Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Come here often?”

Marinette tensed up. She hated that question.  As if she wanted to share her schedule or hand out clues to her address to someone who hadn’t even given their name yet. 

The guy who was waiting for a response wasn’t unattractive. He was a blond pretty boy- in a bland sort of way. His eyes were a striking green, but even his perfectly tailored clothes lacked spark and even those seemed bored with him. 

Swirling her glass of rose’, she finally answered, “That line always comes across as stalkerish, I would recommend something else for your next attempt.”

“Any suggestions?” He swung into the barstool right next to hers and leaned in with a smile. She pulled her glass closer and sat straighter.

“No, but you should think about it somewhere else so that whoever you approach next doesn’t think they’re your second choice.” Hopefully, that was clear enough.

“You stand out from the rest of the crowd. In a good way of course- you’re ages ahead of the majority of the patrons here.”

Marinette winced and glanced around- the place wasn’t much more than three-quarters full and while over half the patrons had at least a decade on her, there were plenty of younger customers. Was he seriously knocking the older generation? She let her gaze linger on her Nona- she was holding court with a handful of people who all seemed enthralled. As usual. Would he even realize she was offended by his poor attempt at a pun?

“I like the stories that come with a longer life. And the blend of styles. Variety is the spice of life- or didn’t you know that?” Marinette glanced around and considered grabbing the still-open seat on her left- would that clue him in? She could-

A tall, strikingly good-looking dark-haired guy with a rocker-emo vibe snagged a chair from the table nearest them, swung it around, and straddled it. The chair made a solid clunk as the legs hit the ground and several people glanced his way. He rested his arms on the back of it and set his chin on his hands to watch them- he appeared mildly amused. Blue tipped his hair and contrasted with his natural black locks as strands danced in front of his eyes and she couldn’t help but appreciate his aesthetic.

The blond guy’s face fell into what could only be described as a pout and he turned to the newcomer in obvious frustration, “Can I help you?”

The handsome man shrugged, “I was just wondering how long you were going to flirt with my girlfriend in front of me.” Then with a look in her direction, he rose smoothly and with what looked like a contrite smile said, “Sorry, I’m late.” 

Marinette hesitated for just a second before she decided to take his offer and see how it went. “That’s okay. I haven’t been waiting too long.” He stepped a little closer at her acceptance, and watching her carefully, he leaned in for a single la bise, which Marinette hesitatingly returned with a shy smile, relaxing once he pulled back and retook his seat. He’d been taller than her while standing- even though she knew she knew the high barstool gave her more inches than she had standing, and she appreciated that he gave her the high ground. She liked the sense of power it gave her over their interaction. Meanwhile, Blondy was still too close and it felt like he was hovering over her- but at least he’d pulled back ever so slightly at the arrival of her ‘boyfriend’.

The clueless blond crossed his arms over his chest, “How do I know you aren’t just some guy pretending to be her boyfriend to protect her?”

The hot rocker bristled slightly- his energy shifting from playful to protective almost visibly, “So you admit she needs to be protected from you?”

“No! That’s not what I meant! Hgh. Nevermind!” The persistent blond stormed off, finally leaving Marinette in peace.

“Want to join me?” Her ‘boyfriend’ asked, pulling his chair back to the table. His shrug made it casual- he wasn’t going to push but seemed willing to continue the charade if she wanted. 

She slid off her stool- frowning at the way the movement made her shorter, and hesitated- what seat made the most sense? He nodded to the one across from him, and leaned forward, relaxing on his forearms. The pose would look intimate, even though it allowed for breathing room. Smart. She sat.

"Don't make me regret this." Marinette eyed her fake boyfriend a little skeptically. There was no guarantee he was any better than the blond, but at least he looked interesting, and he had been perfectly respectful- even his la bise hadn’t actually made contact with her skin.

"I'm mostly here to bring my mom home, once she’s had her fill." He pointed out a woman at the dart board whose charisma seemed as if it could match Nona Gina’s. “She won’t be ready to go for a while, but I didn’t have anything better to do, so I figured here was as good as anywhere else.”

Marinette grinned. At least she wasn’t the only one out because of matriarchal relatives. He was unlikely to be a jerk with his mom around anyway. She took a sip of her wine and leaned forward, completing the look of an intimate atmosphere. “So what’s your name? Or do I have to keep thinking of you as my hot fake boyfriend?” 

