Luka’s phone buzzed, causing the table to buzz with it. He swiftly apologized to Marinette and moved it to his pocket.

    “Aren’t you going to see who it is?” Marinette asked, watching his hand rest on the table. Luka shrugged.

      “My only priority right now is you. I can text whoever it is back later.”  Marinette couldn’t stop the feeling swelling in her chest. 

   “God.” Mylene groaned. The two turned their heads towards her and the blonde offered a smile.   She stepped closer and leaned to Marinette’s ear. “If you don’t marry him, I will.”

     Mylene giggled and Marinette laughed nervously. Waving her off, Marinette continued her pleasant meal and conversation with Luka.

    The wind wailed restlessly outside, but the roar was noted and stored in the back of Marinette’s mind. 

   “As I was saying,” Luka continued the earlier conversation. “Rose told me Marc and Nathaniel were coming back into town.”

     Marinette covered her mouth and chewed quickly. “Really?” He nodded. “I haven’t seen them in forever.”

     Her thoughts drifted off into her highschool days. The ones, of course, before she knew she would be the next guardian of the miraculouses. Things were simple, Nathaniel had a crush on Marc, Chloe obsessed with Ladybug, Alya and Nino were the perfect couple, and she and Adrien were running oblivious circles around each other.

    A scowl graced her face as she looked back on it. It had seemed something was missing when they first started going out. The road had definitely been rocky. She was scared he would only care for the miraculous side of her, and he was paranoid that Marinette only wanted the same thing his father did.

    “Marinette, is something bothering you?”  Her memories of the past faded from her mind as she focused on the present. “I may not have my guitar on me, but I can still hear the rhythm of your heart. And it concerns me.”

    The genuine worry on his face felt nice. Not in a weird way, Marinette noted to herself. But the fact that he was worried about her and what she was thinking. Adrien’s awareness of feelings had been a dull comparison.

     “I was just thinking.” She rested her cheek on her fist.

    “Do continue.” Luka smiled.

    “Well…” Marinette pondered. “I was remembering how simple high school was.”

   She saw thoughts flickering behind his stunning blue eyes as he cocked his head.

    “Simple.” He repeated as if he was trying to recall the definition. “That’s one way to put it.” He said finally.

   “Oh yeah? And how would you put it?”

   “Elaborate.”

   Marinette saw his point, as simple as it had been, it had its... downsides. Luka’s phone buzzed again and he looked at her apologetically.

  “It’s alright. Take the call.” Marinette insisted. “Chico’s getting fussy, I think it’s time I change his diaper.” 

    The bluenette unbuckled the baby from the seat and grabbed the baby bag. After Marinette pushed her way into the ladies' room, she was thankful her arms were strong enough to drop down the diaper changing station.

   When she was finished and washing her hands, an older lady began to wash her hands beside her.

    “Ma’am.” Marinette tilted her head.

   “Honey, I wanted to say, that man you came with is a great catch.”
  
    “He is Ma'am. Any girl who catches him will be lucky.” The words caused her mouth to go numb.

   The lady hummed as she raised her eyebrows. “Yes, well, here’s something I’d like you to hear. This is what my mother told me when I first met my husband. The optimist sees the rose and not the thorns, the pessimist sees the thorns and not the rose. It was said by Khalil Gibran.”

   Marinette looked at herself in the mirror as she considered what the women had said. What does that have in relation to her and Luka? Brushing it off, she picked up Chico and headed back out.
  
   Luka was still on the phone and was grimacing at the table. His lips moved in a mumble and he looked up to see her. His lips tilted up as he held up a finger.

    “I’m busy right now, I’ll swing by later, okay? Yes. Uh-huh. I got it, love you, see you later.” He ended the call and sighed.

    “Important?” Marinette asked, strapping Chico back in.

   “I mentioned my Mom was in town. Rose told her about my leg. I told her I was busy with you.”

    He really was devoted. Marinette blushed and checked herself.

    “You don’t have to do that. I’ve been hogging so much of your time, I don’t want to disrupt your family time.”

    Marinette began to collect her things when he felt his cold hand rest on top of hers.

   “Marinette.” He chuckled lightly. “I’m glad you’re hogging my time. I’m selfish enough to let you.” 

    “You? Being selfish? I don’t think I’ve seen that from you ever. You’re the most selfless guy I know.” Marinette was taken back. Seriously? This was the same guy who had fundraisers with his music, who helped make goods for the elementary kids, and so much more.

    “Marinette, believe me. I’ve not seen you in so long, I haven’t gotten to see your gorgeous face in years. I would love to use up every second you have.” He brushed her bluenette hair from her face. “I want to be the one that makes you smile. I want to be the one that makes your soft round cheeks turn delicate shades of red. I would do just about anything to hear you do that amazing little gasp you do before you laugh.”

  Dear god, it was getting hot in here. Marinette swore that if she went outside right now, she could melt the snow. That’s how much she was burning up. 

 “Damn, I knew I would come at a bad time.” Mylene cursed as she held the check in her hand.

 Luka’s chapped bottom lip worked its way between his teeth as he pulled back. He watched her face and pulled his eyebrows together.

    “Allow me.” He began to reach for the check, but she snatched it before he could.

   “You’ve done so much for me. This is on me.” Marinette slipped the money out of her purse, ignoring the smug face of Tikki.

   “It was great seeing you again, Mari. I think we should get the gang back together for old times' sake. I heard a lot of people from high school are coming back.” Mylene gave a wave and cooed to Chico before she went to the register.

   “You too. I think that’s a great idea. Text me if you can get a date.”

