked in her stomach. She rubbed her thumb and index fingers together as she leaned her weight onto one foot as her eyes now stayed glued on Mouse. So, she's back after all this time. This should be fun. The game can begin. "Why is a baker's daughter working in a floral shop? That's just silly." Lila giggled. "Fashion didn't work out in New York hun?" Lila asked.
Lila was grinning ear to ear at the excitement that ran through her veins.
Mouse kept quiet as she reached, placing the box of broken pieces on the counter. She was trying to ignore them. "Don't be ashamed, not everyone can accomplish their dreams like myself. How about you come work for me as my assistant. I bet I can convince Adrien to feature a design of yours in his upcoming line. Since his dad's passing. He is looking for designers. Then again, you two do have a rocky history. So it might not be the best idea."
Lukas expressions shifted and Mouse looked up to the mean girls with a flash of sad eyes. His dad passed away? They both thought.
"I don't think Adrien wants to show off toilet paper clothing to the whole fashion industry." Chloe cackled.
Mouse glared at them. "If you aren't here to buy anything, you and your rat nest you call hair can leave." She spat as anger boiled her blood stream. Luka stared between the group and mouse. Chloe grew red with rage as she approached the counter, placing her hands on the counter. "You're just mad because my mother thought your designs were utterly ridiculous and she kicked you out of her internship program. Don't even know why you showed your face back here. Once a baker always a baker." Mouse glared and then winced as she reached in the box. She yelped and pulled her hand out as her finger was now bleeding. Chloe laughed. "Class kultz, you haven't changed, one bit." Luka glared as he walked to the front of the counter, slamming his hand in front of Chloe's and used his arm as a sort of wall to block her from Mouse. "Since I got the information, you no longer have a reason to be here. So you can leave now." Luka growled firmly as he leaned into Chloe's space. Mouse held her hand but looked up from the thunder in throat. Chloe glared up at him as she went to argue about her father hearing about this but was pulled away by Lila.
"Sabrina, get Chloe some water, and take her outside, I think these fumes are making her not think straight. I'm so sorry. We will make our leave now." Lila looked at Mouse. "Hope we see each other soon and catch up. Like old times." She turned sharply and they made their leave.
Luka inhaled sharply and then turned and quickly reached under the desk. "Come here." He said as he took her wrist. She winced as his grip was a tad rough but she could tell it was a very concerned touch. He pulled her hand under the sink next to the counter and turned the faucet on. He rinsed her finger off and then wrapped a paper towel around it. Her eyes watched his every move. He is really sweet. She started to have her doubts on him there for a moment because he knew of Lila but with his reaction, he probably felt the same way about her that she felt toward her. He reached into the first aid kid and pulled hydrogen peroxide and a bandaid. He dabbed the cut softly. Her eyes never left his firm expression. She looked down at her finger as he gently placed the bandaid on it. "That better Mouse?" He asked as he tossed the scraps into the bin.
"Marinette." She whispered as she stared at her hand being held in his. His heart skipped. He looked at her. "Huh?"
"My name. It's Marinette. I didn't get to tell you earlier." She softly smiled as their blue eyes locked as she turned, placing her palm on his. Marinette…Marinette. A beautiful name to a melody. Her heart ached a tad as a tingle of fear trickled at her finger tips. She still held her doubts toward him but that was her deal to mess with. She had hurt too many times before. She feared to make friends. She only had one in all of Paris and even their relationship was rocky at times. "I'm such a mess."
You're perfect as you are. He thought. He opened his mouth to resight his thoughts.
They both again jumped as the bell chimes went off as Juleka and Rose entered with plastic bags of food. "We got the food!" Rose yelled. Luka and Marinette looked down at their hands as they were still holding onto each other's. They pulled away quickly as they avoided looking at one another. Rose stared at the two. Julekas muttered wondering if they missed something.
Luka groaned as he threw his slightly damped body onto his soft bed. After the day he had, it felt like a large marshmallow; he never wanted to leave its soft lusciousness plush ever again. However after taking a hot shower, his muscles still throbbed. Deliveries, drink making, food prepping, cleaning, dealing with demanding customers and old headaches. His day was rough but if he was honest with himself. He felt a lot better today than he had in a long time. "Eventful day, wouldn't you say." Sass said as he floated on his back, his leg propped on his knee and his arms behind his head. Luka sighed. "Very tiring day, yes."
"Made a friend today, that's exciting." The snake smirked.
Luka rolled over onto his bare chest and smooshed his face into his pillow as he closed his eyes whisper 'yea' into it. Blue eyes flashed in his memory. His eyes peered over the pillow surface staring along the fabric particles as his mind took his emotions in. Emotions he had not felt in a long time. He had not met someone in a long time that he yearned to see again. She had such an interesting melody. He wanted to hear it some more. A yawn escaped his lips as his eyes fluttered shut and soon slumber took over him.
Luscious greenery covered the field as a faint misty rain fell over head. A breeze trickled through as the tall blades danced and shook the showers off. Luka laid along the wet ground as a tune chimed in the distance. He sat upright and as he looked upon a lake before him. The water rippled as he looked ahead. He took a step and pushed all his weight on the water. He noticed a woman standing in the middle of the lake. As he walked across the water, the lady hummed the tune he heard. She stood beautiful and bare under her see through gown. Her breasts poked through the clothes as her dark hair blew through the breeze. Her face he could not make out but he felt a familiar presence. As he approached her. He reached to caress her face but she took a step back and a door appeared behind. The door swung shut as she walked through. Panic overcame him as he dashed taking the door knob and ran in. His heart pounded as the universe vibrated and shook. He looked and looked in the darkness that surrounded him. The ground trembled below as he attempted to keep his balance. The darkness soon shifted into smoke as he began to cough. The smoke shifts and Luka stares upon a horrific sight. Rubybug holding onto Master Fu who is white as a ghost. His eyes shift and sees Chat kneeled down next to Monarch as his body was black and ash like. "You have the power to undo it." Chat whispered as he gripped his own wrist in disbelief. "Why don't you use that power?"
Luka went to answer but nothing came out except a snake of smoke. The smoke twisted from his throat into the smoke that surrounded him. His body became consumed in a tornado as it twisted from his open jaw. He held his throat as he could not breathe any longer. His eyes grew weak and the trembling floors caused him to fall back.
Luka wakes in a beat and sweat. The world vibrated and the boat house shifted in the water. His eyes looked as a dream catcher and wind chimes that hung around the rooms tittered and swayed.
Is an earthquake happening? In Paris. His heart jumped and so did his body as he ran opening the porthole looking out.