His answering smile was positively adorable. His delighted blush was too sweet for him to come off as nonchalant as the compliment settled over him. He bowed his head in greeting, “Luka. How about you?”

“Marinette.”

She heard him say something that sounded like, “Pretty,” but his voice was soft, and she didn’t know if he meant her or her name, “So, what are you in for Marinette- I get the feeling it wasn’t your choice to be here tonight.”

She couldn’t help but laugh. Too right. “I got dragged out here by my Nona,” She waved her hand in her general direction- “She’s convinced that I need to have more fun. She wouldn’t even let me bring my sketchbook this time.”

Luka sat up a little straighter, his interest seemingly piqued “An artist, huh?” 

“Yeah, fashion design, primarily, but I dabble in a variety of mediums. What’s your deal?”

“Music. He gestured to the deep blue band tee half hidden under an open leather vest. “This is us. I’m the lead guitarist. We haven’t made it big or anything, but we keep fairly steady gigs. Mostly it's a lot of fun- and never enough sleep.”

She studied the image for a second, trying to place it. It looked familiar… Oh! “Did you do that TVi contest a few months back? Kitty Section! You guys did that unicorn song and one about dragons, right?" His band was good, she had loved the dragon song and there was something about the way their tiny vocalist belted those lyrics that had given her a thrill. Their dynamic was incredible.

He smiled at her recognition. “Yeah! We were doing alright, but things have picked up since we came in second place.” He studied her for a second. “So, I can't figure you out. Is your vibe just you or does it come from the clothes? You've got this sweet sexy combo going on and I can't figure out how you do it. If you’re a designer- I’m willing to bet you dressed with a purpose.”

Marinette considered him, he was astute. She had dressed to appease Gina- and keep people guessing. Gina had wanted her to get all dolled up; red top, killer heels, that sort of thing. She’d put her foot down, but instead of leaning into the soft pinks and grays she preferred, had walked the line with a bold magenta off-the-shoulder top with soft lines, paired with dark wash jeans and brown ankle boots- whose most noticeable feature was the gold heart-shaped buckles. She’d thrown her hair into a low ponytail that hinted at not caring, but the shorter strands that always escaped framed her face and made the look just a little sweeter. People liked labels, she liked finding a line and walking it- making it hard for people to assume too much based solely on her appearance.

She smiled, she didn’t know if he was interested in a real girlfriend, but he was fun to talk to and she felt like flirting for the first time in a while. “What do you mean?”

“Hmm, let's say this was a movie. If we - as the main characters- lived next door to each other, you would be the little neighbor girl who played with my little sister, and then I would go off overseas or to university or something like that, and when I got back, I'd see you. And that would be everyone's favorite part. Cause I'd do a double take and say something supremely cheesy, like ‘Wow, sweet little Marinette- when did you go and grow up?’ And then you would blush, and there would be some stupid overlay where we were both remembering each other as dorky but sweet kids- and trying to fit the hot new version into that memory.”

Marinette blushed but laughed it off.  He was sweet and funny. “Do you like romcoms that much or do you really have a sister?” 

“I do have a little sister, but my romcom knowledge comes from her girlfriend. Juleka is not that sort of girl.”

“So how does our movie end?”

“I guess that depends. Why didn’t your Nona let you bring your sketchbook? Are you a workaholic who doesn’t have time for love?”

“No…” Interjected a voice from over Marinette’s shoulder, “...It is because the last time I brought my Marinetta out with me- the bartender scolded me for bringing in a child.” Gina sat at their table, flipping Marinette’s ponytail over her shoulder as she joined them, continuing her tale, “He said, ‘This is no place for children or homework,’ and he made us leave!” Marinette fought down the embarrassment that came with that story- she knew that someday she would likely appreciate her ability to look years younger than she was, but that time hadn’t come yet.

Gina looked impeccable as always- smart and sassy- a ready smile and quick wit made her the center of attention everywhere she went. She was easily more hip than Marinette- After all, what were an extra few decades when you had such an incredible personality and confidence for days?

Marinette leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “How are you doing Nona? Do we have to flee for our lives because you hustled the wrong person at billiards?”

