8 Letters

Chapter 2

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.

I moved around a bit to stretch my limbs as I started to wake up. I felt something hard and soft under my hand and I blinked, opening my eyes to find myself laying on someone's chest. Not just any chest, Luka's. My heartbeat flutters at the knowledge I slept next to him all night, I go to move and get up but his arm caught me. He just held me tighter in his sleep, I pushed myself off him to no avail. So I tried shoving his arm to wake him. So glad that it's a Sunday morning and I don't have to rush to school. I'd definitely be late being stuck in this position.

"Luka. Luka, wake up."

I was answered with groans, I giggled a bit. He's such a bear when he sleeps. "Luka, c'mon, I have to go pee."

I tried lifting myself off him again but he just rolled over on his back, making me lay on his chest. I slumped there a little defeated, then I got the idea to kiss him awake. I felt his smile against my lips as he kissed me back.

"Luka, wake your big ol butt up." I said annoyed, struggling again to get off him. Wiggling around, trying to break free when a soft moan escaped his lips.

"Babe stop wiggling around on me like that." He murmured, still half asleep.

Wait, did he just call me babe? Blush flushes my cheeks at the endearment. I sigh annoyed, "Then let me go."

"Just one more minute." He mumbled.

"Luka, c'mon. Let me up." I complained.

Annoyed, I huffed and wiggled around some more to get him to let go, I really had to pee now as I was starting to fully wake up. The feeling of something against my inner thigh made me stop, blushing furiously as I realized I made him get hard. Luka moved almost instantly as he swore, letting me up.

"Damn it, Marinette." he muttered.

I just giggled as I hopped off his bed and kissed his cheek. "Thank you."

I smiled the whole way to the bathroom, on the way I noticed the time on the alarm clock read 9 am and gladly did my business then went into Juleka's room to get my things and fold up the extra sheets and comforter that were meant for me. Thankfully she and Anarka were still asleep when I came back, neither of them knowing I had actually spent the night with Luka. After I folded everything up, I set it neatly on the floor beside me and folded the cot back up. I was just trying to tie it shut when Luka entered.

"Here let me help." He said, sighing, walking quietly by Juleka's bed to get to the other side.

Once it was closed he helped me roll it back out to the living room to store it in the closet, and put the extra sheets away on the top shelf. I then grabbed my clothes and purse, thankfully Tikki was still in it and was sound asleep. I tried to be careful as I picked it up and carried it with my clothes. Luka yawns as I come back into his room. Setting my clothes on his desk, I rummage in my purse for my phone, it's a black smartphone with a pink marble phone case on it. I carefully move the little kwami out of the way. I look at the lock screen, surprised to find missed messages. I unlocked it to find a few missed texts from Alya and one from my mom.

Alya: Is everything okay between you and Luka? I saw him try to kiss you.

Delivered: 9:10pm

Alya: Tell me what happened tomorrow okay? I'm worried about you

Delivered: 10:45pm

Mama: Do you need me to come get you sweetheart?

Delivered: 8:05am

I sighed and texted back Alya first.

Marinette: I'm fine. Luka and I are fine. I'll fill you in later.

Delivered: 9:15 am

And then I texted my mom back.

Marinette: No maman, it's okay. Luka is giving me a ride.

Delivered: 9:15 am

I sighed as I looked at the kimono and suddenly regretted wearing it last night, it will take forever to put it back on.

"I don't think Juleka will mind you borrowing her clothes a little longer. I'll go make us some breakfast and then I'll take you home, okay?" Luka said.

I smiled at him, "Okay."

He kissed my forehead then left his room, I followed him out then sat on the couch while he went into the kitchen area when my phone chimed.

Alya: Girl you have to tell me the details, now

Delivered: 9:20am

Marinette: Haha all I'm going to say is it's official now. Luka and I are dating.

