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all-the-names-are-taken-aaaaa · 4 years

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Marinette had seen a lot of things. Marinette had done a lot of things. None of those things could have prepared her for this.

"Mama?" Marinette asked as she looked at her birth certificate, her real one. It has the names her mama's, her papa's, and a third persons "You were in danger. we all were. There was a war. It ended just this year. It is up too you but he wants to meet you." Sabine struggle to figure out how to explain. "How is this even possible? Is papa actually my dad or is this person" Marinette says still looking at the paper. "Both are. This is going to sound crazy. It was magic. There is a long process for the heir to find their mate or mates. We are not exactly sure what that is. Only the heir knows. We were not natives eather so we really couldn't know that family secret." Sabine explains.

Marinette was at least relieved that her parents were infact her parents. Magic was involved though. She is going to have a talk with the kwamis. "So I have a third parent that happens to be from a very important family in a foreign land. Said parent wants to meet me and left a present for my 17 birthday should I not get too meet them before then. And my 17 birthday is in three weeks" Marinette would normally have a panic attack now but honestly the current need to absorb as much information as possible was preventing that.

Sabine hesitated "Yes. Your papa is meeting with him right now since he had to come to Paris for a last minute meeting. Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I understand why before ladybug and Chat that would sound pretty unbelievable and it was to protect me. Just overwhelmed" Marinette saying looking at her mama.

"I'll give you some space. Just call if you need me" Sabine is worried. She greatly missed him but any contact would have put Marinette in danger. Marinette came first before anything else they all agree to that. She really hopes Marinette will take everything well.

Marinette sighed "Tikki do you know anything about this?" The tiny god comes out of her hiding spot "Yes. I do. I did not realize you are the heir. It has to do with before the Miraculouses were created. A mortal who kept up our temples was rewarded and the reward was passed down from generation to generation." Tikki explained "the gift is to find our mate or mates?" Marinette responds. "Yes but not all mates have to be romantic. There are some platonic and some enemies. Some people don't have any." Tikki explains hesitantly "you would have gained the ability to see it as guardian eventually. It may help with your training."

The next day Marinette goes to school as usual. That day Miss. Bustier gives a presentation on how a 17 year war had just ended between two very important nations. She also explains how many children were sent away for protection including the princess of the winning nation. An old and powerful nation. It did explain some of the stuff her mama didn't have time too. Lila imminently took to telling stories about actually being on of the children and how she secretly visited her father. Marinette simply rolls her eyes. Her classmates pushed her away little by little. Sure she was sad but it gave her the chance to reevaluate her choices in heros and get more commissions done.

Sure enough by lunch the Ladyblog had a story about Ladybug's best friend being of of the children sent away for protection. Lila made sure she was the center of attention as always.

Marinette was pretty good at ignoring Lila by this point. And she did just fine for two weeks but it's pretty hard to miss people whispering princesse and pointing at Lila. Apparently the Kings refused to tell anyone who the princess is deciding a normal childhood was best for her. So Lila decided to claim it.

People in the class were treating Lila like a princess while glaring at anyone who didn't. The rest of the school seemed to ignore it much like Marinette wanted too. Today was the day she is meeting her father so she couldn't let this get too her.

Anything Lila claimed they believed so now they believed Marinette bullied Lila, soon to be Queen. Them ignoring her turned to them defending the princesse. Some like Juleka and Nino were ignoring the situation or unaware of it. The class would randomly mention something Marinette "did" to their princess. A few times she was tripped. Marinette could see Lila's smirk too bad the rest of the class didn't.

When it was finally time to leave Marinette was confronted by Lila and her sheep just beside the stairs. Marinette tried to show know emotion but when people are yelling false accusations and yelling about how they wish they were never your friends it hurts. Then suddenly Alya said "hey Lila didn't she push you down the stairs yesterday." Lila came closer as Alya said "an eye for an eye" Marinette processed the fact both of them had pushed her. Marinette also processed the screams of horror from other students. She faintly remembers Alya proclaiming protection of Lila. But Marinette never processed the pain.

The next day Marinette wakes up in a hospital. "Think God. Sabine! Tom! She's awake" an unfamiliar woman in a suit yells. Her parents rush in to hug her. "We just went out to talk to the doctors." Sabine explains and moves to give the girl a box of pastries. A doctor comes in "Miss. Marinette Dupain-Cheng what's the past thing you remember?"

Marinette sits up. "I was pushed. I remember screams." The doctor nods "You were knocked out from the fall but seem to have only some heavy bruising. You will have to give a statement given the severity of the action taken against you."

After the doctors left and she had given her statement and prevented everyone in the room from being akumatized, Marinette is left a lone to rest. Except the women in the suit. Marinette begins to panic because she needs to check on Tikki. "Miss? I am your bodyguard. My name is Wellstone. Your kwami is alright. She is resting with an energy Stone in your purse. No your parents do not know. I only know because she needed the stone and I had it." The woman explains to the now panicking teen "I am also partly magical. Your father hired me because of that. He sent me here as soon as he realized there was a threat. He didn't know if you would be comfortable seeing him yet."

Marinette took a minute to calm down. She remembers Tikki explaining energy stones. They were used to worship gods away from temples and kwamis can use them to regain energy if they are charged. "Was she hurt?" Marinette could forgive herself if Tikki was hurt because of her. "No she did heal you some though." Miss Wellstone explains. "You are magical?" Marinette asks. "Yes I can sense energy stones and identify if something is magical."

This could be useful in finding hawkmoth. Tikki choose to come out at that moment to hand the stone back and then check over Marinette.

*the day before not long after the confrontation*

Alya and Lila were both arrested. They are allowed visitors but not allowed to leave witch they are both having a fit about. Everyone had given statements and the police were stressed enough with one girl claiming to be the daughter of a imbasiter and a King. It most definitely did not help when it was revealed to them that the girl they attacked was actually the princesses and this was definitely an international issue. The parents had yet to make it to see their daughters given that they had to have the situation explained to them and it did not look good. Apparently the Lila girl had lied a lot and convinced the other girl, Alya too post everything she lied about on her formerly highly credible blog. Now Miss. Rossi, Marlena Césaire, and Otis Césaire are being warned of possible defamation cases against their daughters. A team is going over the security footage of the school to see if any of the claims against one Marinette Dupain-Cheng is true. Though all that has been found is Lila threading Marinette and trying to frame her for things. Only one person came in other than the families. A boy Named Nino came to see or rather end things with Alya Césaire.

"ALYA SHUT UP" the boy bellowed. "How the hell could Lila have walked away without a scratch from being pushed down the stairs?"

Alya simply said "good luck from ladybug duh"

"Even if that was possible. It wouldn't have been an eye for an eye. Marinette could die. That is attempted murder." The boy us trying to get her to understand

"She did it first."

"No Alya she didn't. I'm done. Alya did you even look at Marinette? You never talked to me about these outlandish claims. Lila never made or said any of these things around me. Don't you think that's suspicious? You can not just play with someone's life. Even if she did what Lila said. You should have turned her in not took revenge that could kill her."

"But Lila is a princess-"

"No she isn't and if she was she would have just caused an international problem. I'm done Alya goodbye"

The girl was unstoped by this. Loudly proclaming he would be back when she was proven right.

Eventually the parents got to see their kids. Miss. Rossi looked down at her child. "Why did you go after her?" Lila started to cry "she was so horrible mom-" Miss Rossi slammed her hands on the table "cut the crap. WHY DID YOU GO AFTER HER" Lila shrunk back "she didn't believe you did she? That's it. You attacked her because she wouldn't let you live this fantasy life created through lies. In pretending to be a princess and connected to all these celebrities you attacked an actual princesses whose actually connected to celebrities you lied about. You caused an international problem and have had your diplomatic immunity revoked. And more and more just keeps coming to light. I brought you here to get away from your father not become him." Miss Rossi left the room a minutes later. Lila continuously mutters they were harmless lies.

Alya's parents try to explain the situation but she won't listen to them. Anything they say Alya says not to listen to Marinette's lies. Alyas mom finally snaps "we haven't see Marinette. We haven't heard anything other than she was knocked out from the fall. For all we know she could be dead. Everything we are telling you came from Lila's mom, the police, or the Kings personal lawyer. Marinette is the princesses. You did not protect a princesses you nearly if not killed on." They left but Alya still looked unconvinced.

