Chapter Text
The scent of freshly ground coffee mingled with the faint aroma of pastries as Marinette shifted nervously in her seat at the corner table. Her fingers traced the rim of her cup, eyes darting toward the entrance every few seconds. Beside her, Adrien checked his watch again, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair.
"I can't believe he's actually back," Marinette murmured, more to herself than to him. "A year and a half is such a long time, I was getting used to him just living in Brazil permanently. I wonder if things with Irupé went sour?"
Adrien nodded, taking a sip of his espresso. "I know. He sounded different on the phone when he broke the news to us too - less guarded maybe? And... I don't know about his girlfriend. I guess we'll ask him." His gaze drifted toward the street outside where rain still fell steadily against the café windows.
Just then, the bell above the door chimed loudly enough to make several patrons glance up.
The cafe door swung open, and Luka stepped inside, a stark contrast to the gray Parisian afternoon. His skin was sun-kissed from months under a Brazilian sun, giving him a healthy glow that made his features stand out more sharply. He'd filled out since leaving Paris - his shoulders were broader under his fitted black t-shirt, his arms more defined from whatever physical activities he'd picked up abroad. He somehow just looked .. bigger. Taller? Maybe not, but he seemed to stand a little more confidently too.
His hair was still black with teal highlights, but a slightly different cut to how it was done previously, maybe because of a change of barber. It was a bit longer and a wolf cut. But it was his eyes that caught Marinette's attention. They held that same quiet intensity she remembered but now seemed warmer somehow, more at ease with himself and more mature. He spotted them at the back table and a slow smile spread across his face.
Adrien's fork clattered against his saucer as Luka approached their table. He gulped a little. Luka really used his time in Brazil to become some sort of heartthrob. Adrien could see others staring at Luka.
But Luka paid no mind to anyone else, just the couple. He smiled and waved, and maintained a sharp focus on Marinette and Adrien who were standing up to greet him
Luka's approach was deliberate, his steps unhurried despite the obvious effect he was having on the other customers. Luka had always been socially comfortable and not awkward, but way he moved now had lost some of his quiet kid shyness… he seemed way more comfortable in his skin and unbothered by his surroundings.
As he reached their table, Marinette found herself momentarily speechless. It wasn't just the physical changes (though those were certainly noticeable) but something deeper. There was a confidence around him now that felt entirely foreign yet incredibly appealing. But the moment he spoke she also felt assured with familiarity. The same soothing voice she knew came from his mouth. His demeanour was as calm and kind as it had always been.
"My favourite couple, how nice to see you again." Luka said with his soft, sweet voice.
There was a silence as Marinette and Adrien simply blinked at Luka, making sense of this familiar yet foreign person in front of them.
"You're looking great," Adrien managed finally, extending a hand which Luka shook firmly before pulling him into a quick hug.
Marinette recovered quickly after seeing Luka embrace Adrien without hesitation. She stepped closer too, wrapping her arms around him gently. It was a really cosy, comforting group hug. She had missed Luka a lot, but pushed away these feelings with how busy she'd been. This hug made it all come tumbling down on her, a few quiet tears staining the sleeve her face was pushed against.
"I missed you both so much," Luka said softly. "It's been too long”
Luka chuckled warmly as he pulled back from the hug, his hands lingering on both of their shoulders for a moment before letting go. He gestured toward their table. "Come on, let's sit. I can't wait to have a pain au chocolat again."
He slid into the chair opposite them, his movements relaxed and easygoing, juxtaposing the nervous energy Marinette and Adrien were still radiating. The waitress approached immediately - another woman who couldn't seem to stop glancing at Luka's physique.
"What can I get you?" she asked with a scarlet red lipstick smile.
"An espresso for me please," Luka replied smoothly without breaking eye contact with his friends. "So tell me everything I've missed. Start with good news first! Anything exciting happen with your careers or personal lives? Or anything about our friends?" His gaze flickered briefly between them with genuine curiosity.
Luka leaned back in his chair, crossing one ankle over the other casually as he waited for their updates. The way he sat was relaxed and ... it felt... almost inviting them to oggle at him.
