#luka couffaine deserves better

[yan-san-yan]

A deep-dive into Luka as a kid with anger issues.

For a long time now I believe Luka used to have anger issues as a child, because he didn’t know how to deal with the emotions he sense from others due to his incredibly high emotional awareness and empathic nature. He also struggled with expressing himself and finding himself due to being the only male in the family and feeling the need to protect his younger sister and pirate mom. I feel like he would also not have been violent or explosive about it but it was the one thing he knew how to express as a child.

Here is a bit of Luka backstory + character arc timeline for my headcanon of why he would have anger issues and why it makes sense:

Emotional Intelligence: Luka's heightened emotional awareness and empathic nature could be both a gift and a burden. As a young child with an unusual upbringing (a mother like Anarka + being single mom that may have ended up neglecting her children, especially Luka as Juleka might have required a bit more attention) this leads to Luka being affected by his environment and other external factors that could have added pressure onto him while it should have been a time for a child to learn and grow and just be allowed to be a kid. He constantly absorb the emotions of those around him, listening to what was being said, leading to a sense of overwhelming pressure and confusion. This emotional overload could be challenging for him to process and manage effectively.

Emotional Sensitivity: Luka's heightened emotional intelligence and empathy make him highly sensitive to the emotions of others. This sensitivity could become overwhelming for him as a child, leading to difficulties in managing his own emotions.

Difficulty Expressing Himself: Luka has always been the feel and act type of bye, often struggling with communication as words have never been his strong suit, instead sticking to his music and express himself through his craft. The kid even started calling people’s true emotions/true selves “heart songs”. One reason for his struggle with expressing himself could stem from feeling the need to protect his younger sister (twin or not) and irresponsible mother. As the only male in the family, he might have internalized a sense of responsibility, which lead to suppressing his own emotions and needs. This creates inner conflicts and make it challenging for him to find his voice. Normally it wouldn’t have been that much of a problem, but since he already comes from a somewhat dysfunctional family with police involvement, finances that he took cake off and a sister that is a victim of bully at school, Luka feels a strong sense of responsibility and need to grow up fast and take care of his family. This results in the emotions he picks up from around him becomes a added stress factor to him at times.

Protective Nature: Luka's eventual anger issues could arise from a deep-rooted desire to protect those he cares about, such as his family. I personally think the Couffaine siblings didn’t have a lot of friends growing up, only having each other which would also enhanced this protective nature of his. Luka feels a strong sense of responsibility for the family’s well-being, which leads to frustration when he perceives their safety or happiness as threatened. I can see it being very frustrating to feel helpless against a situation where cops are involved and seeing people pick on your family/mother for being different and doing what they believe. As a child it may be hard to understand when your loved ones (mother) is sometimes in the wrong and it leaves him wondering why people are so cruel to pick a fight and argue with Anarka. Luka despise people ganging up on one person and in addition to his sister being bullied it makes him even more furious to see people oppressing the weak/minority. It teaches him how unfair the world is from an early age.

Anger as a Defense Mechanism: As a child, Luka might not have possessed the emotional maturity or communication skills necessary to effectively express his protectiveness and concerns. His inability to convey his emotions in a constructive manner could result in bursts of anger or frustration. His keen sense of justice and upbringings of having a pirate-like mom greatly affected this. I wouldn’t put it past Anarka to preach about standing up to what is right and to fight back when being oppressed or targeted. She may not have been the greatest role model in how to act and resort conflicts which means Luka had to learn the hard way. On an additional note, Luka's anger issues might have also developed as a defense mechanism to cope with the overwhelming influx of emotions from others. When faced with an overload of emotions, he could have resorted to anger as a way to protect himself and his family or create a barrier. I am not talking about screaming or throwing a fit whenever, but rather being unapproachable, giving harden glares and even fight if he sees his sisters being picked by other kids. Luka would be quick to act and give in to his grudge and wrath. Luka’s anger isn’t very loud even if his music may be, both as a child and as a teen.

Domino effect: Also he might have had a hard time distinguishing others emotions from his own, like if a room is full of depressed people it has a domino effect. Especially empaths have to be extra careful to separate the emotions they sense from others with their own and also learn to let those feelings go instead of keeping them. A difficult feat for a child.

Reflective Nature: Through trial and error Luka would soon learn the issue with expressing his anger at the injustice and his integrity of “the truth over all” at the world. His talent for reflection would make him introspective and thoughtful. He possess the ability to analyze situations, emotions, and relationships, allowing him to gain insights and learn from his experiences. Usually reflecting when he is plucking the strings of his guitar. Music is a great source for him to relax and to take a breather. To gain new perspectives and a good outlet for him.

Reasoned Decision-Making: Luka's ability to see reason would make him adept at evaluating different perspectives and making rational decisions. He would consider logic, empathy, and the greater good, allowing him to navigate complex situations and conflicts. I can see Anarka giving the occasional wise advice to him and Juleka help him realize that he doesn’t need to be strong for all of them, that they all can share some of that weight and be stronger together.

Learning from Mistakes: Luka's growth-oriented mindset would enable him to recognize and acknowledge his own mistakes. Instead of dwelling on failures, he would use them as opportunities for growth and personal development. He would actively seek to understand the lessons within each experience. This is ruled to protect his loved ones by becoming the diplomat, the supporter and the bridge between his loved ones and to the world.

Personal Development: As Luka matures and learns to control his anger, he becomes more introspective and develop strategies to cope with his emotions. He would develop a greater sense of self, discovering his values, aspirations, and passions. This growth would help him find his purpose and contribute to his overall character. Believing in his integrity of honesty and that by focusing on that instead of acting out of anger, he will start resorting more to communication and emit a calm and positive outlook. By being patient and honest he finds himself being more listened to. It may not solve all his problems but it makes great progress. This leads to personal growth, further self-reflection, and a greater understanding of himself. Or developing coping mechanisms that allow him to navigate his empathic nature effectively. Hence he becomes the loving supportive character we know him as in the show and even the go-to-therapist friend.