*back to present*

"Your father said he could meet for lunch if you would like." Miss Wellstone states guiding the girl to the car with her parents. "Yes that would be nice After everything I would like something other than hospital food." Marinette say. Wellstone giggles.

Marinette wasn't surprised by the expensive restaurant. She was surprised by the extra security. "Hi" she she said nervously. "It's a pleasure to finally get to see you. I'm sorry about everything." He states sitting across from her. "It was for my safety so I understand" kwami knows the amount of things she did for others safety.

"Yes but I should have sent a body hard at the very least. You are royalty and you could have died" He explains. "I'm what now?" Marinette explains before even realizing it. He shifts uncomfortably "I thought someone would have told you since you were attacked. I'm the king. You are the princess."

Marinette nods in the I know what you are saying and I understand but it will be a while before reality hits way. "The gift from the kwamis?" Marinette eventually asks. "Yes. Just pit the necklace on on your birthday and you'll be able to see your soulmate color. It's different for each of us."

Unknown to them someone had gotten a picture of them. As the day went on several questions were answered. Like Marinette is not required to take the thrown.

Marinette returns to school the next week with a necklace with a key on it. She is also accompanied by Miss. Wellstone. Many people in her class try to apologize but are blocked by Miss Wellstone. Marinette is not ready to talk to anyone she says repeatedly. Nino walls up and Miss Wellstone is about to enterup "chill not here to talk. Just gonna had you this and be on my way." He hands her two boxes and a card. Birthday presents from him and Juleka. Before opening then she takes a look at the two. Both Nino and Juleka are family. Miss Wellstone looks at Marinette who simply nods. Opening the boxes she finds new sketchbooks and other drawing supplies. The card is an apology, a happy birthday and their new numbers. They changed them while she was out. Adrian does end up talking to her at lunch. He tries to get her to have her father drop the charges. "Adrien I could have died." Marinette snaps. "But you didn't so there's no reason to ruin their lives" Adrien said. "Adrien even if I was to drop the charges. It is still international. They are still facing decimation lawsuits." Marinette tried to explain. "Couldn't you-" Adrien starts. "What? Beg people not to sue? Do you honestly still not see the damage she caused?" Marinette tries to hold her voice even. Adrien just looks at her "Fine I'll show you."

Marinette stood up and shouts "Adrien knew she was lieing the entire time because ladybug called her out when she tried to lie to him about being a hero. He just tried to guilt me into dropping the charges. He also kept telling me while she was bullying me to take the high road." Adrien looks at her helplessly as classmates begin talking loudly and she walks away leaving him to face the music.

Marinette looks down suddenly realizing she has gained a peace of jewelry. She ducks into an empty classroom. "Hello plag. Do you have someone you would like to go too?" Marinette asks. "Kagami seems good" Marinette nods before suiting up to give Kagami the ring. As it turns out Kagami is family as will. Chloe is family. Luka has the potential to be a mate. Apparently mates aren't set in stone soulmate bounds can change over time. Jagged and Penny are family. Lila is an enemy and shockingly Gabriel Agrest is an enemy.

#alya salt #lila salt #marinette #miraculous ladybug #miraculous lb #mlb salt #secret #secret princess #adrien salt #lila

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p-artsypants · 3 years

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Longest Night (50) Celebrating

Here we go! The last chapter! And it’s a doozy!

I don’t know about the rest of you guys, but I grew up calling all of my parents friend’s ‘aunt’ and ‘uncle’. Some of them I still do. Which was really fun when I dated a family friend and kept calling his mom ‘Aunt Julie’. We are not related. Fun times!

Also, there’s some nicknames in this chapter. “Peepums” is Tom. “Nonnie Cheng” is Sabine. And “Nonna Gina” is Tom’s mom. You know how grandparents all have their weird nicknames.

Ao3 | FF.net

20 years later

—

When Marinette awoke that morning, she was alone in bed. It wasn’t that odd. Adrien had always been an early riser, but this was a different reason than just that.

But she didn’t worry. It was best just to leave things the way they were.

Dressing in a robe, she went downstairs to start making breakfast. The kids were old enough to get ready on their own now, and as long as they were down before 7, she didn’t bug them.

The first into the kitchen was the youngest, Emma. A complete girly-girl and lover of all things pink and fashionable. Even at 12, she had her own sophisticated sense of style (party cultivated by her grandfather). She danced in her pink dress and adorable white flats. “What do you think, mama? Perfect for career day? Do I look like a professional?”

“Of course you do, sweetheart.”

She beamed. “Where’s papa?”

“Oh, uh, I’m not sure. He couldn’t sleep last night, so he went for patrol. He hasn’t been back yet.”

Emma frowned hard. “He’ll be there for career day though, right?”

“He wouldn’t miss it for the world! But Peepums and Grandfather Gabriel are going to be there too.”

“Is Peepums bringing treats?”

“I would assume so. He never passes up a chance to bring snacks. Now, I’m making crepes, you want one or two?”

“Just one, mama.”

“Alright.”

The next down the stairs was the oldest (by two minutes) Hugo. “Morning mama,” he smiled brightly.

“There’s my birthday boy! Feel any older?”

“No, but I feel wiser!” He joked, as he jumped on the stool by the counter.

“Where’s Louis?”

“Stuck in the toilet.”

“And you mean that figuratively, right?”

He shrugged. “What’s for breakfast?”

“Crepes, blueberry, your favorite.”

“Yes! I want five!”

“You can have three, I don’t want you to get a tummy ache before school.”

“Lame! Bring on the crepes!” He pounded his fists on the counter.

“Three, and then if you aren’t stuffed, I’ll consider more.”

Then came the unmistakable sound of a body slowly falling down the stairs, before a dark haired teen crawled across the floor and collapsed next to his mother’s legs.

“Ah, Birthday boy part 2. Welcome to the land of the living!”

“It should be a crime to have to wake up early on your birthday.” Said the boy, face flat against the ground.

“You truly are my child,” said Marinette with a smile.

“Where’s pops?” Asked Hugo, digging into his second crepe.

“Out on patrol.”

This caused Louis to stir and look up. “Did something happen?”

“No, he just couldn’t sleep.”

Hugo frowned. “Nightmares again? He’s been having those a lot lately.”

“Yeah. I’m not sure why he’s having them. But you kids don’t need to worry about it.”

“Are we still okay for our party tomorrow?”

“Of course!” Marinette beamed. “Even if papa wasn’t feeling great, we’d still have it! Aunt Chloe reserved the rooftop pool for you, after all.”

“…I’m so excited,” said the child on the floor, with no enthusiasm. “You just can’t tell right now.”

“Well, you’re not going to get any rest on the floor. Sit in your seat and eat your crepe. I’ll make a little coffee.”

“…yay…”

—

Emma bounced nervously in her seat. She was flanked by Tom and Gabriel, who had both already presented for career day.

The day was almost over, and her father hadn’t shown.

“It’s okay, my little cupcake.” Tom assured, petting her blonde hair. “He’ll be here.”

“And if he doesn’t make it,” added Gabriel, “It wasn’t because he didn’t want to. He’s probably out there stopping a criminal, saving lives. I know you’re the most important thing in the world to him.”

Emma nodded, believing both of her grandfathers, but also not wanting to be one without a dad on career day.

Through the years, Emma had gotten used to her father’s unpredictable behavior. He loved her to the end of the world and back, and would move mountains for her if he could. And most days, it really really showed.

But some days, he just wasn’t…there. Emotionally, spiritually, or like today, physically. Her mother had similar episodes, but mostly in mood swings. She got angry sometimes, seemingly over nothing. Never directed at Emma or her brothers, thankfully, but Emma knew that there was something different about her parents.

She knew the story. She had been told pieces of it growing up, but never allowed to watch the footage. Mama and Papa had been kidnapped and tortured, because they were superheroes, and they were never the same after. The details were vague, and she was told it would be too scary for her to handle every time she asked. But she saw the scars, heard her father’s screams at night.

Most days, she didn’t want to know.

“Alright! I think that’s everyone!” Miss Bustier called. “Thank you all for participating in our career day! It’s awesome that we have such a wide range of jobs just in this very room!”

Emma deflated. Her father really wasn’t coming.

Tom laid a giant hand on her head and rubbed.

But then, there was a knock at the window.

“Chat Noir?” Miss Bustier asked.

