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Kore Complex (12)

Paris Holds The Key To Her Heart First | Last | Masterlist | AO3 ~ “Sometimes, the most important lessons in life are the ones we learn the hard way.”

~

Sunlight glittered playfully along the water of the river, skipping over it with an intricacy that fabric could never mimic in a million years; the warmth of the sun would’ve felt too intense if they were directly in it, but the bench just out of reach of the rays proved to keep the pair content. Waves splashed along the sides as tourist boats tugged along, cars filtering in background noise under the chitter-chatter of people wandering along. If one looked, they could probably spot Andre going over the bridge, heading to his next secret destination, giving them a jaunty wave.

Luka grins, returning the good-bye, before returning to the sweet treat he had in hand, humming softly, body swaying to the calming song of the city. It had been some time since Hawkmoth had popped up, and people were eager to enjoy themselves during the short reprieve they all had. Just like he was. A gentle pressure reminded him he wasn’t alone, a body leant into his shoulder her sweet treat long gone.

“Before you ask,” he began, before she could start, “no you cannot have some.” He grins, taking a bite of the ice cream and taking a bit of glee from her wincing.

Recovering, her pout settled on her lips, those beautiful bluebell eyes seemingly growing big, her song ringing with ‘innocent’ bells, “B-But Luka! Come on, you never finish all of it anyway.” She reminds him, though she made no move to take the sweet treat from him.

He shrugs, licking the remnants of the tasty cream from his lips, “It’s not my fault he always makes mine huge now. I just asked for the cherry flavor.” It was no surprise they all got big ice creams now, even if Andre hadn’t made them a ‘couple’ ice cream. ‘Just because we’re poly, doesn’t mean we’re not a throuple.’

She knew a losing battle when she saw one, even if she knew, in the end, that he’d let her finish off the ice cream once he was full-he had no idea where she stored it all. Marinette tugged a water bottle from her backpack, giving a tired sigh, “I know, he’s still weird about the whole thing.” She took a much-needed gulp of water, before screwing the cap back on to set aside without risk of spillage. “Maybe we should go to our café, they’re always happy to have us,” and our giant order, she silently added.

Chuckling softly, he handed over his ice cream, deeming himself full enough, biting back a full on laugh at her appreciative kiss to his cheek, “We promised our Knight that we’d not go there without him.” And said love was away in Italy with his parents on a weekend trip.

Marinette huffs, but didn’t push the issue; it wouldn’t have felt the same without their boyfriend.

She settled against him, finishing off the ice cream in her hands as he taps a simple beat on her shoulder; if she was being honest, this was the best part of her summer.

She loved having a fashion show with her friends, she loved being able to expand her clientele and create bigger projects, she loved having a new partner even if she did sometimes miss Chat Noir, she loved how much success Luka and his band found in the video trending all over Paris. She loved all of that.

But being able to finally confess and have her two amazing boyfriends? Two boys who helped her to see the stars once she blew out her old flame? Those two were the best part of her summer.

“Did Uncle Jagged call you?” She finally asks, breaking the silence as she moved to toss away the napkin in her hands.

Bobbing his head, he moved from tapping onto tracing shapes on her arm, “He did, Asher nearly fainted from excitement.” His lips quirked in amusement, matching the playful beat in her song, as she giggles. “But we got the audition for the contest, but they said they think we need another singer.”

“Hmm…how long do you have?” She questions, thinking over potential posters they would need to make to advertise the space.

“We have six months; apparently, the big concert will be around American spring break, so they could have it be part of the big money revenue.” He shrugs, having only heard of the place from his mom. “So realistically to get used to them, we have three months.”

Three months would be tight, but it would allow them to find covers and create their own songs if they needed and or wanted to.

Her pigtails bounced as she nodded her head, his heart listening to the song that radiated off of her, now more into an upbeat fast rhythm as her mind tried to calculate how to best assist him in the endeavor. “You know, we could always have-.”

“Nope, I’ll get stage fright and I much prefer helping with costumes,” She interrupts, bulldozing over him as she sighs softly. “What do the others think?”

