This is a Lukanette chapter ladies and gentlemen, strap in for my first Miraculous one-shot!

TRIGGER WARNING FOR THE LOVE SQUARE FANS!!!

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"Adrien, I lo-"
"That would be great, guys! But... I doubt my dad would let me go out for long, even if it is Sunday." He flashed a sad smile in their direction as his gorilla guard ushered him to the fancy car. Another weekend plan gone to waste, great. He was already being briefed by Natalie as he waved his friends good bye, listening to the same repetitive schedule as every day.

Even if it was Friday, Adrien still had two photo-shoots, a fencing class with Kagami, and a modeling gig. It really sucks to be the son of Gabriel Agreste, especially when it isolates you from your friends, but there's nothing Adrien could do about that. He could only patiently wait until an akuma appears to set him free from the rough schedule, even if it is for a little bit. He hates this thought, but he hopes one comes sooner than later.

Meanwhile, a certain raven-haired beauty sighed and slumped her shoulders for what seemed like the 86th time that month. She leaned against her best friend for support as she looked up to the cloudy sky. Another attempt failed, foiled by Adrien's own busy life. He didn't notice anything wrong with her even as he bid his good byes and drove off in the silver car, and Marinette was starting to get sick of it.

Two years had passed since she had that moment with him under the umbrella. Two years and she didn't make one step forward in her plan to win his heart. In fact, it looked like she solidified the idea in his head that they are strictly friends. With two years of juggling her superhero duties and schoolwork under her belt, plus the album designs she does so frequently now, chasing affection from Adrien seems like a lost cause. Heck, even Kagami, one of the closest people to him at this moment, knows Adrien is difficult at times, especially when it comes to feelings.

And she tried, she really did! Time and time again, she tried to get past Adrien's denseness, tried to forgive his unintentional cold shoulders when she tried to confess her feelings. She even went as far as ditching the long monologues she used before, and trying to straight up say the L word, but to no avail, he just doesn't understand. Either that or just doesn't care enough to pay attention to her for long enough.

She looked at the gray sky, once reminding her of a sweet moment burned into her heart, now just an add-on to an already lousy day.
"Mari, aren't you tired of this?" Alya sighed, eyeing her friend's sour mood. Lately, that's all Marinette showed when she hung out with them; a sour, depressing mood. It was clear as day that something was shifting in Marinette's head, some tides were turning and her opinions were changing, but Alya was no stranger to that. In fact, she expected it to happen much sooner than it did.

"I don't know, Alya." She replied with a sigh.
"It just feels like a waste of time at this point, doing the same thing everyday just to get his attention. I don't know what to do anymore!" She whimpered into her friend's shoulder, trying to stop the waterworks as the sky darkened above them.
"Dude, don't give up on Adrien now man! I'm sure he'll come around soon! You know him, he takes longer to figure stuff out!" Nino chimed in, but just like Adrien, all she could do is flash a weak smile to him. Nino has been happily in love for the past two years, there is no way him or Alya could know how she feels.

"Guys, thank you for your support and everything, but...I just need a walk to clear my head. I'll see you at Monday, have a great weekend!" She hugged both a concerned Alya and a confused Nino and headed off, dragging her feet with every step. The couple followed her intently with their gazes, until she rounded a corner and blended into the busy Parisian streets. Alya turned her head to her boyfriend, her saddened expression making him hug her gently and whisper into her ear:

"I know, I know. But there is nothing we can do about it. It's true, it'd be amazing if they ended up together, they deserve to have each other. But dude, if they are not compatible, that's just it. She has been trying for two years now, and they haven't budged an inch. Maybe they were made to be just friends." He shrugged a bit as he felt Alya wipe her nose; it was getting colder.

"But Nino, she doesn't deserve that pain. Ever tried being friends with an ex crush? Yeah, it's not exactly a comfortable situation, I can't let Mari feel like that!" She protested, but Nino just shook his head with a small smile.

"Alya, if we could protect the people we care about from the world, I would be the first one to make sure you never got akumatized, ever. But you did, once together with me! You can't protect her from the pain, it'll come whether you like it or not. We can just hope she can find it in herself to forgive life for making her feel this way." He cupped her face gently, kissing her nose as she nodded solemnly, tightening her grasp around his waist.

"Now come on, let's go. It's starting to rain." He lead her to the bus station as the first dreary drops started the large autumn storm.

