The day continued on normally for his deliveries. A tiny spark flickered in his heart and distracted him from his worries from earlier that morning. The worries still lingered on his shoulders but this new found energy made a smile that had not been there in so long. It finally bloomed like a forgotten hyacinth bulb sprouting for a new beginning in spring. The fragrance tickling your nose and bringing warmth to your skin at the changes yet to come. Luka sat along one of the packing tables as he got already made arrangements into their delivery packaging. Rose was showing Marinette the ins and outs of floral arrangements by the service counter. The radio behind them played. Luka listened in one ear as he was interested in their interaction together but also had half of one of his ear buds in. His music played. Popular Monster by Falling in Reverse bashed in his left ear and his right foot tapped to the beat as he muttered the lyrics at the back of his throat. He didn't much care for the music Rose was playing. Rose loves Screamo and Hard Rock just like Luka funny enough but she has days where she would listen to future bass pop and k-pop which isn't his cup of tea. He didn't know the name of the song playing at this time.
Rose went on about colors when it came to flowers, it was best to try different color combinations one would not think of she would state. Luka kept glancing toward Marinette as she had this sort of energy that radiated off her figure as she started crafting together an arrangement with Rose. Creating was definitely her passion and her stride. Marinette had her sketchbook along the counter next to them as she doodled here and there as inspiration hit her and she would add to her doodles. Rose smiled each time Marinette got that look of creativity in her eyes.
"Ayla says that you enjoy fashion." Rose expressed as she twiddled a stem of babies breath in her digits. "So if there is anything I'm over explaining about crafting or something you already know. Let me know. I tend to babble." Rose giggled. Marinette returned a giggle back as a response. "No it's fine, I love hearing about creating and seeing how others craft their own creations."
"You never know what one knows or not. So I guess it is best to go over it piece by piece."
Marinette nodded in agreement as she sheepishly put her pencil down.
"What's your favorite color?" Rose asked. "I looove pink."
"I love pink too. But I also really love black, it can go with pretty much anything." Marinette started. "Though red is very beautiful and brings a mature aspect. But purple can also do that but also mysterious at the same time. Oh, and I love blue cause it's also mysterious but beautiful."
Luka glanced between his blue hair strands up at her when she mentioned this color. Blue was pretty much his personality almost. He was left a bit disappointed as he was half hoping to catch a glance from her, as if she was hinting at him in some way. But she continued on with Rose. "I don't like yellow much."
"Oh me either," Rose giggled. "I've debated on dying my own hair, maybe like Luka, I add color to my ends."
Rose looked and saw Luka was staring at them. She rose a brow at his gaze toward her new hire. Marinette smiled as she continued to stare down at the arrangement. He hoped she would look his way, even for just a millisecond but she was so involved in their crafting. He tapped his fingers along the table as he thought and then a Grinchy grin spread across his face. "I think you should try green Rose." He teased. Marinette blinked and they both stared over at him. Gotcha. A smirk was sent her way. She stared at him, eyes filled with disgust and disbelief but in a joking way. "Green?" Marinette chimed in. "Green with her Pink personality would clash sooo badly."
"I don't know. We already got a lot of greenery going on in this pink store. Think it looks pretty cottagecore-esk."
She shook her head with a grin on her face as she went back to the flowers. Being a fashion person. This was a slap to the face. "Interior design is way different than fashion appearance. Just because it works for one thing doesn't mean it will work for others. I love mirrors everywhere but you don't see me wearing them, guitar boy~" she teased.
Luka shrugged as his soft eyes stared her down. "I mean I've seen some of those runway shows on youtube where the models wear inflated balloons. But hey, I guess I'll stick to making music and you make things look pretty like yourself, little mouse~" he teased back.
Rose darted her eyes to Marinette for her reaction. A blush formed on her cheeks but she kept her eyes locked on the flowers. Rose couldn't help but giggle and made a comment about their flirting comments. "S-so should I add this eucalyptus here or here you think?" She asked, trying to change the subject. Her flustered nature was fun to watch. She hated being so flustered around others, she felt she looked ridiculous but on the contrary he thought it was adorable. Luka sat back in his chair as the smile on his face stayed as he cupped the brown paper around the bottom of the vase in his hands as he felt energized.
A customer that had been walking about giggled as she approached. "I just adore this cute shop. Such cute workers. Love the atmosphere." She said as she sat a foliage plant down on the counter.
"Thank you Julia! Just this?" Rose questioned as she took the plant into her hands. Taking the register gun and scanned the bottom as Julia fiddled with a necklace on display by the register. "This is really cute."
It was a fake pearl necklace but each were different pastel colors that were scattered along the string with knots and dangled along there were tiny metal gold stars. "My daughter loves astronomy. Where'd you get this?"
Rose reached pulling Marinette into her hip causing Marinette to squeak and drop her branch of eucalyptus. Luka chuckled, she was so shy and innocent, it made his stomach flutter at her cute noises. "Marinette made it. She's our new worker." Rose squealed proudly. "Every piece sold, part of it supports her and the other goes toward our shops restocking."
Marinette blush continued on her cheeks as she pushed her hair strand behind her ear. "I'm saving up for my own apartment." She never much cared about being the center of attention. She felt like a spotlight was now on her, her hands shook nervously. Rose smiled as she cupped her hand. Marinette's expression softened. Rose was so caring and sweet toward her. She may get cavities working here. Her eyes glanced to Luka and then back at Rose. Worth it so far.