Luka twirls a strand of hair that got loose of her pigtails, smile as serene as always, “They think they might know someone, an American kid, but we won’t be able to properly meet until school starts up again.”

“Well, with an American, you’re bound to find more songs to appeal to the crowd of the contest.”

He gazes up to the sky, recalling talking to his idol, watching his friends light up as the singer praised them for the video but gave them advice and criticisms, and overall feeling like it was straight out of a fantasy. He had managed to get his idol’s attention, he was going to keep it as he worked to getting their careers moving.

“Maybe.”

~

“As I’ve informed you,” the icy blond narrows his gaze on the intrusive force that was Claude, lying so casually on his bed as he attempted to finish his approaching term’s reading- he rather be prepared in the level they were going to be heading in- before shutting the book with some force, “Italy was fine. We went there, we all had a lovely visit with my Nona, I got to ride a horse in the hills, I’ve done this every year since we first met.”

The brunet groans, flopping back on the grey sheets, arms tossed over his eyes, “I mean how did you feel? This was the first time you were away from your boyfriend and girlfriend!”

The slightest twitch of the right hand was caught in Claude’s analyzing gaze, “It was as well as it could be. We talked every night after our respective dinners, they inquired about my family as I did theirs, and then we went to sleep after some movie Marinette put on.”

He smiles a bit, noting the faintest dusting of pink on his best friend’s skin. “Come on, Fé, be honest here. You know there’s nothing wrong with expressing yourself~.”

“Chevalier, I swear, do not act so presumptuous, it does not befit you at all.” He glares at the brunet, but found the other only smiling, as if to encourage him to reveal his deepest of secrets. Affectionately, he reminds himself that this was his very best friend and he was his oaf for all times.

“Very well, I missed them terribly, is that what you wished to hear? I missed them quite terribly, and it felt…even though we have gone days without seeing the others, it’s-it’s different.” He sighs, shrugging as he traced the intricate swirling loops on his book. “Even with distance here in Paris, we were all here in Paris, not in some other country.”

Claude felt his amusement soften as he rises once more, catching how Fé’s eyes seemed to prefer the metallic blues of the cover when tracing, “I’m really happy you three were able to work it out, for a second there, I was afraid it was going to be some lame love triangle.”

“Unacceptable,” he scoffs, iced green eyes narrowed at the other, “it is the modern age, and as that insufferable and not at all subtle meme you sent me stated, Marinette has two hands.”

~

“Marinette, it’s just so wonderful out here!” Tikki chirps, twirling around in the air, just out of sight of others in the park. “The weather is warm, the flowers are all so pretty, and you’re making more art!”

She giggles, shaking her head fondly as she focused in on her book, carefully gliding her pencil over the page, her mind adding and refusing certain elements of the outfits, “I want to get these two done before school begins so I can get these all set and ready for Noel as gifts. I don’t want to rush it, I want to put as much love into this as I can.”

The kwami giggles, settling herself on her chosen’s head, “I’m sure they’ll love it, and you have their measurements already! I’m so happy you three were able to join together.”

“I am too.” Came her whispered reply, feeling her heart skip a beat at the thought of them. “I’m so lucky to have them.”

“And they have you.”

Marinette hums softly, in partial agreement because part of growing into one’s better self is acknowledging where you’ve failed in the past. She was strong, she was Marinette, and she was lucky to have them as they had her.

She just needed to remind herself every now and again.

She hadn’t a clue how long had passed, only that she silently began to sketch out a third figure that would get an outfit to match the pair’s on the other page, when she heard yelling from nearby. “Huh?” She stands up from her seat, eyes widening at the sight of a little boy being chased by a group, which was followed by what looked to be the boy’s older sibling. “Merde!”

Quick as she could, she was on her feet and charging to help. She could hear the boy calling for help, but it was quite clear these two were American and not French like the group chasing the boy. Marinette’s eyes widen at the sight of the familiar face, cursing again as she finally got in between, glare firm and arms out stretched.

“What do you think you’re doing?! Scaring this poor boy and running him around the park!” She glares at them, stalling them in their steps. “Don’t think I do not recognize some of you, I will tell your parents how much you have turned into bullies the next time I see them. Now leave!”