“Of course not my darling. The night is much too young for that. Now, introduce me to your new friend.”

“Nona, this is Luka, Luka, my Nona Gina.” Luka offered her his hand and she shook it with an appraising smile. 

“Now see, this is why I drag you out whenever I am in town.” Nona declared with a bold wink.

"Grandma, you like going out with me because it makes you seem cooler by contrast. You're a terrible wingwoman." Marinette insisted.

“What?! My Fairy doubts my good intentions?! I am the best Wingwoman! Let me show you.” She turned her smile on Luka and leaned towards him. “Luka, was it? Be a dear, and let me have your number for my Marinetta.”

Marinette watched, appalled, as Luka scribbled his number on a coaster with a smile and slid it over. Gina passed it to Mari. “See? What would you do without me?”

Marinette buried her face in her arms and shook her head. She sensed more than heard someone sit on her other side, and then she heard Luka’s voice - making what sounded like introductions. When she got up the nerve to look up again the fourth spot had been filled with a lovely woman with a long grey braid and vibrant style. Luka’s mother. 

“Ma, this is Marinette, Gina’s granddaughter. Marinette, this is my Ma, Ankara.”

“Aye, ’tis lovely t’meet ye, lass! I hope me b’y is bein’ a gentleman?” Marinette nodded, and Anarka winked at her before turning to Gina, “Gina, should we leave these bairns be for a spell? I’ll buy ye a drink ‘n we can have a friendly game o’ billiards.”

“That sounds lovely, Anarka dear.” And they were off, leaving two shocked young people in their wake.

"Oh no." Luka and Marinette spoke in unison, which in turn triggered a shared laugh, “So, do you think they’ll end up as best friends or worst enemies?’

“Probably both, over the course of the night.” Marinette mused. Maybe Gina had finally found a friend who could go toe to toe with her. 

“I’d wager you’re right,” Luka said with a grin.

Marinette glanced up when she spotted the blond with the boring but perfectly tailored clothes walking past them, and followed his movements until he left the bar entirely- he didn’t look particularly happy, but hopefully, he’d learned something this evening- she had tried to be mildly instructional when she’d first evaded his advances. Luka leaned back, his breath coming out in a ‘whoosh’ and he slumped against the chair. “We can drop the act if you want. He’s gone.”

Marinette felt suddenly let down. She’d forgotten they were pretending. She fought back the urge to cry, and instead asked quietly, “Was it all just for show?”

Luka was shaking his head before she even finished her sentence. “No, I‘ve been having the best night of my life. I, uh, I kinda forgot about him.”

Relief swept through her and she took the last sip of wine and fiddled with the coaster that had his number scrawled across it, “Does that mean I can keep your number?”

Luka nodded, shifting closer again, “I’d like that.” His blue eyes were riveted on her face and the previously casual atmosphere suddenly felt charged. Marinette took a steadying breath and smiled in relief and anticipation.

“Me too.” She held his gaze for another minute until she could feel her blush hitting an embarrassing level of intensity, so she broke the connection just long enough to grab her phone and key in his number, sending a message as soon as she saved the contact.

M: Hi

She looked up and watched Luka as he reached for his phone and then turned her attention back to the screen and waited while the little dots blinked in front of her.

L: hey 🙂

L: any chance you’re free tomorrow?

It was only sheer willpower that kept her from squealing. 

M: Only if you’re asking me out.

L: definitely

She grinned up at him, and then, holding his gaze very deliberately, she stood and took the seat next to him, eliminating the space they’d maintained. 

“So, do you think I have a chance of being upgraded?” Luka asked, “From fake boyfriend to the real deal?” 

Marinette nodded, trying to keep herself from flying apart at the seams. She felt giddy and untethered- it wasn’t awkward or uncomfortable though, it felt like hope and excitement. It felt good.

“Juleka is going to give me no end of grief,” he said with a sudden groan.

“Your sister?” She looked puzzled at his declaration.

“Yeah.”

“Why?”

“Do you know how many songs about blue eyes and pink wine are racing through my head right now?” 

Marinette couldn’t contain the squeak that escaped her as she buried her face in his arm.

He must not have minded her jumpiness, because he slid his hand around hers, and she slipped her fingers between his, she liked the way his hand surrounded hers.

