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It was bright and beautiful on the day Luka Couffaine started his new daycare. He’d been stuck in the office all morning with his mom as she signed paperwork but now he was able to go outside with the other kids for recess. He was too nervous to say hi to the dozens of kids who were already playing together so he decided to play a simple melody on his new violin- the one he loved very much because his daddy had just bought it for him- that the nice teacher had let him bring outside with him when a blonde girl in shades ran past him, pushing him over.
"Hey!"
"Shouldn't be in the way, new kid!" She yelled as she stopped to stick her tongue out at him. "And that string thingy sucks!" She teased before kicking his violin.
Luka was a calm child... until someone messed with his instruments. Tiny fists balling in the grass, he frowned. "H-"
"Stop it, Chloe!" Luka turned to see a tiny blue haired child standing over him, hands on her hips. "If you keep being mean I'll tell the teacher and she'll put you in time out!"
The mean girl, Chloe, frowned. "Stay out of it, Dupain-Ew."
"No. Go away before I call the teacher."
"You wouldn't dare-" Chloe hesitated as the other girl took a deep breath and opened her mouth. Fear entering her eyes, Chloe started to move away. "Whatever, Dupain-Ew. I didn't want to be over here in this dumb place anyway." Turning up her nose, she walked quickly to the other side of the playground. The other little girl waited until she was out of sight to turn and smile at the boy on the ground.
"She's a meanie. I'm sorry. Need help?" Luka looked from her deep blue eyes to her hand before accepting her help up.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome. I'm Marinette! Are you new here? What's your name?"
"I'm Luka! And yes! My mommy and daddy just moved on to this really cool boat and now I'm able to come to this daycare now!"
Marinette's eyes widened in awe. "You live on a boat?"
"Yes! It's so cool! Except I get a little dizzy sometimes from the water, but it's so awesome! What about you?"
Marinette shrugged. "My house is in a bakery!"
"A bakery?" He gasped.
"Yes. Mama and Papa make the most awesomest snacks ever and people like to come in and try them."
"That sounds yummy!"
"It is. They let me sit behind the counter sometimes and I get to watch the people come in and buy things."
"Oh! That sounds so cool!"
"It is! You should come over and taste some of the snacks!"
"Okay! And you should come over to the boat! It's so big."
"I'll ask my mama!" Marinette's eyes drifted to the ground before she bent down to scoop up his violin. "Were you playing this?"
"Yes! It's my first violin! My dad bought it for me so that I could learn!"
"Ooooh! I wanna hear. Can you play something?"
"Okay!" She sat on the ground as he played her Hot Cross Buns.
"Oh my gosh! That sounds really great! You're amazing. Can you teach me?"
"Sure!"
And for the rest of recess, he showed her how to hold the instrument and it's bow. He tried to teach her a few notes, but when it became evident she wasn't getting it, played her another simple song.
Afterwards, it was nap time so they went back in the building and Luka was ecstatic when Marinette pulled her sleeping mat next to his.
Marinette was playing in the park next to the bakery the next day after daycare. Her mama was watching from a bench close by as she chased a butterfly next to the carousel. The butterfly was right at the tips of her fingers and she stretched up on her tippy toes, swung her hands up, and... tripped over her own feet and fell hard on the ground.
"Are you okay?"
Marinette looked to the quiet voice and saw a golden haired little boy leaning over her. He had a slight frown on his face and his green eyes shined with worry.
"Are you okay?" He repeated and Marinette nodded.
"I'm fine." She looked around. "But the butterfly flew away."
The little boy gave her a hand up. "It's okay. There's usually more of them."
"Thank you for helping me up. I'm Marinette! What's your name?"
A shy smile on his face, he avoided her eyes. "I'm Adrien, Adrien Agreste."
"Well it's nice to meet you! Do you wanna play?"
The smile dropped off his face. "I don't know. My father says I'm here to work and I don't know if I'm allowed to play."
Marinette's tiny eyebrows scrunched together. "Work?"
"Yeah. My father makes clothes and I have to wear them in pictures."
"Oh. Is it fun?"
"Not really. I have to stand still for a long time and sometimes the bright flashes hurt my eyes."
Marinette frowned. "That's not nice. You should get to play! Let's play."
"I don't know..."
"We're in a park!” Marinette quickly looked around them. “And I don't see any cameras! Let's play."
Adrien's face brightened. "Okay!"
So they ran around together finding more butterflies and other insects, playing tag, hide and seek, and hand games. They were giggling at a guy who was arguing with a pigeon when Adrien's stomach growled loudly.