Delivered: 9:21am

My ringtone sounded off and I shushed my phone, Luka looked up from cooking at me, raising an eyebrow. I smiled at him, mouthing the words 'I'm sorry' to him as I answered.

"Uh hello?"

I had to pull my phone away from my ear as Alya screamed in excitement on the other line.

"You're dating?! Oh my god I am so happy for you. You have to tell me everything."

I giggled, "Not much to tell. We just talked a lot and tada, dating."

"That is so vague, Marinette." a male's voice sounded on the other line.

"Was that Nino?" I asked.

She giggled, "Yeah, I'm sorry girl. He's being nosey."

"Hey, I like knowing the tea sometimes too." he argued.

We both just laughed. "Well, will you tell me what happened last night? I think it's safe to say that I've known you long enough to know when you're having a panic attack." Alya said.

I sighed, "W-well when I realized he was about to kiss me I freaked. I started getting flashbacks of when he was akumatized, twice, by me might I add. I didn't want to make it a third when I haven't even let myself entertain the idea of a love life since Adrien and being you know who. I got scared so I did what I always do. I ran."

"What is she talking about?" Nino asked Alya.

Alya shushed him, "Don't worry about it. I'm going to finish this conversation outside, it's private babe. I'll let you know what the tea is after okay." She said to him, I could hear the sliding door in the background.

"Sorry about that Marinette, I'm out on my balcony now. Go on."

"He caught up to me because of course he did and we went back to his room for privacy to talk things over."

"So that's what you did all night you just talked?"

I nodded, "Yes. Cleared the air between us so to speak and Alya?"

"Yeah?"

I took a deep breath, "He knows."

Silence sounded on the other end. It seemed like forever before she spoke again.

"He knows to keep it to himself?"

"Yes. Alya, I trust him."

She sighed, "Alright. If you trust him then I do too."

"Thank you, Alya."

"Don't thank me yet, I'm still not his biggest fan. But if you're happy, I'm happy and it honestly really is good seeing you take your chance at love. Even if things with Adrien didn't work out, I'm glad you found someone."

"Yeah, me too."

"Alright well I have to go, Nino is over helping me babysit the twins while my mom's at work. I'm taking them to the zoo later, you should totally meet us there."

"Okay, we'll be there."

"Great, later Mari. I love you."

"I love you too."

With that I hung up and sighed. Luka walked around to set a plate of breakfast in front of me on the coffee table, along with a glass of orange juice. He made me an omelet, bacon and toast, I smiled at him as he set his own next to mine.

"Thank you."

"Of course. So, Alya knows I take it."

I sighed, "Yeah, she was the first one I told."

"Technically you never told me, I found out on my own." He counters.

"True." I said, smiling as I ate some omelet.

He sighed, taking a swing of orange juice, "Welp now that she knows we're dating, everyone will know. That girl can't keep a secret like this for long. Hell, she's probably told the entire school by now."

I laughed, "You're probably right."

And just like that my phone started chiming like crazy. Luka and I both laughed knowing that it's probably our classmates congratulating us.

"What are you two laughing about so early?" Juleka asked, yawning as she made her way out of her bedroom.

She itched her head, messing up her already messed up bed hair and sat next to Luka, stealing a piece of his bacon.

"Hey, go make your own, thief." He teased her.

"Why do that when I can steal yours?"

I giggled, "She has a point."

"You can get away with it but that one over there would eat it all on me if I let her."

Juleka stuck her tongue out at him, "Mari could probably get away with murder in your eyes." She mumbled.

I giggled knowing she was right as Luka blushed a bit and shook his head at her.

"So, did you two do it last night or what?"

Luka nearly choked on his juice as I found it hard to swallow my toast.

"D-do what?" I said, blushing madly.

Juleka rolled her eyes, "Have sex, what else?"

"No, Jules, we didn't. Though I'm not sure how it's any of your business if we did." Luka said, annoyed.

"Why would you even think that?" I asked, drinking some juice.

