#quickspinner

[verfound]

FIC: Paris's Favorite Not-a-Couple (MLB; Lukanette; LBSC Valentine 2025; 2/8)

Notes: I was going to stick to a weekly posting schedule, but when I split the fic up this ended up being the shortest chapter?  And I’ve had so much fun with this one, guys, and I’m so excited to get it out, so…hey, let’s do a Sunday update!  (Sunday’s probably going to be my posting day for this one.  It’s also one o’clock in the morning and totally Sunday already, right?  😝)

Also, Angie is the lovely @quickspinner s. We just kidnap borrow her from time to time as needs be…

Chapter 1

Chapter Two: Another Wee Ask…

There were three pictures online the next day.

Two of them talking and laughing over their lunch ‘date’.

And one of their parting hug, when he’d foregone the traditional bise for a lingering kiss that was definitely closer to her mouth than her cheek like than should have been.

 His lips still burned from it.

“You two are absolutely disgusting,” Juleka groaned that night while they waited for Rose to finish up dinner. He looked up from where he was playing with Angie in the living room, a frown on his face.

“That’s a horrible thing to say about your own daughter,” he said. He scooped the almost-year-old baby up off the playmat and held her up, pulling a pout when she giggled and swatted at his face. “Look at her: she’s an angel. How can your ma be so mean, huh, baby?” “Not you and Angie, dumbass, you and Marinette,” Juleka groused.

[weisssgeld]

Tribute to @quickspinner!

It’s Luka the Runway Divo!

Ever since I read this I get craving for Luka in huge dress and high heels, and when I do I go read the story. I love this piece so much. Thank you so much @quickspinner for this lovely story!!

[lovebugs-and-snakecharmers]

LBSC Secret Admirer Exchange 2024 Works

A huge congratulations and thank you to all of our exchange participants this year! We hope you enjoyed the event and we hope everyone enjoys all of these amazing works! Any late entries will be added to this post once they've been published. Thanks for making this another memorable year! You can find our AO3 collection here.

@alwaysawkwardd for @omnoramayday: Just a Dream (nsfw)

@celestiall0tus for @misted-glass: Art

@haphira for @rierse: That’s Just Like... Soulmates? (with bonus art)

@inkmousey for Misty Shadow: Art

@misted-glass for @spikartxx: Harmonia's rise

Misty Shadow for @alwaysawkwardd: Finally Together

@omnoramayday for @quickspinner: By Another Name

@quickspinner for @haphira: This is Crazy

@rierse for @nerdypanda3126: Breathless (with bonus art Selfie)

@rierse for @writer-rider-dirty-thirties: The Art of Seduction Communication

@spikartxx for @trixxiephantomhive: Art

@trixxiephantomhive for @celestiall0tus: Fantasy Lovers (art)

[airi-p4]

hey Airi, can you recommend me some alya salt fics (bonus if it's lukanette)

Hi! I haven't been reading many fics lately (I want to catch up so baaad ;v;) and my memory is not the best but sure! I'll do what I can! (Tbh, I don't think I've read any Alya salt fics that's not Lukanette so the bonus is definitely included LOL)

These are the ones I have bookmarked or subscribed on AO3 (some of them are minor salt and some are dark so make sure to check the tags, please!!):

Oops by @quickspinner [Rated M] (I recommend all Quick's fics in general btw -SO GOOD)

Two Letters by cartoonaddict564

We're a kiss at 2am by @nerdypanda3126 [Rated E] (Panda's writing is just SO GOOD- I 100% recommend all her stories)

Juleka vs the forces of evil by @goldenlaurelleaveswrites (SO FREAKING GOOD!! I get so excited every time I see an update. I LOVE IT)

Luckier without , Choice chances and LadyBugOut by @miraculouscontent (I ADORE everything MC writes. Both FLUFF and SALT are exquisite. 100% recommend all of MC's stories and rants)

I'd kill for you by @notasiren21 [Rated M]

For the Lady's Favour , Liquid Courage and Living Arrangements by @mintaka14 [Rated T , M and M] (I LOVE Min's stories!!)

Marinette's Hanahaki by @haphira

Of Science Teachers and Coffee Addicts by N3verlandsShadow and Toko_Shadow (Nixys11)

When a Snake Strikes by lunamugetsu [Rated E] (Yandere Luka - VERY DARK)

Multibug and Vipercat AU by broadwaynerd_3

Hello Stranger by Freedom_shamrock

What goes around comes around saga by @cornholio4

Minor Alya salt:

Practice makes perfect by @ladycat1

Chords and Courtship by @goldenlaurelleaveswrites

And these are three Alya salt fics written by me:

Surfacing secrets

Fact check

The choice (just a pinch of salt)

I'm sure there's more, but I can't remember right now ^^; I recommend using AO3's tags to find more of them, either "Alya salt" or "Alya Césaire Bashing" (plus "endgame Luka Couffaine/Marinette Dupain-Cheng" or "lukanette endgame" for the bonus)

I hope this helped!

[mystic-myrtille]

Hey, i'm bored, can u recommend me some adrien salt fics (Bonus points if it's lukanette)

Bonus for Lukanette? Looks like I’m getting all the bonus points😂 I mean I haven‘t really read any Adrien salt fics for the sake of reading salt as of recent but because it was a Lukanette fic that happened to also have some salt😂 so yeah they’re all Lukanette whoopsie

Also I don’t know what exactly you’re looking for but most of those aren‘t really super heavy salt? And several salt on other characters as well, so beware. I‘ll try my best nontheless, hope that works for you

From the top of my head, here‘s a few I can think of:

Juleka vs the forces of the universe by @goldenlaurelleaveswrites , multichapter. Juleka is fed up with Mari being „meant for“ Adrien and works against the forces of the universe to get Lukanette to come closer. Beware, it‘s more or less salt against… well, everybody😂

Choice chances by @miraculouscontent , one-shot. Takes place after 5x02. Mari hangs out with Luka and opens up about her not feeling like she has much of a choice for her life. Adrien is only mentioned

Dread string of fate by @miraculouscontent , multichapter. You probably know that one, in which case, go reread it. It‘s a masterpiece

Everything from @miraculouscontent really😂

The one to make it stay by @thesaltyoceanwaves , multi-chapter. S3 Lukanette au. I love everything about it

Live with it by @quickspinner , multichapter. Aftermath of Chat‘s fuck-up in the NY special

The Ladybug‘s knight by Nyx_the_dragon on AO3, one-shot. Chat is being his obnoxious and flirty self and Luka gets akumatized over it.

Patient by 19thcentury on AO3, one-shot. Also NY special salt with mild Adrien salt. He‘s only mentioned

[goldenlaurelleaveswrites]

[Redacted]

AO3

How do you talk about the unspeakable? How do you share a secret you can’t tell? 

____________________________________________________

This was a complete accident. I was chatting with @quickspinner and @rierse and I plunnied myself and I somehow ended up with... this.

I'm still not entirely sure what this is 😅

_____________________________________________________

She dragged her feet along the cobblestones as she made her way to the bridge, doing her best to prolong what little time was left and delay the inevitable. The inevitable that was like lead in her heart.

She had been so stupid. To think that…

Being Ladybug had been hard enough. She had had so little time for her family. Her friends. Herself. 

And that had been before… 

She should have known better. She should have known that secrets and love didn’t mix.

That Ladybug had to come first. And the box now too…

That all she would ever do was hurt people. 

And she had hurt the person in Paris who deserved it the least. 

And it had been entirely her fault.  

Despite her her heavy heart weighing on her and her best efforts, all too soon, she was at the bridge she knew Luka would be waiting for her on. 

Her footsteps were too loud in the quiet of the night. The city was mercifully if not painfully quiet; the streets, usually bustling with nightlife were all but deserted. The river too, usually choke full of tourists taking romantic strolls along its banks, or taking in the city lights from boats, was serene and silent.  It was like the city itself was holding its breath. Like it knew what she was about to do. 

What she had to do. 

Slowly, she made her way towards its centre, where a lone figure stood. 

He was staring down into the river below, his shoulders hunched and head hanging heavily as he leaned against the railing. She knew she wore her heart on her sleeve, and in his own way, Luka was just as much an open book. She could tell by the way he was drumming his fingers on the railing that his mind was going a mile a minute, and that he was trying to slow it. Just like she could tell he was frustrated with himself by the way he was digging the toe of his shoe into the ground. 

That he was hurting. 

She had to stop herself from going right up to him, to stand beside him the way she had grown so used to doing. So fond of doing. It wasn’t fair to him. 