"Are you hungry?"
"I think so, but I don't have a snack."
"Hold on!" Marinette ran back to her mom, who was now in a conversation with a blonde woman Marinette didn't recognize, and grabbed her backpack before running back to Adrien. "Here."
Grabbing the offered croissant, Adrien took a big bite before grinning. "It's so delicious!"
"I know! My Papa made them for me as a snack today." She snickered as the boy stuffed it into his mouth and looked at her with cheeks as big as chipmunks. "Do you want another?"
"Yes please!"
As he ate, Marinette noticed something. Grabbing the last croissant from her bag, she held it up next to Adrien's head. Though not perfect, the golden baked good matched the golden hair on the boy's head. "You match!"
"Hm?" He mumbled around another bite.
"Your hair matches the croissant! They're both gold! So pretty!"
Adrien smiled around his mouth full of food and smiled. "Hank oo."
"You're welcome. You want the last one?" He took it, broke it in half, and handed her the other piece. Marinette smiled brightly. "Thank you!"
By the time they were finishing their snack, Marinette's mama and the blonde stranger were walking up to them.
"Mommy!" Adrien shouted as he stood and hugged the stranger.
"See, Emilie, I told you they were over here." Sabine smiled as Marinette hugged her legs.
"Thanks." Emilie smiled down at her son and noted the crumbs and smile on his face. "Did you have a good time, my little prince?"
Adrien nodded and smiled at Marinette. "That’s my new friend. I like her!"
Marinette returned his smile. “I like you too.”
Emilie looked to Sabine. "I'm glad they get along. What do you say we make this a weekly playdate? My dear Gabriel doesn't let him out nearly enough to make friends and I can see Adrien's so much happier now."
"Absolutely!"
"Okay, Adrien. It's time to return home. Can you say goodbye to Marinette and her mom?"
Adrien's eyes watered. "But I don't want to leave. I want to play with Marinette more."
His mother smiled patiently, nothing but love in her striking green eyes. "I know, but you'll get to see her next week."
Adrien's face morphed into a smile, so bright it rivaled the sun. He ran over to Marinette and hugged her. "See you next week! I'll bring some toys so we can play some more!"
"I can't wait!"
And the next week, they were sitting together on a blanket snacking on strawberry filled eclairs as their mothers watched on.
“Mama!” Marinette called as she pulled her little chair over to the living room next to her papa’s big recliner. Sabine watched as the child tripped into the chair before slouching like her Papa.
“Yes, sweetie?”
“The bakery’s having a Valentine’s party, right?”
“Yes, dear. We have one every year.”
“Oh! Can my friends come?”
“Which friends?”
“Adrien and Luka! They’re my very best friends in the whole wide world! Luka is awesome! He lives on a boat and can play the violin and he told me that he’s learning to play the guitar too! Isn't that awesome?”
“Mhm.”
“And Adrien! You know Adrien’s mommy so you can call and ask her! Adrien doesn’t get to go out and play much so I want to invite him so he can meet Luka since Luka likes to play too! Then we’ll all be the very bestest friends ever!” Sabine smiled lovingly at her little girl. “Of course we can invite them both. Here. Why don’t we go make invitations for them?”
Marinette’s eyes lit up. “Yes!”
"Mom, I wanna give Marinette something for Valentine's Day." Luka said as he watched his mom move around their boat kitchen.
Anarka paused. "Yer heartie that invited ye t' her party on the morrow? Wha' do ye reckon she would like?"
“I dunno. What do girls like?”
Just then, Luka’s dad, the one and only Jagged Stone, and his sister, Juleka, walked into the room. Juleka gave him a hug as his dad ruffled his hair before giving their mom a very over the top kiss.
“Ewwwww.”
“What were you guys talking about?”
“Yer son wants t' give a poppet somethin' fer Valentine's Day.”
Jagged’s smile widened as he winked at his son. “My little rock star in the making has a duet partner?”
“Yeah! Marinette’s my best friend!”
Juleka pouted. “I thought I was your best friend?”
Luka gave her a hug. “You are! You can have more than one best friend!” Juleka smiled.
“I know!” Jagged shouted before his guitar suddenly, almost magically, appeared in his hands. “Why don’t you give your girl a rocking guitar riff!” His fingers moved lightning fast as they produced a powerful sound of music.
“Dad, I don’t know how to do that yet.”
“Oh right.”
