When Walls Crumble

Chapter 32: Alone

Marinette was standing on the deck of the Sea Serpent watching the sunrise with a mug of warm cinnamon coffee.  

"It's beautiful," said a voice behind her.  "Although, it's got nothing against you."

She turned around, and landed face-to-face with a young man, almost a head taller than her with dark hair dyed blue at the tips.  His narrow eyes were crinkled in a warm smile that dimpled his cheeks.  His once-white T-shirt was riddled with bullet holes and red stains.

"Luka?" she asked.  "But...how?"

His smile hid a certain air of tragedy and sorrow.  "I'm not really here, Marinette.  This is just a dream."

"Then I don't ever want to wake up."

"I'm so sorry, amoure.  You shouldn't have to deal with this."

She ran at him and hugged him, taking in his scent and everything about him.  

"I swear," he continued.  "I hold nothing against you.  I don't blame you for anything.  I love you and I want you to be happy again.  It hurts me to see you blame yourself."

"Is this real?"

"No, it's a dream.  But what I'm saying isn't your imagination.  I had to tell you."

"You mean I'm having an angelic apparition in a dream?"

"Well, sure, but for the angelic part, that's what I'm getting."

"Luka..."

"Stay strong, Marinette.  I love you and miss you."

"I love you too.  And I miss you more than I can say."

"I'll never really leave, ma cherie.  I'll be watching over you and I can't wait for our child to be born.  You'll be a fantastic mother, I just know it.  Au Revoir, Marinette."

Marinette sat straight up in bed.  

Did that just...

It wasn't her imagination?  

He actually appeared to her in a dream?

It was wonderful while it lasted, and although she finally felt no guilt, she was suddenly overcome with loneliness.  She had him back for a few short minutes and now he was gone again.  She pulled the blanket up to her face and sobbed into it.  It didn't help since it held his scent.  She had gotten so used to his presence beside her when she woke up in the night that the bed seemed huge and empty.  

All alone.

Even Tikki wasn't there.

She sighed and decided to walk out and see the moonlight on the water.  It was so serene and beautiful that she momentarily felt content.

Until her mind wandered to the last time she saw that kind of scene when she and Luka decided to 'camp out' on the deck one night and watch the stars.  She missed him.

There was a big empty void in her life where her husband used to be.  She was all alone.

"Yes, Solitude," crooned a feminine voice in her head.  "You are too lonely.  Want to change that?"

No! screamed part of her head.  I can't be akumatized!  I won't!

Wait, she thought.  Lila will keep trying to get to me out of spite.  If I never fall, she'll be suspicious.  Maybe I should.  

But what about Cat Noir and Ladybug?  How can I do this to them?

They'll understand.  And I trust him.