Broken Melody

Tasker

Luka stared fondly at Marinette from the top of his guitar.

While she cupped her cheeks, trying to get them to cool down, he straightened up and began strumming a soft tune, getting her attention, “I’m glad that you’re letting yourself take that step forward.” He hummed.

Marinette turned to him, her cheeks still feeling warm, “W-Well, I had some help.” She stated, looking down, lowering her hands down and drummed her fingers on her knees, “I was hanging out with Aurore a bit and she gave me some advice.” She closed her eyes and breathed in a needed breath, her eyes half lidded when she breathed out her nerves, “Even if it’s not my responsibility, I’m always going to feel guilt, but the thing I have to do is find a way for me to live with the guilt, accept it – own it!” she declared with an unwavering gaze, nodding at the solution, “And that’s what I need to do if I want to move on.” She explained.

Luka smiled, closing his eyes as he played the relaxed and accepting tune of her heart, “I’m glad that your friend helped you get some clarity.”

She smiled, relaxing to the melody he was playing, “Yeah…” she hummed. She was a bit scared at this new friendship between her and Aurore, but she couldn’t let her fear of the past hold her back anymore. This was good. Making a new friend was good for her and she should enjoy it.

While she calmly thought that through, she suddenly tensed up as a different thought appeared and whipped her head towards him with wide worried eyes, “Not that you weren’t helpful at all! You were – Are! Are a big help! Your support means so much to me and I don’t think I would have even made this decision without you!” she didn’t want him to think that all his support was no help at all because she was ‘officially’ taking that step forward due to Aurore’s advice – she didn’t think she could have come to this point without both him and Aurore.

“Marinette.” Luka smiled amusingly, but kindly, reaching out to place a comforting hand on her shoulder as the notes trailed off into the air, “It’s fine. It doesn’t matter if I was the one to give you the final push that you needed or someone else did. The important thing is that it helped you.”

Marinette stared at him, her shoulders drooping, “It’s just…” she timidly looked away, “I don’t want you to think that I didn’t take your advice to heart – I did.” Luka kept her steady. The support he gave her was something she was very grateful for, “Whenever I think of moving on, I…” she bit her lip.

He gave her shoulder a squeeze before returning it back to his guitar, “I understand.” He smiled softly, “I’m glad that I was able to help.” He strummed an easy-going tune, “And I’m ready to help whenever you need it.”

Marinette stared at him. The way that he was relaxed, and strumming on his guitar with a tender smile, almost lost in the melody. She smiled fondly at him, “Thank you, Luka.” And leaned forward to press a kiss to his cheek. He’s been by her side this whole time and she didn’t think she could thank him enough.

Luka didn’t say anything about that, but his smile did widen at her gesture, “Do you have somewhere you need to be?” he asked as he strummed a happy tune, his cheek tingling with warmth.

She let out a hum, “No, I don’t – Shoot!” she shot up from the bed with wide eyes, “I was helping my dad before all of this!” she remembered, taking her phone out to check the time.

“Do you need a ride?” Luka smiled, already seeing that she was brimming to leave.

Marinette quickly shook her head, “It’s fine, you stay here and relax. I’ll talk to you later.” She rushed when she saw a text from her mom.

Luka watched her go, but she quickly came to a halt when she nearly crashed into Juleka who looked surprised to see her here.

“Marinette.” Juleka whispered under her breath.