#steph & Marinette
Text
Bruce Wayne's Headache Classification System Chapter 4
IKEA Verse
AN: I'm so sorry for disappearing for months again, things have been very hectic for me, but I finally got this done so at least I'm starting off the new year strong. No promises as to when the next one comes out. I hope y'all enjoyed this fun little look at the girls. I wish I included them in the first story, but I wasn't thinking at the time. I choose Steph for the POV because I felt her internal snide commentary could help balance Cass's more quiet reserve. There was an alternative ending for this that had Marinette using her powers more, but I decided to go with something softer and mushy. It felt in line with where Marinette would be comfortable showing the depths of her powers and continuing to drive the Batfam insane by not finding out how her powers work.
Chapter 4: Interlude - The Stalking of Daminette, a Treatise by Steph and Cass
Slate grey skies hang heavy over Gotham promising rain. The city isn’t any less busy for it, especially not during the day when most sane people agree, on average, it’s safer to conduct one’s business. Steph thinks that’s boring of them, but eh, she parkours over rooftops and punches goons as a night job, so maybe she’s the crazy one.
Wait. Weather. Grey Skies. Rain on the horizon and all that jazz.
Not the best of circumstances for a stakeout, but they’ve survived worse.
The rooftop they posted themselves on is comfy at least. No bird’s nests, piles of beer bottles, or scattered needles. Not too high they can’t observe the streets below. But not too low to the ground for people to notice they’re hanging out up here. Which is, strictly speaking, not exactly legal.
Also, they don’t want Damian to spot them.
Steph sighs, peering down at the coffee shop she knows Damian is sitting at, but she can’t see. She pops an M&M in her mouth and nudges Cass. “Pass me the binoculars?”
Cass lowers the equipment with a blank face stare. Well, blank face to anyone who wasn’t siblings with her. Steph is familiar with her pseudo-adopted sister’s micro-expressions. This one read clear as day, ‘why didn’t you bring your own?’
Steph blows out a frustrated pout, “I forgot, okay? Damian slipped out of the manor all wily and suspiciously and we followed him on a whim. I didn’t think to grab them. Couldn’t figure we’d pull a stakeout on our own little brother.”
Cass signs, “I had mine with me.”
“Yeah, well we don’t all hide stakeout equipment on us at all times like over-paranoid busybodies!”
“You had snacks on you.”
Without a trace of guilt, Steph grabs another M&M and places it in her mouth. “Snacks are not surveillance equipment. They’re a normal thing to keep in your bag.”
“Your bag also contains mace, a taser, and smoke pellets too.”
“It’s Gotham, sis. That’s just best practice.”
Cass rolls her eyes, but hands over the binoculars.
“Yay! Thanks.” Steph places them to her eyes. It takes a second to adjust before she focuses on the cafe down the street. Damian sits at an outdoor table, alone, sipping a drink out of one of those tiny white teacups.
Pshh, what a pretentious little twerp.
“Wonder who he’s meeting?”
“IKEA girl?” Cass says aloud softly since Steph’s looking down the street and can’t read her hands.
Steph grins wildly, searching blindly for another M&M with one hand, holding the binoculars steady with the other. “Oh, I hope so. Timmy’s frantic rambling over her is the most entertained I’ve been all year. And Jay’s spittin’ steam over her little trick on him.”
“Dick’s worried.”
Steph waves a hand clutching three pieces of candy with a careless air. “Dick’s always worried, Cass. He’s a serial worrier. He doesn’t know how to do anything but worry.”
Steph pops the chocolate into her mouth, watching Damian peer up from his phone and scan the street with keen eyes. She’s, like, seventy-two percent sure he doesn’t know they’re watching him. After all, they’re halfway down the street, fifteen stories up, lying belly down on the roof of an office building. But it is Damian. The League and Bruce trained him. Steph’s still convinced the little brat has the psychic power to know when he’s followed.
“No info.”
Steph sighs at the short-remark reminder of her family’s tendencies to stick their noses fucking everywhere. “Yeah, well maybe she has decent cyber security for her life. More people need to do it these days.”
Silence.
Groaning, Steph grabs another few M&Ms out of pure stress. “You went looking too, didn’t you?”
“Little brother.”
Good lord, this family. They’re lucky she loves them so much.
“Yeah, yeah, I care about the brat too, doesn’t mean he needs his hand held constantly. He can make his own choices. Including hanging out with people, regardless of if his extremely invasive family managed to compile a dossier on her entire life.”
“You said we follow.”
Steph scoffs through a mouth of chocolate, “Yeah, ‘cause he was actin’ sus, just because I think we should leave her alone doesn’t mean I don’t think we should annoy him by stalking his date.” She focuses back on Damian. “Plus,” she mutters. “I don’t want to deal with Bruce bitchin’ about that car chase we pulled with the Volkov Family gang members, so this seemed like the better option.”
It wasn’t their fault the stupid goons running point from the pet shop’s back room decided to run on them.
“We helped,” says Cass resolutely.
“I don’t think B will see it that way.” Steph readjusts the binoculars and notices Damian’s attention sharpening. He looks out onto the sidewalk, eyes focusing on a person drawing closer. “Oh, oh, oh I think she’s here!”
There, approaching the café, in the cutest little yellow dress, a woman approaches and pauses by Damian’s table. Thanks to the high-tech binoculars she can view every emotion flickering across Damian’s face as his newest acquaintance greets him. He places down his cup and vacates his seat, pulling out the opposite chair and allowing the young woman to sit, before retaking his own.
Steph whistles lowly.
“Hmm…” prompts Cass.
“I- I don’t think the others are joking. He- he just pulled out her chair for her.” They are all capable of manners. Alfred made sure of that. Even for those in the family who’d joined later. (The disparity between the manners the Drakes’ taught Tim and the actual behavior expected of a Wayne was night and day and not in a good way. Meanwhile, people like Cass or Damian needed teaching ground up how to interact with people without pulling weapons on them. Quite frankly so did the rest of them, but Alfred was unafraid and whipped them all (metaphorically) into shape.)
So, yeah, manners.
Something they all could do.
But not necessarily likely to be performed by all.
Especially Damian.
Damian is like a feral raccoon who wields a bowie knife when it comes to Untested People. Short. Prickly. Rude in the way where you know you’re getting insulted, but the conversation already turned the corner and you stand there, shell-shocked, that this kid verbally bested you six ways to Sunday.
Of course, Damian isn’t much of a kid nowadays.
Standing as tall as Bruce and starting to shake off the lankiness of his teen years, Damian was growing into, as a posher person might say, 'a fine young man’. Steph still remembers him as that little feral kid, who only smiled when besting others or petting furry creatures. But no, now he’s smiling at other things. Adult things. Things that happened to include pretty French girls.
“She’s dangerous,” says Cass.
Steph pulls down her binoculars to find Cass peering at the seated couple with her phone, camera mode engaged, and zoomed in to see their interactions.
“Why didn’t you use that in the first place?!” Steph asks, annoyed. Reaching towards the candy wrapper her fingers find empty plastic. Damn it.
Cass narrows her eyes at her screen, ignoring the question. Steph huffs. Rude.
“What do you mean dangerous?” Replacing the binoculars, she focuses back on the couple. If she didn’t know who Damian was, her eyes would slip over them as another pair of lovebirds, eking out a final moment of good weather before Gotham’s stormy ways crushed the vibe. “She’s a little slip of nothing.”
“So am I.”
Steph rolls her eyes. “Yeah, but you were trained to fight since birth. She looks like the human embodiment of sunshine.” And the woman does. From this angle, she sees both their faces while they talk. The girl, Marinette, has sleek black hair possessing a blueish shine. Striking bright blue eyes and a smile that lit her face like the summer sun contribute to the overall impression this was a very normal, very friendly person.
“Looks are deceiving.”
“Of course, they can, and I’m not sayin’ she’s not sus, but…” she gestures down. “Look at them! This is the most normal I remember Damian acting in his life. Would he do that, could he really do that if he thought she was dangerous?”
“Hmm.”
“Don’t ‘hmm’ me! I’m serious! Sure, she might have powers, so what? Lots of people are magical and metas these days. Doesn’t mean she’s inherently dangerous.”
“No info.”
“Good security.”
“Something to hide.”
“A healthy sense of caution.”
Cass snorts. “She moved to Gotham.”
Steph pauses. And yeah, when you consider where the girl came from (Paris! Freaking Paris) and what she was studying… Moving to Gotham for a fashion degree sounds like moving to Las Vegas to join a nunnery.
“Yeah, okay that’s weird, I fully admit that. But maybe she has, like, I dunno? A danger kink or somethin’?” Steph shrugs. “Which, you know, is kinda good 'cause I think the demon brat has one too, so they’re like a match made for each other.”
Cass shoots her a highly unimpressed look.
“What!? At least I’m trying to think of somethin’ plausible, instead of jumpin’ to the doomsday scenario like the rest of you paranoid weirdos.” She turns back to her binoculars and her long-distance observing. “Listen, doin’ the whole overbearing intrusive family routine maybe isn’t the best way to act the first time Damian has, voluntarily, shown interest in a person more than complimentin’ their fightin’ skills.”
She places the binoculars back up to her eyes and watches Damian and Marinette chat. Damian’s smile hasn’t disappeared yet. In fact, it’s grown even larger. Marinette says something, her accent strong enough to throw Steph off on the exact words, and Damian throws back his head in laughter.
It’s a normal human reaction, laughing with such abandon. But it’s so not for Damian, that Steph’s mouth drops open in shock.
“Please tell me you took a picture of that?” she asks. Dick is so bound to freak the fuck out when he sees this.
“Mh hmm,” Cass hums in agreement.
They probably spend another thirty minutes watching the young couple. Cass takes pictures, and Steph makes commentary whenever Damian or Marinette looks sickeningly sweet. Cass sends the photos over to Steph’s phone, and in turn, she sends them to Dick. Most people would probably find it mind-numbingly boring, but both of them spend hours casing joints and running point of stakeouts before, so less than an hour is easy. But as the top of the hour approaches, the grey skies grow darker, and rumbling thunder appears.
Steph watches Damian blink as if shocked the weather suddenly turned bad.
Shit. Bruce would so kill him for that lack of awareness. “He’s in so deep,” she mutters.
“No covering. Will get wet,” Cass warns about their own situation.
Steph sighs, placing down her binoculars. “Shit, yeah, you’re right. Damn it, I wanted to keep watching them.”
Cass tucks the phone into her pocket with a sly smile and signs, “I took plenty of photos. We should go and find cover. Can’t head home yet because we took the bikes.”
“Yeah,” Steph mutters. Quickly though, she grabs the binoculars again and looks back at Damian and Marinette. The couple grabs their umbrellas – smart of them, too bad Steph didn’t think of those when she impulsively decided to follow Damian – and head off down the street. Together.
The date, apparently, isn’t over yet.
“Do we wanna trail them?” she asks Cass. “Any chance you stored umbrellas in that bag of yours?” Half joking, half serious. What? You never know.
Cass shakes her head though. “No, but I do have ponchos. Do you want to follow them? They’ll be heading inside. Damian will surely spot us.”
Steph snorts, highly doubting it. “He’s so damn distracted at the moment, I’m pretty sure an alien invasion could happen down the street and he wouldn’t notice unless little-miss-sunshine started screamin’.” She grins, wide and mischievous. “Pass me a poncho sis. We’re not giving up this hunt yet.”
Despite the high-quality ponchos, they still end up quite soaked. That’s the tradeoff for having an unnoticed trail high above their intended targets. Sharp stabs of water bite at their faces, as they race across the rooftops. Steph’s shirt clings stuck to her body, damp and humid between the poncho and her chest. Damn, a shower is gonna feel soooo good later.