None of this was. 

She opened her mouth, and floundered with words that were suddenly lost to her. 

“Marinette,” he said quietly, still looking down into the water. 

“Luka…” she managed to say. A lump was forming in her throat that made even just his name difficult to say. “I…” 

Luka pushed off from the railing, turning to look at her as her voice trailed off pitifully. His face was haunted by pain. Pain she had caused. But because he was Luka, there was patience there too. And that deep sense of understanding. 

The lump in her throat was suddenly impossibly bigger, turning her already uphill battle of trying to find words she didn’t want to say into a treacherously steep climb. And it didn’t help that Luka was watching her with so much patience and care. The way he always did when she tripped over herself.

She had never wished more than right now, that she had never been chosen. 

Uselessly, she opened her mouth. No sound came out. She wetted her lips and took a shaky breath. 

“Marinette-” he started to say. Just the way he said it, so gently, yet so heartbroken.  

“I don’t want to lie to you, Luka,” she almost whispered. “I don’t think I can-” the hurt was still so raw in his eyes. She dropped her gaze. Maybe it was cowardice, but she couldn’t look him in the eye. She wouldn’t be able to say the words she had to say if she did. “I mean-” her voice cracked. Hot tears were pricking at her eyes. “Maybe we should…”    

“I’m sorry, Marinette.” Her eyes snapped back to Luka. Unshed tears blurred her vision, but she could see the anguish on his face, as clear as day. “I- I saw that you were upset.” It was so horribly odd, seeing Luka so distraught. “But I wanted to know. Secrets and lies,” he sighed, his eyes refusing to meet hers, “they’re hard for me.” 

“Luka… Luka no…”

“And I meant it, whatever it is, I will support you. If you ever tell me. But I don’t want you to- not if you don’t want-”

“Can’t,” she corrected.

He paused, his brows furrowing together. His fingers plucked at invisible strings, the way they always did when he was trying to puzzle something out, whether it was a song or a math equation. And then his fidgeting froze, and he looked up at her. “Can’t?” She nodded dejectedly. He frowned, but it was the frown he got when he was concentrating on something. And then, understanding flashed in his eyes. And then he nodded solemnly. “If you can’t tell me… maybe…” despite the heaviness in his eyes and in the space between them, a familiar glimmer of what she had come to recognize as Couffaine Chaos shimmered in his eyes, “Maybe you can tell me, without actually telling me.” 

“What? Luka, that doesn’t make any sense.”

“Just hear me out,” he said with what sounded like an attempt at a chuckle. “You know how whenever legal or government records are released to the public, they redact private or sensitive information?” 

“Yeah…” she said slowly.

“You could try that?’ he offered. 

“You want me to write a report on-”

“No. I thought…” he ducked his head, dropping his gaze to stare down at his shoes. “Well, I thought since you’re here now…” he finished, somehow peeking up at her through his hair despite being so much taller. 

“Oh. I…” 

“But only if you’re comfortable with it!” His head had shot up, and he had taken a step towards her, his hand reaching out in a familiar gesture of comfort. 

Only… 

His hand had frozen. Just above her shoulder. His eyes wide with hesitation and his face wracked with guilt. 

And then he had taken an uncertain step back. 

And her heart had broke. 

“How do I… how do I do it? Do I actually say it or do I just skip that parts I can’t tell you or…?” 

A shred of a genuine smile slipped through the heaviness on his face, dissipating the guilt that had been there. The guilt he shouldn’t have shouldered. It had been her fault Shadowmoth had gotten to him… 

“I don’t know. I don’t know if there’s a right way to do it. But you’re sure?” She nodded. “Ok. Take as much time as you need,” he said with a tiny, encouraging smile still tinged with the heaviness that had been there since she found him on the bridge.  

“Ok…” she said slowly, still not particularly convinced. “I-” she stopped to take in a shaky breath. Luka nodded again in that patient way of his. Her breath rattled her chest as she let it go. “The reason I kept leaving your date was because redacted. Not because I didn’t want to be there.” The words came out- tumbled out faster than she had anticipated. 

“How did that feel?” He asked quietly, and suddenly his hand was on her shoulder, its familiar weight comforting even with how light- how hesitant his touch was. “Better?” She looked up into piercing blue eyes brimming over with concern; she hadn’t even realized she had flinched as she had spoken, well, almost spoken the words she had kept secret for so long. 

She frowned. She- she was still reeling from how Luka had been akumatized. How it had been her fault. How this whole mess had been… 

But she was also… 

She hadn’t told him. It was still a secret. He was still safe. 

She shouldn’t have, but.. 

Swallowing the thick lump in her throat, she slowly nodded. “I- I do.” 

His concern melted into a relieved smile. 

“But I still didn’t- I still can’t…” 

He squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. “But you did.” 

“But I… you still don’t know…” 

His eyes softened. There was a weariness in his eyes. A tiredness. But understanding as well. 

“I don’t know where you disappear to. But I do know that it’s not a matter of won’t, it’s a matter of can’t. You said it yourself.” She gave a small nod of agreement. “And I also know that you just told me. Or at least,” he amended with a tiny chuckle, “told me what you could. And maybe it’s not the truth I wanted to hear. What I wanted you to share. But I can’t- I don’t want to force you to share your secrets…” his gazed flickered down, and his shoulders slumped. 

“Luka… that wasn’t your fault. Shadowmoth… he took advantage of you. I know you would never do that. He twisted your pain. After I… after I hurt you…”

“Marinette…” 

“I am so, so sorry, Luka. I never wanted to hurt you. But I did. So many times. I know I did,” she said when he opened his mouth, no doubt to protest. “I know I did,” she said again, quietly. “I hated leaving you. I hated lying. I couldn’t bear it- I can’t bear it, hurting you.” 

Suddenly, she was enveloped in familiar arms. Clutching her tight to a chest, their comforting weight and pressure offering her the promise of safety and security they always did. And the dam finally broke. 

Hot tears streamed down her face as she buried her hands in Luka’s hoodie. As she curled into him. “And I wanted to tell you. For a long time. But I-” she clung tighter to him, burying her hands in the soft, threadbare fabric of his favourite hoodie as she took in another shuddering breath. “I’m scared.” 

Luka’s arms tightened around her protectively the second the words left her lips, and she let herself melt into him even more. She squeezed her eyes shut and took a deep breath in, trying to ground herself in the familiar scent of clean laundry and wood and something faintly aquatic- his body wash maybe. She had never asked. One of his hands had found its way to the nape of her neck, and was cradling her head as he ran soothing fingers through her hair. 

“If you- if anyone found out… if I redacted… I would lose my redacted. All of them. The ones of my family. My friends. You.”

He held her as he let her cry, murmuring sounds of comfort and encouragement, and humming soothing tunes under his breath. He let her cry until she didn’t have any more tears to cry. 

At some points, she had felt tears that weren’t hers trickle down the back of her neck as he held her. 

“Are you…” he finally asked, breaking the quiet, “are you safe? I don’t want to- you don’t have tell me anything- But you said you were scared. I just want- need to know if you’re safe.” 

Sniffling, she nodded. “I- I’m safe. You don’t- don’t have to worry about me.” 

She was surprised by the quiet rumble of laughter in his chest. 

“I will always worry about you, Marinette. I care about you,” he murmured into the crown of her head.  

She pulled away from him, despite his protests. But just enough so that she could look up at his face.His eyes were red and slightly puffy. And there were tear tracks cutting down across his face. Her own eyes were itching, and she knew her face was just as tearstained, if not more. 

“And I’ll always worry about you. I love you.” 

His eyes widened ever so slightly. And then they softened before drifting down to her lips. Her own gaze shifted to his. With her hands still clutching fistfuls of his hoodie, she braced herself against him as she pushed up onto her tip toes as he leaned down to meet her halfway. At the last second, her eyes slipped shut, and her lips found his. 

Despite the taste of his tears on his lips, it was sweeter than any of the first kisses she had ever imagined. 

When they finally broke apart, they didn’t go far. He held her, and she was only too happy to stay there in his arms. 

It was impossible to say how much time passed. Some of it, they spent in silence, content to just hold onto each other. Sometimes the time slipped by with murmured words of comfort and whispered reassurances. And some, with quiet talk of how they were going to navigate this place between truth and lies. 

She sighed with contentment as she shifted in his arms to rest her cheek against his chest. And then she blinked. 

That couldn’t be… 

No… 

She blinked. Tried to clear her vision. 

But it was the same, loud, exaggerated purple hair. The same loud ensemble. There was no mistaking or denying it.  