She shrugged, "I woke up in the middle of the night to go pee and noticed you weren't in the cot next to me. I found you all snuggled up with Luka, it was actually kinda cute."

"You're not going to tell mom, are you?" Luka asked.

Juleka rolled her eyes and waved him off, "Nah I'll let you do that."

Her mischievous grin makes me worried but I try not to focus on it as I have my own problems. We have to tell our parents. Anarka will probably welcome me with open arms. Mom already adores Luka so she'll be happy but my dad… dad is a different story. Suddenly it's the first time I'm afraid for Luka and it's not because of an akuma. Luka and I finish eating, I put the dishes away as he leaves to go get dressed. I went to the bathroom to put my bra back on under the black cami top, Juleka already said it was fine if I went home in them. I then slipped on my black flats that Juleka or Anarka kindly put on the shoe rack for me near the stairs to the main deck. Luka comes out fully dressed in blue ripped jeans, a white graphic t-shirt with black design, with his usual blue hoodie over it, his black converse and carrying my things in his hands.

I take my things with a thank you and put my purse over my shoulder. Luka grabs the keys to his bike and gestures to me to go first.

"Jules, I'm taking her home. I'll be back later, okay."

"Yeah, yeah." She mutters going back to her room.

I bit my lip once we left the house boat, rounding the corner to Luka's motorcycle. I look down realizing I'm in shorts and it might not be the best idea to get on a bike with revealing skin. Not like my kimono would be better. I sighed as Luka handed me his spare helmet and took my clothes to store them in his side satchel, strapping it closed. He then put his helmet on and swung his leg around the bike, finding his balance effortlessly. I put my helmet on and settled behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist.

"You good?" He asked.

I nodded, "Yeah."

With that he started up the bike and put up the kickstand, then we were off, I held onto him tighter at the first jolt of speed. It didn't take us long before we were in front of my family's bakery. Luka parked next to my dad's car and we hopped off, he had to steady me a bit from being on the bike. My legs were still a little wobbly from the vibrations of the bike. I entered the house from the side door and we made our way up the blue carpeted stairs to our front door. My mother rounded the corner and greeted us with a smile. She held her hands out to me and kissed my cheeks, I tried pushing her away a bit. It's so embarrassing when she does this in front of people.

"Oye, maman, I'm fine."

"Oh I know, can't a mother just give her daughter some love?"

I rolled my eyes then made my way up to my room, to get a change of clothes. I saw her embrace Luka, then held his hand.

"Luka, dear, thank you so much for taking care of her and bringing her home in one piece."

"Of course ma'am. There is actually something I'd like to talk to you and Mr. Dupain about."

"Is that so? Well Tom's busy down in the bakery but we can talk, go sit down, honey. I'll bring us some tea."

I shared a look with Luka before I left the stairs and headed down to the bathroom. Hopefully that talk he has with my parents will pay off, I'll have to thank him for taking the heat off me for telling them that we're dating. I turn the shower on and undress, stepping into the nice hot shower. Enjoying the water running down my body, I close my eyes and put my face under the water. I enjoyed the shower a little longer than usual today and when I got out to dry off my body the whole bathroom was filled with steam. Once I was dressed I opened the door to let the steam out and opened the closet door across the hallway to get my hair dryer, make-up and hair accessories. I picked out my light blue ripped jeans, an off shoulder pink crop top with long sleeves and my usual pink flats. With my hair dry I styled it up into a neat ballerina bun and out my cherry blossom hair pin in the bun to secure it, letting the jewelry dangle from my hair. I applied light pink eyeshadow and wing tipped eyeliner with mascara. Once satisfied with how I looked, I put everything away and gathered the clothes Juleka lent me. The atmosphere changed as I came out into the living room.

My father was sitting on the couch, my mom on the side of him and Luka was seated in the chair across from them, looking a bit nervous as my father stared at him with narrowed eyes, arms crossed over his chest. Upon seeing me, dad looked up.