For any normal person, the weather would make it impossible to follow the young couple. Not to mention the distance from the ground. But Steph and Cass were trained by the best hunters in the world, following their prey was simple – if very wet and uncomfortable – matter.
Rain pours from the sky even faster, thunderous noise drowning out all other sounds, and quickly empties the streets below. The typically numb Gotham populace seeking shelter from the crappy weather. Eventually, Marinette and Damian duck into an older building, the overhead awning buckled in from the rain collecting on top. The windows are dimly lit, and a cracked and faded sign flickers reading:
MAGNUS ANTIQUES ~ EST. 1902
Cass and Steph cross over the street with a quick grapple line. Both wouldn’t dare under normal circumstances; it’s the middle of the day and they aren’t even in domino masks. The slip in procedure would hardly endanger them with nobody around, heavy clouds turning the early afternoon dark as dusk, and the rain pouring thick sheets, obscuring even the highest tech cameras. They land on a building next door, and carefully climb down the siding, landing in the alleyway, behind the antique store.
A young man, in his mid-twenties, slouches against the brick wall a few feet down the alley huddled under another old and tattered awning that barely keeps him dry as he vapes. The shop’s back door sits propped open with a crate, and it takes all of a second while the man leans against the old brick façade with his eyes closed enjoying his few minutes of damp peace for Steph and Cass to slip quietly inside through the back door.
Score!
An old, musty smell hits them as they creep through the back entrance. Piles of boxes line the walls, old antiques half-boxed, or laid on shelves. The store is dark and stale. All of old Gotham oozes an aura of grime and darkness to it, like no matter how hard you scrub the walls and floors will never be clean, the shadows grow thicker in corners, and the cold lingers even in the depths of summer. But that might just be the fault of an old store with even older objects inside. Steph’s never put much stock on that old fairy tale of Gotham being cursed and all.
Under a worktable sits a box – of what she could generously call towels but would more accurately call rags – and they wriggle out of the rain-soaked ponchos. Steph stuffs the soaked ponchos in the box and pulls out a handful of the least questionable-looking rags. Handing one to Cass, Steph does her best to sop up the worst of the water.
“I’m gonna get blisters later,” Steph whines softly, her toes wriggling in soaked-through socks.
“You always have blisters, all of us do,” signs Cass, drying the front of her shirt.
“No, we have calluses, we haven’t formed blisters since we were teeny tiny baby vigilantes who didn’t know shit and our bodies thought they had the right to strike about their living conditions.” Steph tries to wrangle the water out of her hair. “We wear waterproof suits though, so my feet don’t get regularly soaked.”
“Well, sorry for not having pocket rainboots too,” Cass signs sarcastically, rolling her eyes.
“How unprepared,” Steph shoots back, gaining another eye roll in return.
Steph pulls her hair into a ponytail and wrings out her shirt and feels slightly more human now they’re back on dry land. Cass, with her pixie cut, vigorously scrubs her hair with a towel before it flops out, mostly dry. Lucky.
Quietly, both of them creep out of the back workroom. A glistening crystal doorknob attached to an old wood door sends Steph cringing when it creaks open into the store proper. Dim lighting flickers above, a high wine pitch of electricity crackles in the old wires. Tall shelves chock full of nick-nacks and blasts-from-the-pasts cast the store in even deeper shadows. Heavy rain pounds the building’s walls, mixing with the hum of electricity. Barely any light pierces through the charcoal clouds, which traps the store in an evening aesthetic rather than the middle of the afternoon.
Steph turns to Cass, signing, “Spilt up? Or stick together?”
Cass shakes her head. “Stick together, two chances to spot us are worse than one moving target.” Steph nods in agreement.
The store is quiet, minus the rain and a faint sound of classical music drifting from the front. Steph pads softly over wooden floorboards, which look like they’ll creak if you look at them wrong, and Cass follows behind, silent as a mouse. Rows of shelves stretch from front to back, ladened down with objects, Furniture and old clothes pile up on the sides. It is a chaotic, yet organized mess. None of it’s her style, but she’s sure Tim would enjoy it in here.
Slowly, ever so slowly, they creep from aisle to aisle listening for the low drawl of Damian’s pretentious voice. The store’s chaos turns what should be a straightforward search into a winding maze, but eventually right before they turn a corner, Damian’s distinctive scoff rings through the air and stops Steph and Cass in their tracks before giving the game away.
Ducking into one of those separated booths – the kind most antique stores were made of, creating tiny stores within one big one – a genuine score, because Magnus Antiques only sported a few. Fully cluttered with racks of mothball-smelling vintage clothing, the booth made for a perfect hiding spot, while also allowing them full-view access. Steph swipes a dull scarf off the table and ties it over her head, helping to disguise her distinctive blonde hair, as she hides halfway into a rack of big, dull winter clothing. Cass, using her smaller size and an all-black outfit, gracefully climbs an antique dresser and camouflages with an elaborate black feathered bouquet.
Truly, masters of stealth.
Damian and Marinette walk into view; fully focused on the shelves before them, and completely oblivious to the stalker duo creeping in on their date.
“I can call us a car. We do not need to linger until the storm passes,” Damian says with that highly entitled vibe he always gives off, despite Steph knowing Damian’s pretentiousness is mostly a font these days.
“Oh, come on Damian,” chides Marinette, crouching low to look at the bottom shelf. Her accented lilting voice is soft but carries in the quiet store. “It’s just a little bit of bad weather. There’s no reason to call a person to drive through it, we don’t want anyone hurt in an accident. We can wait it out here.”
Damian’s face contorts, “Here?” Eyeing the shelf full of porcelain dolls with dread – which, you know, totally fair. They were creepy as fuck.
But Marinette rolls her eyes and shifts through the pile on her side. “Yes, here. It’s like a treasure hunt, you never know what you’ll find.” She pushes a large black blanket off a cardboard box and smiles wide. “Ooh, see, a whole box full of ribbons and trim.” She fully falls to the floor and starts pulling rolls out of the box.
“Careful, we are likely to find germs.” Damian swipes a finger across the shelf and pulls it away covered in dust. He grimaces. “Or tetanus.”
Marinette giggles, like actually giggles, and not out of politeness either. She genuinely finds Damian’s offbeat, dry-as-a-bone, humor funny. Steph, safely out of sight, rolls her eyes. Oh, good lord, they’re perfectly horrible for each other.
“Says the man willing to climb into a box store air vent shaft at the drop of a hat.” Steph watches as Marinette sets aside a number of trims to buy.
Damian places a hand against his chest, offended. “That was tactical. This is stubborn desperation.”
“We were on the run, sounds a bit like desperation to me.”
“On the run? We were hunting our prey.”
Marinette’s face turns questioning, “Oh I’m sorry, did you not get chased by Jason with a nerf gun through half the store and the back areas? Was I not barely outrunning Dick before I took out the store’s electricity? We won by luck and the skin of our teeth. That does not sound like apex predators to me.”
Damian turns to the shelf he’s standing on, and, with a mutter, Steph barely makes out, says, “We could have taken them.”
“Sure, in a fight,” says Marinette without skipping a beat. And oh, isn’t that interesting. Steph knows the boys don’t tone down their personalities and skills the same way Bruce does (he doesn’t so much as tone down, as does a complete one-eighty, but it works for B, so Steph ain’t hatin’) when out of costume, but even they wouldn’t be so stupid as to act completely like their vigilante selves. It’s still, you know, not a lot, and Marinette probably saw more than most due to the game’s competitive nature. So, for her to say she could take them in a fight, with certainty, means she thinks quite highly of her own skills.
She could totally be overestimating herself.
Or… the rest of the family could be right, and Marinette is very dangerous indeed.
“… but we weren’t trying to take them in a fight, we were trying to outlast them. And anyway, it’s a moot point, we won, they lost, and now they hate me.”
Well, at least she was perceptive, Steph would give her that.
“They don’t hate you,” Damian shoots back.
Marinette rises from the floor holding an old roll of ribbon, bright emerald green, the lettering faded and worn on the cardboard spool. She lets out an inelegant snort, “Fine, Dick is suspicious, Tim is frustrated, and Jason hates me.”
Oh, she’s very perceptive.
Damian pauses for a second, then tilts his head and smiles thinly. “Yes, it is quite likely Todd does hate you. But he should blame me, not you. I told you what to say. He’s directing his anger all wrong.”
Steph blinks. That was��� a shocking amount of self-reflection from the demon spawn. All directed towards this tiny little slip of a woman who looked like she could barely harm a fly, much less impress the likes of Damian Wayne. At this point, Steph has to believe this girl is magical because this shit is just unreal.
“Perhaps, but what I said obviously scared him-”
“That’s what we were trying to accomplish,” Damian mutters, mulishly.
“And one day I will learn the context of it, so I can properly apologize.” Steph watches Marinette’s eyes; focused and regretful. “I know I do not have their trust, and I do not have the right, but when I do, I will.”
Damian’s face flickers through emotions faster than a roulette wheel, eventually settling on a variation of soft and amazed Steph’s only seen on a besotted movie protagonist. And barely makes out his words. “I have no doubt you will earn those secrets. Your heart is big enough, and your will strong enough to melt my family’s own.”
Oh.
Oh.
Steph's mouth falls open in complete shock. Damn… just, damn.
This isn’t just a crush.
This is full-on, head-over-heels, besotted beyond belief, in love.
Damian is implying Marinette is important enough to earn the details of Jason’s death, to know why he was so scared of his family being hurt and dying and him unable to help (yeah, Jason ranted to her about Marinette’s little speech; yeah, it was harsh, but what else could you expect from Damian, he doesn’t do shit by halves). All of that implies she’ll learn of their identities, the biggest secret their family kept under lock and key. Only a handful of Justice League members and assorted friends (and enemies) knew of their full identities.
This is a girl Damian met two and a half days ago.
Steph, nearly so lost in her own shock and incredulity, almost misses Marinette’s reaction.
Face flushed and eyes tilted down, Marinette’s smile conveys embarrassment, joy, and a hint of sadness all at once. “Has anyone ever told you, you’re very sweet?”
Sheepishness seeps into Damian’s face and body, as he raises a hand to rub the back of his neck, a move making him look exactly like Dick. “Most people say the exact opposite, or they are in the middle of cussing me out.”
He’s not wrong.
Marinette's smile grows wider, “Well, I’m-”
“Not most people.” Damian and her finish together with a look building the foundation of an inside joke.
“No, all the more I learn of you,” Damian says, tone fond. “I find you are definitely not most people.”
“I aim to impress,” Marinette says, with a sly and besotted smile, and Steph doesn’t know if she will pass out from the sweetness or vomit, and at this point, it could go fifty-fifty. The woman looks over Damian’s shoulder. “Looks like the rain stopped.” Steph vaguely sees weak rays of light coming from the store’s front. The kind indicating the Gotham sun, a rare and noteworthy presence, has burst through the clouds to shine upon rain-soaked streets. “I should probably head back to my apartment before it starts again; I have a commission project to work on.”
Damian readjusts himself, folding away the soft, besotted emotions until he looks more like himself again. “And I need to return home as well, my father’s back from his business trip and will wish to speak with me.” He winces, “He is most likely already speaking with my brothers, which means I need to run interference before they blow the entire situation out of proportion.”
Marinette smirks, unrepentant and teasing, and for the first time Steph understands why Jason kept ranting ‘she’s just as demented as he is’, “To be fair, we did set Tim on fire, and break the store multiple times.”
Damian smirks right back, and “First off you broke-”
“We, don’t forget your part with the display and tying up a security guard.”
“-second, we set fire around him, he wasn’t hurt. No one got hurt. Except for their pride.” He pauses, and amends, “Well, perhaps that unpleasant woman at the end had an aneurysm with her screaming, but that’s hardly our fault, so it shouldn’t count.”