“Luka,” she whispered. 

“Hmm?” 

“Look.” 

She felt Luka shift. She felt him turn enough to follow her gaze. She felt the sharp inhale of his breath.  

It was hard to tell if Jagged could see them both staring at him; he was awkwardly hovering on the pavement, halfway between the bridge and the Liberty. He was standing close enough to one of the lights that she could see the way he shifted his weight, fidgeting as his eyes darted from the two of them and the Liberty. Like he wasn’t sure if he should retreat or wait where he was. 

It was so odd… if was hard to reconcile the awkward, uncomfortable and uncertain looking Jagged with the rambunctious rockstar she knew. 

“He’s my father,” Luka said quietly. 

“Do you… do you want to talk to him?” she asked quietly. 

Luka hummed, and the vibrations in his chest tickled against her cheek. “I do,” he said quietly. “But not yet. I just… I want to stay here. With you.” His arms tightened around her with his words, holding her so close she swore she could hear his heartbeat. “Just a little bit longer.” 

She nodded. And then she tightened her arms around him as well, pulling him closer. 

So that she was holding him, too. 

[vmprchn]

might i ask for a fanfiction rec list? :D they can be from any fandom :)

I got you bestie!!

{Fairy Tail}

Natsu x Lucy

-right in front of you by tokkias

-The Taste of Starlight by VistheNameandWritingistheGame

{Death Note}

Misa x Rem

-Trace Daisies With Your Fingertips by Rainy_Day_Lemonade

-Neither Sand Nor Rust by Val_Creative

{Clone High}

Joan of Arc x JFK

-Change Your World by alstroemeriatea

-You'll Learn What I Already Know by saltymalt

{Inside Job}

Brett & Reagan

-Hiding Away From The World by newwwwusername

-Brett Hand Makes Puppets by DumpsterBeagle

{Miraculous Ladybug}

Luka x Marrinette

-Pink Envelopes by Quickspinner

-Play with my heart like music by TheSnow3

{My Adventure with Superman}

Clark x Lois

-Bulletproof by 5moreminutesimsleeping

-A Movie Night by Wixiany

[quickspinner]

any must downloads before project 2025 shuts down ao3?

[djwriterkp]

https://archiveofourown.org/works/63049168

For @Quickspinner.

So, I may not have understood the assignment and this fic went off the rails from the original prompt from the ultra talented Quickspinner so I definitely wrestled with imposter syndrome trying to wrack my brain to write something worthy of her.

So, this is "technically" my Valentine's fic. It takes place around Valentine's day. Well

valentines bodyguard

Luka was tired of the spotlight. After turning 25 and spending the last eight years of his life in your, first with his rockstar father, then on his own, he decided to take a break.

His family was of course okay with it.

He ditched the blue hair. He kept his tattoo covered. After a year  he grew bored. He reached out to his old friend Ivan who was working for their old friend Max, who was running a successful security company. 

He was mainly a driver for the rich and famous. Max’s company also offered home and cyber security options, but on the rare occasion, there was a call for a bodyguard, which Ivan filled the role wonderfully.

Years of being a teenage superhero and nearly a decade of hauling music equipment around made him buff enough to where Max hired Luka on the spot. 

The hours of his new job gave him enough free time to play clubs on the weekend, open mic nights, or record as backup for his Dad.

He still hadn't written anything new in years.

There was still no one special in his life. He had long resigned himself to the thought there would never be. Juleka kept pressuring him to date, though he never did. 

There was one constant in his life, and that was Marinette Dupain-cheng. The now world famous fashion designer and trend setter had gotten more beautiful with age. He religiously kept up with whatever came out of her fashion house (sometimes early thanks to his sister being their lead model). Her house was run by her former bully turned business partner Chloe Bourgeois.

He sat on his couch, dressed in nothing but his underwear, as the TV was playing Paris fashion week. He had his guitar in his lap, praying the sight of Marinette would spark some music. He had other things as well on the table beside him. Did he feel guilty that he would more than likely get bricked at the sight of the woman he loved on TV, yes. However, thoughts of Marinette were the only thing that brought him relief. He didn’t do one night stands anymore, no matter how many blind dates his dad, Penny or Juleka set him up on, or how many drunken women threw themselves at the ‘sexy guitar guy’ each open mic night he played.

He sat on the couch, drinking his beer, watching the bland Agreste show, same old same old for years now. No creativity in the clothes that made it down the catwalk from the once famous design powerhouse. The other houses followed. 

Then it was time for her. 

He smiled as he sat up, ready to see what Marinette Dupain-Cheng had come up with now.

 A grin split his face as Juleka was the first model out. Juleka was leading the fashion world, quite literally as the other models followed her lead down the catwalk. He felt nothing but pride at his sister as she grew into a stunning model. The models lined up, with Juleka in the center as Chloe came up on stage, taking the microphone. 

“Welcome everyone” Gone was the shrill, grating voice of her youth, and a more mature, deeper, calmer voice had taken its place. A kinder tone. “I knew Marinette Dupain-Cheng was talented from when we were kids. Even before we became friends and I was jealous of her talent. She gives 110% to everything she does and believes the best in everyone, even to her own detriment, especially for the betterment of others. After working with my mom at Style Queen, I knew her vision needed to be seen worldwide. It is my pleasure to introduce my business partner and my best friend, Marinette Dupain-Cheng.

The crowd on the television roared as the cue music played -

-and nothing happened. 

Chloe looked off the side stage, and was looking around as the lights cut out.

The crowd muttered as the spotlights came to life. 

An office chair was rolled out on the stage and an unconscious body was tied to it.

Luka froze. 

Marinette was the body.

Anger flashed through him at the same time he stood frozen. The cameras cutaway, but he was already calling Juleka.

“Not now,” she hissed into the phone.

“Is she-” Luka choked on the word.

“She’s alive, but she’s hurt, “ Juleka said and hung up.

He paced around his apartment, texting Juleka every few minutes for updates with no reply. Luka did not sleep that night until the wee hours until he passed out from worry and exhaustion. 

Bzzzzng.

Bzzzzng.

Luka slowly regained consciousness as he heard his phone vibrating. 

“What?” he snapped into the phone. 

“Luka -” the soft voice of his old friend Ivan started, “Listen buddy, something’s happened.

“I know, Iv,” Luka sighed, rubbing his eyes with one hand “I was watching the show.”

“Chloe contacted Max. She’s sparing no expense.”  

Luka’s heart leapt in his chest. They were assigned to protect Marinette. 

“Max doesn’t want you anywhere near this, Lu,” Ivan said.

“There’s no fucking way, Iv. I’m the only choice for this-” Luka exploded.

“We’re all her friends,” Ivan said. 

“Yeah but I-” Luka choked. He couldn’t say it.

“You still love her.” Ivan finished. 

Luka didn’t respond. 

Ivan eventually let out a long breath. “I’ll talk to Max to let you in on this one. Come in as soon as you can. We’ll all go over together.” 

As Luka walked beside Max and Ivan, he was nervous. It was the first time in eleven years he was going to be face-to-face with the woman he loved. The three men were led to a very large conference room. The Style Queen herself, Audrey Bourgeois was already sitting at the head of the conference table as if the meeting was taking place at Style Queen and not Marinette’s office. Luka saw Juleka sitting as well. The twins shared a brief acknowledgement to each other, but right now, Luka couldn’t risk blowing it. At the other end of the table, were Marinette’s parents, Tom and Sabine Dupain-cheng, who shared worried looks on their faces 

Muffled raised voices could be heard from the other side of the door and suddenly the conference room door blew open and Chloe entered screaming.

“Yes, you do! And I’m done arguing about it!” Chloe huffed and angrily sat down next to Juleka. 

A male voice echoed Chloe, “Come on, Mari, what happened last night was scary and until we find out who did it, you need to be extra careful,” the talk blonde man entered the room.

Of course, Adrien fucking Agreste. Luka was glad he was wearing his sunglasses because it took everything he had not to roll his eyes and he could see Juleka smirk to herself. 

“I've already said, I don't need a bodyguard! I wasn't even hurt that bad!” 

Luka froze as he recognized the voice that haunts dreams. The woman who held his heart. The melody has been playing in his head since he was sixteen and she tripped into his bedroom that day on the houseboat.

His reason for living.

She came into the room and time stopped.

Marinette.

Luka’s heart shattered at the sight of her.

There was a massive bruise on her right cheek and her right eye was swollen shut.

She winced as she sat down at the table and Luka wanted to run to her and scoop her in his arms and play for her until she fell asleep. 