Meditation as a new Coping Mechanism: Recognizing the need for emotional balance and control, Luka could have discovered meditation as a way to calm his mind, regulate his own emotions. It would provide him with a tool to process and channel the emotions he absorbs from others.

Inner Harmony: Through regular meditation practice, Luka could have learned to find inner peace and harmony within himself. It would allow him to center his emotions, understand his own feelings better, and navigate the emotional challenges he faces. His reflective nature would extend to his emotional intelligence, where he would both have a deep understanding of his own emotions and be attuned to the feelings of others. This awareness would contribute to his growth and allow him to build meaningful connections with those around him. Which helps balance his exceptionally high EQ.

Positive Role Model: Luka's journey of overcoming anger issues and change in behaviour and suddenly being more approachable could serve as an inspiration to others who may be dealing with similar challenges. It could teach them the importance of seeking help, finding healthy outlets for their emotions, and growing as individuals. This is where his new responsibility of the go to guy begins, a positive change that will eventually become a burden.

Empathy as Strength: Luka emotional awareness and empathic nature becomes a source of strength for him instead of the source of his stress. He learns to channel his empathy into supporting and understanding others, fostering deep connections and friendships. It makes him more compassionate, patient, and supportive towards those who are also dealing with emotional difficulties. This could highlight the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence as valuable qualities. Which leads us to the next problem.

Supporting Character (Complexity and new issues): Luka's selflessness shapes the relationships with others. It helps with strengthening bonds and create deep connections as people appreciate his caring nature, but it could also lead to challenges when his own needs are overlooked or unacknowledged. Luka's personal development have a significant impact on the relationships he has with others so it will take a long time before this issue is addressed, or when even he realizes this.

Exploration: This involve exploring his own identity and finding a sense of self amid his familial responsibilities. He might feel torn between fulfilling his protective role and discovering his own passions, interests, and aspirations. This may eventually lead to internal conflicts and a quest for self-discovery in the future. This does not mean he has identity issues of low self-esteem. He is stuck in the responsibility role due to circumstances.

Self-Sacrifice: Luka's tendency to prioritize others lead him to self-sacrifice, putting the needs and well-being of his loved ones above his own. He might willingly set aside his own desires and ambitions to ensure the happiness and support of those around him.

Emotional Support: As stated earlier Luka naturally become a reliable and compassionate source of emotional support for his friends and family. The person others turn to in times of need, knowing he will be there to listen and provide comfort and new sets of perspectives, to empathize with their struggles, and offer thoughtful insights. Which position him as a mentor or guide to other characters. Luka’s wisdom and ability to see reason would make a valuable source of advice and support, offering guidance to those who may be struggling with their own challenges. While this deepens his connections and foster a sense of trust and understanding it becomes a problem with his habit of….

Neglecting Personal Needs: Luka's focus on caring for others might result in him neglecting his own needs and desires. He could put aside his own emotional struggles or dreams, not wanting to burden others or divert attention away from them.

Struggles with Self-Worth: Luka's selfless nature may lead to internal conflicts and struggles with self-worth. He might feel that his value is now tied to how much he can do for others, and without that, he may question his own significance or purpose. Perhaps it’s a fear of losing control of his emotions, to feel the anger that is brewing inside him, or simply just a fear of not being able to protects those he loves.

Moments of Vulnerability: Despite being there for others, Luka struggle with expressing his own vulnerabilities and seeking help when he needs it. Juleka may be the only person he gets to truly be transparent with. His journey could involve learning to open up, trust others with his own struggles, and seek support when necessary.

Finding oneself: Even though Luka has come a long way, he hasn’t been following his own advice, he is not as kind to himself as he is to others. I personally think it’s not because he isn’t trying, but because no one ever offers to lend an ear to him (outside of Juleka). For instance others may think that the calm, patient Luka couldn’t possibly be struggling or needing advice when he always have a solution to a problem. So why wouldn’t he have one for himself then? He may have tried to talk about it but his voice was drowned out by other’s needs or they might have talked over him or simply not payed attention since they wouldn’t expect him to feel that way. Luka's character development could involve learning healthy boundaries and understanding that self-care and self-prioritization are necessary for his own well-being. And put distance between his feelings and others and that it’s okay to say no. Through personal growth and support from those around him, he could come to realize that taking care of himself is not selfish but essential.

Luka's anger issues isn’t fully gone (possibly) as it may arise from a tendency to suppress his emotions, especially if he feels the need to be strong and dependable for his family. Holding in the emotions for an extended period could lead to occasional outbursts or difficulty managing his anger when someone he cares about is threatened. Silencer and migration is a perfect example of that.

Overall, I think this backstory would provide Luka with a compelling arc of growth, self-discovery, and emotional mastery. It showcases his resilience, empathy, and determination to overcome obstacles, while also emphasizing the importance of emotional well-being and self-care.

