Chapter Text
Chapter 2
As soon as Marinette arrived at the hotel, she let herself fall on the bed. She was exhausted, but at the same time she couldn't stop giggling to herself. She had met Luka Couffaine from Kitty Section! And he invited her out! Twice! To his band's concert and to a date. A date ! And she said yes! To both! And she had also invited him to her fashion show- which was going to be hell but also super exciting! Even more: he said he would try to come! And as if all of this wasn't enough, he also said he wanted to kiss her! Luka Couffaine from Kitty Section- the man of the moment and the sexiest human alive- wanted to kiss her! Her ! Clumsy-disaster-mess Marinette Dupain-Cheng!
' KYAAAH ' Marinette rolled on the bed fuzzing with enthusiasm. She couldn't believe it. She wasn't even wearing her lucky socks, or her favorite cologne, not even her lucky earrings! But she had to be the most fortunate person in the world.
Marinette took the phone out of her pocket and started typing, ' new contact ', and then added the email and telephone number Luka had written down for her. She used one of the selfies they took together on the plane as his profile picture- one in which he wore his sunglasses- and saved the new information.
Her eyes glowed, satisfied, at the new contact in her agenda, with a lovestruck smile. At that time, a message arrived on her phone.
L: 'Hello. Marinette? This is Luka. Just wanted to make sure I got the number right'
M: 'Hi! This is Marinette. Yes, this is the right number! I just put yours on my phone! Thank you for your message. And for today. And everything'
Her reply was sent almost immediately, in a spatz. She was too excited to control herself. Before she could decide what else to say, Luka replied to her text message.
L: Great. I'm glad I didn't get the wrong number
L: I enjoyed our time a lot, so I'm the one who should be thanking you. You're a funny, beautiful lady, Marinette. I'm very glad we met
M: I'm very happy we met, too
Marinette blushed while typing. She wasn't used to lovey-dovey messages. Especially with HOT people like the one and only Luka Couffaine.
L: I'm happy to hear that
L: I could talk to you all day, but you should rest now. A long week awaits you and, for what you told me, you have barely slept in the last two days. I want you to be healthy
Marinette pouted a little. She wanted to keep talking to him instead of sleeping… What if she woke up and everything was just a dream? The idea was terrifying! Before she could start typing, another message arrived.
L: I wouldn't want you to miss our date
Marinette felt the burning up to her ears.
L: I'm looking forward to meeting you again.
L: Oh- and don't forget our offer. I hope you give it a thought.
L: Sweet dreams, Marinette <3
Ok- now that was something: A HEART . He sent her a heart! Marinette squealed. Her own heart beated faster and she could feel those familiar yet long forgotten butterflies on her stomach.
Falling in love.
How was she supposed to sleep when all she could think about was Luka and how beautiful New York looked through the window under her lovestruck sight. Everything glowed pink. Even the boring hotel room seemed to be magically glowing with bubbles and sparkles. She couldn't stop giggling or get Luka out of her head.
She rolled on the bed again so effusively she miscalculated the bed's length and fell down to the floor. 'Ouch' she protested, but soon stared at her phone again with a wide hopeless smile to re-read Luka's messages. She realized 5 minutes had passed since his last message and she hadn't replied yet. She typed in panic.
M: I'm looking forward to seeing you too
M: Sweet dreams <3
Marinette squealed again. She sent him a heart! A heart! An emoji she barely used anymore. She even had to scroll down the list to find it. The thought and possibility of it eventually becoming her most used emoji excited her. Was she going too fast? She was too excited to even consider it!
L: I'll have to dream of you, in that case
L: probably not very difficult when you're already the song in my head ;)
Luka sent her a photo of part of his smiling face with a handwritten paper with a heart and 'Ma-Ma-Marinette <3' written on it. He was on a bed and wearing what she assumed was his pajamas: a white t-shirt with Jagged Stone's logo on it. His muscular arm was showing and almost distracted her from the new message that arrived.
L: Sleep well <3
Marinette squealed again, drooling over his photo with a foolish grin on her face. Her cheeks hurt from smiling so much, but she didn't regret it. Not at all.
