8 Letters

Chapter 8

Disclaimer: I do not own the series Miraculous Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir. No copyright intended. I do own the story line, because I made that all up with my brain.

Adrien's P.O.V

I pace about my room as I try to place a face to the girl behind the mask all the while ignoring Plagg's warnings. The moonlight streaming into my bedroom is the only source of light, I tend to think better in the dark. Tonight was the first time in a long time my father actually sat with me for dinner and for a moment I forgot about my heartbreak. Feeling something that I hadn't in a very long time, hope.

"Adrien, you can't be seriously thinking about this, can you?" He said, worry filled in his voice as he flew above me.

"I've made up my mind Plagg, now either help me or stay quiet." I said.

He laughed nervously, "Kid, c'mon, you know this isn't the way-"

I gasped realizing something, "You know who she is, don't you?" I asked him.

I walked over to where we were behind my couch as he backed up a bit.

"You have to know who she is, she's the guardian. Plagg, tell me. Who is Ladybug?" I demanded from the kwami.

Plagg held his paws up and looked down, "You know I'm sworn to secrecy-"

"Tell me!" I yelled.

"No, kid, I'm not going to do that. You might have lost all sense but I haven't." He said, turning his back to me.

I scoffed and turned away from him, back to pacing my room. Think, Adrien, think. What are the facts we know….she's a high school student so there's a chance she could be a classmate of mine. Conveniently that information was shared from the Ladyblog…Alya! Sh-she must be close to Ladybug and knows her secret identity. She's always there when m'lady is in a pinch, it makes so much sense now that I think about it. So if I get to Alya, I'll get to Ladybug. But I can't just barge in and blow my cover, I'm going to have to be discreet about this. Follow her around a little which won't be so hard, I can just invite her and Nino over to chill or something. Observe her that way and at school. I have to tell my father.

End of Adrien's P.O.V

Time Skip: 1 Week Later

I laughed at Luka white waiting for Alya to get here, holding my books as Luka gave me eskimo kisses. I'm wearing blue jean capris with a white t-shirt and Luka's hoodie with my black flats on, hair in its twin low ponytails.

"Hey, girl, hey." I hear in the distance.

I turn to see Alya waving and walking over to me after crossing the street, Nino right behind her. I smiled and waved back. We hugged as she met up with me, she pulled away then looked at me skeptically.

"What?"

"Aren't you boiling alive in that thing?" she asks me, tugging on the hoodie.

"No, I feel fine." I said smiling and Luka kissed my temple.

She rolled her eyes and giggled at us. "You two are so adorable together it makes me want to barf."

Luka put an arm around her and smirked, "Aw, are you warming up to me Alya?"

She pouted and got out from his arm, rolling her eyes at him. Then she turned to me with a smile and took my hands in hers.

"So are you getting excited for your birthday coming up?" She asked.

I laughed, "Even though it's a month away, you know I am."

"Good because I am planning big things girl, big things."

"Uh-oh, should I be worried?" I asked, smiling as I eye her then Nino.

Nino held his hands up in defense, "Hey, don't look at me. My lips are sealed."

"Aw, you're no fun." I teased.

We laughed and chatted until the group came together and it was time for us to part ways to begin the day. Luka pulled me into a kiss before he had to leave to go to work but before he moved a step away from me, he got even closer, his posture tensing as Adrien got out of the silver car. I relaxed and sighed.

"Luka, it's fine. He hasn't bothered me, go to work before you're late again." I reassured him, kissing his cheek.

He glares at Adrien but sighs, kissing me one more time. "Alright but if he gives you any trouble, call me, and I'll come right to you. I love you, Marinette."

"I love you too, Luka." I said, smiling at him as he left.

Alya looped her arm through mine and sighed, "Let's go get another day of this gruel school day over with."

We laughed as we all climbed the stairs and entered the building when I noticed Adrien's gaze lingering on me and I offered him a small smile and wave before entering the classroom. He feels bad enough about what happened, I'm ready to move on from that. I'm choosing to understand why he did it. It may not be right but at the moment I can understand it was because he just wanted to have the chance to kiss me, just once before letting me go. Sort of like a goodbye kiss. I've had a lot of time to think about it and I've made the decision to forgive him but that doesn't mean that I will forget. Luka doesn't like the idea but supports me all the way. We've had many conversations around the subject lately as Adrien has been starting to really worry me.