"I think I'll take it. My daughter will love this. Besides, I love supporting others. Any update on the incident?"
Rose took the necklace off the display and reached for a tiny bag under the counter. "Nothing yet, it's still waiting for trial. He's trying to convince us to not press charges, he said he had a mental breakdown but Juleka is so shaken up. I'm unsure if we should pursue it or not. Let it go or take action."
Luka whinced hearing this. They were questioning this? Why? Luka looked at them to respond but to his surprise Marinette spoke.
"People should take account for their actions, whatever the reasoning behind it, if one does the wrong thing, they need to be punished for their actions." She said sternly as she had grabbed the eucalyptus branch and shoved it into the arrangement. "People make mistakes all the time but when they affect others, it becomes a bigger issue. You can't hurt others to get what you want and expect to be let go Scott free." Marinette felt the tickle of rage in her chest but remained calm.
Luka smiled as his heart fluttered a tad as he closed the box lid. He completely agreed with her on this. He leaned on the back feet of his chair as he reached for his phone. He scrolled through his playlist as he tittered on the chairs back legs as he put his other bud into his ear. Julia nodded. "I agree. 100%. You guys were impacted, not just financially but emotionally as well." She spoke as she handed her credit card over to Rose.
"I guess you are right, I suppose if we didn't go through with it, we might kick ourselves in the butt later." She sighed as she slid the card through and handed it back to her. She clicked the register buttons and creased her brows. "Shoot, we are out of receipt paper." She exhaled as she looked under the counter. She huffed and looked about the room. "Ah. Marinette, that tiny box with the yellow tag, can you grab it from over there? We just got a delivery of rolls today."
Marinette nodded as she walked past everyone to get it. Luka's eyes glanced as she walked past, her perfume lightly hitting him. He leaned back as he pretended to stretch as he watched her strut. His eye brows rose a tad as he noted as she was wearing a crop top under the overalls as he saw a bit of her midriff showing from behind as she bent over the boxes. His heart dropped as his stomach churned suddenly as he felt light as a feather suddenly.
A loud thud echoed in the room. He grunted as he stared along the ceiling, contemplating life. His earbuds popped out of his ears from the fall. He had tittered too far back in his chair and fell along the tile floor. The woman all stared at him, Marinette quickly turning on his heels. "Y-you okay?" She called. He was fine but wanted to die. He hurt himself a tad but hurt his pride more. He rubbed his eyes with his palm as he rolled off the fallen chair as he replied with a yeah. Marinette ran over, sitting the box on the table in front of him as she reached for his hand. He ashamedly took it and stood to his feet. She didn't help much with her tiny figure and not much strength but it was nice of her to try. Luka rubbed the back of his head as he pulled his other hand away from her into his pocket.
"I'm, going to go ice my shame." He chuckled awkwardly as he turned quickly and bolted through the doorway to the back. Julia giggled as she took the plant off the counter. "Don't worry bout a receipt doll. Thank you." She looked to Marinette who was staring at the door way Luka ran off to. "And hope you enjoy your time here. Rose is the sweetest." Julia told to Marinette with a smile directed to Rose after before she made her leave. "T-thank you for buying a piece of my jewelry. Hope your daughter loves it!" Marinette called out to her.
Rose sighed as she looked at the door way toward the back room. "That boy has been all over the place. I don't know what to do with him." She mumbled as she walked over to Marinettes side. "He is under so much stress and lack of sleep probably doesn't help. I wish there was something I could do for him, so much to juggle here right now with the shop and Juleka, I don't know where to start."
Marinette watched Rose's expression of sadness and confusion take over. She played with her bracelet as Rose grabbed the box of rolls of receipt paper. She looked back toward the doorway.
Luka grumbled as he leaned over the short sink to the single unisex bathroom. "You okay Sass?" Luka questioned as his little friend's head popped up from his hood. He landed pretty hard on the floor and with Sass hiding in his hood, he probably got squished. "Yes, I'm fine, are you okay?" He returned. Luka huffed. "Besides my pride. Yea, I'm fine." He chuckled awkwardly as he stared along the drain. "Need to find you a different hiding spot."
Tiny water droplets lingered on the porcelain finish of the sink as he saw mini reflections inside. A shift of embarrassment lingered on his skin and bones as he rapidly tapped his foot. Even with the feeling of embarrassment, his heart was fluttering so fast and his lower stomach burned. These emotions confused him. What was this feeling he felt? Her voice gave him chills. Her smile made him smile. Her blush and her figure made him…
He groaned to himself as he held his head in shame as his chest squeezed hard. His music continued to play from his dangling headphones. It's music loud but seemed so far away that he couldn't make out a single word being said. He smacked his lips together as he reached taking his phone and pressing the pause button on the song. Up All Night by Hinder was playing. A roll of his eyes as he tucked his phone back into his pocket with frustration. Very funny. With a twitch if his jaw he stared at the poster in the room. Hang In There taunted him. "What the fuck is going on with me?" Luka spat as he looked to his reflection. He looked like shit with his bags under his blue peepers. And his hair now all tussled about. "What do you mean?" Sass wondered. Of course Sass didn't know, he wasn't a mind reader. Luka pondered if telling him was the best move. "Just confused about my feelings right now."
