Short Tales: Stories of Ladybug & Cat Noir

Try All You Like (Part One)

The Dupain-Cheng's backyard looked amazing. The trees were covered in pink and gold ribbons and streamers hung from the fences. There was a photo booth near the buffet table which already had a line. On the patio deck, Jaggered Stone and his band had set up a small stage area and were swinging some of their hits. Right now they were playing, 'Just say No' which he knew for a fact was Marinette's favorite. Chairs had been arranged in a circle around a small table covered in golden cloth. On the table stood a beautiful three tiered cake covered in colourful frosted flowers. There were also miniature cupcakes of various colors surrounding the main cake. Each had Marinette's name iced in elaborate writing.

"They really went all out for Marinette's sweet 16," he mumbled to himself.

"Aren't you going to look for the birthday girl?" Plagg asked.

"She'll be here shortly Plagg have some patience," came his reply.

"Me? Have some patience? You're the one who got here half an hour early," came Plagg's voice clearly annoyed.

Adrien chuckled lightly. He really couldn't wait to see Marinette. He needed to tell her something important. The truth was he didn't want to be friends anymore. They'd spent the latter of the school year together and he'd suddenly realized the way he felt about her wasn't really 'friendly'. His desire was to be more than friends... If she'd let him.

There was cheering coming from the patio where Adrien's classmates had gathered. That could only mean one thing.

"Your girl's here lover boy," now it was Plagg's turn to chuckle.

Adrien's heart seemed to stop momentarily. Marinette had been having that effect on him lately - something Ladybug hadn't achieved.

He shuddered at the thought of Ladybug. She had made her choice and now he was about to make his.

Swiftly, he made his way to the back of the crowd. Everyone was hooting and clapping so he joined in. His heart pounded in his chest so hard he could hear the blood rushing through his veins. He couldn't believe he was about to tell her. The truth had to be known -

Suddenly the crowd cleared and as if on cue, she stepped out. Marinette looked gorgeous. Like she was literally glowing - well at least to him. Her dainty body was clothed in a knee length, armless, red dress. Gold bracelets hung from her hands and long dangling earrings graced her ears. What shocked him the most though was her hair. It was loose and travelled down her back. He'd never seen her hair in anything, but pigtails for the entire school year.

Besides himself, his eyes travelled to her pink lips. He would constantly catch himself day-dreaming about his lips on hers. He wanted to know what they felt like. He needed to find out.

"Adrien," she spoke his name and a tingle ran through him.

"Hey Marinette," he replied. She was walking towards him now. He held his arm out for her to take and she smiled.

"Aren't you the gentleman," she commented. They walked towards the photo booth as the crowd dispersed.

"You look really beautiful Marinette," he commented in a quiet voice. He was trying hard to control his breathing, but each breath he took smelt of her perfume. It was a delicious fragrance and he had to wrestle to contain his desire to push his face into the side of her neck.

"Thank you," she blushed then turned to look at him. Her blue eyes twinkled as he gazed into them.

"Mari, there is something I need to say to you," he began, shifting his weight between his feet.
He looked away from her in an attempt to calm his nerves. When he looked up again, he noticed her gaze had shifted to something behind him. Quickly he turned around. Kneeling there was Luka. Adrien was confused, but Luka didn't even glance at him.

"This is for you Mari," he said to Marinette.

Adrien peered at the small box Luka was holding in his palm. Inside was a necklace with what looked like a garnet hanging from it. He had gotten her her birthstone as a gift.
Adrien's heart dropped as he remembered he'd forgotten Marinette's birthday present on his bed home. He was so desperate to see her that he panicked and completely forgot her gift.
Marinette's eyes lit up. Adrien loved it when they did that. He would have loved it even more if it was because of him.

Luka stood up and closed the distance between them. He towered over her easily, and the way he looked at her made Adrien's heart drop even more. There was something going on here.

Marinette reached up and stroked Luka's cheek, a smile plastered on her lips.
"Luka I love it," she gushed before reaching up on tip toe. Luka bent his head towards her and crashed his lips into hers.
Their friends broke out in cheering again at this display of affection, except Adrien.
He was shocked-still. His breathing was now rasps. His fists were clenched tight and his heart was shattered.
Of course, what was he thinking? Marinette had found love in Luka. While he was busy chasing after Ladybug, Luka was out making moves on a princess. His princess. His princess no more. Adrien could feel himself getting red. First his mother died, then his father went cold. The first love of his life had loved someone else. Now the second love of his life had fallen for someone who wasn't him.

You're pathetic, he thought to himself.

The gentle call of her voice drew him from his thoughts,

"Adrien you said you wanted to tell me something?" her eyes were saucers an almost perfect image. Luka's slender frame next to her made Adrien want to spit. Summoning what voice he had left he replied softly,

"Yeah. Happy Birthday Marinette,"

With that he turned and walked away. Out of the back yard, out the door and out of her life.

You're pathetic Adrien, his thoughts scolded him once more.

"I know," he mumbled in bitter response to himself, kicking stones as he walked down the street.

To be continued....

So this one is a bit lengthy compared to the ones before so do enjoy.
Sorry if it's a bit sad or harsh just exploring some new ideas.
Also: I like Luka and Marinette together. They are so cute! Who do you ship? Be sure to comment and tell me what you think.

Bye bye for now little butterflies!