With the warning in the air, the group of five took off, likely to go save themselves, and allowing the teen to lower herself into a more relaxed position. The pair were chattering away in English, which she was getting better at-thank you Tikki, Claude, and Allen-but she still struggled at times.

“A-Ah,” searching her mind, she gives the pair a hesitant smile, hoping her English wasn’t too poor, “Is he okay?”

“He’s good, thank you.” The older sibling informed her, an amused tick of their lips seen as Marinette sagged in relief. “That was kind of you. I’m Wren, and this is my little brother, Brett.” The boy was still panting, but he looked better off than when he had been chased.

Marinette recognized him as the poor American boy who had been Night Clash, her heart giving a small clench. Poor boy, no wonder he had been akumatized. “I am Marinette. I am sorry, for them. We are not all like that.”

The pair nodded in understanding, but it still felt good that a native Parisian had actually intervened and not just looked away like some other locals did. “Thank you, miss.”

Marinette smiles to the younger boy, he looked about twelve at most, “Of course. Please, let me offer you some pastries from my family bakery. To make up for their rudeness.”

~

The pair were easy to get along with, the pair chatting excitedly and learning some of the French words for pastries they knew and English translations for ones they didn’t. They had been particularly fond of the pistachio escargot pastry.

“We didn’t realize Paris had, like, superheroes and villains! All we have back home was Sparrow.”

“Sparrow?”

Wren sips at their tea, nodding in confirmation, “Sparrow. They usually dealt with crime the police couldn’t. Like Batman, but they’re not big and buff.” Marinette giggles with them, nodding in agreement. It was funny what Americans thought were normal for superheroes, but their comics were so much fun to read! “They took care of the corrupt police department in our city, they weren’t exactly, well, the most welcoming of us of melanin coloring, you see.” Wren drawls out dryly.

Marinette winces but knows damn well the American, and a bunch of countries and communities in general, weren’t exactly kind to those of color. She knows they’ve experienced some prejudice in the past, concerning why a Frenchman would want to marry a woman of Asian descent. “I understand, it’s good to know there’s always people to be there to look over others.”

“Yeah,” Wren smiles, rubbing her thumb over her turquoise ring, “it’s really good.”

~

He watches his student as she reads over the alphabet they were able to assemble together, her voice repeating back the language he had been taught in his youth, the young girl carefully looking over the photos of the tome, reading what was said in the book, eyes brightening as he gives her a smile at the successful translation of the Ladybug introduction. She wiggles in her seat, excitement coursing through her as she continues her reading to the Black Cat.

Wayzz had flitted off with Tikki, the two gods set to talk and discuss the progress of Shadow Cat, along with any praise Plagg had given. Fu found himself mourning the loss of Adrien, he had felt like the perfect fit for Plagg at the time; but like all things, time caused change and Adrien was no longer fit nor willing to do the needed duties of a black cat.

He only hoped the boy would be able to continue with a life he deserved, now that misfortune had been cast down on him.

“Master?” Came the tentative prod, Marinette gazing across to the older man. She bit her lip before seemingly steeling her resolve. “Should…should Shadow Cat prove himself, I feel it would benefit us if he joined our teachings. We wouldn’t learn each other’s identities, of course, but it’s better to have two with the knowledge hundreds once knew, than to only have one.”

“I can understand you desire to want to have the new wielder join us, but we must first see how well he does. He has not yet fully fought an akuma and though you may train in combat together, we both know that is much different than a true battle.”

She nods in understanding, pursing her lips before reaching out to sip at the tea that was likely lukewarm at that point. Her scrunched expression was very telling on that. “I understand.”

He hums softly, smiling gently. “Should he prove himself and has dealt with what you’ve managed, I am sure he will be able to join you in the teachings.” It would prove useful to have more than one student under his guide, something he should’ve focused on sooner now that he focused on it. He and Marianne would’ve been able to do something more had the war not broken out, but the past was the past, one must build towards a brighter future and a better present.

He drinks his tea, watching the young Ladybug find her wings in the teachings. Even beginning as late as she was, she took to it like a nightingale to the sky. She would out fly them all.