[crowzenn-murders]

Doodles of Chloe and Luka cuz im obsessing rn only them tho i need fic recs pleaseeeee

[zodoods]

idc what u say Luka is the most tragic character is miraculous he got akumatized and asked all of Marinette’s friends what her deepest secret was and they all went “she’s in love with Adrien Agreste” and he wasn’t fazed he was just in love with her and wanted to make it work

[ceruskies]

summer luka!! bc just drawing jackets in this manila heat is just suffocating me lmao

[badumtisss112]

Late but, since Marinette doesn't want Luka I'll take him and wife him up tf-

[mysticgwen]

Can someone write a fanfic with Marinette and Luka singing "Dead Girl Walking", based off of the tiktok audio? I'm thinking Lila salt with mari doing theater as an escape

[dragonbugsuperior]

MLB Ship Tier

[valenteal]

I don’t know if I can even express how much I hate miraculous season 5? Like words just don’t exist to express the depth of my disappointment and anger at that cluster fuck? Like, when season 4 was coming out I wasn’t exactly happy with all the choices they were making but season 5 is just… gods it sucks so bad! I mean, Luka is easily my favorite character in the show but after Truth I was just like ??????????? the fuck you doing? It’s like Luka became popular with fans and for some reason they decided to just retcon the fuck outa him and Juleka? They’re twins now? No! Luka is the cool older brother! He has a bit more experience and maturity so he can understand Marinette but also understands when she’s being immature and ridiculous because that’s what happens at that age! Also great to see a non-nuclear family with a single mother and two kids with different fathers. The Coufaines are a much more positive representation of an atypical family dynamic than the Bourgeois family. Their all white and snobbish and damaged and they don’t love or support one another. Totally realistic and good to represent the struggles of different kinds of people, including those with privilege but it’s a pretty negative view and the Coufaines made sure kids watching the show could see how loving families can come in all shapes and sizes. Of course this was all before Chloé’s redemption arc was slashed to pieces.

And they sent Luka away!? And they started being open about hero identities like Alix? And suddenly Kagami’s mom is a villain? And Gabriel isn’t just insane with grief and power but it was all an evil plot from the start? What is even happening with anything?!?!?!?!?!?! Talk about losing the plot oh my fucking god!

Oh! And! They made Marichat canon but they took everything that made it great away?! Like, Marichat was great because neither of them were aware that they liked each other! They were able to be themselves and relax without trying to impress their crush. They both already saw one another as friends but couldn’t let the other know. It was sweet and fun and they were each other’s safe place and then they just took everything I hate about Adrinette and Ladynoir and projected it onto Marichat and UURRGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

Fuck Miraculous seasons 4 and 5. Fuck miracle queen too. As far as I’m concerned Miraculous got tragically cancelled after season 3 episode 23.

[marcmarcmomarc]

Miraculous

Chapter 9: Traitors

(In Marriott’s Grande Vista, Adrien’s group lays asleep throughout the villa. Adrien wakes up.)

ADRIEN: (YAWNS) Morning, guys.

(The group gives scattered “Good morning” greetings.)

ADRIEN: Let’s start putting Operation Bring Marinette Back to Paris underway. Markov?

(Markov scans all of Orlando.)

MARKOV: I have found her. She is now leaving a Panera Bread in Waterford Lakes Town Center with a new group of friends. They plan to visit ICON Park tonight.

ADRIEN: ICON Park. That’s right on this road. Heck, we passed that on the way here. That’s where we go tonight.

(Now, during the last rays of sundown, Marinette and her new friends enter ICON Park. Marinette gawks at the Orlando Eye glowing colorfully against the night sky. Around the park, guests notice Marinette and point her out. The group approaches the entrance to the wheel.)

LUNA-TK: Alright. You head on in and enjoy yourself. We’ll be on lookout for anyone crossing you.

MARINETTE: Okay. Thank you.

(She goes inside. Meanwhile, with Adrien’s group in their room…)

MARKOV: She has arrived at the park.

ADRIEN: Let’s go, people.

(Meanwhile, Marinette arrives at one of the wheel’s cars.)

MARINETTE: Thank you.

(She boards the wheel. Meanwhile, Adrien’s group arrives.)

ADRIEN: Okay. Everyone search high and low. She could be anywhere in this busy park.

(In the wheel, Marinette arrives at the top and overlooks the area around her.)

MARINETTE: Wow.

TIKKI: I mean, Paris had great views during your time as Ladybug, but this is amazing.

MARINETTE: Right? My choice to stay here gets better with every hour.

(Below, Markov sees her.)

MARKOV: She is now preparing to get off of that wheel.

MAX: Affirmative.

(Meanwhile, Marinette gets out of her car and onto the platform.)

MARINETTE: That was so good.

TIKKI: So now what?

MARINETTE: We’re gonna meet back with the group and work it out.

(Now, Adrien and the group find her outside the Museum of Illusions.)

ADRIEN: There they are!

MARINETTE: Huh?

(As the group approaches, all of Marinette’s new friends block them.)

LUNA-TK: Back up! Back away!

@calxiyn (simultaneously): Get out of here!

ADRIEN: What?

@luminara713: Get back!

ADRIEN: What’s going on? Marinette! We’re here to apologize!

MARINETTE: You think I want to hear what you have to say?

(Marinette moves through her friends and approaches Adrien.)

ADRIEN: You need to know how scared and devastated we were when we knew you were gone. We spent the rest of the day looking for you.

MARINETTE: So? Just the fact that it took me running away for you to come to the realization that you mistreated me speaks volumes. How did any of you ever come to the conclusion that a girl who tells the most unbelievable stories that can be fact-checked by a simple internet search is so spectacular? How did, “Marinette, someone we know always puts other people’s needs before her own, is bullying a disabled girl because of pity jealousy, even though she insists that she’s okay with Kagami dating Adrien,” cross your minds at all? Tell me, Adrien. Why did I have to tell you to vouch for me? I don’t blame Mr. Damocles for shutting you up! You looked like you were only doing it because I asked you to and not because you actually believed me! You all did nothing when I got expelled, not even Alya’s “detective work” turned out useful, and Lila was the one to get me back in with another lie, and I’m just supposed to forgive you?!