“Marinette darling, the people closest to you are not going to force you to do this,” Audrey said, standing “ But someone hurt you, someone embarrassed you on live television. Please, we all care for you. Let us do this for you.”

Marinette looked over at the men. And back to Chloe. 

Chloe said, “ We're even using Max’s security company.”

Marinette looked at the men again, recognizing Ivan and Max, but not Luka. 

“So I am against this whole thing. I don't need a bodyguard,” she said.

Max spoke, “Marinette, we’ll not only protect you, but we will investigate who hurt you.”

Marinette sighed and nodded, “Ok “

Max started to explain their plan.

Luka’s heart soared when Max waved his arm towards Luka and said, “Your bodyguard will stay with you at all times, and Ivan and I will head to your apartment now to install security upgrades.”

Marinette sat there silently as Max went over their plan: one bodyguard and protection. Upgraded security to her home, and business and finally a full investigation on who attacked her and why. 

After Max finished his presentation, Marinette Rose from her chair and left the conference room without a word, Chloe and Adrien followed close behind. 

Max looked at Luka, “Go prepare for your charge and be back in an hour.”

Luka left the room, followed by Ivan. 

“Luka,” Ivan spoke softly, “Keep your heart out of it. I know you love her, but remember that she’s a client and we’re in charge of her safety.”

Luka swallowed the lump in his throat. He knew this assignment was going to be hard on him. He nodded and fist bumped his long time friend and left to go gather his meager belongings left in his apartment. He parked two duffle bags and his guitar. He hadn’t settled down, not really. He still left quite regularly. He notified the building manager he was leaving for a while and to keep rent coming out of his account. 

By the time he arrived back at MDC Fashions, Marinette, Adrien, and Chloe had devolved into another argument. 

“We can handle this Agreste!” Chloe shouted. 

“Please let me pay for it! I would hate for anything to happen to-” he was cut off.

“You don’t get to worry about her anymore, Agreste! Remember, YOU decided that you loved someone else!” Chloe shouted at him.

Luka cleared his throat and the arguing stopped. 

“Listen, Adrien, this is our issue. You don’t need to be here,” Marinette said gently.

Adrien looked desperately around the room.

Luka stiffened, careful not to break his carefully stiffened, careful not to break his carefully groomed bodyguard posture. With a heavy sigh, Adrien nodded, and made to face Marinette, “Just because we broke up, doesn’t mean I don’t care about you. I don’t want anything to happen to you.” He turned around and looked at Luka, “Please take care of her.” 

“With my life,” Luka vowed quietly, so only the other man could hear him.

Adrien was pretty, not smart but in that moment, but at that moment he knew it was Luka Couffaine standing before him. He dropped his gaze, and nodded, and left the conference room.

Chloe hugged Marinette, “Are you ok?”

Marinette nodded and looked at Luk. 

Luka cleared his throat again.

“Are you ready mamselle?” Luka asked and held out his arm.

Marinette looked at him, yet took his arm.

Luka led Marinette to his car. He looked around before getting into the driver’s seat. 

“Where to?”

Marinette gave her address and Luka drove to her apartment. 

He had never before struggled with his work as a driver before, often preferring the silent, obscure chauffeur, but he could feel Marinett’s blue eyes piercing the back of his head as he drove. 

"You seem familiar to me” she said, “Have you worked for Max long?”

“About two years,” Luka replied.

“I’ve known Max and Ivan for most of my life,” Marinette sighed, “What got you into this?” 

“Career change,” Luka answered honestly. “I got burnt out with what I did - I loved it, don't get me wrong. - but it took everything out of me, but then I got bored, and then this opportunity fell into my lap - so I took it.” 

Luka was careful not to give anything away. They arrived at Marinette’s apartment. Marinette eyed his bags and his guitar case. “You play?” she asked. 

“I dabble,” Luka replied, “It’s that career change I mentioned.”

They entered Marinette’s apartment. Luka motioned Marinette to stay in the entrance, while he swept the apartment. Once Luka deemed it safe, Marinette allowed herself to relax. She went to change in her bedroom. She came out of her bedroom in sleep shorts and a Luke Stone tour shirt. 

Luka swallowed hard. 

He was in trouble. He had been daydreaming about kissing her standing in her apartment. “Are you ok, sir?”

Marinette was looking at him concerned. 

Shit, he thought, I have to get my head in the game. 

“If you’re going to be staying here, I should know your name,” she said, playing with the hem of her shirt.

Luka panicked. Shit. Shit. Shit.

“L-L-Lu,” he stuttered and then cleared his throat. “You can call me Lou.”

Marinette smiled. “Would you like some tea, Lou?”

Luka nodded.

Marinette went into the kitchen to make them both tea.

Luka took  a deep breath. He could do this. 

Marinette returned with their tea after a few moments.

The two sat on the couch, drinking their tea in awkward silence. 

“Thank you,” he said, giving her a mini salute with his mug.

“I should be thanking you, I guess.” Marinette said, “You could be doing something else, but you’re stuck here, babysitting me.”

“Keeping you safe isn’t babysitting you, Ma- Maamselle Dupain-Cheng.”

“Please call me Marinette.”

He took  another drink of tea. “Very Well, Marinette.” How he missed talking to her. 

The conversation was polite, but was small talk related. Soon, the mugs were empty, and Marinette said she was retiring for the night,

She showed Luka the guest room and then they bid each other good night.

When he was sure she was safe in her room and she was asleep, only then did he allow himself to begin to relax a little. He sat on the side of the bed. He took off the sunglasses, jacket,  and tie, and undid the first several buttons on his dress shirt. He rested his head in hands for a moment, screaming internally how close yet so far away the woman he loved was to him. She was right there, but she didn’t know it was him, he was her bodyguard. He couldn’t violate that wall that was built to ensure her safety. He sighed heavily and took his shirt off the rest of the way, allowing his muscled figure to stretch out. He had been hiding behind the suit. His perfect bodyguard persona. 

He raised his arms above his head in a stretch. The few hours around her had filled his head with music for the first time in years and his hand itched for his guitar. He grabbed the instrument and sat down on the bed. He closed his eyes and let his fingers move. He lost himself in the music.

He surrendered to the music completely. Eyes closed, he envisioned Marinette taking his arm, smiling at him as she handed the tea to him. Marinette standing there, wearing his tour shirt from his first solo tour. It made him smile that she was sleeping in a shirt that made her think of him. 

“It IS you,” he heard her voice say.

He startled, and opened his eyes to see Marinette standing in the open bedroom doorway, tears streaking her cheeks. 

“Luka-” she began,” Why didn’t you say anything?” She was angry, rightfully so. 

“Do you know how I’ve worried for you?” she demanded. “You quit music and disappeared and you never reached out.”

He stood, setting his guitar aside, looking at her, “I couldn’t,” he finally admitted, “I was too ashamed to face you after I failed. I told Jule not to say anything to you.”

She rushed him and shoved him as hard as she could, but he didn’t budge. 

“You stupid ass. You should have come to me! Don’t you see? I love you, you stupid, you stupid boat kid! You don't think I noticed you like every single one of my social media posts. How “My Heart” was your biggest hit,  was clearly about me.” She choked back a sob, and placed her hand on his bare chest, her fingers gently tracing the tattoo if the snake wrapped around a cherry blossom branch, with a small ladybug on the tip of the snake’s nose. The leaves were music notes. “Or how this tattoo represents us, and it’s located right over your heart?” 

Her blue eyes met his, “You should have told me you were struggling with music Luka.” 

Their eyes met, and Marinette leaned up, closing the gap between them.

He grabbed her wrists with his hands and pushed her away gently, tearing his heart out as he did, “I can’t Melody,” he said, using her old nickname for her. His voice was rough with emotion, “As much as I desperately want to, I can’t. You’re-” he gasped for breath as it hurt to say it, “You’re a client. I can’t get involved with you.” He couldn’t look at her as he said the words.

Marinette huffed, “Luka Couffaine,” she snapped, “Look at me in the eyes and tell me you don’t want me.”

His teal eyes met her blue eyes.

He sighed, “I want you. I love you more than you  know. Ivan didn’t want me to take this job. He warned me to keep my heart out of it-”

“I don’t want them keeping me safe - I want you, your heart is going to do a better job of healing me - us than Ivan could. Let go Luka.” Marinette said.

Luka closed his eyes and sighed at the tortuous pleasure of Marinette running her hands over his bare chest. 