About an hour later

The rain turned from a small drizzle to an outright downpour, with lightning cracking in the sky and strong winds whip-lashing the barren streets of Paris, making everyone retreat indoors for the day. That is, everyone except a certain raven-haired teenager, fighting against the harsh weather on the banks of the Senna river. She resisted her overwhelming emotions with every excruciating step she made, eyeing the akuma fluttering by from the corner of her eye. The harsh weather was in the back of her head as she tried to keep her emotions from taking over, gulping big breaths of air whenever she saw the cursed butterfly flutter closer.

She is Ladybug. She must not get akumatized. She must protect Paris from Hawkmoth, she cannot let herself be turned into his minion! There is no doubt that the akuma would go into her earrings, exposing her identity to her foe and putting Tikki into serious danger. Her sanity is what keeps Europe's biggest city safe, she can't afford any weaknesses. But then again...Why doesn't anyone save her? Why isn't she protected as well? Ladybug or not, she is still human, how can people expect from her to not feel weak at times?! No, she has to keep focus! She can't let her own misery ruin what could be someone else's perfect day. Still, she just...Ugh. For a ladybug, she is pretty unfortunate if you ask her.

"Marinette? Why are you standing in the rain?" A muffled voice broke through the thundering drops, breaking her inner struggle as her eyes looked to her side. An umbrella shielded her from the constant onslaught of freezing drops, a familiar scent of lavender cologne and wood polish filling her nostrils.

"You are frigid, Mari. Come on, let's get you somewhere dry and warm." He took her hand and pulled her closer under the umbrella, his warmth passing through her soaked clothes, making her finally aware of how cold it actually is. She pressed her side against his, and softly whispered:"

"Luka..."

"We'll talk in a bit, my home is not far from here. Can you walk?" He leaned down and replied, his ocean blue eyes scanning her flushed face with concern. She just slightly nodded and gave him a smile, a smile he reciprocated with a frown. He knew her long enough to know Marinette keeps things bottled up inside, and she must be troubled by something really great if she was just strolling in a storm like this.

They started to walk together in the stormy weather, nothing but silence between them as Luka wrapped his free hand around her waist, letting her soak his shirt as she leaned her head on his chest. She felt his heartbeat pound steadily in his chest, the rhythm soothing her body slowly as the purple akuma fell behind, fluttering in its spot before returning to its disgruntled Master.

In the Couffaine boat

"Aye, Luka! Did ya bring Juleka home? Is she wet from the rain?" His mother yelled from the kitchen as they quickly entered the large boat, eager to get out of the rain.

"Well, I did bring one sad and wet teen home, not sure if it's the right one though." He chuckled, earning a gasp and blush from Marinette, who wished she just stayed in the rain at this moment.

"What are ya talking about, Luka? Oh, Marinette! Welcome aboard lassie! Don't mind Luka, we'll always welcome ya like one of our own!" Anarka poked her head through the door, sending a warm, wide smile to Marinette, before gasping:

"My dear, you are dripping! Come on, go take a shower before ya catch a cold! Luka, bring the girl some of Juleka's clothes and dry yourself as well! This storm is unbelievable! I'll call Juleka and check on her, go!" She stomped to Marinette, dragging her off to the bathroom as Luka simply smiled and went to change his wet shirt.

When Marinette finally got into the bath, Anarka sighed and walked back to the messy kitchen, stepping over pottery and various instruments strewn across the floor. Behind the stove, Luka was already busy with tea, pouring the hot water into three small cups.

"Ya know I expected ya to bring girls home after some time, but the same one for a year and outta the worst storm of the season? Hahah, matey! She's got ya all tied up like a sailor's knot!"

Luka just innocently shrugged at her remark, smiling when he remembered how beautiful she looked, even in the rain.

"Wouldn't be surprised if she could tie one better than I can. She is an incredible girl, mom."

"But Luka, are ya sure she's the right sailor to tie ya up like that? I can sense her boat sailing in different seas." Anarka frowned at her son, him just sighing helplessly to himself. What could he do about that? He knew her heart beats for a different man, but it seems that's no help; he just can't escape those amazing orbs of hers.

"Tell that to my heart. There's only one song that's in there, and it's for her. I can try and pretend there's nothing there, but what for? No matter if she ends up with him or me, my feelings will always be the same." He took the two cups in his hands and left the room, leaving his mother to sadly stare at the floor.

Meanwhile, Marinette stood in the small bath tub, letting the hot water run down her back as she leaned her forehead against the cool tile. She is tired. Tired of this day, tired of failed attempts, tired of this lifestyle. If she could move away from it for just a day, just one day outside of her own life, maybe that would bring her some strength to continue this, to finally confess her feelings, to finally finish that album cover for Jagged, to be a better Ladybug. She could imagine it, one day where she doesn't have to go anywhere, do anything, and that one fateful day when he actually notices her and comes to make that day even better.