Both of them laugh until it fades into a contented silence. Then, Marinette places a dainty hand on Damian’s arm, and says, “This was fun. We could… do it again sometime?” For the first time, uncertainty crosses the young woman’s face.
Damian’s face, on the other hand, is as eager as Steph has ever seen it. Wow, what must his head and chest feel like with all these new intense emotions bandying about? “Uh, o-of course, yes, this was fun. We’ll… text?”
“Sounds like a good idea.” Marinette leans down and picks up the small pile of trimmings and ribbon she found in the box earlier. The spool of emerald ribbon balanced on top.
“You took the bus in? I can walk you to the stop?” Oh, kid; if he had a tail, it would be wagging.
Marinette tilts her head, “Didn’t you ride in on a motorcycle? Shouldn’t you take advantage of the break in the rain?”
Damian shrugs off the offer, “I drive in far worse than a little rain regularly..”
“Don’t compromise your safety for my own, I can take care of myself perfectly fine,” Marinette says.
“I’m sure you can, but I want to,” insists Damian. “I parked near the bus stop’s location, it will be no trouble.”
“Alright then, maybe on the way you can tell me more about that art store you mentioned was down my way, I’m looking for a new set of brushes; mine became damaged in the move.” They walk down the aisle and swiftly out of view and hearing range.
Steph doesn’t move, and neither does Cass until Marinette pays for her purchases, and they hear the door to the shop open and close with a creak and a chiming of bells. A second more passes by, before Steph slips out of the clothes rack, and Cass descends the dresser, and they stand in silence for a moment.
“Whelp,” Steph says, popping the p. “That was certainly something. I don’t quite have the words for it yet, cause my brain’s still rebooting. How about you Cassie?”
Cass shakes her head, then pauses, contemplation playing across her features. “I still think she’s dangerous. Her body has the grace of a fighter, with years of practical experience moving quickly and efficiently. But I don’t think she uses her magic, whatever it may be, to influence Damian.” Cass smiles, now looking like a cat holding a canary between her lips. “That’s all due to him being very, very in love.”
“Great, so I wasn’t the only one seeing literal hearts in Damian’s eyes, cool, cool, cool.” She stretches her arms high above her head, spine popping brutally, as she tries to get feeling back in her limbs after observing the two lovebirds for long. “Well, I’m not in the mood to deal with Bruce and his game of twenty questions, so what say we go eat? How ‘bout the new Italian place that opened near my apartment, worse case it starts raining again and we head back there, we covered and hid the bikes well enough.”
Cass nods and they leave the store, passing by an ancient old man seated at the front desk totally absorbed in a creaking leather tome. Summer sun barely peaking through gaps in the clouds. It hasn’t truly stopped raining yet. The sky drizzles a small smattering of rain, and fog mists up from the pavement. It’s a pleasant change from the chaotic, faint oppressive feel of the antique shop.
Steph’s brain turns over the interactions she witnessed between Damian and Marinette. It shouldn’t be such a big deal. People meet, flirt, and fall in love all the time. But it just is because it’s, well, Damian. Even as a little kid he always seemed so removed, he really wasn’t, but he was good at pretending. Steph never pictured him falling in love, not because he wasn’t capable of it, but because she always thought he’d be too prickly for anyone to break through his walls. And certainly not a civilian who had no clue about their double lives.
Steph hopes everyone comes out on the other side, lives, and emotions relatively intact, and in the meantime, she plans to wring this situation for all the blackmail material it’s worth.
#daminette#maribat#damian x marinette#damianette#marinette dupain cheng x damian wayne#the ikea verse#headache classification system#cass and steph are here!#mlb crossover#maridami#ml x dc#damimari#the great ikea game#marinette dupain-cheng x damian wayne
279 notes
·
View notes
Text
If no one got me, I know batshit crazy fictional girls got me
#violetta castillo#camila torres#luna valente#ambar smith#devi vishwakumar#ty lee#anne shirley cuthbert#marinette dupain cheng#steph denisco#violetta#soy luna#never have i ever#atla#anne with an e#miraculous#doogie kamealoha m.d.
11 notes
·
View notes
Text
[24/?]
BDBWM Day 4 | Father-Child Bonding
original prompt | complete masterlist
“We already told you! Show her you care, give her not just gifts but time and effort. Make an indication that your memories with her are precious!” Stephanie brandishes the nail polish brush before returning to paint Bruce’s pinky nail.
“What if it doesn’t work after that?”
“That means you’re not doing it right.” Marinette sorts through the face masks for them to wear. “Hold on, Dad! Your skin is so dry! Didn’t we already remind you to moisturize?!”
“I bet that’s why Selina’s giving him the cold shoulder.” Jason sniggers as he sinks his feet deeper into his foot bath.
Cass silently passes Marinette a moisturizing cream, which Marinette waves in front of Bruce’s face. “Go wash with your cleanser and put this on later.” She plucks out a packet of mask from their collection. “Cucumber for you?”
“I’ll switch to coconut please,” Bruce mumbles.
Taglist:
@maribat-bdbwm@tinybrie @sinoffalsejudgement @its-maemain @kamarallil @toughluna @golden-promises @whatamoodhoney @trippingovermyfeet @m4ster0fnone @alexizlazy @plz-excuse-my-inner-gay @maybeanalien0-0 @imchaotic-dontmindme @ev-cupcake @flowers-n-fandoms @crusherccme @ji-nk-ies @depressed-bitchy-demon @duskyashe @multplelifes @authorpendragging@iloontjeboontje@thatonecroc@user00000003@paradoxaloccurance@kking13@laydeekrayzee@chaos-inperson@astol07@the-coffee-fandom@nerd-nowandforever@nightmarewasteland@certainmuffinbagelcalzone@the-hospitality-of-knives@stainedglassm @talia-scar123 @trying414 @starling218
*if you want to be tagged, feel free to ask in the comments and I'll add you to the taglist :)
#bruce doesn't go to spas#he has his children for that#semi-therapists mari and steph lol#specifically for relationship advice#fox dcw#maribat#maribat fanfic#dc x mlb#mlb x dc#maribat marinette dupain cheng#bio dad bruce wayne#maribat batfam#maribat fic#dc x miraculous#mbdbwm2022
152 notes
·
View notes
Text
this is the same scene and you can’t convince me otherwise
#miraculous ladybug#not really but marinette/steph are saying the same thing basically#i know like. years ago i redraw this panel with ladybug as tim and chat noir as steph#couldnt find it tho
7 notes
·
View notes
Text
Marinette: What do you think is our song?
Tim: Our song is the slamming screen door-
Marinette: ...
Tim: Sneaking out late, tapping on your window-
Marinette: Are you just quoting song lyrics?
Tim: *now singing* When you're on the phone and you talk real slow~
Marinette: Why do I love you?
#mgi mixer#maribat#timari#idk what this is dont ask me#it just came to me lol#also tim knows taylor swift due to steph#has he actually listened to one of her songs willingly? no#does he know all of them because steph plays it often? yes#also for the record#Marinette how could you not love him#he can sing taylor swift by heart
132 notes
·
View notes
Text
Are waffles that important?
Meet Cute Monday 41
This was started and meant to be writing for pride month. It failed when work decided to be manic, and I got lost all spare time and energy to write as numbers and reports consumed my life. But hay! At least I can now get round to finishing this now.
Masterlist
MCM Masterlist
…................................................
Steph crows as Jason helps her with the bags of ball pool/pit balls. The plan is genius and serves Dick right for eating the last waffle. It was hers! It had her name on it. Well, maybe not literally her name but still it was hers, she had claimed it, and she will have her revenge. Screw what Bruce says about that, this is for the sake of waffles and waffle kind.
“Ya know, Blondie, one of us should really keep an eye out in case Goldie returns any time soon.”
“Jaaaay, who’ll help me pour the balls into his car then!?”
“I dunno, this is more than a two-person job though. I def don’t wanna know how the hell you got so many either.”
“I have my ways. I’m not the only one with contacts ya know.”
“Whatever. I’m gonna grab some more bags from the van. I still think you need to keep Dick distracted.”
“That means finding a red head and where am I gonna find one of those?!”
“Call Barbie then.”
“He’ll suspect Babs.”
“Roy would give the prank away and Wally would cave to Dickhead, Blondie so don’t use them.”
Steph pouted as she continued to pour the rainbow balls in through the window into Dick’s unsuspecting car as Jason walked off to get more of her cargo. The car was half filled now and getting to the point where she would need to have to put the windows up and start using the sunroof as she watched others wander past staring at her actions. Maybe Jason was right that she needed a look out and maybe someone else to help speed up the car filling. Dick had only popped in the shop to gather a few items for Alfred. Steph knew that he’d get distracted in the cereal aisle and sneak more into the shop but that still was pushing it time wise.
Glancing about the civilians meandering towards the shop, Steph looked out for her targets in aiding in her prank. Getting the spare keys was easy enough with Damian kicking off earlier about yet another pet. Dick won’t suspect a thing, but she really did need to speed up.
It was when Jason was walking back carrying two more bags that Steph saw them. The gorgeous black-haired goddess with a red head victim. She was perfect. They both were.
With a demonic smile, as they approached Steph whistled to get their attention as she put the half empty bag down and leant against the car.
“Hi! Do ya think you could help me?”
The girls glanced and held a silent conversation between themselves before edging cautiously closer, much to Stephs amusement but pleased that they weren’t silly and trusting a stranger. This was still Gotham after all.
“What sort of help?”
The dark haired one stated, her rose-pink lips sparkling in the hazed sun of Gotham distracting Steph. Jason’s cough covered laugh drew Steph back to her mission.
“I need you Ruby,” pointing at the red head, “To distract my not brother, while you Sapphire,” pointing at the dark-haired woman, “help me fill his car with balls while my other not brother gets more of them.”
“How do we know this isn’t some sort of weird heist and that there isn’t a bomb in the car, and you’re not going to try and kidnap us for some international something?”
“Marinette?!”
Steph raised her eyebrows at that dramatic turn. Not even Tim would think like that... potentially... maybe...
Jason snorted more behind her.
“Can’t say I’ve heard someone ask that when pulling a prank pixie. But we’re not, just harmless revenge for Goldie eating Blondies last waffle.”
“We’ll help! What’s your brother look like? What’s the best way to distract him according to your knowledge?”
“Alya?!”
“Come on girl! The last waffle, Blondie is basically playing Sunshine when Nino eats the last croissant.”
“I... yes but...”
As Steph fist pumped the air before starting to take the bags off Jason shooing him away to get more. The women, Marinette and Alya, whispered aggressively together, shooting Steph stray looks, as Marinette waves her arms around animatedly.
“FINE!”
“We’ll do! Ignore M’s exaggerating. He must be punished for his heinous crimes. So, your brother?”
Steph dug her phone out and showed Ayla a few pictures of Dick so she would recognise him.
“I’m Steph by the way and Jason is helping with balls. So, this is Dick, who lives up to his name. He likes red heads and a major flirt. Just need to look distressed and flirt a little to distract him.”
“Alya, and no problem, he may have a nice butt, but I’m happily taken but some harmless flirting for the revenge can be worked with. Nino understands the sacrifices that need to be made with the many battles due to M’s croissants he has entered.”
“Awesome. I’ll get your friend to call you when we’re ready.”
“Cool. I’ll leave Marinette in your safe hands. I have a guy to mess with.”
Alya beamed with a mischievous nature as she bounced towards the store. Steph kind of felt bad for Dick on what she unleashed, only slightly though. He shouldn’t have eaten the last waffle and Alya seemed to get the tragedy of the situation and was fully invested in her revenge, so meh! Marinette, her sparkling sapphire in the Gotham gloom, seemed slightly more apprehensive about it all. Steph tried sending Marinette a reassuring flirty smile as she handed the woman a bag of colourful balls before reaching for her own.
