A Miraculous Ladybug Fanfiction: Melting (COMPLETED)

Chapter 8: Doubt

"That's great Luka!" Marinette walked over and brought a few drinks to everyone standing near a table. They were taking a quick break from their rehearsal and were talking amongst themselves. A thump and a gasp later, Chat noir dropped in and walked over to Marinette.

"Chat?" Marinette almost spit out her drink.

Chat swung his arm over Marinette's shoulder and took a drink off of the table.

"Oh... my... gosh... Chat noir! In the flesh? Interview? Where is Ladybug? Why are you here?" Alya ran over to him, excited that he was there.

"I heard some music and saw everyone down here and decided to join." Chat smiled, taking a sip of his drink.

Marinette rolled her eyes and shrugged him off of her shoulder and walked over to Rose and Luka. Alya was recording Chat noir but Alya could even tell that Chat noir was not acting his usual self.

No. Why was she choosing Luka over him? He was her partner. He was her classmate. He was her friend. She would choose to hang out with her Ex Luka more than him?

"You good cat?" Alya asked, waving her hand in front of his face.

The sudden movement of Alya's hand made Cat snap out of his current thoughts and looked down at her, still recording.

"Oh yeah!" Chat smiled, uncomfortably, yet keeping an eye on Marinette and Luka, who were talking. Alya looked at Cat and then to Marinette.

"Do you like Marinette? I thought you liked Ladybug!" Alya's eyebrows raised and she pushed her phone towards him for answers.

Those words that came out of Alya's mouth. She wasn't wrong. He didn't want to lie but... he had to. He couldn't be seen on the Ladyblog liking a civilian girl, it would put her in danger. He had to tell Alya he didn't like Marinette in that way. Though... Why was it this hard to say it when he was looking at her and Luka. He didn't want to say those words, but he had to.

"Uh.. no.. I don't like her in... that way.." Chat said, in a low tone.

The energy that Chat gave off made Alya give him a puzzled look and stop recording. She threw her arm over his shoulder and started walking toward Marinette and Luka.

"What? What are you doing?" Chat exclaimed, obviously uncomfortable.

Alya laughed and pushed him into Marinette and Luka, rose laughing with Juleka on the side. Chat looked up at Marinette who groaned as she helped him stand back up. Chat looked at everyone and smiled, rubbing the back of his neck nervously while giving a slight wave.

"Hello Chat noir." Luka smiled.

"Uh.. yeah... hey." Chat smiled back, still feeling a little out of place.

Why did he come there? Why did he want to be there but felt out of place once he was there. He was a superhero. Everyone loved him, so why did the air feel...awkward. Was he making it awkward? Marinette didn't seem happy to see him. Did she want to hide their friendship? Was she embarrassed of him? She invited Adrien, but how was Chat noir any different. Chat noir was...his real personality. He could be who he really was with the mask on. He didn't have to lie or live up to others' expectations. So why did no one like him as himself?

"This was a mistake.." Chat said under his breath.

Marinette must have heard his comment and turned her head toward him. Rose and Juleka were still talking in the background which might have muffled his voice, but he was sure Marinette heard him.

"Did you say something man?" Luka asked, reaching his hand over to place it on his shoulder.

"Nothing, forget about it." Chat spat, pushing Luka's arm away and turning around, disappearing over some buildings.

Luka walked over to Marinette in confusion.

"I wonder what was wrong with him?" Luka said, strumming his guitar.

Marinette didn't respond, she watched as her partner's silhouette disappeared and she frowned as she bit her lower lip in deep thought.

"Luka?" Marinette asked.

"Yeah Marinette?"

"I forgot something at home for rehearsal later tonight. Would you cover for me until I can get back?" Marinette smiled.