But those are just dreams. Nothing but dreams. This storm will settle in a few hours and she will be back at it again, working till three in the morning to finish the work for tomorrow. Then, she'll probably have to deal with an akuma or two, Chat's dumb remarks, Adrien, and like that day in, day out.

"Mari, is everything okay in there? I brought you some clothes." Luka asked on the other side of the door, gently knocking twice before the door creaked open slightly, and a handful of dark clothes were placed on the sink's edge.

"F-fine! Just enjoying the shower!" Marinette replied in her cheery tone, although it was obvious to both that there was nothing cheerful going on.

"If you say so. I'll be waiting for you outside." And he shut the door quietly, leaving her alone with her thoughts again.

Luka was so nice to her today. Taking her in from the rain, giving her fresh, clean clothes, caring for her like she was his sister. She really didn't know how long would she be roaming in the rain if he hadn't stumbled upon her and gave her shelter. She'll definitely have to repay him somehow, but how?

Ah, no reason to mull over that now. She doesn't want to hog the shower to herself, Luka probably needs it too after walking in that storm with her. She turned off the shower and dried her hair off, before gazing at the mirror. There she is, Marinette Dupain-Cheng. A normal girl, with a normal life, and a secret to come with it. Marinette Dupain-Cheng, a creative, talented, intriguing human, aching to take a break. Marinette Dupain-Cheng, the shy, stupid, useless klutz who can't put three words together when she has to. She sighed and inspected the clothes neatly folded at the edge of the sink; a pair of black tights, a black hoodie and short T-shirt. Well, at least the clothes fit her mood. She quickly threw them on and exited the bathroom, not caring about her wild hair and bare feet at the moment.

"Ah, Marinette! Hope ya feel better, skipper. I'm sorry to inform ya that the storm's pickin' up, there's no way you can go out there till tomorrow. Would it be okay if ya slept in Juleka's bed for the night? She shares her room with Luka." Anarka greeted her with a phone in her one hand, and a second set of black clothing in her other, most likely pajamas.

"B-but what about Juleka? Where will she sleep?" Marinette asked as the pile of clothes got shoved into her hands, and before she knew it, Anarka was in a different room, yelling:

" She's sleeping over at  Rose's house! No worries, Luka will escort ya back home when the storm dies down. Time to hit the sack, young pirate! We made ya some tea!"

She was left alone in the hallway, confused and trying to make sense of the situation, until the familiar strumming of a guitar came from behind her, so soft, so clear; as if made with the intention of harmonizing with the rain, hitting a different chord every time thunder struck. Her feet instinctively moved to the room, just as any other time she came here, but without her other friends, it sounded different, more personal, more...intimate. It sounded as if he were calling for her, using his music to invite her once more, and who was she to refuse?

She rounded the corner quickly, finding Luka in his usual position, cross-legged, strumming his white rock guitar with his eyes closed, only wearing a different Jagged Stone shirt this time. Marinette passed him and walked to Juleka's bed, neatly placing the clothes on the edge before sitting on the bed, listening to his soothing melody for what seemed like an eternity before he spoke:

"Again?" He asked, and she chuckled, albeit humorlessly.

"Yeah." She replied, gazing at her bare feet.

"Isn't it pathetic? You don't even have to ask anymore to know what's bringing me down." She cringed slightly at her own words. Yes, it truly seemed like the most pathetic, worthless emotion in the world, and she is the owner of it. What a life!

"I never had to ask, Mari. I could always feel it coming from you." And he played it once more, the melody he designated for her heart, for this emotion, for this moment. Marinette had been listening to it for over a year, yet it never lost its impact. It was always there to remind her that there is something beautiful in every emotion, even if it is the melody itself. Even now, when she would rather crawl into the darkness and cry, it made her feel like she could fight for a little longer.

" But... It's different this time. It sounds something like... this." His fingers moved over the lower strings slowly, creating a low, humming noise. It was quiet and solemn, making Marinette anxious just from hearing the saddened notes. He read her like sheet music, again. 

"I can't quite put my finger on it, but I'd say you're fed up with something." He stopped playing the guitar and placed it next to his bed, leaning his elbows on his knees.

"I'm all ears." He sent her a reassuring smile, but she just bit her lip and looked away.

"Luka, I don't know..." 

"Marinette..." He got up and walked to the desk in his room, then to Marinette with the hot cups of tea in hand. Gently placing one of them in her own hand, he kneeled down in front of her and took hold of her hand, the smile still lighting up his face.

