#ml luknette

[doodlegirl12345]

Doodle’s Anthology: Winter Things {2/3}

Hello my everyone, it’s time for part two of my newest series “Doodle’s Anthology”. I hope you enjoyed the first installment and if this is your first time encountering one of these posts. Welcome, I hope you enjoy the stories that I have written. This a small collection of stories that I had written under a similar theme.

This is the second installment and other parts links will be provided: Section 1. Section 2. Section 3.

I hope you enjoy what I had been working on. So let’s continue with the second story: Winter Wonderland.

Winter Wonderland

Theme: Winter Things

The moment she had stepped out of her home, the feeling of being transported to a winter wonderland had transcended. She knew what awaited her from peeking through the thinly frosted windows of her home. Although having the experience to step right into it was a different experience. Glacial winds blew through the snow blanketed Parisian city. Almost if this an attempt to create a secondary snowstorm. Despite the streets being scraped clean by the snow plows, the painted on winter landscape from the day before remained.

Winter for some seemed to be an annual burden to endure its given abrasiveness. For others it can be seen as a gift from nature, constantly displaying beauty since nature is always creating. An attribute Marinette Dupain-Cheng deeply appreciated while strolling down the shoveled sidewalk in downtown Paris with awe. Greatly contributing to her already existing excitement she brought into frosty Sunday afternoon. Naturally, she was dressed for the weather. The designer wore a cream white babydoll sweater, soft pink skinny jeans, tan snow boots with white faux fur around the collars.

Over the sweater was a jet black pea coat with light gray edges. A soft silky pink scarf with matching tassels wrapped around her neck. Black gloves covered her hands while her trademark pink purse hung across the designer’s body. A departure from its usual style, her hair was done in adorable twin fishtail braids covering her ears. She had donned a soft pink beret while carrying a large teal gift bag in her hands.

Her kwami popped her head out of the guardian’s purse wearing the winter apparel: a black dotted red sweater and a black hat knitted for her. “Wow, the city looks so pretty. It looks like a scene from one of those holiday movies.”

“I figured you would like it considering your reaction during this time last year, Tikki,” Marinette smiled while rounding the corner. “You were practically giddy to see wintertime in Paris.”

“How could I not be? That was the first time that I had seen snow in years. This year so far has been no different, it’s all still wonderful.”

“I’m glad that you kept your enthusiasm. There’s nothing wrong with that since I like winter too. I’m also glad that despite the storm yesterday the buses were still running or I would be meeting up with Luka today the less conventional way.”

“You would’ve got to still see him either way. Or that means all the humming you this morning would’ve been for nothing.”

“Hey,” the designer slightly blushed. “I was just in a good mood since Luka sent me a text confirming that he was back from his trip and our plans today haven’t changed. I was concerned about his flight being delayed.”

“It must be a bit of a tonal whiplash to spend the entire winter vacation in the Canary Islands only to return to Paris after the snowstorm. I hope that Luka and Juleka had a good time.”

“Me too. From the pictures that Juleka posted it seemed like it. The beaches looked gorgeous.”

“At least they’re back now. I know how much you missed them. Especially Luka over the holidays.”

“I did. To be honest, it felt weird not having him here. I guess because this was supposed to be our first Christmas together as a couple. We haven’t been together for long but it felt like someone was missing in my life.”

“Isn’t that a good thing? I thought humans have a saying: that distance makes the heart grow fonder. If you didn’t miss him at least a little bit then your feelings for him might’ve faded.”

“That’s a good point. It also means if he’s ever invited to leave the city again. I’m going to lock him in my bedroom.” Marinette said jokingly. “It wouldn’t be so bad he could have all the cookies and croissants he ever wanted.”

“Luka was hesitant about going just in case you needed help. He also wasn’t keen on missing out on your first Christmas together.”

“True, but I reminded him that this trip was a perfect opportunity to meet his dad’s side of the family. Especially since he and Juleka had been kept in the dark for so long. Besides what kind of person would I be to stop a chance like this for someone that I love. Too bad that I couldn’t accept Jagged’s invitation to go, you know for obvious reasons.”

The designer flashed a strained smile replaying the day in her mind when she learned about the trip. It was the first week of December when she had arrived at Liberty. She planned to show her recent designs for some Kitty Section merchandise to Luka and Juleka. To her surprise, Jagged and Penny were there. This led Luka to tell her about the trip his father had sprung on the family moments ago. Jagged had invited them to the annual trip with his side of the family over the holidays.

Traditionally, a warmer climate is often chosen to combat the winter blues. Due to their family situation had become more amicable over the past months. The rockstar wanted to bring his children to spend the holidays together. Even extending the invite to Ms. Couffaine. Out of kindness, he also extended to Marinette with all expenses paid, of course. Temptation stirred in her mind about the possibility of enlisting Alya in temporarily taking over her role. However, she declined the invitation leaving Jagged surprised.

But he understood after the designer mentioned plans with her own family. Her decision was not because of a lack of faith in her best friend. On the contrary, it did not seem fair unloading her daunting responsibilities to go on a luxury vacation with her boyfriend. Meanwhile, Alya would have to bear the weight of the world with Chat Noir. Marinette also remembered all the times she had gone beyond Paris’ inner city limits. Each time something went wrong, with all her new responsibilities she couldn’t let it happen again.

The designer did not have the luxury to jet off on a whim anymore. Although it did not mean Luka had to abstain from the same luxury. That was what she told him once they were able to be alone to talk. The musician understood her answer due to her knowing her secret. He did express concern with her being a few teammates short in case of Shadow Moth attacking. Along with the plans they were considering over winter break.

Marinette told him that she should not be the reason why he could not meet the other side of his family. Especially since he had those questions before they even met. She told him that everything including her will be fine and she will be waiting for him to return. However since the announcement of the trip there was a subtle but unnerving feeling that seemed to trail behind her. It seemed to even worsen after Luka left. Even though her days had been filled up with school, holiday celebrations, spending time with friends and some hero work. The feeling never seemed to fully subside, giving occasional pangs of guilt.

Tikki gave a sympathetic look before her eyes shifted to the side. “You’re not too cold are you? The outfit that Kaalki had picked out is warm enough, right?”

“I’m fine,” the designer smiled before checking the street sign she was about to pass, confirming they were getting close to her destination. “The outfit she picked out is pretty cute. If it wasn’t I wouldn’t be wearing it. But I was just surprised how quick she jumped at me last night when I mentioned about not being sure what to wear.”

“You haven’t been the first guardian that Kaalki had given fashion advice. Master Fu, he had gotten so many suggestions to spice up his wardrobe. It seemed that you were the first one to listen.”

“I mainly wanted to see what she would come up with. Especially with her talk I shouldn’t settle for less than what I truly deserve because of who I am. Has Kaalki always been like this?”

“I think some of the fashion reality shows she’s been watching during her screen time might be part of it. Although Kaalki has always been the type who believes no one should settle for less than what they deserve. That no one should hold themselves back. My guess is she’s trying to influence you to think the same about yourself.”

“That’s sometimes hard to do with the type of decisions that I have to make.”

“It also could be her way of saying thank you for all the gifts you made for everyone for Christmas,” Tikki patted her own sweater. “With helping out in her own way.”

“Speaking of gifts,” the designer gripped the blue gift bag in her hand. “Hopefully Luka likes the gift that I had made him. I wondered why he wanted me to meet him downtown instead of Liberty.”

“Well…” the kwami grinned while peering over the rim of the purse before tucking herself back inside. “Why don’t you just go over there and ask him?”

Marinette looked up, causing her gaze to fall onto the street across from her. In front of a frost covered iron gate stood Luka. Just like her, the musician was dressed for the weather. He was wearing a black puffer jacket, dark rinse blue jeans, black laced up insulated snow boots, black gloves and a black knitted hat covering up his blue hair. Her blue eyes instantly lit up, suddenly those days he had been gone now felt like years. Luka must’ve felt eyes on him because he slid his phone into his coat pocket before smiling and waving.

Without another thought, Marinette crossed the street with an excited dash. “Luka!”

Practically launching herself into his arms once the chance of reconnecting was gifted. Luka appeared equally happy as he swung her around into a warm embrace.

“Hi,” the designer squeaked with excitement, wrapping her arms around him after being put down.

“Hey,” the musician smiled while cupping her cheek.

Their eyes met before their lips tenderly touched each other eventually melting into a passionate kiss. Seconds later after their kiss had broken. Marinette held her boyfriend closer, a comfort that she had surely missed.

“I missed you so much,” she told him. “I’m so glad that you’re back.”