~

“Bloody hell, why do you even like this stuff? Brie tastes so much better.” He huffs, walking out of the shop with his purchase of assembled cheeses, including the packaged camembert. The little god, or whatever he was, cackled from his hiding place, the backpack a bear to lug around but at least he had less to carry and the cheese was with the one who REALLY wanted it; Plagg didn’t deign to give him an answer, but he hadn’t expected any to be honest.

Claude stretches out with a yawn, body cracking just right as he walks back home. Plagg was an expensive little thing, but at least he wasn’t constantly on his ass about getting cheese and more cheese. Plagg had told him he was used to holders who had money and who DEFINITELY didn’t, he simply preferred the “glory” that was camembert. So long as he had enough to last him as a treat every now and again, along with some gouda, he’d be fine.

“Now all I need to do is some laundry, get some reading done for school, help out with dinner, and I can chat with the guys about whatever we’re planning to do next.”

At least, those were his thoughts before he heard the most ungodly roar of heartache and fury, mutilated into something grotesque only Hawkmoth could think up. “Merde!”

There hadn’t been an akuma in so long, he had nearly forgotten why he had been gifted the ring and title of Shadow Cat, the honor of supporting Ladybug. Plagg zipped out of the backpack, scarfing down the unpackaged mozzarella-one of three-before giving him a wide grin. “Say the words, kid.”

“Plagg, Claws out!”

The crackle of green energy coursed through his body before he was in his suit, his spear stabbing into the ground and vaulting him up high into the sky and up to a building, looking out across the skyline to pinpoint where the akuma was. Just where was-there! With the location found, he began to run in that direction, finding himself running on twos for the moment, his communicator on the spear appearing, “Ladybug, the akuma is near the university. I’ll scout it out and see what their abilities are!”

Satisfied, he strapped the spear to his back once more, going onto all fours like he had practiced over the weeks with Ladybug; it felt more natural, his claws able to dig as he propelled himself forward and soon made it to the destination, keeping to the shadows. He scanned over the boy, his skin a sickly purple tone and what looked like spray cans in his hand. He was painting broken hearts everywhere, with people stopping where they were-if nearby-and breaking down into gut wrenching sobs. So a broken heart? Hawkmoth was damn low, hitting someone when their heart was broken.