The man in black waved as she opened the window.

“So so sorry I’m late!” He apologized, hopping into the room. “I caught a robber, and I walked him down to the police station and we had to do all this paperwork—“

“Papa!” Emma shouted, leaping over her desk. She ran to him, and threw her arms around him in a crushing hug. “You made it!”

“Just in time it seems,” he laughed, hugging her back. “I’m sorry I’m late. Can you forgive me?”

“Of course! Come on, it’s your turn to present!” She took his hand and led him up to the front of the room. “Everyone, this is my dad, Chat Noir! He’s a superhero!”

—

The next day was Saturday, and Marinette was full of stress up to her neck. She paced poolside, as her family helped set up for the party.

“Alright, Nino’s on music, Alya’s on Emma duty, Chloe covered catering, mom and dad have the cake, Gabriel and Emilie have decorations…what am I missing?”

“My Lady, you’ve gone over this list a hundred times. We’re fine.”

“Drinks! I forgot the drinks!”

Adrien pointed over at the bar. “Luka and Kagami are on drinks, remember? Luka’s making his mimosas for the adults.”

“Oh, right.” Then she pointed at him. “No alcohol, alright? Not with your medication.”

“Oh come on, these are Luka’s mimosas! I’m gonna get krunk!”

“Dad’s gonna get krunk?” Asked Hugo, from the pool.

“No one is getting krunk!” Marinette poked Adrien in the chest. “Look what you started!”

“I’m only teasing.” Adrien laughed, taking his wife’s hand. “Relax My Lady, it’s a party, a sweet 16 party! Everyone’s here to have fun. And they will as long as we relax.”

Marinette got close, whispering conspiratorially, “that’s just the thing! Do you remember our sweet sixteen parties?”

“Well...I didn’t have a party,” Adrien shrugged. “You, Alya, and Nino helped me escape the house and we went to the movies.”

“Yeah, and they spent the whole time making out, so you and I just sat there awkwardly.”

“I think I put my arm around you,” he grinned. “My very good friend.”

She stuck her tongue out at him.

“And your sixteenth...was that the year that Lila told everyone it was on a different day?”

“And you were the only one who called to confirm it was on the original day, and so you were the only one that showed? Yep, that’s the one. I cried on you for 15 minutes when I realized no one else was coming.”

“I mean, yeah, that sucked, but we still had fun with your family.”

“My point is, this is Hugo and Louis’ sixteenth birthday. I want them to have a good one, to have what we couldn’t have.”

“You have their gifts in your purse, right?”

“Yeah?”

“Then I wouldn’t worry about it. Their friends and family are coming, everything looks good, so just relax.”

Marinette took a deep sigh. “You’re right, my love. Whatever happens, happens, and we’ve done all we can.”

“The party will be fine, Mom.” Said Louis from a lounge chair.

“Ah! Louis? Why aren’t you in the pool?”

“I’m perfectly content just relaxing here. I’ll get hot soon enough and go in the pool.”

“Are you sure?”

Adrien wrapped an arm around his wife. “Marinette, let him alone. He’s fine. You know he’s our introvert.”

“Mama! Papa!” Emma called, running towards them from the hotel elevator. “Look at the swimsuit grandfather Gabriel got me!” She twirled, letting the shimmery, glittery greens, teals, and purples swirl in a kaleidoscope of color. “I look like a mermaid!”

“You sure do, Princess!” Adrien beamed.

Emma squealed in delight before running back to Alya.

“See? All of our kids are enjoying themselves. The guests are slowly trickling in...” he gestured to the elevator where more classmates with gifts arrived. “And no catastrophes yet.”

“Fine fine, Kitty, I get it. I’ll have a mimosa and lighten up.”

“Have one for me too!” He called after, as she headed to the bar.

Soon, the guests arrived. Hugo and Louis had invited their entire class of 18 kids. Some parents stayed to help with chaperoning, and some even brought younger siblings that were friends with Emma.

It was turning out to be a real shin-dig.

So far, Marinette felt at ease. The four parents that had stayed were mostly just hanging out at the bar, but the kids were in the pool, and no one was drowning.

Louis still reclined on the lounger, sunning himself.

“You're still doing okay over here, kiddo?”

“Mom, I’m doing so okay. So okay, it’s ridiculous. Nonna Gina brought me over a virgin mimosa, cause everyone’s talking about them. I feel like I’m on vacation.”

“As long as you’re content, I’m happy. Just wanted to make sure you weren’t feeling left out.”

“Nah,” he waved her off. “I will go swimming, but I’m going to wait until after eating.”

“Okay, kiddo.”

Seeing Hugo happily enthralled in a cannonball contest, and Louis sunning himself like a cat, she decided to check in with her youngest. Though she saw Alya at the bar talking to Kagami, and Emma nowhere in sight.

This used to make her panic immediately. None of her kids were especially hyper or rambunctious. They didn’t run off on their own, especially without letting her know.

But there was still a fear, still a niggling doubt in the back of her head that said ‘what if’?

As calm as possible, she approached the adults at the bar, and asked Alya. “Have you seen Emma?”

“She ran down to the lobby to use the bathroom,” Alya answered casually.

“Alone?”

“Yeah, Marinette, she’s 12. She can handle going to the bathroom alone.” It was a reassurance, no judgement. Because sometimes, Adrien and Marinette needed a reminder that their children were well adjusted and had plenty of common sense.

Marinette knew that. And it wasn’t the bathroom part she was concerned about. It was the trip down to the lobby by herself.

She heard a father speak softly, “for superheroes, they are certainly overprotective of their kids. Kind of feel sorry for them.”

Marinette nodded at Alya, and retreated sheepishly. Was her paranoia ruining her children’s lives?

“What’s with that look, My Lady?” Adrien asked, softly, sipping on his drink.

“Sorry, sorry, I just…overheard something I shouldn’t dwell on.” She looked at the drink in his hands, narrowing her eyes.

“It’s virgin!” He handed it to her. “I promised I was going to quit. Getting plastered at our kid’s birthday would be the worst time for them to find out I have a problem.”

“It’s not a problem yet, but that’s why I want you to stop. So it doesn’t become one.”

“Hey! Let go Isaac!” Louis’ voice carried over the water. Instantly, Marinette and Adrien were alert and looked to see a larger boy pulling Louis toward the pool by the arm.

“Hey!” Marinette called out. “Let him go! If he doesn’t want to go swimming, don’t force him!”

“Oh come on, Lady!” The father from the bar shouted over to her. “What’s the point in having a pool party for your boys if they aren’t even going to go swimming!?”

SPLASH

Louis surfaced with a gasp, and then a defeated “aw man!”

“Are you okay kiddo?” Marinette asked. “You didn’t have your phone on you, right?”

“No, I’m fine.” He took off his soaked shirt and dropped it on the edge of the pool with a loud plop. “Just…didn’t want to get wet yet.”

“Dude, come on Isaac, don’t be such a turd!” Hugo chastised.

“He looked lonely!” Isaac argued.

“Whatever,” Louis said, defeated. “Just…don’t dunk me, okay?”

“No promises!”

Adrien frowned at the exchange as Louis swam over closer to his brother. “Isaac, Isaac, why is that name familiar? Is that the kid that’s been picking on Louis? Why is he here?”

“Oh,” Marinette smacked her head. “That’s what they were asking about!”

“What? Who?”

“A few weeks ago, the boys were asking me questions about what to do about a classmate people don’t get along with. They asked if they should include them in the party if they were inviting the rest of the class. I told them that would be the right thing to do, but I didn’t realize they were talking about Louis’ bully!” She groaned. “And it looks like the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” She glared at Isaac’s dad at the bar.

Adrien smiled over at the pool. Both Hugo and Louis were laughing and seemed to be having a good time. It seemed Louis was already over his impromptu dunking. “Our kids are resilient. It’ll take more than that to bring them down.”

“They are strong.” Marinette breathed. “Stronger than me.”

It was then that Emma returned. “Hi mama, I’m back. Aunt Alya said I should check in with you because you were worried? I’m sorry I didn’t tell you where I was going.”

Marinette smiled at her. “It’s fine Emma. You told Aunt Alya, so someone knew. You just know I’m a basket case.”

Emma frowned at her mom. “You’re not a basket case. You’re just...worried?”

“Does that bother you? Do I make you feel trapped or smothered?”