“I missed you too,” he told her. “It felt like forever not seeing you.”

“Same. So did everyone get back here okay? There was no problem because of yesterday’s storm, right?”

“Nope, we actually got right around the time it started snowing. What I mean by that is we were literally waiting for all our luggage when it started.”

“Wow, that was a close call. Any later your flight might’ve been canceled or delayed.”

“We have to thank Penny. She had been checking the weather throughout the vacation. Once Penny heard about the snow storm she got tickets for an earlier flight than what was originally planned. If she didn’t do that we probably would be arriving today at best.”

“Classic Penny, thinking ahead like the amazing person that she is.”

Luka nodded. “Agree, not trying to disrespect my dad anything. But after our trip it’s pretty clear who’s keeping track of everything in his life. She also was a big help with doing some translating by being multilingual. Along with my dad and a few other family members.”

“So how was the trip? Was it everything that you wanted?”

“It was great. Not only did I meet my dad’s side of the family. But turns out my dad has a brother and a sister. So I have an aunt and uncle.”

“Really? All the stuff that I read on Jagged when I first got into his music never mentioned siblings. In fact, I thought he had said that he was an only child because he’s one of a kind.”

“That’s what I thought too. It turns out my dad had only said that because they asked him not to mention them in interviews. Not due to them disapproving of his career but they did not want to be constantly harassed or approached in public due to their connection to him. Or people befriending them so he could do them favors.”

“Actually, that makes sense. Some people are willing to do anything for fifteen minutes of fame. I know better than anyone else about keeping important secrets.”

“True, that’s one of the reasons why I’m telling you. It definitely won’t spread with you. Their names are Lee and Katherine by the way. Turns out that I also have four cousins.”

“Whoa, are any of them around our age?”

“Well Selena and Maria are both twelve. While Josh is fourteen and Carly is sixteen.”

“Selena and Maria both are twelve? So that means they’re both twins?”

“Yep,” Luka smiled. “It turns out that twins are actually very common in our family. Selena and Maria were very sweet but mainly latched onto Jules since they’re interested in makeup like she is. They’re mainly wanting to turn thirteen so my Aunt Katherine and their dad, Uncle Charlie, are going to allow them to wear it more often. It seemed that Juleka was stunned to have two people paying so much attention to her. But it seemed by the end of the trip the three of them got really close.”

“Aww, what about Josh and Carly?”

“They’re pretty cool, we hung out a lot at the beach together, they’re pretty cool. They’re my Uncle Lee and Aunt Renee’s kids. I did get around writing a few songs for Kitty Section. My dad even helped out with a few of them.”

“That’s great.”

“Those aren’t the only good things that happened. I also met my grandparents: Grandpa Tyler and Grandma Sophie. But get this, during the whole trip my parents did not fight once.”

“Wow, not to be too blunt but it really does sound like a Christmas miracle.”

“You’re not wrong, I know that they’re never going to get back together. But it seems now they can be in the same room without biting each other’s heads off. I’m grateful for that, for it seems that all the big life changing secrets are now out in the open. I finally got to know the other side of my family. I just wished it happened sooner.”

“Well it’s better late than never. I’m glad that you finally met your family. It’s great that you got to know more about where you came from.”

“So is there anything else that you want to know about?”

“Well…just one little thing.”

“What’s that?”

She gently pulled away from him before gesturing at the frost covered gate. “What’s the deal with us meeting here? Usually we hang out at either Liberty or my place. Is there something you want to tell me?”

Luka smirked. “I was wondering when you were going to bring that up.”

“I knew it!” the designer declared. “What are you up to?”

The musician extended out his hand. “It’s a surprise. Just take my hand.”

Their fingers became intertwined as Luka guided her through the frosted gate. After a few footsteps there was the sound of snow crunching underneath their feet. The designer looked around, observing the scenery that surrounded them. It seemed that they were in a snow covered field with a few trees. In the distance, from what she could make out was a house but it looked like a speck from where they were standing. It looked nice but wasn’t very remarkable.

“Hold on tight,” Luka instructed, while continuing to guide her. “It’s a bit of a walk.”

“So this surprise, it’s something you couldn’t do or bring on Liberty?”

questioned the designer while tightly gripping the gift bag in her free hand as the couple continued their pursuit.

“Not unless you want it to capsize,” the musician told her.

“It’s big isn’t it?” she squealed. “Okay I just got even more enthusiastic, and with you coming back. I did not think that was possible.”

“Maybe I should turn around,” Luka teased. “The last thing that I want is for you to do is kneel over.”

“Don’t you dare,” she told him. “You can’t make statements like you did and not follow through when you can. Is it possible that I can get a hint?”

“Alright, one won’t hurt. It’s based on something that we talked about before I left.”

“Before you left…but we talked at least every other day. That really doesn’t narrow anything down.”

“I guess you have to wait a bit longer. Don’t worry, it’s not that far. So what about you? Did anything exciting happen to you when I was gone?”

“I got a commission.”

“You did?” Luka smiled.

“Yeah, it’s supposed to be a custom sweet sixteen party dress for a girl named Ashley,” she explained. “She contacted me about through my fashion blog that Alya had me make a while back. Ashley won’t need the dress until late May. So I have at least four months to do it.”

“That’s awesome, I’m happy for you. How was Adrien’s Christmas Eve party?”

“It was fun. Turns out Rose was my secret Santa. She got me this big box of different colored thread and a bag of chocolate truffles. It is probably the best thing she could’ve gotten me with the twenty euros spending limit. I’ll definitely use it for the commission. There was even a spool of rainbow thread.”

“Did Sabrina like my secret Santa gift?”

“Yeah, she was wearing one of the headbands that you got her when she came over to work on her Ladybug cosplay on Friday. There’s a thank you card in your gift bag from her. She gave it to me since she knew I was going to see you today.”

“I thought that there were plans about taking the kids to the Winter Festival yesterday. How did that pan out?”

“It got rescheduled because of the snow. So Nino, Alya and I are going to take Manon, Ella, Etta and Chris next Saturday. The girls did play in the snow yesterday and made some snow angels. It was pretty cute-“

Suddenly she could feel Luka stop himself almost if he had planted feet in the snow, he was smiling. The designer’s eyes wander upwards, breaking her gaze with him before letting go of his hand. Suddenly she became entranced in awe and wintery beauty. Stretched beyond her were blankets of pillowy snow surrounding a large outdoor rink with a ring of white wooden fencing leaving enough space for people to get in and out of the rink. A snow path was dug out leading toward the rink.

There were a few wooden benches scattered throughout the area. One bench close to the rink that had caught her attention had a small pink gift bag, a small black portable phone speaker and two pairs of ice skates. Above the rink hung multiple snowflake lights arranged similar to a canopy that was fastened at the ends of the rink. Enclosed by nature, the perimeter was lined with trees draped with icicles and snow. Several feet away from the rink was a small gazebo methodically wrapped with light string lights.

Meanwhile snow dusted roses that framed the bottom. The atmosphere felt secluded but mystical. It felt she had been truly transported to winter wonderland.

“Is this for us?” Marinette her gaze returned to Luka’s eyes.

“Surprise,” he told her. “At least it’s one of them. Do you like it?”

“Like it? This place is beautiful. What gave you this idea?”

“Remember my hint? It was based on something that we talked about before I left. You mentioned back in October that you wanted us to go ice skating when it got colder. Just the two of us.”

“That was months ago. You remembered that?”

“Of course, why wouldn’t I?”

“Thank you,” she embraced him once more. “This is so pretty. Did you set all this up yourself? That must’ve taken a while.”

“Actually I had some help,” he told her before starting to wave. “Jaden over here!”

The designer turned, letting go to see a boy around their age approaching them. He had umber skin, a reddish brown, chestnut brown eyes and black braided mid length hair. Styled in a side swept undercut. He was wearing a green puffer jacket with a gray fur lined hood, black denim jeans, gray gloves and gray lace snow boots.

“Hey,” he greeted them. “Luka, I secured the circuit breaker. So the lights shouldn’t be flickering like it did before. Everything should be fine.”

“Thanks Jaden,” said the musician. “This is Marinette.”

“So, you’re the amazing Marinette that I had heard so much about,” Jaden had a friendly smile on his face. He extended his hand towards her. “It’s nice to finally meet you, I’m Jaden Allard.”

“Nice to meet you, Jaden,” the designer shook his hand. “So you heard things about me? Only good things I hope.”

“Well it was from your boyfriend so you can imagine,” he told her. “So if there was any bad thing he said. I wasn’t around to hear it.”

“Something that never happened,” Luka interjected. “He’s just messing around.”