She wanted to send him a selfie in return, but when she opened the camera app, she stopped when noticed how messy her hair and makeup were. Of course it would, after more than 8 hours on a plane, rushing to get it, panicking, sleeping on Luka's shoulder, her reunion with Sabrina, the taxi and the check in at the hotel… She decided to take a shower before sleeping and, once finished, she fell asleep before she could even touch her smartphone again.
When Marinette woke up, it was still night time. 'Stupid jet lag!' Marinette groaned. But before anything, she hurried to check her phone. There was a message from Alya, one from Sabrina and another one from her mother. She would check those later. She first needed to make sure her meeting Luka was real- and there it was. His contact, his selfie, his messages… And the heart emoji. She squealed once again.
' It wasn't a dream! ' She fuzzed. Ok- There was no way she could go back to sleep. Instead, she started looking for more information, photos and videos of Kitty Section online. They were indeed gorgeous… All of them. She was so focused that she didn't realize she was literally drooling over Luka's photos.
DAMN . What a way to kill people. So unfair! How is it allowed to be so perfect? Leave something for others, guys!
And yet, under the makeup and stage personas, they were very sweet and fun- totally enjoyable to be with… A few hours later, at work with Audrey Bourgeois in 'Style Queen' building, she could grasp the contrast between people and personalities after meeting the famous stylist in person. How could people so insensitive, cold, arrogant and cruel even exist? In the same world in which gentle, fun and enjoyable Luka existed?
The world was surely unbalanced...
So, in short- dealing with her work at Audrey's was HELL. If it wasn't for the time she could work on her own designs and her part of the show, and for how excited she was to meet Luka again, she would have already jumped from the tall building Audrey's headquarters were in. Ok, no. That was exaggerating (especially with her fear of heights), but it really was stressful and exhausting, the worst part of it being to have almost no time to talk with Luka, except for 'goodnight', 'good morning', 'rest well' and a few updates of how they were doing.
And heart emojis.
Those tiny digital hearts gave her LIFE and strength to keep going.
Marinette's stress peaked on Sunday. Jet lag was still messing with her sleep schedule, and it was Audrey's turn for the fashion event. Her models would show off her newest style trends and she was going to be successfully acclaimed, like usual. Marinette couldn't help it but respect her for how well she managed to keep her cool despite the pressure she was under. Failure wasn't allowed, she had to keep the high level. And yet, she never faltered to confidently present her newest ideas. Probably being heartless helped, though.
In the end, the event was a mess behind the curtains but a success on stage (mostly thanks to Marinette's work). Audrey received applause and then everyone was invited to celebrate at a fancy hotel. Marinette had tried to turn down the invitation, but Audrey Bourgeois personally insisted and escorted her there. She couldn't escape.
YET .
She was glad her sleeves were short so it made it easier to check her clock nervously every five minutes. Kitty Section's concert was in two hours. She had to go! Didn't she deserve a reward? She had to flee!
She still doesn't know how, but she managed to sneak out despite Sabrina's vigilance (probably her being distracted with that Delmar guy helped). Whatever- in a blink of an eye she was already in the taxi towards Kitty Section's concert arena.
She freaked out for a moment when the security guards asked her for her accreditation and she couldn't find it- but it had been her neck since that same morning and that made her feel a little stupid. And soon, she was in. Now she had to find Luka and-
"Marinette! Just in time!" Luka appeared out of nowhere and welcomed her with a tight, needy hug she reciprocated. "Come with me"
Marinette blushed when he held her hand to lead her. Not her wrist, but her hand properly secured under his grip. All her tiredness and stress from the fashion show, wiped away in a moment, easily, as if the butterflies in her stomach were acting like vitamins. It amazed her how Luka had so much power over her. That was totally new.
They reached their backstage room and Kitty Section's members, plus Mylene, waited there with concerned faces.
"Guys, Marinette is here!" Luka raised their hands together and everyone smiled as if they had just received salvation. "Marinette! Our savior!" They all exclaimed, moving closer.
'What's going on…?' Marinette didn't even need to ask before Luka knew what she was going to say.
"I'm sorry to ask you this since you're our guest but… I kind of- suffered a wardrobe malfunction during rehearsal and our stylist quit and took most of our costumes with her and-"
"Your stylist quit?" Marinette blinked.
