Work Text:
"I'm gonna do it, Tikki." Marinette declared. "I'm going to tell him."
19 year old Marinette was finally ready. She was ready, so she called Luka and told him that she was coming over.
"It's a little late Marinette, you sure I can't pick you up?" His voice was as gentle as ever, even over the phone.
"I'm sure Luka!" Marinette said as she locked the Bakery door behind her. "A walk will help me soothe my nerves. This is important!"
"Of course Marinette." He sighed fondly and Marinette smiled. "I'll see you soon then."
"Mhm! Bye Luka!" Marinette hung up, a spring in her step. The sky was dark and the streets quiet as she walked towards the river where the Couffaine boathouse was docked.
She knew it was dangerous, but she'd decided Luka was worth it. She was going to finally tell him she was Ladybug, and then ask for another shot at a relationship with him. She was over Adrien. After he dated Kagami (even if it ended badly) she realized she was more obsessed with him than in love. Luka, on the other hand, was good. He was gentle and kind and Marinette was determined to get it right this time.
Step step step
Marinette paused in her walking, looking around for the source of the noise before continuing on more cautiously.
Step stepstep step
Marinette paused again before beginning to jog, paranoia becoming panic. "Tikki?" Marinette whispered, her breathing accelerating, "Tikki Sp-" She yelped as she was yanked hard into an alleyway, muscled and firm arms wrapping around her shoulders from behind.
"What's a pretty thing like you doing out so late?" A man exhaled hot breath into her ear. Her back was pulled against his chest, and he reeked of alcohol.
"My boyfriend is expecting me." Marinette lied as her voice shook. "Please, I need to meet with him."
"He'll just have to wait, Sweetheart." His hands around her waist slid a little lower and Marinette cried out in surprise.
Her lip wobbled. "Please, I'll give you my wallet, but let go." He laughed but said nothing as his other hand slid up towards her hair, untangling one of her pigtails.
"Your hair is so pretty, y'know?" He whispered, inhaling the smell of her shampoo and twisting a blue strand between his fingers. "Why don't we have some fun Sweetheart?" Marinette whimpered and shut her eyes.
His hands slid below her pink pants and continued downwards. "That's right. Shut your pretty eyes and everything will be alright."
— — — — —
Marinette tried to slow her tears as he left her in that alley. Her clothes were ripped in odd places and her hair was tangled and sticky. She shuddered as she cried, and reached for her phone.
"C-come on." She whispered as it rang. "Pl-lease." She sobbed as he answered.
"Marinette?!" Luka never sounded so panicked. "Marinette are you there? You never showed up, are you alright?!"
"Luka," she whimpered.
"Where are you?! I'll be right there!" She stuttered out the street address she could see from where she lay, and he whispered reassurances in her ear as he biked towards her. She sobbed into the phone, clutching the reassurances he offered.
"Oh my god..." She heard both through her phone and from behind her, and she looked up. Luka stared as he took in the alley.
Marinette was laying towards the wall, shaking from cold and shock. Rage filled him as he saw the state of her clothes, shoes and socks discarded down the alley, pants ripped and undergarments exposed, shirt twisted and bunched around her collar, bra exposed and unclasped in the back.
"Luka…" Her small voice called to him, one arm reaching towards him as she lifted her tear stained face.
All thoughts of anger vanished as he rushed to her side, gathered her up, and took her to the hospital, already suspecting what they'd tell him.
— — — — —
"How am I supposed to wait two weeks?" Marinette asked quietly, wrapped in a blanket, sitting in Luka's room. "Luka… What am I going to do?" She wasn't crying, but her voice shook.
Marinette had fallen asleep and then woken up in the hospital, but Luka had been there by her side the whole time. Going back to his place once she was released had been her preference, since she couldn't bring herself to see her parents just yet.
"It'll be okay. Whatever the results are, we can handle it." He smiled his gentle smile and reached for his guitar. "You should feel calm, like this."
He played a soothing melody, calming yet firm and grounding. She sighed and leaned against the wall, reveling in the peace.
Marinette's thoughts were a mess. She'd been violated and exposed. An irreplaceable piece of her was taken, and she felt… scarred by it. She took a breath and thought of the music. It wasn't okay, but it would get better. If she contracted a disease, she'd handle it. The only thing she was truly scared of was the possibility of a baby. She was so young, she was scared.
But as Marinette listened to Luka, peacefully playing his guitar for her, she could breathe. Even if it was only for a moment, she could breathe, and that was enough.
