A/N: This fic picks up right after season 3, not accounting for the New York special because that wasn't out when I started. I'll do my best to upload a chapter each weekend. I've got up to chapter 17 written, but it's not done. Let me know what you think; I may not respond to reviews, but I read them. Starting you off with a double drop - prologue and chapter 1.

Prologue: Just There

Her eyes brimmed with tears, threatening to leave the comfort of her waterline.

"You know, Marinette, I just can't figure you out. I thought I knew your melody. I have to admit now that I don't. And mine has become a sorrowful ballad," Luka said, strained.

"I'm sorry. I never wanted to hurt you. You're so sweet and kind," said Marinette in a small voice."But, I've just got so much on my plate. I can't do this." She sniffled, letting her tears fall with a shame-filled blink. "Besides," she added, "I'm always so worried. There have been so many akuma attacks this summer and we always get separated and I can't keep worrying and..." Marinette continued to ramble incoherently, head hanging toward her feet, shoulders shaking.

Luka reached a hand to his now ex-girlfriend's arm in a paltry attempt at solace. "Marinette, I only want you to be happy. One day, when you can be honest with yourself, you'll find the harmony that complements your melody, and together you'll create a beautiful symphony. But it's not me. I understand that now. You should go home. I'll see you around." He took his hand from her arm - and with it, his comfort - spun around and made his way to the lower deck of the Liberty, picking up his guitar as he left.

The hot evening air dried the saltwater rivers on Marinette's cheeks. She had known the relationship would come to an end shortly after it began. She just didn't want to believe it, wanted to prove herself wrong. Maybe she wanted to try to get over the other boy, that summer sun that wouldn't leave her thoughts, no matter what she tried.

Marinette ducked into an alley. "Tikki, I need to run. Do you feel up for it?" There had been a particularly nasty akuma earlier that day - the catalyst for finally parting with Luka. She wanted to ensure her little kwami had fully recovered.

"Anything you need, Marinette. I know that wasn't easy, but everything will work out for the best," squeaked Tikki.

After a quick text to her mom letting her know she wouldn't be home for a bit and a "Tikki, spots on," Ladybug swung out her yo-yo and took off across the rooftops of Paris.

Ladybug came to rest on the top of Montparnasse Tower, surprised to hear a soft, sweet, lilting voice on the brief gust of wind.

"Little Kitty on a roof, all alone without his lady..."

She couldn't help but smile softly. She thought she wanted to be alone, but fate had brought her other half.

Cat Noir's ears perked up, the nearly imperceptible crunch of feet on the roof coming from behind him. "Evening, Bugaboo," he said with a small grin while still looking out over the Parisian streets and lamps twinkling like stars.

Ladybug sat next to him, feet dangling precariously over the edge. "Hi, Kitty," she replied with an uncharacteristic weight, not missed by Cat Noir

"What's wrong, Milady?" As he turned to look at her, Cat noticed the shimmer of a tear in the corner of her eye and the tear stained cheeks below her mask. But Ladybug couldn't bring herself to tell him. He understood the simple shake of her head and put his arm around her, content to offer whatever support she needed from him at that moment.

"Just sit with me, Kitty?" She muttered the statement more like a question as she wrapped her arms around his middle and laid her head against his chest. A soft kiss on her head opened the floodgates; Ladybug nestled close to Cat Noir, weeping silently.