“Well..of course I am. I wasn’t crowned Mr. Hooper’s class’ comedian because I didn’t mess around once in a while,” he reminded him. “Remember, I won the title after being the only one able to crack a smile on his face. After the whole class thought that his frown was stapled on.”

“So you two went to school together?” Marinette questioned.

“We did, last year before Luka had transferred schools. We actually haven’t been in touch until over a month ago,” the comedian explained. “I needed his help with writing a song for my girlfriend Kira for her birthday. Her birthday was on New Year’s Eve and she was hosting a birthday party that night. However, I ran into a serious problem.”

“What was that?” she asked him.

“I had never written a song before. I can sing because I have been in my church’s choir since I was a kid. But writing music and lyrics from scratch was a major roadblock,” he explained. “Luckily, I had Luka’s number when we did a group project together and he agreed to do it. It was better to have someone more experienced in this area than doing it solo.”

“Did Kira like the song?” Luka asked.

“She loved it. Since I had clued in her mom and dad they had set up everything for me to perform at the party, including the music that we recorded,” the comedian told him. “Kira said it reminded her of her favorite scene in the movie, Love Letters From Juliet. After how well it turned out it gave me even more reason to follow through with our deal.”

“Deal?” the designer raised an eyebrow. “What deal?”

Jaden looked over towards Luka. “You haven’t told her?”

“I was going to tell her,” the musician told her. “As a trade off for working on the song. Jaden is letting us skate on his family’s property.”

“It’s no big deal we had done stuff like this all the time here,” Jaden told her. “Birthday parties and a few family weddings. Last year, I invited my class here for an ice skating party.”

“So the deal is if you help me do something for my girlfriend then I do the same for you?” Marinette asked.

“It sounds pretty simple when you put it that way,” the comedian admitted. “While still true, I think it’s a noble cause. Well should get going so you can have some privacy. I’ll be in the house down the way. If you need me for anything just call me.”

“Thanks Jaden for everything,” Luka waved.

“No problem, I hope you two have a nice time,” he began to walk off towards his new destination. “Nice meeting you, Marinette.”

“Nice meeting you too,” Marinette called back.

“So, what do you want to do first?” asked the musician. “Do you want to skate or exchange gifts first?”

“I thought the rink was my gift?”

“It’s a two parter, so this way we could have something to do today. So what’s your choice?”

After a bit of thought, the designer replied holding up the large blue gift bag in her hand. “Gifts, you’re not the only one with a surprise.”

Luka strolled over to the nearby bench picking up the pink gift bag before giving it to her. Marinette placed the gift bag down and removed out the white sparkly tissue paper before feeling something wooden hit her fingers. She pulled a small wooden box that fit right in the palm in her hand. It was painted light pink with white flowers attached to long thin light brown branches on the lid. On the side was an attached small silver wind up crank.

“It’s a box,” she looked up curiously.

“It’s not just a box,” the musician told her. “Open it.”

The designer did what she was told. Once the box was opened a familiar sweet melodic tune was released. The tune was uplifting, sweet and melodic all at the same time. She looked inside the box to see a small metal ticked rotating cylinder and metal strips arranged like a comb.

It was a music box.

Marinette gasped. “Is this tune what I think it is?”

“It’s your melody that you ask me to play from time to time,” he told her. “I figured this way you can carry it wherever. This way you always have a reminder of who you are no matter where you go.”

“Did you make this?”

“Yeah, there’s a couple videos on YouTube on how to do it. It did take a couple tries but I finally got it right on the tenth. Do you like it?”

“I love it. This is so sweet,” she shut the box, placing it back in the bag before placing it back on the bench. “I guess we were on the same wavelength when it comes to gifts.”

She picked back up the blue bag and handed it to Luka. He took out the blue tissue paper peeking out of the bag. After the paper he pulled out a distressed faux leather jacket. It was a shade of midnight black with small black beaded chains that hung off the shoulders. Each cuff of the jacket had a square metal stud on the end. The inside had a black checkered fabric lining. The jacket collar had a Jagged Stone logo pin and a teal snake symbol pin attached.

The back had a large square patch with a white background. On the patch was an illustration of Luka’s Kitty Section mask with the band’s name underneath in dynamic font.

The musician’s whole face completely brightened. “Whoa, this looks like the jacket that my dad promised me from his closet. Until we found out Fang had been secretly using it as a chew toy.”

“Surprise!” Marinette flashed a set of jazz hands for emphasis. “When you told me what happened to the jacket. I called your dad to see if I could do a patch job on it. But when he sent me the pictures. It was clear to anyone that it was damaged beyond repair. So I asked him to use it for scraps to make you a new one for your Christmas present. He also gave me money for the supplies.”

“Wait, is that the reason why you wanted to put off the gift exchange until I came back?”

“Yeah when I originally started the project I assumed that I would meet up with you on Christmas day. But when the trip date was announced there was no way I could’ve pulled it off. Unless, I dropped everything and worked nonstop. I did modernize the design since Jagged originally got the jacket in his twenties. It’s also more suited to your style since it is not super flashy like your dad’s.”

“And the Kitty Section patch?”

“I thought that would be a great personal touch for you. You know a mix between the old and new. I was able to save the lining, bit of the sleeves and the collar. So it’s not completely lost as a piece of family history. If I remember correctly your dad wore it on one of his album covers. Maybe you can do something similar someday.”

Before another word could be spoken Luka wrapped his arms once more pulling her into a hug. “Thank you. Even after all this time you still managed to surprise me.”

“That’s usually half of the fun, especially when giving a gift to someone that I love,” she told him.

“I love you too,” the musician brushed her bangs back, kissing her on the forehead. “Are you ready to skate?”

“Definitely,” she smiled.

“You sure?” he teased. “You’re not hiding anything else from me are you?”

It was a joke and she knew that. But her face couldn’t help itself from twisting into an admission of guilt.

“Wait, what’s wrong?” the musician realized he had struck a chord.

“It’s nothing,” the designer shook her head before taking his hand. “Everything is fine. Let’s go. The last thing we should do is waste this beautiful scenery.”

However, Luka did not budge. “It doesn’t look that way. Come on Marinette, I know that face. There’s something wrong, isn’t there?”

Her eyes shifted to the side, avoiding his gaze. Until she realized that it would be pointless to stall. She knew Luka was one of the few people who could always tell there was more underneath the surface with her. Simple platitudes didn’t work on him like the others.

“Yeah,” she sighed. “I didn’t want to say it before but I guess there’s no point hiding it anymore. Especially when everything is all over now.”

Marinette led him towards the bench to sit putting down the gifts and speaker while pushing them to the side.

“So, what’s going on, Marinette?” the musician questioned.

The designer stared at him, almost as if she was struggling with how to phrase it. “Well… I should be honest…it’s just I regret not going on the trip with you. I know that I said that I would be fine. I have been feeling like this for a while but it wasn’t really until you left that I truly have been kicking myself for missing out.”

“So is that it?” Luka started to tap his fingers on his lap.

“I just feel like I’m being so selfish, with everything that’s been going on with the city and Shadow Moth. Even though things had gotten worse in these couple months. I wanted to leave at the first opportunity I got. When you were away I kept thinking how great it would be to spend time with you. Without needing to rush off in the middle of a movie or a meal. To be in a place where I saw someone irritated. I wouldn’t have to worry about possibly fighting them later. I could assume they’re having a bad day and wish them the best.”

“Why didn’t you tell me this before?”

“Even though misery loves company, I didn’t want to become a burden. Especially after reassuring over and over you that I would be alright. You looked so happy to meet your dad’s side of the family. Something that you wanted to do before we even met. The last thing I wanted to do is make this amazing opportunity for you all about me and my feelings. But I guess I need to work on my acting skills because I couldn’t keep a straight face after being asked a simple question.”

“It’s okay, Marinette,” the musician wrapped his arm around her.

“Today was supposed to be a great day since you’re back. But here we are, talking about this. I’m sorry, the last thing that I wanted to be was selfish or a burden on this special day.”

“You’re not selfish or a burden. If anyone deserves a break in this city you would be top of the list. And if someone dares to suggest otherwise they would have to answer me.”

“Luka.”

“It’s true. You protect the city nearly everyday, even when it’s an inconvenience. Instead of leaving the city defenseless you stayed against your own desires. You swallowed your feelings, something that I don’t recommend in the long term because it eventually disrupts your inner melody. How could you call any of that selfish?”

“I don’t know,” the designer admitted. “It just feels like I have to do this all with a smile on my face. I was given an opportunity of a lifetime to be one of Paris’ protectors. To be a role model, I have seen kids dress up as Chat Noir and Ladybug. How could I be one of the city’s guardian angels if I wanted to leave?”