He hummed a few bars of a song she didn’t know and then she heard whispered words that shocked her out of her hiding place. 

 “Rose wine on her lips, Blue fire in her eyes. Heart stopped in surprise. Unexpected. Smile so sweet. A heart complete…” 

She stared up at him. Had she inspired that? He stopped and ducked his head with a blush of his own when he caught her staring. 

It took a minute or two to shake the awkwardness of the moment, but he asked about her design process and then she asked about the band and soon, they were conversing easily. 

By the time Gina was ready to go, Luka and Marinette were still holding hands, whispering to each other in their own little bubble. And when she leaned in for parting bises, she giggled and flushed in delight at the featherlight touch of his lips on her cheeks. She couldn’t wait for their date tomorrow. She walked out of the bar, arm in arm with her grandma, feeling ten times more confident than she had when Gina dragged her in hours ago. She had a date tomorrow, and shades of blue were dancing through her mind, her fingers itching to create. There was something inspiring about Luka, or love, or both.

Chapter Text

Luka shoved his notebook away with a frown when his phone started buzzing. No reason to ignore it, it wasn't as if he was having any luck with his music tonight. The muses had turned their backs. He felt a little better when he saw the caller; Anton’s bar was a decent place to play, and he wouldn’t mind putting another gig on the books. “This is Luka.”

“Hey Luka, it's Jacques.” Oh, not a gig then. If Jacques was calling then it was probably about Ma- “Anarka’s in tonight.”

It was still pretty early, Ma usually kept a better head than that, “She giving you a hard time?”

“No, no. She is on her third drink though, I just wanted to know if you wanted me to get her a taxi later. You know she hates asking for one, but doesn’t have a problem taking one if it's already there.”

Luka eyed his music with a scowl. "You know what, don't worry about it, I need a change of scenery, I'll swing by and hang out until she’s done. She prefers the bike to taxis anyway. Thanks for the heads up." Jacques was a good guy. He swung a leather vest over his tee and added a bit of eyeliner to complete the look. Juleka would hate him for having it so easy. 

Pulling up at Anton’s, Luka stowed his motorcycle jacket and locked up. He raised a hand to Jacques once he’d walked in and scoped the place out. Ma was killing it at darts, the drink in her hand hadn’t messed with her aim yet. The music was good. Geoff and his crew were good people, even if their vocalist didn’t have anything on Rose. 

Not too crowded, still a couple of open tables- but it didn’t feel empty. Yeah, this could be a good way to shake whatever was holding him back. He skimmed the bar and paused when his eyes landed on a gorgeous woman who looked unsettled. She was stunning. Her fluttery off-the-shoulder top was a dance of sweet and sexy, but she looked casual in a low ponytail. She also looked like she didn’t want to be there, but she had a loose hold on a glass of pink wine. She wasn’t hunched in fear, but she was leaning back a little farther than looked comfortable on the backless barstool. Ah. her neighbor was leaning into her space and was either clueless or malicious. He waved to Jacques and asked for a soda. “What’s his deal?” he nodded at the blond who seemed to be getting even closer to the raven-haired beauty. 

Jacques rolled his eyes, “He’s harmless, but kinda dense. Socially inept. He’ll keep his hands to himself though.” Luka nodded and thanked him for the soda. He couldn’t take his eyes off the little drama unfolding before him. He could intervene, but would she want that? He watched as she scanned the room and looked longingly at the empty seat next to her. Yeah, okay she wanted an out. But how could he help- especially without becoming a part of the problem? Give her the high ground, Rose was always saying she liked the stage cause it gave her a sense of power. He approached them swiftly but grabbed a chair from the empty table nearest them and straddled it with a thud, letting his weight drop the chair into the spot he wanted. Both of his marks looked at him- The blond guy wasn’t happy, but the girl- her eyes flitted over him appreciatively before settling into a curious expression. He could work with that. 

“Can I help you?” the blond asked with a pout.

Luka pulled his gaze away from the blue eyes of the girl and turned to Clueless. He shrugged, trying to play it casual, “I was just wondering how long you were going to flirt with my girlfriend in front of me.” He glanced back, was she okay with this? Her face was cute- one eyebrow was lifted as if daring him to sell it without crossing any lines. He rose and offered an apologetic smile, “Sorry I’m late.” 