“Fuck it,” he muttered and wrapped his around her and pulled her close and covered his mouth over hers. She jumped into his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist, greedily kissing him back, and they fell back onto his bed.

Luka woke well rested for the first time in years. Hair tickled his nose and he looked at Marinette curled against him, her head on his chest, right over his heart. He sighed happily, but then she shifted in her sleep and turned her head to the other side, revealing the ugly purple bruise that covered the right side of her face, and he remembered what he was there: he was her bodyguard, not her boyfriend. He pushed the thought out of his mind and laid contentedly in bed with the woman he loved sleeping on him. He wrapped his arms around her, inhaling the scent of her hair, blissed out his mind. He wanted to play, music was running through his head for the first time in years.

He sighed contentedly as he closed his eyes and stroked Marinette’s hair, recalling the wonderful memories of the night before and their love making. 

Guilt panged at the back of his mind slightly, knowing that Max and IVan would have his ass for sleeping with a client. But the client was Marinette. For Marientte, Luka would face the ass crawling. For Marinette, Luka would take a bullet. He inhaled the scent of her hair again thinking how lucky he was.

Bzzzzzng.

Bzzzzzng.

The ringing of the phone startled him out of his daydreams. He looked at his phone and saw that it was Ivan calling. He reached for his phone. He answered quietly, “What's up Ivan?”

“Markov came up with a name of who attacked Marinette.” Luka went stiff.

“Who was it?” He asked.

“Henriette Dubois.”

The name was unfamiliar to Luka, “Who is that? Are there any ties to Marinette?” 

Bzzzzng.

Bzzzzng.

Marinette stirred as her own phone was ringing with Max calling - assuming with the same information for her.

“Hello?” Marinette answered sleepily.

Ivan heard the female voice, “Luka did you-” he started but Luka cut him off.

“Let’s not get into that right now,” Luka replied tersely. 

Ivan sighed, “We’ll talk later,” and hung up.

Luka turned his attention back to the woman in his arms and her sleepy voice on the phone having her own conversation.

“Who is that Max? I don’t know who that is. Y- You’re on your way? Yeah sure, I’ll be - Oh Thank you Max,” 

She put her phone down and looked at Luka with surprise in her eyes, “They found out who attacked me,” She said. 

Luka stroked her bruised cheek gently, “I know. Ivan just called me.”

Marinette shook her head, “I've never heard of Henriette Dubois, have you?”

Luka shook his head, “No, Melody, I don’t know who that is,” He stroked her bruised cheek gently again, careful not to hurt her. “I’ll be grateful when we catch this bitch so that we can finally be together but I can’t be with you right now as long as you’re my client, what happened last night can’t happen again.”

Marinette cut her eyes at Luka, “I’m not letting you go again now that we’re together because I’m not your client technically - Audrey and Chloe are paying you - not me. I didn’t want a bodyguard to begin with. So far as I’m concerned you can take your client policy and shove it,” Marinette took a breath. “Max and Ivan - especially Ivan always knew we were always dancing around each other. Anyways they should be happy that we finally got together.”

Luka sighed and threw his head against the pillow, “God Mari, you can be so stubborn, when you want, and I love that about you.

She shifted, and finally stood and got out of bed, stretching. Luka’s throat went dry at the sight of her body. 

“Oh my God,” she moaned out, “It’s been so long since I’ve” she looked at Luka propped up on his elbows in bed, “I’m sorry.” She looked at the floor.

Luka grinned at her, “It’s fine, we’er allowed to talk about our pasts.”

Marinette took a deep breath, “The last time I was with anyone, it was with Adrien not long before he dumped me. So, five years ago now. You know, he actually had the audacity to say  he was in love with someone else?” A bitter laugh escaped her, “Turns out.” Another bitter laugh, “Turns out he was in love with Ladybug the entire time!” The sarcasm dripped from her voice. 

Luka cocked an eyebrow at her, “Oh shut up,” she laughed as she pulled her shirt, her Luke Stone shirt over her head.

“Well that had to be inspiring for you,” Luka laughed.

“Oh no no no, ask me how I found out He’s Chat Noir.” she said.

Luka’s jaw dropped, “So you revealed your identities to each other then?”

Marinette laughed bitterly again, “Oh hell no. He still has no clue I’m Ladybug. But he had the audacity to tell me while I’m crying my eyes out after he’s dumped me that he and Ladybug hang out sometimes and that he was sorry that wasn’t a good boyfriend to me ,but when the the two of them, “  she made the air quotes at this point, “hung out later that night” he was going to confess his feelings to her, and that he didn’t want to be cheating on me.”

 She took a deep breath and pulled her shorts on, “So Surprise surprise when Chat noir and I showed up for patrol that night, and he tells me that he’s broken up with his girlfriend because I’m the one holding his heart in my hands. I was already not in the best of moods but putting that puzzle together, I went ballistic. So, Ladybug shot him down hard. Adrien then thought he could come crawling back to me. I shut him down hard.”

Luka nodded along “Hence the big fight between you Chloe and him yesterday?”

“Bingo,” she replied. So changing subjects,” Marinette said, “Tell me about the tattoo.”

Luka glanced down at his chest, “I got this in Vegas after “My Heart” went platinum, It was only fair because the song was about you that I got something that represented you. 

“Why didn’t you reach out?” Marinette asked. 

Luka opened his mouth to reply but was cut off by a knock at the door. 

“Oh! Max was stopping by,” Marinette muttered. She left the guest bedroom and went into the main room, answering the door. Luka was left alone in the guest bedroom, naked in bed. 

Luka heard the voices of Max, Markov, and Marinette in her kitchen. Luka got up and got dressed in a muscle shirt and grey sweatpants and joined them in the kitchen. Marinette already had a cup of coffee for him. 

Markov hovered by Max’s head. “Judging by the marks on your neck, I had predicted with 86.4% accuracy that the two of you would engage in intercourse last night.”

Marinette felt her cheeks flush and Luka choked on his coffee. Max ignored his robot assistant friend and set a fire in front of her.

“Marinette we were able to trace your attacker. There was only one bottle of chloroform sold in all Paris last week and it was sold to Henriette Dubois.”

He flipped a page in the file and continued, “A quick vital records search showed that Mlle Dubois has at least seven aliases including-” he paused as he pulled off a photo from the file and set it in front of Marinette.

Marinette paled.

“Lila,” she croaked.

Luka clenched his fists. Lila Fucking Rossi was the one who attacked her. Marinette quietly stood and left the kitchen table and left the room. The men talked for a few minutes about Marinette’s protection plan.

“Luka there is something you must know. One of Lila’s aliases revealed that she has legally purchased a firearm under the name Iris Verdi.” He handed Luka a picture of Lila as Iris to him. “Please be on the lookout. Apparently, Lila is a master of disguise and can change her appearance very easily - and quickly.” 

They heard the shower running coming from Marinette’s bathroom.

The two men discussed a few more items on their plan before Max took his leave. 

Luka returned to the guest bedroom and changed into his bodyguard persona again. He changed into his suit, jacket, and sunglasses.

By the time he went back into the kitchen, Marinette was in the kitchen making breakfast. She had dressed for the day, plus the bruises on her face were covered carefully with makeup. Luka quietly stepped to the kitchen beside her and started helping her with the meal.

Marinette smiled up at him, “I’m glad you’re here, Luka. I wouldn’t want anyone else.

“Marinette,” he said, “There’s nowhere I’d rather be.”

The two plated their breakfast, “So why did you quit music?” she asked.

Luka sighed, “Marinette, I quit because of you. You were - one the song in my head - and when I left - you and Adrien got together, and I was in pain and Jay - Dad - taught me to channel the pain into music and I did just that.” He sighed. “Then I just meditated and prayed that you were happy. I practiced the mirakungfu that my Master taught me.” Luka looked at Marinette, who had tears in her eyes, “After I initially told Jay - uh Dad I was done, I went back to the temple for a bit. I helped train some holders for the American box. I did that for awhile, then I came back and Ivan and Max put me to work. I still play covers at open mic nights from time to time and backup for Jay in the studio when he needs it.”

“What about-” Marinette began

“Love?” Luka shook his head. He took a drink of his coffee. “No. There wasn’t anyone. Now, I won’t lie and say there weren’t hookups or one night stands or dates that the label forced me on for publicity, but no -  I never fell in love. But, I haven’t been with anyone since I quit music.”

Marinette got up from her chair and threw her arms around him, “Oh Luka,” she breathed in, “I’m so sorry I hurt you.”

He returned the embrace. “Oh my Melody,” he sighed, “Please don’t cry.” He held her in his embrace while she cried. “I love you Marinette. I always have.” 