Well, he’s technically done it before, doesn’t it make it any less right. He narrows his eyes, skirting the territory he saw the other staying in, stalking through the area, those violet eyes scanning his territory. A true predator, looking very specific prey, likely the one TO break his heart. Poor person. The sound of familiar footsteps sounded near him, his eyes searching and finding his partner. “Not sure of the name, he has the ability to paint broken hearts and cause those around to break down into sobs. He looks like he’s trying to find a target.” His tail swayed behind him, flicking in excitement; this was their first real fight together. “Good job, Shadow. I’ll take his left, you get his right, did you spot any form of object his akuma can be in?” “Maybe the spray cans, but can’t be too sure. I think he’s trying to find his targets before he finds us.” With that, they split up, taking the routes she suggested before they pounced. The akuma wasn’t prepared for it, barely able to dodge out of their strikes, his own attacks shaky at best. Claude growls, animalistic as he manages to slide beneath an attack, sparks following where his claws scraped the ground before he propels himself back up to take the other from behind. “Aaaugh!!” He yells, backing off from the two sided assault, glaring at the pair with his haunting eyes. “I am Heart Break! I want everyone to know what it’s like to be broken inside. All of Paris will feel my pain, and so will you!” Claude snarls, feeling Ladybug stiffen beside him before they witness Heart Break merging into one of his broken heart paintings. “Where did he go?!” Her head whipped about, trying to find some place the akuma could’ve gone. “Did he do that before?” “No, this is new info for me too.” He frowns, scanning the area around them. “But if he went and used his graffiti to merge into the building, maybe it portalled him somewhere. Or he went INTO the building, but I doubt that would benefit him any.” Ladybug frowns at that, “Come on, let’s split up and look for these symbols. We’ll work our ways out into a perimeter and see what we can find.” ~ Marinette found herself two streets away from their first fight, Heart Break in front of her as he held two people hostage. “Shadow Cat,” she whispered into her communicator, her partner giving a soft sound of acknowledgement, “he’s at my location, seems he’s found his targets. Come in slowly. I’m on the glass maker’s shop’s roof.” Hanging up, she waits out her partner for the time being. The kid was monologuing, it wasn’t the best outcome but it would do. Until it wasn’t just monologuing. He tears the girl away from the other, the brunette crying out for the auburnette as she is yanked into Heart Break’s hold, “Henry let me go! Let me go, I never meant to hurt you!” “Silence!” He roars, using his spray paint to keep the aubutnette stuck to the wall while he dealt with the brunette. “You’ve hurt me for the last time, Cassandra, you and Britney, and it’s Heart Break now, this is YOUR fault!” He tosses her aside, glaring down at Cassandra. Oh hell no, he did NOT get to blame people like that. Getting one yoyo out, she has it extend out and catch onto a pole before she swings down, kicking him out of the way. “That’s enough out of you, Heart Break!” “Ladybug!” He growls, facing her as she guards the pair of girls. “Where’s your new cat, was Chat Noir not good enough for you?” He sneers, violet eyes boring into her eyes. “That doesn’t concern you.” She counters, glaring at the other; she had no idea how far away Shadow Cat was, but she needed to ensure she was able to attack and counter the other until then. “Get your yoyo, extend it.” Something like Tikki’s voice echoed in her mind. Without question, she retracted her yoyo from the defensive spin before grabbing both sides of it, extending it and finding light flooding her vision as it extends and extends; with a cocky smirk, she spins it above her head before a full weapon was in her hold. It wasn’t quite like the spear or baton the cats had, but it strengthened her. “You won’t get away from me this time.” He charges at her, clumsy as he tries to strike her, her light baton countering each move as she kept her defensive stance over the two girls, then charges, taking the offensive. She almost had him with a down swing, but he evades vanishing into one of his broken hearts. Cursing, she grabs her other yoyo and cries out, “Lucky Charm!”, before she finds a bottle of strawberry scented lotion in her hands, “what?” Ping~! She draws out her communicator, finding a message from Shadow Cat. ~ Heart Break finds himself safely a distance from the spotted hero, cursing his luck and growling as Hawkmoth caused a spike of pain to throb through his head, “I get it, you bastard, I’ll get the miraculous.” Otherwise, his powers would be gone and no one else could feel the pain he had been through. He glares around before a soft thump sounded behind him, a cocky voice stating, “Give it up, Heart Break!” Irritatingly, it was the new guy, the new cat who looked almost twice as terrifying as Chat Noir. “Like hell I would, you wannabe! What, did Ladybug decide she didn’t like Chat and chose whatever new person was better? I feel bad for him, heartbroken as he is, he knows my pain.” “And you’re just a punk who’s heart was taken advantage of. But please,” his claws glistened in the sunlight, those eyes narrowed at him, “keep talking.” Enough was enough! He wasn’t going to be bullied by this jackass! Charging forward, he roars out in anger as he swings his fist at the hero, fueling his strength by the pain he was causing everyone. No one would be strong enough to fight off their pain while he survived! “You know nothing!” But at each strike, the cat was able to block or evade, until a well timed yoyo wound around his body and jerked