"For?"
Luka searched his pov as he questioned. "I don't know her, I don't know why I'm confused for what feelings?" He scuffed. Sass stared confused as Luka bantered to himself, turning in circles in the small space. "I think I'm just going crazy right now. To think I have feelings for a girl I just met. That sounds desperate. Right? Crazy? Correct?"
"Are we speaking of Marinette? Yes?"
Luka blinked and grumbled as he turned away as he leaned his forehead on the tile siding. He lightly banged his head on its surface. "Tell me I'm crazy. You're over a 1,000 years old. You are wise. Tell me I'm crazy."
"Older than that but, would me telling you that make you feel better?"
Luka went quiet.
"Some people have instant connections with others. You are very down to earth and you can see the good in people." Sass floated under to look up at Lukas hanging head. "You see people's auras and feelings. You can sense their emotions but you question your own."
"That's just it. I can't make out my own emotions. It's like a brass band is playing out of sync and I can't make out the melody that plays. It's so loud, my head is screaming."
"What about her?"
"Luka?" A voice called.
Luka stood up straight as a knock vibrated the room. He turned quickly as Sass just as fast hid himself into Lukas hood. He stared at the knob as if it was on fire.
He opened the door and she stood there. Her small figure so short compared to his. He looked over her like he was a huge bear. Her eyes caught his but she quickly looked away as she fiddled with something in her hands. His body hunched over hers and it made her flustered at the thought of his body smothering hers. He glanced at her digits as they fiddled with an object; it was a tiny bracelet. "I'm fine." He spoke as she stuttered trying to ask if he was okay. Her blue eyes were like jagged glass shards as it ripped into his heart as she leered at him. He is so thrown off on how he should act standing before her. He can't put his finger on this melody that vibrated off her figure. Her aura was soft and bright as the sounds of trickling water along a tongue drum vibrated off her. Her melody shifted back and forth as if it's tune was confused just like his was. He gulped as she extended her hands out as she bowed her head. "I wish to give you this!" She yelled a bit loudly. She stared down at the floor as her face beat red. Why did she scream that? Her skin tingled as she felt his fingers grazed his palm as he took the bracelet. "F-for me?" He said confused as he stared at the wood beads and along the tiny black rock. He recognized this bracelet. He looked down as the bracelet that she had on her wrist was now gone. "W-wait. Isn't this-"
"I want you to have it. It. Um." She stuttered as she stood up straight. "Well. You see that black s-stone. It's agate. It's known. Well to help with preventing nightmares." She blushed as she averted her eyes away from him. He blinked as he stared at the coarse rock as she tucked her hair behind her ear. His heart stopped as looked back to her. She was trying to give him something to help with his nightmare struggles. His knees burned as he braced them tightly as he felt they were about to buckle from her soft expression and kind gesture. He didn't get many kind gestures toward him from others. It was. Nice. "Thank you." He said firmly. He slipped the bracelet onto his left wrist next to his leather snake bracelet. She looked to him and smiled.
"This. Means a lot." He whispered as he fiddled the stone with his thumb. Her bracelet that she put together with her own hands. Something she wore close. Their eyes locked. Her heart raced as she felt like the floor shifted under her. Was the world shifting them closer and also further apart? She felt it was just the two of them in this big world. She jumped as a chime jingled and a voice called. "Marinette. Can you come help me?" Rose called.
Their eyes stayed locked. "I-I b-better get back. H-hope it helps." She smiled as she backed away from him. She grunted as her spine hit the edge of the doorway. She giggled as she reached for a wall that wasn't there and stumbled out of view. His smile never left as his eye shifted down to the black stone. "She's a funny girl."
A hum vibrated his snakebite loops as his arm pushed the rag along the wood surface of the dine table. He stared along the rain droplets that pierced the windows glass surface. The sound that echoed his head tingled his blood and nerves, his fingers twitched to the tempo. He shook his head as he pushed the backspace button in his mind on the sound melody he was piecing together. That's not right. He thought. He leaned back pointing the oil shine at the table and sprayed it before he wiped the surface again. His bottom lip stuttered as he thought of words to the melody and his foot taped. The rain sound along the roof added to the melody that only he could hear and he liked it. Maybe I should write this down. He pondered as he watched the people with their umbrellas walk past the bar area, the neon lights shined on their damp figures. He looked away as the figures angled themselves to kiss one another. He puffed his long hair that dangled in his face. He let the rag fall to the table and he pulled his hair back as he took the hair tie around his wrist and twisted his hair back in a loose half ponytail. He reached going back to the table as he sprayed it again. "You are going to make that table shinier than our Zeke's bald head." Kristen remarked from the counter. With a blink of his eyes he looked over to her. "Huh?" He was so lost in thought he didn't process what she said.
"You've been wiping that table down for ten minutes." She rose a brow with her arms crossed as her back was leaned on the bars counter. It was a slow night, so Kristen was bored out of her mind but watching a helpless man clean the same table for a ridiculous amount of time was not part of her class of entertainment. "What puts you in such a good mood?"
"He won't tell you anything. He doesn't obnoxiously blab anyone his business; unlike you. Smart man." Zeke called as he walked away from a table he was done serving. Zeke stood similarly built as Luka but was really tan with a bull nose piercing and bald head. Kristen huffed as she looked away from him, a hint of blush on her cheeks. "But curiosity probably does kill the cat. So tell me. What's up?" Zeke smirked. "Heard you went home with a girl the other night."