Adrien stared at his wife in horror. Likewise, so did Emma. “No! Not at all!” She hugged her around the waist and added, “Nonnie Cheng worries about where I am too. She says it’s because you went missing, and it’s scared her ever since. I don’t want to scare you, mom.”

Marinette hugged Emma tightly and said, “I have the best kids in the world.”

“In that case,” Emma grinned. “Can I have some soda?”

“Sure, just tell Aunt Kagami what you want.”

“Thanks mom!” She beamed and scurried off.

“And no running!” Marinette called after. “Girl’s got my clumsy streak. She’ll break her neck.”

“Crisis averted it seems.” Said Adrien.

“For now,” Marinette narrowed her eyes. “But Ladybug never rests!”

Adrien pecked his wife on the lips. “Someone has to be responsible.”

“Hey pops!” Hugo called from the pool.

“What’s up?”

“We’re going to do a diving contest! You should join!”

“Yeah!”

“Come on Mr. Dupain-Cheng!”

“Show us some Chat Noir style!”

Marinette nudged him. “Go ahead. Show those kids how it’s done.”

He smirked. “Okay okay.” He took off his shirt and laid it on the lounger by their bags. Then he entered the pool from the shallow end, coming up behind the kids. “How does this diving contest work?”

“It’s easy!” Said Hugo, “we’re going to take turns coming up with unique ways to jump in the pool. Winner is the best technique, or most creative.”

“I got one!” Said a chubby kid. He climbed out of the pool and up on the diving board.

“Make room!” Someone called. “Cannon ball champion on the loose!”

“This is called ‘The Patrick Star’!” He bounced twice, getting real air before leaping out, parallel with the water, arms and legs spread out like a starfish.

And he collided with the water with a resounding clap, making everyone go, ‘ooo!’

The kid surfaced, his entire frontside pink. “Ow.”

The rest of the class laughed at him.

One by one, classmates would come up with a dive, though most were a lot more elegant than the first.

“I call this, ‘The Ladybug’.” A girl said. She ran and jumped, twisting in the air while throwing her arm, mimicking Ladybug’s yo-yo. She managed to say “bug out!” Before she hit the water. Marinette whistled. “She’s got my vote!”

“Come on, Pops,” said Hugo. “It’s your turn!”

“I don’t have a—“

“Just make something up! Go go!”

Adrien pulled himself out of the pool and headed toward the diving board, aware of the people watching, curious.

This was his twin boys’ special day. He had to be impressive. He had to be the cool dad.

He took a running start, falling into a front flip as he hit the diving board. His adult weight bowed the board with force, sending him up into the air. He curled tightly into a ball, using the momentum to rotate three times, before coming out of the ball and diving seamlessly into the water.

When he surfaced, the crowd of kids were going wild. They screamed and chanted “Dad! Dad! Dad!”

Obviously started by his boys.

Adrien beamed as he treaded water. Being Chat Noir was great, even with all the pain it had brought him. But being his kid’s hero was the absolute best.

But everything came to a screeching halt as Isaac, the butthole kid, let out a loud, “EWWW!!” Grabbing everyone’s attention. “What’s wrong with your dad’s back!? It’s all gross!”

Adrien slammed his eyes shut, all at once feeling self-conscious. But this was just a dumb teenager. Maybe he didn’t know any better. But before he could gather himself to calmly explain his scars, his boys spoke up for him.

“It’s scarring, you jerk,” said Louis.

“He got it from being a superhero, when he was just two years older than we are!” Added Hugo.

Isaac scoffed, “Chat Noir and Ladybug aren’t real superheroes! Not like the ones in America! All they do is rescue cats from trees and show up for charity events. They don’t even do anything anymore!”

Adrien sloppily backtracked, reaching out for the edge of the pool.

“Just yesterday, he caught a robber! That’s not nothing!” Hugo defended.

“Oh yeah?” Said Isaac, “My dad said that they used to fight supervillains, but they couldn’t stop the guy responsible for them! He said they’re losers and failures!”

“Hey Jean,” said one of the parents. “Tell your kid to shut up.”

Isaac’s father took a chug from his beer and shrugged. “Someone had to say it.”

“Monsieur,” said Ladybug with god-like patience. “I suggest you and your son leave. I don’t feel the need to play host to someone who could be so hateful and misinformed.”

“Misinformed?” The man, Jean, scoffed. “I was there. I saw the stream back then. I remember what it was like. The weekly akumas, classes and events always cancelled. The only reason they stopped is because Hawkmoth gave up. I don’t think you guys should be getting recognition anymore. Sorry, not sorry.”

“Mom?” Louis called from the pool.

Jean frowned, continuing. “The rest of us have to make a living working hard, every day. You and your husband just put on some skin tight leather and prance around. Now you’re set for life. It’s disgusting.”

“Hey man, if you don’t like it, you can leave,” said Alya. “No one invited you. I heard your son was only invited out of obligation.”

“Mom!” Louis called again.

“Marinette and Adrien suffered enough for a lifetime. Every day is a struggle! How dare you say otherwise!”

“MOM!” Louis screamed.

Marinette whipped her head over to the pool, seeing Adrien struggling to keep his head above water. Louis and Hugo were holding him up. She hurried over. “What happened? What’s wrong?”

“He’s having an attack!”

Tom rushed over, reaching his hands under Adrien’s arms, and pulled him out of the pool. He tried to set him on his feet, but he kept leaning forward, trying to lay down. His eyes were wide, but unfocused, as his breaths came rapidly.

Marinette tugged on his arm. “Come on, Kitty. Not here.” She called over to Chloe. “Is there a room we can borrow for a second?”

“Follow me!”

Louis broke off from the group, but Hugo and Marinette were quick to escort Adrien away from the party.

“Mom?” Emma asked, right as they were about to get on the elevator.

“It’s okay, Honey. Dad just needs a minute. Stay behind with Aunt Alya, okay?”

Emma nodded, though didn’t look convinced.

Chloe showed them to her room, where she quickly got a towel for Adrien to wrap up in.

Hugo and Marinette eased him down to sit on the couch. There, he slumped, his head resting on the back of the couch.

Louis found their room, cup in hand. “I brought a coke. I know that usually helps.”

Marinette sighed in relief. “Thank you baby,” she took the cup from him and put it in Adrien’s hand, then helped him take a sip.

They sat for a while, watching Adrien breathe slowly and take occasional sips from his drink.

“I’m so sorry boys,” Marinette looked to them sadly. “We didn’t mean to ruin your birthday.”

Hugo frowned at her. “What? You guys didn’t ruin anything. Isaac’s the one that pooped on our party.”

“Yeah,” added Louis, “and we were having a great time up until now. Don’t worry about it mom.”

Adrien very shakily brought the cup towards his face, and Marinette was quick to help, so he didn’t spill. “Dad’s going to be fine,” she explained. “Why don’t you boys get back to the party?”

“If it’s okay, I’d like to wait until dad feels a little better. I’d feel guilty if I left,” said Louis.

“Me too,” said Hugo. “And I need a few minutes to calm down to keep from punching Isaac in the face. What he said was dumb. He has no idea what you guys do.”

“…it shouldn’t have bothered me…” Adrien said, softly.

“Dad?”

“I’m okay,” he took a deep exhale. “Just…lost myself for a moment.”

Hugo hugged him tightly around the shoulders. “Love you, dad. Don’t worry about it.”

“I’m sorry for scaring you boys…and your friends. But I’ll be alright now.”

“You recovered pretty quickly,” Marinette noted.

“It’s because I have my big strong boys with me.” He wrapped his arms around his sons. “There was nothing to worry about.”

Except, there was.

Alya burst into the room, Chloe behind her, with a look of panic.

“Marinette, come quickly!”

“What? What’s wrong?”

“It’s Emma! She’s been akumatized!!”

—

As Emma watched her father be rushed out of the party, a stone fell into her gut. No matter how often this happened, no matter how good they got at catching the attacks, it still scared her when it happened.

She was torn between wanting to be with him, and not wanting to see that vacant expression on his face. Her mother said it was a coping mechanism he developed a long time ago, when they had been kidnapped. He just switched his brain off when he got overwhelmed, as to not experience pain. It only happened a few times a year, only in super stressful situations where he thought about his torture.

