Work Text:
The Liberty rocked gently with the soft swells of the Seine.
Marinette curled deeper into Luka’s arms, drawing comfort from his protective embrace. It had been a long day between their first date at Jagged’s concert to Luka becoming Silencer. So much had happened in such a short time, and her mind threatened to spin out of control with it all.
Soft kisses peppered her shoulder before a stubby cheek nuzzled against hers.
Biting her lip to keep from smiling, she nudged him back. “You need a shave, mister.”
“Mm, I’ll get right on that.” He dragged her closer so he could lean over her, his eyes studying her. “But, first, I want to make sure you’re okay. We had a pretty eventful night.”
She nodded, her eyes dropping to his tank-covered chest. “We did. I had no idea Jagged was your father.”
“Hmm, if it helps, I hadn’t put it together you’re the Marinette he’s raved about these past few years.” He bumped her nose with his. “I guess I should’ve, though. No way there are two talented and amazing Marinettes out there.”
She cupped his cheeks and pulled him close, brushing her lips against his.
“Something’s bugging you. I can feel it,” he whispered, his forehead touching hers as they broke apart. “Your heart’s playing a discordant note, but I can’t tell if it’s disappointment or fear.”
The hesitation on the last word hung between them.
She closed her eyes and took a steadying breath, his subtle cologne going a long way in soothing her frazzled nerves. “I’m not afraid of you, and I’m not disappointed. You wanted to protect me. I can understand that, but I can’t say I don’t wish you hadn’t been Hawk Moth’s latest plaything. He’s hurting too many people I care about. I’m afraid of what he’ll try next.”
“Ladybug and Chat Noir will bring him down. I have faith in them. We won’t be at his mercy forever.” He dragged her impossibly closer, his body partially covering hers. “I’ll do everything I can to not be akumatized again, but I won’t stop trying to keep you safe. You’re too important to me.”
Her thumbs ran across his cheekbones, drawing comfort in the simple touching of his skin.
“Mm.” His smile slid back into place, his eyes closing. “Your hands are magic. Keep that up, and I’ll fall asleep.”
“Sleep sounds nice,” she murmured. “I guess I should head home and get some. Work is going to be nightmarish tomorrow as is.”
When she would’ve slid toward the bed’s edge, she recalled how they’d been lying in his bed, his body still partially over hers. Her cheeks warmed at the intimacy of their positions, but she refused to let him know where her thoughts had been slowly leading since their return to the Liberty after everything.
His forehead found hers, resting lightly against it. “You could stay here. I can take the sofa, or you can Juleka’s room if you’d like your own space. I’d feel better you weren’t traveling this late, even if it’s only a few blocks.”
She met his eyes, searching them for any signs. Of what, she couldn’t say, but she read the hope in them. Nothing lascivious but protecting, caring for her wellbeing.
“Will you stay with me?” The words came out on a whisper.
His smile softened. “For as long as you want.”