— — — — —
Marinette truly smiled for the first time since that night when she had Luka do her hair for her.
It had been a week, but Marinette couldn't get that night out of her head. He… he had pulled her hair, untied it, played with it, covered it in himself. Since that night, every time someone brushed it, or touched it, she panicked. PTSD, her therapist had said.
When she told Luka and asked for his help, he was gently worried, but he agreed.
Luka gently sprayed her hair with water and brushed through it with a small comb. He had Kitty Section playing from his phone and he hummed lightly, distracting her. Marinette had asked for a full cut and dye and treatment.
He expertly twirled and cut and washed her hair. Gentle through the whole process. She panicked twice, but he had immediately stopped and calmed her down both times, and then waited for permission before beginning again. When he was done, she was greeted by a mirror and inspected her new look.
Marinette's signature blue pigtails were gone, replaced by a chin length bob in the front that framed her freckled cheeks. The back was buzzed short, getting long towards the top almost like a pixie cut. Her roots were dark purple, picked specifically for when it grew out to compliment her natural blue, and the purple faded into a dark fuchsia pink.
"I love it," Marinette breathed, "Thank you." Her eyes watered as she turned to Luka, arms trembling and raised, slowly asking for a hug.
"You're beautiful," He whispered into her shoulder, holding her gently as if she was the most precious thing in the world.
— — — — —
"Okay," Marinette said firmly. "I have two pieces of news for you, one I need advice on, and one I don't. After that, I have something to say and a question for you." Her determined expression met his kind blue eyes, and she squeezed his hand.
"Go as slowly as you need Marinette," He soothed. "You seem anxious." She smiled and the blew out a breath.
"Okay." Marinette pulled the hospital paperwork out of her purse, looked it over again, already knowing what it said. "News one, I'm completely disease free." She gave him a wobbly smile before turning her eyes back to the paper. "We knew it was a possibility, but it's been confirmed. I'm pregnant." She was scared to tell her other friends, only 19 and already taking a giant step towards adult life. Through violation no less.
"Alright." Luka said softly. "You can handle this, whatever you decide to do about it." Marinette breathed in relief and continued.
"That's what I sort of need advice on, I want to keep the baby, even though I didn't choice to have it; I'm not comfortable giving it up." Marinette's eyes lowered, and she whispered, "Do you think that's the right choice?"
Luka paused, thinking. With anyone else she'd be nervous, but Luka was just the kind of person that gave everything his full attention and thought. He nodded, seemingly to himself, and stood. She tracked him with her eyes as he crossed the room and grabbed his guitar. Sitting back down, he closed his eyes and strummed a rhythm. It was soft, comfortable. It was calm and soothing, an understanding. It expressed exactly what she needed, and she sagged in relief.
"Marinette," Luka called. She opened her eyes and he set the guitar down to grab her hand again. "I think you're doing the right thing. It'll be difficult, but you can handle it. You're strong." He smiled, and Marinette beamed.
"Okay, onto the thing I want I tell you." She took a deep breath. "Do you remember when we first dated?" Luka sat up straight and nodded, eyes lit with curiosity. "We broke up because I wasn't ready to tell you something." He nodded again. "Well, I'm ready to tell the truth." She took a deep breath, and began to talk.
Marinette told him about a 14 year old girl who received a gift. A gift, and a responsibility. She was Ladybug, she was given a Kwami who was magic. She would become a superhero to take down supervillains, and that meant abandoning prior commitments, like dates. Dates with boys she adored but had to abandon. She finished with a deep breath, telling him that she was ready to share the burden a little with someone she trusts.
"So," she breathed, "what do you think?"
He smiled softly, and simply asked "Can I meet Tikki?" A lilting laugh sounded from her pink handbag, and a small red bug-mouse floated out and up to Marinette eye level.
"Hello." Luka smiled, eyes crinkling at the edge.
"Hello Luka, Sass speaks highly of you." Tikki greeted, spinning in a circle.
"I remember Sass, he was a great companion, and Kwami." He turned back to Marinette, "You had a question saved for last, right?" Marinette nodded, and grabbed his hand again for grounding.
"You remember, that night?" His eyes lost their shine, but he nodded, hands tightening in hers. "I was coming over to tell you something, ask you something." She swallowed and looked down. "I was planning on telling you about Ladybug, and telling you I was ready." She paused.
"Ready?" Luka tilted his head, and Marinette finally met his eyes.
