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quickspinner · 4 years

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Finding Harmony - Ch 1 The Key of M

This story is complete on AO3

Season 3 was still coming out when I wrote this one, but it’s still probably my favorite of my works so far, so I hope you enjoy it. This is part of my ongoing effort to get my AO3 works posted to tumblr; you can filter the tag ‘backlog’ if you’d rather not see them.

Summary: Before any note can harmonize with another, it has to be on pitch. When Luka agrees to work with Marinette on a design project, he's happy to see that she's started making some changes for her own happiness. “It’s like you’re tuning your strings right now. You started out a little flat, and then you tuned too sharp. So now you're working back towards your true pitch." As she gets closer to striking her true note, he can't help but think how beautiful they sound together. He wishes she could hear it too.

“Marinette wants your body.”

Luka nearly swallowed the guitar pick he had clamped between his lips. He made a muffled sound and dropped the sheet music he’d been trying to arrange so he could whip the pick out of his mouth to demand, “What did you say?” He moved his guitar off his lap and turned to hang his legs off the edge of the bed so he could face his sister as she crossed from the door towards her end of the cabin.

“Finally,” Juleka smirked. “I’ve called your name three times. Marinette’s been trying to call you for like an hour.”

“What?” Luka frowned and shuffled around on his bed, finally finding his phone half-buried under his pillow. Sure enough, he had a bunch of missed notifications. “Oops,” he muttered.

“I just got back from her place,” Juleka told him, sitting sideways in her vanity chair to face him. “She’s got an idea that she’s all fired up on and she’s wondering if you’d be willing to model with me for it.”

“You know I’d do anything for you, Jul,” he said almost automatically.

Juleka smirked. “I know you’d do anything for Marinette.”

Luka smiled ruefully. “Yeah, that too.”

“Sap.”

“Like you can talk. I’m gonna go call her back now.” He stood up and walked out to the deck.

Marinette picked up on the first ring with a delighted “Luka!” that made his heart skip a bit.

“Hey, Marinette, sorry I missed your messages, I was kinda in the zone and I wasn’t paying attention to my phone. Juleka just told me you were trying to reach me.”

“No problem, I understand, I’ve been there! I’m sorry I interrupted, though, I guess this could have waited, it’s just I was excited and you know I’m a planner and—”

“Breathe, Marinette, it’s fine.” He smiled, leaning on the rail of the boat. “What do you need?”

“Well, you know I felt really bad about that whole Reflekdoll thing a while back—”

“That wasn’t your fault.”

“I know, but—“ Marinette sighed. “Well, never mind about that. I still feel bad for Juleka and now that I know she wants to model I started thinking about what would look good on her, because you know the suit before was cute all but it didn’t really scream Juleka, and so I started messing around with some designs, more of my edgy stuff, you know, the kind of thing I do for Jagged Stone and Kitty Section, and the more I thought about it the more excited I got and I think I have some really cool concepts—”

“Breathe, Marinette,” he repeated, grinning.

“Right. Sorry. Anyway um I guess designing for Juleka kind of got me thinking about you, and I have some things in mind that I think would look really good on you and I was wondering if you would mind taking some pictures with Juleka when the pieces are done? What do you think?”

“I think all you had to say was ‘Hey Luka, will you model my designs with Juleka,’ and I’d have been sold,” Luka chuckled. “I don’t know if I’ll be any good but you know I’d do anything to help my two favorite girls. Just tell me when and where and what you need me to do.”

The delighted squeal that answered him left him grinning for an hour.

***

“Mom Luka’s here we’ll be in my room see you later!”

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Cheng,” Luka said with a chuckle, as he followed Marinette through the bakery at a slightly more civilized pace.

“Good to see you, Luka. There’s a plate of snacks in the fridge if you two get hungry.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

It was a good thing he’d been to Marinette’s place with the rest of the band, because she was so far ahead of him he might as well have been by himself. When he climbed up through the hatch into her bedroom (her room was really pretty cool for not being a boat), Marinette nearly barreled right into him. “Whoa!” he cried, catching her around the waist just in time to keep her from falling over. “Relax, Marinette, I’m not going to turn into a pumpkin. You can slow down a little.” He waited until she was sure she had her balance back, and then let her go.

“Sorry,” Marinette said, bouncing slightly on her toes and then grabbing his hand to drag him to her chaise. “I’m just so excited to show you. I hope you’ll like it.”

Luka took a seat on her chaise as she directed and smiled as he watched her rush around. “It’s great to see you so inspired. Maybe I’m off base, but it just feels like you’ve been missing a little bit of your spark lately.”

“Yeah,” Marinette sighed, and it was like all the frenetic energy drained out of her at once. She came and sat next to him on the chaise, looking almost...mournful. “A lot of things have been happening, and I’m starting to realize that I’ve been...prioritizing the wrong things. Sometimes the wrong people.” She glanced at him and then away, twisting her fingers. “I didn’t like the person I was becoming. Which is complicated, because I didn’t like the person I was before, either. Before I met Alya and A-Adrien and got to be better friends with Nino and Kitty Section.” She flashed him a crooked smile. “You wouldn’t have liked me then either. I was a pushover and a victim and a...a bystander.” Luka moved closer and put his hand on her shoulder in silent encouragement. “Some things happened at the beginning of the school year that really pushed me out of that comfort zone, and I started really trying to be a friend, someone my friends can rely on, and for a while it was great. I still messed up a lot but I started standing up for myself and other people, and I wasn’t such a spectator. But...” Marinette chewed her lip. “I don’t know, I feel like somewhere in the last few months I got confused.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” She nodded slowly. “I need to find a way back to the person I wanted to be. Except I don’t even know who that is, because if I don’t like who I was before and I don’t like who I became, then where am I trying to go?” She moaned faintly and put her face in her hands. “And all you did was compliment me and now I’m just spewing this out all over you and you didn’t ask for any of this, I’m so sorry. I’m probably not even making sense.”

“Marinette, you’re making perfect sense,” Luka said, squeezing her shoulder, and reaching down for the guitar case. “It sounds like you’ve been bottling that up for a while.” She nodded, face still in her hands. “It’s like...you’re tuning your strings right now,” he continued. He set his guitar on his lap, set his fingers and plucked a string. “That’s G, right? You started out a little flat.” He moved his fingers and played a G flat. “So you started tuning towards your true pitch.” He played G again. “But you overshot and you went sharp.” He played the G sharp. “So now you’re working back towards G again.” He plucked the G one more time and grinned. “Or maybe it’s M in your case.”

”There isn’t any M, Luka,” Marinette giggled.

“I think there is,” Luka smiled, fingers fluttering in a familiar pattern as he played up and down a G major scale. “I think you’ll find it.” He looked up and met her eyes. “And when you do, it’ll be beautiful.”

Marinette held his gaze for a moment, then blushed and looked at her hands. “Thanks Luka. I know—well, you’re one of the people I haven’t treated so well, so...thanks for understanding.”

“I could tell it wasn’t the true note, the real you. We all make mistakes, Marinette. You’ve always been honest and sincere with me, and I value that more than anything.”

Marinette smiled weakly. “I feel like that should be part of the Couffaine family motto. Liberté, sincerité, originalité.”

Luka laughed out loud. “I like it.”

Marinette, smiled, and the light came back into her eyes as she jumped up. “Enough navel gazing. How do you feel about snakes?”

Luka’s eyes widened slightly and he felt a flicker of panic. “Uh—”

“Because I have the greatest plan for you,” Marinette said, rushing over to her desk. “Check this out.” She pulled up a board that had been laying flat on her desk and held it vertical so he could see it. Front and center was a large picture of a blue and black striped snake with a red head and tail. It was bold and striking and it looked nothing like Viperion. Luka relaxed a little. He should have known better.

“Snakes are cool,” he grinned. “I like the colors.”

Marinette squealed and bounced a little. “I know, they’re perfect for you! I mean blue was the easy choice but I was afraid that would be predictable and boring but then I found this picture and—Can you help me hold this? Thanks. So the snake—it’s called a Malasian coral snake by the way—is the inspiration for collection, see? I’m working out an embroidery design, and I’m also incorporating the colors, although not as much on Juleka’s, I want to use mostly black for her with maybe a bright pop of color, maybe the red, see? And if she’s posing with you, maybe she won’t be so nervous. It’ll be a good way to help her get a little more experience so she’ll be more comfortable next time, and if the photos turn out well she’ll have a start to her portfolio.”

“Sounds great. You’re so thoughtful, Marinette. I know Juleka will appreciate it,” he told her admiringly.

“I really haven’t been lately,” Marinette sighed, as he helped her lay the board back down flat. “But I’m trying to be better.”

Luka touched her shoulder. “If you really want to change yourself, I know you can, Marinette. If it’s worth anything, I think you’re pretty great the way you are.”

He jolted when Marinette turned to him and threw her arms around his waist and hugged him tight, but he put one arm around her and hugged her back. “Thanks Luka,” she whispered. “You’re the best.”

He patted her back gently, resisting the urge to really hold her. “So, what do I need to do?”

“Measurements!” Marinette snapped back on task. “I need to take some measurements. Especially for the shirts and jacket, I’ve got to make sure there’s room for all—” she gestured vaguely at his shoulders. “That.”

He raised an eyebrow. “All what?”

She rolled her eyes at him and turned to her desk to dig out a measuring tape. “Take off your jacket, Luka.”

He did as she asked, laying the guitar back in the open case and dropping his denim jacket and hoodie on the end of the chaise. Marinette pursed her lips as she turned back to him, then took his wrist and held up his arm so that his bicep was flexed. “Yep. That’s what I meant.” Luka felt a sudden flush as she ran her hand up his arm and onto his shoulders. “You’ve got a lot more muscle than the guys in my class—except Kim but he’s a special case—and your shoulders are broader.”

“Um...thanks?” Luka cleared his throat.

Marinette jumped back. “Sorry! Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I was just thinking out loud.”

“It’s fine,” he said, though he knew he was blushing, and he couldn’t quite keep from smirking just a little bit. “Go ahead.”

Luka stood patiently while she measured what felt like every inch of him.

“Sorry,” she said, writing numbers down. “I just don’t want to have to make you come back, so I’m trying to get everything I think I possibly could need. Once I’ve gotten a little further in the designs, I can bring fabric samples over to the Liberty for you guys to look at.”

“I appreciate that, Marinette, but these are your designs, you don’t need our approval.”

“I know, but I want you guys to be comfortable with the clothes, especially Juleka now that I know she’s so nervous. And the best part of designing is seeing how excited people are to wear the finished product. I really want you guys to be thrilled.”

Luka smiled at her enthusiasm. “I have confidence in you, Marinette.”

She flashed him a soft smile that made his heart flutter. “You always have, Luka. I appreciate it.” She straightened up and put her pencil down. “I think that’s everything I need.” Marinette bit her lip, and looked a bit...shy? That was new. “Um...do you have to go right away? We could hang out for a bit if you’re free...do you play video games?”

“Not really,” he admitted, with a shrug, and then added quickly as her face fell, “I’m always up for trying something new though.”

The way she lit up at that was not good for his heart. “Well, I’ll go easy on you since you’re a beginner.”

Luka chuckled. “Teach me your ways, master.”

Even ‘going easy,’ she destroyed him. His quick fingers and excellent hand-eye coordination were his only chance for redemption. At the same time, he’d never enjoyed losing more. Competitive Marinette was a side she’d never shown him before and Luka was hard pressed to pay attention to the game, distracted as he was by her wide smile and sparkling eyes. After she’d pounded him a few times, she had mercy on him and switched modes so that they battled together against online opponents. He was still pretty useless but she didn’t seem to need him to win anyway, and playing cooperatively gave her more opportunity to coach him. By the time he had to leave, he could at least survive through the fight while Marinette took their opponents apart. That was good enough for him; the game was okay but he mostly just enjoyed watching her have fun. This was clearly one of her passions and he loved watching her be so gung-ho over it.

“You’re amazing,” he sighed finally, putting down the controller. “I think I’d have to practice a long time to get good enough to even come close to beating you.”

“Oh, I didn’t—you did really well for your first time!” She hastened to reassure him. He laughed at her round eyes and panicked expression.

“Relax, Marinette, I don’t mind. Even losing to you is fun. You’re cute when you win.” He winked at her and she blushed, but recovered quickly.

“You’re right, I am amazing,” Marinette said airily, and then giggled. “At least at video games. My classmate Max and I played in the interschool tournament and we tore the competition apart.” She looked down at the controller and sighed, putting it down on the coffee table. “I actually haven’t taken much time to play lately, I’ve been so busy. Another reason to make some changes.”

Luka put his hand on her shoulder and squeezed lightly. “I don’t know what happened and I wish you weren’t so sad about whatever it was, but it sounds like you’ve got a good handle on what you need to do, so I know you’ll be fine. Thanks for teaching me, Marinette. I had fun.”

“Me too,” she smiled at him. “Thanks, Luka, your support means a lot to me. And,” she blushed a little, “Thanks for hanging out with me.”

“I love spending time with you,” Luka said, letting go of her shoulder and getting to his feet. “I do need to get home now though. I’ll go grab my stuff.” He went up the stairs to her room, giving her time to recover from her spluttering. Luka sensed that she felt lonely and unappreciated lately, and he didn’t want to pass up a chance to let her know how much he appreciated her, or how happy he was to spend time with her.

Luka put his jackets back on, zipped up the open guitar case, and lifted the strap over his head. He stopped by the desk, looking down at the snake image, and smiled to himself before going back down the stairs.

Marinette walked him out through the bakery, where her mother pressed a small box of sweets into his hands. “Be safe getting home, Luka,” Marinette told him at the door.

“See you soon, Marinette.” He smiled at her, squeezing her shoulder once more before walking away.

As he walked he thought about what Marinette had said to him. Luka was glad she was taking some time and space to take care of herself, but he couldn’t help wondering what brought on the change. Marinette seemed so down about it...He hoped she felt better about it soon, because the changes she was making seemed good for her. So far, he certainly liked what he was seeing. It was great to see her investing in her art. Just spending time with Marinette was enough for him, but getting to be involved in something she loved so much made it that much better.

Luka sighed, adjusting the guitar case and smiling at himself. He’d long ago accepted that he was hopelessly deep in a hopeless love when it came to Marinette. He knew Juleka thought he was an idiot, but he really just didn’t mind it.

Loving her made him happy.

#quickspins #finding harmony #lukanette #i am lukanette trash i admit it #luka couffaine #marinette dupain-cheng #miraculousladybug #miraculous ladybug #ml fics #backlog

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sasuhinasno1fan · 3 years

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Snake eyes- Luktober Day 20

Inspired by a prompt from @write-it-motherfuckers (which is becoming a trend, not that it’s an issue) about different eyes. It’s short, but I couldn’t come up with an idea so here we are. Enjoy @lukacouffaineappreciation Eyes

Heterochromia would have been easier to deal with. Allergies to contacts would be fine cause he’d look edgy and cool and the questions would petter off. Not these eyes though. Not as they had slitted pupils like a snake. no doctor could explain it. He could see perfectly fine, he wasn’t sensitive to light, nor did he have synaesthesia or any other abnormalities. Just eyes that made it hard for people to look at him in the face. Not his family, thank god. Juleka’s girlfriend would glare at anyone who gave him a hard time. His short relationship with Marinette ended when he refused to remove the sunglasses, he hid behind but when she found out why, she didn’t turn her back.