him back. Ladybug glares down, keeping her hold on the yoyo taunt, “Shadow Cat! Now’s your chance!” “NO!” Mustering all his strength, he strained against the cord until it snapped, his eyes swivelling to a wall with his sigil. There! He could escape that way! His legs sprinted him towards the sign only to begin tripping and sliding as something slick on the ground made his footing uneven, but he was close, so close! “Void!” Shadow Cat shouted behind him, an inky black muck shouting by his body and engulfing his symbol, a black circle engulfing him as he tripped through, only to end up back between the pair and wound tight with two yoyos. “Cataclysm!” And his spray cans were eviscerated, becoming dust in the air as his mind fogged. He wasn’t sure what happened, but found he was in front of Ladybug and some new guy? He frowns, rubbing his temples lightly, “What, what happened?” “Hawkmoth.” The new guy stated, glaring at the little white butterfly fluttering away, “He took advantage of you.” Ladybug’s expression gentled, “You went after two girls named Cassandra and Britney, can you explain why?” Her eyes were encouraging but dread only flooded through his veins, he went after his friends? Why would he...oh...oh that’s right, what happened at lunch…. As if sensing his dread, the new guy gently patted his shoulder, “Hey, getting your heart broken isn’t something to feel bad about, Hawkmoth took advantage of that, but you need to understand sometimes your crushes go to someone else. It’s miserable, but it’s life. You’ll find other fish in the sea, as they like to say.” “Talk with them, explain your sincere regret, they’ll come around.” A strange beeping sounded from them, the pair looking to each other. Ladybug gives him an encouraging smile, “You can do this. Be honest, but be supportive. All things take time.” And with that last advice, the two heroes left, with the cat shouting, “Oh! And the name’s Shadow Cat!” Laughter escaped the pair traipsing through the sky of Paris. ~ “That’s it! Adjust your torso, twist it just-there! Perfect, perfect!” Cried the photographer, their grin boosting his confidence as he adjusted his positioning in the tree. Since it was to be fall soon, the department had suggested a more nature backing for the shot, so he was allowed to be up in one of the trees. “Alright! We have thirty minutes until we continue, thank you again, Adrien.” “Of course, Victor.” Adrien hums happily, swinging down from the branch before wandering off. With permission from Nathalie and G off discussing things with security, Adrien wandered off with a timer on his phone ready to notify him when to return. It had been a hectic time, dealing with the aftermath of Lila’s fall. No one wanted to deal with the pair at first, but he definitely made sure to work for forgiveness while some students were still...tied to Lila for some reason. Alya and Nino had certainly broken up because of it, along with Mylene and Ivan, but the latter were working on communicating better about it. He was given begrudging looks, but he endured them and worked to get better. He told Nino everything once his once best friend sat him down, it was why the students were willing to try. But still, it wasn’t the same and he understood it wasn’t going to be. It was why Milan sounded tempting. As much as he loved Paris, loved Ladybug and all the wonder, he knew that whatever was wrong with him that it couldn’t be cured by the Miraculous Cure. Besides, he liked Milan and the school he would be sent to looked...nice. At least father was allowing him to go to a school instead of staying in his own mini mansion. Pearls of laughter bounced over the waters of the Seine, his eyes widening as he caught the sight of a laughing Marinette with...Luka? And that blond guy? Curious, even as his head throbbed, he followed them. “Admit it, Couffine, you nearly swallowed your tongue when you saw her in that gown she created.” The biting tone was teasing, the slightest turn of his lips softened his face. Luka’s face was warm, but he counters with a smirk of his own, eyes narrowed at the other, “And you didn’t? How unfortunate, my lovely knight, seems she’ll know who adores her more.” “Oh come off it.” Marinette’s giggling increased, the throb in his head painful, his heart aching but in that way where it’s breaking causes you to smile. She was so happy, her smile was infectious. Groaning, he felt his head pound, making him slump against the wall, clenching his eyes shut. When another peal of laughter escaped, something seemed to snap and his eyes widened. He was...and she?! He glances back to her, smiling, happy, familiar and yet not. His Lady. His Princess. But...but not. “She’s so happy...and Ladybug’s doing so well too.” He thinks to himself, watching as the trio approached the cart for some ice cream, Andre huffing over the trio being so ‘indecisive’ when it was clear they weren’t. They chose each other. She chose her happiness. With a bitter sweet smile, he gazes at the sweet scene, “Paris holds the key to my past. Yes Princess,” he felt tears drip down his cheeks, his voice cracking, “I found you at last.” Of course she was Ladybug, of course she was. “No more pretend,” he was never a superhero, but he wasn’t going to pretend he didn’t miss it, “we’re done, that’s the end.” She closed her own chapter and began the next, and he should do the same. Walking away was one of the hardest things, knowing he was giving up everything he knew but...but her smile had been radiant, beautiful as the stars above. Once on the set, he approaches Nathalie, her eyes curiously moving down to where his were, “Yes Adrien?” “Tell,” the next chapter, “tell father I think I will go to Milan.” He needed to move forward too, not remain in the past.

#throuple time

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