Emma wiped at her face as she looked over the party. Alya was chastising the adult man that had talked bad about her father, and Hugo and Louis’ friends were ripping into the kid that started the whole mess.

Everyone was angry and yelling.

“Emma?” Gabriel asked, resting a hand on her shoulder. “Are you alright, dear?”

“Oh, Grandfather…” She sniffed. “I’m just…scared.”

“Your father will be alright. It’s nothing physical, it’s just a mental state.”

“I know…” She screwed up her lips. “But I’m scared people are going to keep saying that stuff to him. Mom acts like I’m too young to understand what’s happening…but people are forgetting that they are real superheroes, and they act like they’re mascots. I’m scared this is going to happen again.” She rubbed at her damp eyes. “He doesn’t deserve it. Neither of them do.”

“You really love your parents, don’t you?”

“Of course! They’re the best!”

“Then, I have a plan. Would you be willing to help?”

“Of course, what is it?”

“Come with me, we’ll speak in private.”

Curious, Emma followed Gabriel into the hotel, down to a conference room. He locked the door behind them.

“You remember our little secret?”

“That I know you were Hawkmoth?”

“Yes. My plan requires me to come out of retirement, just this once…and to akumatize you.”

She looked startled. “You want to turn me into a supervillain?”

“Only if you agree to it, dear.” He pet her hair. “My goal is to make you a supervillain, so you can terrorize Paris and remind them of what Ladybug and Chat Noir used to do. I’ll be able to see through your eyes, so I can stop and undo any damage if something goes wrong.”

Emma crossed her arms. “You’d make mom and dad fight me?”

“Not fight you, rescue you.”

She frowned again, thinking about it. Then she nodded. “Let’s do it!”

Gabriel smiled at her, and opened his sports jacket, where Nooroo was hiding. “Nooroo, Dark Wings rise!”

In a flash of purple light, Hawkmoth had returned. Inside his cane, a little white butterfly fluttered.

Emma danced on her toes. “What kind of powers are you going to give me? I want to be pretty!”

He chuckled at her eagerness. “Of course, my sweet Emma.” He evilized the butterfly, and then coaxed it into the paw print bracelet she was wearing.

A purple mask appeared on her face.

“Mermaidia, I’m giving you the power of the seas. You may travel through any body of water, and turn those that oppose you into sea creatures. In exchange, you must give Chat Noir and Ladybug a taste of nostalgia. Do you accept these terms?”

“Absolutely, Hawkmoth.”

The dark purple fog encompassed Emma, turning the sweet blonde girl into a real mermaid, with purple hair, shimmering scales, and an abundance of glittering gold and jewels. In her hand, she held a trident.

Hawkmoth took a bottle of water from the table, and poured it on the floor.

Mermaidia stepped into the puddle, and disappeared.

—

“Regardless if you feel like you’re right, it’s still your opinion. And an opinion doesn’t give you the right to be an asshole, especially to people who are hosting this party!” Shouted Alya.

The rest of the parents were quietly watching the exchange, not really wanting to get involved. But they were also paying attention to a similar argument in the pool.

“You are a grown adult and a parent. It’s your job to teach your kid respect and kindness, two qualities I haven’t seen from him today.”

“Look lady, I know you’re friends with the Dupain-Cheng’s and all, but come on. It doesn’t bother you that they don’t work at all? What’s the point of them calling themselves superheroes anyway? They should just hang up the suits and get real jobs.”

“They. Can’t.” Alya emphasized. “Did you not just see what happened to Adrien? What if he was working and he had an attack? What then, smart guy?”

“He won’t have attacks if he was doing something with his life!”

“They are full time parents, and full time heroes! They do more than just ‘rescue cats and make celebrity appearances at charity events’! How can you be so ignorant?!”

“What did you call me!?”

Screams came from the pool, and the argument halted.

Mermaidia had made her appearance.

“I am Mermaidia! You all have grown too soft and comfortable! I’m here to remind you what it was like back when there were akuma!” She laughed, pointed her trident, and turned a child into a fish.

The party descended into madness, as Mermaidia shot rapidly. None of the teens in the pool escaped, and all turned into various fish and sea creatures.

Isaac turned into a starfish, and Emma stuck him to her arm. “You’re coming with me. I want you to see how wrong you were.”

Several adults had tried to escape as well, but Mermaidia stopped them in their run.

Only those who knew the identity of Hawkmoth, or were previous Miraculous users didn’t panic. Rather, they stood staring, confused. Alya backed away carefully, and escaped into the hotel. Whether Emma purposely let her go or not, she would never know.

“Emma?” Asked Sabine.

“I’m not Emma anymore, I’m Mermaidia!” She turned Isaac’s father into another starfish, and stuck him on her other arm. “You mocked my parents, but now, they’re the only ones that can save you! Ahahaha!”

“Emma, stop.” Tom demanded. “You’re a good girl. We can’t let what people say get to us. People will always have their opinions that we disagree with, but we can’t take it personally.”

“But I can take this personally!” She shouted back. “My father is the greatest man alive, and no one will doubt that when I’m through! Just you see!”

She turned the rest of the assembled party goers into creatures, before leaping into the pool and disappearing.

—

Ladybug, Chat Noir, Alya, Chloe, Louis, and Hugo all returned to the party, only to find a bunch of fish.

“What the…?”

“She’s called Mermaidia,” Alya clarified. “She’s turned everyone into sea creatures. She appeared from the water, so I think she can transport through liquid.”

“She totally can, dude,” said a sea turtle from the pool.

“Nino?” Asked Chat Noir.

“Cha dude, what do you think? Pretty fitting for me, huh?”

“Are you okay?”

“Totally. All the little dudes are too.” He gestured to the fish in the pool.

“Emma turned the kid and his dad who started the argument into starfish.” Said a sea-snake. “They’re on her arms. So be careful when you attack.”

“Luka?”

“Yep.”

“Where’s my mom and dad?”

“Over here!” Called a walrus. There was a crab next to him, waving a claw. “We’re fine, honey. Just save Emma!”

“Next question,” Said Ladybug, wielding her yo-yo angrily. “Where’s Gabriel?”

Chat Noir rested a hand on her shoulder. “Let’s focus on saving Emma, and then we’ll find him.”

She sighed. “You’re right, as always, kitty. However, I think we might need some help with this akuma.” She opened her yo-yo and reached inside, pulling out two octagonal boxes. Then she turned to Hugo and Louis. “I hoped to give you your presents later, and hoped you wouldn’t ever have to use them. But desperate times come desperate measures.”

Hugo and Louis smiled at each other, with excitement.

“Louis, my wise, observant, and cunning child, this is the Miraculous of the Snake. With it, you can turn back time an infinite amount of times in a five minute duration. You will use it for the greater good.”

“Sweet.”

“And Hugo, my brave, bold, and exuberant child, this is the Miraculous of the Turtle. With it, you can create an impenetrable shield. You will use it for the greater good.”

“Yes!”

“Louis, to transform, simply say ’Sass, Scales Slither.’ And Hugo, your phrase is ‘Wayzz, Shell On’.”

“Sass, Scales Slither!”

“Wayzz, Shell On!”

A flash of green and teal, and the boys were turned into superheroes. They high fived each other.

“The Reptile Boyz are back in town!” Hugo cheered.

“Really? ‘Boyz’ with a ‘Z’?” Chat Noir asked flatly.

“It’s cool, old man!” Said Louis.

“Alright team, let’s focus,” Ladybug said, a bit too fondly for the situation at hand. She took out her yo-yo, and looked for intel. There was a special report live from Nadja Chamack.

“—Mermaidia is the first Akuma in 20 years! It was thought that Hawkmoth had retired, but it seems he has one ace left up his sleeve. The akuma was last spotted at the Luxembourg park! Hopefully, Ladybug and Chat Noir are on their way! Again, this is a real akuma, so it is advised to stay indoors and away from water!”

“She’s at the park! Let’s go!”

—

This wasn’t nearly as scary as Emma thought it would be. In fact, she was having a lot of fun. Hawkmoth did advise her that she would be influenced by her anger, but that really didn’t seem to bother her. It was really fun to turn people into sea creatures.

Though, she did feel really guilty when she hit people that were crying in fear.

But that’s what her parents were here for! To undo all this! It was fine!

“I am Mermaidia! And Ladybug and Chat Noir are your only chance for salvation!”