After a few moments, Marinette calmed herself and looked at Luka, “Please tell me again.”

“I love you Marinette.”

“I love you too Luka,”

The two exchanged a kiss that was full of love they shared for each other, not being held back by near misses and secret identities any longer. 

Bzzzzzzng.

Bzzzzzzng.

The phone interrupted them as they broke apart. Luka glanced down at the table and saw that Chloe was calling Marinette. He chuckled softly, “I have to know the story of how you two got close,” he whispered as Marinette grabbed her phone. 

“Chlo- what is it?”

“You need to get up here as soon as possible,” her best friend and business partner sounded worried. “The shop was vandalized and something was left for you.” 

“Chlo, what’s wrong?” Marinette replied.

“Max is already on his way. Do not be alone. Make sure Luka is with you,” Chloe said.

Marinette kept talking to Chloe  and walked a few steps away from Luka.

Luka’s own phone buzzed with a message from Max.

M: Eyes only.

M: Image

Luka nearly gagged.

The entire front of the boutique Marinette and Chloe owned together had been bashed in and her clothes racks were destroyed, and hanging from the center of the shop: An effigy of Marinette was hanging, with withered, dead roses stabbing from it from various points and red paint splashed across it.

A sign made up to look like it had been painted with blood was stabbed into the effigy’s face. 

Happy Deathentines Maritrash

Luka gripped his phone so hard that he almost cracked it.

“Luka?” Marinette called.

He looked at her and wished everything he could that he could take away her pain.

“Yes?” 

“Are you alright?”

Luka shook his head, “No, I will be once we catch this psycho.”

She sighed and hugged him tightly.

She then took his hand and led him to her bedroom. She went to a craft basket in the corner and opened it.

Inside was the Miracle Box. 

“They’re all here. Except Plagg.” She ran her hands over the egg shaped box. “When we defeated Chrysalis, I thought it was over, but she escaped Cat’s bindings and disappeared before the authorities arrived. We never found out who she was. Everyone gave their jewels back.” She smiled weakly at him. “I’m sorry I never gave you yours back, but you never came home. I would have. But, right now, I have a bad feeling right now, and I would feel better if we had-” she choked.

“Had extra help?” Luka finished.

Marinette nodded.

She put the ladybug earrings on, and Tikki popped out. The kwami  nuzzled her holder lovingly. 

Then Marinette handed Luka the Snake bracelet. Sass popped out the second Luka put it on his wrist. 

Holder and Kwami looked at each other for a silent moment.

“Hello Luka,” Sass said finally.

“Hey Sass,” Luka said quietly.

“A long time has passed,” Sass said. “The easiest way for me to understand what has transpired is for you to transform and let me access your memories.”

Luka nodded and called his transformation.

He felt the tug at his memories as Sass accessed his memories of the last eleven years of his life and he held nothing back from his kwami.

I’m done, Sass pinged.

“Sass scales rest,” Luka called off his transformation and the two holders and two kwami stood in silence.

“We- we have to go,” Marinette said quietly. Luka offered his arm and he led her to his company car, on a constant lookout for anything out of the ordinary.

They arrived at Marinette and Chloe’s shop, where Chloe, Max and Ivan were already talking and waiting for the two to arrive. Police were investigating and taking pictures. The effigy had come down already.

Thank God, Luka thought.

A low whistle sounded from behind them. 

Luka wheeled around, pulling Marinette behind him protectively. Adrien stood there, surveying the damage.

“What are you doing here, Adrien?” Marinette asked. 

Adrien shuffled his feet, "Can I come by and show my support to my two good friends, who’ve been vandalized?”

Luka eyed the blond man suspiciously, grateful for his sunglasses.

“Marinette,” Max interrupted his thoughts, “Markov has analyzed the handwriting left on the sign. It matches Lila Rossi’s handwriting.”

Marinette gasped at the pictures of the effigy Max showed her. 

Luka’s rage boiled, thankful the butterfly miraculous was safe in the miracle box in Marinette’s bedroom, because he would have definitely been akumatized at that moment.

Adrien moved towards the group, “ I heard, Lila? Lila Rossi?”

Marinette hissed a sharp breath.

The large truck with the cleaning crew arrived. The men piled out of the truck and started sweeping the broken glass and washing the graffiti off the storefront.

Marinette sobbed as Chloe walked over to her, “Go home. Take some time please. You need to protect yourself.”

Marinette sniffled and nodded.

“Luka,” Max called.

Luka walked over to Max, who was holding a tablet Markov was plugged into.

“We have a problem,” Max said in a low voice.

“What is it?” 

“It’s not Lila Rossi,” Max said.

Luka’s heart jumped to his throat.

No one noticed Marinette disappear down an alleyway near her shop.

Max continued, “Markov received a message from the temple of guardians. Lila Rossi was Chrysalis and has been in custody in Tibet since Ladybug and her team took her down five years ago.” Max whispered.

 Chloe panicked, “Marinette?!” that interrupted Max and Luka.

Luka whipped his head around. Marinete was gone.

“Melody!” He screamed.

He paced a few steps and saw her phone at the alleyway where she disappeared down.

A message was pulled up.

Have Sass track Tikki. Need everyone It’s C

The message was cut off.

Luka almost kissed the phone because Marinette left them a clue. He called Max over and showed him the phone. 

“Well,” Max said, “She’s smart. But our leader is,” he said with an impish smile.

“Let’s go get her,” Luka said.

Chloe was crying, “Max please. She’s my best friend. Get her back safe please.” 

“Our plan involves you, so come with us,” Luka said.

They went to Marinette’s apartment, where Markov easily picked the lock and disabled the security system.

“Wait here,” Luka said, leading them inside to the living room as he walked to the miracle box.

He sighed. Sass popped out of his pocket.

“You can do this Luka. You are trained as a Celestial Guardian.”

Luka took a deep breath and opened the box.

He was not prepared for the Chaos that ensued.

“Kwamis” Sass called for calm.

“Where’s Marinette?” Mullo cried.

“She’s been kidnapped,” Luka said”

The kwamis gasped. 

Luka ordered, “Grab your jewels, go find your holders, and have  them meet us at our old rendezvous point in 10 minutes.”

The kwamis scattered, except for Nooroo.

“Nooroo? Would you like to help?” 

The butterfly hesitated before nodding. “It’s been so long since my power was used for the greater good, so yes I would love to help the guardian.”

He took the butterfly brooch and went back to the living room.

He held out his hand with the brooch to Chloe.

“Chloe Bourgeois, here is the Miraculous of the butterfly, which grants the power of loyal followers. You will use this power for the greater good, so we can rescue our guardian, Ladybug, and your best friend who had been kidnapped. Once we have her back, you will return the miraculous back to the Guardian. Can we trust you?”

Chloe choked back a sob, “Marinette’s been Ladybug this entire time? Of Course you can trust me,” She took the brooch and studied it for a moment.

Her face was full of regret.

Luka comforted her, “Hey, you’re a different person than you were back then. Marinette trusts you.”

Max - Pegasus called, “Come on, we have to go.” 

The two called their transformation and the three heroes leapt out Marinette’s balcony window leaping towards the old rendezvous. Several heroes were already gathered. They were still waiting for more to arrive.

After another few minutes, they were all gathered. 

Sass pinged Luka, “Detransform so I can track Tikki.”

Pegasus called for attention.

 “I don’t know how much your kwamis have told you, but Ladybug has been taken - in her civilian identity.”

The heroes gasped. Max continued, “Viperion’s kwami believes he can track Ladybug’s kwami. In order for it to work, Viperion will have to detransform. Can everyone promise to keep his identity a secret?”

Everyone nodded.

“Sass, scales rest,” Luka said. The crowd of heroes gasped and the tiger heroine tackled him in a hug.

“You dumbass. Of course, it’s you.”

“Jules?” he whispered.

SHe nodded.

“I will be a moment,” Sass said and closed his eyes and hovered near his shoulder.

All of the heroes knew Luka, though Purple Tigress was the only one to give her identity away. They each one came up to him and gave him small talk, asking how he’d been, what’d he been doing the last eleven years.  He looked over at Chloe, in the butterfly suit, off to the side, alone.

He walked up to her, “Hey,” he said.She sighed, “Who would do something like this?”

Luka sighed, “I don’t know Ch- Shit. We have to call you something.”

She thought for a moment, “Mariposa.”

“Perfect.”

Luka opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted.

“Luka,” Sass stated, “I have located Tikki.”

“Where is she?” the crowd echoed.