“It’s because you’re a person, not some standard that needs to be upheld. You are Marinette, a person with thoughts, feelings and desires. You inspire others but that doesn’t mean you have to hide your feelings about wanting a break.”

“You would think that I would know that by now. It’s just been a hard habit to break. I had gotten used to hiding all my feelings about being Ladybug from everyone. Until recently I didn’t have anyone who knew the whole truth about both sides of my life. Sometimes it feels like I’m better off being like that for the sake of everyone else. Or just push down my feelings to be more like Ladybug as from the outside it looks like she has it all put together.”

“You shouldn’t lose yourself for the sake of everyone else. But I also get it. From all those times I had been Viperion. The things I had seen while using second chance,” the musician recoiled slightly. “Let’s just say I really get how stressful being a hero can be. And I’m not needed all the time like you. But maybe there’s a way to help you remember who you really are when you feel like this?”

“Really how?”

“It’s probably won’t not much since it won’t solve all your problems. And I know we still need Ladybug,” Luka admitted as he reached over and pulled out the music box from the pink gift bag. Before placing it back into her hands. “But I made this for you Marinette, not Ladybug with the melody that I heard from your heart. It could be a reminder when you listen to it when you feel unsure of who you really are.”

“It’s definitely worth a try.”

“You also need to remember that you’re not a burden. In my eyes, you’re the strongest, good hearted person that I have ever met. But you have to be honest with others about what you need. No one deserves to keep that all bottled up. People like me, the ones who love you won’t purposefully make you feel like a burden for just asking. You need to be honest with us but most importantly honest with yourself.”

“You’re right if I was at least honest with myself. I wouldn’t have felt this way all this time,” Marinette wrapped her arms around her boyfriend, feeling much better than all the days before. “Thanks Luka, one thing that I know for sure that I’m lucky to have someone like you, so compassionate and kind.”

“It’s no problem. What’s the point of knowing the truth if I can’t help?” he told her. “So, are you ready to go skating together?”

“Yeah,” she smiled. “I think that’s exactly what I need.”

Moments later the two of them stepped into the ice rink donning their stakes. The sound of harmonious romantic guitar music filled the air from the black phone speaker from the bench. Hand in hand, the couple eased into circling around the perimeter. Gradually embracing each other once more like they were dancing together. Before sealing this experience with a kiss.

The End.

Thanks for reading! 😊

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I hope you enjoy this part. Anyone who knows me is aware that I have a soft spot for this couple. Especially since they didn’t have much official time as a couple. Pretty much a cameo in the NY special and one episode. They really didn’t have a chance did they? Nevertheless, these two together will live on in fan content. To be honest this one was the most time consuming not just because of length but also my love-hate relationship with romance.

I don’t hate romance. In fact, I’m usually the first person to yell “kiss” at the screen. This is also one of the reasons I watch movies at home. However, when it comes to writing it I’m always afraid about it coming out way too cheesy. Now a little cheese isn’t so bad but there’s my concern about taking it too far. The simple answer is to stop but at the same time when I finally get it. It’s a good feeling. So this is one of my personal conundrums.

Since this isn’t the final part, will keep the closing statement brief and link to the next part here: Section 3. For anyone who wants continue with the next story. The closing song will be on the last part. Including an author note so I won’t need to repeat it three times.

This story is also available on Wattpad.

If you made it this far thank you again for reading.

[doodlegirl12345]

I love this so much. 💕

Marinette occasionally draws on Luka’s arm when they’re just hanging out and Luka jokes about never wanting to wash them off. One day Marinette is surprised that her drawing from a few days prior is still there and the area looks irritated. He reveals he got it tattooed.

[the-worlds-my-chessboard]

LoveEater

Hey guys can we please talk about how calm (calmer than usual) Marinette is with Adrien? How she’s just tired and done with these feels she has for him? We literally see this young woman who had her heart on her sleeve, tripping over her words, stumbling and stammering when Adrien was in eye sight turn into this soft spoken and hesitant being. She met his eyes, spoke evenly, didn’t freak out when their hands touched, and even tried to not spend more time with him. It was sad and painful honestly. She’s so in love with Adrien but its fully settled into her bones that this sweet guy feels nothing romantic towards her and she needs to step aside to root for her friend who he does have feelings for. It hurts to watch because honestly that was the most real thing about that episode right along side her break down in front of Luka.

[doodlegirl12345]

Doodle’s Short Stories: La Vie En Rose

Sometimes when in doubt, bring back something old with a new twist. Hello my everyone, I’m back with a new entry of stories. This time with will lean more into the AU category with this submission. I hope you like enjoy! 💕

Also available on Wattpad

Psst. Hey this post have a sister story: Changed Targets, if anyone is interested to see the another POV of this day.

So This is Love

Theme: La Vie En Rose (Life In Pink)

She had always thought that love was supposed to be exactly like in the movies. All the constant misunderstandings, complicated grand gestures and scathing love rivals was just the standard. It was always portrayed as something that needed to be fought for no matter how inconvenient it gets. That you would need to keep persisting even if the misunderstandings keep piling up, all the grand gestures fail and even if one of the love rivals seems to have a deeper connection with them than you. Wait it out, even though the butterflies that once in your stomach had turned into a collection of impressive knots.

Up in the sky waves of ladybugs washed over the city of Paris, setting right what had been wronged. Majority of them wrapped around a city block that had the most damage. This being the site of the defeat for the villain Momentum Trapper. Overturned lampposts, spiderwebbed cracks across the pavement and shards of broken glass had been cleaned up in one swift motion. In the center of the city block, Ladybug and Chat Noir stood over a man sitting in the middle of the road who was in a complete daze.

He was in his late thirties with thick slicked back brown hair, bluish gray eyes and fair skin. The man was wearing a gray business suit with a brown striped tie and shiny black dress shoes.

As Momentum Trapper the man has already taken the majority of the heroes’ time during this late spring afternoon. Shadow Moth had granted him the ability to alter the speed of any living being or object, including himself. The range seemed to be between a three toed sloth to a raging cheetah. A fact the villain boasted about during battle stating he had used his new powers on his boss after receiving multiple complaints about being too slow on paperwork.

After releasing the now purified butterfly Ladybug handed the man back his silver wrist watch. He thanked her, introducing himself as Dorian Martin. The bug pulled out a silver and white magical charm giving it to Dorian after quickly explaining that this should protect him from Shadow Moth’s influence. Chat Noir helped him up back onto his feet. After the heroes did their usual celebratory fist bump, Ladybug was ready to leave.

Especially since she had someone special to see.

“Alright Chat,” Ladybug wrapped her yoyo around her waist. “I gotta go but I’ll see you next time.”

“Not unless I see you first,-“ the cat started.

However before Chat Noir could finish that sentence the bug heard a familiar voice urgently calling out to her. She spun around placing a hand on her yoyo assuming that Shadow Moth had sent out another villain in their vicinity. Although her assumptions were not met as Ladybug was approached by Nadja Chamack who had a news microphone in her hand and a cameraman trailing behind her.

“Ms. Chamack?” Ladybug questioned while her earrings let out a beep.

“Hello Ladybug,” the news reporter waved with the microphone in her hand. “Pardon, if this seems sudden but I came to approach you for a possible interview.”

“An interview? Here, right now?”

“It will only be a few minutes,” Nadja insisted. “This may sound pushy but the station had not received a proper interview from you or Chat Noir in months.”

Ladybug nervously bit her lip as that was the intention, at least for her. She could not speak for her partner. However, after the disastrous Prime Queen incident. She decided to keep station interviews to a minimum and only when it seemed to be completely necessary. The local news had caught her a few times for some quick comments since then but nothing beyond that.

The bug did not want to be blindsided again. Nevertheless, even if she was open to an interview this was not the time.

Her blue eyes nervously drifted upward, shooting an apologetic glance.

“So what’s it going to be?” asked the news reporter.

“Huh?” Ladybug brought her attention back to Nadja.

“The interview, is that a yes?”

The bug’s earrings let out another warning beep. “I’m sorry but I can’t today. I’m on limited time here and have a prior commitment. So I need to leave right now.”

Ladybug started to walk past Nadja and the cameraman.

“But Ladybug,” the news reporter huffed. “I-“

“Let her go,” Chat Noir cut her off while approaching. “If you really need someone then I can do it. Unlike her I actually got the time.”

Ladybug flashed him a smile. “Thanks Chat, you’re the best.”