“Now now Emma,” Chat Noir spoke from behind. “Go easy on us. We’re a little wet behind the ears.”

Emma had to stomp down the urge to run and hug her father, and instead declared. “There you are, Ladybug and Chat Noir! Ready to do battle?”

Ladybug simply crossed her arms. “If you don’t give up your akuma, you’re grounded.”

Mermaidia stomped her foot. “You can’t ground me if you can’t catch me!” And she leapt into the fountain.

“She’s escaping!” Cried Hugo.

“Quick, fan out! Look for sources of water, and call as soon as you get sight of her!”

—

This was not Hugo or Louis’ first time using a Miraculous. Every once in a while, Marinette and Adrien would allow the children to pick one out to try, and then they’d have a family game of tag out on the Paris rooftops. The rules were to stay safe, and to not allow the media to take pictures. And at the first sign of danger, they were supposed to go home and let Mom and Dad handle it.

So the boys were familiar with their powers, but boy, they were not ready for the anxiety of an Akuma attack.

They may have been older, but Emma was still the reigning champion of tag.

“Find anything?” Louis asked, crossing his brother.

“Not a scale,” said Hugo. “Have you activated your Second Chance yet?”

“No, but I will the second we find her. Then if she escapes, we can just reverse time.”

“Smart.” Then, Hugo’s eyes caught on something in the river. “Huh?”

“What?”

“How often do you think whales go down the Seine?”

“Uh…never?”

“There she is! She’s on top of it!” Hugo activated his distress beacon on his shield, making sure to keep up with Emma, but also stay out of sight.

“We have to play this carefully. She can literally jump into the water and disappear at any second.”

“Not if there’s no water to disappear into,” said Chat Noir, appearing from nowhere.

Hugo resisted a scream. “D-Chat! You’re too sneaky!”

“I’ve been doing this a while, kiddo. Ladybug’s not here yet?”

“No, what’s the plan?”

“I have half a plan…”

“Then it’s a good thing I have half of one too!” Said Ladybug, finally joining them. “After you sent your signal, I called the French Waterway Commission and had them close the lock she’s on.”

“What did what the what?” Hugo asked.

“The river is made up of locks,” explained Louis, “chambers that fill and empty with water so boats can travel. The ground isn’t level, and the water level changes.”

“So Ladybug basically had them dam up the section Emma’s on right now,” said Chat.

“But she can still travel through water, so once she reaches the dam, she’ll just abandon ship, er, whale.” Hugo observed. “So then what?”

“Then we put my plan into action,” Chat cracked his knuckles, and stealthily made his way to the river bank.

Louis and Hugo watched in fascination as Chat called his Cataclysm and touched the water. In a boiling wave, it rolled quickly past Emma, evaporating as it went. It didn’t even have time to settle, just went up in a cloud of steam.

The whale that Emma was on run ashore, and she came to a halt. “What?”

“Nowhere to run now, little girl!” Ladybug called.

Mermaidia jumped from the back of the whale and landed in the sand. It wasn’t even damp. Chat had literally evaporated all the water in that section of the river.

“Second Chance!” Louis activated his bracelet. And just in time too, as Mermaidia shot a beam at Ladybug, and turned her into a dolphin. “Second Chance!”

Time restarted, and Louis shouted. “Ladybug, dive!”

Ladybug dove out of the way, missing the three shots Mermaidia took.

“I’m not going to take it easy on you just because you’re my mother!” Emma shouted. “So let’s show Paris what a real superhero looks like, hmm?”

“Oh you are so grounded when this is over, little lady!” She dodged another blast, and called for her Lucky Charm.

Hugo called for Shelter while she glanced around, looking for the purpose of the tennis racket her Miraculous had bestowed upon her.

Then it dawned on her.

A grounding wasn’t enough for her naughty child. Oh no. This called for the big guns.

The second Hugo’s Shelter faded, she shot out her yo-yo, catching Emma around the arms, and yanked her to lay across her leg. Hugo and Louis peeled the captive starfish off, while Chat took the trident. All the while Mermaidia wriggled around, fighting against the yo-yo string.

“No akuma in the trident, my lady.” Chat Noir shrugged.

“Oh, I’ll get it out of her.” Ladybug raised the tennis racket. “Where’s the akuma at, Emma?”

“This is cheating!”

“Okay, you asked for it.” And Ladybug brought the tennis racket down on her bottom, once, twice, three times before Emma cried out. “Okay okay! It’s in my bracelet! Stop! Stop!”

Chat broke the bracelet, freeing the butterfly, as Ladybug set her crying daughter down in the sand.

She caught and purified the butterfly, and removed everyone from the bank of the river before casting her cure.

Emma Dupain-Cheng returned, pouting, and still rubbing her behind. “I was just trying to help…”

“Where’s your Grandfather?”

“He’s in a conference room at the hotel. But don’t be mad at him, please…”

Before Ladybug could yell more, Isaac and his father approached her. “Uh, Ladybug?”

“Yes?”

“Look, I wanted to—we wanted to apologize. Thank you for rescuing us, and I’m sorry. I guess I had forgotten what it was like having akumas around. You still stopped Hawkmoth, right? Well…until today…”

“Hawkmoth is a friend of ours now,” Ladybug clarified. “He’s paid for his crimes, but today has shown that he hasn’t quite learned the right way to deal with problems. I believe he was well intentioned, but we will be having words.”

Isaac’s father nudged his son. “You want to say anything?”

Isaac shyly looked at the family and admitted, “thank you for inviting to the party. No one invites me to things.”

“Yeah, well, work on your boundary issues, and maybe it’ll happen more often,” said Louis.

“If you guys want to head back to the hotel, I think there’s still time for cake!” Said Chat, with optimism.

—

After the Miraculous cure restored the party, everyone gathered again and lunch was served.

But, the Dupain-Chengs were in the conference room. Marinette and Adrien frowned at their youngest and Gabriel.

“Now, son--” Gabriel began.

“What were you thinking?” Adrien interrupted.

“I was thinking that Paris needed a little reminder of all the hard work you guys did.”

“Yeah, cool,” sniped Marinette. “Except now they think you’re out of retirement, and that’s a huge reminder that we didn’t stop you!”

Gabriel took the brooch off. “Then here. Make it official. Tell them that this akuma was my swan-song and I made it to surrender.”

Marinette took the brooch regardless, and put it in her bag. “I don’t know what I’ll say to the media. They’ll want to know who you are, and if you’re going to prison…and akumatizing your own granddaughter?”

“I told him I was okay with it!” Said Emma. “I knew what I was getting into. It’s not that big of a deal!”

“Not that big of a deal!?”

There was a knock on the door, as Hugo and Louis peeked their heads in. “There you are, Grandfather!”

“Hi boys,” he smiled at them, softly.

The twins pushed passed their parents to stand in front of him, arms crossed, just like Marinette and Adrien.

“What you did was terrible,” Said Louis.

“So awful,” echoed Hugo.

“You could have permanently hurt or traumatized people.”

“Done thousands of dollars of property damage.”

Gabriel sighed. “I know…I just—“ But he was cut off as the boys wrapped him up in a tight hug. “What?”

“Thanks for the coolest present ever!”

“Yeah! Mom gave us our Miraculous, but the chance to use them on a real akuma!?”

“Hey!” Shouted Emma. “I was the akuma! No thanks for me!?”

They gave her a noogie. “Thanks twerp.”

“You’re a twerp!”

Marinette and Gabriel met eyes. He gave a sheepish shrug. “I know I’m bad. But I deeply love my family.”

She then gave up trying to be angry. “Alright fine. I admit it. It was fun to fight an akuma again. But it’s over now!”

Adrien shook his head fondly. “Thanks for meddling dad.”

“Your welcome, son.”

“I want cake!” Hugo shouted.

“Cake time!”

“Yay cake!”

“No cake for Emma. Only broccoli.” Marinette clarified. “You were naughty.”

“Aw man!!”

AND THAT’S THE END!

Oh my word this story got AWAY from me! It was only supposed to be maybe 20 chapters when I first started on it? But here we are, a year and a half later, and over 200,000 words! I kinda can’t believe I’m done!

Anyways, thank you all for sticking around through all the heartache. I appreciated every single review and like. And one parting question: What was your favorite part?

