The Line Between Love And Hate

Chapter 37: Just Great

~7/30/16: Two Months Before Marinette Leaves~
"You haven't worn the pick I gave you." I look at Luka and then turn my gaze down to the locket on my neck.

"I have to find a chain for it." My fingers wrap around the locket and Luka's face falls. It happens quick though. I could've imagined it. But I didn't. He nods his head toward my hand.

"Who gave you that?" "Adrien did." He nods and tears his eyes away. "But it's not like that Luka. I promise." He smiles and grabs my hand.

"I get it Marinette-" "No that's not why I'm wearing it though. I just-" "You don't need to explain yourself. I know that you won't feel for me what you feel for him-" "No Luka. That's not-" I cut myself off. I don't even know where I was going with that.

I can't lie to him. I know for a fact I will never feel for Luka what I feel for Adrien. I'll never be able to feel this way about anyone else. My heart belongs to Adrien. And no matter how badly he wants to hear otherwise, I don't know if I have it in my heart to tell him that.

"Are you saying you possibly could?" He's so full of hope. He's hoping I say yes. He believes. But the truth is. I could never love him the way he believed I would. But pretending I could get there is so much easier than me being alone.

He gives me something to focus on. With him in my life, I don't have to constantly think about Adrien and Chloe. I know it's selfish. I know this might even be cruel, but he helps me get through the days. And I will never get over this guilt inside me for using him like this.

"I- I think I can get there. Eventually." I lie and his smile lights up. He pulls me into him and presses his lips to mine. I feel so guilty. If I was able to pick who I loved, I would've picked him. But I can't. That's not how life works. And I'm in love with someone who's not my boyfriend.

He rests his forehead on mine and says, "I love you."

My heart sinks. I'm an evil person. I lied and gave him false hope. What kind of sick person does this? How can anyone mess with someone's feelings? Especially when someone feels so strongly for them?

How can I be that kind of person? I shouldn't be doing this.

So why is it so hard for me to stop? Why can't I just walk away from Luka? He deserves better. He deserves someone who can actually love him.

"Mari." Saved by the bell. I turn my head and see Adrien standing beside us. My body immediately moves away from Luka. He notices and his smile fades.

"I'm going to head to class." I turn my attention back to him and he has a fake smile on his face. He kisses the side of my head before walking away.

~Adrien~
I watch as Luka places a kiss on Mari's head. Her eyes follow him until he's out of sight.

Why can't she ever look at me like that? Why am I never on the receiving end of that gaze?

"Mari?" She turns her eyes to mine and I smile at the sight. She smiles back before saying, "What is it?"

"I actually had a question for the two of you."

~Both POV's: Mari's Adrien's~

I motion for him to continue. "I'm not a mind reader Agreste."

God I really don't want to do this.

"Um Chloe wanted me to see if you and Luka would want to go on a double date with us?"

He can't be serious. That means I'd have to see them together. That's exactly what I've been avoiding since they started dating.

"I don't know. We aren't really the double date type."

We? They go by 'we' ?

That was a dumb question. They're dating. Of course they go by "we"

"It was just a suggestion. Chlo really wanted me to ask." "Right no. I- I get it."

"Adrikins!" Chloe's screeching voice reaches my ears as she walks over with a smile. She loops her arm through Adrien's.

"Are you asking her about the date?" She asks and I nod. Chloe turns to look at Mari. "We have so much planned. We were thinking Saturday?" "Um she was actually saying that they're not double date people."

"Oh come on Mari-" "Marinette." We say in sync. Chloe's smile flickers. She sucks her teeth before continuing.

"Right. Well it'll be a shame if you don't join us. It's going to be ridiculously fun."

Stop trying to convince her. I don't want to have to see her and Luka kissing.

"If you don't go Adrien and I might just decide to spend the day in. Isn't that right Adrikins." She moves her mouth up to my ear and pulls it through her teeth.

Gross.

I nervously laugh and push her away.

There's no way I'm letting that happen.

"We can't have that right?" I ask sarcastically and Chloe fake laughs.

The air is so thick right now. Marinettes annoyed. Its written all in her eyes. Even her face shows it.

"Does that mean we can expect to see you guys?"

Please say no please say no please say- "We'll be there." Marinette says annoyed before walking away.

Just great.
Just great.

~Marinette~
There's a knock on my door and I open it to see Luka. I smile up at him and he greets me with a kiss. "What are you doing Saturday?" I ask him as soon as we pull apart.

"Whatever you're doing." I laugh. "Okay well how does a double date sound?" "With Alya and Nino?" "With Adrien and Chloe." Luka sighs. "Do we have to?"

"I might've told them yes already." He studies my face. "Is this something you want to do?" No. Absolutely not. I don't want to see the love of my life with his girlfriend.

I look up at him and smile. "It is. Yeah." He gives me a gentle peck. "Then I'll be there." I smile and pull him into another kiss. "Thank you." "Marinette I'd do anything for you. You know that."