Lukas expression went from happy and almost shy to an annoyed expression. "Yea but, stuff happened. Don't wanna talk about it." He huffed as he pulled the chair from the table as he sprawled along it backwards. He rest his arms on the back of the chair. His body language said he wanted to talk about it however. "Give the deets, Kristen always gives us her deets on the guys she picks up." Zeke chuckled as he looked back at her. She glared. "Jealous?"
"Nah, we all deserve to have fun. So what happened? Couldn't get excited?"
Luka rolled his eyes. No he was excited, big time. "Had a family emergency, killed the mood for the chick."
Zeke winced his jaw. "Yikes, sorry my dude, better luck next time. Get her number? That why you all giddy?"
Luka chuckled as he clicked his roof of mouth. "Let's just say she walked out and haven't heard from her. But I don't care. She was a bitch honestly. She got mad cause I asked her to dinner when I had to go to the family emergency."
Zeke nodded. "Guys get bad raps for being horn dogs but some girls are bigger horn dogs and don't let guys off easy if they don't give them what the want when they want it. Now or never" He looked at Kristen and winked. She huffed and walked past him and toward the kitchen. Zeke shook his head and looked at Luka. "But sometimes playing the long game is so much more fun~ and entertaining~" he chuckled as stared along Lukas face. Luka continued to stare out the window as the rain continued to pour. His fingers taped the table as the melody continued to play. Zeke suspected he was half listening. He followed his gaze as he watched the rain fall as well.
"Guessing a different girl fell in your arms." Zeke added. Luka blinked and looked at him quickly. His quick reaction was a mistake. But he wasn't far from the truth. She did indeed fall into his arms. "Knew it."
"No, it's not like that. I mean. Maybe. I don't know." He sighed as he fiddled with the bracelet on his wrist. He recoiled back against the window and breathed along the glass as it fogged from his nostrils. He didn't want to talk about this. He strived for companionship but craved intimacy. He strived for a friend but craved for lust. He strived for heart to heart but craved for touch. But he was choosing to be alone. His heart aches at the thought that she deserves someone better then him. If he didn't know what he wanted, she doesn't deserve to be a part of that. He is stuck in limbo. Along with, the new threat to Paris. He would hate having to lie to her if he had to spring into action. He was so confused on what he wanted and how to approach anything.
The table shifted as Zeke sat down across from him. Luka looked to him and Zeke's face was soft as he continued to stare outside the window. "I'm here to listen." From Lukas expression, Zeke could tell he was wondering why he would talk about his feeling to him of all people. "I know I'm the fuck boy of this place but I see a lot of myself in you. Or at least the old me." He told as he scratched his chin scruff. "Look, I don't wanna get sappy with you and all that bullshit cause that's just lame and kills the vibe between us if I go that way." He told as he reached grabbing the salt shaker, examining it. He shrugged and poured it along the table as he watched the grains fall. Luka glared befuddley as he just cleaned the table. A few times.
"All I'm saying isssss, don't be afraid to show how you feel. Ride the wave. Don't act like someone you have to be but act how you want to be. You get what I'm saying." Luka shook his head no. "I wanted to be cool and acted like what I thought cool was. Cool was flirting and talking woman down. Got a lot of bitches doing that but eh, not taken seriously when it comes to when I wanted relationships. Sucks but that's who I am now."
Luka rose a brow confused. This guy was high off his knocker. "I'm saying, don't lose yourself during it all but don't be afraid to flow with who you want. Make smart choices but sometimes you have to be bold." He shrugged.
Luka looked down at the pile of salt along the table top. What did he want? He thought of Marinette and her cute little buns. Her giggle jingled in his head like a bell. It's been only a few days but he felt he knew this girl but knew nothing about her at the same time. The feeling of wanting to just lock his heart away was a better move than opening it up but the key would melt away as soon as he sees those bright blue eyes. That fear of vulnerability melts away. "I have this urge to be with this girl, but I don't. I don't know her, but something tells me I want her but I've been alone for a while now and think it's best I stay that way. Besides. Don't wanna get fucked over like I did by my ex. And this latest girl was a realization that maybe I should be alone."
"Don't let bar girls deter you from being alone or not." Zeke chuckled. "That is the worst sign to take."
Zeke smiled at Luka, he continued to not make eye contact with him but he had been working with this man for almost two years and this is the first time this man has opened up about anything. It was nice. "I'm also afraid to try and chase her and then back out and break her heart."
"Can always go to this night club I visit and seeing picking up a girl would make your decision easier. Either that or how about this, try and get to know her if that's what's keeping you. Maybe getting to know her will help you decide on a life of loneliness or not." He said snarky and laughed. "Did you invite her to the show Friday night?"
"Well she knows about it but I don't know if she is 100% going or not." Luka laid his whole arms along the table as he picked at his nail polish as he coiled into his shoulders and slumped in the chair. Zeke rolled his eyes with the smile that never left his face. "Okay, now, with you saying that, how does that make you feel? What do you want to do?" He felt almost like a therapist in a sense. Luka pondered.