“Tell me something I don’t know,” he winked. “Now go before you run out of time.”

The bug ran into the nearby alleyway while hearing the exchange between Chat Noir and Nadja.

“So Chat Noir with that little exchange you had with Ladybug. Can the public say that Paris’ power couple had finally made it official?”

“Ladybug and I? Nah we are just good friends,” he told her.

Ladybug smiled while proceeding forward. She looked up a few seconds while creating distance from the situation. Eventually she made it down the block to catch her breath. The bug leaned back against the alleyway’s brick wall. After a few seconds she looked up towards the rooftop of the second building that made the alleyway.

“You can come down now,” Ladybug said. “The cost is clear.”

With a soft thud Viperion landed in front of her from the rooftop. The two embraced with Viperion wrapping his arms around the bug’s waist while Ladybug put her arms around his shoulders. Flashes of red and teal light circled them, pulling off their costumes and returning them back to their civilian forms.

“I’m so glad that’s over,” Marinette adjusted the purse on her shoulder before putting her arms back into their previous position. “Thanks for helping out today.”

“It’s no problem,” Luka told her. “What was I supposed to do? Not help my girlfriend out?”

“Well considering the outcome, I’m glad you came. Without using your second chance Chat Noir and I would probably still be running at the speed of sloths.”

“I’m sure your wonderful mind would’ve figured something out.”

“Either way it could be six months until we have another akuma attack and for me it will still be too soon.”

“You have been having a tough week, huh?”

“Tough feels like an understatement. Especially since we haven’t been able to spend time together this week. I’ve been joking with Chat Noir and Rena Rouge recently about pooling some money to sign up Shadow Moth for some non-credit classes at the local university. So he would actually have something to do instead of this.”

“Really? Maybe I should contribute. I do have some savings from my delivery gig.”

“Well if that’s the case then you get to a say on what course he should take. I suggested that he take a fashion design course. Chat Noir brought up a cooking course and Rena mentioned a history class.”

“A history class?”

“Yep, she said maybe if he learned about the fates of the other terrible figures in history maybe he could self-reflect on what he has been doing isn’t worth it.”

“How about a music class? Maybe violin lessons? From experience it’s something that takes more than a weekend to master.”

“That sounds like a great idea, I’ll tell the others.”

“Maybe I should get my dad in on this. He did say recently that he wanted to do more philanthropy.”

She gave him a weak smile while her eyes shifted to the side. “Yeah, if only it was that easy.”

“You and Chat Noir will defeat him someday,” he said. “I’m sure.”

“I guess things could be worse.”

“How?”

“I could not be here with you,” Marinette moved forward to kiss him.

Luka, clearly getting the hint, did the same but before anything could truly happen the couple was interrupted by the sound of a throat being cleared. The designer turned her head to see both Tikki and Sass floating behind him.

“Excuse me for interrupting,” said Sass. “I just would like to ask when we are getting our snacks?”

“Oh right, I’m so sorry,” Marinette released her grip on Luka and dug into her purse pulling out two plastic baggies one filled with mini chocolate chip cookies and other gummy snake candies.

She handed the cookies to Tikki and Sass the candy. Without a moment of hesitation the kwami dug into their food.

“Actually that reminds me, before everything that happened with Momentum Trapper didn’t we have a lunch date planned?” asked the musician, once the kwami’s were close to finishing their food.

“You’re right,” the designer gestured to Tikki, who had finished her cookies, to fly into her purse.

After Sass finished his candy he gave everyone a goodbye, letting Luka slide off his bracelet. Once the snake miraculous was in Marinette’s purse Luka offered his hand which in turn the designer took. The couple walked out of the alleyway hand in hand.

She had always thought that love was supposed to be like in the movies. That you have to constantly fight for it to show that your heart is actually in it. That love becomes more valid with struggle than without it. But life has shown a different reality as Marinette had seen her friends and parents enjoy their significant others without a long list of hardships.

Feelings declared and reciprocated over an afternoon. A relationship with very little misunderstandings and the ones that do appear is often repaired seamlessly. Grand gestures that went down without a hitch.

From where she was standing, those weren’t the things she had with Adrien. It was not anyone’s fault but after multiple attempts on hers’ and others’ behalf for nothing to permanently blossom. It seemed the best option was to move on, being aware that this was not failure but instead the push to open up a new chapter of her life. Especially since Adrien had already given his heart to another.

It was time to be with someone who felt the same way about her that she did about them.

Marinette and Luka walked out of the Boulangerie Patisserie still hand in hand. A pink blanket was draped over the designer’s arm. While the musician carried a large wicker basket in his free hand as they crossed the street to the empty park. The couple took residence underneath a tree spreading the blanket across the plush grass. Luka put the basket down, taking out the food that Marinette packed.

He pulled out multiple glass jars and plastic containers. Marinette took out a rectangular object wrapped in foil. She tore the foil off revealing a wooden serving tray and took out tongs, spoons and other utensils placing thinly sliced prosciutto, slices of cheddar and Asiago cheese, crackers, a jar of orange marmalade, slices of crostini bread and crackers to create a mini charcuterie board for two. Luka pulled out a bottle of strawberry lemonade, two pink plastic cups and a plastic container of chocolate dipped strawberries.

The couple began to finally relax as they sat eating their late lunch and chatted. Although as time went on an intrusive thought appeared in Marinette’s mind.

“A euro for your thoughts,” said the musician while Marinette rested her head against his chest.

“Huh?” she looked up at him, suddenly sitting up straighter.

“It’s just I had been talking about the new instrument project that I had been working on for a few minutes. But it seems like you’re somewhere else. If you’re not interested that’s fine but you were the one that originally asked.”

“Sorry, I did want to hear about it. I was just thinking about something.”

“Is it important?”

“Probably,” the designer’s eyes widened to the size of saucers as the word slipped out. “I-I mean no. It’s just me overthinking things like usual. It’s no big deal. Just an intrusive thought.”

“I don’t know,” Luka raised a brow. “How you reacted it seems like it is.”

“Nope,” she vigorously shook her head before picking up the container of chocolate covered strawberries and opening it. “Here, you haven’t tried a strawberry yet.”

“Okay, it’s your choice if you don’t want to tell me,” he picked up a strawberry. “But I can tell right now that your inner melody is pretty distorted.”

Marinette sighed. “You still have to tell me how you do that.”

“The ability to sense people’s inner melodies is a gift. But you don’t have to be an empath to notice something bothering you,” said Luka before taking a bite of the strawberry in his hand.

“It’s just what I was thinking about after what happened today and about you knowing my secret.”

He gulped as there was a sense of concern now on his face. “I thought that you were fine with knowing.”

“I am…it’s just with everything that has been happening. I don’t want you to be cheated.”

“Cheated? Out of what?”

“Out of having a good girlfriend. I mean look at all that happened today. We had to push back our date because of the Momentum Trapper. You had to nod along with me when I lied to my parents about why I put the basket back in the fridge. I had to tell them that Alya needed help with her sisters. And the thing is that this won’t be stopping anytime soon. I might be thirty and still have to deal with this.”

“I doubt it would take that long, Marinette.”

“But that’s the thing we don’t know. Don’t get me wrong, I really appreciate your help today. However, I don’t want this to take over your life like it has mine just because you know. I’m sure that there are thousands of girls in this city who actually have normal schedules and don’t have to put their life in danger on a nearly daily basis.”

“So what are you trying to say? Is this a break up?”

“No! I mean I don’t want it to be,” Marinette sighed. “But it feels like I’m obligated to warn you. I’m not going to be the girlfriend who can go to every one of your performances. Or just being able to hang out. I’m not always going to be on time for every single date or able to stay the whole time. It’s not that I don’t want to. It is because I can’t. Unless, I want the whole city to collapse around us. You deserve the best Luka and shouldn’t be short changed.”

Luka put down his half eaten strawberry back in the container and intertwined his fingers with hers. “Well if I truly deserve the best then there’s no point looking any further.”

“Luka.”

“I’m serious, I always thought you were amazing since the day that I had met you. So when I learned the truth after thinking it over I wasn’t that surprised. As for your worries about being a good girlfriend and not always showing up for things. It’s not because you would be trying to avoid me right?”

“Of course, one of my biggest concerns is not being able to spend enough time with you.”

“That’s all I need to hear. You are my girlfriend but I know that is not the only role that you have. You had this life before we met and probably will if things ever did end between us. Right now, I’ll be happy just to be included. But I’m aware this situation is bigger than you just hanging out at some random Kitty Section practice.”

