I'm back from the dead – again. So much for getting my act together like I said in the last chapter. I'm so sorry, guys. Work has kept me super busy, and I've needed to study for my exams and training, and I've also been in and out of hospital lately due to some health issues, so that was pretty stressful and scary. But I'm fine, and thank you to those who messaged me to see if I was okay. That was really sweet of you. Thank you all so much for being patient with me, and for all of your awesome reviews. So without further ado, let's get on with the chapter.
Chapter 11: Attempting To Forget
Just like you would expect, all of Marinette's bravado suddenly vanished the minute she turned the corner and spotted the milkshake bar that she had agreed to meet Luka at. She froze mid-step, unable to walk further forward, probably looking like a complete weird dork in the process. But in that moment, all she could think about how nervous she was. It was like an elastic band had been tied around her waist and was now straining to pull her back.
There was no need to be so nervous though. It was just hanging out with a friend, right? Marinette never felt like this when she was meeting up with any of her other friends. But this time, for some reason, her broken heart now felt like it was made of lead, weighing her down and making her feel like she was going to collapse under its intense mass at any second.
"What are you doing, Marinette?" she heard Tikki whisper to her from inside her handbag.
"I… I can't do this!" Marinette suddenly shrieked, darting back around to hide behind the building. She yelped as she caught sight of the people at the bus stop across the street giving her strange looks before quickly taking a deep breath to try and calm herself down.
"What happened to the Marinette who deserved to have some fun with a friend?" Tikki inquired, making sure to keep herself well-hidden still.
Marinette's breathing hitched. "I… I don't know… I just panicked!"
She could hear Tikki sighing to herself. "Why is seeing Luka such a big deal?"
"Because… because I…" Marinette's cheeks flushed bright pink. "I don't know! Because I hardly know him? Because he's older than me? Because I made a total fool of myself in front of him last time?"
"You're thinking way too hard about this, Marinette," Tikki replied, trying to calm her holder down.
Marinette took another deep breath. "You're right, Tikki!" She stood up straighter.
"Just go in there and have some fun!" Tikki further encouraged.
"Yeah! This is the new me! I'm going to hang out with my friend! I don't need Adrien!" Marinette threw both of her fists in the air, looking and reaching towards the sky with her new-found confidence again. However, when she looked back down again, everyone on the street had begun staring at her again, this time making Marinette's face turn a brilliant shade of red.
Feeling awkward and embarrassed, Marinette tried to laugh it off before quickly dashing around the corner again, out of sight of the confused and even slightly concerned pedestrians. She slammed her back against the wall and released a breath she didn't even realise she had been holding in. So far the new her was currently just as, if not more, humiliating and awkward than the old her. She needed to pull this back. Marinette was mature and confident now. No longer was she going to act weird and humiliate herself in front of people – though more accurately – boys that she liked.
But Luka was just a friend. He wasn't Adrien. She could do this!
With a determined expression, Marinette pushed herself away from the wall and crossed the road, finally approaching the milkshake bar. Luckily, the place looked like it was quite quiet despite the after school hours. Marinette found herself hesitating outside before she peered through the window, looking to see if Luka was already there, her heart thumping erratically in her chest the entire time. She bit her lip as her eyes scanned the room, and she spotted his bright blue hair before she saw anything else. This immediately caused her heart to thud to a halt.
He was sat casually in one of the small tables in the corner, away from everybody else. He appeared to be daydreaming as his bright blue eyes looked far away, completely lost in thought. His chin rested on his hand as his elbow rested on the table. He had a small smile on his face that made Marinette wonder what he could possibly be thinking about. He looked… so dreamy…
Blue eyes met her own, and Marinette nearly lost her balance, managing to stop herself from falling backwards in time, only to awkwardly duck down and out of sight. Marinette squeaked to herself in fright, her face exploding with heat at having been caught red handed staring at him. What on earth must he be thinking of her right now? Had he even noticed? Of course he had! He'd looked right at her! Marinette wanted to smack herself for being so stupid and creepy.
"Marinette?"
"GAH!" Marinette screamed as she fell back onto her butt, her eyes staring up in horror as Luka's concerned ones gazed back down at her.
"L-Luka…" Marinette laughed awkwardly. "W-what brings you here?"
Luka chuckled before holding out his hand for her to take. "You invited me, remember?"
"Oh… Yes. Yes I did." Ugh, Marinette, could you sound anymore weird?!
Marinette soon forced herself to stay silent as she stared dumbly at Luka's outstretched hand before offering him a cringe worthy smile and giving him a high five.
