Hide And Seek

Chapter 17

"I didn't think I'd see you here."

Marie paused, recognizing the voice behind her instantly. She had been walking down the street still in her disguise, there was no way he should have been able to recognize her. But she couldn't say she was too surprised, despite the effort that went into her disguise. She turned around all the same with a small smile. "You know me?"

Luka just smirked lightly, holding out his arm in invitation. "I see people with more than just eyes, Ma-Ma-Marie."

Marie smiled in thanks at him for whispering the last part, knowing fully what he meant. "Of course, we have a little catching up to do don't we," She took his arm, following easily as he led her down a street she did not recognize. She trusted him to take her where she was needed, even if it could be difficult not to ask where he was taking her. Luka likely wouldn't tell her unless it was important.

"It's been nearly a month, and I know you are in no way predictable," He teased. "Truly, I've missed seeing you."

"Same here, Lu-Lu. I heard from Jagged that you're gonna tour as a backup guitarist?"

He winked at her playfully, eyes twinkling with knowledge she knew he shouldn't logically have. "Officially, I think it'll be maybe an hour in before he 'spontaneously' calls me up for something more adventurous."

They were near the river now, strolling to some shops that she used to go to with friends occasionally. It was a fairly wealthy area, with a good number of people strolling about. She absently tucked a strand of her blond hair behind her ear, using it to shield her as she looked for Lila.

"That sounds like him. Am I right in assuming you know why I'm here?"

Luka shrugged, pulling her through some people crowded around a shop. "An officer asked me a week ago if I had seen Lila anywhere, I saw her five days ago, then again yesterday. Coincidence does not follow you around, you're too involved with fate and destiny for it."

She chuckled lightly at that. The most random of chances would always end up being important later, Luka was right about that. Meeting Diana and Damian at the Library, meeting Jagged Stone, even meeting Luka again now. "I'd have to agree with that. Is this where you saw her?"

"Close, there's a coffee shop around the corner. Too high-end for a girl running away from home, and her order had Juliet scribbled on the side of her cup."

Marie just shook her head at that, of course Lila would choose the name Juliet. She could see the coffee shop Luka was talking about, nearly two stories tall for no reason other than to boast. It oozed wealth and both Lila and the Agreste's were show-boaty enough for it. "Thanks, Luka. And good luck with your tour, you deserve it."

"I had a thoughtful recommendation," He grinned at her brightly, squeezing her elbow quickly. "I'll see you around after the hectic parts are over."

She knew by now that it was wise to keep Luka's suggestions and odd comments in mind. Jason was certain Luka was a meta, but Luka would never say one way or the other. "I'll hold you to that, Lu-Lu."

He pressed some cash into her hand as he turned to leave. She took in a deep breath, walking into the high-end shop to get a drink and sit. Hopefully, Lila would come in before she had to buy a second drink, or maybe a third. The coffee smelled heavenly, somewhere to take Tim in the future. Would that be considered abusing the miraculous?

She shook her head, stepping forward to order. She had some waiting to do.

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"Order for Juliet!"

Marie smiled to herself, her suspicion confirmed. The woman who grabbed the coffee wasn't exactly disguised, but her hair was pulled back into a tight braided bun with comically large sunglasses so Marie couldn't see her face completely if she didn't want to look suspicious. The name being Juliet was the confirmation she needed, so she grabbed her to-go cup and left the table she'd been sitting at for the past two hours.