"It will be fine."

"It'll be fine."

Both of those phrases came out of the mouths of Kagami and Luka as they tried reassuring their dates that the double date they had planned would not go horrible.

"No, yeah, I know it will," Adrien answered Kagami, flashing her a brief smile. He inspected himself in the full length mirror, adjusting his navy blue blazer. "I just wonder why Marinette planned this whole date?"

Kagami shrugged, slipping on her black flats and reaching for a hair brush off her dresser. "Why not? It's a good way for us to just forget about school for a little and have fun."

Kagami finished brushing her hair and then put it into a tight, low bun. She left a few pieces of hair dangling in front of her eyes. She wore a pair of black skinny jeans and a white zip-up hoodie.

"Yeah," Adrien smiled, feeling more positive. "Okay."

He then turned and looked her up and down. Even though the simple and casual, she was still looking gorgeous. "You look great."

"Thanks. You don't look so bad yourself blondie," she winked, flicking a piece of his blonde hair.

Adrien felt a strange sensation growing in the pit of his stomach, and he swore he started to feel his cheeks heat up. He quickly coughed, looking at his watch for a distraction.

"We better go," he mumbled. "Marinette said to meet her and Luka at the Eiffel Tower in 10 minutes."

"Got it," Kagami nodded, grabbing Adrien's hand. "Let's go, date."

*

Marinette stood alone underneath the Eiffel Tower, waiting for Luka to appear.

He told her he had guitar lessons, so they weren't able to get ready together. Marinette was fine with that though, because it would have made things super awkward.

She likes Luka. A lot. And she wouldn't want to do anything to hurt him. But a buried part of her secretly wished that Adrien was coming to swoop her up into his arms instead.

Marinette has almost accepted that she and Adrien will never be together. But there is still a part of her, the innocent and naive side, that wishes things could be different.

But they won't. No matter how many times Marinette wishes they would, it cant happen. Because she sees how happy Adrien is with Kagami. And she could never give him that.

So, in a way, Marinette is glad things worked out the way they did. She still cares deeply for Adrien and only wishes for his happiness, even if that means his happiness derives from another girl.

"Hey," a voice suddenly spoke from behind, breaking the infinite sounds of her thoughts.

Marinette turned to Luka, who had his arms crossed behind his back.

"Sorry I'm late," he said. He then moved his arms from behind his back to hold out a bouquet of beautiful pink tulips. Marinette's favorite!

Her heart melted at the sight and she walked towards Luka, smiling sincerely and giving him a big hug. "Thank you."

"Of course, anything for you," he whispered into her ear.

Goosebumps formed on her skin and she squeezed him tightly, embracing his hug.

"Hey guys," Kagami's voice rang out, startling Marinette.

She jumped, turning around to peer at the new guests, still enveloped in Luka's arms. She saw Adrien following behind Kagami, looking handsome as usual.

"Oh hey," Marinette smiled. "You two look nice."

Kagamine curtsied, bowing her head. "Thank you very much, same to you."

"Thanks," she answered. Marinette noticed that Kagami did not recognize who Luka was, so she took the time to introduce her to him.

"Oh, Kagami, this is Luka," Marinette said, moving to the side. "Luka, Kagami."

Luka held out his hand. "Nice to meet you," he smiled.

"You as well," Kagami replied, giving him a firm handshake. "Love the blue hair by the way."

"Thanks," he laughed. "You're that insanely good fencer, right?"

Their voices carried off into the distance as they got to know each other and Adrien quietly scooted over to Marinette.

"Hi," he smiled, his eyes focused on her. "How are you?"

Marinette looked up at him, her untied hair blowing in the wind. "Good. Living the life," she laughed awkwardly, brushing a piece of hair behind her ear. "How about you?"

"I'm okay," Adrien nodded, shoving his hands in his pockets. "You look nice. As usual."

Marinette laughed a little too loudly, scratching the back of her head. Her cheeks became hot. "Geez, thanks."