ADRIEN: Marinette, please…

MARINETTE: No! You know, if I can’t ever get it through your heads that I want you to leave me alone, my new friends will make you understand! Let’s get these traitors!

(As Marinette and her new friends charge, Adrien and the others turn around and flee past several onlookers. The group turns onto the street as the typical harsh rain you’d expect to see in Florida starts to fall. Marinette and her new friends follow. Ahead, Adrien and his group frantically pant as they hustle ahead of their pursuers.)

(They run under the bridge connecting the Orange County Convention Center and the Hotel Convention Center.)

ADRIEN: Let’s go this way!

(They turn onto Hawaiian Ct and bump into Terence, who glowers down at them.)

(They change direction, toward the bushes behind Walgreens, which they hop over. Manon falls off of her mother’s shoulders. Alix catches her and passes her back to Nadja.)

MANON: Thank you!

ALIX: Don’t mention it.

(Back on the street, the group hustles toward the overpass. Kagami’s foot slips on a sewer drain and she falls, clutching her ankle in pain.)

ADRIEN: Kagami!

KAGAMI: My ankle!

(Looking beyond her, Adrien sees their pursuers approaching fast.)

ADRIEN: Anansi…

NORA: Don’t need to tell me, Cellphone Boy!

(Nora runs back and carries Kagami on her back. Ahead, the group rounds the corner at the three-way intersection leading to Marriott’s Grande Vista. Their pursuers start to close in. The group races into the lobby, their hair and clothes sopping wet, and their equally wet shoes squeaking on the floor. They arrive at an open elevator and scramble inside.)

TRAVEL GROUP: Get in, get in!…Go, go, go!…Hurry up, get in, come on!…They’re coming, let’s go!

ADRIEN: Come on, come on, come on, come on!

MYLÈNE: Get in! Get in!

(Their equally wet pursuers arrive. Adrien frantically presses the button to close the elevator.)

ADRIEN: Close, close, close, come on!

(The doors slide closed just before Marinette and her new friends can reach them.)

MARINETTE: Ah! Come on!

LUNA-TK: Darn! (SIGHS) Well, hey, hope you enjoyed the day with us before they showed up. See you tomorrow?

MARINETTE: Sure.

(Her new friends leave.)

LORI: They better not come near her again, or I will literally turn them into human pretzels.

(On the fourth floor, the group gets off the elevator.)

ALIX: I can’t believe this! We came all this way for nothing!

NATHANIEL: And Marinette has hardcore protectors now!

IVAN: Traitors! She called us traitors!

MYLÈNE: (SOBBING) How could she?

ALYA: We’re so stupid! We should have seen this coming!

SABINE: We really should have been keeping a more watchful eye!

CHLOÉ: Yeah, and Lila deserves a pounding once we get back!

ADRIEN: Wait a minute, wait, hold on! Now is not the time to be hysterical!

NATHANIEL: Now is the perfect time to be hysterical!

ROSE: Should we be hysterical?

ALIX: No!

CHLOÉ: Yes!

ADRIEN: Maybe! But not right now! (SIGHS) Let’s call it a day now and figure it out in the morning.

(Later, the group lays asleep throughout the villa. Plagg goes up to Adrien.)

PLAGG: (WHISPERING) You are concocting something right now, are you?

ADRIEN: No one concocts plans while they sleep, Plagg. Quiet before someone hears you.

(Fade to black.)

[miraculouscriticismshub]

Every episode in Season 5 ranked based on my Opinions. These are my opinions so please stay respectful when commenting :)

Each episode in one sentence based on my opinion

Feel free to disagree but please stay civil when commenting :)

[booksrbetterthanpeople]

Juleka notices Luka not caring for his own mental health and immediately starts an intervention.

Luka: Guys, I’m fine.

Alya: You’re clearly not. Look how pale you are! When was the last time you’ve seen the sun?

Nathaniel: Yeah, I’m naturally pasty, so it’s fine. But, you? You’re clearly not taking care of yourself.

Luka: It’s just… Marinette-

Nino: Dude! Forget her! Does she care about your feelings?

Luka: … I mean-

Juleka: When has she ever given you free therapy?

Luka: …

Juleka: Exactly.

Marc: Just drop her, man. She’s screwed almost every main character over. I almost plummeted to my death because she erased my name!

Juleka: And she elbowed me out of my first photoshoot, getting me Akumatized.

Kim: *Boards the Liberty* And now I’m one of the asshole characters because the princess needed more sympathy points!

Myléne: This isn’t brought up a lot, but instead of attempting to help me out, she swooped in and stole my part in Nino’s movie.

Alya: And she stalks Adrien.

Adrien: What?

Marc: Yeah, she does that.

Rose: Like, a lot.

Nathaniel: I’ve seen her do it. It’s kinda scary.

Ivan: I have video evidence of her trying to scale the walls of your place.

Kim: Yeesh! I dodged a bullet with that prank.

Zoé: Oh, and she stole my backstory. Bugs in the locker? Come on!

Adrien: Wait! This is Luka’s intervention! Let’s get back on track!

Juleka: We still are. Look. *Points to the haunted expression on Luka’s face* Now he can stop worrying over Marinette and focus on himself.

Luka: … Why did I date that girl?

Juleka: There you go; we found a part of the root of your problems. Now let’s talk about the other deadbeat in your life.

[elmadrwnette]

I hate the way people underestimate Adrien and overestimate Luka.

seriously, people literally idealize Luka. in fact, he's probably really too perfect AND THAT'S BAD. because the character must be alive, he must have flaws, and does Luka have flaws? as far as I remember, no. although, his only drawback is that he doesn't seem to respect himself at all, since he lets Marinette wipe her feet on him.