#miraculous ladybug #ml #ladybug #chat noir #ladynoir #adrienette #gabriel agreste #fanfiction #longest night #marinette dupain cheng #adrien agreste

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krispydefendorpolice · 4 years

Text

The Demon’s Bride (4)

Call out to @vitaliciouscreations for their “Drop of Paradise” story. I’m using the same name Tiān but they came up with it (to best of my knowledge). Another fun read. Anyone interested in me putting up a random maribat recomendation in this part?

On to the story

Beginning Previous Next Masterpost

_________________

Chapter 4

After dropping Mari in front of the hotel she was staying at, where the teacher definitely had not noticed she was missing he fumed, Damian returned to the Bat cave. His father, all three of his brothers, his sister, Alfred and the rest of the extended Bat Clan were waiting.

“You never turned your comm back on,” Bruce commented.

“I needed to speak with Mari before talking to you,” Damian said, passing his father and pulling up files on the Bat computer.

“We had noticed. It would have been nice to know you were alright after she took down Jason the way she did.”

“Hence the reason I left my tracker on instead of disabling it. You knew where I was.”

“Who is this mystery girl the boys are talking about?” Barbara, aka Oracle, asked.

Damian ignored the question while he filtered through the files of the Wayne conference attendees for the school group staying at Mari’s hotel and down to the students on the trip. He pulled up the school picture of Mari and the information they had on her.

“She is a friend from my childhood,” he finally said looking at the information. He saw that her name was Marinette Dupain-Cheng, her parents on file were listed as Tom Dupain and Sabine Cheng. So they hadn’t changed it, he thought, disappointed in himself because he never looked.

Damian turned when no one said anything after his declaration. Leaning against the console he waited for their responses.

“Bull shit Demon Spawn. You’ve never mentioned friends other than Jon and the Titans before,” Jason said, “and even then it’s because they are not your friends.”

“I assure you she is,” Damian said.

“Then why is this the first time any of us have ever heard about her?” Dick asked.

“None of you have ever shown a particular interest in my childhood with the League of Assassins before now, so why would I have talked about her to you?” Damian answered with a question of his own.

“Because you bit off our heads every time we asked anything,” Tim argued.

Damian narrowed his eyes, “The last time anyone asked me anything about the League I was 11 years old, had just moved in with a bunch of strangers, and had witnessed my family and my whole life destroyed by a madman. Of course I fucking yelled at you. I couldn’t handle it. I couldn’t cry, yell or rage about the unfairness of watching my family, my family,” he emphasized, “die because I was with strangers and emotions make you vulnerable and I could not afford any more vulnerabilities with the unknown situation I was in.”

The entire clan was silent during his tirade, and a bit ashamed at what he was revealing to them years afterwards.

“I’m sorry Damian. We should have realized that and asked you how you were handling the changes at the time,” Bruce was the first to apologize.

“So you weren’t just rabid from Mom’s Tender Loving Care?” Jason asked.

“Master Jason,” Alfred chided while the rest of the clan just gave Jason a Really? look.

“In the 10 years I lived with her I probably spent less than two in her actual company,” Damian said. “I don’t think I would have responded well at the time even if you had realized,” he acknowledged Bruce’s apology.

“Can you tell us about her?” Bruce asked.

“I can but there’s a lot to talk about to really understand everything. I’m meeting her tomorrow for her free day, we can come here for dinner. I can give you some of that background information now and she can answer any of the questions about herself that I can’t answer.”

“Alright. So tell us what we need to know.”

“Might I suggest we move this discussion out of the cave and to the parlor where we might be more comfortable while we talk,” Alfred interrupted.

“That sounds like a good idea Alfred,” Dick said.

**************************

They did as Alfred suggested and moved to the sitting room so they could sit comfortably while talking about Damian’s past. They were all aware that before he came to them at the age of 10 he had lived with his mother and grandfather and with the League of Assassins. He had been volatile and reckless even while he was taking up the mantle of Robin and began following the others into the vigilante lifestyle.

But apparently there was more to his actions as a kid than just being a snobbish brat raised to believe he was better than everyone else.

Damian sipped at his cup of Black tea while settling his mind around what he was going to discuss. He had spent the last 7 years trying not to think of the other half of his biological family and believing the rest were dead so that he hadn’t had any other reason to reflect on his youth in the League. But that had obviously been a mistake. If Mari survived did anyone else? Can I get my family back? He wondered to himself while the rest of the clan settled down with their drinks of choice.

Finally everyone was settled. Bruce was the one to set the ball rolling.

“So what should we know?”

“Before I start about what I know,” Damian began turning to Jason, “I need to know more about what you know of the League, Todd.”

Jason raised an eyebrow and looked at him stonily. If Damian was quiet about the League as a kid (lies, he really wasn’t because he was an Al Ghul dammit) then Todd was a monk who had taken a vow of silence (slightly less a lie, he didn’t talk about it but he did rant about what a bitch Talia was). None of the Bats knew much about his time with the League other than he met Talia before returning to Gotham to seek vengeance on the Joker.

“Like what, Demon Spawn?” Jason asked.

“Well, first, did you have a designation?”

“A what?”

“That’s a no then. Consider yourself lucky, or not, since you were one of mother’s various pet projects then.”

“Damian,” Dick warned as Damian still had a tendency to be very blunt, to the point of being abrasive, when talking about other’s trauma’s.

Damian frowned before nodding in acknowledgement of the warning and in apology for his tone.

“I suppose the first thing you should know is that the League of Assassins is only about two hundred years old, while Tiān the city from which it was established is thousand of years old. Grandfather found it years ago and started to recruit certain prized and influential citizens and families into following him. Eventually the majority of the city were members of his cult and doing his bidding. We can get more into why the League as its own city is important tomorrow.

“Now, since the League is a cult and it was born out of an independent city how has it maintained it’s membership for so long? And I assure you it wasn’t because grandfather shared the secret of the Lazarus Pits with anyone” he asked.

“They recruited new members,” Dick answered with a shrug.

Damian gave him his own Really? look. “Recruits only account for about 25% of the new trainees and they are usually older teens and young adults. The people that are disenfranchised from the society outside of the League. Individuals with knowledge of the world outside shaped by influences from outside and not by Ras Al Ghul,” Damian said. “I was one of 79 children born in my year group. I was not raised by Talia no matter how she spins it. Despite having a personal bodyguard, private tutors and a nursemaid because I was an Al Ghul heir, I was raised with the other children my age in the al’akadimia*.”

“Talia didn’t raise you?” Barbara asked.

“She oversaw my training, instruction and education which seems to be her impression of parenting, but no, she was not involved in the day to day of my life growing up. I got more of that with Father in the first few months than I did from her in the entirety of my time with her,” Damian answered.

The Bats were silent as they digested this new piece of information from their youngest.

“In the cave you mentioned losing your family. It sounded like it happened in Slade’s attack. If not Talia, who were you thinking of? The girl?” Tim asked.

*academy- Arabic via Google translate

_________________

So, this chapter f*cked with my head. I was just writing and playing with the story and had to come up with a reason for Damian being such a little shit as a kid. And I threw in the line about him losing his family and moving in with strangers when I had an oh shit moment of enlightenment.

In the Son of Batman, Damian witnessed his grandfathers death. His mother brought him to strangers and essentially dropped him on their doorstep. Then we get into the fact that most likely he was essentially abused growing up (how else do you get a kid that wont show emotions) but they were still his family and yeah...

I try throwing in a flippant reason but really it kinda sounds like a canon reason too.

I had never thought about why canon Damian was the way he was especially in that first movie and now my head hurts. I’m curious if anyone else has ever given that a thought or if you’re just now having that oh shit reaction?

Taglist: I’m so happy so many are enjoying it. I’m trying to get everyone but if I miss you I’m sorry but it’s not intentional. Also, I appreciate the comments but unless you ask I won’t tag you so if you’ve commented and not been tagged it’s cuz you didn’t ask or because I overlooked it trying to find everyone who’s asking to be tagged. And I’m going to ask that you message me since I’m having trouble finding all the asks in the comments. Thank you.

And thank you all!