Luka laughed. "No, I was trying to help you up," he told her patiently, struggling to contain further fits of laughter.
If it was even possible, Marinette's face felt like it had grown even hotter.
"Oh… right… yeah…" Marinette finally slowly placed her hand in his, the warmth of his skin sending shivers up her arm that travelled straight towards her heart. It almost had her melting into a pile of goo on the spot. His calm aura was enough to begin soothing her already overwhelming embarrassment.
Luka pulled her up off the sidewalk, though he didn't let go of Marinette's hand when he had finished doing so – not that Marinette was complaining. It felt weird, but a good kind of weird. It felt like trying on a new pair of shoes, knowing they were going to look and feel spectacular, but not having properly broken them in yet. His large hand completely engulfed her own, and Marinette couldn't help but stare down at their now intertwined fingers. Their skin blended together like coffee and cream, and once again, Marinette's heart began fluttering in her chest.
There was something more to this moment that Marinette just couldn't quite put her finger on. It felt… almost strangely intimate. Like she had known Luka all of her life. Like their hands were supposed to fit perfectly together. Why was she feeling like this though? What was it about Luka that made him feel so special and make Marinette feel weak at the knees? She had only seen him on a handful of occasions, so it definitely wasn't like they were close or anything. Was it because she had embarrassed herself the first time she had met him? Was that why she felt so awkward around him? But Marinette embarrassed herself in front of everyone…
"What were you doing down there? Why didn't you come straight inside?" Luka asked as he began leading her inside, smiling down at her in curiosity, like she was fascinating puzzle that he was trying to solve.
"Oh – ummm – I dropped an earring!" was all Marinette could think of as a response.
"I see you managed to find it okay," Luka noted as he glanced at both of her ears.
Marinette chuckled but couldn't help but cover her ears with her hair self-consciously. Being a superhero had made her overly paranoid when it came to anyone looking at or talking about her ears. It had her instantly on high alert, though she knew that she had nothing to worry about with Luka. Even so, she still couldn't afford for him to find out the truth. They would both be in so much danger if he did.
"Y-yeah," Marinette stuttered her reply.
"And hey look, we even match." Luka pulled on his own earlobe slightly, showing off his own black earrings.
Marinette giggled in reply at the coincidence of it all. Though Luka's weren't magical – she was pretty sure anyway. She'd been through enough these past few months to know that anything was possible at this point. Her life had been turned upside down lately in so many ways. It actually felt nice being normal again and hanging around a normal friend, not having to worry about the fact she knew he was a superhero sometimes like with Alya and Nino. At least with Luka, she didn't have any added pressure or the feeling like she was inadequate like she sometimes felt around Adrien. At least Luka was also just a friend and not someone she was head-over-heels in love with. Nope. Not at all.
Snapping her out of her thoughts, Luka pulled a chair back for her at the table he had just been sat at moments before. Marinette blushed and smiled at his chivalry before sitting down and pulling herself closer to the table. She could already feel her palms beginning to get slightly sweaty, and her heart was still refusing to calm down.
Luka's kind smile never faded from his face as he sat down opposite her, only a small, round table now separating them, and Marinette could almost feel their legs brushing against each other in the small corner they now had to themselves. Everyone else around them was busy chatting away or browsing through their phones, and it made Marinette feel like she and Luka were in their own private universe, just the two of them together.
Marinette could feel herself finally beginning to relax slightly. She had already totally humiliated herself, but like always, Luka always seemed to be able to see past that. He never called attention to it or looked at her weird. He just accepted her and her weirdness. Marinette wasn't sure whether to feel thrilled or disheartened at that concept. Did it mean that Luka found her endearing in a good way or a bad way? She already knew that he found her funny. But was that a good funny or a bad funny? Funny as in annoying and weird, or funny as in she made him laugh and feel happy?
Calm down, Marinette, she scolded herself internally again. Tikki was right. She really needed to stop thinking so hard about this whole outing. She was here to relax and to have fun. To forget about Adrien and all of her other problems. Luka had been so kind to her, and here she was, supposed to be returning the favour.
"Soooo…" Marinette dragged out awkwardly after a few seconds of silence.
"Soooo…" Luka repeated before chuckling.
Marinette couldn't help but find his smile and laughter infectious.
"I'm sorry, I've not exactly been blessed with the gift of socialising," Marinette giggled out, despite how much she worried that her awkwardness was annoying Luka. It didn't seem to be, thank goodness. But still, Marinette couldn't help but be paranoid.