Steph couldn’t really tell if it worked as Marinette turned and started to pour balls into the car via the opened sunroof. Getting a read on the sparkling sapphire was like getting a read on Tim in the early days. She broke his barriers. She’ll break Marinettes.
“Should we worry about Dick with Ruby being that enthusiastic?”
“*snort* probably. You’ve unleashed a demon. Alya loves prank wars and drama. She will be filming the reaction at the end of this you realise.”
“Nice! He deserves every ounce of revenge bestowed on him for eating MY waffle!”
The soft smile Marinette sent Stephs way sent her heart racing again. She really did light up the Gotham gloom with the pastel shades wore and alluring sparkling eyes.
“Are waffles that important?”
“Yes!! Especially Alfreds. We won’t talk about his pancakes. But his waffles are to kill for but, killing it frowned upon and all that, so revenge is the best next thing.”
“It does seem that siblings all do aim for revenge an awful lot.”
“Only child?”
“Yeah. Always thought it would be nice to have sibling's until I’d seen Alya and others with theirs. Then I think it might be a blessing given the shouting matches and ‘stolen’ objects, you know.”
Marinette put the empty bag down to watch Steph finish hers while they waited for Jason to return with more.
“Ditto. Well, sorta, I’m emotionally adopted by the family and for all intents and purposes they are my siblings. I was an only child before I met them. It definitely quieter in a way but I wouldn’t go back.”
The pair continued to chat and slowly disclose information to each other filling up the car with Jason now focused on collecting bags. By the time Marinettes phone interrupted a story about Adrien stealing all Nino’s left socks for eating the last croissant, the car was filled to the brim. Switching to French, Marinette answered before manically gesturing to the pair of Gothamites that they needed to hide as continued her conversation with Alya. Steph grabbed Marinettes hand while Jason grabbed the remaining bags as they darted to the other side of the carpark to hide behind some other cars to watch the carnage unfurl.
Steph could see Alya slowly leaving the store behind Dick still on the phone to Marinette as she waved him off when he looked concerned for her. Steph watched as he made is way slowly through the crowds towards his car with Alya recording, though looking like she was using her phone as a map as a disguise. Jason had his own phone out recording too much to Steph’s delight.
Dick arrived at his car with the shopping and, not focused on the glimmer of colours that hinted of their existence from behind the tinted windows, opened the boot of the vehicle to be rained upon with rainbow balls. They poured everywhere in a torrent surrounding the frozen Dick, his shopping and cascaded out into the car park.
The confusion on Dicks face was priceless. The horror as the stream of never-ending balls was hilarious. The anger when he finally processed the situation was umm, err, a little worrying. The whole thing was perfect. Amazing. It had gone exactly how Steph had hoped it would. Marinette’s soft giggles and Jasons quiet chuckles made it even better.
Dick reached for his phone in his pocket to call someone, much to Steph’s glee knowing Babs would be on her side when she uncovered the heinous crime bestowed upon her. Alfred would have his disappointed look up would tell Dick that he was an adult so to sort it out. Bruce, well Bruce would bury his head in paperwork to ignore it all.
It was when Bootylicious blasted out of Steph’s pocket as her phone went off that she froze. Marinette and Jason tensed next to her as they all saw Dick’s furious gaze turn on them.
“Shit!”
“Well Blondie! It’s been nice workin’ wiv ya, but I’m off. No way I’m letting Goldie catch me and getting' in a war wiv ‘im. I’ll send ya the footage later ‘K.”
As Jason darted away, Steph tightened her grip on Marinette’s hand that she had yet to let go of.
“Sapphire, we need to run on three, got it!”
“Three!”
Marinette pulled Steph causing Steph to stumble momentarily as Marinette unexpectedly jumped into action to escape the fuming waffle-villain who was wading through the escaped balls towards them.
A laugh broke through Steph’s mouth as their feet pounded the pavement as Marinette led the streetwise Gothamite away. Where to, Steph didn’t know and didn’t really care. It meant that she got to spend more time with Marinette. And avoided Dick’s anger.
Sapphire Her revenge was perfect.
#maribat#dc x mlb#mlb x dc#maribat au#ml x dc#dc x ml#meet cute#meet cute monday#marinette x steph#steph x marinette#stephinette
34 notes
·
View notes
Text
LOVE + FEAR
this is for @boldlyanxious ilysm
“I think I have an idea,” Stephanie said with a wicked grin on her face as she pulled up a chair and sat down next to Marinette in the coffee shop.
“What is it?” the other woman asked with a smirk on her face (and a groan ready if needed).
“Well, it’s probably stupid-”
“No, no. It isn’t stupid,” she reassured. “Tell me!”
“I was kind of thinking that maybe we could perhaps maybe we could perhaps maybe go see a movie tomorrow?” Stephanie blurted out, fumbling over her words a fair bit. Her heart pounded in her chest, thumping over and over again. God, she was so nervous.
“Of course,” Marinette replied cheerily, “I’d love to. I’m not sure why you were so nervous though - what are friends for if not having fun together.”
She shook her head at the bluenette. “No, not a friendship thing,” she said carefully, watching her words with her nerves. “I was wondering if you wanted to go to the movies on like maybe a date?”
“Ohh,” Marinette murmured. “That makes so much more sense.” She looked up at her best friend with a wide smile displayed on her face, “I’d love to go on a date with you Steph.”
“Really? Oh my god, that’s brilliant! I’m so glad you said yes.”
“I’m really glad I said yes too,” she said with a bit of blushing lighting up her face. “Do you want to hear a secret?”
“Absolutely,” Stephanie nodded curiously.
Marinette blushed more heavily and admitted, “I’d been trying to get the nerve up to ask you to go on a date with me for weeks, I’d just never managed to do it.”
“Oh wow. I’m so glad I managed to do it first then.”
“Hm?”
“I get bragging rights,”Stephanie replied with a smirk.
“I- no you don’t,” chuckled Marinette.
“Are you sure about that?” she said with a cheeky grin.
“Positive.”
Stephanie stuck out her tongue after laughing, “Must be true then.”
#maribat#mlb x dc#dc x mlb#marinette dupain cheng#stephanie brown#steph brown#stephanie x marinette#marinette x stephanie#mari x steph#steph x mari#stephinette#getting together#date#asking out#first date#mutual pining#mutual feelings#cute#lesbian#sapphic#wlw#bisexual marinette#pansexual stephanie
26 notes
·
View notes
Text
OKAY MAJOR JASONETTE [or maybe jaysteph] VIBES FROM ANTIHERO (track 2 of Midnights)
#Taylor swift#midnights#Anti-hero#Red Hood#Jason Todd#marinette dupain cheng#Jasonette#Jaysteph#Steph brown
7 notes
·
View notes
Note
stephinette on their first date
Marinette: I don't think this counts as a date though
Stephanie: *huffs amused* Maybe for boring people. Trust me this is perfect
Marinette: But don't you want something... Nicer? Fancier?
Stephanie: *giggles and grabs her hand gently* Absolutely not. Later. But right now? This is everything I want.
Marinette: *smiles* What? Syrup all over the table that you just knocked with your elbow
Stephanie: *glances to the side to see she did in fact knock over the syrup*
Stephanie: Stickiness is part of life
Marinette: *teasing grin* Hmm yes I'd assume so since you now got it all over my hands
Stephanie: *laughs* I still full-heartedly believe waffles is the best first date idea
Marinette: If it makes you happy then it makes me happy
Stephanie: I stole Tim's coffee~ I used to date him so I know how to make it. Its in the coffee pot.
Marinette: Marry me right now
#Marinette lives for Tims coffee#but he wont share the recipe and how he makes it#Steph picked up on a few things though while they were together#coffee#maribat#stephinette#maribat marinette dupain cheng#maribat stephanie brown#mlb x dc#dc x mlb#my writing
5 notes
·
View notes
Text
Jason: Okay, let's go over this again. What do we do when something goes wrong?
Duke: We try to fix it before Marinette and/or Alfred get back.
Jason: And if that doesn't work?
Steph: We blame Bruce.
Jason: Good.
#maribat#marinette x batfam#daminette#jasonette#dickinette#dukette#cassinette#timinette#brucinette#maribat incorrect quotes#dc x mlb#mlb x dc
867 notes
·
View notes
Text
This was not the Plan
New Years one shot (please let it stay a one shot)
Marinette could not for the life of her figure out how she'd ended up here. She was supposed to be at home, in her pajamas, asleep before the ball dropped. She had a plan, damn it.
That plan did not include Alya showing up at her apartment in London. Especially since she was supposed to be covering the ball drop in New York. It didn't involve said friend dragging her to an upscale party where Adrien and Felix just happened to be in attendance. And it damn sure didn't involve listening to Alya try to give her a pep talk (read lecture) about asking Adrien to kiss at midnight. No, this was definitely not the plan.
—————————————————-
Cass and Steph were supposed to be on a plane to Gotham. Unfortunately, some asshole (read Scarecrow) gassed the airport, and it was in lockdown until a HazMat team gave the all clear. Instead, they were stuck in an upscale London hotel. Which wouldn't be bad except there was a fancy New Year's party going on and the host had cornered them as they were checking in to invite them. Cass hated having to keep up a public image. But at least she had Steph to make things bearable.
They were standing along one of the walls, Steph making highly inappropriate comments at other people's expense, when Cass noticed two women. One obviously excited to be there and the other... not so much. As they wandered closer, Cass could hear their conversation.
"I feel I've been very clear on this." The one who looked like she'd rather be anywhere else sounded frustrated and annoyed.
"I know you think he's out of your league, but you'll regret it if you don't shoot your shot, girl!" Her tone was exasperated, if fond. Given the reaction from the other woman, this was a recurring debate. Cass didn't think she'd ever seen anyone roll their eyes so hard.
"I don't think he's out of my league. I'm just not interested in him. I really wish you would stop acting like we're still teenagers. It was an adolescent crush, and it wasn't healthy on top of that." Her friend didn't seem to hear her.
"Look! There he is. Now's your chance."
"Alya, you're not listening to me. Besides, that's Felix, not Adrien."
"Oh? You can tell that just by looking, huh?" Her tone seemed to imply that meant something but her friend just gave her a dry look.
"Anyone who's met them should be able to tell that." She gestured to the man Alya had pointed out. "Grumpy cat." Then she scanned the crowd before pointing to another man identical to the first. "Excited puppy."
Cass observed the two and had to admit the other woman was right. It kind of reminded her of the difference in Damian and Jon's personalities. The first man was comfortable in the setting, but was extremely standoffish and full of himself. The other was happy and friendly, talking to anyone who got close to him.
"Quit stalling. It's almost midnight."
"Alya, I'm not-"
"You can't bail on me this time. Do you have any idea what it took for me to get tickets to this party? Give me one good reason why you can't go ask him to kiss you for New Years."
Given how red the other woman's face had gotten during her friend's rant, Cass expected an explosion. What she wasn't expecting was for the woman to turn and pull her down into an angry, almost desperate kiss. She didn't know how to react, so she just let it happen. Honestly, she felt bad for her... it was also kind of nice if she was being honest with herself. When the woman pulled back, Cass was a bit dazed. She turned on her friend.
"That's why!" And promptly stormed out to the balcony. Cass was startled out of watching her when Steph let out a laugh.
"I'd say that's a pretty good reason." Steph's amused tone caused Alya to flush red before storming off in the opposite direction from her friend. "You should go check on her." Cass raised an eyebrow at her and Steph gestured to the balcony with a knowing smirk.
"Do you really think she wants to see me? That had to have been embarrassing." Cass signed at her in confusion, but Steph just turned her and gave her a push towards the balcony. Cass still wasn't certain it was a good idea, but Steph had a better understanding of such emotions, so she went. She found the other woman leaning over the balcony, muttering into her crossed arms. "Are you okay?" She spoke in English even though they'd been talking in French before hoping she understood since they were in London. She could understand French well enough, but speaking it was trickier.
