I'm Here { Lukanette FF }

5 - Pity

Marinette's POV

I observed and perceived Luka's movements throughout the day. He seemed to get more impatient with every hour that ticked closer to the last bell.

It appears he hasn't been able to pay much attention to the classes, I felt slightly guilty for making him not listen to the lessons.

At last, the final bell of the day rang. As soon as it did, Luka packed his things as fast as lightning before he rushed out of the class.

I tried to get to the Pont de la Concorde first, but he arrived a few minutes before me.

He was leaning against the edge, staring at the reflective surface below, his eyes clouded with thoughts.

When he heard me walking toward him, he whipped around swiftly.

His eyes changed from aggression to surprise, then swirled to an unsatisfying look of disgust.

"You're the one who wrote that note?" he hissed, his hands trembled.

I had to choose my cards carefully now, I'm treading on thin ice.

"Luka, listen-"

"Don't 'Luka, listen,' me!" he snapped before I could continue. "How do you know about my problem?" he demanded.

"No- scratch that. Why did you want to meet me here?" he crossed his arms, I appreciated that he was giving me a chance to explain, but his heavy breathing told me I still wasn't safe yet.

"Luka. I want to help you," I said carefully.

Luka grit his teeth and looked down at his feet.

"No. I don't need your pity. This is a burden I have to face on my own. I appreciate the offer but mind your own business." he snarled through clenched teeth.

I pressed further - a big mistake, "Luka! I'm only trying to help you!" I said sympathetically, I reached for his hand but he pulled away.

"I don't want to be looked down upon!" he yelled, I flinched at the outburst.

He continued with a strained voice, "For years I've been pitied and patronized, believed to be a poor little boy with no hope in life without a guide or a stupid light in the world that will lead me to greatness!"

Watching him rant and shout about his inner emotions almost drove me to tears.

"I'm not a hopeless case! I can do things on my own! I. Don't. Want. Your. Help!" Luka finished coldly before turning away with tears running down his cheeks.

He ran off before I could stop him.

I'd never felt so empty in my life.

Luka's POV

I crashed down onto my bed with tear stains still on my cheeks. I felt empty, defeated.

She was nice, I thought I might actually have a friend for once, but then I saw her true colous.

How did she even find out?

Why is she doing this to me?

Why did my life have to be so difficult? So unfair?

"Luka?" Juleka's soft voice interrupted my dark thoughts.

"Jules?" I croaked, surprised at how strained my voice sounded. She slipped into the room and sat down beside me.

"What's wrong? You look like you just got pushed overboard." she joked.

I chuckled without humor, "It's nothing, Jules." I murmured.

She suddenly pointed at my face, "Are those tears?" she hissed, scowling.

Yikes. It's terrifying to see her like that.

I wiped away the stains as quickly as I could. "Rain," I muttered, looking at my pillow.

She snorted, "Yeah, right. It's not even raining outside. Tell me what's up." she said, nudging my shoulder.

"As I said, it isn't important," I grumbled.

"A guy like you wouldn't cry over something that isn't important," Juleka said.

You have no idea how many times that's happened, Jules.

When I stayed silent, she pressed on, "Oh, come on, do I have to guess?" she sighed.

"Is it about a special someone?" she asked playfully. When I only laughed, she continued, "Boy or girl?"

"Jules, it's not about that." I chuckled sadly, I have so much on my hands, I don't think I have time to fall in love.

"Just- do your homework. I'll make dinner." I stood up and left the room, heading for the kitchen.

Marinette's POV

Luka's been avoiding me more than ever. Every time I try to catch his eye, he completely ignores me.

It was starting to annoy me at how petty he was being.

At lunch, I sat by myself on a bench, sulking and looking down at my feet.

"Something wrong?"

My whole body lit up at the sound of that voice. I missed that voice.

I eagerly looked up to see the face of an angel. His golden blond hair and emerald eyes shone brightly.

My cheeks flushed, "A-Adrien! Hi!" I sat up straight.

"You look pretty down, is something going on?" he sat down beside me.

My smile faded and I looked back down at my feet, "Yeah..." I murmured.

"What is it? You can tell me anything, you know?" Adrien's smile was out of this world.

"Well... I can't tell you everything, but short story is; I tried helping Luka with something but he kind of... lashed out at me." I mumbled.

Adrien laughed. Not the reaction I was expecting.

"Typical Luka," he sighed, closing his eyes. There was sorrow in his voice.

"When we took him in, he wasn't exactly grateful. He was always so... stubborn, but eventually, I broke through his walls." Adrien smiled, he seemed happy to remember his earlier days with Luka.

He continued, "Luka's afraid to let people in. He has some trust issues, he wants to push them away before they turn on him. But he's a good guy," he turned to me.

"don't give up on him."

I smiled, his advice was... refreshing.

"Thanks for the advice, Adrien," I said. He flashed a perfect smile, "It was my pleasu-"

"Adrien."

Luka was standing in front of us, his eyes were focused on the blond model.

"Oh, hey Luka-" Adrien was interrupted when Luka grabbed his arm.

"Come on, we have work to do," he said, pulling him up.

Adrien looked apologetically at me, "Oh, right. Sorry Marinette, I've got to go. Luka's helping me with a photoshoot today."

I tilted my head, "Uh- a photoshoot?"

The gorgeous model nodded, "See, the style is punk so Luka offered to help-"

"Let's go." he pulled Adrien with him as he walked away.

"Luka, wait!" I stood up, extending my arm for him to halt.

His back was already turned to me when he stopped in his tracks. He didn't look at me. He didn't turn to face me.

I could feel the rage radiating off him.

"If you've got nothing to say, I'll take my leave," Luka grumbled, still looking straight ahead.

He started walking again, still dragging Adrien's arm behind him.

I hugged myself in my arms, feeling hollow.