"That's okay, me neither," Luka reassured her, crossing his arms before leaning against the table, bringing their faces closer together. "I'm sorry if I'm putting any kind of pressure on you."
"Oh no, you're not!" Marinette quickly replied. "It's just… I've been having a bit of tough time lately."
Luka's blue eyes turned soft. "So I guessed."
Marinette bit her lip and looked away. "I'm sorry for just dumping everything on you like that. That wasn't fair of me. You didn't need to listen to me wailing like that."
"Seriously, don't worry about it, Marinette." Luka smiled at her softly. "I'm just glad that you didn't have to be on your own during that."
Marinette finally looked back up it him properly again and offered him a small smile in return. "Thank you."
"Don't mention it. But I'm guessing talking about what happened is the last thing on your mind right now."
Marinette's eyes widened. "Y-yeah. How did you know that?"
Luka laughed again. "Spooky, isn't it? I just find people easy to read… especially you."
"Me? Why?"
"It's all in your eyes and the way you carry yourself," Luka explained. "Though your eyes are always the biggest giveaway. You're a bit of an open book, Marinette."
She couldn't help but smirk to herself at that comment. If only he knew.
But still, his accuracy the few times they had spent time together certainly was spooky. He always seemed to intuitively know exactly what she needed or was thinking at any given moment. Luka certainly was gifted with emotional intelligence. It made Marinette feel a little bit exposed and vulnerable, but at the same time, she was touched that Luka seemed to care about her wellbeing so much. He truly was a kind and wonderful person.
"Yeah, well," Marinette continued, "today is the beginning of the new me."
Luka furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Sighing, Marinette began explaining, "I'm tired of being that clumsy open book of a person. I'm tired of getting hurt because of it. I want to be a strong person who knows what she wants and goes out and gets it."
"There's nothing wrong with self-improvement, but you don't have to completely change and reinvent yourself, Marinette," Luka spoke softly. "I like you just the way you are."
Marinette froze at that comment. He… he liked her?
He actually liked her and all of her strange quirks?
"But… I always mess everything up…" Marinette continued to doubt herself.
"No you don't, you're being way too hard on yourself. You've had a setback, and it's normal to second guess yourself every now and again, but don't let it consume you. You're a wonderful girl, Marinette. I could tell that from the very first instant I met you," Luka reassured.
Marinette glanced up at him from beneath her eyelashes. "Even though I behaved like a total dorkasaurus?"
Luka chuckled. "Yes, even though you behaved like a total dorkasaurus."
"Stuttering and spluttering like an idiot." Marinette cringed at the memory.
"So verbal communication isn't your thing. It's not mine either. That's why I always prefer my music."
"But I don't have any musical talent," Marinette sighed out. She wished she could use that as a form of communication and expression just like Luka did.
"But you have lots of other talents. Your design of Jagged Stone's glasses and album cover was amazing," Luka praised, beaming down at her.
"You saw those?" Marinette gasped in shock.
"He's my favourite singer remember? You really managed to capture his style."
"Th-thank you…" Marinette began stuttering again, not sure what to do with all of this praise. She was proud of her work, she always was, but to hear such genuine and heartfelt compliments left her speechless and flustered. It meant so much to her hearing Luka say all of this. It was giving her the confidence boost that she was so desperately needing at the moment.
"I still wish I knew how to play an instrument though. I think it would be really cool," Marinette said as she began daydreaming about how much that might impress Adrien. Maybe they could do a romantic duet together one day.
Marinette quickly shook her head. No. Tonight was an Adrien free evening.
"I could always teach you to play the guitar if you like," Luka offered, looking extremely excited at the idea.
"Seriously?"
"Of course. It's a lot of hard work though. A lot harder than most people think," Luka warned, though it looked like he trusted Marinette not to expect such a thing.
Marinette nodded, beginning to grow excited over the idea herself.
"So do you think it would be something that the new you would enjoy?" Luka half-joked.
Marinette giggled. "Learning the guitar would be perfect for the new me. Actually, I think it would be just what I need."
"Sweet," Luka replied happily, "we can always sort out the details some other time." He glanced towards the bar. "You thirsty?"
Marinette quickly stood up, stopping Luka in his tracks. "No no, it's my treat remember?"
"You don't have to do that," Luka protested, standing up as well.
Marinette smiled. "I insist." She began walking towards the bar.
"And I insist that you don't have to insist." Luka chuckled as he followed her before racing ahead.