People call Adrien blind and stupid, mostly because he didn't see Marinette's feelings. but do not forget that he just grew up away from society, almost did not communicate with people, he does not know much yet, but he is growing as a person in society, and it is interesting to watch!

he has always lacked communication and care, and I am very sorry for him. and the fact that he called Marinette a friend - because it was very important for him to have friends, he never had them (Chloe doesn't count, it's hard to call her a friend)

everyone jokes everywhere "she's just a friend" but it's not fucking funny, plus Marinette said the same thing, led Adrien astray. Adrien also thought Marinette was dating Luka.

And many more claim that Luka, unlike Adrien, was always there for Marinette and was ready to help. but you forget about how much Adrien did for Marinette, he was always there, always helping, saving, protecting her. she was literally dearer to him than anyone else, and he always listened to her words.

it hurts me for my boy, people see only flaws in him, people are always unhappy with him, and even when they see how much good Adrien does for Marinette, or in general, they just turn a blind eye to it, as if it never happened and claim that Luka is better. it's terrible and it annoys me.

Adrien is a wonderful person, and I love him very much. he has a very hard life. he always expected his father to pay attention to him, he was always rejected and was cold with him, did not see his feelings, experiences, no one cared. but not Marinette. she makes him really happy, she really loves him, and he loves her. I really look forward to the black stripe in their lives being replaced by a white one.

[mad-witch-moon]

aesthetic Lukanette

[bee-a-garbage-shipper]

The Karma Of Lies

By: CartoonAddict564

Ship: Luka Couffaine/Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug

Minor Ships: Juleka Couffaine/Rose Lavillant, Alya Césaire/Nino Lahiffe, Ivan Bruel/Mylène Haprèle, Jean Duparc/Kagami Tsurugi

Status: Complete

Salt: Chloé Bourgeois Sugar, Juleka Couffaine Sugar, Rose Lavillant Sugar, Adrien Agreste Salt, Alya Césaire Salt, Lila Rossi Salt, MiracuClass Salt

Summary:

All Adrien wanted was to keep the peace and make sure everyone in his class stayed friendly. That was why he took the high road, held his tongue, and allowed Lila's lies to spread unchecked. He didn't think this was a big deal; sure, Marinette complained, but she'd endured just fine when he'd defended Chloe, so why would this be any different? And besides, who could be hurt by a couple of tall tales about celebrities and fake charitable work?

But karma is a stubborn thing. It can occasionally be deflected, such that a villain is protected from her well-deserved punishment, but it can never be truly stopped--especially when the Ladybug miraculous is involved. In those cases, if appropriate consequences cannot fall upon the villain herself, they inevitably descend upon the protector who upheld her lies, downplayed her cruelties, and shielded her from harm.

And by the time Adrien learns just what sort of punishment that Lila earned and that he must now endure, it may be far too late for him.

Miraculous salt fic.

Opinion: This is such a good fic. Quite possibly the best Miraculous Ladybug Fic I’ve ever read. Most certainly in the top ten. If you have I low tolerance for Salt I can’t recommend it but I can’t think of anything that could turn a Lukanette Shipper away from this fic. Even Lila is actually a competent villain. And despite being Salty it doesn’t feel Wildly Out Of Character. Sadly Certain People do not get the fate they so richly deserve but there’s a Lore reason for this and that is the whole premise of the fic. Even if you don’t reread it a dozen or so times like I did I honestly could not recommend it more highly.

[goggles-mcgee]

Too Late: Aurore & Mireille

Latest chapter in the story for @miner249er

Previous Story

Beginning Chapter

Last Chapter                     Next Chapter

Summary: All Aurore wanted was a peaceful, stress-free day from all that was going on in the chaos that had become Paris. Just a day out with her best friend, thinking about nothing but of course life was never that easy and her day never got the chance to be peaceful. Though it did end interestingly.

__________

Aurore sighed as she twirled her parasol between her fingers. She could feel her best friend’s gaze on her but she really didn’t know how to put all the thoughts in head into words. Usually Mireille was the ‘quiet’ one out of the two but lately Aurore hadn’t felt up to talking much even with so much to talk about. Or maybe it was the fact she only wanted to talk about one thing and that one thing made the two of them depressed and caused Mireille to spiral more often than not. Though it would be a discredit to Mireille if Aurore believed her friend didn’t know exactly what, no who, was on her mind. It was just better for the both of them that Aurore did not voice it but that was her vicious cycle, it was all she wanted to talk about. Oh at first she tried to talk of other things, the weather, the hottest gossip at school (but that quickly fell into the category of the person she was avoiding bringing up), or whatever mundane thing she could think up. The problem was now instead of those things being the distractions they were meant to be, they were now reminders. 

Reminders of The Protector.

Of Marinette. 

Even just thinking the teen’s name made her throat tighten. Before she had disappeared, Marinette had become a very close friend of Aurore and Mireille. Though she never wanted them to be public about it out of fear of the reactions of her former friends and the Liar. Aurore had always argued that her class would protect Marinette and nothing could break their friendship but the girl would merely give her a small smile and say things were enough for her. After a while they gave up arguing with her, they were just happy to have her friendship and Aurore wished that truly had been enough. Friendship was supposed to save the day. That’s what all those kids' shows told them, it’s what parents encouraged and it’s what Aurore had foolishly believed in even in the face of what Hawkmoth had turned Paris into. When reality hit her in the face, it hit her hard.

