The Identity Problem •Luka x Reader x Adrien•

Flushed

He lowers his voice and leans in closer to my ear.

"I know better than anyone about the others. But I want you to know that I won't sit ideally by. I'll fight until you pick me."

His hand moves from the lower part of my back to my waist, squeezing lightly. I feel my face becoming impossibly warm, I can only imagine the shade of red gracing it. His lips twitch into a smirk and I can feel my heart doing a standing back tuck in my chest.

"Do you understand?"

"I- yes?"

He quirks a curious brow upwards. Obviously, he's been holding back his mischief for the last few days because of his father and this is the result. He leans into my space again, his breath hot on my ear.

"You're usually so confident, Princess. I have to admit I love the idea of you being nervous around me, occasionally at least."

The song that's been playing for the last few minutes changes suddenly, upbeat and distinctively not a slow dancing song. I sigh, drawing away from the blonde with the remnants of a blush still burning on my cheeks.

"How about we save our friends?"

When we return the group looks as antsy as ever, even the adults. I elect not to sit and I come up behind Luka and Juleka squeezing their shoulders. I shoot Poppy a look over their heads.

"We've been sitting for forever, I think it's time to explore a bit. I want to make sure I say 'hi' to some of the families here as well!"

I keep my tone cheerful, even though I have no intention of saying 'hi' to anyone unless I have to. Luka and Juleka are already standing with me as Poppy responds over a glass of wine.

"If you must, don't run off far."

"This works out well. You can introduce us to Eric."

My eyebrows shoot into my hairline at Mr. Agreste's statement before I can school my face.

'He wants Poppy to introduce him to Eric Rigby, the head of our record company. That isn't suspicious at all.'

I take a breath just as Caleb swoops in to save the day as usual. Taking my arm lightly.

"Well we better get going, you two coming?"

He gives the doppelgangers a winning smile for encouragement but in the end, they both turn to their respective parents before answering. Mrs. Fathom answers their plea first.

"After we meet Mr. Rigby you may join them."

After a beat, Mr. Agreste nods in agreement. Adrien's shoulders sink ever so slightly in relief or disappointment, I can't tell. Luka steps up to the plate this time.

"Will keep our phones on, text us."

"Well, we better be off then, see you guys in a bit!"

Caleb is pulling our little group away as fast as socially acceptable. I shoot one last look at Poppy who gives me a stern look.

'Translation. Will talk later."

I already know where we're headed before we arrive, Caleb leading us to a back room of the grand hall. It's quaint enough that the other party guests turn up their noses at spending more than a phone call amount of time in it.

It has a vintage feel with plush cushiony armchairs and sofas, a burning fireplace, detailed woodwork and walls, and a large hanging chandelier. There's a record player in the corner spinning a low tune I can't identify. The only modern part of the room is the tall windows that open into a balcony.