"Mari, is this true? Do you want to date this boy?" He asked, voice booming.

"Yes." I answered.

"Hmm." He scuffed, lip curling in thought.

"Oh c'mon Tom, we know Luka. He's a respectable young man and he always takes care of Mari." My mom said to him, patting his shoulder.

"Hmmph." Dad said again, thinking it over. I partly believe he's doing this to make Luka sweat, I can see the smile he's trying to hide..

"Alright. You two have my blessing to date."

I ran over and hugged him, "Oh thank you daddy."

Dad hugged me back, then looked at Luka. "Remember boy, anything you do to my daughter, I'll do to you."

Luka paled a bit and nodded, "Yes sir."

"Oh don't listen to him, honey. We're just happy Marinette found someone so good as you." Mom commented.

See like I said, mom loves him. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if she's been secretly planning our wedding.

"Though we still need to have the talk, Marinette." Mom said, like it was a casual Tuesday and not my sex life. She was walking up to me as I stood behind the couch.

My dads cheeks flushed, "There will be no talk Sabine. Marinette is far too young for that."

"Tom she is not a little girl anymore, she's 17. And one thing most 17 year olds do is have sex, it's going to happen either we allow it or not. Don't you remember when we were young?"

My father stuttered the same time I groaned and tried to hide behind the couch cushions. Could they be any more embarrassing? I looked over at Luka and he had an amused smirk on his face. So glad he finds my mortification hilarious. He caught my eye and sighed, then cleared his throat.

"Mrs. and Mr. Dupain-Cheng, if it's any assurance, I've already told Marinette that I won't pressure her or do anything that she doesn't want to do."

My mother practically beamed at him, walking behind him to pat his shoulder. "See Tom? He's always taking care of her."

"Maman." I whined as I made my way up to my room to grab my purse that has my phone, wallet and keys along with a certain kwami.

"Oh stop Marinette, it's a normal part of growing up, nothing to be embarrassed about. I'm going to call your doctor tomorrow when you're at school to set up an appointment for birth control, it's a good thing Luka knows too since you're together now." She explained to me as I sluggishly walked down the stairs.

I sighed and rolled my eyes, "Don't give me that look, missy. If you're going to do it, we want you to be safe. Don't do it anywhere I wouldn't."

"Okay, okay, maman I get it. Can we go now? I told Alya I'd meet her at the zoo."

"Yes you can go but we're having that talk tonight, dear." She said as I tugged Luka's hand to get him out of the house.

"Alright maman. I'm going now."

"Be safe." She called after me as I was already walking down the stairs.

When Luka and I finally got outside, I let out a breath of relief being away from my overbearing parents.

"Well that went better than I thought it would." Luka said, chuckling.

I sighed and got the spare helmet on, annoyed. "Your mom seems to be very happy about the news." He added, getting his own helmet on.

I scuffed, "That's because she loves you, she always had. Already sees you as her son in law, I swear I wouldn't put it past that woman to have our wedding mapped out." I muttered.

Luka laughed out loud, the sweet deep baritone voice filled the air and I found myself loving the sound and my irritation subsided.

"Marinette, how forward of you, we haven't even had a first date yet." He teased me and I stuck my tongue out at him.

"Haha, very funny, Luka." I said sarcastically.

He chuckled then started up the bike and I got myself secure behind him, wrapping my arms around him tightly as we took off once more. I don't think I'll ever get used to that first jolt of speed on this thing. We make our way to the zoo in no time, finding a parking spot and getting off the bike. I wait for Luka to finish putting our helmets away at their side compartments, once secured he takes my hand and we walk into the zoo. I pull my phone out to let Alya know we're here, not even a minute passes and she replies by telling me that they are over by the giraffes. Nino waves us over upon seeing us walk over there, and gets Alya's attention.