Marinette laughed and quickened her pace to match his own, though it was difficult with her much shorter legs and smaller frame. Soon, she was practically running before managing to pass him, sticking her tongue out in the process. Luka continued to laugh and try to overtake her, both of them fighting to get the bar while the only staff member stood behind it, gazing at them in confusion. The both of them slammed their bodies against the bar at the same time.
"And I insist that you don't insist I don't insist," Marinette shot back.
"And I insist that you don't have to insist I don't insist on you not insisting."
"Yeah, well –" Marinette froze and scratched her head. "Okay, now I'm confused."
Luka burst out laughing again.
"Yeah, and so am I," the man behind the bar growled out slightly. "Are you kids gonna order something or what?"
"Seriously, Luka, I'll pay, it's not a problem," Marinette continued to argue.
"I haven't done anything to deserve it though," Luka protested.
Marinette smiled up at him. "Yes you have."
"For crying out loud, it's just a milkshake," the man interjected again.
"I'll tell you what, why don't I pay for yours, and you pay for mine?" Luka suggested.
"Sounds perfect," Marinette giggled in agreement.
"Hallelujah!" came the exaggerated cries of the barman.
"So, what flavour would you like?" Luka asked.
Marinette didn't even have to think about it. Of course she was going to get the flavour she got every single time she treated herself to a milkshake. "Oreo, please."
Luka stared at her.
"What?"
"That's my all-time favourite!" he gasped out.
"Looks like we both have incredible taste then," Marinette replied happily, finally starting to fully relax and enjoy herself. She had never really seen this playful side of Luka before. She kinda liked it. He was super fun to be around, and he was helping her forget all of her current woes.
"Two small Oreo milkshakes, please," Luka asked the man behind the bar.
"Two Oreo milkshakes for the lovebirds," the man repeated as he heaved himself off the bar and towards all of the ingredients laid out on shelves on the wall behind him.
"Oh… No… We're… We're not dating… " both Marinette and Luka stuttered out at the same time.
The man rolled his eyes. "Could've fooled me."
Marinette blushed and quickly made her way back to her seat, hiding her face in her hair as she did so. Luka remained at the bar waiting for their drinks while watching Marinette with a worried expression, though she refused to meet his gaze. Why did that man have to make such a comment? Why couldn't a guy and a girl hang out without there being something more to it? It just further reminded her of Adrien, and rubbed salt into the wounds all over again. She had been having so much fun, and now the reminder of love and relationships had probably made her ruin things. Today was supposed to be about Luka, and her thanking him for what he had done for her, but instead, here she was again. Pining after a boy she knew could never be hers. Embarrassing herself as always. Obviously the new Marinette wasn't quite ready to bloom yet. Right now, she had once again closed in on herself, hiding from the wind and rain that raged around her. Her delicate petals already becoming damaged before having the chance to show off their beauty.
"Is everything okay, Marinette?" Luka's sweet and calm voice asked, gently placing a milkshake down in front of her. "Did that man make you uncomfortable?"
Marinette finally looked back up, wiping away the tears that had begun to form in her eyes before Luka could realise and see. "No, it's okay."
"Did I make you uncomfortable?" Luka further probed, growing more and more concerned.
"No! Definitely not," Marinette quickly reassured him. "It's just… I guess being reminded of relationships right now after everything got to me a little bit."
"I understand," Luka comforted, slowly taking the seat next to her this time. "But you're fine being here with me, right?"
Marinette smiled up at him, shuffling herself closer to him. "Of course. This is the most fun I've had in a while, and I'm so grateful for everything you've been doing for me. I know we don't know each other that well but… I really like spending time with you."
Luka returned her smile. "I really like spending time with you too."
However, before they could say anything else, the whole room seemed to suddenly vibrate. Both of them looked around in confusion, wondering if it had all just been in their imagination. But soon there was no denying it as a low rumble seemed to be echoing from the distance. That's when everyone's phones vibrated and rumbled at the exact same time, the familiar red message plastered across all of their screens: akuma alert.
Seriously?!
I hope that my writing wasn't too rusty in this chapter. It's been a while, and man, I have missed it so much. Screw real life. I just want to write all day long. I've also badly injured one of my fingers (I know, it's stupid), so here's hoping that it hasn't affected my typing too much. Here's hoping that now my exams and doctor visits are over, I can fully concentrate on writing again. But then again, you guys probably take every time I say that with a pinch of salt now. I'm really sorry. Anyway, feel free to let me know your opinions of the story so far, and I'll see you all again soon.