Work Text:
After a manic day at the coffee shop Luka was wiping down the last table when the bell above the door jingled, without looking up he rattled off the usual closing speech, “I’m sorry, but we’re closed.” Looking up, the rest of his normal apologies trailed off when he took sight of the young woman in front of him. Raven hair with undertones of blue, freckles lightly dusting her cheeks, and eyes framed by long dark lashes. Swallowing Luka stood, brushing off the front of his apron as he moved away from his forgotten job, slowly making his way towards the bar.
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t realise the time, I was hoping I could buy a coffee before you closed!” Listening to the nervous rambling from the women in front of him, he glanced towards the window, watching as the snow collided with it, blurring the street lights and distracting him from the matter at hand. Smiling softly he turned his face back to the woman and beckoned her away from the door, “I suppose I have time for one last drink.”
Watching the milk swirl from the steam Luka kept stealing glances, each time noticing something different. How the snow had made loose hair curl, a Christmas jumper that was lovingly worn, patched up with different fabrics, and a smile that he thought could rival the sun. Spinning the knob so the steam was off, he moved away from the wand and tapped the jug breaking the silence. He couldn’t help but notice that the silence was a comfortable one, so unusual, especially with someone he had never met. Pouring the drink into the takeaway cup and adding a last flourish he couldn’t help but teasingly ask for a name, “M… M… Marinette."
“Drink for M… M… Marinette!” Watching as she sheepishly approached the bar he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt, “Sorry Marinette, I didn’t mean to embarrass you” Gesturing between them both he huffed and tried to put into words how he felt, “I’m not very good at this. Talking, I mean, I.” Groaning, he rubbed a hand down his face, hoping it would hide his own growing embarrassment when he heard giggling. Removing his hand he looked at Marinette and saw her eyes sparkle, knowing he’d been unsuccessful in hiding the blush he wore.
Luka watched as she took a hesitant sip, noticing how some of the tension she carried fell away, he always liked being able to see the effect the drink had on customers, how it could raise their spirits from the first taste. Seeing her sigh was a good sign he felt, something warm to ease the soul, turning around he moved over to the back bar and began hunting for something.
Letting out a triumphant shout when he found what he was looking for he turned around and made eye contact with Marinette, blushing he presented her a delicately decorated butter biscuit, one made to look like a Christmas wreath dotted with holly berries. Hearing her quietly gasp he hurriedly tried to explain, “I made these and had a few left over, I wanted you to have one, as it’s Christmas tomorrow…”. Placing the small gift box down he slid it across to her, waiting with bated breath to see if she’d accept.
Smiling Marinette pulled the box towards her and held the biscuit, seemingly studying it before she took her first bite, hearing her moan Luka blushed, feeling like during this encounter he hasn’t stopped blushing, he started to drum his fingers against the counter top, waiting for Marinette to say something. “These are amazing, they just seem to melt!” Hearing the joy in her voice he’d known that he’d done the right thing, “Thanks Marinette.” This time he watched as her cheeks became tinged with pink, smiling he turned the last of the appliances off and glanced towards the clock.
“I hate to do this to a lovely customer but I need to lock the shop up.” Watching as she seemed to deflate when she realised the time he steeled himself for his next question, “May I walk you home? Or, well at least part of the way?” Luka held his breath while Marinette searched for an answer, hoping that he wouldn’t come across as someone with the wrong motives he began to panic. “I just think it would be safer to walk with someone than by yourself…” Trailing off he watched her hesitantly nod.
“I’d like that.” Blinking Luka honestly didn’t think he’d get this far, nodding he grabbed his coat and umbrella and steered Marinette towards the door. Shutting the door and giving it a last rattle to make sure it was locked he opened the umbrella and stepped out from the awning turning back to offer his hand to Marinette. Reaching out towards him she took his hand, stepping out to join him under the cover of the umbrella.
The streets of Paris were quiet while they walked through the snow, the only noise being from the crunching of their shoes. “You never did tell me your name.” Looking down at Marinette he smiled,”Luka, Luka Couffaine.” Meeting his gaze Marinette blushed and returned his smile.
As they ventured through the park the gently falling snow began to turn into a flurry, swirling through the air. Marinette darted from under the safety of the umbrella to dance in the snow. Stopping to watch Luka couldn’t help but be in awe of the scene in front of him, the joy she was radiating was worth every second of the biting cold.
As the flurry slowed Marinette joined Luka under the cover of the umbrella, cheeks rosy, eyes sparkling and the biggest smile he’d seen. Unwrapping the scarf from his neck he carefully wrapped it around Marinette’s neck, quietly murmuring “so you don’t get cold”. Hearing her breath hitch he guided her back to the path, leading her towards home.
Slowly but surely the bakery came into view, Luka knew that eventually he would have to say goodbye to Marinette. Stopping on the steps leading up to the front door Luka stood slightly below Marinette, watching as she hesitated making her way into the warmth. “Marinette.”
Holding his breath as she paused and turned back to face him, “I just. I’ve enjoyed this, spending time with you that is.” Watching her smile shyly he steam rolled ahead. “I, wouldyouliketogoonadate?” Coughing and looking to the point over her shoulder he tried again. “Would you like to go on a date? With me that is? Because I’ve really enjoyed spending this time with you and umpf”
His nervous rambling was quieted with a sudden kiss, taken back momentarily he began to kiss Marinette back. Pulling away they were both left breathless, basking in their shared joy Marinette broke the quiet.
“I would love to Luka.”