“Well, ye can ne'er go wrong wit' chocolate or a nice note. Why don't I help ye make somethin' aft grub? Juleka, do ye 'ave someone ye wants t' make somethin' fer too?”
“Mhm. My friends Rose and Marc. They’re my best friends at school!”
“Aye. Go wash up fer grub 'n then we'll make somethin' fer 'em.”
“And I’ll help too! It'll be a rockin time! Go wash those hands so we can get started!”
“Mother, are we going to go to Marinette's party tomorrow?” Adrien asked as they sat playing the piano in his room together. She gave him a small smile before slowing down the beat.
“Of course, Adrien. I already told Sabine we’d make an appearance. She said Marinette was super excited to see you.”
Adrien beamed. “I wanna see her too.” They played for a few more minutes. “Are you giving something to her mom for Valentine’s Day?”
“Oh yes. I have a little gift basket for her and Tom, Marinette's father.”
“Oh. Do you think I could give Marinette something too?”
Emilie felt her heart swell. “Of course, my lovely. We can go to the store tonight and pick something out for her if you want?”
Adrien nodded. “Please! But…” He frowned. “What do you give someone on Valentine’s Day?”
Emilie leaned over and kissed him on his forehead. “Something from the heart.”
The next afternoon, Marinette’s tiny feet raced across the bakery as she helped her Mama and Papa decorate. Little heart streamers hung from the ceiling, baby cupids sat as centerpieces, red and pink curtains alternated windows, and soft music played from the speakers overhead. Marinette placed the red cups on the table and sprinkled the tiny heart confetti all over the tables, truly enjoying her work. Her father walked up behind her and lifted her up, causing her to squeal.
“You did such an amazing job, Maremare! You have such a good eye for colors!”
“Thanks, Papa. Colors just make sense to me!”
“Well your mama is calling for you upstairs. I think it’s time to get dressed.”
“Okay!” Marinette carefully went up the stairs- the last time she had fallen on them had hurt- and ran to her room where her mom was waiting. After a quick bath and hair wash, Sabine put Marinette on the cutest little red dress with white polka dots on them before styling her hair in a half up, half down ponytail and curling it. Marinette could not stop giggling as spun around to feel her curls fly around her head and the skirt of her dress flare up and out.
“Marinette! Be careful. You’ll get dizzy if you keep doing that.”
“Sorry Mama.”
“Let’s go greet our guests.”
Downstairs, the bakery was already filled with adults, some Marinette knew and some she didn’t. As she held her mom’s hand, she stood on her tippy toes to see if she could see any of her friends. She was just about to give up when she saw him.
“Luka!”
Letting go of her mama’s hand, she dashed over to the front of the store where Luka- and some others- were standing. Surprising the boy, she gave him a big hug that he happily returned.
“Marinette!”
“Luka, I’m so glad you’re here! Mama said your mama called her to say you were coming but I wasn’t sure so I’m so happy you came!” Luka nodded and smiled as he listened to her talk a mile a minute.
“I’m happy I’m here too.”
The woman behind Luka bent over and smiled at her. “Ye must be Marinette. I be Luka's Mom 'n 'tis Luka's pop, Jagged, 'n Juleka. Can ye point us in the direction o' yer elders?”
Marinette's eyes widened at her words before her head tilted. “My… elders?”
Luka giggled. “She means your mom and dad. My mom is a pirate!”
“The greatest one ye'll ever meet!”
Marinette giggled. “Mama is over there behind the counter! Papa is in the back finishing up some yummy goodies!”
“Well thank ye, Marinette. I be glad me son has such a good best heartie like ye.” Ankara smiled as she and Jagged, who had been accosted by a few fans, made their way to the counter. Marinette then noticed the little girl clinging to the back of Jagged's shirt as they made their way through the building.
“Who’s the little girl?” Marinette asked as they followed.
“Oh! That’s my sister, Jules. I told you about her a few times!”
“Oh yeah!”
They caught up to their parents, who were exchanging niceties, before Marinette pulled on her mama’s hand.
“Mama! Papa! This is my best friend Luka!”
Tom smiled down at the little boy. “Hi Luka! It’s so very nice to meet my daughter’s friend. Would you like a heart cookie?”
"Yes sir!"
The party went on and Marinette, Luka, and Juleka were all sitting at a small table eating pastries and drinking milk. Marinette really liked Juleka and she loved that she and Luka were twins. Juleka was shy around new people and decided to go back to Anarka, leaving Marinette and Luka at the table. They were talking about unicorns when a golden head caught her attention.