"I'm fine." She said it in English, barely audible. When she looked up Cass watched her go through a variety of emotions. First was exhaustion, then confusion, recognition, embarrassment, and ending with horror. "Oh dear Kwami, I can't believe I sexually assaulted a complete stranger. I am so sorry!"
"It's okay." Cass hadn't thought of it that way, but she supposed it was technically true.
"It's not okay! It's the complete opposite of okay. I can't believe I did that. I'm such a terrible person. I understand if you want to call the authorities. Or I can do something to make it up to you. I'm a fashion designer, not that you need new or better clothes, you look amazing in that dress, but if you wanted something, or I can tailor some things if you need it. Nothing will make up for-" The woman wasn't stopping to breathe and Cass had been trying to get her attention, but ended up latching onto her forearms to get her to stop. The guilt in the woman's eyes was painful to watch.
"I'm Cass." It wasn't what she really wanted to say, but it did stop her, well for a second anyway. Then she looked embarrassed.
"Oh, I'm Marinette. Marinette Dupain-Cheng." She started going through her handbag and pulled out a business card. She wrote on the back before handing it over. "That's my work phone on the front. I put my real name on the back and my personal phone number so you can get a hold of me for whatever you decide. I really am sorry." Cass frowned at the card for a moment. "Is something wrong?"
"You're the designer for Foundational Fashions?" She couldn't help her surprise. It was an innovative brand that Jason had actually introduced her to.
"Oh, um, yes, but I'd appreciate it if you would keep that to yourself. I try to stay below the radar."
"I know." That got a confused blink. "My brother and I have been trying to find a way to commission you for a couple of years."
"Then I can make you something, both of you, to apologize." She sounded almost excited at the idea, and Cass had to force herself not to frown. No way was this worth whatever her prices were.
"I wouldn't feel right not paying you. Just getting a slot for a commission is more than enough." The woman's expression fell and Cass would blame that for what happened next. She really didn't like seeing her unhappy. "There is something else."
"Of course. Anything."
"Let me kiss you at midnight."
"Sure, no problem... wait what?" Cass looked for any sign she'd made Marinette uncomfortable, but all she saw was confusion. "After what I did, why..." She didn't seem to be able to finish the thought. "I mean, I'm sure there are plenty of people who would love to... why would you pick me?"
She seemed genuinely confused, and Cass didn't really know how to respond. The longer she stayed silent, the more Marinette drew in on herself and she had no idea why. She didn't seem to object to the actual kissing part though, so Cass felt a bit less creepy about asking.
"I don't want to kiss anyone else." Marinette's cheeks turned bright red and Cass was worried she'd said the wrong thing. "Earlier I felt... I would like to try it again." It was times like this she wished she was better with words. When she looked back at Marinette, the woman was studying her. She seems less embarrassed and more thoughtful.
"There's still half an hour until midnight. Why don't we sit and talk? Maybe start on you commissions."
————————————————--
Cass looked relieved at the suggestion, and Mari realized she wasn't the only one floundering. She still couldn't believe she'd done something so stupid and could only be glad that Cass didn't want her arrested. Once they were settled at the table that happened to be on the balcony, Mari wasn't certain where to start.
"So, what are your hobbies?" That was a good starting place, right?
"Ballet, and I do martial arts."
"Well, that certainly explains the physique." Yes Mari, let's be even more creepy. She absolutely should not be flirting.
"What explains yours?" She could practically feel Cass' eyes running down her figure. Okay, maybe she should be flirting.
"I grew up in a bakery. When it comes in bulk, everything is heavy. And once I got into design, bolts of fabric aren't light either. Then, Hawkmoth showed up, and I ended up in self-defence and parkour classes with a lot of my friends. Nothing anywhere near as structured as what you've done, though." And the whole superhero thing, but that was definitely not a conversation for a first... whatever this was.
"What happened to him?" Marinette fought not to wince. That was the million dollar question that only she knew the answer to. It was an extremely messy take down, and she'd had to wipe the memories of everyone involved. Including Adrien because of how badly he'd reacted to finding out Gabriel was Hawkmoth.
"All we know is that Ladybug said he'd been taken care of and she and Chat were retiring. Most people were just grateful it was over, to be honest." Granted, that attitude was helped along by the fact that no one could find her to question the official story. "Where are you from? Your accent sounds American."
"I live in Gotham." Cass' tone was odd but Mari couldn't place why.
"Oh, then you're used to worse. At least most of the damage Hawkmoth did could be reversed. The emotional toll was bad enough, but I can't even imagine constantly being afraid that anyone around you could end up dead in the next attack." Cass gave a hum, and Mari was worried she'd offended her.
"It is... difficult." Mari noticed Cass moving her hands as she spoke and realized she'd been doing it since they started talking. "I think most people have developed a sense of apathy, or maybe just put on blinders to the danger until it actually happens, since there's not much they can do if one of the major rogues decides to attack. At the same time, more and more people and organizations are coming together to try and help each other. It is still hopeful, and Gothamites are stubborn."
"Yes, people seem to be able to get used to just about anything if they have to." Humans were extremely adaptable, and that wasn't always a good thing. "Oh! You're signing, aren't you?" Mari hadn't meant to say that out loud and given the embarrassed look on Cass' face, she shouldn't have. "Sorry, I just noticed the movements."
"It's how I first learned to communicate. My childhood was... unorthodox." Given her tone, Mari had a feeling that was an understatement. "I can stop if you-"
"No! I mean it's fine. I wasn't trying to make you uncomfortable." Mari really, really wished she could stop making an idiot of herself in front of the woman. She'd like to blame the sleep deprivation from her per Christmas dash to get everything done, but this was just how she was. She always turned into a disaster around pretty people. It's why she was so nervous around Adrien originally, because he had always been extremely pretty. Other people had called him handsome, but his features had always been too delicate for that. It took Mari three years to understand why she thought she liked him. And wasn't that a fun week long mental breakdown?
"It's fine. Some people just seem to think I'm trash talking them instead of going through the motions to help find the right words." Mari could only blink at her for a moment.
"I feel like those are the same people who are constantly trash talking people in their head and projecting that on to you." Cass let out an amused snort.
"Probably." They settled into a comfortable silence. It was nice, if Mari was being honest. Too many people she knew felt like they had to fill the silence, even when they had nothing to say. As the minutes ticked by though, she started to get nervous. Cass obviously noticed.
"We don't have to, if you don't want to." Mari started at her voice. God, she needed to not be so high strung.
"It's not that... honestly, this whole thing is just a bit bizarre. It would have made more sense for you to have slapped me. I'm just... trying to make sense of things." Mainly because, in her personal life, she wasn't this lucky. Then again, Cass was from America, so this probably wouldn't lead anywhere. And that thought made her realize that so far, she did want this to go somewhere. Great.
"I don't think there's a lot of people here that would slap a beautiful woman for kissing them." Mari felt like her face was on fire. This woman, her seriously could be a model, thought she was beautiful? Yep, crush officially formed. Shit.
"That still doesn't excuse my bad behavior. I shouldn't have taken out my frustration with Alya on other people. My being pissed off that she never actually listens to me is no reason to do what I did."
"I don't know. She seemed to get the message." Mari just sighed.
"Maybe. That or I'll be getting an extremely long lecture about embarrassing her tomorrow." Probably the second. Might be a good idea to find somewhere else to crash after the party. And figure out when Alya was set to leave London so she could avoid her until then. She loved her, but she was beyond sick of the whole Adrien thing.
"She should stop talking and start listening." Mari let out a giggle.
"Can't say I disagree, but I don't see it happening. Alya's extremely stubborn about certain things."
"If you're not willing to make excuses for your bad behavior, you shouldn't make them for hers, either." Mari blinked at her before letting out a huff.
"In theory that's true. But I can't control her actions, only mine." Cass let out another hum. Before she could say anything, people inside started counting down.
10
Oh dear Kwami, this was really happening, wasn't it?
9
Maybe it was a trick. Cass' way of getting back at her for what she did.
8
No. The way she was looking at Mari... she was actually going to do this.
7
Come on, Mari. It's just a kiss.
6
A kiss from someone with the softest lips she'd ever felt, but just a kiss.
5
Okay. Her heart felt like it was about to explode. She might actually pass out.
4
No. She is not going to create another scene tonight. She just needed to breath.
3
When did Cass get so close?
2
What if she was disappointed in the kiss? Mari was pretty confident in her abilities, but she had no idea what kind of experience Cass had.
1
What if she wasn't disappointed? What were they going to do then?
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Cass closed the distance, and Mari just closed her eyes. Yep, definitely the softest lips ever. She was going to have to ask how she managed that. When Cass deepened the kiss, Mari's brain completely short-circuited. This. This is what home was supposed to feel like. She was so screwed.
When Cass pulled back, it took her a minute to remember to breathe. When she finally opened her eyes, she was on the receiving end of the softest look she'd ever seen. Suddenly, Gotham was looking like a better idea. Surely she could do some good there. She forgot how to breathe again when Cass cupped her cheek and ran her thumb over Mari's bottom lip.
"Happy New Year." The words were as soft as her look and Mari, for once, thought that for once, it actually was a good start to what was looking to be the best year she'd had in a long time. Even if it hadn't been her plan.
83 notes
·
View notes
Text
Soulmate Au
*Damian and the rest of the family getting interviewed outside of a restaurants grand opening or something when Damian cuts off in the middle of his sentence to stare past the crowd.*
*Makes eye contact with Marinette, who is walking down the street across from him with her friends. She is so distracted staring at him that she runs face first into a pole. Immediately gets embarrassed, covers her face with one hand and grabs her friend with the other and starts running*
Damian, with a small, barely noticeable smile: I can't believe I'm going to marry her
Dick: You don't- have to...?
Damian, starting to follow after her: Too late, I've already decided that I'm going to ask her to marry me, at some point at least
Jason, calling after Damian: You literally know nothing about her
Damian, getting further away: I don't mind spending the rest of my life learning!
Steph: So... are we going after him or...?
*Everyone breaks into a sprint after him while the paparazzi recover from whiplash*
771 notes
·
View notes
Text
I Could be a Better Boyfriend (sing-fic)
This is for Maribat Pride June 2023. It was suppose to be posted yesterday.
THEME: I have a thing for blondes
Marinette looked around the gala and sighed. It had been three year since she moved to Gotham and she still wasn't a fan of the galas in Gotham. Jagged Stone always gave her his tickets, anyways.
'Why turn them down when you live there, Cupcake? Show off you designs. Be proud!'
She knew he was just trying to help her out. Both him and Penny were trying to convince her to open up her deisgns and go public. After Paris, she didn’t want anyone trying to claim anything about her. She had been hurt too many times before. It didn't matter that everyone now knew the truth. She had been too damaged to go back. She preferred animosity; Jagged and Penny gave that to her.
Marinette sighed as she dropped onto her bed. She wasn't sure why she was so upset. She had seen Stephanie's boyfriend sneak out of the gala, several times over the last couple months. Sometimes, Stephanie would leave instead. Mari couldn’t help but wonder if their relationship wasn't as great as it appeared. Stephanie Brown would just smile when people asked where the CEO had gone and said he had to step out or something urgent came up.
It hurt to see her alone. She had spoken to her before about fashion and sweets. Marinette hoped one day she'd be able to call Steph a friend. They had spoken briefly a couple times before about fashion and sweets. She laughed when she learned she had a giant sweet tooth. She knew her parents would have loved her.
Marinette closed her eyes when an image of Luka came to her mind. It had been awhile since she thought of him, of Paris.
'Marinette, I know you don't want to say anything, but maybe you should at least write it down. You might not notice something right away, but you will be able to look back and see changes. Feelings change; it's normal. You might even notice something new or something you never even imagined possible.'
