The Identity Problem •Luka x Reader x Adrien•

Check-in

"Just bear with her, she can be annoying and pushy but it's probably better we just deal with it for the sake of the show."

I looked up studying his face for a beat, but I dropped whatever argument was resting on my tongue and agreed.

"You guys should've waited for me, I was just telling Mr. Laurent, how excited I am for the play!"

Neither of us responded to her, just kept walking in step with her as she rambled on. When we finally trudged through the courtyard to the front steps, we were met with a limo and a car parked. I began to descend the steps to start walking.

"Y/n you can ride with me."

"Thanks, but I'm okay. I'm used to the walk."

I spun to look up at him from where he peered from a step above. Suddenly the sinking feeling of walking alone started to settle in my chest. After the incident a few days ago the offer for a ride felt more appealing. Adrien's face almost seemed knowing for a split second before he flashed a brilliant 'model' smile.

"Nah I insist, it's cold and it'll only take a few minutes."

"Adrien, can I have a ride too?"

My gaze lingered on the car parked on the curb waiting, and I glanced back between the two. Lila picked up on our disbelief.

"What?"

"Lila, your mom's car is right there."

She spun around dramatically as if she hadn't noticed it when it was the only other car on the street besides a literal limo. In her defense her look of shock was convincing.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so dense sometimes! I'm supposed to wear glasses, my prescriptions are really high but I keep forgetting them at home. Well, Adrien-"

"Well glad we figured that out, see ya at practice Lila!"

I figured it was my turn to save us, especially after I sacrificed him a few months back during my birthday party when I first met Liar. I mean Lila.

I grab Adrien's arm lightly and pull him towards the limo. He lets me, eagerly matching our steps. I could hear him muffle a chuckle into his hand, and just as I let go of his arm he wrapped it around my shoulder. Something I've grown accustomed to, and fond of. When we reached the door he opened it for me and I hopped in without thinking. I was met by a lady with short dark hair and glasses. She sat stoically in the seat across from the door, a look of confusion crossed her face until Adrien joined us.

"We're going to drop y/n off, it's on our way home!"

The lady opened her mouth to say something but Adrien shot her a pleading look.

"Please, it'll be quick. Father doesn't even have to know!"

"Just this once, it has to be quick."

I didn't expect her to cave as quickly as she did, but there wasn't much of a choice in the end because the car was already taking off down the street. I let out a sigh of relief and sunk back a bit into my seat. Only then did I notice Adrien's arm had found its way behind me again, this time resting against the expensive leather seat. The woman, Adrien's assistant I assume, busied herself tapping away on her iPad. We rode in tense silence till we made it to my street.

"Thank you for the ride, I appreciate it."

I practically jumped out of the car onto the curb. Adrien hollering a goodbye at my retreating figure. But nothing could stop me from running away from the awkward silence in the vehicle.

The warmth of my house brought me comfort as I read the note the dog walker left behind attached to the fridge. I poured Snickers his dinner, albeit a little late because of the surprise meeting, and he gulped it up.

My eyes flickered to my phone on the counter as I shut the dog food in the cabinet. It was getting late. Maybe calling Luka wasn't the best idea.

Against my better judgment, I picked up the phone and clicked his contact, wedging it between my ear and shoulder. The dial tone rang twice before he answered.

"Hello."

His voice came out husky as if he had been taking a nap and just woke up. There was a bit of rustling in the back, presumably from the sheets on his bed.

"Hey it's y/n, is this a bad time?"

"No why-are you okay?"

I frowned, his first thought was always someone else. I swung my fridge open and scanned the shelves for a possible dinner.

"Ya I'm good, I was just- I don't know how to say this-"

I paused in my search for dinner as I struggled for words.

"I'm just worried about you, I mean you've always been there for me and you've seemed a bit off recently. I just wanted to check in and see if you wanted to talk about anything. No pressure, obviously, if you don't want to that's okay-"

"Y/n"

He cut my rambling off short, his voice was stern and for a second doubt crossed my mind about the decision to call.

"Sorry, I shouldn't have called. Just forget this-"

"Hey hey hey. No, I'm glad you called, we should talk on the phone more anyway."

I took a breath and grabbed the cold pizza left over from last night's dinner, closing the fridge and unwrapping the foil.

"I appreciate you checking in, I'm not very good at expressing how I feel through words. Um, did you know my dad's back in town?"

I could hear footsteps on the other line, he was pacing back and forth.

"Ya someone mentioned it to me in passing."

"You know how my dad is. I just- it hurts a lot to see him so close yet so far away."

His voice was shaky now, and my chest burned with sympathy. I wanted to reach through the phone to draw him to me.

"Your dad's decision as a father doesn't define who you are as a person. Luka, you are one of the kindest, most talented people I know. Your dad's an idiot for not sticking around to see that."

There was silence for a beat, and a sliver of fear flashed through my head.

"That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me."

"It's true, all of it. And I'm sorry I couldn't tell you in person when I first noticed you were upset."

"I wish you were here."

His admission made my chest tighten, to be alone with him during this conversation and not across the city from one another. That would be a sight. But deep down I felt the same.

"I wish I was too. I would walk but I had a close call a few days ago so I'm trying to stop walking alone at night."

"What happened?"

I bit into my slice of pizza and chewed a bit before responding.

"These two guys were hassling me, it was kinda my fault though because I was wearing that dress I posted on Instagram the other day."

"That's not your fault at all, don't say that. I'm walking you home from now on after school."

"I appreciate the offer-well demand. But if I'm staying late for play practice on certain days, I might figure out someone to give me a ride."

He hummed slowly, not satisfied with my solution but thankfully continued.

"I heard you got the lead. Not surprised."

I felt a soft smile spread across my face at his admission.

"It was a surprise to me. I was hoping to be a lost boy."

"Nah you would steal the show you had to be the lead."

"You're such a flatterer sometimes."

"I say what I see."

"God knows you are observant."

Our talk went on for the rest of the night. I don't remember when I fell asleep but the next morning the phone call was still on and soft snoring floated through the receiver.