Not everyone was like them though. People were scared of things they didn’t understand. Home schooling had been the answer for all the taunts and bullying he endured and he never really left the house for much. University was thankfully easy. Stay at the back of the class, turn in assignments on time, keep his glasses on and uphold the always hungover persona people painted on him. That and online classes that were offered got him graduating early. But then that left moving out and a job. His sister offered him her old apartment since she was moving in with Rose – finally – and how her landlord didn’t ask questions. That was easy, his job…not so much.

One look at his eyes and they’d turn him away. One company didn’t ask questions but it turned out they were just biding their time. Talks of someone qualified for his position and he was handed a box and his last cheque and told to leave. The pouring rain made the situation so much worse, the rain making it hard to see and eventually causing his tumble to the ground. It was tempting to just continue laying there, letting the rain chill his body. But he heard footsteps approaching him and the idea of dealing with more people was the last thing he wanted. He first noticed his glasses were missing and started his search for them, not pushing his bangs out of his eyes.

“Are these what you’re looking for?” a voice asked. Male, softer than his. Pale hands handed him his cracked glasses. He almost didn’t see the other hand reach for the hair in front of his face, but he flinched back when he did but it was too late. He could clearly see the blonde man in front of him. His green eyes were trained onto his, face filled with…amazement? “You have really pretty eyes.”

___________________

His name was Adrien. After he introduced himself, he realised he knew him. France’s Olympic hopeful for fencing. Former model, liked ice skating in his free time, piano as well. A cat foster father on his down times. After that first time, he didn’t go looking for him, but like fate, or his bad luck, they found each other again. He worked as a DJ for the local ice-skating rink. Before he had his own room high above out of the way, he took over a row in the front, easy for people to come and ask for requests. Mostly preteens, all clamouring at the same time wanting answers.

His gaze was on his laptop when someone skated up to him.

“I’ve got 10 people in front of you. either have patience or deal with my snide remarks.”

“Luckily I know how to deal with grumpy people.”

He looked up to see Adrien, leaning against the partition.

“I didn’t think I’d see you again. You disappeared pretty quick.”

He didn’t have a hint of disgust or anything similar on his face and Luka had gotten good at spotting fakes.

“What are you doing here? Don’t you have practise or something?”

“My day off. I sent off my last foster this morning and wanted to do something to keep my mind off it. So here I am. Speaking of cats, I finally remembered what your eyes remind me of. One of my fosters who had a close eye colour to yours. Yours remind me of cats in play.”

Cats. He’d never really heard that comparison before.

“Um,” What did he say to that?

“Hey, can I still request a song, or are you still gonna be grumpy?”

Why wasn’t he asking a thousand questions about his eyes like everyone else did? Why wasn’t he tense with unnerving? Why was he treating him like a normal person?

“What would you like?”

“Yuri on Ice ending, You Only Live Once?”

“Seriously?” the anime was about what, almost 5 years old? He didn’t think many would still remember or ask.

“Yes please.”

So he decided to play his song first. The smile he got from Adrien as he skated by made him feel something.

“Luka, here.” Philippe handed him a piece of paper, later, when the rink was closed and he was packing up. “Adrien asked me to give that to you.”

In case you wanted to hang out or meet any of my fosters. You can get rid of this if you want.

Luka couldn’t understand this. Adrien didn’t want anything in return and instead kindly offered, friendship? Companionship? Luka still remembered what Adrien said.

‘You have really pretty eyes.’

Could this be the few and far between moment someone actually meant it?

#lcamluktober #luktober #luktobereyes

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timelords-angel-is-sherlocked · 4 years

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Day Five - Red Noses (Lukanette)

Luka was fond of winter. It was the time of sweets and no school and gloomy weather and enjoying time with the people he loved most. Schoolwork was dwindling down and soon, it would be another year finished. He played his guitar with the tune he had made for his sister. He loved his sister with his whole heart - even if Juleka was still unsure of herself. He knew she just needed a little guidance and help, and Luka was the best big brother for the job.

“Sup, bro,” she greeted as she walked in through the door.

“Hey, little sis.” Luka finished the melody and set his guitar down. “What’s good?”

“Who even says ‘what’s good’ anymore?” She scrunched her nose and stuck her tongue out in a teasing fashion. “I want to go to the park with my friends, but Mom said she wants you to come with me. Adult supervision or something.”

“I hardly doubt as an adult.” His laugh filled the room. Before he was about to agree, Juleka pressed on.

“Marinette is going to be there. Not Adrien though, what a shame.” Siblings knew the right buttons to push, and Juleka knew Marinette was Luka’s soft spot. Knowing this, he rolled his eyes and stuck his tongue out at her.

“I was going to say yes, punk. But now, I suppose I will think about my appearance.” When Juleka first started dating Rose, Luka was careful about looking like a presentable older brother. As time went on, he found that Rose loved and cared for his sister, so he stopped trying to look cool when she or Mylene would come over. They’ve seen him shirtless or in his pants before. Marinette was something else, though. He had to look for an outfit besides the sweats and sweatshirt he was going to wear.

“I’m rooting for ya!” She gave a mock salute before retreating to her side of the room to get ready.

The park had a good amount of snow. So much so that Alya and Nino had already made a makeshift fort. Luka knew of them from Marinette and Juleka, but never explicitly spoke to either one. He settled for waving and that seemed like enough since two other people came looking lightly dressed for the weather.

“Alix, Kim, this is my brother Luka. Luka, Alix, Kim.” Juleka motioned.

“How’s it going?” I shook both their hands.

“More competition? This is going to be so much fun!” Kim cheered.

“Ignore him. So you’re Luka, huh?” She looked him up and down before a smirk settled on her face. “I’ll be watching you.” Alix then walked away.

“Rose! Hey, Mylene. Hey, Ivan!” Juleka went off to greet her friends. Little actions like this showed that she was starting to be more comfortable with herself.

“Kim, start with the other forts while we wait for Mari. I bet she’s still sleeping,” Alya laughed. Kim quickly took to gathering snow and putting it into a pile. Alix was throwing some in his direction defending the actions with an “I’m not trying to hit you! You’re just in the way.”

“Sorry I’m late!” The baker’s daughter called out as she approached them. “I overslept.” Alya and the others laughed while Marinette went and greeted everyone. “Oh hey, Luka! I didn’t know you were going to be here.” She started to blush.

“Mom wanted me to make sure that Juleka was going to be safe. She may have also mentioned that you were gonna be here.” Luka gave her that soft smile that made her insides melt and blushed even harder.

“Let’s get this show on the road!” Rose called out. “Partner up everybody.” The couples went with their respective partners.

“It seems that it was a good idea that you came.” It was now Luka’s turn to blush. Marinette had her arms lightly wrapped around one of his.

It was a free for all. Snowballs were flying in all different directions. Surprisingly, Marinette had quick reflexes and dodged a lot of the projectiles that were heading towards her. Luka wasn’t so lucky. He was mostly wet and even through his gloves, he could start to feel the cold of the snow. It was a solid five minutes of hurling snow at each other before Nino spoke up.

“Dudes, we should like, do a tournament!” Everyone ceased fire to hear his idea. “Partners against partners until there’s a winner!”

“Heck yeah, I’m down!” Alix cheered.

“Yeah, what she said!”

“You are all going down!” Rose exclaimed. There was a bit of competitive banter going around until Nino was able to calm everyone down.

“First will be Rose and Juleka vs. Mylene and Ivan. Then Alya and I vs. Alix and Kim. The winners in the first match will go against Marinette and Luka. Then those winners against Alya and I. You all ready?” Everyone nodded and went back to restore some of the forts.

“What are the rules?” Ivan spoke up.

“Right.” Nino blushed. “Five hits with a snowball and you’re out. We’ll be judging closely.”

Juleka made the snowballs while Rose threw them. She had a surprisingly good right arm and took Ivan out easily. He was bulky and peaked his head out pretty often. Not long after that, Mylene went down.

“Dang, girl!” Alya complimented. “Next time we play dodgeball, you are totally gonna be on my team.”

“You think that was impressive?” Kim shouted to get the attention on him. “Watch us dominate you!”

This round went on longer. Alix was as agile as a bunny, Alya as sneaky as a fox, Nino as slow as a turtle, and Kim as random as a monkey. The first to go was Nino, but the members on the other team only needed two more hits before going down. Alya needed three. It was a clutch, but Alya came out victorious.

“Babe, you were amazing!” Nino gushed and kissed his girlfriend. Alix threw a snowball at them and everyone laughed.

“Don’t think I’ll go easy on you just because you’re my sister,” Luka taunted.

“I wouldn’t have to go easy to beat you.” A series of oooooh’s followed that comment.

“Let’s show them what we’ve got,” Marinette whispered to Luka. Her face showed signs of determination and Luka mirrored it.

Marinette focused on Rose and the siblings focused on each other. So much snow was being thrown that it was hard to discern who was getting hit. Luka used this as an advantage to wedge himself in a corner that couldn’t be seen and tossed relentless snowball after snowball. They were victorious.

“It’s because you had Marinette on your team. She’s crazy awesome!” Rose laughed.

“Yeah. She really is.” Luka sent Marinette a longing gaze that she blushed under.

“You’re amazing too, Luka. The way you were hiding and-”

“Come on lovebirds! I wanna see who’s gonna win!” Mylene cheered.

“If we win, you’re treating us with treats from the bakery,” Alya taunted to her best friend.

“And if we win?” She had her hands on her hips.

“We’ll stop teasing you and Luka,” she thought aloud after a minute.

“Well, let’s get this show on the road!” Marinette skipped over to their fort. “I have no intention of losing. I want to wipe that smug grin off her face.”

Luka nodded and started to form the snowballs. Marinette knew her friends’ style, and that gave her the upper hand. When Alya dodged, she would often land forward on all fours and scurry behind the ice wall. Nino would throw up a shield of ice to protect himself and his girlfriend. They didn’t know Marinette’s style though.

A snowball was heading towards Luka who was too busy making ammunition, he didn’t see it. She grabbed him by his leg and pulled him down. It barely went over his head. Mari then grabbed a handful of snowballs and dodged out of the hiding place. She threw three balls in quick succession and all three of them made their mark on Nino before he could even react. Taking advantage of the confusion, Luka threw one at Alya and another at Nino. The latter was out.

“Why am I always the first one out,” he huffed. Although, it was clear he was impressed with his friends. Alya was not going to give up, though.

Marinette was hit in the face and then in the chest. Luka rushed to her side and got hit twice as well. Marinette sent a couple of balls in the enemy’s direction and was satisfied when she heard a thump.

“Woah, she wasn’t even looking!” Kim admired. The two were back behind the fort, breathing heavily. Luka got out finally and now it was the two girls. Each needed one more hit. Whichever ball made contact first would dictate the winner.

Marinette scanned her surroundings, scrunching her nose as she looked for something that may help her get the upper hand. She looked down at her scarf, then her beanie, and then the stick that lay not that far behind her. She knew Alya was waiting for her to peak out. Once Mariette showed herself, Alya would throw an onslaught of balls to declare her victory. Even the spectators were getting edgy. Marinette knew foxes were good at burrowing, but Alya had major patience.

Mari grabbed the stick that balanced the beanie and scarf and braced herself. The fort was small enough for them to crouch behind but easy enough to jump over. She delve the stick into the ground and the beanie popped up. Immidetaly, Marinette dashed forward and used the fort to jump up. Alya was too preoccupied with the decoy that she didn’t notice the assault from overhead. Ladybug owned the sky. She knew exactly how hard to throw things in the air and add spin if she needed to. The sky was her friend. That’s why it was no surprise when the ball met its target.

“Woah!”

“Did you see that!”

“You go Marinette!”

The baker’s daughter landed roughly in a nearby patch of snow. Thankfully it wasn’t frozen yet, so her landing wasn’t as hard as it could’ve been.

“Marinette!” Luka carefully ran over. He took his own scarf off and wrapped it around the girl as he helped her up. “Are you ok?” His eyes were so full of concern and worry that Marinette felt her heart swell.

“Y-Yeah,” she managed. She so hope Tikki saw the whole thing from her window because that was awesome!

“Good.” The worry seemed to mostly evaporate. “That was so amazing! You are so special, Mari. I was captivated by you. I think I know how to finish your melody after seeing that.”

They stood only a few inches apart. Luka’s arms were still around the petite girl’s waist. Their noses were bright red from the stark cold, but their cheeks were red for entirely different reasons. Hesitantly, Marinette took the boy’s face in her cold, gloved hands and kissed him. She kissed Chat before, but that couldn’t compare to this. Her body started to warm up and she felt light on her feet. She was thankful the boy was able to keep her standing.

“Finally!” Rose cried out. Everyone started whooping and hollering and the two teens split apart.

“Your nose is still red. Should I do it again?” Luka raised a teasing eyebrow at her.

“C’mon everyone. I’ll get us some warm treats,” the champion proclaimed. No one complained and all started walking to the bakery. “Maybe I do,” she answered once her friends were a little bit ahead. Luka obliged and kissed her with such passion, her hearts did jumping jacks.

“Hey, Rudolph!” Alya called. “You and Prancer coming?” The fashion designer stuck her tongue out and grabbed hold of the musician’s outstretched arm. She was super pale, so it was easy for her nose to get red with the cold. However, if that meant more kisses from Luka, she wasn’t going to complain.

#mlholidays2k19 #luka #marinette #lukanette #red noses #this is so cute #i had a lot of fun writing this #never been in the snow before tho oop

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secretagentspydetectiveninja · 5 years

Text

Alien Spaceship Pyramids

(Very mild Kwamibuster spoilers. Also on AO3)

Alix was not a happy bunny when she went back to the Louvre that evening.

“Did you see me on TV?” Jalil said immediately, jumping up in excitement. “My theory was accepted! I’m so happy!”

“Yeah, I saw it,” Alix snapped. She threw her schoolbag down on the floor and went off to go find her skates – she really had to do something fun and distracting or she would go mad.

“What did you think? Was I okay? I did get lots of followers on my history blog, so I’m glad at least that my theories are gaining traction–”

“Aliens, Jalil? Really?!” She spun round to face him. “You do know it’s possible for humans to build pyramids, right? That’s an actual thing that humans actually can do. I can do it myself, just gimme a few Lego blocks and I’ll happily show you. ‘Alien spaceships’, honestly...”

“But I have proof! The pyramids are so ancient that primitive human technology of the time can’t possibly have built structures as mathematically magnificent as that!”

“They just piled a bunch of rocks on top of each other, how hard can it be?”

“But they’re so huge, and – and – I have other proof too...”

She sighed. “Look. I didn’t care about the necromancy thing, even if it was so cringey that you got akumatized over it. I didn’t care about the Atlantis thing. I got super into the Area 51 thing, if you remember. I get that conspiracy theories are fun. But this? This is a step too far!”

“Why?”

“Because you’re acting like our own ancestors were too dumb to build a freaking pyramid!”

Jalil crossed his arms. “You sound just like dad.”

“Pfffff, dad doesn’t talk like that, he’s way less informal.”

