A Lukanette Love Story

Chapter 7

       Marinette and Adrien walk a little ways away on the boat, close enough to still be seen, but far enough to not be overheard. Marinette shifts her feet uncomfortably waiting for Adrien to speak. "So..." They both say at the same time, Marinette starts tripping over her words, "You go first," "No you" says Adrien and Marinette shakes her head, "You wanted to tell me something?" She says and Adrien scratches his neck nervously.

       "I like you Marinette, a lot. I know it has taken me a while to realize it and I'm sorry that I didn't see it sooner, but I like you a lot." Adrien says, looking innocent and nervous. Marinette groans in frustration and Adrien waits for her to say something. She looks at him and her nerves get the better of her, she turns away, takes a deep breath and closes her eyes, "I like you too Adrien, a lot and I wish you realized it sooner. But my life is a mess right now and I can't be what you need. I really wish I could, I've been waiting for a moment like this with you since your second day at school, but now, now the timing isn't right. I'm not saying that it might not ever happen, but this thing that is going on in my life, I think it's going to be happening for a long time. And what once could have been between us, is gone right now. I'm really sorry Adrien." She turns back around and gives him an apologetic look. He stands there in stunned silence, feeling hurt and pain, but also understanding and compassion.

       "I understand Marinette and I appreciate your honesty. I hope that we can still be friends, I would be sad if I lost you as a friend." He says with pain in his voice and but a glimmer of hope on his face. "Oh Adrien, you'll always be my friend, nothing could ever change that!" She reassures him quickly. He breathes out a sigh of relief and she smiles tentatively at him, he smiles back and then his phone dings, "It's my bodyguard, I guess it's time for me to go. It was nice seeing you Marinette, I hope whatever it is that is going on in your life gets better." He says kindly. "Thanks Adrien, see you later." She responds ands watches him walk away.

       Luka was standing by the stage watching the whole thing, he was concerned for Marinette, even though he couldn't hear what was being said, the looks on Marinette and Adrien's faces said that it was a hard conversation. 

       He watches Adrien walk away and sees Marinette's face crumple in pain and she runs below deck. Now he is really worried, he decides to follow her and hears sobbing in the living room.

       Marinette is barely able to look up when she hears footsteps on the stairs leading to the living room, she's sobbing hard and Tikki is trying to console her, but upon hearing the footsteps, she flies back into Marinette's purse. Next thing Marinette knows a box of tissues is gently being placed near her, she reaches out and grabs a tissue gratefully. She feels the couch sag as a warm presence sits next to her, but she still isn't able to stop crying long enough to see who it is, even though she has a guess. A warm hand rubs her back soothingly and it just makes her cry harder, not that it makes her feel bad, but she just doesn't feel like she deserves the comfort. She had to turn down the love of her life, nothing could be worse than that. 

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A/N - Sorry it's a short chapter, but we are heading towards the good stuff now!