“You’re not going to like it,” Sass said.

“Where. Is. She.” Luka grit out.

 “She’s at the Agreste Mansion,” Sass said. 

Mariposa let out a screech as Nooroo popped himself out of the brooch  and forced Chloe’s detransformation. 

“NO!” The little kwami yelled. “I am NOT going back there!”

Chloe growled, “Well I am! My best friend is being held captive there, so I'm going to go get her!” Chloe stomped her feet. Nooroo looked at the ground.

“Sass, are you sure?” Luka asked, gently

Sass nodded, “She told me Plagg is there too.”

He thought back to her message. It’s C.

It’s Cat Noir.

He was the only one who knew Cat Noir was Adrien Agreste.

Luka swallowed hard. 

“Guys, I know this is all way too much happening, but Sass is right. Ladybug was kidnapped by Cat Noir, “ Luka said. “That’s why we need the entire team.” He scooped Nooroo into his palm, “Even you buddy. We need you. She needs you. I know you don’t want to go back there, but we can take down Cat Noir if we don’t have everyone. Can you help Chloe be Mariposa for today?”

Nooroo slowly nodded and floated back over to Chloe who transformed back into Mariposa.

Luka looked back at his co-superheroes.

“One more thing. This time we know who we’re fighting.” He took a breath and stated, “Cat Noir is Adrien Agreste.”

The heroes’ reactions ranged from angry that their friend could do this to disbelief.

“Peg?” Luka asked.

“Voyage!” Pegasus shouted as Luka transformed into Viperion. 

The heroes went through the portal to rescue Marinette.

*Meanwhile*

Marinette felt pain.

Her head was throbbing.

She groaned.

“Glad to see you’re awake,”  a male voice rang out. Marinette opened her eyes and she was in a room.

A large, empty room.

She had been here before. 

It was his lair. Hawkmoths.

“So tell me, when did you decide to kill my father, was it before or after Monarch beat you? He sacrificed himself and became a hero, right? You couldn’t save him?” the voice came into view: Adrien.

Marinette attempted to move, but she found she was restrained.

“Answer me, Ladybug.”

Marinette didn't try to fight it. “How long have you known?” 

“Since three years ago. We were doing movie night at your house and I saw Tikki zip into your cookie jar. You didn’t think it odd that I broke up with you and then suddenly want to get back together?” 

Marinette shook her head. “Couples get back together all the time.”

Adrien let out a sardonic chuckle, “How ironic was it, that the person responsible for killing my father was 

A my girlfriend the entire time? Ladybug herself!”

“I didn’t kill your father, Adrien! I lied to you to spare you! Your father was Monarch! He overpowered me and made his wish. I failed.” Marinette sobbed, “I wanted to be h-happy with you, Adriend, I really did, but,” Memories of the previous night with Luka replayed in her mind.

“But I realized we were never right for each other. We’re opposites.”

Adrien sneered at her, “But you go and fuck your bodyguard just hours after meeting him.”

“How- How do you know about that?” Marinette stuttered

Adrien leaned down, “I know everything you do Marinette.”

Marinette inhaled sharply, ‘Tikki Spots_

Adriend cut her off by backhanding her across the face. 

He plucked the earring from her ears, “Let’s not have your transform.”

He set the earrings down on the dusty console. 

“Do you know how long it took  me to rebuild the Gabriel brand after Father died,” Adrien laughed with manic desperation in his voice.

“I didn’t even want to model! Facing ruin, I had to go back to the business I hated and build it back up, hoping my girlfriend would be by my side, but NO,” he slapped Marientte again,” You had to go and get into business with Chloe Fucking Bougeious and exploded on the fashion scene. All those years of work, rebuilding my company, and all anyone talks about is you.”

He got in her face and shouted, “Everything wrong in my life is your fault!” 

He raised his hand back to slap her again when suddenly a teal blur tackled him and sent him flying.

The hero team had arrived.

Viperion was tearing Adrien apart. A new heroine appeared at Marinette’s side.

“Marinette,” she threw her arms around her in relief.

“Ch-Chloe,” Marinette was shocked.

“I’m Mariposa,” she smiled, “we’re here to rescue you.”

Mariposa freed Marinette and Marinette grabbed her earrings. She transformed into Ladybug and moved towards Viperion.

“Viper!” Ladybug shouted.

Viperion looked up at ladybug and the anger in his eyes vanished. He rushed over to Ladybug and grasped her in his arms, “Melody,” he whispered. 

“Oh, you figured it out,” Ladybug sighed.

Adrien groaned.

Ladybug went over to him and knelt beside him. She slipped the miraculous ring from his finger.

“I’m sorry Adrien, but you are no longer worthy of being a wielder.”

She stood and turned away from Adrien.

Her former partner.

Her former lover.

Her former friend.

She took Viperion’s hand and went back to the group of heroes.

“You think you can walk away from me like that?” Adrien said, stumbling to his geet.

Ladybug stopped and answered him, but did not fully turn around, “Yes, I can.”

The heroes walked away, out of Pegasus’s portal, and Ladybug stopped and said, “I hope you get the help you need, Adrien.”

Adrien stumbled wiping blood from his face, “Fuck you Marinette,” and reached in his pocket.

Ladybug was turning to step through the portal when Viperion saw it.

The gun Adrien was aiming at Ladybug.

His instincts took over he grabbed Ladybug, threw his arms around her head, and spun the two of them his back towards Adriend and Ladybug away from Adrien as the shots fired. Viperion felt the pinch, but felt no pain as he and Ladybug stumbled through the portal. 

Viperion gasped for breath as they fell to the ground. 

Sass exploded out of the bracelet, gasping for air. 

“I’m sorry Guardian, I tried.”

Luka was bleeding.

“Luka!” Ladybug screamed.

“Voyage,” Pegasus opened a portal to the nearest hospital. The heroes worked to get Luka through the portal to the hospital.

The medical staff rushed over to Luka, and he was taken back for treatment.

The rest of the heroes were taken back to a private waiting area where Ladybug collected all the miraculi and allowed the heroes a bit of joy in knowing they were in the presence of friends and in some cases family. 

After several hours, the hero team started to leave. Soon, there was only Juleka, Rose, Max and Marinette remaining. 

The doctor came in

“He’s stable, but he’s lost a lot of blood. He’s asking for Marinette.”

She stood, and followed the doctor to Luka’s room.

He was paler than normal, but was awake.

“Hey beautiful,” he attempted to smile.

“Hey rockstar,” she smiled.

He scoffed weakly, ‘Not hardly.”

“You are to me,” Marinette said, sitting gently on the side of his bed, taking his hand.

“Marinette, I love you.”

“I love you too, you know”

“I know this might be sudden, but will you marry me?”

“Absolutely,” Marinette smiled.

Luka smiled, “as soon as I’m free from here, I’m dragging you down to the Liberty and and I’m going to marry the hell out of you.”

Marinette giggled, “At least give Papa time to bake the cake,” She leaned down to kiss him.

“What do you want to do after?” she asked.

“Hmmm, i think,” he said, adjusting in his hospital bed and pulling Marinette in his bed beside him. “ I think I have music to write.”

“Luke Stone comeback tour?” Marinette laughed.

Luka coughed, “Don’t give Jay any ideas.”

Max, Juleka, and Rose entered the hospital room. 

Juleka muttered, “Gross.”

Luka snuggled against Marinette, “Hey, Max, I think I’m going to have to give notice. I don’t think I can adhere to the policy about relationships with clients.” 

Rose squealed, “I just knew the two of you would get together, and just in time for Valentine’s Day next week!”

Marinette giggled again, “My valentine’s bodyguard.”

[abyssal-ali]

Fic Showcase Game

Thanks for the tag @river9noble!💕💜💜❤️

Rules: Go to your published works on AO3 and list the first fic you ever published there, the last fic you published, any fic that you wrote for a fandom/ship only once, your favorite fic you wrote in the fandom/ship that has the most works, the fic you wish more people read, the fic you agonized over the most, the fic that sprang fully formed from your mind without any effort, and a work you are proud of—for whatever reason.

Oh boy~

-> First Fic Published: Ice to Meet You

Maribat, Damian Wayne x Marinette Dupain-Cheng • A short and sweet meetcute inspired by my parents' story.

-> Last Fic Published: There Is Just No Stopping This Thing Called Love

(I'm not counting my half-a-fic JaySteph dating alphabet headcanons)

DC, Jason Todd x Stephanie Brown • It's a Gotham by Gaslight AU I wrote in about two days (JaySteph really gets my fingers flying across the keys😆) that I'm pretty proud of. I did a lot more research than I thought I would because I'm a perfectionist who wanted historical accuracy.