“You know what I mean! Anyway, come on, can’t I count on my own family to support me? I support your skating thing, even though you keep getting injured from it!” He gestured towards the bandage on her knee.

“Jalil, dude. I have supported you through so much. Like that hang-gliding fad, or your weird rivalry with that Theo guy, or that bloody necromancy ritual you never shut up about. But now I’ve had it. Next you’ll be saying the moon landing was a hoax, or the earth is flat, or that vaccines are bad, or that Rena Rouge is Marinette, or... or...”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” he scoffed. “Rena Rouge is Mylène, of course.”

At the end of her patience, Alix turned away and began walking off to find her skates again. “I’m disowning you.”

“Hey! You can’t do that!”

“I can and I will!” she called out over her shoulder. “Dad was right to give the pocket watch to me! And guess what? I’m gonna go find Juleka’s mum and get her to adopt me, and then I’ll get an actual cool older brother instead! Not a weirdo like you...”

“Fine!” She heard Jalil stomp his foot, like some immature little kid. “I’m not talking to you anymore.”

“Me neither!”

Good riddance – she’d had enough of him and his stupid conspiracies!

“You can’t just get my mum to adopt you,” Juleka said, rolling her eyes. Well, the one eye that was visible anyway. Who knew what the other one was doing.

“Why not?” Alix asked.

“Because you’ve already got a parent. My mum would have to marry your dad, and uh... yeah. Not happening.”

“But it’s so unfair! You get a cool big brother who’s actually supportive and nice and didn’t try to convince you that Beethoven is an alien time lord when you were only 3 years old...”

The quiet twangs of Luka’s guitar could be heard from where he was sitting out on the deck. Imagine if Jalil could play the guitar? But no, the stupid nerd had to go for drums, and it was so frustrating to have to hear that boring repetitive tapping whenever she was trying to do her homework.

Juleka’s one eye widened. “But Alix, Beethoven really IS an alien time lord.”

“Haha, very funny.” Alix turned away.

“Hey... Jalil is a grown-up, isn’t he? Surely he’ll move out soon and then you won’t have to deal with him?”

“I doubt it. He works in the museum with dad. It’ll be me who has to move out, and I’ve still got years left before I can do that. Meanwhile my brother is on TV going on about alien spaceships while yours is on TV because you guys are in a rock band.”

Couldn’t Jalil be in a rock band with her? Sure, the age difference was a lot bigger than Juleka and Luka’s was, but still! Sibling rock bands were such a cool idea. Why couldn’t Jalil ever think of something like that? “Sibling archaeology team” didn’t have quite the same ring to it, especially when said team ended up getting chased out of the park for digging up all the grass.

“It’s not like Luka isn’t annoying sometimes too,” Juleka said, seemingly trying to put on a reassuring smile. “For example he... uh... hmm... he thinks ethereal wave is better than darkwave. It’s really annoying.”

“Ah yes, arguing over music genres. Jalil thinks the Hurrian Hymns are better than the Jet Set Radio soundtrack and I want to slap him. Like no offence to the Ancient Sumerians but they could really have used more bass.”

“Well um... Luka also won’t use mascara even though I keep telling him it’ll really make his eyes pop.”

“Yeah, and Marinette and Adrien still won’t stop obsessing over him. Jalil fricking wears scarfs indoors. Like, inside when it’s warm. I don’t care about fashion and even I want to nominate him for Queer Eye.”

Juleka shrugged. “Oh, I give up. Luka is a great brother. I’m sorry.”

Alix nodded, getting up to leave. “Never mind. I guess I’ll just have to deal with him then, though I’m not gonna stop giving him the silent treatment...”

Anyway, Juleka constantly trying to make her feel better wasn’t what she needed. She needed a brick wall to vent at who would just nod along and not really care, and let her be as annoyed as she wanted in peace. She needed... ah yes... a certain emo who would certainly be in the art gallery back at the Louvre right about now...

She hadn’t even made it there yet before hearing the unwelcome voice of Nuisance #1 chasing after her down the street.

“HEY ALIX! Your brother was awesome on that show earlier! Wait come back! Stop!”

Screeching to a halt on her skates, she turned around. “What do you want, Kim?”

Kim did that weird half-dab thing he had been doing all day. “The show, Alternative Truth! How do you get on it? I wanna be on it too!”

She rolled her eyes. “For what? What stupid conspiracy are you going to go with?”

“Well don’t tell anyone but...” He looked around and then lowered his voice to a whisper. “I think your dad might be Hawk Moth.”

“God, and I thought Jalil was bad...”

Kim didn’t seem to have heard her. “So how do you get on the show? How did Jalil do it? What do I do? Do I need to make a history blog too? I follow Jalil’s one now and it’s really great but he hasn’t mentioned anything about the show yet so...”

Alix made a mental note to remember to block Jalil’s blog from every one of her accounts at some point in the near future. “I don’t know and I don’t care. Go ask him yourself.”

“Well I would, but I can’t go in the Louvre, the security guards banned me after I broke that statue that one time...”

“Oh yeah, that was great,” she said, allowing herself a grin despite how annoyed she was. “Fine, I’ll let you in through the side entrance. But only on the condition that you never speak to me about Jalil ever again.”

His face fell. “Why not?”

“Because he’s the worst brother ever and I hate him.”

“Wow, that’s kinda harsh...”

“I don’t care. Now hurry up and follow me, I’ve got a tomato to meet up with.”

She skated off and trusted he was following. He was always bragging about being able to run super fast, well surely he’d be able to keep up, right? If he couldn’t then too bad for him!

“Alright, go through there,” Alix said, pointing at the corridor that led towards her family’s quarters. “I’m going to the art gallery. And if you get kicked out or arrested by security guards then I’m absolutely throwing you under the bus and pretending I had nothing to do with this.”

“Cool. In return, I’m gonna tell Jalil what you said about him being the worst brother ever and that you hate him. See ya later!”

Kim turned and ran off before she could even process what he’d said.

Wait... he was going to actually tell Jalil that? To his face?

Alix ignored the weird pangs of guilt. Anyway, it was true! Jalil was the worst. She definitely didn’t care if someone told him so. He deserved to be insulted.

Her gut twisted painfully.

No! No guilt. She stuffed a pair of headphones on and skated off towards the art gallery.

The best thing about Nathaniel was that he just didn’t care. It probably worked both ways – plenty of times he’d been the one sitting here, ranting about something while doodling in that little sketchbook of his, and Alix would just skate around and listen. Now it was her turn to rant.

“Jalil is so annoying! I can’t stand it any longer! His conspiracies don’t even make any sense, he’s just doing it to be edgy and weird and I hate it!”

“Mhm.” Nath didn’t even look up from his sketchbook.

“I never even minded before, but this alien spaceship thing has gone too far. And to think he was on TV, and everyone saw it! It’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to me!”

“Yeah. So embarrassing.”

“I used to wonder why dad is so harsh on him all the time, but I kinda get it now. He’s just – just so–”

She stopped just short of saying the word useless.

Was Jalil useless?

Well... he had been the one who had bought Alix her first ever pair of skates. Heck, he’d even been the one who bought the skates she was currently wearing.

Nath finally looked up. “Having second thoughts?”

Alix had been so busy venting that she hadn’t noticed the songs that were playing through her headphones, having just put the thing on shuffle and let it do what it wanted, but she suddenly noted the vaguely familiar tones of an ancient lyre.

Pulling her phone out of her pocket, she looked to see that it was... oh yeah, Hurrian Hymn No. 6. That time when she’d downloaded it just to see what Jalil’s hype about it even was. It was okay, she guessed. Not her type of music, but hey, the Ancient Sumerians only had a limited availability of instruments to work with, it wasn’t her place to judge that.

She sighed and went to sit down beside Nath.

“It’s a bit weird... me and Jalil have never really fought like this before. He just does his own thing and I do my own thing. I... I’m not used to being mad at him.”

Peering over, she noticed that Nath was drawing the pyramids themselves. It reminded her of what she was annoyed about in the first place.

“I just can’t believe he literally went on TV and called the pyramids alien spaceships! Does he even hear himself? I usually stick up for him when dad is calling him out on his dumb theories, but this one just doesn’t make any sense at all...”

“So this is the first time you haven’t taken his side?” Nath asked.

She nodded. “I guess that’s why he’s mad at me too... he’s used to me sorta passively supporting him... I mean most of the time his theories aren’t any more or less zany than the stuff Alya comes up with, so it’s not usually a big deal...”

The lyre was strangely haunting. So much reverb, echoing around like the thoughts in her brain. It was enough to calm her down a bit – probably a good thing, because getting akumatized was not exactly a priority today.

Her phone buzzed. She looked at it again to see–

Ugh, a notification that Jalil had updated his blog. She’d forgotten to block him.

But even as she unlocked the screen and went to do so, she couldn’t stop herself from reading what he’d posted, at least the first few lines.

Apologies to all my dear fans and followers who watched Alternative Truth today, but I am renouncing my theory that the pyramids are the remains of ancient spaceships. I have come to realize that I was misinformed and that there is a high possibility that the Ancient Egyptians really did build them through their own power, and...

What?

“Nath!” Alix leapt to her feet. “Jalil doesn’t believe that alien spaceship theory anymore!”

Nath barely even blinked. “Okay. Cool.”

“How did this happen? There’s no way he’d just stop believing something like that, he’s always so adamant that he’s right! Unless... unless... oh no...”

Was this her fault? Her saying that she hated Jalil, that he was the worst brother ever, and Kim deciding to tell him so, did that really hurt Jalil so much that he’d renounce his own theory? Had her words affected him that much?

“Oh my god I have to go apologize to him.”

“Uh what?”

“I’ll be back later! You keep drawing, I have to go...”

Leaving Nath there confused, she skated off at top speed.

“Jalil! Jalil, there you are!”

Jalil frowned. “Alix? I thought you weren’t going to talk to me anymore?”

Too much momentum to stop in time, she skated right into him and almost knocked him over. “I’m so sorry I was mean to you okay, I mean your theory was definitely stupid and I’m glad you renounced it but please ignore whatever Kim said, I don’t think you’re the worst brother and–”

“Wait, what are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about the things I said about you behind your back! Kim said he was going to tell you...”

Jalil scratched his head in thought. “That’s the kid with the Tintin hair, right? I didn’t get to talk to him at all, I saw him getting kicked out by security actually.”

“So he didn’t tell you that I said I hated you?”

“No, not at all!”

Oh...

“Well then why did you renounce your theory?” she asked. “I thought it was because I made you feel bad.”

“Something really strange happened to me actually!” Jalil said, his eyes lighting up in the way that they always did whenever he was going to go off on a conspiracy tangent. Alix mentally prepared herself for the worst. “I met a superhero who claimed to come from the future! She had the powers of time travel and said that she would prove me wrong, and so she took me through a portal back in time to thousands of years ago, and briefly showed me the Ancient Egyptians actually building the pyramids themselves. And I know it sounds too good to be true but I promise I’m not lying! This really happened to me!”

Superhero from the future? She was about to say how far-fetched that sounded, when she noticed Jalil looking at her very suspiciously.

“The superhero... looked very familiar, now that I think about it...”

“Uh... who did it look like?”

He hesitated for a few seconds before answering. “...Never mind. Just a conspiracy theory.”

“Is it one with proof this time? Because as long as it’s not as stupid as the pyramid one, I’m willing to hear it.”

He shook his head. “I’ll tell you someday, but just uh... not yet.”

“Um, okay.”

“Anyway, you were right about the pyramid theory being wrong, and I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you.”

“Cool. And I’m... I’m sorry I was really harsh about it.”

“No, it’s good that you were! I shouldn’t be giving all the credit to aliens for things that humans did. And you’re usually really nice about my theories, so if it was something that made you annoyed, then it surely had to have been bad...”

Alix smiled – it was nice to be back on her brother’s good side. “All forgiven. I’ll still stick up for you when dad’s being annoying, I promise.”

“Thanks, munchkin.” He patted her on the head. “I like it better when we’re not bickering.”

“Same.”

Something popped into her head all of a sudden.

“Oh yeah, Jalil? How did you get onto Alternative Truth in the first place?”

“Why do you want to know? Are you going to go on it?”

“What? No! Not me! Kim stans that show, he was bugging me about it earlier...”

“Oh right! Well it was like this...”

He launched into an explanation. Phew – things were back to normal. Jalil could be annoying, sure, but he still helped Alix with her homework, and covered for her whenever she was doing anything she wasn’t supposed to, and cheered for her at skating competitions, and so many other things she was grateful for. In fact, he probably kept her in line as much as she had done with him today. Of course, being so much younger, it wasn’t exactly easy to boss him around without him getting overly annoyed about it. But at least he was still there for her.

Superhero from the future, though... who on earth was that?

It was several years later when Alix kicked open the door to Jalil’s room, pocket watch in hand.

“Hey Alix, what’s u–”

“The superhero was me, wasn’t it?” she said, deadpan.

“What superhero?”

“The one who showed you the pyramids years ago.”

Jalil’s eyes widened. “Oh – the bunny? You mean that really is you?”

“Oh hell yes, it was me alright. You were being such a twerp that day, it still annoys me when I think about how I had to sit through that stupid TV show...”

“Wait you’re a miraculous holder?!”

Alix didn’t pay him any attention. “I’m going back in time to that day right now and proving you wrong. Your alien spaceship theory doesn’t stand a chance.”

“Wait wait wait you’re telling me my little sister really is a superhero???”

Alix turned back around and walked out of the room. How had it took her so long to put two and two together? Well, whatever. Time to fix mini-Alix and mini-Jalil’s friendship, and put an end to the alien spaceships once and for all.

#ml spoilers #miraculous ladybug #alix kubdel #jalil kubdel #random stuff #aish writes #i churned this out so fast i'm sorry

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angiecakes1990 · 4 years

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FELIX REVIEW

This ep wraps up S3 guys and we got a long wait till we get S4 but lets hope it does come early as Thomas confirmed he will try and make the hiatus shorter.

Adrien sitting in front of his mothers statue singing the kitty on the roof song again 😭 consider last ep we got yea

looks like Adrien likes the idea of Gabriel and Natalie together cause his father will be able to move on but Gabriel didn’t take too well 😑

Ok so Felix is his cousin and yep in the eng dub Bryce voices him too I wasn’t that surprised.

We also meet Emilie’s sister who resembles Emilie so much so I assume they are twins and I assume they sound the same too.

WE FINALLY FOUND OUT GORILLA’S NAME ITS SIMON

Adrien and Felix are catching up in his room and yep the reason Felix is like this cause he lost his father so hes edgy but this doesn’t excuse him from his actions.

Felix hugs Adrien but during that embrace he swiped his phone as Adrien went upstairs to find the boardgame Felix is snooping around his room and he went into the shower put on the water and snoop through his phone finding out his cousins crush on LB

and seeing all his friends sending him messages so Adrien gave him some clothes and he put them on resembling his cousin and cause trouble for him by replying back being all mean.

Yep they got the wrong idea even Marinette doesn’t believe Adrien wouldn’t say all those things next thing you know Alya, Rose and Juleka all got akumatized

Adrien seeing his cousin is dressed him like the trio punishers which is Lady Wifi, Princess Fragrance and Reflekta seeing they are 2 Adrien’s and dunno which one is the real one the real one plays the bad guy with the evil laugh and leaves the room XD

Felix on the other hand stays and he’s got good reflexes he was able to dodge their attacks only till LB came and saved him mistaken him for Adrien.