Aurore had been like a lot of Paris’s population that saw their heroes as this dynamic duo. Best friends out to fight the evil of the world! Then the group grew and so had the belief, because here was a friend group bestowed with powers beyond imagination and they fought for good, they fought the evil that tried to oppress the people of Paris. It wasn’t hard for Aurore to get caught up in it all, the magic, the heroism, the fights, the everything. It was like seeing her favorite shows come to life and she was constantly in awe. She remembered feeling as in awe of the group as she was envious. They were living out her childhood dream. Then she along with all of Paris found out the fantastic group of friends that defended them from Hawkmoth and Mayura wasn’t as tight-knit as they all had believed. It shouldn’t have been as world-shattering as it had been.

And yet it was.

If Hawkmoth had not been…stopped by The Protector, Aurore was sure she would have been akumatized. Actually she was willing to bet money that most of Paris would have been akumatized if the villain hadn’t been stopped. It was weird, being able to feel emotions properly once more and Aurore, like many, hadn’t known how to move forward when they realized that. She had become so used to forcing herself to only be happy and when she did get angry or something like it all she felt was fear. Mireille and she had spoken about it often as neither had been comfortable enough to go to their channel's newly hired therapist. The lady was nice enough, but Aurore just couldn’t bring herself to trust the woman. Mireille had just been afraid to have to talk to a stranger about personal things, so the two of them decided they would just talk to one another. It wasn’t healthy, they knew that, but it wasn’t an easy thing to stop. 

The one thing they avoided talking about though after a particularly bad panic attack from Mireille and a rather bad dip in Aurore’s depression was Marinette going missing. Again, they knew it wasn’t healthy, Aurore’s father pointed it out any time she brought it up tentatively, but it hurt too much to acknowledge beyond the basics. Though Aurore knew that only made her parents worry more and she was pretty sure they were looking at therapists outside of Paris to take her to. She knew she was getting bad so she knew they weren’t going to ask if it was something she wanted to do, it was going to be something she needed to do. Even if she understood that, it didn’t make the anger, betrayal, or anguish she felt lessen. Mireille was in the same boat though, apparently her parents were talking to Aurore’s and this was going to be a group thing. That’s why she asked her friend to take a walk today. To warn her. 

The problem was trying to bring it up without it ruining their day out, though Aurore was not confident that could be accomplished no matter what. She didn’t want to wait till the end of their outing, because she knew holding in that information would make her act unlike herself and Mireille would notice. While they ate was also out of the question because she knew that neither she nor Mireille would be up to eating if she did, but that was also why she feared the ‘ripping the band-aid off’ method. If she brought it up right now, at the beginning of their day she ran the risk of their day being ruined and them not even making it to the cute little bistro their coworker Eileen had suggested earlier that week. But she couldn’t not tell Mireille, her best friend deserved to know what their respective parents were planning!

“What’s going on between those pigtails of yours?” Mireille joked softly.

Aurore gulped, she knew Mireille would notice something. “A lot.” 

The girl beside her hummed, “Anything I can help with?”

“I don’t think this is something that will go away so easily…” Aurore muttered as she looked down at her shoes, she watched the way the sun shined off the material as they walked, she absolutely couldn’t handle looking at Mireille. 

“Well,” Mireille mused, “it might not go away easily, most things don’t, but talking certainly makes things a little better. Don’t you agree?”

“I agree…” She said a little hesitantly, but Aurore did actually agree. “It’s just…I don’t think my parents do. Well I mean they do but they don’t. They- It's complicated. Or maybe it’s not and I’m the one complicating everything! I don’t know.”

Mireille stopped walking and gently tugged on Aurore’s arm to get her to stop as well which made the blonde girl look up at her friend. Something she somewhat regretted as Mireille looked at her with her big doe-eyes and Aurore knew she would tell her everything despite the fear that seemed to have her heart in a grip. “Aurore. Whatever it is, I bet it’s not worth you making yourself stressed. You’ll make yourself sick like that.”

She huffed in reply, Mireille was definitely the Mom Friend, though Marc told her she could be as well, maybe they traded off the role. “I know Mir. It’s just…I overheard my parents talking and I don’t think I would be as upset if I knew it was just about me but they were talking to your parents too. Not there. At my house or anything, but like, over the phone on speaker. I had just put Pier down for a nap and was going to tell my parents that he was sleeping and grab a snack but I heard them talking and it sounded serious. And I just…I eavesdropped.” 

Aurore watched as Mireille bit her lip, a bad habit her friend had when she was nervous. “Is it…Is it bad? What they were talking about. Is it bad?”

“No?”

“You don’t sound positive.”

“It’s not bad. I mean it’s really not but…” Aurore bit her lip now. “They uh, my parents were telling yours that they are looking at therapists outside the city to take me too. They didn’t talk to me about it which I guess I can kind of understand. I have turned down all the ones here in Paris…”

“Me too.” Mireille admitted quietly.

Aurore gulped because she guessed as much. “My dad never really said anything, but when I mentioned we talk to each other…he didn’t look happy. I mean he also didn’t look upset or mad, but he definitely didn’t look happy. He and mom brought up talking to a professional after that and I said I’d think about it-”

“Which, in Aurore talk, means no.”

“Yes, well, I honestly thought they had forgotten about it. I don’t…I don’t want to talk to a stranger about myself or what I’m feeling…but my parents think I need to. They found out I had overheard and well…It turned into an argument but, in some ways I can see where they are coming from. I don’t…I don’t feel like myself a lot of the time anymore.”

Mireille was quiet, but it wasn’t her normal quiet and it scared Aurore. Sure they often spoke to one another about how they were feeling but she was pretty sure they both held back a lot too so they wouldn’t be a burden. Which is nonsense because Mireille could never be a bother. “I…I don’t think I’m okay.”

The admission wasn’t surprising but it still made tears well in Aurore’s eyes. “Me too…”

“My parents…my parents are looking for a therapist for me too aren’t they?” Mireille asked in a small voice.  

Aurore nodded.