He watched her and with a look of resolve, she answered, “That’s okay. I haven’t been waiting too long.”

Moving slowly he leaned in for la bise- she didn’t pull away so he angled himself slighty, blocking the view of the blond, and kissed the air next to her face. She returned the air kiss with a small smile, and he sat back down- watching as she relaxed once he was back in his seat. The blond had been forced back a little when Luka greeted his ‘girlfriend’, but he didn’t quite appear ready to give up. 

The blond scowled at him. “How do I know you aren’t just some guy pretending to be her boyfriend to protect her?”

Was he inferring that he was dangerous? He bristled at the thought- something about this girl made him want to keep her safe as much as he kinda wanted to kiss her. That shoulder and her soft pink blush were making it hard to concentrate. But the scowl helped him focus, “So you admit she needs to be protected from you?”

He watched as his face went through a couple of different expressions, and maybe he finally got the vibe he’d been leaving, “No! That’s not what I meant! Hgh. Nevermind!” The business casual blond stormed off, leaving the lady in peace. He tried not to react to the way she released a breath and turned grateful eyes his way. He wouldn’t mind spending more time under those eyes. 

Luka smiled reassuringly, “Want to join me?” he shrugged, it was up to her, and slid his chair back to the table. She nodded ever so slightly and slid off the stool- she was shorter standing than she had been sitting. No wonder she’d seemed like she felt trapped. She hesitated before choosing a seat- she’d probably sit close if they were dating as they’d implied, but seeing as they were strangers…

He nodded at the seat across from him, and relaxed over the table, mimicking the casual pose he’d used earlier. She took the chair and sat, eyeing him warily. He had a feeling she could handle herself if she needed to, it seemed like she was cataloging everything about him. “Don’t make me regret this,” she murmured.

“I’m mostly here to bring my mom home- once she’s had her fill.” He indicated his ma who had traded her darts for what looked like a story- who knew what she was saying, but her companions were riveted. “She won’t be ready to go for a while, but I didn’t have anything better to do tonight, so I figured here was as good as anywhere else.”

Her face lit up at his admission, and her smile was noteworthy. Taking a sip of her wine, she leaned toward him and closed some of the space between them. Admitting he was here with his ma seemed to make all the difference.

“So what’s your name? Or do I have to keep thinking of you as my hot fake boyfriend?” 

Thank goodness Juleka wasn’t here. She would have laughed in her face, but it was nice to know she liked the way he looked. It was a start. It felt nice in a warm way. “Luka. How about you?”

“Marinette.”

He liked the way her name sounded. The way it fell from her lips- it suited her- followed the balance between sweet and sophisticated she seemed to command. “You’re perfect,” he breathed at the thought. “So, what are you in for Marinette- I get the feeling it wasn’t your choice to be here tonight.”

She laughed. There must be a story there. “I got dragged out here by my Nona,” She waved her hand in the direction of the billiard tables. “She’s convinced that I need to have more fun. She wouldn’t even let me bring my sketchbook this time.”

Luka sat up a little straighter, interested in a new side of her, “An artist, huh?” He could talk to creative types- usually.

“Yeah, fashion design, primarily, but I dabble in a variety of mediums. What’s your deal?”

“Music.” He gestured to his tee, “This is us. I’m the lead guitarist. We haven’t made it big or anything, but we keep fairly steady gigs. Mostly it's a lot of fun- and never enough sleep.”

Luka watched as her eyes skimmed his shirt, tilting her head as she studied it. A flare of recognition lit her eyes and she looked up excitedly “Did you do that TVi contest a few months back? Kitty Section! You guys did that unicorn song and one about dragons, right?

He smiled at the memory of the first time Rose belted the chorus for ‘Roar Again Before I’m Gone’, she had absolutely nailed that note when it came time for the ‘fire’ and he'd felt a shiver run through him, and Juleka, his quiet sister, had swung her bass onto her back and pulled Rose in for a kiss the moment the mic wasn't touching her lips. The rest was history, and they'd been together ever since. Then his grin widened as Marinette’s words sunk in, she knew his band! 

“Yeah! We were doing alright, but things picked up after we came in second place.” He decided to take a chance. “So, I can't figure you out. Is your vibe just you or does it come from the clothes? You've got this sweet sexy combo going on and I can't figure out how you do it. If you’re a designer- I’m willing to bet you dressed with a purpose.” A look like hers couldn’t be an accident, right?