She placed him on top the Chloe’s house garden and Felix pretends to be Adrien confesses to LB and as he was going in for a kiss she’s like no she knows that's not the real Adrien and SUCKER PUNCHES FELIX XD that's my girl.

Adrien as Cat Noir shows up hes talking smack to his cousin which was the best.

Felix dropped kicked Lady Wifi and took her tablet and when we thought he changed sides he didn’t he wanted jewels too so he makes a deal with HM in exchange with grabbing LB and CN miraculous but didn’t turn out well.

Adrien told Felix what he did with his friends is unforgivable and Felix learned his lesson and hugs his cousin and he shakes Gabriel’s hand before they left and Adrien went out and told Felix he can call him anytime.

Adrien replies to his friends of the message Felix deleted thanking them for the messages.

Felix and his mother on the train back to London XD we see when Felix shook his uncle’s hand he swiped his ring XD cause yeah his mother wanted the rings back since they belong in their family to begin with.

#felix #felix spoilers #felix agreste #miraculous ladybug #miraculous ladybug season 3 #miraculous ladybug spoilers #mlb season 3 #mlb spoilers #mlb season 3 spoilers #ml spoilers #ml season 3 #ml season 3 spoilers #adrien agreste

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miraculous-rewrite · 5 years

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Miraculous Rewrite- Timebreaker

Something that our rewrites are focusing on is, kinda getting frontloaded on certain aspects of plot changes so, much like Zag wanted out of Miraculous, it can be mostly an episodic experience while still being able to carry the plot. So while we recognize that that does give certain plot elements a minor pacing problem, foreshadowing early on is like, WAY easier than making a full character arc fit in two or three episodes, so let’s just call it the lesser of two evils and move on to Timebreaker.

The setup is mostly okay except in regards to Marinette’s seeming cluelessness on what was going on that day. She’s aware that she needs to bring the banner to the race, but given that the cake isn’t supposed to be picked up for thirty minutes, will have JUST enough time to bring them the banner, return to the bakery to hand off the cake, and then rejoin her friends to celebrate, even if it does mean missing the race.

Tikki, in fact, offers to wait at the bakery in case the customer arrives early so she can fly off to alert Marinette. A floating, talking camera. She comments about how she’s worried Marinette is making a habit out of overtaxing herself, but she’s not literally a god for nothing and promises to help.

So, we all know now that the watch is a big deal. At least, now it is. And we all know it makes ZERO sense what happens later. So, in the restaurant when she’s given the watch, her father pulls it out with a chain attached to it, gesturing after he shows off what it can do and intrigues her, to stand up, and he attaches the end of the chain to her pants’ belt loop, informing her that they’ll have a bigger party with the rest of the family this evening.

Also, if this watch is supposed to be a Miraculous, while in Hidden form it shouldn’t have any particularly odd abilities, granted no other Miraculous has a minor version of their magic while Hidden. The time saved in getting rid of that, can be taken up by Alix’s dad in fact mentioning a bedtime story that Alix herself has memorized from her childhood, about a great warrior in the Kubdel family Generations ago that helped win various battles of the Napoleonic wars. M. Kubdel responds that Alix’s Ancestor was in fact the first owner of this watch, and she’d be carrying around their family pride along with it.

Marinette hands the banner off to Adrien and Nino to hold, explaining what’s going on on her end to the both of them.

When the prelims for the race begin, and Marinette begins to leave to go back to the bakery, someone (literally it doesn’t matter who, so let’s say… Juleka) asks her where she’s going. She explains the delivery thing, but someone insists (probably Alix herself) that she’s got more than enough time, especially since this will be over soon. She hands Alya the watch for safekeeping, Whom strings the chain around her wrist so she can continue to record. Marinette, lightly peer pressured into hanging around, is very edgy and nervous, especially when Chloe starts making scathing comments about how crummy and junky the watch looks. It’s harmless isn’t it? It IS just a price of crummy metal it’s not like she’s DOING anything to it.

As the race begins to get more heated, Kim and Alix neck in neck, the crowd starts getting a little more rambunctious, and Alya is hit from the side, the hand with the watch on it is knocked free and the watch itself slides off and falls to the ground. Surprisingly, it doesn’t break as it bounces down the steps, into the line of fire.

As Kim and Alix pass by, the watch gets caught in Alix’s blades and sends her forward, face-planting right past Kim and onto the finish line. Alix’s victory is met with stunned silence as she propped herself back up and asks if she beat him. Max nods dumbly and asks if she’s alright. She brushes off her clearly bloody nose and insists she’s had worse, before realizing just WHAT she’s run over. Scrambling to remove her rollerblade she breathes a sigh of relief to see the watch drop into her hand, still unscratched. However that calm is short-lived when she realizes the ornate silver chain that she was to hang the watch from, the chain itself as much of an heirloom as the watch, was beyond repair, in pieces of silver around her blades.

Alix is frustrated, and angry, but everyone is quick to explain it’s only an accident. But she will hear none of it as she shoves her rollerblade back on and skates off. Marinette goes to follow her, but Tikki quickly arrives to tell her that Nadja is there early. Alya promises to go and try to talk to Alix, as she was the one who should’ve kept a better grip on it, and Marinette dashes off. She still gets the phone call, but lets it go to voicemail as she claims to be in the bathroom and will be RIGHT down. She wasn’t expecting Nadja to be early after all.

Once again, for the cheap seats in the back -- NO PRIOR TO AKUMATIZATION MONOLOGUE!! MEANS TO AN END IF YOU WANT A SYMPATHETIC VILLAIN THIS CAN ONLY BE MEANS TO AN END.

When the akuma hits Alix’s skate, Alya is quick to run off, knowing she can’t talk someone out of an akuma, and barely makes it back to the others to warn them of Alix’s arrival before getting smacked in the back by Timebreaker’s hand.

Adrien of course is the quickest to get away, perhaps being able to duck someone else out with him, he’s not very good at the whole crowd control thing yet after all, especially as a civilian. Of course, the person he grabs is Nino, who’s NOT AT ALL likely to leave Adrien alone, and Adrien turns with a very serious expression on his face, though we the audience don’t hear what he says.

The fight goes on as normal, but when Chat gets timebroken protecting Ladybug (Less like a hug tho) and Ladybug continues to fight Timebreaker, you see, in the background, Nino approaching Chat Noir. Almost like he was instructed to do something should something bad happen to him.

By the time Ladybug is hijacking a ride on Timebreaker to go back in time, She feels a clawed hand grab onto her shoulder, and she glances over to see a dark skinned boy in Chat Noir’s outfit. But she’s not able to respond before they’re pulled back into the past. Adrien made Nino a Secret Keeper in that short time, Specifically after it was noted that Timebreaker could, in fact, kill with ease. If something happened to him, someone needed to be able to replace him. And Nino is his plan B.

After they go back to the past, Ladybug Asks Nino who he is. He smiles and shrugs, says ‘Chat Noir’s Secret Keeper,’ and after a beat she nods. She supposed if something happened to her Alya would make a good Ladybug in her place. She offers for them to save their kitty together, and he smiles and insits ‘of course Madame’

Once in the past, Nino!Chat and FutureBug meet with Past!Mari to tell her she needs to get to the bakery so that Nadja doesn’t call her parents, with Nino!Chat offering to take her so that she can enter through the store rather than from the street. FutureBug agrees, and joins Chat Noir on the ground after giving Marinette proof they aren’t akumas, whispering who their Secret Keeper is in her past self’s ear.

After a brief bit of fighting on their own, Chat Noir and FutureBug are joined by first the Ladybug of this point in time, and just after Chat Noir makes an offhanded and slightly lovey-dovey-er than usual comment about having two Ladybugs, another voice calls out how creepy that sounded in a jovial tone, and he turns to see a very different Chat Noir, and he gets a shock to his system, recalling the look of horror on FutureBug’s face when he made his comment about “which life.” He questions who this Alternate Noir is, whom winks at him and says “Your secret keeper, dude.” Adrien’s eyes widen in realization “Oh! Right! I guess that would be good enough reason to decide to make one.”

The fight goes slightly different now that it eventually becomes 4 against two rather than the three against two, even with Nino being inexperienced and quite the rookie on the battlefield, he copies Chat’s moves easily enough after watching him for a few moments. After all, there’s nothing like learning on the job. Besides, he doesn’t HAVE to be good, he just has to Cataclysm what either Ladybug tells him to. He’s not exactly the new Chat Noir, just Temp Noir.

When Miraculous Ladybug sweeps the block, Ladybug is fused into one, she holds her head for a moment and comments how the double memory’s gonna give her a headache. Temp Noir waves goodbye before being swept away, assumedly fused with past!Nino, and the double ring is fused with Adrien’s again.

When Ladybug approaches Alix, she’s sitting cross legged, staring at her watch. When Ladybug crouches and asks what happened, she explains that the chain was broken, and if her dad found out she was that reckless with a family heirloom he’d tan her hide (or some equal slang to insist she’s in deep trouble). Ladybug thinks for a second and waves Alya over. ‘Can you hold the string for my yoyo?’ she pulls a bit of the yoyo string out and severs it, looping the watch with the otherwise unbreakable string. She offers it to Alix and insists that going worst case scenario on everything will just lead to more strife. And that It’s okay to ask for help.

Rather than make his comment about Ladybug eventually falling in love with him, he sees Nino approaching, a hand pressed against the side of his head. “So, we need to talk, huh?” Chat nods and after a moment, unsure of his alternate timeline for just a moment before transforming in front of Nino. Plagg loudly complaining about split memory, and that this is why he can’t stand Hopps. “Who’s Hopps?” “Just a punk. Don’t worry about it.”

When we get back with Marinette in the bakery and she apologizes for keeping Nadja waiting, her mother waves it off, insisting that timed orders are to be on time and Nadja shouldn’t have put her on the spot like that. Tom suggests that maybe Marinette should start doing her homework down here when she’s watching the shop, so when she has to go to the bathroom she would use the employee one instead of the apartment one. There’s only one Marinette after all, she shouldn’t be overscheduling herself. (Hashtag Let Marinette’s parents be good parents)

#Miraculous Rewrite #Mod Vega #Timebreaker rewrite #rewrite #Miraculous Ladybug

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recordmcqueen · 5 years

Text

Eyes, Eyeliner, and Eyelashes

i know it’s Alix week and I hope I can do something for her but until then have some lumana/lumarcnath uwu

*also wow i wrote two things in a single weekend ;O;*

Also on AO3

“So, Nath, what color are your eyes?”

“Huh?” Nathaniel looked up from his hands currently resting on Luka’s leg. He gave Marc a questioning look.

“What color are your eyes?” Marc repeated, looking at him closesly. More specifically, looking at his eyes closely.

Nathaniel swallowed. “Uh, green, why do you ask?”

“Your eyes are green?” Luka asked, surprised. He put down the nail polish brush for a moment to look at Nath, too. “Huh.”

“I mean, I figured they were a seafoam sort of color but I wasn’t really sure,” Marc said. “I can see that, but there’s definitely some blue in there that probably threw me off.”

“That’d be my contacts,” Nathaniel explained. “My eyes look greener when I take them out.”

Luka tilted his head to the side. “I kinda thought they were blue, too, but I never really looked closely.”

“Neither did I,” Marc said. “I never really noticed till today.” He stared into Nath’s eyes a moment longer before breaking his gaze away. He looked down, blushing.

“Well I guess it’s also cause the blue stands out more when Marc is there, too,” Luka noted. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more vivid green than yours.”

Marc’s blush intensified and he reached over to fidget with a bottle of nail polish. Luka went back to carefully painting Nath’s nails. The redhead watched him warily.

The guitarist raised an eyebrow. “If you’re not comfortable with this, just tell me and I’ll stop.”

Nathaniel shook his head. “It’s fine, I’m just not used to them being so...”

“Bright? Obvious? Sharply contrasting?” Marc offered.

“Yeah, that.” Nathaniel bit his lip. “It kind of blares out, don’t you think?”

Marc and Luka gave him identical deadpan looks.

The artist looked back down. “Ah, yes, I’m talking to the two guys who literally can’t go out in public without black nail polish.”

“Yeah, well you go out with full-on eyeliner,” Marc pointed out. “We all fail at subtlety.”

“That reminds me,” Nath said, distracted, “why doesn’t Luka wear eyeliner?”

“I do!” Luka gave him an incredulous look. “Have you not seen me?” Nathaniel raised an eyebrow and he sighed. “It probably blends in with my eyelashes.”

Marc gave a small cough that sounded suspiciously like “what eyelashes?” and covered his mouth with his hand.

“Well, for an aspiring edgy idol, you’re lacking considerably in the raccoon eyes department,” Nathaniel decided. “Marc, where’s your makeup bag?”

Luka paled. “Oh, no, we are not doing full-face makeovers. I have an interview in three hours and, no offence Marc, I don’t think the hospital reception is looking for amateur divas.”

“None taken,” Marc laughed. “But just imagine all those distressed faces going alight with joy at the sight of such a beautiful face behind the welcoming desk.”

“Yes, I’m sure they’d be thrilled to see a member of the Black Parade pointing them to their sick loved one’s room. Or better, one of those clowns at the wedding in I Write Sins Not Tragedies.”

Nathaniel glared. “Hypocrite,” he pointed accusingly.

Luka put his hands up in mock surrender. “I speak from an ignorantly objective perspective!” he insisted, “I would kill to join the Black Parade or go to that wedding any day!”

“Killing to join the Black Parade is kind of ironic, don’t you think?” Marc said in a stage whisper.

This time, Nathaniel and Luka both turned to stare at him.

“Wow, Marc, I had no idea you had a sarcastic side!” the redhead said, eyes wide. “Where is this coming from?”

Marc grinned in spite of himself. “Too much time on Tumblr, I guess,” he shrugged.

Luka shook his head. “I remember those days you’d be coming to me lamenting about how you could barely maintain a full conversation with Nathaniel, and now look at you!”

“Luka!” Marc groaned, at the same time Nathaniel said “Huh?”

The guitarist smiled at both of them slyly. “Yeah, Marc was a total gay disaster back when you both were just starting out. You were so cute, though, I couldn’t help teasing you about it. And now look, I got both of you!”

“Congratulations!” Marc said, half-sarcastic, and laughed, playfully slapping Luka’s wrist. “Besides, you were too busy trying to charm Marinette while having your eyes glued to Adrien Agreste.”

“Both fine and rightfully attractive human beings,” Luka nodded. “But you two are adorable gay nerds and I wouldn’t trade you for the hottest model on the planet.”

“Nah, you’d trade us for Gerard Way in a heartbeat. I bet you’d let him cover you in eyeliner,” Nathaniel said, and Marc snickered softly.

“Well, yeah, I would, but then so would you,” Luka defended. “And Brendon Urie is a no-brainer. I’d give up you two and my guitar for the chance to talk to him.”

Nathaniel sighed. “Valid.”

Marc nodded. “Very fair.”

“But in all other cases, you two are singularly irreplaceable,” Luka assured them.