“I’m…I don’t want to but I know they’ve been worried…” The shy girl sighed. 

“Mine too. I feel bad…” Aurore admitted as she took one of Mireille’s hands in her own and continued their walk. “But…there’s really nothing we can do to stop them. I just wanted you to know. I’m sure your parents wouldn’t ambush you with this but…you needed to know and I couldn’t keep it from you.”

Mireille squeezed her hand. “I appreciate that.”

The two stayed quiet as they walked, occasionally they swung their hands but overall they didn’t speak. Aurore wanted to give Mireille time to digest everything she had told her and she had no doubt it was a lot to digest and sort through feelings wise. Aurore herself had been furious when she first overheard her parent’s conversation. She didn’t think she needed to see a complete stranger and talk about her life. Her life was fine, it wasn’t great but it wasn’t awful and that was something right? She was happy sometimes, though more often than not, if she wasn’t with Mireille, Marc, or her younger brother Pier, she felt numb. Like she was going through the motions as if she had gone through each day a hundred times despite knowing she hadn’t. She tried to keep her grades up but she knew they had been slipping, it wasn’t like she was failing but she could no longer say she was doing her best to achieve high grades. She did what was necessary or whatever she felt she had enough energy to do. Sometimes just staring at her homework overwhelmed her to tears.

So maybe, yeah, she could see why her parents finally had enough of her behavior and just straight up told her she was going to see someone to talk to instead of asking her. Though to be fair to Aurore, she had tried to talk to a therapist here in Paris but the first session ended up with the therapist themselves breaking down as apparently Aurore was the first client they had had post-Hawkmoth’s defeat. She had sat there through the most heartbreaking breakdown she had ever witnessed and she had seen a lot seeing as she worked in show-biz. The therapist went on about how he was scared he would become akumatized again-and boy hadn’t that been a sad eye-opener; even their therapists weren’t safe-he was terrified of feeling even the slightest bit of emotion during a session even if he knew that Hawkmoth posed no threat anymore. Aurore didn’t blame him. No in the least. But she did not return after that session and told her parents that they should email him and maybe suggest he go see a therapist, preferably outside Paris.

Maybe it was that, her suggestion there, that had given her parents the idea of seeking a therapist for their daughter in Reims. If anything she guessed they were going to tell her they were visiting her grandparents who lived in said city and would ambush her with the appointment. Sadly, it would have been effective as she felt like all she wanted to do was run given she now knew about said appointment, or future appointment. She didn’t actually know if they had booked anything but let it not be said that they did not know their daughter. They knew she would have protested or done something dramatic like run to her cousin CiCi’s place which was still a plan that lingered in the back of her mind. But…there was a voice in her head that sounded too similar to Marinette than she was comfortable with, shouting at her to not run away. To not back down. You got this Aurore! 

“You’re not thinking of running to CiCi’s are you?” Mireille really did know her better than most. 

Aurore chuckled weakly. “The thought has crossed my mind more times than I can count Mir…It’s always my back-up…but-but I know in this case I shouldn’t. Or well, more like there’s a voice telling me not to and giving me a right scolding if I even briefly think about CiCi.”

Mireille nodded before she bit her lip, she looked a little apprehensive which made Aurore feel apprehensive in return. “Scolding, huh? That little voice wouldn’t happen to sound like…like Mar…like Mari…like her would it?”

Another chuckle, though this one was remarkably wetter than the last. “You know I can’t lie to you Mir. Yeah…it, uh, it sounds like Marinette.”

Her name hung in the air like a noose but Aurore trooped on, she wanted to say her friend’s name. She wanted to hear her name. Her real name, not the idolized name people referred to her by, not the akuma name others called her in reverence, her actual name, her normal name. A name she introduced herself with with pride. “It sounds so much like her Mir…”

“I think I have a voice like that too…” Mireille confessed on a cry. “She scolds me when I’m being ‘silly’ or she comforts me when everything just gets too much. I miss her Aurore! I really miss her!”

The sound of her friend crying made Aurore cry and soon they were just standing on the sidewalk hugging each other like the other might disappear too and they just cried. As sad as it was to say, this was not an unusual sight for the people of Paris as of late, random bursts of emotion were as commonplace as a sneeze nowadays. The news said something about delayed reactions, others said something about repressed emotions, all Aurore could see and understand was the damage. These bursts were a good thing yes but they were also the ugly damage left behind by an unremorseful terrorist. Normal was a thing of the past and yet it was something Aurore ached for day by day. She yearned to not wake up and stare in her mirror and tell herself to be happy no matter how she actually felt, to wear a smile despite her facial muscles protesting. It was what she had done every morning when Hawkmoth and Mayura were still a thing and it was a habit she still couldn’t shake. It was like how her mother would play Vanina* every morning because it was her favorite song and would give her a little extra cheer, or how her father started his days wearing his fathers old Dog Tag because his father had been such a positive person, or so he said. Aurore never got to meet the man. 

The damage stayed like a persistent stain. Faded but never gone. 

The two gave each other one final squeeze before they let go and gave each other a strained smile. Aurore giggled sadly and shook her head. “You still hungry?”

“Mireille tiredly chuckled back and shook her head, “No. You?”

Aurore gave a wry smile. “Nope.”

“Want to just take a walk? I don’t feel like going home just yet.” 

“Mir, that sounds like an excellent idea.” Aurore declared as she looped one arm through Mireille’s and picked up her forgotten parasol, she hadn’t even noticed when it had fallen. 