I keep looking out for akumas to overtake him as his demeanor has changed since then, he's gotten quieter and more distant lately. Though Alya tells me that she sometimes has been going over to check on him with Nino and tells me he's doing alright but I don't know… there's a feeling I can't shake that something is off. Classes move by in a blur and before we know it, lunch time but instead of my usual table I sit at with Alya, Nino, Rose and Juleka, I walk right to the back of the cafeteria. A spot that has become Adrien's new favorite. He looks up at me from his sandwich.

"Marinette?"

I smile, "Hi Adrien. Do you mind if I sit?"

He scoffed, "Wouldn't Luka scold you for that." He said, sarcastically.

I pressed my lips together and sat down, moving my tray aside. "What he doesn't know won't kill him."

"Fat chance of that happening." He said, nodding over to my table.

I sighed and rolled my eyes, "Don't worry about them, I came over because I wanted to talk to you."

"About what? Tell more about how much of an asshole I am."

"Well right now you're being one but I'm going to let it slide because I know you're hurting."

"Since when do you care?" He grumbled.

"That's not fair. I have always cared about you, Adrien, since the moment we met, I have been by your side as a friend. Give me a little credit here." I said, leaning against the table.

He sighed, "You're right. I'm sorry."

I smiled, "Apology accepted. I forgive you, you know, about the kiss. I've had a lot of time to think and I realize why you did it, it still doesn't make it okay though."

"Wait, did you just say that you forgive me?" He asked, slowly realizing what I said.

I nodded and smiled at him, "Yeah, I do. Adrien, I just want you to be happy. I want to put the past behind us, turn over a new leaf, so to speak. I already talked to Luka about this and though he isn't exactly thrilled about it, he supports me."

Adrien smiled wider than I had seen him smile before, "So I didn't royally fuck it all up?"

I giggled, "No. We're good except now we have boundaries, okay. No more kissing me against my will."

He sat up and hugged me tight as if I were thin air. "Oh, thank you Marinette."

I patted his back a little then he let go of me, "You're welcome, Adrien."

I grabbed my tray, "Oh and I know it's still a month away but I'm sure Alya is planning something crazy, but you're invited to my birthday party. I'll have Nino send you the information."

"I wouldn't miss it." He said, smiling.

*Time Skip: July 9th, Marinette's Birthday*

I roll over in bed with a groan as the skylight lets the dawn's rays seep through. The sound of my ringtone brings me out of the groggy state of sleep. I slowly sit up in bed and stretch my sleeping limbs. The sounds of footsteps on my stairs makes me crawl the rest of the way out of bed and down the ladder as my parents make their way into my room. My father carries up a plate that has a small cupcake with a candle in it while my mom lights it with a lighter. Singing 'happy birthday' to me, I giggle at them.

"Maman, papa, you shouldn't have."

My father's laughter filled the room, "Of course we should have. It's not everyday our Marinette turns 18."

"Your father and I couldn't be more proud of the young woman you've grown into." Mom says, caressing my face.

"Now make a wish." Dad says with a smile.

I smile then close my eyes. I wish for some peace and time with loved ones, please no akuma attacks today. I then blew out the candles and my parents cheered for me.

"Come down when you're ready. Luka is here for you." Mom said as she left my room after dad.

Excited to see him, I went downstairs after my parents still in my pj's, which is a pink cami top and matching shorts. My parents went down to tend to the bakery while I looked around and found Luka cooking breakfast. It smells amazing. Smiling, I walked quietly and hugged him from behind, standing on tiptoes to kiss his neck.

He chuckled, "Good morning birthday girl."

I smiled, "What are you doing here so early? You didn't sleep over last night, you had to work."

"I woke up early so I could come over and be here for when you get up. I can't have my favorite girl waking up without me on her birthday now can I?" He said, flipping the french toast.

"Aw, you're the sweetest boyfriend ever." I cooed at him.

He chuckled and I kissed his neck again, feeling him swallow. So I did it again and again, leaving a trail of kisses down his neck and onto the back of his shoulder. Getting such fun out of making him squirm as he tries to finish cooking breakfast.