Mirror mirror on the wall, what did he want after all? He tapped his fingers along the table as he felt the salt on his tips and it shook from the vibration. The melody vibrated his skull as a boost of serotonin flipped a switch in his brain. He looked at Zeke finally who smiled with his teeth. "Guess you got your answer. But it's an open invitation. I'm going tomorrow night." Zeke told as he stood up and patted the man's shoulder.
The scenery was bright and vivid unlike previous takes where it was slightly hazed over. The trees shifted as the cool breeze shifted along his ankles as he stood amongst the grass field. His bare feet walked along the wet dew covered grass as flower stems slithered from the ground below like snakes and bloomed quickly as he made his way across the field. His eyes stared along the horizon at the water source that appeared in front of him. As he approached closer, he stared along at his reflection. His hair was shaggy as always but pulled back in a half pony tail. His eyes glowed red but flickered suddenly to his blue as a voice called to him.
"Luka." Her voice called to his left. Looking to her his heart jumped in his chest as Marinette stood before him.
Her hair pulled in its loose buns with its signature ribbon poking from its sides. The buns were a bit messy as bits of strands poked out and fell along her round face. She was clothed in a white silk gown but was slightly see through as the most fell along them. Her breasts perking through the fabric as she wore nothing underneath. They both walked toward each other. His feet feeling heavy as if they were stuck in mud as he approached closer and closer.
Unlike before where she would run away, she stayed. He breathed heavily as he reached touching her face as her eyes blue and clear like glass. He could see right through her soul almost. The sound of rain falling along the drum beat as the world shifted around them. His stomach churned and fluttered as she pressed her body close to him. Her breasts soft, her body slender. He feared he would break her as his free hand cuped her hip above her bare bottom. He pulled her in closer. Her luscious lashes fluttered half shut as she stood on her toes. His eyes doing the same as he bent toward her. Their breaths upon each others lips as his hand snaked around from her cheek and behind her neck as he pulled her ever so closely.
Luka panted as he sat upright as his heart pounded hard in his chest. His stomach burned and goosebumps sprouted from his skin. He panted as he held his head with a smile on his face. So close. His eyes looked down along his waist at the bliss excitement that his dream caused. He huffed and cursed under his breath as he fell back along his sheets. His wrist bounced and he felt the bracelet on him shift. He looked along at its stone and smiled softly. Finally a night with no nightmares. Was this really working or was it some type of placebo? He didn't care. First night in a long time that he woke up not in a sweat. First time in a long time he woke up with a different type of surprise. He laid his hands on his exposed stomach as he inhaled slowly as her dream touch lingered on his skin. He closed his eyes as he wanted to continue the dream. Her lips on his made his stomach do somersaults and the thought of her breasts on him made his pitched tent twitch and clench tightly. It made him happy to dream of her but a tad guilty he dreamt of her naked. Was this wrong? Or just human nature. Was this violating toward her him dreaming of her in such a way. Was it sick of him to get excited about her in this way.
"Lust is just a physical emotion we act upon when we get caught up in the moment. Lust literally means over-desire. It is when you take something that is good, twist it, and add cravings to it so you are consumed until you are gratified. Some can easily confuse their Lust over someone for Love. And some the other way around; Love over Lust. Try not to confuse the two or one can be derailed from their journey for a forever ever after."His nerves shook like a rattlesnakes tail as his heart raced hard and fast in his chest. His motorcycle came to a slow stop as he parked his bike close to the building. Slowly inhaling the cool air deeply as his helmet pulled off from his sweaty grasp. His eyes searched the lot noticing her pink bike wasn't there. A trickle of worry slithered up his skin as a tinge of sadness overcame his heart. Luka thought to himself maybe this wasn't a good idea. Maybe she wasn't working today. What if she says no. As he unstraddled his bike he leaned over and unbuttoned the carrying pouch. He observed the two large cups of cold brew that resided inside, a trickle of relief and the release of a sigh escaped his lips. He was relieved to find that the cups were intact from the journey. He hoped this wasn't being too forward by bringing her a drink with his following question he wished to ask her. Sass popped from the man's hoodie and observed his shaky movements. Luka took his helmet off, shaking his black locks before sitting in the helmet along his seat and reaching for the cups of coffee from the holder.
"Are you sure you wish to wander off the trail of possible fate by asking her this question?"
"I'm sure, I'm just going to simply ask her if she is going to be going to the showing tomorrow night, and if she is, I will ask her if she wants to hang out after the show. Marinette is a special person that I would love to have in my life. I just hope she's working today."
"And if she is not going? That is the part that concerns me most."
Luke understood why he his little friend was worried about his decision if rejection is thrown his way but a good part of him had a feeling all was going to work out. If Marinette happens to say no, then he will hang out with Zeke after his shift at the shop. He really hopes she wouldn't say no though, after his dream last night he was sure that he wanted to stand by her side. He had been so confused about how he felt towards her these last couple days. His responsibilities as a hero tend to blind him from everyday occurrences. He often misses the interaction with others. He missed having the companionship of another and with how his heart and mind feel when he is around her, it brings him hope for a brighter future. He felt sappy thinking this way but he wandered in darkness for so long that this light at the tunnel he couldn't help but run towards it. He took the cold brews into his hands and observe the cups with a tilt and notice nothing out of the ordinary before he made his way toward the shop's entrance. He still wondered if she worked today or not, maybe she was late, but regardless he just hoped he would see her today. His eyes wandered along the glass of the front window as he approached closer and noticed a shimmer of her dark hair in the department.