Alya's eyes widened a bit at seeing me, "Damn Mari, you're looking hot today."

"Oh, thank you. So do you." I said giggling, then took notice of her outfit.

Camo print cargo pants with a black three pyramid stud belt, and a olive green halter top, complete with her sneakers.

She laughs and waves it off, "Thanks, I try."

"No try about it, babe, you're always hot." Nino said, smirking at her.

I laugh and shake my head, "So, where are the twins?"

"Feeding the giraffes. Wanna come?" Alya asked, grabbing a leaf.

I did the same and followed her to where the twins were feeding the giraffe's and giggling when their tongues tickled their hands.

"Ella, Etta, Marinette and Luka are here." Alya announced.

The girls turned around and lit up as soon as they saw me, given they are older now at around 8, they still have that childlike excitement when seeing me.

"Marinette!" They cheered as they ran up to give me a hug.

I knelt down with my arms wide open to receive the hug, "Hey girls, how's your day been?"

"Great! First we ate breakfast and watched movies then Nino took us to Andre's ice cream cart and now here." Ella said, excited.

"Sounds like a day of fun." I said, smiling.

"Mari, who's that?" Etta asked me, whispering, looking shy.

I giggled, "This is Luka. My boyfriend."

Luka smiled and crouched down to them, waving. "Hi girls, it's nice to meet you."

Both girls gasped then giggled, "Oooo."

"You did good Mari, he's really cute." Ella whispered in my ear then ran off giggling.

I laughed and stood back up, Luka looked over at me, smiling. "What did she say?"

"She said I chose you well because you're really cute. And hey she's not wrong, you are adorable." I teased.

He scuffed, "Attractive, sexy, ruggedly handsome are all acceptable traits to refer to me as. Adorable isn't one of them."

I snorted a little as I laughed out loud, "You totally are. Juleka showed me your baby books, simply too cute."

His jaw dropped a little, "When the hell was this?!"

I laughed again, "Forever ago. Don't be too hard on her, I'm the one that snooped."

He shook his head and chuckled. "I'll just have to get even."

"I guess so." I challenged him.

"Is everyone hungry? Want to go down to the food court to get lunch? It's just a little past noon." Nino said, checking his watch.

"Yeah, let's all go." I said in agreement as the twins jumped up and down.

Luka took my hand as Nino took Alya's, Alya took Etta's and Nino took Ella's on either side of them. Then we all made our way down to the main plaza area where the food court is held. The line for the grill & cafe was long when we got there but didn't mind the wait, their food is so worth the wait. I love their grilled chicken paninis. As we moved up in the line, there were only a few people ahead of our group. Nino got out his wallet asking Alya and the twins what they wanted to eat and I rummaged around my bag for mine, Tikki was awake and handed it to me, I smiled a thank you to her.

"Do you want anything?" I looked up at Luka and asked him.

He looked as if I offended him, "Put that away, Mari. My treat."

"It's really no trouble." I muttered.

"I want to."

I sighed and put my wallet away, "If you insist."

We were next but before I could say my order Luka was already telling the man what I wanted.

"Good afternoon, can I get a grilled chicken panini, a medium mixed berry smoothie and chocolate chip muffin. And I'll have um the grilled steak panini and could you add some green peppers and onions to it, thank you."

I shared a look with Alya, mouthing the words, 'oh my god' to her. He knew my order by heart and he's paying. He just scored boyfriend points. Luka paid what he owed and the cashier gave him back his change then told us to wait on the side as they got our order ready.

I look up at him smiling and he smirks, "What?"

"How'd you know my order?"

He scoffed, "Mari, you've been getting the same thing everytime we come here for years. Kind of hard to forget besides I figured your kwami might like the sweets." He said keeping his voice low enough to keep it between us.

I smiled at him and kissed his cheek, "Thank you."

Our order was called and Luka grabbed it from the food truck then we made our way to an empty picnic table, I carefully hid my purse under the bench and gave Tikki some muffin.

