What The Future Holds

Dinner? Dinner.

After what happened at the park, the girls had no other choice but to call it a day. Alya said her goodbyes to her friends, promising to call them later, as she took her sisters back home. Emma was still holding on to Marinette tightly, silently listening as the older girls complained about Lila.

"Lila shouldn't have said those things about Ladybug and Cat Noir to her. They're heroes and have saved both her and Paris several times," Juleka says as she glances over at the little girl in her friend's arms. She couldn't help but feel a little protective over Emma. To her, this adorable little girl was like the little sister she never had.

Marinette shrugged before saying, "that's just Lila being Lila. She never learns." With a sigh, she couldn't help but rub Emma's back comfortingly as she held her. There was something about Emma that just awoken that motherly vibe in her. Sure, maybe it was because she would one day become her daughter with Cat Noir, but it wasn't that. Emma was just that kind of little girl that is loved by anyone who meets her. "Emma, don't worry about Lila. She is a lot of things but she wouldn't actually hurt you. We wouldn't let her."

Emma simply nodded before looking over at Juleka. "You don't think Vulpina is good, do you?"

Juleka shook her head no, knowing exactly what to tell her. "Why would I like someone who hurt my friend? Vulpina is mean, but that's why you can look up to Ladybug."

"I miss my mommy and daddy," Emma says growing quiet. She then lays her head down on Marinette's shoulder and sighs. "I wish they weren't so busy all the time."

Both girls heard Emma's words and wanted to say something. Parents being busy is normal, but to the point where Emma and Hugo were on their own was not. Of course, Marinette knew everything. Hugo tried to tell her everything he could but it wasn't hard to guess that the power of the miraculous is starting to have an effect on him.

"Don't worry, Emma. Your mom and dad are doing everything they can to get back to you." Marinette couldn't help but hug the little girl in her arms, wishing she could just feel that her words are true. Ladybug and Cat noir will be trying their hardest to fix the future before something bad were to happen.

If Hawkmoth were to discover their presence, it could be really bad. Not only would he be after the miraculous of the ladybug and the black cat, but the fire dragon and the hummingbird. Not only could Hawkmoth destroy the future, but he could erase Hugo and Emma's existence completely.

Once the girls got on the ship, Hugo and Luka immediately looked over at them with smiles on their faces. For everyone else, it was obvious to see that Luka's smile was brought upon by Marinette herself. Seeing Marinette walking around, holding the little girl he absolutely adored, was as beautiful as a melody to him.

"Hugo! Luka!" Emma says just as Marinette puts her down. Almost immediately, the little girl runs over to her brother and hugs him tightly. "Hugo, there was this mean girl in the park. She said that Ladybug and Cat Noir weren't real heroes!"

Hugo pats his sister's head gently before saying, "not everyone is a fan of ladybug or cat noir, Emma. You shouldn't let it bother you." After all, with just her words alone, he could understand why that made her so upset. Ladybug and Cat Noir were more than just heroes to her, they were their parents after all.

Emma shook her head no quickly before looking up at him. "She said Vulpina was a better hero. That Vulpina could do everything that Ladybug could."

Luka bent down to her level as Marinette watched them in silence. With that kind and understanding smile, he says, "but you know the truth, right? If Lila wants to believe that Vulpina is better, then its probably best not to argue with her. You know that no one could beat Ladybug and that's what matters."

Marinette couldn't help but think it was sweet to see Luka being so close with her. It was almost as if he was taking over as another older brother for her. It warmed her heart to see how well Emma herself responded to him as she nodded in agreement.

"Wow, Luka. I didn't know you were great with little kids," Marinette says with a smile as Emma grabbed Hugo's hand and dragged him off along with Juleka. "Emma really loves you."

Luka shrugged but kept his smile as he said, "little kids just want someone that would listen to them." He then glanced down at the ground before looking back up at Marinette. "Besides, Emma seems to love you too."

Marinette became a bit flustered at his words before saying, "you think so?" As Luka nodded, she couldn't help but blush. "Thanks, Luka. I'll never be as cool as you. No! What I mean is that i wish I could be as cool as you. No. I'm not saying that I'm not cool, but that you're different in a good way. Oh no."

As Luka started to laugh, he pats Marinette's shoulder before saying, "you're still a funny girl, Marinette. If it matters, I think you're way cooler than me. Your melody is beautiful."

Marinette blushed at his words, feeling her ears grow hot. She opened her mouth, finding herself at a loss for words before asking a simple question.

"Do you really think so?"

The way her eyes lit up made Luka take her hand, stepping just a little closer to her as he looked into her eyes. "Of course I do. You're a special girl, Marinette." As Marinette's blush grew, Luka couldn't help but chuckle a bit. 

Before Marinette could say anything back to him, the two were interrupted when Emma runs back over to them, getting in between the two with no hesitation. 

Marinette and Luka both looked a little shocked but when they saw that sweet smile on that little girl's face, they just laughed it off. Emma smiled up at them before saying, "Luka, can Marinette stay for dinner? Please! Juleka and Hugo think it's a good idea!"

Luka glanced back at Marinette before saying, "it's up to her if she wants to. Marinette is always welcome here."

Marinette glanced at Emma for a second before meeting Luka's once again. "I really do wish I could stay, but my parents are going to want some help in the kitchen, and I promised them I'd be back."

Emma frowned a little, looking disappointed at the older girl's words. "Well... How about tomorrow then? Please, Marinette?"

"Oh, you have the same baby doe eyes as manon," Marinette says as she tries to resist. Eventually she just smiles and says, "I'll ask my parents when I get home. I promise."

Emma lit up once again as she hugged Luka. "Yay, Marinette is coming!" She then looked over at Marinette before saying, "I'm going to make your favorite!" She then looked over at Luka before whispering, "will you help me with the stove?"

Luka, of course, agreed with her, knowing he was going to be the one doing the cooking. "Don't worry. We can all help."

"I'm looking forward to it," Marinette begins to step back, waving at her friends. "I should get going now, but i will be here tomorrow!"