A smile spread across his face as he filled with giddiness, he felt his little snake friend slither back into his hood as he turned his back along the door pushing it open as he held his cups out preventing them from being bumped into. At the entered the doorway with a turn of his body he breathing slowly, the breath shakily entering his lungs and exiting sharply as he looked towards her. The jingle of the overhead Bell chimed and her eyes met his. Blue and filled with such life. A smile spread across her face as she was fiddling with papers in her grasp besides the counter.
His heart fluttered as he stared along her outfit she modeled today. She wore a soft pastel pink pleaded dress with a semi fuzzy black turtleneck underneath, this was the first time he has seen her legs fully, they were slender but fit. She wore black slip-ons which had small black ribbons on the top. Her hair was pulled back, no longer in its Mouse ear buns bun now resided in a singular almost bunny tail like fun at the top of her head, it's still had its signature red ribbons that coiled from the hair tie. She wore her black lipstick like from before but this one did not have its glitter but it did shine with a gloss like finish. Her lips glistened from the overhead lights and gave the appearance of a pouty lip along her expression. His dream self and present self longed to press his lips against hers. He had not this feeling in a long time of longing for lips for not just pleasure but for the feeling of being whole with someone. He reached back shutting the glass front door with his booted foot as he approached her. A smile that was almost awkward along his face as he had no idea how to act in his skin. He felt awkward and nervous as he grew closer to her. She greeted him with a smile as she sat the papers in her hands on the counter and turned towards him.
"Hey Luka, how are you doing today?" She asked. She flinched back as he extended his arm quickly towards her with a cup of coffee and his grasp. She was taken back at the sudden gesture but a smile grew upon her face, her pearly whites showing and shining, she bowed her head as a thank you. "F-for me? Thank you."
She took the coffee from the man that stood before her. She didn't know why but she sent something was off about him, he was nervous for some reason. What could it possibly be? She rested her lips along the edge of the cup and took the cold brew in, the better Bean was subtle and the sweet of the cream overcame the beverage which sent the relaxing chill a longer spine. She really needed this cup of coffee. Nobody knew what she had a rough night last night. Her parents were being extra towards her when it came to attention and we're smothering her in a sense. She loved her family but she long to get out and see the world. She understood why they were like this, she had been gone from Paris for a long while. She had her internship with Chloe's mom over in New York for two and a half years. She only visited during the holidays but pretty much remained in New York for the rest of that time. The one thing she missed about living in New York it was having her own place to call home, her family home will forever be her family home. But she long to find her own place to make her own home and build from the ground up almost. Her dad still question why she would not work with them in their shop but as she tried explaining for what felt like the 100th time, she wanted to experience more than just baking, she wanted to go out there and being creative in different forms of art. Art was her reason, her purpose.
A relaxing sigh released from her lips as she stretched her head back from the pleasure of the caffeine beverage that definitely would help energize her like a battery recharge.
"Thank you, I really needed this, you doing okay? You seem kind of tense, did you have another nightmare!" She took a sip as she quickly jumped to conclusions as she was filled with a worry in her voice, he shook his head quickly as he was in disbelief by the sudden question and realization that he had almost left this Earth from pure anxiety as every thought was crossing his mind as he stared along her face.
"I'm fine, no, I actually slept," he hesitated as his eyes averted from her, he looked to the ground as a sense of relief overcame him. "I actually had a pleasant dream last night. No nightmares, just a-" He looked back at her slowly and smiled. "A beautiful dream" he quoted.
"Well that's good, I'm relieved to hear that. Happy actually, I can tell you are such hard worker that the thought of you unable to sleep is very worrisome to me. It looks like we might have a busy day ahead of us so I am glad that you are fully rested. I guess Rose is in a consultation with someone in her office. I just got here so I'm not sure what it is about. She just told me to go over the delivery files with you when you got here."
"Speaking of, where's your bike? I noticed it wasn't outside"
"Oh, my friend and I are going to go out tonight, she wants to get dinner at her mom's restaurant, it's our first night to hang out together since getting back to Paris. She's my best friend and I'm very excited. So I walked this morning so she could pick me up after work."
"Should have told me I would have given you a ride." He smirked. A small tinge of blush spread across her cheeks and she giggled awkwardly, taking a small step back away from him. "I am not getting near that death trap. My moped is one thing but a full blown motorcycle is another thing." She rubbed her arm as she stared along the floor. "Thank you though."
"Don't worry I'll keep you safe." He sent a wink her way. She cleared her throat as she pushed her hair strand behind her ear but it falling back towards the front as she reached for the files along the counter. Luka stared at her with such a softness in his eyes, she felt his stair and, his awkwardness from before was now becoming contagious as she was catching this awkwardness. He clicked his lips as he filled in the small gap between them, he leaned against the counter as he looked away a bit afraid to show any eye contact with her as he began to speak. "So, I have a question to ask"
She looked over at him quickly, her heart began to race as she had a few ideas on what he could be asking her, fantasy ideas of course. She was known to over exaggerate and overthink any possibility. What could he possibly ask her a time like this? She stared at him as she awaited for his question at hand. As Luka went to speak the sounds of other voices entered the room, one was Roses.