"What, do you not believe me?" Adrien asked.

"No, it's just that-- do you know how fast I would've passed out if you would've said that when I still had that crazy crush on you?"

"Oh," Adrien blinked. "Didn't think about that," He then smirked, leaning in closer, "But it was a crazy crush, huh?"

"Oh shut up!" Marinette laughed, smacking his arm.

They both started laughing and only then did Marinette notice that Luka and Kagami were both staring at them quietly.

"Oh, sorry," Marinette quickly composed herself. "I didn't know you guys were done talking already. I'm guessing you guys are ready to start this date?"

"Take your time. It was cute seeing you laugh like that," Luka winked.

Marinette chuckled, her face growing red. "Um, right. Let's go then."

Luka held out his arm for Marinette and she grabbed onto it, and the two walked away.

The four of them walked to a movie theater that was nearby and now had to decide which movie to see. They stood outside, examining the various movie posters lining the wall.

"Let's see that one," Kagami grinned, pointing to a movie poster with bloody zombies on it. She linked her arm through Adrien's. "Please?"

"I don't know," Adrien gulped, slightly uneasy. He looked at Marinette. "What do you think?"

"I'm fine with it," she shrugged. "I didn't really have a movie in mind anyway."

She then glanced up at Luka.

"Is," Marinette paused, looking over at the movie poster before turning back to him, "Zombie Slayerz okay with you?"

He nodded with a confident smirk. "Sounds great."

"Awesome!" Kagami cheered. "Let's go, then!" She jogged up to the ticket booth.

Adrien followed behind, smiling uneasily. Marinette noticed this and caught up to him. "You okay?" she asked.

"Yeah, of course!" he smiled, trying to act normal. "This is going to be... fun."

"You sure about that? You look terrified," Marinette laughed.

"Okay, fine," Adrien sighed, dropping the act. "I'm actually terrified. I don't do well with blood and guts. But please dont tell Kagami that. I don't want to seem like a total loser to her."

"It's okay," Marinette smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I promise I won't tell."

Once they were in the theater, they shuffled into the top row of seats and sat down with their popcorn and drinks in hand. Marinette sat in between Luka and Adrien, with Kagami on Adrien's other side.

The opening credits began to roll with creepy, stereo-typical horror music playing.

Luka smiled at Marinette. "Hey, I'm gonna count our shoulders," he whispered. He raised his right arm, counting each of their shoulders, starting with his left one. "One, two, three..." he gently wrapped his arm around Marinette shoulder, smirking, "Four."

Marinette rolled her eyes and smiled, thinking the motion was so overused. At least he tried, though.

Kagami rested her head on Adrien's arm as the movie began to play. He smiled, laying his head on hers.

Marinette slyly noticed this and decided it was a good idea so she rested her head on Luka's shoulder. He booped her nose and she giggled softly.

Adrien heard this adorable sound and glanced over at her. His heart inexplicably stung at the sight of her cuddling with Luka-- wait what?

He hastily tore his eyes away from Marinette and instead focused on the movie. The presence of Kagami made him feel better, assuring him that he definitely wasn't jealous of Luka or anything.

"Don't go in there," Kagami growled ominously, her eyes glued to the movie screen. Slowly she rose out of her seat as the antipication grew. "Don't go in there!"

Adrien widened his eyes as the blood dripping, gash-covered zombie trudged over towards the unsuspecting girl who unwisely locked herself in the dimly lit basement with the creature.

"Idiot girl," Kagami snarled, throwing her hands up in the air. "She deserves to get eaten."

"Exactly," Luka replied. "Everybody knows not to go in the basement!"

"Maybe she thought it would be a safe hiding place?" Marinette mumbled. "I mean, how did that zombie even get down there in the first place?"

"Yeah," Adrien nodded, agreeing with her but also trying to distract himself from the guts that were literally hanging out of the zombie's stomach. "If I were in a zombie apocalypse, the first place I would go would be a basement where all my supplies are at. That way they can't get to me."