"Thank Luka for me Marinette, mmm this is so good." She said, munching away at it already.

"Tikki says thank you." I told him as I ripped my sandwich in half.

Luka nods as he does the same with his food. I barely had time to take my first bite when screams could be heard in the distance. I groaned and set my food down.

"Never a day off." I mumbled as I got off the bench.

"I-uh-have to go to the bathroom!" I announced to the rest of the group as they came to sit with us.

Alya nodded in understanding as I ran to the nearest restroom. I transformed then yo-yo my way out of the rest room through the window, using the nearest lamp post as leverage. Once I was safely out, I started swinging into action heading towards the source of the screams. Once I got there I almost didn't believe my eyes, a gigantic teddy bear was terrorizing the citizens. I spot Chat Noir almost instantly as he tries to use his baton to trip the bear.

"Good thinking, Chaton! Did you see where the akuma is?"

"No but I'm pretty sure I could guess it's in that gigantic bow." He calls over, helping to evacuate civilians.

"Lucky Charm!" I shout and down comes a mirror? Hmm, okay what am I to do with a mirror? I look around the scene and weigh my options, something catches my eye and it's like a light bulb went off in my mind. The sun. I can use the sun's rays reflecting on the mirror to distract the bear and then Chat can use his Cataclysm to get the bow. I purify the akuma and tada. I'll be back to having lunch with my boyfriend. My plan works like clockwork and we find out that the bear was actually a little kid that got akumatized, he and his sibling were fighting over the bear and he got angry. I gave the young boy a charm to hopefully keep him protected from other attacks. This leaves an unsettling feeling in my gut. Is Monarch that desperate now to akumatize children? I mean it's not the first time. He had akumatized Manon before. But this was just… sad.

Chat bows to me, "Until we meet again, Mi'lady."

"Bye Chaton." I said back and took off back to the zoo.

Once safely in the same stall I left, I de-transformed and left the restroom. Thanking whatever god that's looking out for me that the bathroom was empty. I got back to the bench to only see Luka there.

"Where did Alya and Nino go?" I asked with a pout.

He sighed, "The twins were too excited to sit still. They left to go see Ladybug's fight with the latest akuamtized victim."

"Oh. Well at least you stayed." I said with a smile.

"Someone had to keep your food warm." He joked and I giggled.

"Thank you. Now maybe I can eat."

I happily ate my lunch and drank my smoothie, Luka and I engaging in a bit of small talk here and there. Until it was time to call it a day and Luka took me home. The smell of roast chicken filled the house as we got back to my place. My mother was cooking away in the kitchen.

"Can Luka stay for dinner?" I asked her.

"Of course he can." She said happily, stirring gravy on the stove top.

Luka took his boots off and set them on the shoe rack and I headed up the stairs to my room, "Was that Marinette just getting home?"

"Yes Tom. Oh and Luka is staying for dinner." Mom told him.

"Leave the door open, Marinette!" Dad yelled up to me.

"Alright papa, geez!"

Luka chuckled as I climbed on to my bed, patting the side next to me for him to lay down. Once he climbed up the ladder and settled in on his back with his arm behind his head, I snuggled into him and sighed.

"When are we going to tell your mom?" I asked him.

He sighed, "I will when I get home besides I'm sure Juleka already told her."

"It would be better coming from you." I said.

"I know." He then kissed my forehead, "Don't worry so much, my mom will approve. She loves you about as much as your mom loves me."

We both laughed at that, "Heaven forbid our moms team up then." I teased.

We laughed again then settled back down and just laid there in silence for a moment. Listening to each other's heartbeats and steady breathing. Before I realized it, I was starting to drift off to sleep.

"Mari?" Luka said after a while.

"Hmm." I replied, getting sleepy.

"Why haven't you said that you love me, yet?"

"I dunno. Maybe I'm waiting for the right moment."