The writer grinned. “That’s nice to know.”

Nath cleared his throat. “I’d also probably ditch you for Chris Hemsworth and maybe a couple of other actors from superhero movies, but apart than those, you can rest assured you have my loyalty.”

“What, are we setting down conditions for our fidelity, now?” Marc joked.

“Theoretically, yes-”

“Love is unconditional,” Luka cut the redhead off. “The odds of any of those theoretical scenarios ever actually happening are like negative 42. We’re together through thick and thin.”

“Through thick eyeliner and thin streaks that get hidden in your nonexistent eyelashes,” Nathaniel added.

“And again with the eyelashes- why won’t either of you tell me what is up with the ‘nonexistent eyelashes’?” Luka asked, growing annoyed.

“Nothing of your concern,” Nath and Marc singsonged in unison.

The guitarist raised an eyebrow. “Oh, really? Cause you two both bring it up an awful lo-”

“Stop before one of us ends up breaking the fourth wall,” Mar cut in, then winced. “Shit.”

Nathaniel eyed him curiously. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you swear before, either.”

“Well there’s a first time for everything,” Luka snapped, “now can one of you tell me what’s going on with the eyelashe-”

“Nothing! Now, about-”

“Don’t you try and change the subject on me, now!” Luka threatened.

As if on cue, both Marc and Nath’s phones started ringing. Marc looked incredibly relieved,

He leaned over and picked his up, standing up. “Well, would ya look at that, it’s getting really late and I really have to be getting home, now. Seeya, and good luck with the interview!” He didn’t spare another moment in leaving the room.

Luka turned to Nathaniel, who swallowed nervously, reaching for his phone. The taller one swept it out of his reach.

“Your nails aren’t dry,” he informed the artist in a dangerously lighthearted voice. “You’re not going anywhere until you tell me-”

Nathaniel had reached his final threads of desperation and broke forward, lifting up and crashing right into Luka’s face.

A few moments later, the redhead hastily exited the room, leaving behind a considerably flustered musician and an open bottle of nail polish threatening to spill. Not that said musician paid any notice to the stain just waiting to happen on his jeans.

Nathaniel now had two prospects looming over his head. Luka was probably going to hound him down until he gave him an answer, but Nath could probably avoid him for some time, at least. Unless he decided to come pick up Juleka from school, but that was less likely and so less concerning.

He was going to have to figure out a similarly foolproof way to evade Marc, though, because when the writer found out that Nathaniel had kissed Luka without him, there wouldn’t be much of an artist on the Nath! Comics team left.

But he’d deal with that when it came. Tonight was for distracting his mind from the anxiety of the future by celebrating his first ever kiss.

#luka couffaine #nathaniel kurtzberg #marc anciel #miraculous ladybug #lumarcnath #lumana #lukaniel #lumarc #marcnath #my writing #idk how to tag #uhh #crack #?#eyelashes #givelukaeyelashes2k19 meme

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greengargouille · 5 years

Text

Tagged by @maski1 - because, bless her, she forgot it’s a mistake to let me blabber about anything

Relationship status: Long distance relationship with my sweetheart of a girlfriend Dana <3 and also in love with my pasta machine

Fave ships: Oh boy oh dear. Do you guys really want to read such a long list? I will probably go by main fandoms else it would take way too long to remember everything

Assassination Classroom:

Do I need to present it. I birthed the SugaMi ship. I understand that it’s also due to interpretation+some headcanons that ensued from it and this is not the post for a long explanation, but basically? They have personalities that balance each other, and they acknowledge each other’s talents and work together, and I like to think it’s not just their respective artistic skills that they admire in the other? Oh dear I need to make a separate post about it. Sorry.

...And every ship between the 3-E girls is gold (though, if we’re talking romantic specifically... I headcanon both Fuwa and Okuda as aro so I wouldn’t really see it?), but if I have to stop at my favourites... I really love Hazama/Kurahashi because the whole ‘Hazama starves without darkness’ feels like “this cynical and slightly edgy girl is normally mature but can’t handle her crush and have to frame it in a fakely-meaningful way”... And I love Kanzaki/Kayano because both characters have hidden depths that one can parallel and I just love the idea of them allowing the other to present themselves in a way they wouldn’t with another... ...And funnily enough I’m really fond of Kanzaki and Hazama together. Kanzaki feels like she is absolutely uninterested in boys and is just trying to be polite even when they make her uncomfortable, while Hazama is comfortable being around boys (as long as no one even insinuate she would date one) but have absolutely no tolerance for those who bother her.

Miraculous Ladybug

God we’re only at the second one, uh, okay, faster then. Ivan and Mylene are really cute together, their on-screen moments have been sweet, Juleka and Rose have a really interesting dynamic and their personalities mesh well, and Nathaniel and Marc are both artists that acknowledge each other’s talent and work toge- wait a minute, I have a feeling of déjà vu (jk, personality wise it’s a very different dynamic from SugaMi), plus Marc is way too relatable so of course I want his crush to go well.

Revolutionary Girl Utena

I saw many different f/f ships and they’re all wonderful but I’m still an Utena/Anthy fan first, the way their relationship evolve through the whole story, my heart, and they’re far from perfect and they hurt each other so much at first but [spoilers], go watch it everyone ;w; ...And I also appreciate Touga/Saionji, trash boys that deserve each other.

Sarazanmai

...Not sure if it does deserve to be called a main fandom but those last two weeks have been high-speed thinking about it and it probably will be that way till the anime ends. Anyways Reo and Mabu are so heartwarming together in both the manga and twitter, I just melt at sweet domestic moments ;w; and it’s really interesting how they seems different their relationship is presented currently in the anime? And probably the novel if I believe Japanese fanarts.

Fave color: ...I still didn’t rename myself to pinkgargouille, so yeah, probably still green.

Last movie: Liz and the Blue Bird, the spin-off from Hibike Euphonium

Last song: Kawausoiya - the cop’s insert song from Sarazanmai which is as entertaining as it should be

Tagging: @imagine-a-world-without-shippers, @fumiko-matsubara, @albaross, if you please? @takaokaakira I see you a bit more on tumblr nowadays, interested in it? @purple-petrichor sweetheart I know you’re busy but if you feel like doing it?

#personal #ask meme

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kwa-mii · 7 years

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A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

I consumed half a jar of nutella while writing this rip

This fic uses two prompts (thanks!); social media from @thinkoutsidethelovesquare is the main focus, while @queermiraculous‘ prompt discovery rounds it all off ~

The formatting should be pretty clear? but bold represents a screen name. I’ve also used some emojis because it’s social media and I dig that, so hopefully that shows up?

This fic is shameless tbh and so is my self-promotion (head to ao3)

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words- a Chlonette fic (1347 words)

Alya had been pestering Marinette to get on Instagram for months now, and Marinette's will had finally caved. She didn't know how long she would maintain the account, but it certainly didn't hurt to try it out.

Picking a username was the difficult part. After much thought, she settled on marinettemakes, because if there was anything she wanted to do with this account, it would be to share her designs (besides, alliteration was always cute). For her username, she chose a photo of herself that her parents had taken on her last birthday; warm light, her face tilted up towards the camera, a smile stretched across her face. For her first post, she couldn't decide, so she started by seeing which of her classmates had accounts of their own.

Alya's was full of shots of her friends and some of her work or her food, captioned with class conspiracies - and her feed bore remarkable similarities to Nino's, which raised interesting questions about their alleged non-relationship. More interesting yet was their choice to use their akumatised names, ladywifi and bubbler, for their accounts. Juleka's profile didn't have a single selfie, instead turning her camera towards the world around her, but Rose's made up for this with lots of candids of her friend among the dogs she had met in the parks of Paris. Ivan ran an edgy, monochrome account, from which pictures of his girlfriend radiated. Kim's was upbeat, chronicling his morning runs and deadlift records, and the great stacks of foods he shared with his friends. It seemed Alix was trying to outdo him in showing off, because she showed similar images in between those of her freestyling in skate parks. Max had an account only to like the posts of his friends. Adrien's Instagram seemed to be run by his management; behind the scenes of his latest shoot, grateful shout-outs and promotions for the brands that hired him. He had by far the greatest follower count for the class.

It was really interesting to see the images her classmates curated for themselves, but Nathaniel's was closest to what she thought she envisioned for herself. Seeing his profile full of his doodles, comic scraps, and completed pieces reassured her that it wasn't unusual to have an account dedicated to your work. So, tentatively, she posted a photo of a circle skirt she had made, accessorised with a pair of cute socks and thick-soled shoes.

She was surprised how quickly the feedback came in:

ladywifi: gurl!! this is so awesome!

roselavillove: ❤❤

lechampionkim: nice legs :-) and a nice skirt too lmao

And a new follow request! chloebourgeois had requested to follow her, which wasn't surprising - though Chloé hated her and was not interested in anything other than herself, she could hardly afford to let someone slip under her radar of data and derision. Marinette shrugged, and accepted the request, following her classmate in return and absently looking through the pictures Chloé had decided to post.

chloebourgeois uploaded mostly selfies; neck a beautiful arch, lips a slight pout to emphasise their shape, make up always perfect. Her trademark look was that frosted lip with long eyelashes and a small flick of eyeliner, but this profile showed her versatility, and had gained her a lot of followers as a fledgling beauty guru. In awe, Marinette scrolled down. Chloé with dark red lips. Chloé with a bronzed contour. Chloé in nude. (The words were unfortunate. This set up a new image that had to be rapidly discarded for her own safety.)

She had just uploaded a new photo: Chloé on the balcony of her father's hotel in the early bloom of the sunset, face in blissful profile, golden light kissing her golden skin and hair, hands skimming her collarbones to display their beautiful shape.

marinettemakes: Wow!

And in the same moment, chloebourgeois left a comment on her photo: wow 👌

Chloé did not like many people's pictures, let alone leave comments on them. This was something Alya picked up on after she had left comments (flattering ones!) on three different pictures in a row: "Is there something going on between you and Chloé that you didn't tell me about? I thought you hated each other."

"I'm pretty sure we still do," Marinette mused, and meant it.

"Hmm."

Yet, this apparent thaw in their relationship was from both ends. Marinette had liked selfies of Chloé tossing her ponytail over her shoulder (marinettemakes: Your hair is so pretty!), nursing a cup of coffee with slightly bleary eyes (marinettemakes: You woke up like this? Amazing x), showing off a cute Ladybug hoodie she had bought (marinettemakes: Almost as cute as the real thing :) ) and painting on a shimmery smoky eye (marinettemakes: How do you do this? This is stunning!)... and pretty much everything else she had ever posted.

"I'm just being nice, Alya. Chloé's a narcissist. I don't know, I guess we might get along better if I compliment her loads, and it's way easier complimenting her from far away rather than to her face. I get intimidated and chicken out."

"Why? Because she's hot and you can't keep your cool?"

Alya said it like a joke, but Marinette replied to it like a reality, "N-no! I mean, like, she's obviously hot, aesthetically-pleasing, whatever, but that isn't important. It's not that."

"Hmm."

"Besides!" she floundered, "If she's being nice to me, it's because she's figured out she can get something out of me."

Comments on marinettemakes left by chloebourgeois: 'above average xx' (a cosy knitted jumper), 'my favourite babe! <3' (a tea dress inspired by Chat Noir), three fire emojis in a row (a dress that came out shorter than intended, drawing the eye down to her thighs), a cheeky 'girls in suits? UGH' (a suit jacket that Alya had convinced her friend to wear with a nude illusion beneath), 'pretty, but what does it look like on the designer?' (a sketch of a summery dress with ruffles and layers of volume).

Alya had stubbornly called this flirting ('She's gay, boo.' 'No way. She's obsessed with Adrien.' 'Fine! She's bi, boo.'), but Marinette did not feel like Chloé had changed her attitude outside of leaving flirty comments on her pictures - and Alya did that too, so it didn't mean anything. Indeed, all it had culminated in was a DM saying 'hey so daddy's got a charity gala and I've run out of things to wear, so I want you to design me something. gold would be nice', and a picture of Chloé on the arm of a famous human rights lawyer, dressed in lamé and looking like a Grecian goddess, with tendrils of beautiful curling hair escaping the coil atop her head to caress her cheeks (marinettemakes: Beyond gorgeous!). She had not even given a credit to the designer, and the designer did not feel it her place to say.

This was Marinette's explanation. However, the comments on Marinette's few selfies (pretty!, hooot x, ur like an angel) said something else entirely.

And, well, a picture is worth a thousand words.

ladywifi posted a new picture: a selfie with Nino, hand making a peace sign. 'school dance babes!' reads the caption, 'and there certainly were some babes tonight'

marinettemakes posted a new picture: a group photo of her four friends, arms draped over each other's shoulders. It's a lovely candid shot, Adrien laughing at something Nino says to him, Marinette's attention directed somewhere beyond the shot (you can almost see it on her face: holy...). 'Had a really great night!' she says, and means it.

chloebourgeois posted a new picture: a selfie taken from slightly above to give the best vantage of her cleavage in the revealing evening gown, and the dark plum lips (a new colour for her). At this angle, you can see the fingertips of the hand around her waist, and the slight blurring of her lipstick. 'you should've see me on the dancefloor 😉'

And, if you know where to look, you can. In the background of ladywifi's latest picture, somewhere in the dark of the dancefloor, you might discover Marinette Dupain-Cheng kissing Chloé Bourgeois, who she has been staring hungrily at since she first walked in the door - and plum is exactly what will quench her appetite.

Not in the photo, however, is the moment they pull away and say exactly what's on their mind: "Wow..."

#outsidethelovesquare #ml pride month #chlonette #chloe bourgeois #marinette #alya cesaire #ml fanfic #kwa-mine #the longest paragraphs of my whole life

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iwroteinapastlife · 7 years

Note

Juleka X Nathaniel, Prompt 4.

Hey, remember when you made this steamy prompt request months ago? Because I do. Also remember when I used to answer requests with mere 2-3 page drabbles? Haha yeah, me neither.

Enjoy!

Nathanaël leaned back against the wall with his arms crossed as hewatched the various class elects have their pictures taken. Currently up infront of the camera were the star couple, Adrien and Marinette, wearingcomplimentary outfits that the brunette had designed herself to be featured inthe yearbook under the title Most likelyto appear on the cover of a fashion magazine (again!). Nino rapid firesnapped pictures as the blonde surprised his girlfriend with a kiss on thecheek, eliciting a fit of giggles from her. Nathanaël couldn’t help but smile.They were way too cute.

He wished he and Juleka could be cute like that.

Deep black and purple moved at the corner of his eye and heturned to see Juleka walking through the door. He immediately raised a hand infriendly greeting.

“Hey, Jule, you look fantastic!” While many things about theyoung woman might have changed over their years in school together, her habitof being easily flustered certainly hadn’t. Cheeks turning adorably pink, shelooked down at the ground and rubbed her arm nervously.

“Thanks,” she mumbled, voice barely audible behind the curtainof purple and black hair that fell in her face. He also thought he heard a ‘youtoo’ on the end of that, but he couldn’t be sure.

“Is that skirt new?” he asked, hoping to make her feelcomfortable enough to look him in the eye again. He had been friends with hersince middle school, and they had always shared a special bond as the classhipsters, but getting her to warm up in any conversation was always a bit of aprocess. Not that he minded—her company once he cracked the shell was wellworth the wait.