"But then you're trapped," Kagami shot back, raising an eyebrow. "I say you fight through all of the zombies."

One of the movie goers in front of them turned around in his chair and pressed a finger to his lips. "Shhh!" he whispered violently, his jaw clenched.

Kagami grumbled and fell back into her chair in defeat. She looked over at Adrien and mouthed the words, "This isn't over."

Adrien chuckled under his breath, shaking his head. He hoped she wasnt seriously mad about this argument, but the smirk that tugged on her lips proved otherwise, which made him feel better.

All of a sudden, Kagami popped out of her chair, cheering happily. Sounds of flesh being ripped away accompanied by the sound of blood-curtling screams echoed throughout the theater. "Yes! RIP HER TO SHREDS!"

Luka laughed, getting a kick out of her reaction. He stood up abruptly, roughing Marinette up sufficiently. "Yeah! WHAT SHE SAID!"

Marinette sank into her chair, her hair a mess. She blinked profusely, guessing that she looked like she had just been sucked up into a tornado.

Adrien glanced over at Marinette, feeling bad for her. She was so tiny compared to Luka and himself, all of the commotion roughed her up a bit. "Are you okay?" he asked, lowering his head.

"Yeah," she smiled crookedly, sliding back up into her seat. She composed herself and tried to watch the movie.

Adrien continued watching the movie, cringing at the sight of the zombies dislocating the girls arm from its socket and eating it like a drumstick. He mumbled in disgust, shielding his eyes. Natural, his head lowered onto Marinette's arm.

Marinette gently poked his head. "Are you okay?" she whispered, smiling slightly. She felt kinda weird for her and Adrien to be so close- I mean she didnt hate it, but Luka might see them and she doesnt want him to get the wrong idea--

"Totally," Adrien nodded in response, still avoiding the screen.

From beside him Kagami cheered, raising her fists in the air. "WOO! Best death scene ever!"

Luka wiggled his way past Marinette and Adrien over to Kagami. "Up top sister!" he chuckled back, giving her a high five.

Adrien peeked out from behind his fingers, lifting his head off her arm. "Is it over?"

"Yeah," Marinette chuckled softly.

"Phew, good. Thought I was about to puke there," Adrien sighed in relief.

Luka looked over at Marinette, sitting back down in his seat. "Wasnt that great, babe?"

Marinette's eyes widened. Did he just-- No way!

Her cheeks grew very hot and she found it difficult to form words. "Uh, y-yeah!"

Meanwhile, Adrien was too busy hearing Kagami describe every single detail to him over and over.

"-and then her arm snapped off and blood went everywhere, it was great!" Kagami yelled. "Talk about messy!"

The same boy turned around in his chair and shushed them once again, this time with more force and anger behind hit.

Kagami narrowed her eyes, pointing a finger at the boy. "Why don't you shush yourself?"

He abruptly turned back around in his chair, huffing loudly.

Marinette still felt lightheaded after Luka called her babe. They were practically in the next stage of their relationship now!

Was she ready for that? Of course she was!... She loved Luka.

But she needed a drink.

"I need to get a drink," Marinette smiled quickly, jumping out of her chair and jogging down the steps.

"Okay," Luka replied, almost in confusion.

Adrien curiously raised his head, watching as Marinette left the theater. "I'd better check on her," he whispered to Kagami, getting out of his chair.

Marinette pushed open the door to the bathroom and leaned over the sink. Tikki flew out of her purse.

"What's wrong?" Tikki asked, floating in front of her.

Marinette turned on the faucet and splashed water in her face. She immediately felt refreshment. "Nothing. Everything is great. But..."

Tikki tilted her head. "What is it?"

"Is this right? Should I be going after Luka?"

"Of course you should! Why wouldn't you?" Tikki asked.

"I dont know. I've just been thinking about Adrien this entire night. I know I shouldnt but... I still have feelings for him. And Luka is amazing, dont get me wrong, but Adrien was my first actual crush and it's hard to replace him."