‘He dressed quite well for this meeting’ Marinette observed.
‘His shirt is seriously showing off his gains. His pecs, shoulders and biceps especially. Geez, he used to be so scrawny’ Adrien thought.
"We'll start with good news first," Adrien began eagerly, leaning forward slightly. "Guess what happened six months ago? Marinette got promoted to art director at the fashion house!"
"That's amazing!" Luka exclaimed genuinely, turning to Marinette with bright eyes. "Congratulations Mari, I'm so proud of you. You deserve it completely." His tone carried none of the awkwardness one might expect from someone who needed to acclimatise to people he hadn't seen for very long, he seemed completely at home, his tone was warm and familial.
Marinette blushed happily at the praise, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Thanks Luka! It's been a lot of work but totally worth it."
"And Adrien? How's it been inheriting the Agreste business? Are you able to juggle it with studying okay? You're in your final year of bachelor's now, right?" Luka asked, shifting his body language to indicate all his attention is on the blonde.
Adrien laughed sheepishly. "Its been alright. Marinette has been a big help, if I'm honest."
Marinette tutted. "He's being modest. It's been tricky to find a new route for the Agreste brand to take,"
"We've focused it to be more of a fashion consultancy and high-end modeling studio, but I have plans to get it back to being a fashion house one day," Adrien continued. "Some of the members of the board have been a real pain, but..."
Conversation instantly flowed with ease from there on out. Marinette and Adrien caught Luka up to all the latest happenings with their mutual friends and other related news. The coffee date turned into a lunch date as they continued to chat for hours about Luka's experiences in Brazil and the past months in Paris.
"Volleyball and surfing huh? That's all you did to get that fit?" Adrien chaffed
"Well, and a few morning jogs with Irupé" Luka said, tilting his head as he considered and recalled his routine.
Adrien and Marinette shared a look. There was the name they were so curious about.
"So, with Irupé... Are you guys gonna do long distance or something now?" Adrien asked.
"Oh!" Luka chucked. "Irupé and I haven't been dating for quite some time. We're better off has friends. She's amazing, but it just wasn't gonna work between us.”
The confession hangs in the air for a moment, thick with unspoken questions. Marinette's fork pauses halfway to her mouth, while Adrien sets down his water glass with a soft click.
"Oh wow," Marinette says quietly, setting her utensils aside completely. "That's... unexpected. I mean, you seemed so happy when you first left for Brazil." She leans forward slightly, concern creasing her brow. "When you say quite some time..."
"As in quite early into me being there. I've been single and exploring encounters with other people." Luka smiled. "Don't worry, Irupé and I never really acted like we're in a relationship in the first place so deciding to be just friends didn't change much." Luka explains
"I guess that makes sense. So you say you had some other flings? Sounds like a movie, romances in an exotic place like that." Adrien grinned
Luka chuckled, a low and relaxed sound that seemed to fill the space between them. He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed casually over his chest, which only served to accentuate his new physique.
"Let's just say I took advantage of the warm weather and friendly people," he continued with a playful wink. "There were a few fun nights out with locals who were curious about the French guy learning Portuguese," he said, "though some of my most interesting experiences were with other foreigners."
Luka slowly looked from Marinette to Adrien with a slight smirk. "But maybe those stories are for another time" He looked out the window for a second.
“Besides,” he added smoothly, changing the subject with practiced ease, “I want to hear more about your lives too. Any new hobbies or projects you two have been doing together?” His eyes flickered between them with sincere curiosity. He leaned forward to rest his elbows on the table and rest his chin in one of his hands.
"Because if you do, maybe I could join you guys next time you partake in it. I'm still finding my feet back here in Paris, so I need help with keeping busy as I find some employment, and I'd love do do some regular activities with you to make up for lost time" he elaborates.
Marinette and Adrien both looked at the man across from them, curiosity piqued about his romantic escapades. His expression and body language was sensitive, sincere and alluring. 'When did he become so charming?' they both thought.
"Well..." Marinette began slowly, "there is one thing we started doing together recently." She paused, biting her lower lip thoughtfully before continuing. "We've been taking dance classes together at this studio near my apartment. Ballroom dancing mostly."