“Actually that sounds pretty great instead of the city being in danger again. I could be with you and the rest of the band. Maybe figuring out some merchandise to be sold at the shows. That actually sounds like a pretty perfect place to be.”

“Look, I’m not going to pretend that what’s going on is easy. Or that I know all of the ins and outs of doing this full time. But one thing that I know is you deserve to be happy. That your happiness shouldn’t be put fully on the back burner until all this is resolved. Your secret should not consume you until you have nothing good left in your life.”

“You really think that?”

“Of course, there are going to be times that you are not able to attend my shows. But I’m not going to be thinking wow I literally have the worst girlfriend ever,” Luka rolled his eyes. “She won’t prioritize my show over the millions of lives she’s trying to save. More than anything else I’m going to be thinking here we go, my girlfriend once again being the best of all of us.”

Their eyes locked with each other, the designer’s concern had thinned out and evaporated. Once again life had shown her a different reality. She had thought when it came to mural love that movies were the closest thing until actually experiencing it. But right now it felt like a pale imitation compared to the feeling she actually had gotten. At that moment she felt her heart was aglow. That Luka has become one of the many reasons why life for her can still be wonderful despite her obligations.

Along with the realization, that love didn’t have to be so difficult.

“I just want to be part of your life,” he told her. “But only if you let me.”

“You already are,” Marinette leaned in closer to him, pressing her lips tenderly to his.

He brought comfort and reassurance, something she needed in both sides of her hectic life.

For her, this was love.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Finally a story that wasn’t a Honeybee story some might say. Honestly I’m kinda with you. I hope everyone likes this story especially since it did stray from what I have known for these recent months. Before anyone worries this does not mean that Honeybee stories are done. It’s just this time I wanted to change it up. As while I do enjoy writing Sabrina and giving her more attention than the show might ever will. At the same time I wanted to not limit myself. Kinda like in the movie Encanto with Isabella’s song What Else Can’t I Do? Who also felt like she was limiting herself with her powers.

There will be more Honeybee content in the future. It’s just there’s a few stories I want to work on that doesn’t involve Sabrina in the slightest. You know unless I shoehorn her in. But to be honest I’m actually excited about it. So I hope you like it in the future. Also sorry for the delay but after Sugar Rush I suffered a serious case of writer’s block. I will admit that this post is a little self indulgent as I still personally feel that the show seriously made a mistake not letting these ships actually have screen time as proper couples instead of giving them the Old Yeller treatment. I know that the Love Square is the endgame it’s pretty prevalent in the current episodes.

But I haven’t kept it hidden that don’t mind reading and writing about different ships. At least from a writer’s standpoint, if I can make a couple work, I will try it. If the couple is portrayed in a healthy way in other works. I’m not going to be against it. Especially in fan works, sometimes it seems they can be more creative than the show. Personally I feel like with the right writer any character or group of characters can get a good story.

So hopefully I had succeeded with being entertaining with these stories. Especially since I’ve been pretty rusty when writing romance over here.

This story is also available on Wattpad.

The song this week is a “La Vie En Rose” cover by Annapantsu

See you next time! 👋

[doodlegirl12345]

How To Break A Shipper’s Heart

For How To Instructions:

Watch Miraculous Ladybug Season 4 Episode 1 -Truth & Miraculous Ladybug Season 4 Episode 2 Lies

For Alternative How To Instructions:

Watch Miraculous Ladybug Season 3 Episode 21 -Chat Blanc

Watched the first two episodes hours ago and it still stings. Luka and Kagami deserves better! The last time I was this sad about a animated show was earlier this week when I watched the inner sailor scouts die in season 1. Obviously Sailor Moon definitely tops it in the worse the emotional category. But I still felt like I got punched right in the feels.

[doodlegirl12345]

I loved this so much! It was so cute and sweet. I also love how you wrote Marinette with creating her own fairytale creature. It shows so much ingenuity and ambition. Some of Marinette’s best traits in my opinion. Good Job! 👍

Fit Like a Lover

Marinette emerged from behind the partition and twirled for effect, eagerly showing off her costume. “So? Do you like it?”

Luka was aware that he was a biased party, and he was fairly sure that Marinette knew that too. He could hear the trust in her voice, however; the knowledge that he’d be honest and still give her constructive criticism if it happened to come to him.

Thus, he went to walk a full circle around her, examining every inch of her outfit. If there was even a single rip, he was going to catch it.

“It looks incredible, Marinette. I can tell you made it yourself and put your whole heart into it,” he said, noting the high quality and perfect fit. However, he frowned, squinting in deep thought. “But… what are you exactly?”

“Oh!” Marinette perked up, Luka thankful that the question hadn’t offended her. “That’s the best part!” She outstretched her arms, legs spread in dramatic fashion. “I’m not anything that existed before today! I thought for a while that I could do a witch but better, but then I thought—why limit myself to something like that, you know?”

He nodded, eyes fond as he admired her enthusiasm. Seeing her in her element without the usual stress that loomed over her was incredible for him, and he could only imagine how it must have felt for her.

“So—!” Marinette continued proudly, hands on her hips. “—I created my own fairytale, and I’m the creature from it! I… oh, wait.”

Keep reading

[northernbluetongue]

AHHHHHHH!! BE STILL MY HEART😭😭😭😭😍😍😍😍😍😍💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

30 Days of Lukanette- Melody

“Hey, Papa,” Marinette said into the phone as she packed up the last of the macrons into a box. Today was the 20th wedding anniversary of Chloe’s parents and her parents were catering the event. If all went well, it would put the bakery into a new level of popularity, meaning her parents could follow their passion more then they already were. “Yes, Dad. I do know where the Grand Paris Hotel is,”

“That’s great, sweetie,” Her father replied. “We’re on the third floor. Once you get there, take the elvator up and come in. Be careful and please don’t be late. We’re relying on you,”

“Me? Late? I’m never late,” She replied, feeling slightly offended by her father’s words.

“Remember when Ms Chamack came for her cake or the time when-”

“I get the idea, Dad,” She groaned. “But this time I won’t be late. Promise,”

Before he could say anything else, she hung up and picked up the boxes. Almost instantly, she tripped up but she managed to stop herself and carefully exited the shop. Only to jump out of her skin again as Luka literally cycled up to the shop. The boxes went flying and she was sure they would go everywhere but Luka caught them all to her surprise. He handed them back to her as she walked over, surprised by his visit.

“Luka,” She smiled, taking them off him. “What are you doing here?”

“I’ve been thinking of you actually and I’m pretty sure I’ve found your melody at last,” He smiled. “The tune that matches you completely. Wanna hear it?”

“Yes,” She smiled. He grabbed his guitar from the bike’s basket and began to play. Marinette listened closely and felt her cheeks burn as a blush rushed over her face as she watched him. He concrated as he played before a little smile broke onto his face as he stopped before he looked at her.

“What do you think?” He asked, giving her that kind look.

“Wow…” She gasped, looking impressed. “It’s… it’s incredible!”

“Mmm,” He frowned a little before smiling a little. “It’s still not quite right. I can do better. I’m gonna work on it some more,”

She giggled softly as he pointed at her but then her phone buzzed, breaking the sweet moment between them. She picked it up with her free hand and saw it was her dad calling again. Pressing answer, she held it to her ear.

“Hey, have you left the bakery yet?”

“Yeah, Dad. I’m on my way,” She hung up and looked sadly at him. She didn’t want to leave yet. “Sorry, I gotta go,”

“Need a lift?” He smiled, offering her a helmet before flicking down the rod that caused his bike to stand upright. He carefully took the boxes from her hands and fixed them onto top of his delivery box as she put on the helmet. She hopped onto the seat before he got back onto the bike. “Where to, my melody?”

“The Grand Paris hotel,” She replied, blushing at the nickname. Flicking the rod back up, he began cycling off with her holding onto his waist. He smiled to himself as he heard her humming the song he just played her as they moved past the citizens but soon the bike ride was over as he stopped in front of the hotel. She jumped off and took off the helmet before handing it back to him. “Thanks, Luka,”

“Anytime, Mari,” He smiled as she freed the boxes, picking them up and walking over to him. She smiled shyly before lightly kissing his cheek. He honestly didn’t expect her to do that so for a second, he was shocked and in disbelief but as she began to walk into the hotel, he put the helmet back into the basket and turned his bike around. “I’ll find the perfect tune for your song,”

Marinette smiled softly to herself before she headed into the building and walked over to the lift. She was happy to see Luka focused on something, other then his depression. Their little outing seemed to have had a lingering effect on him, which she was happy about. The spring in his step had returned and when they weren’t messaging each other, he was either working on her song, writing new songs for Kitty Section or trying to get Juleka together with Rose. She stepped inside the elvator as she hummed softly before pressing the third floor button. The ride to it was smooth and she walked out of the lift with a little more confidence but it seemed like she was the only one. As usual, Chloe’s parents were arguing and surrounded by snobs but she ignored that and started to look around for where her parents had set up.