Tikki sighed, flying up beside Marinette's cheek. "Follow your heart. Whatever you feel deep inside, trust it."

Marinette laughed. "That doesnt exactly help me right now."

"Maybe. But just keep enjoying your night and see where it takes you," Tikki shrugged, smiling.

"Okay. Thanks Tikki," Marinette winked. "Ya know, when you aren't busy transforming me into Ladybug, you should be an inspirational speaker or something."

Tikki giggled just as a knock was heard on the door.

"Marinette?" Adrien's muffled voice yelled from outside. "Is everything okay?"

"Y-yeah!" Marinette stuttered, her cheeks heating up. She quickly ushered Tikki into her purse and opened the door. She was nose to chest with Adrien in 2 seconds flat. His cologne was absolutely intoxicating.

"Sorry!" they both exclaimed at the same time, taking a step back. Unfortunately, Marinette stepped back into the bathroom door and banged the back of her head against it.

"Ouch!" she exclaimed, grabbing her head.

"Are you alright?" Adrien quickly asked, rushing to her aid. "Sorry."

"No it's okay," Marinette laughed. "Just being my clumsy self."

"I was just checking up on you," Adrien mumbled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "Plus, I don't mind missing out on that movie. Horror is not my movie genre."

Marinette giggled, crossing her arms. "I could tell. Are you more of a comedy guy?"

"Yes. Definitely," Adrien smirked. "In fact, I wouldn't care if we saw another movie while this zombie one finished up." He pointed to a cheesy movie poster that was plastered on the wall.

"Our dates are preoccupied after all," Marinette mumbled, scratching her chin while she pondered his idea. Then she thought about Tikki's words and how Marinette should keep it going with Luka... Her arms flew back down to her side. "We shouldn't."

"Why not?" Adrien asked, his eyes softening. His quirky demeanor came back and he nudged Marinette, smiling. "It'll be fun."

She bit her fingernails, unsure of what to do. Luka was enjoying the zombie movie with Kagami... They would be fine!

Follow your heart, Tikki had said to her.

Those words resonated within her head and Marinette knew what to do.

She grinned, grabbing Adrien's hand. He blushed, surprised by her sudden assertiveness.

"I'm guessing the comedy is a yes?" Adrien squeaked, trying not to melt under her touch. Wait, what?

Little did he know, she was equally freaking out. One, because she was touching his hand and two, because she realized she wasn't out of love with Adrien Agreste just yet.

"Yep!" Marinette laughed, tugging the blonde into the neighboring theater.

Hopefully Luka and Kagami wouldn't notice.

*

*

*

BONUS:

Kagami raised her arms in the air after the movie commenced, proudly displaying her amazement. Luka followed closely behind her.

"That was great!" Kagami grinned.

Luka smiled in agreement. "I've never seen a better movie. Hey, did you ever find out where Adrien and Marinette went?"

"I bet they went to see another movie together," Kagami smiled, crossing her arms.

"Why would you say that?" Luka asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I've always known that Adrien still had a thing for Marinette. You probably noticed it with Marinette too. They weren't into the movie like us. And when they mysteriously disappeared together, well, it's obvious."

Luka dropped his head and frowned. "You're right. I saw the way she looked at him."

"It was inevitable," Kagami smiled and shrugged. She placed a hand on his shoulder. "I kinda had a crush on Adrien, but now it's for someone else."

"Who?" his breath hitched in his throat.

"You."

Time stood still in that moment. Luka was processing her words.

"Really?" he gasped, feeling his heart race. His cheeks grew very hot.

Kagami snorted, punching Luka in the arm. "I'm just kidding. You should've seen your face."

Luka laughed nervously, deflating. "Ha ha. Right."

Kagami suddenly leaned in closer to Luka's ear. "But now I know you kinda have a thing for me," she whispered, sending chills down his spine.

Oh, how the tables have turned.