"Thank you for reaching out to us with this opportunity, but I should go consult my partner about this if you are okay with that."
"I am perfectly fine with you consulting your business partner, it is a big commitment, if you need a day's time to think it over I can leave you my business card."
Their figures walked into the room as Rose pushed the bead curtain to the side as a tall male figure walked through. Both Marinette and Lukas hearts dropped at the man before them. The man before them also held a shocked expression as he looked to the two when he walked in. But his shock expression was directed towards Marinette.
"Adrien?" Marinette questioned out loud, as did Luka but more under his breath. Luka wasn't too shocked to know that Marinette knew Adrian from the previous statement given by Chloe. What did she think of this man? Rose didn't notice this tension between them all as she turned toward the side doorway that led to their stairs for the upstairs apartment. "Let me go talk to Juleka, I'll be back in 10 minutes, please wait here if you don't mind."
Adrian's eyes never left Marinette as he directed his voice towards Rose. "I don't mind waiting here."
His eyes looked over toward Luka as he noticed his demeanor was almost standoffish and intense. Luka stood firmly as he gripped his hands into fist. Adrian stood taller than Marinette but shorter than Luka. He approached the two and forced a fake smile towards the man. Luka looked between Marinette and Adrian, Marinette stood very sheepishly as her hands cupped each other and hung in front of her. A hint of blush along her cheeks lingered, was this blush from before or was this directed towards the blonde candy model. Lukas eyebrows crease but he looked back to the blonde. He extended his hand outward to him as Adrian's appearance flickered from his current state to his previous hero persona, Chat Noir. Adrian stood almost perfect like a new Ken doll out of the box, hair was blonde and slicked back without a single tough out of place, he wore almost simple designs but the fabric looked extremely expensive. He wore a pair of black dress pants and a grey dress shirt but with a short black sleeve opened hoodie on top. A pair of shades sat on top of his head as his green eyes glared at Luka. His green eyes examined Lukas tattooed covered arm and then to his rough appearance, long hair, shaggy and messy. Trash he thought.
"Do I know you?"
"I'm Luka, we've met a few times here and there."
"My apologies, but I don't remember most interactions with…" He looked Luka over once more and scuffed at his extended reach. "Riff Raff"
Luka blinked, utterly astonished at how this man was treating him, and how he used to be superhero partners with this man. A slight ripple of both rage and sadness trickled over his skin. If he had his Viperion claws, they would have left marks into the counter as his nails dug into its surface. It was the one thing that rattled his brain when he first found out Chat Noirs secret identity was actually Adrian Agreste. He was a hot tempered, messy, clumsy superhero. But Adrian is a model who was calm, clean, perfect in a sense. Was the hero persona all a lie or is the Adrian that stands before him the lie. Adrian looked over to Marinette and a smile trickled on the corners of his lips.
"Marinette I'm shocked to see you here, didn't know you were back in Paris. Let alone working in a floral shop."
Marinette like a mouse was quiet and shy as she nodded slowly to him. She backed away almost and skittered behind the counter. Luka moved forward towards the man, somewhat cutting him off from marinette. He didn't know why but Marinette was giving an aura that was not her normal one. Was she uncomfortable with this man being here? His eyes noted a small tiny smile on her lips, and a flush of pink still on her cheeks. Lukas went to his eyes and he tried to read the energy between them. A tinge of jealousy tickle his shoulders.
"What brings an Agreste here?" Luka snarled. Adrian looked over at him and side, he did not have much of the energy to deal with this man who was trying to show his dominance over him. There was something about him that he could have put his finger on but he hated this man. Was it because he was trash of a punk. Or was it because he was trash of a punk working with Marinette. Whatever it was, he had this almost mission to want to anger this man in some shape or form. "I don't think it really concerns the delivery boy."
Luka smacked his palm down on the counter and leaned in close. Marinette flinched.
"This is my sister's shop, so it becomes my business."
Adrian sighed as he turned towards the man, he was practically nose to nose with him as he hovered over him trying to feel Superior. "My event planner wanted me to give this local shop an opportunity to be featured at the Agreste Winter Bloom Fashion Event coming up in three months. That is why I am here."
"Not interested."
"I'm sorry, but that is up to Rose and your sister I believe, not you."
Their eyes locked like cats staring at their prey. But who was the cat and who was the rat in this scenario?
"Luka, w-why don't we go over the delivery roster?" Marinette question, she could feel the tension between the men. She was trying to bring peace between them. She felt a bit of sadness in her heart seeing Adrian again but she also had a tinge of happiness as well that floated in her chest. She touched his fist on the counter. Luka looked over at her and side a bit at his shoulders relaxed, seeing the plea in her eyes brought him a bit of sadness to him as he calmed himself. Her touch on his fist sent electricity through his blood and made his brain almost foggy. Adrian eyed the clasp of her hand on his and rose a brow as he looked between the two. His stomach burned a bit as a rumble of rage stewed. He forced to smile as he moved closer towards the counter.
"Such an interesting crew, bubbly manager, punk security and my old lover." Adrien commented as he stared toward Marinette, his stern expression softening. Lukas eyes quickly snapped over at the man when he said those terms. His blue daggers then looked too Marinette as she pulled her hand away from Luka slowly. "How are you doing MariBerry?" Adrien questioned as he loosened his stance. His palms touched the counter and slid, as he leaned closer to Marinette, taking her hand. "It's been some time since we last saw one another." He kissed her hand.