“Over here!” Her dad waved, getting her attention. She smiled and began to head over but then she saw Adrien and Kagami sat together. All the confidence she had washed away and misplaced her footing.

“Ahh,” She gasped, falling over and dropping the boxes. To her surprise, both Adrien and Kagami rushed over and helped her up before picking up a couple of the boxes. “Thanks guys but I don’t want you to miss the ceremony just because of me,”

“Are you kidding?” Adrien replied in a hushed tone. “We can’t wait to get away,”

“It’s a good thing that you’re as clumsy as they are boring,” Kagami smiled as they walked over and placed the boxes on the table. She smiled at her mum before she turned to thank them both.

“Oh Marinette, could you get rid of the empty trays please?” Her mum asked.

“Sure,” She smiled, going to grab some.

“Can we help you?” Adrien suddenly asked, shocking her. She looked at him uncertain as he held his hands together in a begging pose. “Please,”

“Oh… alright,” She smiled, giving him a soft look.

“Oh and before you head back home,” Her father stated as he moved about. “Can you get some drink umbrellas? They’re in the kitchen,”

“Sure, Papa,” She smiled.

“Thanks,” He grinned before he grabbed a tray and headed over to the celebrities. Marinette picked some of the trays as Adrien and Kagami grabbed some before walking towards the kitchen. Before she could reach the door, she saw Lila coming over. She tried to ignore but suddenly, she was on the floor again and Lila was smirking before she did her sickly sweet smile. Kagami and Adrien both rushed over to help her.

“Oh dear Marinette. You’re so clumsy!” She gasped as Marinette got back up, picking up the trays as she muttered a thanks to her friends.

“You tripped me up!” She gasped but Lila instantly put on the fake tears.

“Me? I was just trying to help you up,” She gasped, causing a few people to frown. “Why do you hate me so much?”

“There, there, Lila,” The musician XY patted her back as she pretended to cry but Marinette didn’t miss the wicked little smirk on her face. However, before she could do anything else, her father marched over with an angry face.

“Miss Rossi, unless you wish for me to contact your mother in regards to your constant bullying of my daughter, I suggest you stay away from her!” He growled, pointing his finger towards her. Lila’s face fell but she caught herself.

“I-I’m sorry, Mr Dupan-Cheng… I have this illness that makes me lie!” She fake-cried again. Adrien gently took Marinette’s arm and led her away from the scene as Kagami followed.

“Are you ok?” He asked.

“I’m fine,” She smiled but she knew it was a lie. Luckily, neither of them noticed. They began to play around as Marinette found the umbrellas. She looked over and realized she had never seen Adrien have so much fun as he was now. She realized it was because he was with Kagami and it hurt her a little. However, it was short lived as the doors burst open, revealing his bodyguard. Marinette smiled softly as he looked around. “Are you looking for something?”

He frowned but left, letting her breathe out. Adrien and Kagami popped their heads out from behind the counter and grinned.

“Thanks, Marinette,” Adrien smiled as she picked the umbrellas.

“Right. I have to get going. I need to give these umbrellas-”

“No wait,” He gasped, shocking her again.

“Please… escape with us,” Kagami smiled, giving her another shock. She looked at the umbrellas before smiling.

“I’ll tell you what. I’ll drop these off and meet you outside in five,” She grinned. “There’s a fire exit that way. I’ll meet you there,”

She pointed over to the door.

“Great idea!” Adrien grinned before grabbing Kagami’s hand and running towards it. Marinette took a deep breathe and headed outside to drop off the umbrellas. Once that was done, she headed out the staircase and towards the fire exit, where Kagami and Adrien were waiting. Unfortunately, Adrien’s bodyguard had followed. The three of them saw him and bolted it upstairs. They were a lot faster then him and made it out onto the roof before he did. Looking around, Adrien noticed the ballpit and made a dive for it, grabbing both Marinette’s and Kagami’s hands. They kept themselves low as the gorilla looked around but he soon gave up and headed back in the lift. They stood up in the ball pit, grinning.

“Been disobedient is really entertaining,” Kagami smiled. “I’ve never had so much fun in my life,”

“Are you kidding?” Marinette asked.

“No why?” She replied but Marinette cheekily threw a ball at her, surprising her a little.

“No reason,” She laughed softly.

“You should see your face, Kag-” Adrien laughed but then a ball landed in his face. Marinette and Kagami laughed as he threw one back. She ducked and threw two more. Before they knew it, the three of them were having a ball fight and laugh like this was the only moment in the world. Kagami grinned wickedly and dove under the balls before pulling Marinette under for a few seconds. She resurfaced laughing, followed by Marinette. To their surprise, her hair was loose and she looked beautiful. Adrien looked over at her with soft eyes.

“Wow… it’s the first time I’ve seen you with your hair down,” He smiled softly as she laughed but the comment made her insure and she quickly tried to look for her hairbands. The only other person see her with her hair down was Luka and he had made her blush by calling her beautiful.

“You should see you face, Marinette,” Kagami laughed before helping her look for her hair bands as Adrien exited the pool and head over to the piano. Kagami handed one of them over to her before exiting as well and leaning the instrument as Adrien began to play a beautiful melody. Marinette listened to it as she searched for the other band, smiling to herself as she found it. She exited the pool and began to tie it up as Kagami looked over at her with a kind expression. “Your hair looks beautiful,”

The way she said was so unlike the Kagami Marinette knew but she had the feeling that this is what she was really like under the cold exitor.

“She’s right,” Adrien agreed, causing her to blush a little but before she could say a thing, the elevator pinged. The three of them hid under the piano as the gorilla exited, clearly still looking for Adrien and Kagami. Marinette looked around, using her second sight to come up with a plan. She used her band to send a cupcake in the oppersite direction, which caused the gorilla to rush over there. With him distracted, the three of them made a run to the lift and took it down to the reception. Adrien grabbed both of their hands and headed outside, running towards freedom but they all failed to notice the Akuma that fluttered inside the hotel. The three of them kept running til they finally came to a bench near the Seine. The three of them sat down and took a second to gather their breathes back. “I think we’re far away enough now,”

“Won’t you get in trouble with your parents?” Marinette asked, slightly amused but mostly concerned.

“It’s not everyday we can escape from everything they expect of us,” Adrien replied, causing Kagami to laugh softly and pressed her head against his as he smiled. Marinette smiled but it was a little pained and she could help but think that she was getting a taste of her own medience. Is this how Luka felt every time she mentioned Adrien? She frowned to herself as her thoughts turned to him and slowly that song he played came back into her head.

“What should we do now?” Kagami asked, just as Andre the ice cream man started to sing. Adrien gasped as an idea popped into his head.

“Hey! Let’s get ice cream from Andre!” He declared in an excited manner before getting up and running over to him. Marinette got up to follow before turning to Kagami.

“Andre is a sweet hearts ice cream maker,” She explained, looking back over at him. “The Legend says that whoever shares his ice cream together will be in love forever,”

Again, that song came into her head as she remembered she had shared one of Andre’s ice cream with Luka as part of her cheer up Luka mission. She smiled a little before looking at Kagami as she stood up.

“I don’t believe in those kind of myths but I do believe in ice cream,” She grinned, cheekily before grabbing Marinette’s hand and running over to the ice cream stood. Andre looked at the three of them.

“Hmmm which flavors for these two?” He asked himself. “Orange and Peppermint. A perfect pairing that’s always a success. Nothing can turn it into a mess,”

The two of them looked at each other smiled before he turned his attention to Adrien and Marinette.

“And for you two. Blackberry and peppermint. An explosive mix. That’s a fact but oftentimes, it’s the oppersites that attract,” He grinned, causing Marinette to blush a little before he looked to Kagami and Marinette. “Orange and a Blackberry. Quite unusual it’s true. Not the most obvious but it works for you two… so what will it be?”

“You pick,” Kagami instantly suggested. “I don’t really get what he’s saying,”

“Yeah, you pick, Marinette,” Adrien smiled, causing her to fluster. “We trust you,”

“C-can’t you find a blend for the three of us?” She asked.

“I can but too many flavors mixed together can throw off the delicate balance,” Andre replied, which was basically his way of saying no. Marinette frowned to herself as they all looked at her.