“Oh, not exactly…” She glanced down at her outfit as shespoke. She looked absolutely perfect for the occasion, sporting black combatboots that had silver studs on them, black lace stockings that went up to herthighs, a frayed black skirt with some purple layers underneath poking through,a front-laced black corset top, and her signature black lace arm socks. And totop it all off (literally), she had a mini purple and black top hat pinned perfectlycrooked atop her head. “I’ve had a lot of this for years, I just…only take itout for special occasions.” She glanced up at him and he met her eyes with whathe hoped was an easy smile.

“Well you look perfect. And we match! Well, color schemes atleast.” While he hadn’t adorned himself so formally, their outfits definitelycomplimented each other what with his black converse, black ripped skinnyjeans, black tank top, and purple and black plaid flannel. He had even switchedout his earrings, snake bites, and eyebrow piercing for black studs rather thanthe gold he usually wore. Together they looked like the perfect hipster couple.

Juleka appraised him then, and subtly frowned. There it is, he thought, recognizing thewheels turning in her head. “Hold on,” she said, reaching up to slip her handsunder the shoulders of his flannel. Her hands were cold on his skin as she slidthe article down his arms, removing it completely. He swallowed back a suddenlump in his throat and told himself that the goose bumps on his arms were fromthe cold and definitely not her touch.

Then he stiffened up as she stepped closer to him to reacharound his waist. “It’ll look better like this,” she said, tying the sleeves ofthe flannel around his hips. He was thankful for her intense focus in that momentallowing his nervousness at her proximity to slip by. She took a step back andlooked him over and he hoped he didn’t look too obviously into her.

Because truth be told, he was really into her. And had beenfor a very long time, but just couldn’t express it. He’d all but danced withjoy when he’d find out he’d be taking yearbook photos with her, excited tospend even those fifteen minutes posing with her.

“Alright, Most likelyto be featured on a Hot Topic ad, two minutes!” Alya called, looking overthe Adrinette pictures with Nino. Nathanaël watched as the beautifulgothic girl before him visibly paled—which was really saying something honestlybecause her skin was insanely pale to start off with.

“Jule? What’s wrong?”

“Pictures,” she mumbled, looking down at the ground again. Shecontinued to mumble something that sounded worried, but he couldn’t quite makeit out, until suddenly she said, “I can’t do this,” and turned to leave. Beforehe could even think about it, he had snatched her hand, holding her back.

“Wait, Juleka! Don’t leave!” She didn’t make to pull herhand away, but she also didn’t look convinced, so he didn’t let go. “I knowphotos have had a tendency to wrong you in the past, but these pictures areyour turn to shine! You can bet that Alya sure as hell won’t let us leave untilshe has perfect photos of us for the yearbook. And besides, I wouldn’t dare letyou look bad in a picture with me—one of us has to look pretty.” He wasdelighted to see her giggle at that. Only a little bit, but it was therenonetheless. “Please stay? I’ll be right here with you the whole time.”

She looked up at him, big bright amber eyes searching him. “I’mreally nervous, Nath.”

He gave her hand a comforting squeeze. “Don’t be. If needbe, I’ll distract you.” Her lips—flawless and sharp under black lipstick—curledup in a small smile then.

“You will?”

He grinned. “Absolutely. I’ll whisper dumb things in yourear the whole time so you forget we’re even here.”

“Nath! Jule!” Alya called.

He squeezed her hand again. “What do you say?” She lookedinsanely nervous, but at least she was holding eye contact. She nodded.

He smiled and, still holding her hand, led her over to standin front of the cameras.

“Damn, you two look perfect,” Alya remarked.

“Seriously, Jule, you look like a gothic queen,” Nino added.Said queen bowed her head with a mumbled ‘thank you’ and hid behind her hair.

“Okay first off,” Alya called, “classic yearbook photo,smile for the picture!”

Nathanaël was amazed then as Juleka naturally slid in next to himwith an arm around his waist so he could drape his arm over her shoulder,smiling at the camera. His thumb mindlessly stroked the smooth, cool skin ofher shoulder—a habit he’d carried for years—and he noticed her fingers closearound the fabric of his tank top, the sensation doing way more to him than itshould have.

“Distract me,” she whispered.

He leaned his head down the slightest bit so his mouth wasnear her ear. “Want to know a secret?”

“What?”

“I’ve never stepped foot in a Hot Topic.”

And there it was. Juleka whole-heartedly laughed, elicitinga series of furious camera clicks. “You’re kidding,” she chuckled, trying tohold still.

“Nope. Do you think I’ll lose my hipster license if I tellanyone?”

“Nath, you just told me.”

“Are you going to take away my hipster license?”

“Your secret is safe with me,” she said, glancing up at himat just the right moment for him to catch her gaze. They shared a smile thenand he tried not to let it go to his head. More camera clicks. That image musthave looked as good as it felt.

“Okay, let’s get some dramatic poses,” Alya directed. Shecame forward then, not hesitating to grab their limbs and pose them like livingmannequins. Next thing he knew, Nathanaël had his arms around Juleka’s waist,standing right behind her with his chin resting on her left shoulder.

He tried not to get too excited holding her like that. Itwas like a classic prom photo, and her figure was so soft and perfect in how itfit smoothly against him. Alya moved Juleka’s arms to rest comfortably on topof his own and again he shivered at the touch of her cold hands—but not in abad way.

“Great,” Alya said, “now don’t smile. Try to look edgy, likean actual Hot Topic ad.”

“How do I look edgy?”Juleka whispered.

“Think of murdering Nino,” he replied, but that only madeher look up at him in concern. “Okay, strike that. Think of something thatwould actually make you commit murder.”

“What makes you think I would ever want to commit murder??”she vehemently whispered.

“Oh come on, everyone’s got something.” She whined, at aloss. “Oh, I know. Remember when Chloé tore up Rose’s letter to Prince Ali?” Hecouldn’t see her then, but based off the sudden surge of camera clicks, he knewit had worked. He could barely make out her words as she angrily mumbled underher breath and he had to remember to keep looking edgy rather than laughing.

“Perfect, perfect, now we’re going to take advantage of yourroyal look a bit here,” Alya said as she repositioned their arms. “Channel thesultry queen inside you, Juleka.”

He could feel her heart rate pick up through her back pressedagainst his chest. “W-What?” she asked as Alya experimented with arm positions.“S-Sultry?”

The director took a step back, appraising their pose.Nathanaël’sright arm remained coiled around Juleka’s waist, her own right arm drapedcomfortably over it. Her left arm, on the other hand, reached up so that herhand rested on the side of his face, and his own left hand was wrapped gentlyaround her wrist. It was…well it was quite a pose, that was for sure. “Don’teven worry, girl, you look sexy as hell.”

“B-But—,”

“Perfect!” she interrupted, walking away.

“Nath, what do I do? I don’t know what she wants.” But hedid. He had seen plenty of the kind of ads Alya was going for. She wanted himto be absolutely enthralled in Juleka—not that he really had to try—and for herto own it. That would take a bit morework.

“Think of it this way,” he said, keeping his voice low. Hetilted his head then and forgot about the camera, speaking directly into herear. “You are my queen.” He heard her breath hitch in her throat. “I live toserve you.” Her palm rested down flat against his cheek, the tips of herfingers just barely reaching up into his hair. “I am one hundred percentcompletely at your mercy.” He felt her sink into him, their bodies almostseeming to meld together. “Now look at the camera,” he whispered, his voicecoming out thick, “and let the whole world know that you own me.”

She drew in a deep breath, and as she let it out slowly, hecould feel her sudden shift indisposition. It was more than just the way the fingers of her right hand tightenedtheir grip on his arm or the way her left hand moved up further into his hairto take a slightly possessive grip at the back of his neck or even the way shetilted her own head back just the slightest bit to lean into him. It was in theair surrounding her. The way she breathed, the way she stood, the way she existed screamed control, power, andabove all—he had to force out a shuddering breath at this—seduction.

He didn’t have to act in that moment like he wanted toabsolutely ravage her. Despite his better judgment, his grip on her waisttightened just the slightest bit and he found himself somehow gravitating evenfurther into her, as if that was possible. She didn’t move away though. Quitethe opposite, she seemed to sink even more into him, drawing in a deep breaththat had her breasts swelling underneath her, perfectly perked up under hercorset.

“Alright, that’s great you two!” Alya’s voice called,snapping him back to reality. He felt Juleka’s demeanor shatter along with his.

…Oh he was so screwed.

Want to thrust afanfic idea onto someone else? Gimme!

#julenath #steamy prompts #steamy #not really #miraculous ladybug #hot topic #hipsters #this was very strange for me #but i'm not displeased with it

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quickspinner · 4 years

Text

Finding Harmony - Ch 5 M Major

Luka had never cared about clothes much. Sure he had a style, but it wasn’t something he thought consciously about, it was just things he liked to wear. He was doing this modeling thing as a favor for Juleka, and to spend time with Marinette. The clothes, until today, had mostly been an afterthought.

He wasn’t prepared for the wave of emotion that hit him once he was standing there, in clothes that Marinette designed and made with him in mind.

This was why he loved her. This was what he’d seen that day, when she walked into his room wide-eyed and stammering. Something in his soul had recognized her, when he had given her a song and she had received it, not with blank confusion, plastic smiles, or guarded hostility, but with reverence and wonder and gratitude. Marinette took all the bits of himself that he gave, and cradled and treasured them, because she understood. Because she was the same. Because he was standing here wearing a song she wrote with color and cloth and the work of her hands and it was absolutely wrecking him.

Juleka was right, he was hopeless.

“Luka, is everything okay?” Marinette called, and he realized he’d been standing there too long.

He steadied his voice as best he could and called back, “Yeah, everything’s fine, I’m dressed. These clothes are amazing, Marinette.”

She got him. Marinette absolutely, one hundred percent got him, from the subdued base colors to the pops of brightness, to the way the snake motifs were simultaneously edgy and whimsical enough to be nonthreatening. The shirt fit closer than anything else he ever wore, but it was comfortable and not clingy. The jeans, subtly textured to mimic the lines of Viperion’s suit, felt like an inside joke between the two of them, made even funnier because she didn’t know that he knew she knew.

He took one more steadying breath and stepped out from behind the screen.

Marinette did an excited little wiggle. “Oh, you look so good, just like I imagined! Ooh, I love it when a project comes together. How does it feel, do I need to fix anything? Turn around.”

“It feels great, Marinette, really, it’s like they were made for me.” He winked at her as he turned slowly.

“Hang on, there’s a loose thread back here...there.” Marinette stepped back. “Perfect.” She looked up into his face. “Do you like it?”

“I love it.” Luka stepped close and gripped her shoulder. “I really do. You’re an artist, Marinette.” He grinned. “Sneaky, too. You didn’t have any of this detail done the last time I was here.” He turned slightly to indicate the patches of different textured fabric on the jeans.

Marinette giggled. “It’s true, I saved some things for last so you’d still be surprised.”

“I’m speechless, really.” He dropped his hand and stepped back, gesturing her towards the other screen. “But you better…” Marinette nodded and turned away as he turned to look in her full length mirror. He could see then just how well the clothes complimented his body. Luka wasn’t especially vain, but his face heated a little bit as he wondered exactly how much time she’d spent looking at him to get such results.

“How’s Juleka doing?” He heard Marinette whisper to Rose, who was standing at the corner of Juleka’s screen.

“She’s freaking out a little bit,” Rose whispered back. “I think I can calm her down, I just need a little more time.”

“Take as long as she needs,” Marinette told Rose, and then she turned to Luka. “Why don’t I go on down and meet Alya at the park?” Marinette suggested, putting a hand on his arm. “Come down when you’re ready, okay? No pressure, we’ve got plenty of time.”

“Thanks Marinette,” Luka smiled at her. “I’ll play for her a bit, that might help calm her down.”

“Perfect. Okay, we’ll see you in a few minutes. Meet us by the near fountain when you’re ready.” Marinette went down through the trapdoor.

Luka picked up his ever-present guitar and sat on Marinette’s chaise, playing a familiar, comforting melody just to remind Juleka that he was there with her.

After a few minutes his sister finally emerged from the screen, paler even than usual, but breathing steadily. Luka smiled as he looked Juleka over. He wasn’t sure how they’d done it but her hair was smoothed back into a low tail, the purple tips of her bangs tucked under the rest of her hair so the color didn’t show and clash with the blues and reds accenting the black clothes, and she wore combs on the sides of her head with a beaded version of Marinette’s snake motif. The flowy shirt had lace accents edging a wide collar that exposed Juleka’s collarbone, paired with sleek black pants that were textured similar to his own. Her outfit was both Juleka and Marinette, with a vibe that mixed Juleka’s edge with Marinette’s sweetness, and lent Juleka a bit of Marinette’s boldness as well. There was no hiding in this outfit, even with Juleka curling in on herself in nervousness. Luka got up and maneuvered her in front of the long mirror, so she could see herself.

“I like it,” was all he said, but Juleka glowed, her shoulders straightening as she looked herself over, and he swallowed against another rush of emotion to see her stand proud. “Well,” he said, smiling at her reflection, “Are we ready to do this?”

Juleka gave him a decisive nod, and led the way down the stairs.

Marinette had her back to them as they approached, and she was clearly arguing with Alya about something.

“No, Alya. I’m going to go with Luka and we’re going to have fun and there’s not going to be any pressure or awkwardness or drama, end of story. Anyway, I asked him weeks ago, I’m not going to bail on him now.”

“I still think you’re missing a chance, but if you’ve already asked him then I guess—oh, hey guys! Ready to rock the camera, you two?” Alya waved and Marinette turned quickly, blushing as Luka and Juleka approached.

“Great, you’re here,” Marinette said, putting on a smile that was only a little strained.

“Everything okay?” Luka asked her quietly as Alya turned away.

“Yeah, just a difference of opinion,” Marinette smiled thinly. “We’re having a lot of those lately, but we’re working on it. At least this time she took no for an answer, so that’s progress.” She smiled at Juleka. “Ready Juleka? How do you feel?”

“Okay,” Juleka said, fidgeting. Her shoulders were rolling forward again as her chin dropped toward her chest. Rose took her hand.

“Just like the plan, Juleka,” Marinette said gently, putting a hand on her shoulder. “We’ll start out here at the fountain, and then if we feel up to it, we’ll try a few other places through the park. We’ve got plenty of time so we can take a break any time you need to. We’re aiming for way more pictures than we actually need, so don’t feel pressured. Then just before sunset when we have the best light, we’ll change you both into the formal clothes.”

Juleka nodded her understanding.

“As for poses, I have some reference pictures to get us started, and then as you get comfortable, we can just roll from there.” She patted Juleka’s shoulder. “If you need a break, don’t be afraid to let us know, okay? ”

Juleka dipped her head in a way that normally would have hidden her face, ashamed of her weakness. “Okay,” she mumbled.

Luka lifted his hand to rest it on her shoulder but he was distracted as Alya put one fist on her hip, and proclaimed, “Man, I had no idea you were packing guns like that, Luka. Marinette, he needs a tattoo. He doesn’t look right without one. Maybe you could draw the snake on him with a sharpie or something.”