Her heart raised fast, as his touch sent a churning of both lava and butterflies in her belly. Seeing this man said so many confusing emotions and thoughts through her brain. She felt awkward, relieved, and sad to see him.
"I-it has been a while... Adrien." She coughed as she pulled her hand away and fiddled with her hair strand a few times. Her chest felt heavy.
"You left Paris so fast. I didn't get to say goodbye. I missed you." He commented and then glanced at Luka and then back at Marinette. Lukas fist shook. If he could, Luka would growl at the man, but punching him would be the next best thing to release his rage.
"Well. I didn't have much of a choice." Marinette puffed her cheeks as her shoulders heated with a sprinkle of rage as her memories played back. Adrien frowned. "I'm sorry how things ended between us." He looked at Luka. His eyes scanned the man's stance as he loomed over them. This trash was infatuated with his old lover. He could tell but the rage and pain I'm his eyes. Interesting. "We should get dinner, catch up. Reconnect." He spoke to Marinette as stood up straight, pulling his phone out. Marinette looked at Adrien quickly and then fiddled with her fingers. Luka breathed heavy and hard as his chest began to ache. Tell him no. Say something. Tell me to kick him out. I will. He thought.
"How about Friday?" Lukas heart stopped. He looked at her quickly but her eyes remained on pretty boy. Not that day. "I have a photoshoot but I'm free that night. We can get dinner at our old spot. Maybe get André's ice cream after like old times." His eyes flared over at Luka as his stance grew more tense and it motioned closer toward Marinette. He was done toying with this punk. "I'm sorry but can she and I have a moment? Please. It's been so long since I've seen my ex fiance."
Luka was taken back, he looked quickly to marinette, her eyes never met his but she had the demeanor of agreeing with the model. She was once engaged to this man? He snapped his eyes over at him. They were close to being married, but what happened between them to cause the wedding to be called off? He motioned towards marinette. "I don't have to if you don't want me to."
Marinette did not look at him once as she fiddled with her fingers. Tell me you don't want to talk to him. "Is it okay if him and I talk alone please?"
Lukas heart dropped deep into his gut and then rage boiled it alive. He looked toward the man as he had the confidence in his expression that he won this catfight. To think he was close partners with this man at one point. This perfect man was ruining everything all over again. Luka huffed and with a tap of his shoulder into Adrian's as he walked past him. Before he made his exit to the back room he looked back at them. Marinette was beginning to walk around the counter as she approached him.
His heart raced fast and hard, as his throat began to close. Pushing the beads to the side he quickly started to the wall next to the doorway and leaned against it. Crossing his arms and leaning his head back he listened closely. Each moment of silence between the two was killing him.
Adrien looked lovely at Marinette. "Mari? What do you say?" He questioned. "I'd love for us to catch up. Start over."
Marinette shakily inhaled slowly as her stomach churned boiling lava. "I don't know Adrien. I've changed a lot in the past three years. And you probably have as well." She started. "I didn't like who you were turning into at the end of our relationship."
"I'm sorry. I can't change how I acted in the past. It's a dumb excuse but... my father." His voice began to choke up. "He. He had a strong hold on me. I couldn't make my own decisions three years ago. But that's changed. I promise."
Her voice grew soft, she held her hands out and he laid them into her palms. She caressed his fists with her thumbs. "I'm sorry. I heard about your father."
Adrien grew quiet. "I hate saying such a thing, but, I am glad he is gone. I can be my own person." He opened his fists and laid his hands fully into hers. "It's hard to explain but I feel so free. Give me another chance, Mari. Dinner. Friday. Please. What are the chances you are working at a place we want to work with? It has to be fate bringing us back together."
Marinette's silence killed Luka. Every second felt like minutes.
"Is your number still the same?" She questioned.
Lukas' heart dropped hard into his stomach once more. He didn't know his heart could feel so low. His throat began to close tightly as he stared up at the ceiling. Of course he didn't stand a chance when there was a literal super model standing before her. His eyes began to water. Why did he even think he had a chance? He was perfect in every way while Luka was a mess. A riff raft. They have history together while him and her have nothing. He breathed heavily as he clenched his chest with his hand. Fate? Maybe it was. It was fate for Luka to be alone after all. His heart began to race as he grinded his teeth. Sass frowned staring at his wielder's hurt expression. "Luka?" He whispered. Luka cleared his throat as he wiped his face with his sleeve before any tear dared to fall. He reached for his phone. Sass lowered into his hoodie with sadness in his eyes. Luka leaned toward the door way and push the beads to the side as he peered out as the phone dialed and a click was heard.
"We still on for tonight?" He asked.
"Yea, if you wanna, everything okay?" Zeke asked on the other side.
"Peachy. Just looking forward to drinking my sorrows away." He spoke as he stared along Adrien embracing Marinette into his arms. He wished that was holding her. He let the beads fall back as he turned away from the doorway. Rage lingered in his chest, he wanted to howl. Zeke frowned on his side on the line. "Luka, what's going on?"
"I just need to step away, that's all. I'll see you tonight."
"Sometimes it's best to take a step back and think, what do you want? Excitement which is like adrenaline; it will eventually fade. Or a deeper connection which acts like links in a chain, making chains that connect one each other stronger with each passing day."