She glanced down, then back up at him with a smile. He was falling for that smile. “What do you mean?”

It took a second to figure out how to respond, and he wasn’t sure it was going to make sense. “Let's say this was a movie. If we - as the main characters- lived next door to each other, you would be the little neighbor girl who played with my little sister, and then I would go off overseas or to university or something like that, and when I got back, I'd see you. And that would be everyone's favorite part. Cause I'd do a double take and say something supremely cheesy, like ‘Wow, sweet little Marinette- when did you go and grow up?’ And then you would blush, and there would be some stupid overlay where we were both remembering each other as dorky but sweet kids- and trying to fit the hot new version into that memory.” He forced himself to leave off the conclusion- ‘and then after some insane communication error, we would kiss and happily ever after would be implied.’ He’d rather not scare her off.

She blushed at his metaphor but giggled. His cheeks were starting to feel sore from smiling, she was so sweet! “Do you like romcoms that much or do you really have a sister?” 

Luka tried to picture Juleka intentionally watching a romcom- it only worked if he pictured Rose next to her. “I do have a little sister, but my romcom knowledge comes from her girlfriend. Juleka is not that sort of girl.” Pretty sure Juleka had managed to avoid all romantic comedies until she and Rose had been dating for nearly a month- When Rose found out she made it her life’s mission to fill in Juleka’s knowledge gaps. They now had an ‘equal hours horror/romcom’ arrangement which made for some strange movie nights.

“So how does our movie end?” Marinette appeared very relaxed now, her chin was resting on her hand and she was leaning as close as the table and comfort would allow. 

He considered his answer. “I guess that depends. Why didn’t your Nona let you bring your sketchbook? Are you a workaholic who doesn’t have time for love?” He didn’t think so, but saying they should run off and get married seemed like a stretch. 

“No.” Interjected a voice from over Marinette’s shoulder, “It is because the last time I brought my Marinetta out with me- the bartender scolded me for bringing in a child.” An older woman with sparkling eyes and an easy smile sat at their table, teasing her now-blushing granddaughter by flipping her ponytail over her shoulder as she joined them and continued her tale. “He said, ‘This is no place for children or homework,’ and then he made us leave!”

Marinette blushed scarlet and leaned over to press a quick kiss to her grandma’s cheek. Luka had a hard time picturing her being kicked out for apparent youth- she had the kind of face that held eternal youth, and she was a little shorter than average, but he wouldn’t call her appearance childish by any stretch of the imagination. Her grandmother reminded him a little of his ma- charismatic, with a ready wit, and a smart sense of style that wouldn’t look out of place with motorcycle enthusiasts. 

“How are you doing Nona? Do we have to flee for our lives because you hustled the wrong person at billiards?” Marinette’s question made Luka grin, it sounded as if their relative’s antics gave them something in common.

“Of course not my darling. The night is much too young for that. Now, introduce me to your new friend.”

Luka straightened a little as he was introduced. “Nona, this is Luka, Luka, my Nona Gina.” 

Luka offered his hand and she took it with an appraising smile. “Now see, this is why I drag you out whenever I am in town.” Luka choked down a laugh but appreciated the hype. 

"Grandma, you like going out with me because it makes you seem cooler by contrast. You're a terrible wingwoman." 

“What?! My Fairy doubts my good intentions?! I am the best Wingwoman! Let me show you.” She turned her smile on Luka and leaned towards him. “Luka, was it? Be a dear, and let me have your number for my Marinetta.”

Luka decided he liked Gina. He grabbed a coaster from the table, wrote his name and number along the edge in his neatest handwriting, and slid it to her with a smile. Gina in turn passed it to Marinette who was turning a very pretty shade of pink. “See? What would you do without me?” Gina teased. Marinette in turn hid her burning face in her arms and Luka felt like he’d lost something precious. 

He was distracted when Ma joined them, taking the last chair. He decided to give Marinette a moment and introduced his mother to Gina, who was still chuckling. Marinette finally rejoined them and he gestured to his… new friend. “Ma, this is Marinette, Gina’s granddaughter. Marinette, this is my Ma, Anarka.”