“Alya, he doesn’t need a tattoo, his arms are nice the way they are,” Marinette replied decisively, pushing Luka gently towards the bench by the fountain and scowling back at her friend.

“Ohhhh are they now,” Alya drawled, cocking a hip and shooting a smug look at Marinette, who spluttered.

“I’m just saying he’s fine the way he is!” she flailed, and then turned to Luka. “I mean, not that you would look bad with a tattoo if you wanted one, but you don’t need one.”

Luka snorted, seating himself on the bench. “I’d love one but I’m a total wuss around needles.”

Marinette paused her freakout and looked at him. “Really?”

“Absolute truth.”

“But your ears are pierced.”

Juleka snickered. “He passed out.”

“And she’s never going to let me forget it,” Luka sighed.

“Not in a million years,” Juleka grinned back at him.

“Big talk from someone who’s afraid of a few pictures,” Luka challenged, eyebrows raised. “Are you coming over here or what?”

A flush lit Juleka’s pale cheeks and he winced, afraid he’d pushed too far, but Marinette took her cheerfully by the hand and led her to the bench. She sat down between them for a moment, showing them the pictures she’d brought.

It was smart, giving them a place to start from, though Luka frequently had a hard time keeping a straight face as they tried to get into the poses. Marinette finally rolled her eyes at him and told him to go ahead and laugh so he could be serious when it was time for the pictures.

While he did manage to keep a straight face once they really got started, the awkward feeling didn’t leave him. Luka tried not to mind. He was really doing this for Juleka and Marinette, anyway, and he was willing to feel stupid for a while for their sakes. Marinette kept up a cheerful stream of praise and chatter and Rose was bubbling over with enthusiasm as always. Juleka began to relax and get into it, even giggling once or twice at Marinette’s silliness or blushing at Rose’s enthusiastic praise. Pride swelled in his chest as Juleka’s confidence grew; she really was gorgeous and it was gratifying to see her come to life, out of the protective shell she’d so carefully built around herself.

“Oh, are you guys doing a little photoshoot? How cute!”

The saccharine voice was unfamiliar and somehow thoroughly unpleasant, but Luka didn’t break pose until he heard Alya’s camera click. He felt Juleka draw closer to him, nearly hiding behind him, and he looked down at her and raised an eyebrow. She bit her lip and raised her hand as if to brush her bangs forward, but stopped.

Marinette planted herself squarely between her models and the newcomer. Newcomers, Luka realized. He didn’t recognize the girl with the long hair but Adrien had come up behind her. Great, he thought, glancing at Juleka again and then back at Marinette. Just what we needed.

“Hi guys,” said Adrien, looking more on edge than Luka had ever seen him. Or maybe it wasn’t the way he looked, maybe it was the way he sounded, a stressed out edge to his voice that was at odds with his relaxed stance. “Doing some more work for your website, Marinette? The designs look great, really unique.”

“They’re definitely not like anything I’ve ever seen,” the girl said, and though the words were innocent, somehow they sounded like an insult. Luka felt his shoulders tensing up.

“Isn’t it cool, Lila? Marinette’s always been plugged in to the rock ‘n roll aesthetic,” Alya said cheerfully. “You know, with all the work she’s done for Jagged Stone, and all. It’s a smart angle to start with for the website, but you know you need to show some range too, girl! Maybe next time, you can be her inspiration model, Adrien!”

“Adrien’s a professional model, Alya,” Marinette pointed out. “He’s under contract with Gabriel and they’re very strict about using his likeness. I could get sued if Adrien modelled for me without permission.”

Adrien looked stricken. “I didn’t even think about that last time, Marinette.”

“You’re okay! I mean, it’s okay! I didn’t think of it either until later. N-n-not that I didn’t appreciate the lelp, uh, help.” Marinette squeezed her eyes shut and took a deep breath, then squared her shoulders and opened her eyes to smile at Adrien. “I appreciate you helping out, and of course I’m always happy to have your advice, but I think it’d be best if you didn’t appear in any more of the photos.”

Luka’s eyes widened slightly. “Whoa,” Juleka muttered beside him. “That was a whole sentence.”

“Well, of course Gabriel can’t allow Adrien to be used like that,” Lila said brightly, just the slightest emphasis turning her statement into a condemnation. Easily deniable if anyone called her out on it, Luka thought, a sour taste in his mouth. What a manipulative piece of work. Her eyes on him made his skin crawl and suddenly he was the one who wanted to hide behind Juleka.

“I’m glad to see you’re giving modelling another try, Juleka,” Adrien grinned at them, and Juleka gave him a tentative smile around Luka’s shoulder. “Don’t be shy, you look fantastic, and this is one of my favorite locations to shoot.” He waved a hand at the photographer setting up near the carousel. “Just be confident, you’ll do great.”

Luka turned his body so that Juleka was fully visible, though he put his hand on her back for support. “She looks awesome, doesn’t she? I keep telling her how pretty she is, but I guess it doesn’t mean much coming from her brother.” Juleka scowled and socked him in the arm. “Ow, don’t bruise me before we’re done with the photos,” he teased.

“Of course Juleka’s nervous,” giggled Lila. “I mean, there’s so much more to modeling than just being pretty. I don’t have much experience yet, but M. Agreste picked me personally, so I just know I can’t let him down. But when you’re working with an up and coming designer, you never know what people are going to think! I mean, we all know Marinette’s wonderful, but once it’s out on the web it’s out there for everybody, isn’t it, and people can be so fickle and cruel. It definitely won’t do Juleka’s modelling dreams any good if it turns out the public hates the designs.”

“Well, Marinette did win my father’s design contest,” Adrien piped up, his smile as bland as ever, but with that same stressed out edge to his voice. “And I know they gave you a release to use the photos from the show for that. That should get people’s attention, and once people are looking I know they’ll be blown away.”

“Marinette’s work speaks for itself,” Luka agreed, his own easy tone covering just how much her insinuations annoyed him. “There will always be haters, you can’t please everybody, but these are definitely the best clothes I’ve ever worn.”

“Of course,” Lila said, eyeing him up and down with a slight sneer, as if she hadn’t been blatantly checking him out a few minutes ago. Luka heard Juleka growl quietly. “I’m so lucky, modelling Gabriel clothing, you just can’t help but feel confident.” Lila gave a little twirl to show off her dress. “It makes such a difference.” She latched on to Adrien’s arm. “And having such an amazing partner to work with is a huge help. And you have such an unusual look, Juleka, I’m sure you’ll stand out no matter what people think of the clothes. Just don’t think too much about what you’re wearing and you’ll do great!”

Juleka straightened up, her shoulders going back and her uncovered eyes flashing. “Don’t worry about me,” she said, so clearly that everyone looked at her in surprise. “I feel great in this.” She struck a pose, and Alya whipped the camera up, grinning like a maniac.

“Show her how it’s done, Jule,” Luka muttered approvingly, backing out of the shot.

“That’s great, Juleka. Tilt your chin up just a little more—there, perfect!” Adrien cheered. Lila gave her “partner” a black look, but if Adrien noticed, he ignored it. The others were staring wide-eyed at Juleka as she went through a series of poses, looking like the pro Luka knew she could be. He folded his arms and grinned, winking at her when she seemed to run out of steam and glanced at him as if to ask, how did I do?

Suddenly Alya gasped. “Marinette, I have the greatest idea,” she squealed, grabbing Marinette’s arm. “Why don’t you put on the jacket and go pose with Luka?”

Marinette scowled. “Alya, that was supposed to be a surprise!”

“Never mind that right now, put it on! It’ll be great, you’ll look like the sweet girl wearing her bad boy boyfriend’s jacket. Juleka, you don’t mind taking a quick break, do you? In fact, maybe you could do something with Marinette’s hair real quick. Luka, come back over here.”

Marinette sighed, but took a prettily wrapped package out of her bag, opened it carefully, and slipped on a denim jacket with the snake motif embroidered on the front panels. It was much too big for Marinette, and Alya was right, it did look like she was wearing her boyfriend’s jacket. He took a slow breath to banish the heat creeping up his neck, glad that he had an excellent poker face. Because he was mature and chill and he could totally pose like her boyfriend without blushing up a storm, no big deal. He glanced at Alya, who looked entirely too pleased with herself. Luka was aware from Juleka that Alya was the head of the get-Marinette-a-date posse. Whether all this achieved was pushing Marinette and Luka together, or whether they actually managed to make Adrien jealous enough to open his eyes, he supposed it was a win-win from her perspective.

Oh well, if Marinette wasn’t going to object, he wouldn’t either.

Juleka redid Marinette’s hair into a low ponytail and put the end over her shoulder, while Rose touched up her makeup with quick, efficient movements.

When Marinette turned towards Alya for her approval, Luka saw that the back of the jacket was intricately embroidered with more elaborate version of the snake and flowers design on his guitar. It was a stunning piece, a little bit retro and a little bit punk with just a touch of Marinette sweetness. It looked like a huge amount of work and he kind of loved it. Maybe if he ever did manage to sell a song, he could get Marinette to make him one.

“Wow, Marinette,” Adrien said admiringly, examining the detail on the jacket lapels. “That’s quality work. Really nice. And did you design the back yourself? It looks amazing.”

“Oh, Marinette, you do so much work,” Lila chimed in. “No wonder your hands are always so rough, you must work your fingers to the bone, poor thing! It’s great to follow your passion, but you shouldn’t wear yourself out! I can tell you haven’t had much sleep lately.”

Marinette growled, and Lila’s eyes widened innocently. Alya elbowed Marientte, who just sighed.

“Ready when you are, Marinette,” Luka said nonchalantly, putting a hand on her shoulder to guide her away. “Where do you want us, Alya?”

“The jacket is amazing, by the way,” he added under his breath as Alya directed them back toward the fountain. “And your friend is about as charming as you described. Don’t let her get to you, she can’t ruin this.”

“Don’t underestimate her,” Marinette muttered back.

“Don’t underestimate yourself either. You’ve been fantastic all day, Marinette. You’re confident, in charge, you have a plan for everything, the clothes are fantastic, and did you see Juleka just now?”

“She was amazing, wasn’t she?” Marinette giggled.

“Because of you. You set this whole thing up to be as relaxed as possible, you made sure she had the support she needed, you planned ahead and prepared. You set her up for success. I’m proud of her, but I’m always amazed by you.”

Luka smiled at her, and heard the camera click behind him, reminding him of the others.

“Okay, Luka, stand over here and then lean against the bench there, like you’re almost sitting on the arm, and then Marinette, you go stand close to him.

“You might want to move a little more to the right, Marinette, so you can still see his clothes,” Adrien interjected. “There, perfect,” he grinned as Marinette adjusted.

“Luka, put your far hand on her waist and Marinette, you turn your back to me and put your hand on his shoulder—or maybe his chest would be better,” Alya directed.

“Is that okay with you?” Luka asked Marinette, who was blushing rather fiercely.

“S-sure,” she stammered, and Luka frowned.

“You don’t sound okay with it. You can tell Alya no if—”

“No, it’s fine, I just didn’t expect to be in front of the camera today and I’m nervous.” He watched her face as he settled a hand on her waist, but she didn’t flinch or look like she wanted to move away. Marinette raised her hand and it hovered uncertainly in front of him. “What about you, is this—”

Luka took her hand held it over his heart, cradling it in such a way that her hand was mostly resting on his hand rather than on his chest, and Alya squealed. “Oh, keep holding her hand like that, that’s perfect. Marinette, keep your back to me but turn towards him just a little bit. Perfect. Now just look like you’re in love, you too.”

Well, at least that wasn’t hard. Not for him, anyway. Luka studied Marinette’s stiff face. “Is she always this enthusiastic?” he asked with a small smile. Marinette giggled and relaxed a little.

“Yes, always,” she told him. “Always, everyday, one hundred percent. That’s Alya.”

“Marinette!” Alya called. “Get up on your toes and kiss his cheek!”

“Alyaaaa,” Marinette grumbled, and then looked up shyly at Luka. “Is that okay?”

“It’s fine with me, but only if you want to, Marinette. The world won’t end if we don’t get that specific shot. Don’t do anything you’re not comfortable with.”

Instead of answering she did as Alya directed, rising up on her toes and barely brushing her lips to Luka’s cheek, pausing there for a moment to give Alya a chance to get the shot, before pulling back. Luka tried not to smile, but didn’t succeed very well.

Alya squealed when she checked the image and showed it to Juleka, who smirked at Luka, and to Adrien, who nodded approvingly. “Looking good.”

“They should back up a little more, closer to the fountain,” Lila suggested.

“Great idea,” Alya replied brightly. “Luka, why don’t you get your guitar? Marinette, sit on the edge of the fountain and cross your legs.”

“Wait, let’s make sure it’s not wet first,” Lila said, hurrying forward. “Maybe over here, Marinette, come this way.”

Luka didn’t clearly see what happened, he only saw Marinette pitch forward suddenly. He lunged forward at the same time as Adrien.

Both of them were too far away. Marientte crashed into the bowl of the fountain with a splash.

“Oh no, Marinette!” Lila cried, jumping back just in time to avoid the wave of water that slipped over the side of the fountain. “Oh, I should have remembered how clumsy you are, I should never have suggested getting that close! All those outcroppings at the bottom, of course you tripped!”

Luka stopped short of the bowl of the fountain and leaned over the edge, reaching for Marinette. Adrien hopped right over the edge and waded to her, catching her other arm. Together they hauled the gasping and stunned girl upright and got her seated on the edge.

“Are you all right? Did you hit your head?” Luka asked anxiously.

“I don’t think so, it was just c-cold,” Marinette stuttered. “It knocked the wind out of me.”

Adrien didn’t say anything, but the model’s lips were pressed in a thin line as he looked back at Lila. To Luka’s surprise, the girl openly smirked at him. She was too close for any of the girls to see it.

“Oh, Marinette, is your jacket ruined?” She crooned, pitting her hands to her face.

“No,” Martinette gritted. “I made sure it was washable.”

“Oh, that’s a relief,” Lila said insincerely as the other girls finally snapped out of their stupor and came running.

“Oh, Marinette,” Alya sighed. “Girl, what a time to pull a Marinette special. At least we got a few good shots.” She looked at Luka and groaned. “And now you’re wet too. Guess that means it’s time for the wardrobe change.”

Lila opened her mouth but Adrien cut her off. “Well, I’d say good luck, but I don’t think you need it. The weather’s great for a shoot, just enough clouds to keep the light soft. I hope you get some good shots. We’re due in makeup any minute now, so we better go.” Adrien took Lila’s upper arm and began propelling her away. “Stay confident, Juleka, you look fantastic. I can’t wait to see the pictures, Marinette.” He practically frogmarched Lila back to their waiting photographer across the square. Luka watched them go with a frown. Their whole vibe was just...weird.

“It’s almost golden hour anyway, so this is as good a time as any,” Alya shrugged. “You guys go, I’ll hang out here and wait for you.” She looked over toward the other photoshoot.

Marinette sighed, shoulders slumping. “Sure. But, why don’t we take the camera with us? I’ll go ahead and download a copy of the pictures so we have a backup. You know, in case you need more space or something.”