@ozmav @multifandomscribette @mochinek0 @inevitableenquere @zebrabaker @poshplumcot @tog84 @luciferge @sonif50 @ravennightingaleandavatempus @northernbluetongue @actual-human-disaster @clumsy-owl-4178 @aarushi-03 @bluerosette23 @g-arya @moonyloonyx @fertileleaf @shreky-boi @thanks-captain-obvious @panda3506 @hinata3487 @thequestionablyhuman @dontgiveaflyinflip @dast218 @chocolatecatstheron @asianfrustration13 @slytherinsheashire @weird-pale-blonde-person @yin-390 @mycupisbroken @vixen-uchiha @kuroko26 @autisticlinx @worlds-tiniest-spook-pastry @mariae2900 @zalladane @hypnosharkrebeldreamer @tbehartoo @novicevoice @violatiger8 @thebookish3lf @fandomkitty8 @redscarlet95 @gingersnapnoir @chewbaccaatemythoughts

#daminette #maribat #marinette x damian #Betrothed AU #The Demon’s Bride #DLDR #Dead Dove Do Not Eat

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coffeecomicsgalore · 4 years

Text

25 Days of Adrien (+6 of Marinette)

Part of the MLHolidays2k19 Prompt.

Ao3

Chapter 27 – Candles

The common was busy with people bustling around with the after Christmas rush. Customers were in and out of shops trying to use up any gift certificates that they had received or returning items that were not to their taste or not their size. Adrien smiled happily at the movements, pocketing his hands as he whistled away.

Plagg was sitting peacefully in Adrien’s scarf, purring at his chosen’s happiness. Adrien had been spending the last two days focused on how to make his proposal perfect. He knew he wanted to do it soon; Valentine’s Day was too cliché and too far away (even though that was the anniversary of their first date), but New Year’s seemed like a perfect time. The only problem was that they hadn’t made any concrete plans on what they would be doing or where they would be going. But nonetheless, he needed to get started with the most important part of a proposal – the ring. Everything else could be figured out after the fact.

Any free moment that Adrien had was spent looking at rings on his phone or computer. At one point, his intense smiling intrigued Nathalie enough to ask if he was up to something with the baker’s daughter. Adrien blushed, of course; he didn’t think his smiling would be a cause of concern. Sheepishly, he rubbed his neck as he contemplated on whether to tell Nathalie what he had been smiling at. Before he could answer, Gabriel walked through the dining hall ready to have dinner with his son.

His father was keeping his promise; he was now joining Adrien for meals. His father started the conversations with meaningful topics and ended them with farewell greetings. He even asked how Marinette was doing and what her plans for university and internships would be. By that afternoon, right before he left to search the shops at the common, Adrien decided to take a leap of faith and tell his father his thoughts.

“I’m planning on proposing to Marinette.” He said abruptly, interrupting the laughter between Gabriel and Nathalie.

Nathalie glanced straight at Adrien without missing a beat. Adrien had his head down, slowly nudging the fork on his plate, his eyes peering through his tousled fringe towards his father. He waited for the response he knew would come – No Adrien. You’re too young. She’s an inspiring designer who is only using you for your connections. It will be detrimental to the brand for you to be tied down already. No matter what Gabriel was about to say, he would refuse right away and go his own path. He will do anything he needs to do to be with Marinette.

What came out of his father’s mouth was nothing short of a miracle.

“I hope you asked her father for her hand then.” He said with a smile.

Adrien was shocked. He looked up to his father and noticed a loving look to his eyes. “I remember when I was your age,” Gabriel started, “your mother and I had been together for a little over a year. We met young and we were deeply in love by that point, much like the love that emanates between the two of you.”

A smile pressed Adrien’s lips as he heard the soft words about his mother.

“The moment I knew I wanted to marry her, I went straight to her father and asked for her hand. The silent approval that shot across his face was all I needed to move forward and buy the ring that she had worn for the rest of her days.” He grabbed his glass and took a swig of wine. “We were 18, too. Still in school and figuring out our future. It seems that the apple does not fall far from the tree, especially when it comes to the love of our lives.”

“So... you approve?” Adrien said hesitantly, waiting to see if there was a ‘but’.

“Marinette is an amazing young lady. Not just as a designer, but in the way she cares for her loved ones and how she cares and loves you. No one can mistake how much she loves you. She’s selfless and has many qualities that remind me of your mother. She will make an amazing wife and mother one day.”

With that, Adrien sprung from his seat to awkwardly hug his father in thanks before grabbing his winter gear and running out the door to see Marinette’s father.

Luckily for Adrien, Marinette was out of the house and spending time with Alya so meeting Tom and Sabine in private had been easy. Sitting them down was not as easy, so he nervously blurted out his plans and waited for their reactions. To say they were ecstatic was an understatement. Tom wrapped Adrien in a bear hug while Sabine waited until he was let down before hugging and kissing her future son-in-law. Once he bid them goodbye, he walked towards the common to search for the perfect ring.

So, there he was whistling as he walked around, the happiest he could be at this moment. He sees the jewelry store across the street and waits for the light to flash before he trudged forward. As he waited, his phone rang with a familiar ringtone; a contact he hadn’t seen for some time flashed across his phone.

“Hey, Chloe. Merry Christmas.” He said happily.

“Adrikins! Merry Christmas to you too!” She happily said back.

The last three years had been tough for Chloe. After she was akumatized into Miracle Queen, she faced serious repercussions for siding with Hawkmoth. To avoid further backlash, it was decided that Chloe would move to New York with her mother to fix up her life, and honestly, it was the best thing they ever did for her.

She came back over the summer with a new outlook on life. She personally went and apologized to her classmates for exposing them to Hawkmoth, bullying them, and using her father as a way to get around things she didn’t want to do. She reached out to Sabrina and treats her the way she should be treated. She even took Marinette out and apologized for everything she had done to her and is now friendly with her too. It took a lot for Chloe to realize what she had done wrong and she was using her time back to fix it all.

“I know it’s cutting it close, but if you and Marinette don’t have any plans on New Year’s Eve, my father is having a party and I would love for you two to be there.”

Adrien smiled at her invitation and crossed the street towards the shop. “I don’t see why not. Marinette and I haven’t decided on what we wanted to do. I’ll have to call her and ask of course, but I don’t think she would say no.”

He entered the shop and looked around to the jewelry on display when an ornate pink stone gleamed in the light. A smile crossed his lips when an idea sprung his brain. “Hey Chloe? Is the rooftop decorated like usual?”

-----xoxox-----

Adrien picked up Marinette from Alya’s home and walked them towards the restaurant he had reservations for. It was their usual weekly routine – a stroll down the Seine, a restaurant date (either a café or restaurant of the dater’s choosing), and back to one of their homes for a movie and cuddles. Tonight, Adrien was the one who was taking Marinette out on the date and he chose a beautiful, candlelit dinner at Le Cinq.

Snow was slowly falling around them creating another beautiful chilly night in Paris. Marinette was holding onto Adrien’s arm with gusto, laughing over the silly conversations she and Alya had that afternoon. Adrien added to the conversation, talking about the friendly argument Nathalie and his Father had over dinner. Soon, the couple reached the doorway to the restaurant and just like the gentleman that he is, he swung open the door for his lady as she sauntered her way in.

The venue was warm and enchanting with the twinkling lights adorning the bushes outside the windows. A Christmas tree stood tall in the entryway, garland hung on the fireplace at the very end of the large room, and candles lit up each table beautifully. It was not the first time they had been at this restaurant. Adrien had taken Marinette there as one of their first dates many months ago. It was beautiful, but pricey, and Marinette enjoyed being spoiled every once in a while, even if this type of venue was not her cup of tea.

Adrien chose this place as a memento for his thoughts, the day that both his father and her parents gave their blessings over the impending proposal and the day he bought the ring he would soon give her. His plans have been set in motion, and he was choosing to spend the next few days doting on his beloved, spoiling her rotten until Tuesday night when he will get down on his knee and ask her to make him the happiest man for the rest of his days.

They spent a few romantic hours at the restaurant, eating, drinking, and conversing over the candlelight. Each passing minute felt like seconds, the hours feeling like minutes, sitting until all the wine was drunk and all the food was eaten.

Back at the Agreste mansion, the two lovestruck teens sat comfortably on the sofa watching movie after movie until it was time for her leave for the night. Marinette leaned comfortably into Adrien’s chest soaking in the warmth and enjoying the purrs that came easily from his chest. The sudden calmness was enough for Marinette to slowly drift asleep, Adrien drifting along with her.

#mlholidays2k19 #adrienette #miraculous ladybug fanfiction #ml fanfic #miraculous ladybug #miraculous ladybug fanfic

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