“I don’t know!” She gasped, thinking way too much into this. “Blackberry and peppermint don’t seem like a great pair and what if the mint finds the berry lame and wants to be with the orange instead and it’s true that orange and peppermint are awesome together and well, orange and blackberry just doesn’t seem like they go together,”

She looked up and noticed Kagami had moved a little closer to Adrien and suddenly, things seemed very clear to her. The Orange and the Peppermint were meant to be while the blackberry was suppose to be alone. She walked up to Andre and looked at him.

“Look… I think your first idea was the best,” She stated in a calm voice. It was time to let go and move on. “The orange and peppermint ice cream…”

She looked back at them with a soft look.

“For my friends here,” She replied as Andre looked at her.

“Are you sure, Marinette?” He asked. She nodded and began to walk away as he shrugged and made it. She stopped next to Kagami.

“I’m gonna go back to the palace. I should really help my mama and papa,” She stated, feeling hurt but by her own hand.

“We’ll go with you,” Kagami stated but Marinette shook her head.

“No, no… don’t bother,” She smiled weakly. “Enjoy your ice cream. Seriously,”

With that, she rushed off and began to head towards the palace. She felt hurt but she knew it was for the best. She just had to lick her wounds and find herself again. She would be ok, even if it didn’t feel that way right now. She had to be. For everyone’s sake. She couldn’t afford to feel hurt, angry or even upset. Not with Hawkmoth and his akumas waiting for bad emotions. She looked down as she turned a corner.

“Stop in the name of- ahhh!” Roger shouted as he was suddenly turned into a giant heart that two headed creature suddenly ate. MArientte stared in horror as another person turned into a heart and got eaten as well.

“This love for the city is so delectable,” One of the faces shouted before it spun around so the other face could talk. “And these lovebirds. What a treat!”

“Now that’s no way to treat the citizens of Paris,” The familiar voice of Viperion stated. “You’re suppose to take them out to dinner not have them as dinner!”

With him distracting them, Marinette ran into an alley and transformed into Ladybug before she jumped up on the roof and joined Viperion.

“I can’t wait! You both love everyone! You’ll be a first rate dinner!” It shouted as the two of them dodged it’s eyes.

“Any ideas on who it is?” She asked as they landed on a roof.

“Mr and Mrs Bourgeois but this time working as one… thing… calling itself Loveater,” Viperion replied. “Seems like they can devour love,”

“Not good,” She replied, thinking off Adrien and Kagami. “Any signs of Cat Noir and Ryuko?”

“Nothing yet,” He replied as they back-flipped out of the way. “But I’m concerned. Hawkmoth hasn’t akumatized anyone in two weeks. Why do it now?”

“A good point,” She replied as they dodged the rays from Loveater. “Down there!”

“Good thinking,” He replied as they dived into the subway. Loveater tried to get in but it’s heads were literally too big. Ladybug let a sigh. “Are you ok?”

“I’m fine,” She smiled weakly before taking out her yoyo. “Lucky charm!”

A coin appeared out of thin air and she caught it. She turned it around before frowning.

“A Merry-go-round token,” She mumbled before it clicked. “Viperion… I need you to keep that thing busy,”

“Sure thing, Bug but what are you going to do?” He asked.

“Get us some help,” She grinned before she exits. Viperion jumped out as Loveater was about to eat someone else.

“Hey! Big head! You hungry for Love huh?!” He shouted, getting it’s attention. “Well, come and feast! I got lots of love!!”

“The boy is in love! With a girl!” The first face shouted before it turned to the other head. “And he loves his family, his friends and his music! He will be a delicious meal!”

Viperion grinned as they moved towards him. However, in the corner of his eyes he noticed a blue figure heading in the direction Ladybug had gone. Before he could do anything though, he was striked down with a blow, causing him to roll and land on his knees. His eyes widen in fear as Hawkmoth literally stood in front of him.

“Loveater. Go find some other meal. The snake is mine,” He ordered, causing them to flight off. “You’ve been quite the thorn in my side, Viperion, since you turned up,”

“Second Chance,” He replied, pushing the bracelet aside. Hawkmoth smirked.

“That isn’t going to help you,” He stated, charging at him. Luka gave it his best shot but Hawkmoth was more experienced then him. Before Luka could even push the head back, he was pinned down and Hawkmoth was reaching for his miraclous. “Not quite the cat’s or the bug’s but as consolation prizes go, the power of second chance will help quite nicely with my cause,”

“Cataclysm!” The familiar voice of Cat Noir shouted before he flew towards Hawk Moth. The Villain dived out of the way as Viperion was swept up in wind, getting him to safety. The wind reformed into Ryuko as they landed on a roof but Hawkmoth had disappeared. Viperion frowned and began to run off. “Viperion!”

“Keep Loveater busy! I have to find Ladybug!” He shouted, swinging off and heading to the Merry go round but before he could get any farther, Ladybug landed next to him with a hero he hadn’t seen in action before. He rushed over. “Ladybug! I thoug-”

“I got the back up we need. Oh, it’s good to see those two have joined the fight,” She interrupted. “Viperion, this is Rena Rouge. Rena, meet Viperion. We’ll use Rena’s abi-”

To her surprise, he suddenly grabbed her shoulders and looked at her in a serious way.

“Ladybug, you were followed,”

“Oh. I know by Mayura but I got her off my trail,” She smiled, confidence but something didn’t feel right in his bones. She must have noticed his worried look. “Viper, it’s ok,”

“Something isn’t right. Trust me,” He stated but before they could do anything else, Loveater suddenly turned back into Mr and Mrs Bourgeois, causing them to fall. Ladybug gasped and jumped down as Cat Noir did the same, saving them. Viperion, Rena and Ryuko landed next to them.

“Ur… was I dreaming or did Loveater just get de-akumatized all by itself?” Cat Noir asked, causing Viperion frown.

“Why would Hawkmoth do that? I’ll ask Master Fu,” Ladybug mumbled. “Rena, come on,”

With that, the two girls jumped off and Cat Noir shortly departed with Ryuko, leaving Viperion to frown to himself before he headed into an alleyway.

“Sass, scales rest,” He muttered, catching the snake and giving it some food. “Something isn’t right,”

“Agreed,” The snake replied as he found his bike before cycling off towards the merry-go-round. As soon as he got there, he saw Marinette exit. She was looking down so he knew he had to be Luka, not Viperion. He stopped the bike.

“Are you ok, Marinette?” He asked, making her look at him.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” She said in a soft voice. However, as soon as those words leave her mouth, her expression changed and she started to cry, holding her face in her hands. “Actually, no. I’m not fine at all,”

He moved over to her and put an arm around her. She didn’t need a leture right now. She needed a friend, just like he had a few days ago.

“I’m so tired, Luka,” She cried as he closed his eyes, listening to her. “Of all these responsibilities. Of having to put up a front all the time. Of never been able to be who I truly am,”

He knew exactly what she felt and he felt like this was a long time coming. Marinette was also so strong, both as herself and as Ladybug. She was always putting others first and saving the day. That had to be tiring. She had the weight of the world on her shoulders and she wouldn’t be able to let it out for fear of Hawkmoth getting to her but he wasn’t going to let that happen.

“It’s alright, Marinette,” He whispered in a soft voice. “You can tell me everything or nothing if you prefer. You can be yourself with with me,”

He looked at her with soft eyes, causing her to look back.

“Just yourself,” He whispered. More tears came out of her eyes as she rested her head against him. He let go of his bike, not caring that it meant his guitar would fall to and wrapped his arms round her as she cried harder.

“I c-can’t do this anymore,” She cried. “I’ve messed up so b-badly,”

“It can be fixed,” He whispered, kissing her hair.

“Y-You don’t understand,” She sniffed.

“Then help me to,” He replied.

“I l-led Hawkmoth to Master Fu!” She cried, burying her head in his chest. “I’ve d-doomed us all. I’m an awful person, Luka!”

“That’s not true,” He replied, rubbing her back.

“I do-don’t deserve to be Ladybug,” She sniffed, not realizing what she said.

“That’s a lie too,” He muttered. “You’re the best Ladybug and you know it,”

“L-Luka,” She sniffed then it hit her. “W-What?!”

He looked at her with loving eyes as she looked at him confused.

“H-How long have you known?”

“Since you saved my mum,” He replied. “After all, who else could have been that selfless,”

“B-But I’ve messed up-”

“You’ll fix it,” He smiled. “I know you will,”

“Because I’m Ladybug,” She frowned but he shook his head.

“No, because you’re Marinette Dupan-Cheng, the bravest girl in Paris… with or without the Ladybug miraculous,”

———————————————————————————————————-

To be Continued