Alya raised an eyebrow. “You sure, girl? You’re more likely to drop it in the street by accident. And you’re dripping wet.”

“Rose can carry it!” Marinette declared, looking over to the other photo shoot with narrowed eyes. Alya rolled her eyes.

“You’re paranoid, girl. I don’t know how you’re blaming Lila when we all know you don’t need help to fall in a fountain, but whatever.” She handed over the camera.

Marinette turned towards the rest of the group and pasted on a smile so fake Luka felt physically pained by it. “Okay, my fabulous models, back to the bakery!” She started off without looking back to see if they were following.

Luka hesitated, and then sped his long stride a little bit to catch up with Marinette. She looked up with that fake smile and he winced. “Don’t,” he said, as he put his arm around her shoulders, ignoring how wet she was. He’d already been splashed getting her out, anyway, and she hadn’t freaked out, so presumably the water wouldn’t hurt his clothes. Marinette’s smile dimmed, became a lot smaller but a lot more genuine, and she leaned into him.

“Sorry,” she sighed.

“It’s okay. Just feel what you need to feel. You don’t have to fake it. So that was Lila, huh?”

“Yep,” Marinette grumbled.

“I think you were smart not to leave the camera.”

“Really?” Marinette looked up at him.

“Yeah. I mean, I don’t know the girl, but I don’t like the way she looks at you. And after everything that happened, better safe than sorry.” He bit his lip. “Did she push you in?” he asked very quietly.

“I don’t think so,” Marinette frowned. “It happened so fast. Will you think I’m paranoid if I say I think she planned it either way?”

“No,” Luka replied grimly. “The look on her face afterward was proof enough.”

“Thanks, Luka,” Marinette sighed. “You don’t know how much it means to me to hear that someone sees what I see.”

“I saw it. I heard it in every word she said.” Then, hoping to lighten the mood, he asked, “What’s golden hour, by the way?”

“The hour right before sunset has the best light,” she explained. “It’ll make everything look nice and soft for the formal clothes.”

“But it means we’re on a schedule,” Luka nodded. “Got it. All right then, your dress-up doll awaits.” Marinette snorted and smacked his arm, and he chuckled.

They all trumped up the steps to her loft, Marinette waving off Mrs. Chemg’s confused questions about why her daughter was soaking wet with a “tell you later!”

“You were amazing out there, Juleka,” Marinette, now wearing dry clothes, told her over the screen. “You really showed Lila.”

“I suppose,” Juleka’s subdued voice replied. “It was just...I didn’t like...I mean, she didn’t really say anything bad, but…” There was a long pause. “I just didn’t like it.”

“She was being kind of insensitive,” Rose agreed. “I’m sure she didn’t mean to, but..”

“She meant to,” Luka said flatly, emerging from behind his own screen, straightening the suit jacket. “If I tried to play what was in that girl’s heart this afternoon, it would sound like a horror movie soundtrack. She knows exactly what she’s saying.” He sighed as Marinette and Rose stared at him. “You know I would never tell you who to be friends with, Jule,” he said, addressing himself to the screen, “But if you’re going to keep hanging around with her...well, just be careful. She’s the kind who knows how to hit where it hurts. If she decides you’re not on her side anymore, it won’t be pretty.”

“You...really think she’s that bad?” asked Rose, glancing sideways at Marinette and then back to Luka.

“Probably not, as long as you’re on her good side.” Luka shrugged. “But she’s definitely not the kind of person I’d want to be friends with.” He spread his hands. “How do I look?”

“Gorgeous,” Marinette answered without thinking, and then blushed deeply as Luka grinned. “I mean, the suit looks perfect on you.”

“You’re spoiling me for regular clothes, you know that, right? Do I need to wear a tie?” He tried really hard not to whine that last bit, but it did come out sounding a little put-upon.

Marinette giggled. “No, I cut the collar to look good without one. We just need to do this--” Marinette unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt and fidgeted with the collar for a moment. “There. Okay, stand back, look relaxed, put your hands in your pockets.”

Luka did as she asked, and chuckled as she gave a little squeal-hop-wiggle. “It looks so good!”

“Of course it does,” he said warmly. “You do great work, Marinette. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.” He looked up as Juleka emerged from behind her screen in a closely fitted dress that flared out from her knees, going to the floor in the back and the middle of her shins in the front, and grinned. “Awesome, Juleka.”

“I took a chance with this one,” Marinette said critically, circling Juleka. “But I think it worked out. Girly, but edgy. Do you like it, Juleka?”

“I love it.” Juleka said it in a mumble, but there was a smile on her face as she rotated in front of the mirror. “Awesome.” The snake motif flowed down the lines of her body from her shoulder to the hem.

“Man, when did you grow up?” Luka asked admiringly, even though he knew she would hit him for it. She did, turning and punching him lightly in the arm.

“We’re only two years apart, weirdo.”

He reached out to ruffle her hair, but stopped himself just in time. The girls had tucked it up into some kind of complicated knot that they probably would have killed him for destroying.

“Let’s go,” Juleka huffed, turning away, but Luka could see she was pleased.

They made it down the stairs and to the park without incident. Marinette had been right, he realized, the park was filled with soft golden light. Marinette frowned. “Where’s--oh.”

Alya came jogging over from the other shoot, waving. “Hey all, you look great! Let’s do this!”

Marinette showed them another packet of poses and this time it didn’t take nearly as long for them to get relaxed into it. Marinette pulled Luka after they had a few good shots of him and let Juleka take center stage for the rest of the shoot.

“Look at her,” Luka said softly to Marinette. Thanks so much for doing this, Marinette. I can tell it’s really helping her confidence.”

Marinette squeezed his arm gently. “You’re such a softy of a big brother.”

Then it was sunset and they all went back to Marinette’s, the models changed back into their regular clothes, and everyone crammed around Marinette’s computer. “Now keep in mind none of these are edited,” Alya warned. “This is just a first look.”

“Tell me if there’s any you really hate and I won’t use them,” Marinette said as Alya loaded the images.

Pride swelled in Luka’s chest as they clicked through the pictures. Juleka was a bit stiff in the first few, but as she got more relaxed the pictures got better and better. The girls squealed and gushed, and he stood with a slow smile spreading over his face. Luka put his hand on Juleka’s shoulder and squeezed. “You look great, Jule,” he said quietly, when there was a pause in Rose’s excited gushing. “I told you you were made for this.” She didn’t say anything, but looking down, he could see the smile curling her lips. “This is...kind of a lot of pictures,” he remarked as the slideshow seemed to go on and on.

“Thank God for digital,” Alya said brightly, and then Luka couldn’t answer because he was staring at the picture of himself holding Marinette’s hand against his chest, looking down at her with an expression that could best be described as “quietly enamored” as she looked back up at him, the picture of sweetness and innocence. Objectively, it was a good picture, showing off the cut and details of his suit as well as the detailed embroidery on the back of the jacket. They also absolutely looked like a couple. In fact he’d seen engagement photos that looked just like this. He felt Juleka’s elbow dig into his ribs and his face heated at her quiet snicker.

Luka folded his arms and covered his mouth with one hand as Alya went through the rest of the pictures. Marinette standing on tiptoe to kiss his cheek almost killed him. It was obvious that he was trying not to grin and Marinette had a pretty blush on her face. He hadn’t even noticed at the time that she had lifted one foot off the ground but it made the whole pose even cuter.

He dared a glance at Marinette and found her peeking through her fingers at him. He bit his lip and tried not to laugh, she looked so cute, sparkling with both amusement and mortification. Both of them shook with repressed laughter as Rose squealed delightedly at each new picture.

“So we can do some editing tomorrow,” Alya said, closing the window. “There should be plenty to work with. I think that turned out pretty well. I gotta jet like now, guys, so I’ll see you tomorrow!” She packed up her things and was gone as the other girls waved.

“I think some of those will be really fantastic for your portfolio, Juleka,” Marinette added. “Thank you so much for coming today.”

Juleka turned and hugged Marinette, mumbling something in her ear that clearly wasn’t meant for anyone else to catch. Whatever it was made Marinette tear up and squeeze Juleka even harder. Then, to his mild surprise, Juleka turned away from Marinette and hugged him too. “You’re stupid and I hate you,” she muttered into his shoulder. “Thanks for being there with me today.”

“You’re a pest and you exhaust me,” he told her, kissing her forehead. “I wouldn’t have been anywhere else.”

“Can I pleeeeeeeease hug now?” Rose begged, and then jumped on both of them before anyone could answer her. Luka laughed and expanded his embrace to include her.

“All right, all right, you guys go,” he squeezed them both one more time. “I know you’re dying to gush, so don’t wait for me.”

They didn’t, and he chuckled as they clattered down the stairs, Rose’s squeals audible until they left the house entirely. “Juleka’s going to have hearing damage before Rose is done with her,” Luka observed.

Marinette sat down in her desk chair with a heavy sigh. “That was fun, but I’m tired.”

“I could hear it, today,” Luka said, sitting down on the chaise and picking up his guitar. Marinette looked up at him.

“Hear what?”

“M.”

She brightened and came to sit next to him. “Really?”

“Really. I told you earlier, you were amazing today.” He brushed her bangs back from her forehead and tilted her chin up so he could see her eyes clearly. “I was right. It’s beautiful. I can’t wait to hear more of it. But Juleka said something to me a few days ago and I think she was right too.” Marinette blinked at him and he let his hand fall, still smiling back at her as he continued. “You can get by on your own—“ He played G for her as he’d done before. “But it’s not what makes you happy. M sounds better as a chord.” He played a G major chord. “Now that you’re in tune, maybe the next step is figuring out which other notes need to be in it, and which ones just don’t mesh.”

Marinette sighed. “How can I do that if they’re all out of tune too?” She wrinkled her nose. “This metaphor might be too complicated for me.”

“You're doing fine,” he chuckled, squeezing her shoulder. “You know you can’t control anyone else, Marinette. People will be who they are.”

“But it’s not who they are,” Marinette pouted. “It’s who she wants them to be. That, what you saw out there earlier today, that wasn’t Alya. That wasn’t Adrien.”

Luka hummed thoughtfully. “Well, I can’t really speak to that, I don’t know Alya enough. But, you know, I don’t think people really change that much that fast. Maybe it’s just that, Alya is her best self when she’s with you, and her worst self when she’s around Lila. Selfish people have that effect sometimes. Selfishness feeds selfishness. And as for Adrien...” Luka shook his head, strumming a tune thoughtfully. “I don’t know, there’s something weird going on there. He seemed like he was trying to rein Lila in, but for some reason he was afraid to be too open about it.” He shook his head again. “Really weird. But...try to give him the benefit of the doubt. I think there’s something going on there that we’re not seeing.”

Marinette nodded slowly, and then smiled up at him. “Thanks Luka.”

“Always, Marinette.”

“So...are you part of my chord, then?”

He smiled down at the strings moving under his hands. “I’d like to be,” he said softly, and then quickly added, “Remember how you felt today. How it feels to be the real you. It’ll help you stay in tune from here.”

“Thanks for doing this, Luka,” Marinette said, as he stopped playing and reluctantly put the guitar back in its case. “It was great you were there for a bunch of reasons, but--I also think it wouldn’t have been as much fun without you. It was great having your support the last few weeks. I really needed it.”

“You know you don’t need any excuse for that, Marinette.” Luka stood up and lifted the strap over his head, settling the case on his back. “Really. I’ve loved spending time with you and I hope we can still hang out.”

“Me too,” she said, cheeks dusting with pink, standing up with him. “Um, and…” She turned away and pulled down the denim jacket she’d hung up to dry. “Alya kind of spoiled the surprise,” Marinette sighed, “And it’s still pretty damp, but, um,” she held out it out to him. “This is for you.”

“For...me?” Luka just stared at her for a moment. “Marinette, I can’t, that must have been so much work. It looked so good on you, you should keep it.” Luka folded his hands over hers and pushed the jacket gently back towards her.

Marinette pouted. “Luka, I made it for you. I just, I was thinking about you and the idea came to me and I couldn’t not make it for you. You have to take it, I even made it with extra room so you can still wear your hoodie under it. It goes with your guitar. It’ll never suit anybody else as well as it would you.”

“But—” He knew even as he protested that it was futile. He was an artist, too, and he knew exactly what she meant when she said she couldn’t not make it. Sometimes a melody was too perfect and you just couldn’t help but use it. Luka knew he had to take it even before she spoke again.

“Please? I wanted to. I’ll be crushed if you don’t keep it,” Marinette told him, and that was it. Luka sighed and took the jacket from her hands.

“I love it,” he told her, running his fingers along the embroidery. “I really do. It’s perfect. I...” He shook his head, at a loss for words.

Marinette stepped into him and hugged him, and he wrapped one arm tight around her. “Thanks for everything, Luka.”

“I didn’t do much. Certainly not compared to this, and painting my guitar, and taking me to the awards gala, and letting me wear the suit you made.”

“Yeah, you did,” Marinette muttered into his shoulder. “You just don’t know it. You don’t know what it’s meant for me, these past few weeks. Maybe I would have made it through without you, but probably not nearly as well."

“Marinette…”

“I’m glad you’re part of my chord, Luka.”

Luka knew it was a bad idea even as his hand curled behind her neck, tilting her face up, and he called himself six kinds of idiot in his head as he kissed her. But when her mouth came alive under his and they moved softly together, it didn’t feel like a bad idea at all. It felt like heaven, like the cure for homesickness, like the bridge of a love song.

Love. She loved someone else. He pulled away, already missing her, hating how much he loved the delicate little noise their lips made when they parted. “Thank you,” he said into the space between them, taking a shaky breath. He cleared his throat as he straightened, dropping his hand. “And...sorry. That one was on me. I know I said we shouldn’t, but...I don’t know how else to tell you how much this means to me, Marinette. I’ll treasure it, really.”

“As long as you wear it,” Marinette said a little breathlessly, smiling softly. “Don’t treasure it in the back of the closet.”

“I don’t know how I’ll be able to wear anything else,” Luka said honestly.

Marinette licked her lips nervously, eyes flicking away and back to his, hands tightening on his almost painfully. “Luka, I—“

“I should go,” he muttered, prying his hands away, not wanting to hear another apology. He saw her concerned face and smiled. “It’s—“ He didn’t want to lie to her. “I’ll be okay. I’m just a little overwhelmed and I really need to go now, okay?”

He turned and walked blindly until he was out of sight, and then slumped against a tree and closed his eyes, irrationally angry. How many times could two people kiss before they admitted they were more than friends? He wanted to kiss her and she wanted to kiss him and why, why couldn’t it just be that simple?

Because attraction isn’t love, Luka reminded himself, and just because his reactions were driven by his emotions didn’t mean it was the same for her. She didn’t have to be in love with him to be attracted to him, to enjoy kissing him, and if he was hurting right now it was his own fault for kissing her when he knew better. He wanted something so much deeper than that with her. She has every right to want someone else. She trusted me when I said I can handle it.

We’ll both be crushed if it turns out I can’t.

He shook his head and started for home, determined to find some kind of balance within himself. Luka saw a lot of meditation in his future.

#quickspins #finding harmony #lukanette #i am lukanette trash i admit it #luka couffaine #marinette dupain-cheng #miraculousladybug #miraculous ladybug #ml fics #backlog

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