"I can't bare to let you feel like this. Please, let me inside of your head. I'll fix your mood as much as I can, I promise." 

"Luka..."

"Marinette, please." He insisted.  She sighed. No point in keeping it a secret, it won't change anything anyways. She nodded slightly and he leaned back, sipping on the warm liquid as she looked down at her own steaming mug.

" I...I have been crushing on him for the past two years now. A-and you know, that would be fine if s-something actually happened between us in that time...But n-nothing did. N-nothing at all! A-and I am so done with it!" She closed her eyes to try and stop the tears from flowing and gripped the mug so hard she could feel the cracks forming underneath her fingertips.

"Mari-"

"I'm sorry, I just... I am sick a-and tired of this, all of this, n-not j-just Adrien! A-albums, d-designs, school... I need a break!" She quickly placed the mug next to her and went to wipe the tears away, when she was grabbed by the wrists and pulled up, her tear-filled eyes widening in surprise.

"Mari, please don't cry. I can handle anything but that."  He hugged her tightly, leaning his head on top of hers slightly as her breath got caught in her throat.

" You are really amazing, you know. You are doing so much to help other people as much as you can, and you don't even know how much you're worth." He whispered in her hair, smiling softly as she gripped his shirt.

"I want you to stop feeling like this, like all you do means nothing, because it does mean something to me. Actually, it means so, so much. " He moved a little to look her in the eyes. Into her beautiful, deep, clear eyes. 

"I'll never let you be miserable like this again. Such an amazing person doesn't deserve to feel that emotion. So..." He took a step back, still keeping eye-contact with her, and bowed slightly, exclaiming with a low chuckle:

" Hello, I am Luka!"

"L-luka?!" She jumped, surprised by his action. What is he doing?

"Yeah, that is what I said!" He laughed lightly, breaking his usually cool facade. She just stood there, looking at his mysterious blue eyes and upturned lips, his pearly whites slightly peaking under them. What should she do is an even better question! Well, maybe she should reply?

"I'm M-m-marinette!" She squeaked out shyly, her now all familiar blush staining her cheeks.

"Well hi, M-m-marinette." He chuckled again, and Marinette gasped. Is he really... No! He is!

"Come here, let's do something!" He pulled her by her hand and twirled her around, laughing at her small gasps and squeaks. Just what is he trying to do?!

"W-what are you doing?!" She tried to say as he lead her around the room by her hands, chuckling to himself when she almost tripped over the rug.

"Me? I am doing nothing, but we are doing something called dancing." 

"D-dancing?! At this time?!" She asked, but he just shrugged and smiled, lifting her into the air a bit as he replied:

"Is there ever a bad time to dance, M-m-marinette?" He chuckled, and she frowned in response.

"Ok, what are we- WOAH!" She yelled as he tripped and fell over the unfortunate rug, she following after him and landing on top. He smiled, leaned his head back and laughed. Genuinely, wholeheartedly laughed, shaking his head in the process. Marinette blushed again and looked at him in disbelief, is he joking with her?

"Luka, I am confused! What are we doing?!" She asked, her entire face turning beet red when she realized the position she was in.

"Well, not stuttering is one thing." He smirked and she got even redder, looking anywhere but at his face. So he is treating her as a joke, how kind.

"Hey, Mari." He gently tapped her cheek, but she still refused to look at him, pouting as he craned his head at her. 

"Look, I know these thoughts and feelings burden you at the moment, but I want you to forget them. For one day, one hour, or one second, it doesn't matter. I just want you to forget the world." He finished, and she finally turned to look at him. She searched for any signs of a joke, but it seemed that he might be dead serious. If he isn't making fun of her, then what is his goal?

"Do you really mean that?" She quietly asked, lowering her head ever so slightly as he maintained eye contact with her.

"I do." He nodded. "Even the world knows you need that need a break. And with this storm, what else can we do than forget?" He chuckled as she removed strands of hair from her face. So, he is trying to cheer her up? Possibly, or he is a very good actor. Oh well, it's not like he would be the first person making a fool out of her today.

"Yeah, I guess so." She said after a second or two, and he nodded.

"Well then, let's go again. Hi, I'm Luka."

"And I'm Marinette!"

"Are you sure it's not M-m-marinette?"

"Hey!" She slapped his chest lightly, but he just chuckled slightly, his cool attitude coming back to him.

"Alright alright, I'm just kidding! Nice to meet you Marinette!" He leaned against the bed behind him, watching her movements as he got off of him and sat down to his left side.