“Adrien!” The golden head turned toward her and green eyes sparkled with happiness as he pulled his mom with him over to their table. Marinette jumped out of her chair to hug the life out of Adrien, who hugged her back just as tight.
“Marinette!”
Marinette pulled away and gave his mom a hug as well. “Hi Ms. Emilie.”
Emilie petted her head. “Hi, Marinette. It’s so good to see you. Where is your mom? I have a present.”
“She’s in the back getting more cookies.”
Emilie nodded and kissed Adrien’s forehead. “You can stay with your friends and I’ll be back in a bit, okay?”
“Okay, Mother.”
Emilie walked away and Adrien took a seat next to Marinette and glanced shyly at the other boy.
“Oh! Adrien, this is Luka. Luka, this is Adrien!”
“Hi Adrien! Nice to meet you.” Luka smiled.
“Hi.” Adrien said shyly and fiddled with a bag in his hand before smiling. “Oh, I forgot. This is for you.”
Marinette took the little bag and dug into it, pulling out a small, bright yellow hamster. “Oh my gosh.”
“I remembered you told me you like hamsters like I like hamsters so I saw this and thought you’d like it. Do you like it?” He said with uncertainty.
She hugged him again. “I love it! Thank you, Adrien.”
Luka smiled at the gift. It was a cute hamster. “I got you something too!” He handed her his gift.
Smiling even wider, she pulled out a hand made card in Luka’s handwriting alongside a guitar pick painted teal and black.
“It’s for if you want to learn to play the guitar with me! My daddy says he’ll teach you too!”
“That’s so awesome! Thank you Luka! I love it. Oh! I made you something too! Adrien, Luka, wait right here!” Hugging her gifts to her chest, she ran through the backdoor to the back of the shop.
Luka and Adrien looked at each other. “So you’re Marinette’s friend too?”
“Oh yeah! We go to daycare together! She was really nice to me on my first day and now we’re best friends.”
Adrien frowned. “Oh. I thought she was my best friend.”
Seeing the sad look on the other boy’s face, Luka grabbed his hand. “Don’t be sad! You can have more than one best friend.”
Eyes shining with tears, Adrien looked at him. “Are you sure?”
“Absolutely! My sister is my other best friend. And she has two other best friends. So of course we can all have more than one best friend!” Luka snapped his fingers. “Do you wanna be best friends with me?”
Adrien’s eyes brightened. “Okay! We can be best friends too! Now I have two friends! Two best friends!” He grinned and hugged Luka. “Marinette said you play the guitar? Is that true?”
“I’m learning! My daddy is teaching me. Do you play anything?”
“My mother is teaching me to play the piano. I really like it.”
“That’s so cool! I wanna hear you play one day.”
“And I wanna hear you!”
“Let’s ask if we can go over each other’s house! Ohhhh! Maybe Marinette could come too!”
Adrien’s eyes sparkled. “Does she play anything?”
“Not yet, but maybe she can sing?”
“Or she can dress us up! I know she likes clothes a lot.”
“Oh yeah!”
By that time, Marinette was rushing back up to their table, a small box in each hand. Panting, she handed one to each boy. “I made… these… for you!” She glanced at the boxes before switching them. “Here!” Each boy opened up their box to find chocolate hearts decorated with their names. “My papa helped me make the chocolate- but I did all the mixing myself!- and make them hearts and my mama wrote your names on them! She even asked your moms for your favorite flavors! I hope you like them!”
“Thank you Marinette!” Each boy chimed. Luka dug into his with fervor as Adrien slowly ate his. When they finished, they told her about their plans.
“Oh that sounds so fun! Adrien, did Luka tell you that he lives on a boat! We could all go on his boat and play all day together! “
Adrien’s smile widened. “That would be so awesome!”
“His mom talks like a pirate so maybe we can all be pirates. I’ll be the pirate queen and you guys can be my…what are they called Luka?”
“First mates?”
“Yes! You guys can be my first mates since we're best friends!”
“Can we be pirates right now? Do we have to wait?”
Luka shook his head and grabbed Adrien by the hand. “We ne'er 'ave t' wait! Rrrrrrghh!”
“Rrrrrrgh!” Marinette chimed in, grabbing his other hand and pulling him up from his chair.
Smiling widely, Adrien joined in with an “Rrrrrrrghh!” and joined the other two as they ran around looking for treasure in the bakery, much to all of their parents' delight.
And from that night on, the three of them were inseparable.