Marinette sipped her drink as she watched Stephanie and Tim Drake argue silently again. It seemed like the blonde was trying to get him to stop from leaving, but he broke free and left anyways. Marinette shook her head and turned at a compliment about her dress. She still wasn't ready for the world to know her identity. She would just smile and say her uncle's designer made it for her.
Once home, Marinette opened her notebook and began to write her feelings down. Many people had complimented her latest design. It was rewarding to hear so many compliments about her designs. What stuck out the most to her that night was Stephanie again. She hated feeling angry. I quick shower was the best way to wash away the anger.
Once she was out of the shower, she picked her notebook back up and read through it: I can't believe Stephanie is still dating Tim Drake. She doesn't seem like the kind to stay with someone for money. She should leave him! Stephanie deserves someone better than him. Who cares if he's a CEO?
Marinette frowned at her thoughts. She turned the pages back and began to read from the start. She had a year woth of notes. When Marinette had started this, she thought it would be a notebook full of abuse. She would show it to Steph and tell her how much better she was without Tim. That wasn't what she was reading.
Mari blushed as she read page after page, further cementing her thoughts. When she reached the page she had written that night, she turned the page and picked up a pen. Mari closed her eyes and quickly wrote down her feelings. She opened her eyes and saw it staring back at her.
'I haven't been upset. I've been jealous! Thanks, Luka.'
Marinette walked into the studio and looked around. She hoped to speak to Jagged about something.
"Hey, Cupcake." Jagged called out, "You usually don't show up in person, unless it's for a fitting. What's up?"
Marinette blushed and admitted, "I….I wrote a song."
"You did?" Jagged asked, standing up excited.
"It's probably not very good, but-" she began to say.
"Can I see it?" he questioned.
Marinette opened her bookbag and held out her notebook. Jagged looked over the lyrics, curiously and smiled.
"Think we can put a beat to it in the studio?" the rock star asked, "Would you be able to sing it?"
"Actually I wanted you to sing it." Marinette declared, blushing, "Not-It does not have to be released. I-I was thinking about giving it to someone."
"I have to hear you sing this." Jagged stated, "Please!"
I can't believe we're finally alone
I can't believe I almost went home
What are the chances? Everyone's dancing
And he's not with you
The universe must have divined this
What am I gonna do? Not grab your wrist?
I could be a better boyfriend than him
I could do the shit that he never did
Up all night, I won't quit
Thinking I'm gonna steal you from him
I could be such a gentleman
Plus all my clothes would fit
"You sound wonderful, Cupcake!" the rock star announced.
"So, you'll sing it?" Marinette questioned, happily.
"No." he answered.
"What?" his designer asked.
"This is your song." Jagged declared, "You have to sing it."
"But I can't!" Mari replied, "I-"
Jagged pressed a button and let Marinette's voice flow over them.
"Cupcake, I can't give this song the emotions youre singing." he stated, calmly.
Marinette sat as she listened to her own voice.
"It could be a single?" Jagged spoke.
"But it's personal." she whispered.
"Most songs are. Musicians write about what inspires us. It's not always happy feelings, either. We write and sing so that people know they're not alone. Why else would there be so many break up songs?" the rock star spoke, "I'm sure there are other people who are feeling the way you are right now. No one has to know it's you. We can think of a rock and roll name. Anytime you think of songs and you decide to sing it, we can put it under that name."
Marinette tilted her head as she thought about her options. Jagged refused to sing it for her, but gave her the option to record it. Instead of personally handing her the song, it could be something they talked about in passing. She would never know it was her voice she was listening to. Animosity wasn't something new to her. No one knew she was Jagged Stone's personal designer. Besides, she usually only sang in the shower. No one hear her singing in passing.
"Okay." Mari sighed, "On two conditions. We create another alias; not my designer name."
"Not a problem." Jagged smiled, "What's the second?"
"No one but the recording studio knows who I am. Not even Luka or Juleka." she declared.
"What?" he asked, shocked, "But-"
"Not a word." Marinette pleaded, "I don't wanna be up on stage or end up doing duets. Nothing like that."
"Deal." he smiled.
It had been almost six months since the last gala when she walked back through those double doors. Almost instantly, she was able to spot Stephanie. She was alone again. Marinette took a deep breath and made her way over.
I could be a better boyfriend
I don't need to tell you twice
All the ways he can't suffice
If I could give you some advice
I would leave with me tonight
The universe must have divined this, mmm, mmm
Ladies first, baby, I insist
Marinette quickly noticed that Stephanie seemed shocked by her presence.
'Oh, God. Maybe she didn't want to talk to me. Maybe she was avoiding me. I look fine, right?'
She had worn a sweetheart, strapless lavender dress with a cape. Marinette had worked her hair into a bun and curled the loose hairs. Before Marinette could ask the blonde if she was okay, Tim appeared in front of them with a smile. The designer smiled back, but Tim and Steph quickly recognized it as the fake 'Brucie' smile.
Tim cleared his throat, "I don't think we've ever met before." and held out his hand.
Marinette kept her hand at her sides.
"No." she responded, "You usually run off, at some point in the middle of these things, over the last few years."
Tim paled. He never expected someone to notice him leaving to change into Red Robin.
I could be a better boyfriend than him
I could do the shit that he never did
Up all night, I won't quit
Thinking I'm gonna steal you from him
I could be such a gentleman
Plus all my clothes would fit
I could be a better boyfriend than him
I could be a better boyfriend
"Ha-Have you met Steph before?" Tim questioned, nervously.
Stephanie smiles, "A few times, actually, but you know how these things are. We barely get to say hi or hear a speech before anyone can introduce themselves."
Tim nodded, "So, are you learning the ropes to take over the family business?"
"I left the family business a long time ago." Marinette stated, "I'm here for my own business."
"You're own business?" Stephanie asked.
"Yes." The designer answered.
Tim began to panic. He couldn't remember inviting someone influential around his age. Obviously, she was because she had been here multiple times.
'Who is she?'
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed his blonde counterpart bobbing her head.
"Are you to that song again?" He asked.
"What song?" Mari questioned.
The blonde looked around and popped an earbud out from behind her ear. She handed it to the designer. Marinette placed it in her ear.
'It's my song!'
I never would have left you alone
Here on your own glued to your phone
Never would have left you alone
For someone else to take you home
I could be a better boyfriend than him
I could do the shit that he never did
Up all night, I won't quit
I'm gonna steal you from him
I could be such a gentleman
Plus you know my clothes would fit
Marinette blushed as she watched Stephanie smile.
"Steph is obsessed with the song." Tim commented.
"It's amazing!" Stephanie declared, "I probably would have broken up him sooner if any girl had walked up to me and told me this."
Tim rolled his eyes, "It was a mutual break up."
"You-You're not together?" Marinette questioned.
"Nope." the blonde answered, "We're exes."
"Who are weirdly….adopted siblings or I guess you could say we fit better as siblings?" Tim tried to explain better, "Bruce has weird adoption habits."
Steph smirked and asked jokingly, "You wouldn't happen to have a tragic past or were possibly orphaned, were you?"
"Oh!" Marinette replied, shocked, "Um, bullied and emancipated. My parents bought my bullies bullshit."
Tim and Stephanie froze, before the side-eyed each other.
'Blue eyes. Black hair. Tragic past. She fits the Wayne bill, alright.'
Marinette giggled, "Don't worry. I've already been unofficially adopted by someone else. I'd like to see Bruce Wayne fight him, though."
"Fight who?" Bruce questioned, emerging from nowhere.
"Bruce!" his kids called him, shocked.
'They seem on edge.'
Bruce looked to the girl across from them. He had seen her at a couple galas, but could never place her.
'What did she do?'
"There ya are, Cupcake!" a voice cried.
"Jagged Stone!" Stephanie and Tim shouted.
"Uncle Jagged!" the girl cried as she hugged the rock legend.
"Bruce, this is my designer and neice." Jagged stated, "I've been giving her my tickets for the last couple ears since she lives in the city. M is an amazing bundle of talent and full of surprises."
"Wait!" Tim spoke, "You're a designer?"
Mari nodded.
Steph gasped, "Are you MDC?"
Marinette blushed and nodded.
"Can you design for me?" Tim asked.
"No, me!" Stephanie exclaimed.
"I asked her first!" Tim growled.
"She knows me better!" Steph declared.
Off to the side, Bruce and Marinette hid their embarrassment, while Jagged just laughed.
"Sorry, Stephanie, but you need to learn how to treat a lady." Tim spoke, putting his arm around Marinette's waist.
Marinette quickly grabbed Tim's arm, rotated it and threw him to the ground.
"I find it's better to keep a man on his toes." the designer declared.
Tim wavered under her glare. Bruce looked between them.
'Okay. Something definetly happened between these two. Is she one of Tim's exes?'
Mari shifted her attention back to the blonde, "I'd love to create something for you."
Stephanie quickly hugged her. Marinette quickly pushed her away and backed up towards Jagged Stone.
"Oh, um-" arinette began to mumble.
Jagged placed his hands on her shoulders, "Why don't you both go to the dance floor? Inspire yourselves."
Marinette slowly held out her hand for the blonde female to take. Stephanie smiled and took her hand, leading them both to the dance floor.
"Jagged?" Bruce questioned.
"Sorry about that, Mate." the musician spoke, "She isn't use to physical contact anymore. Cupcake can take care of herself, as your son found out."
Tim dusted off his clothes, as he looked at the girls questionably. He still knew nothing about MDC. He still didn’t have a name. Jagged called her Cupcake or M. He knew she was emancipated so her name could be completely different from what it once was, for all he knew.
Stephanie cautiously grabbed Marinette's waist as the reached the dance floor. Marinette tensed slightly, but forced herself to relax. Marinette took a step forward and began the dance.
"You know, I thought you and Tim were still dating." Marinette admitted.
Stephanie smiled, "We broke up about a year ago."
"Oh." Mari spoke, "It was…mutual; I think he said?"
"Yeah." the blonde stated, "We sorta mutually decided we wanted to explore the same sex, with out each other."
"Huh?" the designer asked, not understanding.
Steph giggled, "I was checking out girls and he was checking out guys."
"Oh!" Marinette spoke.
"Tim's dating a red head, who thinks one of his older brothers is secretly Nightwing because of the whole 'The Butts Match' theory." Stephanie explained.
Marinette laughed, "Oh, no!"
"We can see Tim loves him." the blonde smiled.
"That's sweet." Mari smiled, softly.
"I hope that doesn't make this weird?" Steph suddenly questioned.
"Weird?" the designer asked, "What is weird?"
"Us dancing." Stephanie whispered.
"N-No!" Marinette blushed, "I-I'm actually in the same boat…..actually."
"Really?" Stephanie asked in shock.
"It was a recent discovery." Mari admitted, "I know I've had crushes on guys in the past and-"
"You realized you might not be into just guys?" Steph finished.
Marinette nodded in embarrassment, "It took me months to realize how I felt."
The two left the unspoken words hang in the air as they continued to sway to the music. Stephanie recognized the familiar tune to her new favorite song, as the tune began to play in the Raycons. Before she could hum along, she heard the song louder than ever. The blonde looked up to see her dance partner's lips repeat the lyrics.
I could be a better boyfriend than him
I could do the shit that he never did
Up all night, I won't quit
Thinking I'm gonna steal you from him
I could be such a gentleman
Plus all my clothes would fit
Stephanie moved on auto-pilot, but she could feel her cheeks were burning hot.
'The cute girl who kept talking to me- I can't believe it; she's the singer to my favorite song! I wonder if I can convince her to meet up and have lunch with me. She looks adorable tonight! She's even wearing my favorite color! She likes girls, too. I might have a chance…if only I knew her name!'
Marinette pulled away from Stephanie when someone cleared their throat loudly. She turned and glared, only to spot Jagged looking sheepish.