"Ready to try again." She spoke determinedly. "I want to try a relationship with you again. You know my secrets now, you're caring, you're sweet. I feel safe with you, I love being around you, and I know that even though I can be difficult, you won't walk away when it gets tough." Luka's eyes were shining and she smiled shyly. "I'm not ready for a lot of things after what happened, even little things, but I want to try. I want to try to be with you because I know how I feel. So, will you go out with me?"
Luka nodded, beaming widely, and he reached for a hug. "Can I hold you? Please?" Marinette smiled and held on tight as he held her. She breathed in his safety and calm, and reminded herself everything will be okay.
— — — — —
One day, after a harsh Akuma attack, she met up with Luka. Walking back towards her parents Bakery, she paused.
"What am I going to do about Ladybug?" She blurted. Luka paused too, looking towards her, not letting go of her hand.
"What do you mean?" Marinette responded by pulling their joined hand towards her stomach.
"I mean, I can't keep this up forever, sooner or later I'll need to take a break." Luka nodded in understanding before looking up to think.
"You could give the earrings to someone else." He spoke softly, "Or you could just announce you'll be leaving in the hopes Hawkmoth won't attack." Marinette tilted her head, thinking.
"That might work actually." She hummed and they continued walking. "I could schedule an interview with Ms. Chamack and tell Paris I'm leaving the country. Hawkmoth would have to realize he can't have my Miraculous if I'm not here, right?" She smiled up at her boyfriend. "Thank you." He smile at her fondly and they continued onwards.
— — — — —
"Chat Noir! Wait!" Ladybug decided it was time. She'd reached her 9th week, and Luka agreed. Magic or no, she didn't want to risk her child's health. Not after she heard their heartbeat.
"Hiya Bugaboo, need something?" Since Luka became a constant, the confusion she got from Chat Noir's flirting had disappeared.
"This is serious, Kitty." She said as he landed next to her on the roof. "I'm leaving." The words were semi-practiced.
She and Luka had agreed that the news would only know the lied story, but Chat Noir would get a half truth. He had noticed something was different. Her hair had changed, and her attitude. She was a little more harsh with Akuma victims, running away soon after, and barely engaging with her partner. Seeing her with magically produced pink pigtails instead of her previous blue ones was a surprise too. Chat Noir deserved some honesty.
"You're... leaving?" Chat hesitated, disbelief coloring his voice. "When? For how long?"
"I–" Her voice broke, and Chat came closer.
"Bugaboo?" He reached for her hesitantly, and Marinette broke a little.
"I uh–" She cleared her throat. "I was raped." Chat froze. "Around 2 months ago, before my hair changed." She hugged herself and looked down. "I need a break. I'm losing myself in this work and I can't keep doing this." Half truth again. "My plan is to have an interview with Ms. Chamack. I'm going to lie, and tell her I'm leaving the country, and taking my Miraculous with me." Understanding dawned in Chat Noir's eyes, horror still present.
"You're thinking Hawkmoth will back off if you're 'gone', smart Bug." He stared at her sadly. "I'm so sorry." He whispered. "I had no idea... Can I hug you? Is that okay?" She nodded and clutched him tightly.
"You really are my best friend, you know." She whispered into his chest. He took a ragged breath, and she wasn't sure he believed her.
— — — — —
"I'm Nadja Chamack, and this is another addition of Side By Side!" The woman smiled into the camera lens as it zoomed out, revealing her sitting in between Ladybug and Chat Noir.
"Today our very own Superheroes are here to talk to us! Isn't that great, viewers?" She smiled again, before turning to Chat Noir. "You've become more famous that Paris' sweetheart Adrien Agreste! How do you feel about that?" Chat laughed.
"Oh I think it's great! People love Adrien because he's sweet and perfect, and they love me because I'm funny and handsome and not afraid to fall on my face!" He laughed with Nadja, and she smiled at him.
"Well that's certainly true, I personally want to see you two do a modeling job together! Imagine the chaos! Imagine the handsome blonds of Paris side by side!" Chat's smile wavered but he forced a laugh.
"Nah, if he spoke to me I'm sure he'd faint. I'll let him keep modeling to himself, and I'll stick to saving Paris." He winked at the camera. "But don't worry, I'll keep impressing my fans." Nadja smiled and turned to Ladybug.
"So Ladybug! The fans are sad you and Chat Noir don't flirt like you used to, is there a special someone in your life?" Ladybug was glad they could only see a tiny bit of her furious blush under her mask.