-> Fic I Wrote for a Ship/Fandom Once: Hard Right to Greece

MLB, Luka Couffaine x Marinette Dupain-Cheng • This was a co-write, but so far it's my only Lukanette/MLB-only work. It was my first collab fic and I really enjoyed the process. My co-authors (who I'm sure did most of the writing) were lovely and it was a great experience overall. (Check out the lukanette server hosted by @/quickspinner). Road trip plus mutual pining? What's not to like??

-> Favourite Fic Written In My Largest Fandom: toss-up between Burned my Wings and The Best Bat(?)

DC, Gen • Can you tell I like hurting my already traumatized blorbo? I enjoy exploring character's reactions to what Jason has been through, because we all know DC is a coward.

-> Fic I Wish More People Read: Rival Mob Boss Jasonette Series

Maribat, Jason Todd x Marinette Dupain-Cheng • I don't go into my stats expecting large numbers so I don't get the no-dopamine crash. That said, I did think the series would be more popular.

-> Fic I Most Agonized Over: Hmmmmm maybe The Very First Night?

Maribat, Jason Todd x Marinette Dupain-Cheng • The agonizing is usually over getting the motivation to write than struggling what to write. I tried a new writing style in it (non-linear narration), so I was unsure how it would turn out. I'm happy with the end result, though.

-> Fic Sprung Forth Fully Formed With No Effort: Long Live all the Magic We Made

Maribat, Jason Todd x Marinette Dupain-Cheng • I had been plotting a bit more of this fic every tike I listened to Long Live, so by the time I sat down to write it, it only took 2 or 3 days.

-> Fic I'm Proudest Of: Invisible String or Stars Around My Scars

IS: Maribat, Damian Wayne x Marinette Dupain-Cheng • My first songfic and probably my longest fic (only about half is posted; the epilogue is as long as the main work😆). I got some absolutely lively comments that I will forever cherish, which makes me proud that people liked what I wrote so much.

SAYS: Maribat, Jason Todd x Marinette Dupain-Cheng • This was originally a short 2k fic I wrote to get out of my head. A couple years later, I dusted it off and polished it up, and then the ideas wouldn't stop flowing (I still have several outtakes and bonus scenes to write & post). I'm proud of myself for sticking to it (it was my longest fic on ao3 for a while) and not rushing it when the dopamine high faded. I think it's a testament to my improved writing skills and it's special to me, as it was my first long fic for the Maribat Fandom that I posted. I also became close to the absolute love of my life @sarcasticbambi, who was my beta for the fic and gave me some lovely, absolutely heartwarming and forever-remembering-worthy compliments that really boosted my confidence in my writing.

No-pressure tagging @boldlyanxious @velveteenshadow @wildbookcat @the-coffee-fandom and anyone who wants to play, consider yourself tagged!💜💜

[lady-charinette]

@sweetmeatdale @alexseanchai @perhapsitmaybedragons @galahadwilder @sidsinning @quickspinner @livrever @princessmuk @sadwinistic

and all my other mutuals whose URLs I forgot

ⓘ You can Bite your Friends.

[lovebugs-and-snakecharmers]

Sprint Secret Santa 2023 Works

From @asadweeghostie for @rierse: we see things they'll never see

From @blueberry-macaron for @writer-rider-dirty-thirties: Feliz navi dad

From @chocolatedragonempathfire for @sfigatino: Drink for Marinette!

From @haphira for @inkmousey: Multimouse and Viperion watching the city at night (art)

From @inkmousey for Misty Shadow: Santa's Daughter and Jack Frost's Son (art)

From @karin848 for @haphira: Marinette goes to the Halloween Party as Viperion (art)

From @nerdypanda3126 for @omnoramayday: I'll Keep You Warm

From @omnoramayday for @chocolatedragonempathfire: Mistletoe Matchmaker

From @poetic-mordem for @asadweeghostie: I'll Give You An Arm of Cosmos Flowers (Flowerbeds Everywhere My Heart)

From @quickspinner for @verfound: Substitute Santa

From @rierse for @blueberry-macaron: Silver and Gold (art and fic)

From @sfigatino for @quickspinner: Roller Derby Marinette (art)

From @verfound for @nerdypanda3126: Of Goodnight Kisses, Late Night I Love Yous, and Karaoke Meet Cutes

From @writer-rider-dirty-thirties for @karin848: A Burden for Love

From Misty Shadow for @poetic-mordem: Lukanette art

[mystic-myrtille]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. spread the self-love ❤

(Also got the ask from @rierse and @omnoramayday thanks guys🩷🩷)

I haven‘t even written that much since the last time I received this 🫣

1. The soulmate train

My lukanette bigbang fic and my absolute favorite work yet. Marinette boards a magical train that will get her to her soulmate. Luka is a conductor on said train and does not have a soulmate. It‘s not entirely finished yet, I have some touch-ups to do and even though I feel a little burned out bc life happens, I hope I‘ll get the next chapter out asap. Please have patience🩷

2. Symphony for you and me

Fic from the 2023 valentine’s exchange for @quickspinner and currently on hiatus. I‘ll hopefully get back to this one once the soulmate train is finished

3. When it gets too much (you can rely on me)

4. Music of the heart

5. Feliz navi dad

For the 2023 secret santa, I‘m so proud of the title alone😂

[mystic-myrtille]

No pets in my home, I had a cat at my parent‘s house, who passed away a month ago:( my parents also have a dog, though she doesn‘t count as my pet

Comfort food… I‘m not sure honestly? If beverages count I‘d go with Chai Latte

I technically grew up as billingual! I spoke german and romanian fairly fluent as a kid, but over time my parents and I stopped speaking romanian at home and my romanian got so bad:( it‘s decent enough that I can talk to my grandma though and I want to improve again! In school I did english and french, so 4 in total

I‘m very good at beer pong. Was at a birthday Party yesterday won every single round:D

I‘m proud that I‘ getting back into playing the piano! I moved from a student dorm into a bigger apartment so I had space to get my paino from my parent‘s house. I haven‘t actively played in like 3 years but I can still kind of play songs I like by ear. Nothing super impressive but still:)

I‘m no pressure tagging uuuuuuuuuuhhhhh @quickspinner @ladyfreya123 @ink-ubusart @dontfollowmeman @airi-p4

Tag game because I want to know you better !

-Do you have a pet ?

-Comfort food ?

-How many languages do you speak ?

- Random fact about yourself

-Something you’re proud of

To begin this little tag game, I’ll tag @ebony-reine-vibes @freddie-77-ao3 @newobsessioneveryweek @thehaikuman and @miraclesnail

I hope the questions aren’t boring and love you all 😘

[goldenlaurelleaveswrites]

I've Got These Friends...

You've met Marinette's friends, but have you met Luka's?

AO3

This wasn't supposed to happen (much like many of my stories). But @verfound was betaing ch17 of J vs and she loved Darrel. Enough that she commented on how much she loved him. And then the rest of the LBSC liked him. And suddenly I was staring at a character profile for a character that was supposed to be a throwaway one.

And then... well, Ver, @rierse, @quickspinner, and @mintaka14 know what they did. So now Darrel has joined my other OCs, and I'm finally getting around to sharing more about them 😂

I started this challenge using this prompt list, but I didn't use all of the prompts from it and I will likely end up making up some of my own as well. I've also taken some of the prompts out of order to suit my whims.

You'll also notice that some of Ver's OCs show up. Dingo and Bri are more canon than actual canon, and they decided to show up and make themselves comfortable 😂

I will also warn you all, because of school and trying to finish J vs, this likely won't be updated every day and will probably bleed over into other months.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31

[hellowhyareyouhere]

Chapters: 9/9 Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Luka Couffaine/Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug, Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug & Max Kanté Characters: Luka Couffaine, Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug, Max Kanté Additional Tags: Aged-Up Character(s), Gamer AU - Freeform, Reverse Crush (Miraculous Ladybug), Maxinette BROTP, Rivalry, lukanette endgame, past one-sided adrienette, Podfic Welcome Series: Part 7 of I’ll Never Not Know You: First Meetings Summary:

Max and Marinette have been playing in the Ultimate Mecha Strike III professional leagues for a few years but they're finally making the jump to the Master League in hopes of winning a cash prize that will let them make their dreams a reality. Team Lucky Charm is on their way, but Marinette faces a challenge in the individual league--she can't seem to beat former champion Viperion.