"Penny has an issue with Fang." he spoke.
Marinette sighed, "He got into the closet again, didn't he?"
"F-Fang?" Steph questioned, still reeling over Marinette's identity.
"Uncle Jagged's pet crocodile." Mari answered.
"Sorry, Cupcake." Jagged apologized.
"It was nice to see you again, Stephanie." Marinette declared and handed her back her Raycon, "I'm sure I'll see you at another gala. I…have to go wrangle a crocodile and save what is left of my deisgns."
Stephanie stood on the middle of the dance floor. She watched as people quickly stepped out of her way with Jagged Stone, apologizing. She didn't even notice Tim approach her.
"What's got you all twisted?" he asked, causing her to break contact.
"New crush on the designer." she whispered, looking back to where she had left.
"Already?" Tim questioned.
Stephanie nodded.
"Well, that should stop Bruce from adopting her." he chuckled.
"Sooooo?" Jagged teased, as Marinette looked over her design book, "You have a thing for blondes?"
Marinette could feel her cheeks heat up, but kept her eyes focused on her sketches.
"I don't know, yet." she replied.
"Does she have green eyes?" he questioned.
"Blue." Mari answered.
"The song was for her, wasn't it?" Jagged asked.
Marinette merely nodded.
"Think you have a chance with this one?" he prodded.
"Yes." Marinette answered with a smile, "She liked my song."
Jagged merely smiled as his designer continued to focus on her designs.
TAG LIST: @animeweebgirl @a-star-with-a-human-name @meme991001 @vixen-uchiha @abrx2002 @alysrose-starchild @fandom-trapped-03 @dood-space @moonlightstar64 @saltymiraculer @marveldcedits20 @09shell-sea09 @icerosecrystal @animegirlweeb @insane-fangirl-of-everything @blueblossombliss @nickristus-dreamer @megawhitleycalderonpaganus @missmadwoman @meira-3919 @princessdaisysolosyourfaves @blep-23 @fangirlingfanatic @darkhinauniverse @ravenr22 @im-a-satanic-ritual @ravennm84 @bianca-hooks123 @a-slytherinish-gryffindor @starling218 @maribat-calendar-events
#maribat#marinette dupain cheng#stephanie brown#stephinette#pride month#bi pride#have a thing for blondes#tim drake#oblivious marinette#blind marinette#jealous marinette#designer mdc#jagged stone#uncle jagged#emancipated marinette#maribat pride#maribat pride month#pride 2023#mlb x dc#mochinek0
170 notes
·
View notes
Text
MDC Commissions: The Ghost King
(A series of one shots where Marinette has some extremely unusual clients. What could possible go wrong? ao3)
When Marinette moved to Gotham after retiring as Ladybug, she had expected craziness and chaos. And living with her biological father and his family, had made her believe that she had seen everything. For example, when she sat down to breakfast that morning she had been fully prepared to see Damian and Jason engaged in a rubber band war over the head of a slumped Tim, who couldn't decide if he was awake or asleep. She didn't flinch to see Dick balancing six trays of breakfast food, while Alfred followed him with barely concealed panic. She didn't even raise an eyebrow when Bruce came in with bag under his eyes, and switched Tim's coffee with his own empty mug. Barbara rolling in arguing about the probability of aliens owning all of the bowling alleys with Duke was a completely casual conversation. And Steph filming everything while she cackled was just the cherry on top.
She sat down next to Cass (the only other kid who was quiet), as Dick precariously started setting down the trays, and Bruce called for his other two sons to sit down. They were getting a little violent, and he wasn't having much luck. It was only once the last tray was on the table, that everyone finally settled down to eat, but Marinette had a feeling that it was only a matter of time before Jason and Damian decided to start chucking food at each other. At which point, Dick would yell "Food Fight" and they'd all be required by sibling law to join in. However, Marinette was not prepared for what happened literally two seconds after everyone was seated.
Alfred had just set down the coffee pot, causing Tim to jerk awake, when a bright flash of light in the middle of the table had everyone leaping into a fighting stance. They stood silent as they watched the glowing ball of light drift lazily around the table and settle in front of her. She squinted as it flashed blindingly before dropping something on her plate with an audible "Thunk." Marinette blinked the stars out of her eyes and stared down at a thick, glowing green scroll. It was very official looking with a glowing green wax seal and a golden center.
Marinette stared at it in wonder, and took a long sip of her coffee. It was far to early for this.
"Uh Mari," Dick was the first to speak as they all stared at the scroll. "What's that?"
She looked up at him blank faced, "It's a scroll Dick."
"I know that but---" Dick scoffed but Steph interrupted him with an eager,
"What's it say?"
"I wouldn't open it Mars," Duke said hesitantly, "That green light around it is...well it's some powerful other worldly shit, I'll say that much."
"Hmm," Marinette hummed.
"Still," Barbara said, "We can't ignore it. What if it's Guardian business?"
"Has the Order ever contacted you this way before?" Bruce asked eyeing the thing like it was a bomb full of joker gass.
"Nope," Marinette said still not moving.
"We should destroy it," Damian said simply reaching for the sword he had stashed under the table.
"Bad idea," Cass said softly, "Important."
"But it could be a trap," Tim said lifting his mug and staring in confusion when he found it empty. "I can run some tests on it maybe."
"I'm with Demon," Jason said gruffly, "That thing is giving me the heebie jeebies."
"Did you just say heebie jeebies?" Stephanie said in confusion.
"Whatever it is I don't think you should touch it Mari," Bruce said.
"Seriously Jay?" Steph said, "Heebie Jeebies?"
"I agree with father," Damian said tensely, "This thing reeks of magic. Perhaps we should call a magic user."
"I can call Zatanna," Dick offered.
"Heebie jeebies?"
"Let it go Steph, this is serious!"
"But...heebie jeebies?"
The dinning room descended into utter chaos literally not even five minutes into their meal. Marinette sighed and took another sip of her coffee as her family yelled around her. She had been up all night helping Barbara with Oracle stuff and finishing up some designs for her company. And listening to her siblings fight over how to deal with ominous glowing scrolls that appeared during their breakfast was not how she wanted to start the morning. She opened her purse and Tikki flew out to look at the scroll, as Jason knocked over his chair about to launch at Steph. Tikki nodded as Dick moved to stop Jason from attacking Steph. This time Cass had taken over recording the insanity.
Everyone froze as Marinette picked up the scroll. But nothing happened. She didn't suddenly combust or summon hellfire upon them all, so she took that as a good sign and broke the seal. Immediately, her entire family began to panic and some even lunged to snatch the scroll away from her. Marinette leaped back keeping the scroll as far away from them as she could. She sent them a confused, disapproving look as if to say, "Back off it's my magic scroll get your own!" But she read the words out loud just the same.
"To the right honorable, MDC, from the court of his Majesty the Ruler of the Infinite Realms, The Ghost King, Guardian of the Eternal Souls, Protector of the Living World, The Sleepless One, The Halfa, Keeper of the Abyss, etc. Greetings.
His majesty humbly requests your services in the designing of his coronation attire for his ascension to the throne of the Deathless King. Should you accept this most honorable, and glorious commission, simply preform the included spell before the end of five days. Preferably between 4 and 5 o'clock central. Money is no object unless you wish some other form of Eternal payment. In which case, terms will have to be agreed upon in person. You will also be invited, along with a guest of your choosing, to witness this most monumental event within the Infinite Realms.
Kindest Regards,
The King's Advisor, Physician, and Head Scientist, and Leader of the Far Frozen
Frostbite. "
Marinette looked up at her family who were staring at her in awe. None of them quiet new how to take this, so for a moment there was complete silence. In her head Marinette began counting down, "Three...two...one." And the entire dinning room erupted into chaos. Marinette just sighed as she returned her attention to the commission. "What even is my life?" she muttered.
Marinette summoned the Ghost King in the private studio at her fashion house. She reserved this studio for her VIP commissions like Jagged, Clara, Diana, and her family. At that moment it was just her, Jason, and the kwamis, which was already causing chaos as half of the little gods flew around in an attempt to help without actually helping. Jason was making no attempt to corral them like he had promised to do, and instead decided to just stand and scowl as Marinette prepared the summoning circle exactly as it was depicted on the scroll. Marinette had just wanted it to be her and the kwamis, but her family all resolutely refused. Apparently, summoning an unknown, mythical, entity of unquestionable power by herself was not something they were comfortable with. So they compromised and decided that Jason was best suited to over see the meeting. After all, one of the titles was "the Ghost King" and Jason was a zombie...technically.
Still Marinette wasn't sure how well he would do in a fight. If it came to that, then the kwamis would be her best shot at protecting them. She wasn't sure how Jason's guns would do against something called, "The Keeper of the Abyss." Still she was glad he was here, in a way. "Alright!" she said standing, "It's ready!"
"Hmph," Jason grunted, "I don't like this, Pixie."
"Oh come on," Marinette said with a smile as she tried to hide her own terror, "Don't tell me you're not a little bit curious."
Jason shook his head and muttered something about not wanting to die again, which Marinette elected to ignore. Instead she began the chant and called upon the Ghost King, the Ruler of the Infinite Realms, The Bringer of the Frost, Guardian of the Eternal Souls, Protector of the Living World, The Sleepless One, The Halfa, Keeper of the Abyss, etc. " Man this guy has a lot of titles," she thought. The runes began to glow as the light began to melt upward into a swirling portal of ink and stars. The edges of the portal were wrapped in a shifting green cloud that reminded Marinette of the Lazarus Pit. "That's...probably...not a good sign," she thought but it was too late. Because a white hand emerged from the blackness and Marinette felt the magic in the room surge with the sudden pressure of power. She gasped, and her breath came our in a cloud as the hand was followed by a foot. The kwami gathered around her ready to fight, and Jason's hand flew to his gun. They all held their breath as the Ruler of the Infinite Realms emerged, in all of his power and glory.
"All I'm saying, Jazz, is that I don't see the point! I mean it's not like I'm going to be dressing like this while I'm king!" A teenage boy cried as he stepped casually from the portal.
"It's not about you, Danny!" said the tall, red haired woman who followed him into the studio, "It's about your subjects. They need to see that you're taking this seriously, so they know to take you seriously. By presenting yourself as a king before them, they will be more likely to trust you as their king."
"She's right Danny," said a goth goth girl, "You're entering the world of high ghostly society. In those circles image is everything whether your alive or dead. Ha, you're gonna love it!"
The boy, Danny, groaned into his hands, and then turned to face Marinette and Jason who were staring in quiet shock and confusion. "Hi!" He said stepping forward holding out his hand to shake, "I'm Danny Phantom, future King of the Infinite Realms, nice to meet ya!"
Marinette blue screened for a moment as she took in her client. This...was not what she was expecting. She had been fully prepared to meet some sort of strange eldritch animal/human/void type hybrid. Instead she got a teenage, human boy who couldn't have been older than 16. The only thing unusual about was his snow white hair, and glowing green eyes. She could work with this. So, Marinette smiled and shook his hand, "Marinette Dupain-Cheng-Wayne, MDC, the pleasure is all mine. And this is my brother, Jason Todd, he's going to be assisting us today!"
Danny looked over at Jason and gaped, "Dude!" he exclaimed, "You core is messed up! What happened to you?!"
"Danny!" the red head, Jazz exclaimed, "Be nice! I'm sorry," she said addressing Jason, "My brother might be one of the most powerful beings in the multiverse, but he's still a teenager and often forgets his manners. I'm Jazz by the way!" She held out her hand, and Jason numbly shook it as his eyes expressed that he was still trying to mentally process what was happening.
"And I'm Sam," the goth girl said stepping forward as the portal closed behind her, "I'm a big fan of your work, Miss. MDC. Your eco friendly punk spring collection was truly inspired!"