Anarka lit up as she greeted Marinette- Luka had no doubt she was reading the situation with an uncanny amount of perception. 

“Aye, ’tis lovely t’meet ye, lass! I hope me b’y is bein’ a gentleman?” Marinette nodded, and Anarka winked at her before turning to Gina, “Gina, should we leave these bairns be for a spell? I’ll buy ye a drink ‘n we can have a friendly game o’ billiards.”

“That sounds lovely, Anarka dear.” Gina’s response was quick and Luka had a bad feeling about their sudden friendship. Wait, billiards?!

"Oh no." Luka groaned, surprised to hear Marinette muttering the same thing. They both laughed and Luka wondered, “So, do you think they’ll end up as best friends or worst enemies?’

“Probably both, over the course of the night,” Marinette admitted.

“I’d wager you’re right,” Luka agreed. 

Marinette glanced over his shoulder and shifted uncomfortably, he followed her gaze to see the man from the bar weave his way through the tables till he left. Alone. Luka slouched in his chair, feeling sudden disappointment. He’d all but forgotten why he was having the time of his life, “We can drop the act if you want. He’s gone.” It hurt to say the words, but he wasn’t about to try to trap her with his company if she didn’t want it.

He nearly panicked when her luminous blue eyes met his and they held a sheen that he knew promised tears. “Was it all just for show?”

He shook his head, no- never! “No, I’ve been having the best night of my life. I, uh, I kinda forgot about him.” He watched as she breathed a sigh of relief, fiddling with the coaster, and he felt some of his sudden tension slowly leak away. He watched as she took the last sip of her Rose’.

“Does that mean I can keep your number?”

Luka nodded. “I’d like that.” More than anything. He gazed into her eyes and felt a shift. The air suddenly seemed alive. Marinette took a breath and smiled at him.

“Me too.” She held his gaze for another minute, but another blush crept up her neck and she turned away to grab her phone. A moment later his phone buzzed in his pocket and her eyes were back on him. He grabbed at his phone and opened his messages.

M: Hi.

He beamed. He had her number! 

L: hey 🙂

He was thrilled, so there was no way he was going to play at indifference. 

L: any chance you’re free tomorrow?

M: Only if you’re asking me out.

Hell, yes.

L: definitely

She grinned up at him, and then, holding his gaze, she stood and took the seat next to him, eliminating the space they’d maintained. His heart seemed to gallop in his chest. He had to know. “So, do you think I have a chance of being upgraded?” Luka asked, “From fake boyfriend to the real deal?” 

She was blushing again, but that smile was back- she looked as happy as he felt. She nodded and he felt like if he tried, he’d be able to fly. 

“Juleka is going to give me no end of grief,” he realized with a groan.

“Your sister?” She looked puzzled at his declaration.

“Yeah.”

“Why?”

“Do you know how many songs about blue eyes and pink wine are racing through my head right now?” 

She buried her face in his arm that time and he decided to take another chance. He slid his hand around hers, and was gratified when she laced their fingers together. Yeah- he liked that a lot.

He hummed a few bars of the notes flitting through his mind and then whispered words inspired by a woman he knew he’d never forget. “Rose wine on her lips, Blue fire in her eyes. Heart stopped in surprise. Unexpected. Smile so sweet. A heart complete…” He stopped and ducked his head with a blush of his own when he realized she had looked up and was staring at him with something akin to awe. 

Once they managed to get their mutual admiration tamped down, they fell back into easy conversation, and he lost track of time.

She didn’t let go of his hand until Gina arrived announcing that she had to get her little Fairy home. 

Their parting bises were a lot less hesitant, and her resulting blush from the gentle press of his lips to her cheeks was the perfect end note to the evening, or so he’d thought.

Ma was hot on Gina’s heels- apparently, they had taken turns trouncing each other and planned to resume their competition at a later date. “No one else can measure up, me b’y, thars no reason t’be stayin’.” 

So Luka followed Gina and Marinette out of Anton’s and got to witness something that floored him. Marinette— now in a leather jacket— swung her leg over a pink and black motorcycle, and once Gina was holding on, drove smoothly away. It was official, he was in… well if it wasn’t love yet- he didn’t want to look for it anywhere else. He was going to do everything he could to convince that woman that forever wasn’t long enough. He had a date to plan. And a song to write.