     Marinette’s phone beeped and she glanced at her purse.

    “I’m sorry.” She apologized as she pulled her phone out.

    “Don’t be.”

    Alya: Last night went great (if you know what I mean.)

     Marinette rolled her eyes and replied.

    Mari: Uh-huh. Did you need something?

    Alya: Ooooo someone is getting snappy since I’m disturbing time with her precious Luka.
   
    Alya: But yeah, I would love to have my son back. Send Nino where you’re at and he’ll come to pick him up.

     After Marinette did what she had to do, she shoved her phone in her purse and looked up.

   “Sorry, Nino is coming to pick up Chico. I actually left some things at your place, do you mind if I go get them?”

    They both had their things ready to go and she was helping him stand up. Luka dug his hand into his pocket and pulled his keys out.  He handed them to her.

   “This one is to my apartment, okay? It’ll make things easier if only you go up there.” He paused. “Do you remember where my Mom keeps her houseboat?”

    “Yeah, down by the park. Why?” Marinette picked up the baby carrier and held heaved two bags over her shoulder.

    “While you go to my apartment, I’ll hang out at my Mom’s. You can drop them off there.”

+++++++++

    “Thanks a million,” Nino repeated as he helped Marinette pick up toys.

     “Nino, again, you don’t have to thank me. He loves spending time with his favorite aunt.” She finished what she was doing and stood up straight. “And from what I heard, you and Alya had quite a bit of fun while the kids were away.”

   Nino blushed as they headed to the door. He cleared his throat and smirked. “You stayed the night at Luka’s? Two adults snowed in, one sleeping baby, and wine can take you a long way.”

   “Yeah.” Marinette chuckled. “I know. Just don’t tell Chico that. Kids don’t like hearing the situation they were produced in.”  He pouted.

   “Where are you heading to? I’m going home if you’re staying with us, I can give you a ride.”

   Marinette thought as they walked down the dim lights of the staircase. “I wouldn’t mind if you would drop me off at the bridge near the park.”

   “No problem.”

       Once they loaded everything in Nino’s beige van, they took off. Somehow, Nino had convinced Alya that they needed this run down thing. They have had it since Ariana was born. Alya was scared she’d become one of those stereotypical soccer moms. That was, of course, until her daughter expressed great interest in art. 

   “Have a great day, Marinette, I hope to see you tonight.”

  The bluenette waved as he pulled off. She hugged her jacket closer to herself as she began to walk.

   “You know, Mari.” Tikki began as she flew from the purse to the red scarf. “I was thinking about what that woman said. And it makes sense.”

   “Oh yeah?”

   “Mh hmm. When you first met Adrien and got your massive crush, you were the optimist. You saw him and his beauty, not the thorns. But as time has passed, you kind of became the pessimist. You’re focusing on Luka’s thorns because last time you didn’t focus on that, you got hurt. And you’re so caught up in the thorns that you’re forgetting to look at the gift they protect.”

   The air froze in Marinette’s lugs as she took in a sharp breath. Damn Tikki was a good analyzer. She did have thousands of years of practice though.

   “Are you sure that’s what she was getting at when she said that?” Somehow, Marinette hoped it wasn’t. If it was true, that would mean she would have to face her problems. And she wasn’t sure if she was strong enough to face them.

    “I’m positive.”

    They didn’t say anything else as they neared the houseboat. It looked nearly the same as when she was fifteen. Hesitantly, she stepped onto it. She walked down a few steps and knocked at the door.

   “Who is it?” The cheerful voice of Rose responded.

   “Uh, Marinette.” She heard the squeal the shorter girl let out before she opened the door.

  “What brought you here on such a dreary day?” Rose asked as she twirled in her spot.

    Marinette held the keys up. “I came to return them to Luka. Could you tell him thanks for me?”
  
    “Who’s at thee door, Rose?” Before Rose could answer, Mrs. Couffaine walked up behind her. “Oh, Marinette, is it? My little crew has had quite a bit to say about you.”

    The fashion designer gave a nervous laugh to hid the quit snort Tikki let out.

    “Is that so? Well, I better head out. It was nice seeing you again Captian Couffaine.”

    “Please, call me Anarka. And we would be delighted if you would stay.”

    Marinette bit her bottom lip. “I’m not so sure…”

    “Oh please!” Rose exclaimed as she hugged Mari. “Please stay! It’s like you’re one of the Couffaine’s! Not only that, but you’re shivering! Anarka made her special hot chocolate, and there’s plenty.”

    Marinette internally groaned and bit her bottom lip harder. She had this little problem where she didn’t know how to say no. She gulped and forced a smile.

   “Okay Rose, I’ll stay, but only for an hour or two.” Marinette flinched as she swore her eardrums burst from how loud the blonde had squealed. 
_______________________________________
                        Author's notes:
       BJDBEJSJSBDNSKK I'M ALIVE FEMALE OTTERS. DAY 22 OF QUARANTINE. Shout out to all of you who are stuck inside and social distancing. (Not that most of you haven't been practicing for this your entire life.) Also, I find it funny how some of you are just bench reading MLB fanfictions because you're stuck at home.

     Friendly reminder, I FOR SOME REASON CAN'T REMEMBER MUCH ABOUT LUKA'S MOM AND IF SHE HAS A PIRATE ACCENT AND FOR SOME REASON I CAN'T FIND ANY AUDIO ON HER VOICE. I mean it could just be that it's late at night and I've been deprived of sleep for 22 days.

     Any who, thank you lovely little readers for reading! Don't forget to comment and vote! I love hearing what you have to say and I'm open to ideas about fluff between any of the characters! Good day/night!