"Mari, quit doing that. I'll end up burning the food." He groaned out.

Which of course makes me want to do it all the more so I giggled then licked his neck, right on the spot that I know turns him on. He spun around and lifted me up on the little island counter before I had a chance to blink. His lips land on mine and I can't help but keep laughing.

"You are such a tease." He murmured.

I grabbed a piece of a muffin and shoved it in his mouth, giggling as I hopped down from the counter and headed back into my room to get ready for the day. I grab some light blue high waisted shorts and change into those then put a bra on and search for a shirt. Finding the cutest one, a red off the shoulder crop top that has small puff sleeves. I then brushed all my hair out and put it up in space buns. I was in the middle of pinning one in place when Luka came back up, carrying two plates of food on them. He set my plate on my desk and kissed my cheek.

"You look beautiful." He said, breath hot on my neck.

I smiled, "Thank you." I said as I finished up my hair.

I sat on my desk chair while he sat on my chaise when I noticed that he put a small box on my desk when giving me that kiss. Very smooth. I raised an eyebrow at him and smiled.

"What's this?" I asked.

"Why don't you open it and find out." He said, smirking.

I giggled and rolled my eyes at him being cryptic and opened the small black velvet box to reveal a ring. It had a braided sterling silver band with two hearts in the center, one pink and one blue with an engraving of Always inside the band. I smiled as I looked back up at him.

"Luka…" I said trailing off as thoughts of wedding bells sounded in my mind.

He chuckled, "It's not that though I'm not opposed to the idea someday. It's a promise ring."

He set his food down as we walked over to me and took the box from my hands, "A promise that nothing will come between us and whatever life or Monarch throws at us, we promise each other to make it through it together. A promise that you have my heart, Marinette. You always have."

My lip quivered as tears rolled down my cheeks, looking at the ring as it sits on my right ring finger. Luka put it on me while he was talking and all I could do was stare at him. I smiled and stood on my tiptoes to kiss him then kissed his cheeks and forehead then back to his lips.

"It's perfect, you're perfect. Best birthday present ever."

He smiled at me and kissed me once more before we settled down so we could eat our food in comfortable silence. Instantly tasting so good, like everything he does. I really do have the best boyfriend ever. I smile to myself as I eat then take a sip of my glass of juice.

"So, what are we going to do today to distract me while Alya throws a huge party on Liberty?" I ask him.

He almost choked on his food and shook his head while laughing, "Nothing gets past you, does it?"

I laughed, "Alya's my best friend. I know what she's going to do before she does it."

He chuckled, "Well I thought a walk through Paris might be nice to start out with."

"Ooooh and then find Andre to share a sweetheart's cone?"

"Yeah, whatever you want to do baby. It's your day." He said finishing his food.

Time passes by us as we talk and finish our breakfast, Luka takes my plate and we head out downstairs to greet my parents and let them know we will see them at the party. I grab a batch of fresh macaroons on our way out, walking hand in hand and enjoying the summer's sun. It didn't take us long to find Andre and soon enough we were enjoying our ice cream together while walking along the Seine. When we stumbled upon a lone musician playing a violin for tips at the fountain, Luka smiled over at me and bowed as he finished off our cone. I giggled and cutsied, taking his hand in mine and let him pull me in as we danced. The world around us spinning in slow motion as we danced.

Luka held out his arm and I twirled into it as he lifted me off the ground and spun me around as he held me in place. My feet landed lightly on my tiptoes as I spun a few times on my own before he pulled me back to him. Cheers were heard in the background as we began to bring in an audience and then he dipped me and brought me back up slowly. My heart pounded in my ears as we looked at each other, both of us not even having to say anything to know what the other was feeling. I reached up and brought his face down to mine so I could kiss him, his arms tighten around me as he stood me up straight, deepening the kiss. I kissed him again lightly then pulled away as more cheers and hollers were sounded in the distance.

Luka and I shared a laugh before turning to the crowd and bowing. Luka then dug in his pocket and dropped a few coins in the man's case, thanking him for the song.

"Merci." The man said as we moved on.

