From Superhero to Cinderella

Chapter 4

Marinette immediately slammed her sketchbook shut before turning to see who it was.  She was surprised to see a familiar blue-haired boy approaching her.

"Luka?" she asked.  "What are you doing here?"  He walked up to the bench she was sitting on and sat next to her.

"I went to the grocery store with my mom to help her carry groceries.   We were driving past the Eiffel Tower on our way home when she saw a good friend and had to stop to talk to her," he said.  "I thought I saw a familiar figure up here and figured I'd investigate.  Turns out I was right." He smiled at Marinette softly.  "You seemed so sad a moment ago.  What's wrong?" he asked. Marinette held her sketchbook so it was only in one hand before answering.

"It's about Adrien," she confessed.   Luka didn't look surprised.

"What about him?" he asked.

"He seems to have grown more distant from me lately and much closer to Kagami," Marinette said with a sigh.

"Who's Kagami?" Luka asked.

"She's Adrien's fencing partner.  And her mom and his dad are friends.  And, she has a crush on him, and I think he likes her back.  That makes them practically perfect for each other, doesn't it?" she asked, fiddling unhappily with the edge of her sketchbook and staring at it.  A hand covered hers and she looked back up at Luka.

"That's rough," he said.   "But we could spend more time together if you like."  Marinette almost agreed, but then remembered what was going on in her life.

"I probably can't, at least not for the rest of the week.  My dad is getting remarried on Saturday," she admitted regretfully.

"You don't sound very happy about it," Luka observed.

"I'm happy that it's going to help my dad be happy, but I don't like the woman he's marrying. And she doesn't like me.  Neither does her daughter," Marinette said, holding back a sigh.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Luka said.  Marinette nodded.  "Who is it that he's getting married too?"

"Audrey Bourgeois," Marinette said without much emotion.  Luka winced.

"I'm sorry, Marinette," he said sympathetically.   Marinette took a deep breath.

"It's okay.  As long as my dad is happy, I'll be okay," she said.  Luka watched her for a moment.

"If you ever need anything or anyone to talk too, I'm here for you, Marinette," he said.

"I know," she responded.   "And I appreciate it. I really do."  She surprised him by giving him a hug.  He hugged her back after a moment.  Marinette heard the faint sound of Luka's name being called and let go of him.   "Sounds like your mom is looking for you," she said.

"Yep.   I got to go. But I'll see you later," Luka said, getting up and starting to walk away.  Marinette stood up.

"Mind if I take the elevator down with you? I've been here a while and should probably get back home," she said.

"I don't mind at all," Luka said, turning around and giving her a smile.  Marinette rode in the elevator with Luka before they parted ways.  He had offered her a ride home, but she didn't want to spoil his groceries by extending their trip, and she wasn't in any hurry to get home.   She eventually reached home and was surprised when she found that no one was home.  She sighed and pulled out some leftovers before eating dinner, the only company with her being Tikki.

* * *

Adrien's dad was thrilled that he had asked Kagami on a date and had Nathalie clear his entire Saturday afternoon.   The week both took forever to end, but also went by way too quickly.  At times, Adrien was excited and looking forward to his date.  At other times, he was a bundle of nerves and full of nervous anticipation.  When Saturday finally arrived, he woke up earlier than usual.   He got dressed and went through the day, doing everything he had in his schedule before finally returning home and getting ready for his date.   Plagg wasn't much help, teasing him a lot.  At one point, something Plagg said made Adrien freeze.