"Uh—" She smile was wobbly as she laughed lightly. "Yeah, I have a boyfriend." Chat Noir jerked upright, and Nadja moved to pounce on the information.
"Oh~ and who's this special boy?" Ladybug shook her head.
"I can't say anything that might compromise my identity, but I can say he's wonderful. He's helped me through a lot." She glanced at Chat with a smile, and he sighed in relief as he realized her boyfriend had nothing to do with the violation. "I don't know where I'd be without him." Chat Noir smiled at her as they made eye contact, and she could tell he really was happy for her.
"Well you heard it here first, my lovely fans! Ladybug is taken!" Nadja glanced at both Superheroes before becoming a little more serious. "So Ladybug, Chat Noir, you called to make an interview to tell Paris something important, care to share?"
"Thank you Nadja," Ladybug started, "I'm planning on leaving Paris." Gasps rang out around the room, including Nadja, but she continued strong. "I'm leaving Paris for a few months, ten at most. I'm telling Paris because they deserve not to wonder where Ladybug has gone, and to know not to worry." She smiled into the camera, and Chat Noir picked up the rest.
"That's right Paris! I'll still be here, but of course, Hawkmoth wants both our Miraculous'. Without Ladybug's out of the game, he might get bored." He winked to hide his nerves. "Don't worry about your homes or Paris, I'll make sure everything works out!" He grinned and the room seemed to relax.
"Thank you for telling us you two!" Nadja spoke loudly, as if to mask heavy nerves. "It's been wonderful having you two here again!" She closed the program with a few advertisements, but clearly nobody was paying attention.
Everyone was reeling with the information, Ladybug was leaving.
Lady and Chat Noir stood in the roof of the TV station after the interview, Ladybug pacing anxiously.
"Don't worry Bugaboo, I've got everything under control." Chat Noir leaned on his staff.
"I know, I know." Ladybug said, chewing the inside of her cheeks. She was trying to convince herself it was a good thing, leaving. "I'll miss you." She admitted.
Chat Noir smiled fondly. It was rare he wasn't grinning, but it a true Chat smile, soft around the edges and full of affection.
"I know, Milady. If I knew your identity, we might be able to stay in touch. But I know that it's too much of a risk." Ladybug froze.
"Wait... Kitty?" Ladybug sounded stiff with surprise. "Remember that technique?" Chat frowned, and then shook his head. "That one guy, who came to steal the Miracle Box? He was nearly akumatized but he fought it with meditation and positive emotion." Chat's eyes widened. "We learned how to do that, remember? Like two years ago, before we turned 17?" Chat nodded excitedly.
"Are you saying we can revealed our identities??" He squealed, almost bouncing on his toes.
"Yeah, yeah I am." Ladybug sighed fondly. "How about this, we meet somewhere in civilian form on Sunday?" Chat seemed to calm a little.
"How will we recognize each other?" Chat asked, and Ladybug thought for a moment before answering.
"I'll wear something with Ladybug on it, like a hoodie or a shirt. What will you do?" She explained.
"Oh! I have a shirt that has a bell on it! And I'll wear all black besides that!" He was bouncing again. She smiled fondly.
"Sure, that works. Can we meet at the Tower? It's a huge landmark." Ladybug laughed.
"At the bottom or the top?" Chat clarified, and she hummed.
"The bottom? Like right below it, in its shadow."
"Sure! Sounds good!" He waved before jogging backwards.
"Cya soon Kitty!"
— — — — —
"Oh gosh I'm an idiot." Marinette groaned, holding Luka's hand. "Why did I agree to this???" Luka shook his head fondly but stayed silent.
They sat on a bench under the Eiffel Tower. Luka was wearing a Viperion branded sweatshirt while Marinette sported a Ladybug headband through her short hair, red shoes, black pants, and spotted T-shirt. Her baby bump was faintly visible through her shirt, but it could easily be mistaken for mild bloating.
She and Luka had told her parents the day after it happened, so they were up to date at least. She'd pulled away from her friends a little, but Luka promised them she was just working through some things. Marinette would probably have to tell them the truth soon…
"So you two didn't agree on a time?" Luka asked softly, still holding her hand.
"No! I totally forgot!" She smacked her head with her free hand. "I just said Sunday, like an idiot!" Luka laughed lightly.
"You were overwhelmed, it's alright, love." He smiled at her, and she melted a little inside.
"Sure, yeah, okay."