I was smiling and laughing with Luka as we talked about creating that crowd when we heard a loud explosion and alarms sound in the distance, I flinched when I heard the sound. Luka and I shared a look, knowing what that meant. An akuma attack. He took my hand and looked around, finding the nearest place to shield me from anyone's view. Something caught his eye and we ran to it, ducking me into the nearest alley.

He hugged me tight, "Be safe."

I hugged him back, "I always am. Spots on."

Adrien's P.O.V

I sat back on the rooftops, swinging my legs back and forth as I watched the citizens scramble for shelter below us as once again Mr. Pigeon became akumatized. Father and I agreed to set up an akuma for Ladybug and I to defeat, something that could be done quickly so I can find out her identity and still make it on time for Marinette's party. My plans watching Alya didn't pan out so well so I came up with a different tactic. Doing the one thing we always promised to never do, follow the other as they de-transform. Father had wanted me to use Alya to lure Ladybug but I told him I couldn't do it, she's my best friend's girlfriend and even though I agreed to this to get mom back and do-over with Marinette doesn't mean I don't have my boundaries. What I am willing and not willing to do. And right now that is teetering very close to the edge as my father is getting worse every day, growing weaker and weaker as the cataclysm spreads through his body.

As if on cue, I spot Ladybug swinging around the corner to go after the mob of pigeons. I stand up and take off on my staff to join her in the action. Show time. It doesn't take us long to take care of Mr. Pigeon, we could probably do this in our sleep by now with him, we pound our fists together like always.

"Catch you later, Chaton. Great job today." She compliments, then swings away.

I act like I'm going in the opposite direction but after a few moments turn around and follow her. I stayed far enough away so she couldn't see me as I hid behind a chimney when she descended in an alleyway where a familiar musician was waiting. Luka Couffaine. I watched Ladybug pull him in and crush her lips onto his. My heart slowed. No…it can't be. I saw her pull away and say the words as she de-transformed the same time mine did as I ran out of time. I absentmindedly gave Plagg some cheese as I watched the girl I love kiss her boyfriend again as they walked out of the alley and continued on their day. Marinette. I slid down until I sat on the rooftop, my mind still reeling. Marinette is Ladybug. Everything is starting to make so much sense. Why she's always late to everything, not to mention her kindness and willingness to always help others no matter the cost to herself. Her courage, bravery and strength inside and out. She's perfect. And those eyes, of course, those big bluebell eyes. There is no mistaking it. The girl I love is one and the same…I'll have to betray Marinette. Again.

Plagg sighed, "I told ya, kid, this isn't the way."

I stood back up and took a deep breath, "It changes nothing, it won't matter if I betray her or not. She won't remember anything when I reset time."

"Adrien, you can't, changing the past can alter the future. You won't know what will happen."

"I don't care, Plagg. If I can't have her, no one will and I know just the person to use as bait."

End of Adrien's P.O.V

"Surprise!"

Everyone shouted as Luka and I stepped foot on the Liberty. I looked around me and laughed as confetti was shot from cannons that my dad and Ivan were holding. Luka helped pluck some pieces out of my hair as I dusted off my dress. Yes, I went home to change for the party after our date. My hair is down in curled waves as I wear my pink cami tie shoulder two layer hem dress with light pink open toe strappy heels. Still proudly wearing the promise ring from this morning. I smiled up at him as I helped get some out of his hair too. I then went around to thank everyone individually for the party when I noticed Adrien off to the side, drinking some punch.

I smiled at him and waved, "Hey, Adrien. Thank you for coming."

He smiled back, "Your welcome, Marinette. I told you I wouldn't miss it."

"Happy Birthday, princess." He said, smiling as he held out a box.

I raised an eyebrow at him and took it. It was a long white velvet box and when I opened it, it revealed a tennis bracelet, sparkling with diamonds. I gasped as I looked back at him.

"Adrien, oh my gosh, this is so beautiful. Thank you so much." I said, hugging him.

A throat cleared behind us and I let go to see Luka standing there, offering Adrien a hand. I looked between them hoping a fight wouldn't break out. I watched Adrien take his hand and I released a breath. Luka smiled at Adrien and patted him on the back, showing a sign of good faith as they then joined the rest of the guys. I smiled happy that they made peace.

"Oh my god! What is that?!" Rose yelled, excited as she took my hand.

I giggled at her as all the girls swarmed me, "A gift from Luka."