"That's because Luka wouldn't stop praising Marinette and her work and she got jealous… Everybody knew she had a crush on him..." Juleka interrupted, making Marinette blush. 'Luka said that about her? '
"Well- in my defense, I only said the truth and you all know that. It's not my fault she didn't take it well!" Luka shrugged.
"Yeah- and you're also biased" Rose giggled with Juleka. He couldn't deny it and he didn't plan to either.
"Anyway- We don't have anyone else to rely on, now, Marinette. Could you help us with our outfits, please? We'll pay you as much as you want. We're desperate" Luka pleaded winking with his hands pressed together. "Please?"
How was she supposed to resist the begging faces of them? And Luka's glowing puppy eyes? Impossible!
"Sure. I'll help you" Marinette giggled, and all the members jumped to hug her in gratitude. Soon, she returned to her 'serious work self', confident and demanding. "Ok, let me see what you've got. There's not much time left"
Marinette was astonished at the few amount of clothes they had available. That 'Volpina' sure was cruel, stealing all that…
Juleka, Rose and Mylene helped Marinette, explaining the clothing changes they were expecting to have- one for hard rock, one for pop-rock and another one for ballads and T-shirts for the closure. 4 sets in total.
That was a lot of work, but Marinette was outstanding in her job. And challenges? Oh, she loved them! She studied the photos of their expected outfits and managed to make it work miraculously.
"That should be perfect" she fondly stared at their first round outfits on them. And all the members couldn't believe how she managed to make those in such a little amount of time. They all looked amazing. "Now, what was that about ripped clothes?"
Marinette squeaked at the sight of the broken zipper on Luka's pants, below his long shirt. And the sexy boy smirked full of teasing, knowing exactly what he was doing. Ugh! As if it wasn't bad enough for her poor heart!
Meanwhile, Juleka did all the members' makeup and hair styling. She was insanely good at that and Marinette finally understood why they didn't hire any make-up professional.
The spotlights were bright over Kitty Section, but Marinette doubted they really needed them to shine. Wow...! Their aura surely changed on stage! Charismatic, confident, magnetic... and hot.
As she had already said before: illegal, they should be illegal!
And the way Luka turned to secretly wink or smirk at her from time to time? Marinette was sure that if Mylene hadn't been there to keep her steady, her knees would have already failed to keep her standing.
Heck- Did he really need to be so EXTRA? What a showman!
His hair flip, his partly exposed chest, his electric guitar riff, a high kick to the air… And what was he thinking about running up the stairs where Ivan's drums were and doing a backflip WHILE playing his guitar? What if he got injured?
Crazy .
Kitty Section's guitarist, the man she was head over heels with, was crazy. But he was so damn cool, handsome and hot. How was she supposed to resist him when he was so attractive? She fell deeper for him at every movement and breathing he took.
And then, by the end of the concert, he just ripped his shirt off, tearing the clothing, buttons jumping around and his bare chest and abs exposed, while he slid on his knees on the floor, his body leaning back and his just fixed tight pants tearing them once more in the process, exposing his black underwear underneath. AGAIN.
Dead. Marinette was dead.
And most likely in heaven.
That sight live, and from close by with all the music and sensations resonating inside her was outbursting. She had had to really pass out because when she opened her eyes Mylene was holding her and handed her a tissue that ended up being covered with blood coming out of her nose.
How was it even possible for someone to be so- Argh! Everything! Sexy, confident, crazy, hot, kind, sweet, funny…
INCREDIBLE. Out of this world .
It was too much for her heart to handle. How could she have been missing them for so long was a mystery and a regret. So many lost opportunities and concerts she could have attended… But if she had known them earlier, her meeting with Luka would most likely never have happened in the same way… Luka admitted he had been especially interested in her because she didn't scream or recognize him. And if she had known him as she does now… The plane's pilot would have alerted the passengers for heavy turbulence as the whole plane would have vibrated with the echo of her loud incoherent, fangirl screaming.
By the end of the concert, they were ecstatic. Adrenaline was rushing through their bodies and fatigue practically forgotten.