The two sat there for about two hours, basking in each others presence before a blonde walked under the Tower. He was too far to see his face, but she saw a gold circle on his chest, all black clothing, and blonde hair.
"You think that's him?" Luka whispered. Marinette shrugged, let go of his hand, and cupped her hands around her mouth.
"Hey Kitty!" She yelled, "That you over there?" He turned abruptly before yelling back across the street.
"Who's asking Bugaboo?" She laughed.
"Over here Kitty, I brought a friend!" He laughed and headed over.
He jogged lightly over, stopping a short distance away before stating loudly in disbelief, "Marinette?" She froze, looking up at her previous classmate.
"Adrien?" She was surprised, and Luka just looked interested.
"So, Luka's the wonderful boyfriend then?" Adrien laughed.
"Hey Adrien," Luka smiled. "Yeah it's me, like my jacket?" He smirked lightly at the blonde.
"You'd think I'd be more surprised my friends have secret identities, but I actually already knew yours." Adrien looked a little guilty, and Marinette's eyes widened.
"Oh yeah!" She turned to Luka, amusement in her eyes. "The first time I went looking for a holder for the Snake Miraculous, I gave it to Adrien! He wasn't a good match, wow because he was Chat Noir, and so I went looking for you! And viola you were perfect." Her eyes sparkled and it startled a laugh out of Luka.
"Of course golden boy gets offered two Miraculous." Adrien grinned at Luka's remark.
"So, it's really you then Marinette?" He looked happy.
"Yep! I'm guardian too. I told Luka because, over the years, he slowly became immune to akumatization. I've seen him break control at least three times." Luka smiled fondly at the praise, squeezing the hand he was once again holding. "I am surprised it's you though, Adrien. Although, you always do say it's hilarious Chat's rival is Adrien. You rival yourself!" Everyone laughed and Adrien sat down.
They chatted for awhile before Adrien seemed to realize something and the air became more serious.
"Marinette, you said..." Adrien paused, looking away. "You said you didn't know where you'd be without Luka." She nodded and Luka's eyes darkened a little at where the sentence was going. "You also mentioned.... the assault.." He said it reluctantly, and Marinette stiffened. "He's the one you've been relying on, right? He's been supporting you?" Marinette smiled tightly.
"Yeah, I called him, that night. He came and took me to the hospital, and picked up the pieces." The tension in her shoulders melted as Luka brushed his knuckles down her arm.
"She's strong, she'd be okay without me, I'd bet." Luka seemed confident, but Adrien could tell Marinette disagreed.
Marinette sat up straight, turning to Luka. "Luka, I haven't told him yet..." She seemed startled, and Luka's eyes widened.
"Do you want to?" He asked patiently. Adrien glanced between them slightly concerned.
"No pressure, whatever it is, you don't owe me anything." Adrien smiled. The reassurance made Marinette smile too.
"I–" She stopped, closed her eyes, and just breathed. "I was violated, right?" Adrien flinched, but he met her eyes and nodded. "Two weeks later, the doctors informed me I was disease free," Adrien smiled in encouragement, "but I am pregnant." He stared, and then his eyes widened.
"You're keeping it?" He asked slowly.
"Yeah. Luka and I decided we wanted to try our best for it." Adrien nodded at Marinette's explanation.
"I think you made the right choice." Adrien nodded to himself. "Let me know if you need anything. Since I've moved away from my father, I'm given an allowance I would be happy to use." He tapped his chin with his pointer finger. "I wonder if he'd notice if I just spammed his credit card account with baby stuff." Everyone laughed, and Marinette felt complete with her boyfriend and her best friend by her side, finally free of secrets.
— — — — —
"Okay, so, I've decided to tell you guys why I've been pulling away." Marinette was entering her fourth month and her body was more round and pronounced than she would be otherwise. "I was honestly scared of what you'd say, but I've already told Luka and Adrien so I think it's only fair."
She faced Alya, Juleka, Rose, Mylène, and Alix. Adrien was holding her left hand, Luka's left hand on her right thigh. "A few months ago, on the way to Luka's house, I was violated." The girls gasped, Juleka covering her mouth, Alya frozen. "He… uh," Luka's hand was steady on her leg and she sighed. "Anyway, I was checked into the hospital, and it turns out that I'm pregnant."
"She's about four months along now. That's about halfway, so we decided we'd tell you." Luka said softly. "We started dating after we found out about the baby, and before Adrien came along."