"Ew, when did you become so sappy bro?!" Juleka yelled over to her brother.

Luka shrugged at her and winked at me, I smiled back at him.

"Don't tell me he proposed to you." Alya said, shaking her head, smiling despite herself.

I giggled, "No. It's a promise ring and he gave it to me in the sweetest way."

"Oooh, I wanna hear." Mylene said, face looking hopeful.

I giggled and told them about this morning and how he gave it to me, "Then he told me that his heart is mine, as it always had been."

Rose swooned, "Aw that is so romantic."

"I agree. Hey, Ivan, did you see what Luka got Mari?!" Mylene yelled at her boyfriend.

Ivan looked over to her from his conversation with Luka, looking confused. "Uh, no, hon. I haven't. Why was I supposed to?"

She puffed her cheeks out and practically dragged me over by shoving my hand in his face, her honey blonde braids almost hitting me in the face as I laughed.

"Look, Iv, he got her a ring. Isn't that the sweetest thing?" She said, looking up at him with those puppy dog eyes.

Ivan looked flustered, "Uh yeah, that's nice Mylene."

Her smile dropped along with my arm she still had hold of, "That's nice. Is that really all you have to say?"

He deadpanned, "Uh, it's really nice?"

She sighed and shook her head, "You don't get it. Oh, Mari, you are so lucky." She said, hugging me.

I laughed and patted her back and we started walking back over to the girls then started teasing Mylene and her mood changed. The rest of the night went by in a pleasant blur, everyone dancing and celebrating together until it rolled around 10 o'clock and people started to want to settle down and retire for the night. Rose and Juleka went to have a movie night in her room while Anarka joined them leaving Luka to finish cleaning up. I grabbed a spare fork from the counter and grabbed a piece of cake from the counter top. The cake itself was mostly eaten, but I didn't care. It was my birthday cake after all. Luka wiped down the sink and turned around to see me shoveling another bite and smirked at me.

"So, it's not just your kwami that has a sweet tooth." He mused and nodded his head.

I looked over to see Tikki happily helping herself to the cake, I giggled. "Tikki, you're not supposed to be out in the open like that."

"I'm sorry Marinette but your parents made such a delicious cake!" She said, cheerfully.

Luka chuckled as he came around me, stealing my piece, making a humming sound. I gasped then pouted as I looked at him.

"She's right. Delicious." He said, voice low, suggestive.

I smirked and grabbed a piece with my hands, "Oh? Would you like some more?" I said teasing and playing along.

He smiled and before he could move I shoved the piece in his face, laughing hysterically as I watched his eyes close and the amused smirk curve his lips. He nodded and wiped the frosting off his face then he grabbed a chunk of cake and hit me with it, landing square on my chest and laughing. We then started chasing each other around the living room having a cake fight, that is until he caught me from behind when I wasn't looking and we tumbled onto the floor. I giggled as I wiped some frosting from his cheek and licked it off my fingers, smiling at him. He took my hand and leaned down to kiss me then trailed kisses along my neck and licked the icing from me. Heat instantly flushed into my face when I realized he was literally eating cake off me.

"Luka." I said his name as my heartbeat grew louder in my ears.

He picked me up and we walked into his room with him closing the door as we made out. His shirt was to the floor in seconds while I undid his belt and he lifted me up, stepping out of his jeans as he fell back onto his bed, totally ungraceful as I banged my head on the wall. I laughed as I watched his face turn from playful to concerned and back to playful as I smiled at him, brushing the stray hair from his face.

"I love you." I said quietly, just in awe of him. My heart felt so full of love for him, I could burst.

His smile widened and he kissed me. "I love you too, Marinette."

Time Skip: The Next Night

Luka's P.O.V

I sigh as I clean off the tables to bring the dirty dishes to the back for Mac to wash. He nods to me as I set them down on the table next to the dish pit. Just another night of work when my phone buzzed in my pocket, I smiled knowing who that might be. I slipped out my phone to check it real quick.

Marinette: This bed is so cold without you *pout emoji*

Delivered: 9:45 pm

I smiled as I texted her back.