They hadn’t even moved more than two steps when they heard footsteps rapidly approaching them and all of a sudden Aurore felt the breath knocked out of her and she was on the ground in a tangle of limbs. She heard Mireille shriek and all she could do was groan back. She thought she even heard a snap and prayed that it hadn’t been her parasol. She didn’t need another thing to add to the already big list of things she was feeling crummy about. Before she could shout at whoever decided to bulldoze her and her friend she was unceremoniously pulled up on her feet. She felt hands brushing off her shoulders and heard someone frantically apologizing and that’s when she finally noticed that the person-no-people who had knocked them over were Luka and Kagami. Both of whom looked pale, shaken, and just a tad frustrated. “I’m so so sorry Aurore! We didn’t mean to run you guys’ over!”

“Luka is correct, it was not our intention but you see we are running from some…rather persistent people and..” Kagami said with a wince as she tapped her foot. Adrenaline obviously still coursing through her veins and with the way he kept glancing over his shoulder, the same could be said about Luka.

“Wait, you guys are being chased?” Mireille cried out in shock. Aurore didn’t really think twice about grabbing at Luka and Kagami and running in the direction of the Seine. Mireille was startled if the noise she let out was anything to go by but she caught on quick and then all of them were running. There was no plan really, but Aurore knew Luka, ish, and she knew his family lived on that houseboat on the Seine, it was hard to miss. So she figured if they ran towards the body of water, they would see the boat sooner or later and that would be their safe haven. She voiced as much and left them all to discuss whatever they wanted but Aurore could only think about getting these two to safety. 

She had seen how crazed some people were getting over any information they could get about Marinette in any of her identities or forms. It was maddening. It was frightening. Like everyone else, she had seen the news about Madame Bustier’s murder, and had heard through the grapevine about what happened to Lila. It might not be The Followers who were after Luka and Kagami but there was no way that Aurore was going to risk it. So they ran and ran until they caught sight of the house boat. Thankfully it was docked and even though she was out of breath, Aurore pointed to it and they all clumsily made their way over but before they could even think of boarding they ran by an elderly couple who had been crossing the street at the same time as them but were doing so slowly. Aurore desperately wanted to just run on the boat, to get to safety but as the echoes of distant footsteps rang in her ears she shook her head and let go of Luka and Kagami. She felt the stop but she just continued to make her way to the couple even as her heart thumped in her chest violently. 

“Aurore?” Mireille wanted.

“They’ll get trampled Mir. You can hear them. They’re not going to stop even if they see them.” 

“They might.” Kagami said reluctantly.

“But they might not.” Luka said back.

Mireille bit her lip but nodded and all four of them ran to the couple and helped them across the street, trying not to rush them even as the footsteps got closer, got louder. The closer and louder they got, the more Aurore’s hands shook but she would absolutely not abandon these poor old folks. 

“You children are very kind.” The woman said with a kind smile, one Aurore couldn’t help but return. The woman reminded her of her grandmère.

“Yes, but I do believe you are in a rush. Do not let us keep you any longer.” The man said with an equally kind smile, though his was tinged with a sadness Aurore didn’t understand but somehow felt all the same. 

“Be safe.” Luka said firmly but with his own smile before they all waved at the couple and ran as fast as they could because they heard the footsteps come out of the alley they had come from shortly before and they didn’t want to waste any time. There were some shouts of recognition from the small crowd and Aurore had been tempted to look back but she did trust herself not to trip if she did so, so she just ran. She ran and swore to herself she would wear more comfortable shoes from now on because her undoubtedly cute Mary-Janes were pretty but her feet were killing her. 

They all clumsily ran on deck and promptly fell into a pile once more as it seemed their bodies had run out of adrenaline once they deemed they were in safe territory. The noise made Madame Couffaine come barreling out of nowhere with a sword of all things but when she saw the gaggle of children slumped on the deck and from the sounds Aurore heard and the way the woman’s neck snapped to shore, she was pretty sure she also saw a crowd chasing said kids. Without any help from the exhausted children, Aurore watched as the woman swiftly undocked the boat and before she knew it they were sailing and it was anything but smooth but she was grateful to get away. In time, the ride and they calmed down and Madame Couffaine-Anarka, as she asked to be called-led them down into the living room-esque room to let them calm down further as she got them somewhere safe and quiet. She recommended they tell their parents which Kagami, Mireille and Aurore did swiftly. 

For a moment they all just sat there until Luka made a face when he plopped down face first on the couch and sat up. “Ow.”

“What is wrong?” Kagami asked in concern.

“Something in my pocket poked me.” He mumbled as he reached into his sweater pocket. 

“Now that you mention it, it feels like there is something in my jacket pocket too. It feels heavier.” Mireille said as she furrowed her brows and stood up so she could rummage in her jacket pockets since said jacket was wrapped around her waist. 

Aurore watched in mild interest as the two dug in their pockets only to pull out two identical boxes. Mireille looked confused, Luka looked like he had seen a ghost. That’s what had Aurore sit up straight. “Gami…” His voice shook when he spoke too.

Kagami too stood up and started going through her own pockets before she took her mini backpack off her shoulders and saw the big pocket open. With shaking hands she opened it further and reached in. It was a surprise to Aurore when she pulled out a third identical box, but to Kagami and Luka it looked like they expected it and were still somewhat in shock. “What…?”

“Aurore. I promise we’ll explain in a minute but can you please check yourself to see if you got a box as well.” Luka pleaded and well, Aurore really couldn’t say no to his desperation. So she checked her small clutch and found nothing but remembered her skirt had pockets and she was wearing a petticoat so if something was in there she probably wouldn’t feel it. So with a deep breath taken in she reached into her own pockets and when her hand met wood her eyes widened. Out she brought the fourth identical box and heard Luka laugh a little hysterically, a little breathlessly while Kagami slowly lowered herself back onto the couch. 

Mireille and Aurore shared a look before Mireille frowned at the two other teens, “What’s going on?”

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