"I wanted to tell you guys." Adrien stated, "But Mari wasn't ready." They girls nodded through their shock. "Now though, I suggest a baby shower!" He grinned and the girls seemed unfrozen.
"You're keeping it?" Mylène asked politely, and Marinette nodded.
"I have nothing against abortions, but it's not for me." She smiled slightly at Luka. "We're finding out the gender next week, and Adrien practically begged me to do a baby shower with a reveal."
"Of course!" Adrien beamed. "But obviously we need all our friends in on it to celebrate!" Marinette had given him permission to tell the guys himself, since she didn't want to have to announce it again.
"So, what are we waiting for?" Alya finally smiled. "Let's plan a party!"
— — — — —
Luka tapped his foot impatiently against the floor as he waited. He'd ask Marinette if she wanted him in the room, but she'd said no. He understood, but he was still impatient. A nurse walked over, staring at a clipboard and he rushed to his feet.
"Mr. Coffaine?" He nodded quickly. "This way please, she wants you to meet someone." He smiled brightly and rushed after her.
Luka reached the door and didn't hesitate before twisting the handle and pushing his way in. He saw a multitude of machines and medical stuff nearby, including a clear plastic (and empty) crib stationed near the bed. His eyes landed on Marinette, and smiled in relief.
She was sitting up, her pale pink hair barely reaching her shoulders plastered to her neck and forehead with sweat. She was panting slightly, gently holding their new arrival as if the little one was the most precious thing to her. Luka could agree with that sentiment, and fumbled over to the two. He kneeled down next to the bed, eyes shining as he took the view of his new family.
"Hello, love." He whispered softly. "How are you feeling?"
She took her eyes away from the baby and smiled at him. "I'm so tired, Luka." She said. "But so, so, happy." She beamed tiredly at her daughter, slowly stroking down her little nose. "Would you like to hold her?" She whispered.
"Yes please." Luka gently held his arms for the small arrival, and eyes roamed her small face. She was still a little red from crying, but her lips murmured as if to try to talk in her gentle first sleep. "Hello my beautiful girl." He whispered softly to her, brushing his knuckles across her cheek.
"If she's your beautiful girl, what I am?" Marinette laughed, leaning back into the bed.
"You, love, are my whole world." Luka's eyes found hers, and they were filled with wonder. "You've given me so much, and I can't imagine my life without you in it." Looking back down at his new daughter, he felt the happiest he ever had.
— — — — —
Luka and Marinette moved in together about a month before the due date. They'd been together long enough to be sure their relationship was solid, but didn't want to wait until after the baby. Coming home with their small bundle was surreal to the couple.
They'd known this day would come, but it felt like a dream. Marinette opening the door, carrying two bags, and Luka with a backpack and baby.
The apartment, silent and warm, was instantly filled with Luka's soft voice as they entered. He mumbled sweet reassurances and soft compliments to his two girls as they settled in.
Opening her eyes and yawning slightly, their daughter blinked up at her mother who held her.
"She's got your eyes, love." Luka said softly. "Blue as the vast ocean." Luka had always loved Marinette's eyes.
— — — — —
"Hey Luka?" Marinette called. "C'here?" She was ready.
22 year old Marinette was finally ready. She called Luka over to her, and she'd made her mind up.
"What is it, love?" His soft voice spoke over his guitar as he came closer. The music was lilting and sweet, soft and caressing.
"I'm ready, Luka." She smiled at him, and he tilted his head in confusion. "Here, give me your hand." He set the guitar down on the ground near him, and came closer.
Reaching out his hand, Marinette held his fingers lightly, palm up. Her other hand reached into her purse and placed a small box in the center of his hand. "Here you go." She said softly.
He took back his hand, opening the box, eyes widening and snapping back to her.
"I asked you out when I was ready." Marinette started. "With our daughter growing up, Hawkmoth finally gone, and everything finally working out, I'm definitely ready." Her eyes were as determined as they were years ago. "So, Luka Coffaine, will you marry me?"
Luka's eyes were huge. He was watching Marinette with awe and beauty and wonder. He looked back down at the box, taking in the two bands in the box. One was simple with gold and silver intertwined, small and delicate; a single red Ladybug decorating the center. The other was silver with gold marbling throughout it, larger and comforting; a blue glass snake shining in the metal, pressed and forged to stay.
He slowly picked up the gold ring, sliding it on. Then he made eye contact with Marinette, and slid her gold and silver ring onto her as well. Setting down the box, he intertwined their ringed fingers and smiled at her.
"Of course I will, love."