Luka: 1 hour left babe and I'll make sure you aren't cold anymore

Delivered: 9:45 pm

I put my phone back into my pocket as I walked back out to the main dining area to clean up more tables and repeat the process, only this time I stopped to help my co-worker Kat change the garbage as she was struggling to pull it up with her petite size.

"Thanks Luka." She said to me as I walked towards the back door.

"No problem, Kat." I said with a smile as I pushed the door open and walked out into the warm night air.

I hauled the bag over into the dump and sighed as I wiped my hands on my apron when I heard a noise. Could be just a stray or something and that's when I saw movement within the shadows, no what or whoever this was, it was bigger than any stray animal. Then I heard it, a bell, I peered more into the shadow and out stepped Chat Noir except he looked different. For one he was white and his eyes changed from green to light blue for another the smirk on his face was anything but friendly. But I knew that face behind the mask and I knew this was personal, Adrien Agreste. My bracelet and Sass were tucked away in my jacket that's hung up in my employee locker, so it's not like I can get to him right now if I needed to. I take off all my jewelry and bracelets for when I'm working. Something tells me he knew this, he knew I wouldn't have it on me right now. He wanted me to be vulnerable.

"Chat Noir?" I asked him.

He chuckled darkly, "Not quite, as you can see I went under some changes. You can call me Chat Blanc. Word has it that you know the identity of a certain little bug…"

My body grew rigid as my anger and protective instincts kicked in, "What would you want with Ladybug?"

He chuckled more as he started to circle me, the street light the only light around us. "Why, her miraculous of course. I have a wish to grant."

What? He's clearly been akumatized, is he working with Monarch now? Whatever is going on, it's a threat to Marinette and I don't like that one bit. I silently curse myself for not grabbing my jacket.

"You can't be serious. You know granting one will come at a price to pay." I said back to him, narrowing my eyes and keeping my guard up.

He laughed darkly, "I don't care."

"Why are you doing this? Ladybug is your partner, your friend." I said, trying to talk him down long enough so I could run to get my jacket.

He chuckled and sighed, twirling something around between his fingers, "That's the thing with love, it makes you do crazy things. You stole her from me, Luka Couffaine and now you're going to help me get her back."

I almost wasn't ready when he charged for me but my reflexes kicked in and I was able to block him in time, the object in his hand becoming clear to me. A syringe. My eyes widened, he was going to drug me. I managed to knock it out of his hand and we fought as he kept trying to get it but I met him, blow for blow and he hissed.

"Looks like you've learned a thing or two, Viperion. What? Surprised that I know."

I pushed him off me using his own momentum against him, "Not at all considering it seems you willingly let yourself become akumatized. She'll never forgive you now that you're teamed up with Monarch."

He laughed, "She won't have to forgive me because once I'm done, it'll be back to how it's supposed to be. With her in love with me, not you."

"It doesn't matter if you wish for a different reality. It won't be real."

That seemed to piss him off more as he lunged for me, doing quick jabs everywhere flying at my face, I almost lost my balance to keep up and block them all. Something that he saw and took advantage of, he swept a leg out and tripped me as I fell backwards. He grabbed the syringe and pounced on me, I held my arm up to block him. He put all his weight into it, to get me to fold but I wouldn't. I couldn't not when she and the very fabric of reality was being threatened. Then I felt it, cold steel biting my flesh. I looked down to see him holding a dagger with his other hand as it pierced my flesh, he must have hidden it in his boot. He stabbed me and was smiling while he did it. I looked at him, not believing what just happened as the pain took over as he took the blade out and sent me coughing. Long enough for him to put the syringe in my neck and drug me. He tossed the weapons aside and crouched down to me.

"Oh don't look at me like that. You'll be fine, I missed anything major, you're going to stay with me for a while. Don't worry, I'll keep her safe." He said, chuckling.

He then stood up and brushed himself off, "Now, if you'll excuse me. I have a date with Marinette that I just can't miss."

Marinette. No! Panic was starting to rise in me as I realized that he was toying with me the whole time. He knows that Ladybug is Marinette and now because of me, she's in danger. She warned me about this happening, that the villains would use me to get to her. Everything made so much sense and the fear gripped me. She's in danger. I had to get to her but the drug was starting to take effect and the last thing I saw before I completely blacked out was Chat Blanc, smiling down at me as I was being hauled away.

End of Luka's P.O.V