"Let's give a round of applause to all the members of the staff too! Come on!" Luka called, signaling all of them to get on the stage. Marinette stayed at the side, looking, but Luka tilted his head to encourage her to join them too. 'Me ?' he could read in her lips. He nodded and she frantically shook her hands in denial, overwhelmed and nervous. Luka laughed and, with a gesture, he asked Mylene to accompany her on-stage.
Marinette blushed at the smile Luka was giving her and when she faced the audience she felt breathless. This is what it felt to be in front of an audience of 5.000 guests.
Wow…
Luka reached to hold and raise her hand. "Give an applause to our stylist for today, Marinette Dupain-Cheng!" Marinette squeaked in panic and looked back at Luka, who winked and let go of her hand to clap. She bowed shyly and after performing one last song, the concert ended...
...but the real encore was about to start.
As soon as the lights closed, Luka pulled Marinette's hand and guided her to one of the upper parts of the stage, where the spotlights rested. Some of the guests were still singing and begging for a second encore, refusing to leave, but most of them were already leaving or had already left. From above, the view was even more impressive.
"Marinette" Luka called, his fingers naturally interlacing with hers. She looked up to him and blushed at his handsomeness. The way he breathed deeply and heavily from exhaustion was making her feel hot and expectant. He really gave it his best. He continued: "I hope this moment is memorable enough, because I really want to kiss you".
She had no words for such sincerity. Her fingers squeezed his and she closed her eyes, giving him silent permission to proceed.
Memorable, he said... But no, it was more than that. It was magical. Miraculous. The perfect first kiss of the lots she hoped they could share from now on. Soft, tender, delicate and loving at first, hungry and more wanting next.
And time stopped.
They kissed, again and again, until their lips were sore.
No regrets, totally worth it.
Luka rested his forehead on hers and they happily smiled. "You're too cute. I could kiss you all day" he confessed, and Marinette flustered again.
"M- me too… I wish time could stop here forever…" she lamented. She didn't need a clock to know it was past the time she should be sleeping.
"I know," Luka empathized, squeezing his hand. "But you have a great deal of work tomorrow and the day after. And even if I'm sure you're going to nail it, you need to stay cool and focused. I'm not going to be the one who ruins your career for a few extra kisses I'm going to give you next Wednesday. If you still want them, of course"
Marinette pouted cutely. "Of course I want them!" And Luka silenced her with another long kiss before speaking again. She felt the corners of his lips rise while kissing.
"Let's go back. Juleka will get mad at us for disappearing" Marinette nodded. "Did you have fun today?"
"The best concert of my life. You're all amazing… But the encore was even better" she gave him a quick kiss on his lips before sticking her tongue out playfully. He smiled fondly and kissed her again, just before they arrived at their room backstage.
Kitty Section stared at them with knowing smiles when they entered hand in hand, lipstick ruined, Marinette's cheeks bright red. "Sorry for being late! Has the after party ended already? Can we join?"
"It's been over for a while, dumbass! Why don't you change your clothes already? The fans are still waiting outside and the security guards are mad and want to go home. The staff is rushing us out"
"Sorry, sorry! I'll hurry up!" He didn't seem sorry at all, Marinette noticed, and her face burned when he took off his shirt before getting in the improvised changing room. "Wait here for a moment, we'll take you to your hotel"
"Oh, no need! I'll take a taxi! I don't want to bother you guys. You must be tired"
"Why don't you stay with us today? I'm sure Luka wouldn't mind sharing his room with you…" Rose suggested.
"Oh, no! I- I can't-" her face burned at the thought. How was her heart supposed to handle so many emotions in one day? Impossible.
"Guys" Luka sighed. "She has her big presentation soon. And she has been working all day. As much as I wished to spend more time with her, I don't want to ruin our favorite fashion designer's career. Think of it as a long investment plan so we can keep seeing her. She can come to our hotel anytime if she becomes our stylist" he winked.
"I'll think about it… I need that fashion show to be a success first" she fanned herself with her hand.
"Of course. And I'm sure it will" he smiled fondly at her.
"Thank you, Luka" she smiled back at him.
"Awwwwww. They are so in love!" Rose fuzzed and Marinette sinked shyly between her shoulders. "So cute!"
She fell asleep as soon as she got in her bed, leaving Luka's photo on the screen, which soon faded to black out of inactivity.