"So tell me Mr.Luka, what do we do now?" She asked with a playful grin as he lied down on the floor, their eyes never breaking contact as he held his head up with his hand, winking at her as he looked up to his desk.

"Well, to get away from the world we first need to turn invisible." He reached out over his head and plugged out the table lamp, and darkness suddenly filled the room. She giggled and asked:

"Okay, what next?" 

"Now we need to forget the time." He took off his blue jacket and hoodie, and carelessly threw them over the sun-shaped clock on the wall, smiling at Marinette's subtle giggles in the dark.

"Is there anything else we have to do, Luka-san?" Marinette whispered in his ear, making Luka happy they turned off the lights, otherwise she would have a clear view his blushing face. How did she know?

"W-well, there is one more thing..."

"I thought we weren't stuttering anymore, hm?" Marinette remarked, at which just Luka laughed and turned on his side completely. Marinette followed his movements and lied down facing him, smiling even though he can't see it.

"The final step is to forget the people." He held his phone up, the screen turned to her with his thumb hovering over the off button. (Yes it's an android I hate I-phones sue me) Marinette bit her lip and didn't show her phone. Is she really ready to forget her friends too? Alya will definitely get worried, and her parents too!

"Don't worry about it. Just relax." He whispered calmly, patiently waiting for Marinette's decision.

"Ready?" She looked at his phone. It's now or never. She'll just send a text in the morning to everyone. Besides, if they really need her, Juleka knows where she is, her mom must've told her. She took a deep breath and fetched her phone from the pocket of Juleka's hoodie, and turned the screen to him. She focused on his phone as the screen darkened, and hers followed suit. They both moved them away and just lied there, in complete silence.

"What now?" Marinette whispered quietly, but still loud enough for him to hear it.

"Now? Now we welcome our new world..." He whispered, inching a bit closer to her.

"A world we can both escape to..." He heard her breath hitch as their fingers touched.

" A world with no sights, no sounds, no consciousness..." His thumb rested on the back of her hand, its warmth triggering a shiver down her spine. She could feel his warm breath in the darkness. So close, so deep, so pronounced. Is he nervous?

"Just you and me, Mari. Just us." When silence filled the room again, Marinette felt tension rise in her chest. What is this feeling? Was it his closeness making her feel this way? But...They are just friends... Still, she feels so different now. What is going on? 

"Luka and Marinette, two nobodies. Here.Now." 

Her body moved on its own accord, her slender arms wrapping around his broad shoulders, her fingers finding their way to his dark hair, entangling themselves in the soft locks. Her body was pressed flush against his as he wrapped his arms around her small waist, his forehead pressed against her shoulder. His breathing, now ragged and shallow, resonated within her body like an earthquake, just far enough to tempt her to come closer. 

"Luka...Take me away, please..." Her tiny frame shivered against his larger form as the merciless wind rocked Liberty, afraid that the waves would separate them from each other.

"No need." he breathed, "You're perfect right now."  She widened her eyes as his hand found hers again, entangling their fingers tightly.

"I don't need a guitar. I don't need a light. I don't need my mind. I don't even need your tempting lips. I just need you." He moved his head to look at her face, his eyes not failing to notice the gleam in her eyes as lighting struck, glimpses of perfection he had to restrain himself from.

"I need you here. I need to feel your breathtaking eyes on me. I can't even imagine how beautiful they are, even though I've seen them thousands of times by now." 

She couldn't say a word. His words were so...Different. Sincere, clear, a melody to her ears. This feeling, this emotion... She can't let it end. Her hand gently pressed against his cheek, urging him for more, more of those sweet words he so expertly expressed. She needed this now, she needed his attention, his affection. Nothing mattered more in this moment, not the rain, not Adrien, not the world.

"You are still the melody I hear every night I go to bed and every morning when I wake up. I'll never live a day without thinking about your smile." He stroked her warm cheek, smiling when she leaned in slightly.

" I'll never let you lose hope. I'll never let them hurt you." He leaned in closely, his face inches from hers.

"Je t'aime, Marinette.  Je t'aime tellement."

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And that's it! Haha, I know, a dick move from me to end it here, but alas, what can you do? I hope you enjoyed this chapter, took me almost a week to write and rewrite it because Wattpad randomly decides not to save progress on a 4000+ words chapter, yay for me!

Anyways, next one will be a bit disturbing for some of you so if you're not into manipulation and... Sexual displays I suggest you skip right over that one!

Word count: 4707

Translations (French to English):

Je t'aime- I love you

Je t'aime tellement - I love you very much

That's all from me for now! If you want to write this idea into a full blown fanfic, message me!

See ya in the next one!

OceanFury