Adrien nodded eagerly. "Yeah it's been really fun actually! Marinette's a natural dancer and I'm trying to keep up with her," he laughed lightly.
Luka's eyes lit up with genuine interest and something else - anticipation maybe? He leaned even closer across the table now.
"Dance classes? That sounds amazing! You know how much I love dancing," he said warmly before adding with a teasing grin: "And I bet you both look incredible moving together on the dance floor." He let that comment rest in the air for a moment before saying, "I'd love to see anything you guys have practiced. I would be happy to offer some guidance or exchange what I know for what you've learnt”
Luka's suggestion hung in the air, charged with possibility. Marinette's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink as she imagined their current teacher observing the three of them dancing together - each taking turns with the other. Maybe with his physique and newfound confidence, Luka could do some lifts with her. Adrien had this far been too uncertain and shy to do it.
Adrien cleared his throat awkwardly. "Uh yeah we could probably arrange something sometime soon," he said quickly, avoiding Luka's direct gaze. "Maybe after class one evening? Our instructor usually lets us practice extra if we want."
Luka's smile widened at Adrien's agreement. He seemed pleased by how easily they accepted his proposition without hesitation or discomfort about sharing intimate moments like dancing as a trio.
"That sounds perfect," Luka affirmed smoothly. "I'll make sure to clear my schedule for whenever works best for both of you." He reached across the table to lightly tap each of their hands simultaneously - a gesture that felt strangely intimate given how long they hadn't seen each other physically interact this closely. He leans back again and looks at his watch.
"But for now I have to head home." he takes out his wallet and produces some euro notes and places it on the table. "This should cover our bill, please let this be my treat... it's such a pleasure to see you two again, I want to treat you guys"
Luka stood up gracefully, his movements fluid and confident as he stretched his arms overhead. The motion caused his shirt to ride up slightly, revealing a strip of toned abdomen that attracted both Marinette and Adrien eyes like magnets.
"Oh, I hope it's not silly, but I really want to take a photo to remember this moment by. Is that okay?" He asked as Adrien and Marinette got up.
"Of course" Marinette said. They both posed and smiled behind Luka as he took a few selfies. He asked them which photo was their favourite before tucking his phone away.
"Alright, I'll text you guys later about scheduling that dance session," he said with a final smile. "It was really great catching up with you two. Seriously." He gave each of them another brief but firm hug goodbye.
As Luka walked away toward the cafe exit, several patrons openly stared at his departing figure. The waitress who had served them rushed to bring their check but found the cash already covering it plus a generous tip.
Once Luka disappeared onto the rainy Paris streets, Marinette let out a long breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
"Well our worries that it would be difficult to connect with him after all this time were for null" Adrien said with raised eyebrows and a long sip of water
Marinette nodded slowly. "How can he feel and look so different and yet so familiar? He didn't feel like a stranger, he spoke and looked unmistakably like Luka, and he seems to be passionate about the same things as before he left, but.."
"I know. It's like Luka 2.0." Adrien says.
Marinette picked up her water glass, swirling the ice cubes thoughtfully. "Yeah, 'Luka 2.0' is a good way to put it. He's still sweet and caring, but there's this new layer of... I don't know, confidence? Like he finally figured out how to carry himself." She took a sip of water.
"Yeah, but impossibly he still seems really humble about it. A guy who looked like that could easily have cocky confidence and take advantage of all the people making heart eyes at him. But he paid no mind and didn't seem to want to intentionally draw any attention to himself. Well apart from how he was dressed."
Marinette raised an eyebrow. "Are we slut shaming our friend now?"
Adrien sighed. "It's just an observation. He was dressed to impress, I feel.”
The both of them sat in silence for a bit as they thought about the encounter with Luka and processing how it played out.
It was clear that Luka carried something new with him today. It wasn't his new muscles or some sort of confidence.. but a kind of sex appeal that he hadn't previously exuded. She was stupidly curious about the romances Luka mentioned. What role did they have in the shaping of this new Luka?
What happened in Brazil??