"Thank you," Marinette said with a smile, "And I see you're wearing some of it! I have to say, the way you've dressed up the vest is amazing, I never would have thought to match it with that color skirt!"
Sam blushed as she straighten the faux dark green leather vest. Jason then took the opportunity to speak up saying, "I hate to interrupt but...what's the story here?"
"Oh," Danny said as they all moved toward the couches that surrounded the circular stage, where the finished products would be touched up and fitted. "Well you see our parents," he gestured between himself and his sister, "are scientists who for some reason decided to study ghosts."
"We thought they were crazy!" Jazz exclaimed with a desperate laugh.
"They are crazy," Sam said, "Just turns our they were also right."
"They built a portal to what they called the Ghost Zone," Danny explained, "It's kind of like the afterlife in between afterlives. A realm between realms...sort of...it's complicated. And that's not really the point, the point is, they thought it didn't work. Until, Sam, Tucker and I were goofing off in the lab and there was an...'accident.'"
"And you died?!" Marinette asked in concerned.
"Yes, no, sorta kinda," Danny said casually, "I half died. I'm half dead. I'm half ghost."
"The technical term is Halfa," Jazz explained.
"Danny is alive," Sam said, "But at the same time, he's dead."
"Schrodinger's kid," Jason muttered, and Danny beamed.
"Yeah, you see! This guy gets it!" He exclaimed. "So anyway, now that the portal was open someone had to make sure that the ghosts didn't overwhelm the land of the living, and vise versa. And since I am both living and dead, I was the only one who could do it."
Marinette twisted one of her earrings with a glance at Tikki, who was shuffling the other kwamis out of sight since there was clearly no danger, "I get that."
She and Danny exchanged an understanding look, before he continued, "Yeah, well, one of those ghosts turned out to be the actual Ghost King who had gone all tyrant, and tried to disrupt the balance between life and death thus destroying both realms. I might have beaten him in single combat thus accidently becoming the next Ghost King."
"How do you accidently become the Ghost King?" Jason said incredulously.
"By beating the former monarch in single combat, I thought we just established that?" Danny said.
"Any way," Jazz said purposefully, "Danny was still in high school at the time, so he couldn't exactly claim the throne. And besides there was a lot about inter-death politics that he had to learn. So we had to hold off on the coronation until he was ready."
"And now here you are!" Marinette said brightly.
"Here we are!" Danny said in return. "Got to say though, randomly becoming the guardian of one of the cornerstones of all existence before all before my 18th birthday, not how I expected my life to turn out. But like you said 'here we are!'"
Marinette glanced at the kwami again and said softly, "Yeah, I get that to."
Danny cocked his head at her, as his glowing green eyes met her piercing blue one. He nodded and said, "Alright then, let's get started shall we. I'm trusting you, Blue eyes!"
Jason scowled at the nickname, but Marinette chuckled and retrieved her tape measure, but stopped as she took in his outfit. It looked like a black and white, rubber hazmat suit that was custom made to fit him. It wasn't the worst thing she had ever seen, and the flaming D, she guessed was a nice touch, but it the girls were right. It didn't scream "King of the Infinite Realms." But it raised a pressing question for her.
"So how do your clothes work?"
"Uh...well...let's see," Danny said as he looked down at his outfit. "Well I suppose I should explain how ghosts work. You see all of this," he gestured to his face and limbs with exaggerated motions, "Is basically all ectoplasm, energy, and magic shaped by the self image of my psyche. So I can shift it to change based on my self image, and that includes my clothes, if I focus. The thing holding it all together is my core." He tapped is chest where his heart should have been. "Basically it's like a...vessel? Yeah, a vessel for my psyche, or spirit, or soul, whatever word you want to use."
"So do you want me to just draw you an outfit, and then you can shift your clothes into that. It might be easier."
"Nuh-uh," Sam said, "That wont work. He can shapeshift, but it's not his specialty. He always shifts back within thirty minutes or sometimes less."
Jazz nodded, "The best thing would be to make him an outfit for his human form, and then he can shift to match that. We can even infuse the fabrics with some of his ectoplasm, so it will be easier for his psyche to recognize it as a part of him."
Marinette froze at the phrasing, and suddenly why Danny was so hesitant to change his ghostly look. His clothes were a part of his self image. This was how his spirit perceived his existence. Marinette began studying hit clothes a lot more closely. Any thing she did could alter his self image for all of eternity, if she wasn't careful. Marinette took a deep breath. This was probably going to end up being the most important piece of her career. "Ok," she said allowing her voice to communicate to Danny just how serious she was taking this commission. "I think I understand. In that case, I'm going to need measurements of both your human form, and your ghost form. If there are any discrepancies, I'm going to need to know now."
Danny smiled softly at her. "Ok." And there was no more arguing or complaining, as he stood patiently while she took his measurements, first in his ghost form, and then in his human form. Jason was writing down the numbers diligently. Almost too diligently, but Marinette understood his silence when he said,
"So this core thing...you said I had one but there was something wrong with it."
"Hmm," Danny said, "Oh yeah. Did you die and get resurrected or something?" Jason nodded silently, completely engrossed in the notepad. "Well, whoever did it did an awful job!"
"Danny!" Jazz exclaimed.
"What? It's true!"
"But that's not how you say it. I am so sorry Jason, my brother can be a little insensitive."
"No it's ok," Jason said, "I'd rather have it blunt and honest, than sugar coated. So what's wrong with me?"
"Nothing's wrong with you per se," Danny mused after a moment of studying Jason. "So obviously you died. And the circumstances were just right so that instead of going to one of the 'afterlives' you went to the space between, the Infinite Realms. Which is probably why you don't remember what happened in between your two lives. Am I right?"
"You'd know better than me," Jason laughed dryly. 'Like you said I don't remember."
"Probably for the best. But anyway," Danny continued, "When you were resurrected, it was done very badly, because you're core is warped. Don't worry it's still intact, so your spirit's safe. But the warped core combined with the corrupted ectoplasm running through your veins! Yeesh! Frankly I'm surprised you're not frothing at the mouth, homicidal maniac right now. Cause that amount of contamination is not good for you mental stability."
The siblings froze and exchanged desperate, almost hopeful looks. "The pit madness," Marinette whispered.
"I get...angry sometimes," Jason explained. "I see green, and then red, and then I...I hurt people."
The girls looked at him with pity, but Danny just nodded with understanding. "Makes sense," was all he said, but Marinette could instantly see the relief of those words wash over Jason's whole being. She knew how much he fought, how much he struggled with his sanity. They tried to help, but pit madness wasn't like normal mental illnesses. It was steeped in ancient magic and the forces of nature them selves. In the end the only advice any of the could logistically give Jason was to fight it. Therapy could give him tools, but when push came to shove none of them understood what it was like.
And to have someone, anyone, say that it made sense. That his reactions to the corruption inside him were not strange, abnormal or grotesque. To have his actions fit inside the bounds of an expected response, a symptom of something that could be categorized...Marinette could not imagine the relief Jason must have been feeling. But it whatever his emotions were they all seemed to be summed up in his next chocked out words, “Is…is there a cure.”
“Yeah, of course there is!” Danny said with his cheerful casualness, that broke all of Jason’s carefully crafted walls. “I can schedule an appointment for you with Frostbite. He’s done some incredible research into the development of Ghost cores. Once, he filters that ectoplasm in your blood stream, it shouldn’t be too difficult to get your core back to it’s proper shape. You’ll have to spend a few days in the Ghost Zone, a week at most. But then your core will start filtering and shaping the ectoplasm on it’s own…think of it as a liver transplant, but with magic and shit.”
“Wow,” Jason breathed. “I…uh…ha…I.t…thank you!”
Danny smiled, “Eh, what are kings for. I mean you are technically one of my subjects.”
“I’m sorry,” Jason said still smiling.
Danny grinned. “When you die, again, you’ll go to the Ghost Zone. My zone. You’re stuck with me buddy!”
Jason threw back his head with a clear bright laugh that was all too rare in Marinette’s opinion. And hearing it now as it rang with hope and joy, only made Marinette’s smile brighter and fuller. They continued to talk about what it would take to get Jason to the Ghost Zone for his “core transplant” as Danny was now calling it. And Marinette was slowly getting a clearer picture of what she was going to make for the young king.
When she finished her measurements and pulled out her note book to start some rough sketches, she turned back to Danny and said, “Ok so we can talk about what you don’t want once I have some ideas mapped out. But first I want to know if there is anything that you do want. A favorite color, a piece of jewelry, a type of belt, anything like that?”
“Your symbol,” Sam said immediately. “You need to have your symbol.”
“I think you should keep your usual color scheme,” Jazz said calmly, “It’s like your signature.”
“Danny?” Marinette asked pointedly.
He thought for a moment and the grinned saying, “Can I get a cape?”
The girls rolled their eyes, and Jason put his head in his hand. But Marinette just beamed and said, “I’ll see what I can do.”
(Who should Marinette design for next?! Comment your requests)
#maribat#marinette dupen chang#mdc au#mlb x dc#dc x mlb#dp x dc#dp x dc x mlb#fanfiction#miraculous ladybug#batfam#jason todd#danny phantom#ghost king danny#oneshot#bio dad bruce wayne
417 notes
·
View notes
Text
Damian: How do I ask Marinette to go to Prom with me?
Dick: oh Dami...Just give her some Roses and tell her how much you'd like to go with her.
Tim: No give her a bag of M&Ms and tell her that it'd be sweet if she'd go to Prom with you.
Steph: Lol no. You should Toilet paper her bike and say "It would wipe me out if you went to the Prom with me"
Jason: Nah boring. Pour a heart shape on her lawn with gasoline and light it on fire and say "My heart would go up in flames if you'd go to Prom with me".
A few days later...
Alfred, Bruce, the boys minus Damian and the girls in the living room:
Marinette: *bursts through the door* ALRIGHT WHICH OF YOU ASSHOLES TOLD DAMIAN TO SET MY LAWN ON FIRE-
#dc x miraculous#maribat#marinette x batfam#miraculous x dc#miraculoustalesofladybugandcatnoir#daminette#damian wayne#marinette dupain cheng#an idiot said this#precious dorks#protect him at all costs
755 notes
·
View notes
Text
Made You Look
Marinette could proudly say she managed to stumble into the manor’s breakfast room without bumping into any walls on her journey. Just barely. There were several close calls, several stunted stops just before collision, but the important point is that there were no actual collisions along the long path from the bedroom wing. Even at that ungodly hour of the morning, she was deft enough to avoid large, sedentary objects, a feat she often had issues with when she was fully awake.
She rubbed her arms vigorously, or as vigorously as she could manage so early. Her tank top and sleep shorts were perfect for her apartment with a terrible AC that barely managed to keep the heat of the day away, but was nowhere near enough for the mansion. She definitely should have prepared better. She was going to have to keep a few warmer changes of clothing in the manor for her sporadic sleepovers after long missions. None of which helped her at that particular moment she grumbled to herself as she rubbed her arms harder before pushing her hair, still total disarray from sleep, out of her eyes.
She searched around for any evidence of something to wake her up; breakfast, tea, coffee, so focused on her mission, she missed Jason sauntering into the room and tripping on the rug as his eyes fell upon her. He snickered and moved further into the room had to fumble to keep the coffee in his cup from spilling over the sides. He stared at her for a few long seconds, letting his gaze take in her movements and atrocious bed head before he grinned at her. “Morning, Pixie.” ven before continuing. “You look like a disgruntled kitten who got their fur brushed the wrong way.”
She glowered at him; the sharpness of her normally cutting glare dulled from exhaustion. “At least you’re looking,” she finally yawned with a shrug as she collapsed into a seat at the table. The empty table. It was official, they were awake even before Alfred. It truly was a cursed hour.
“You’re pretty hard to miss,” he admitted a bit too quietly for her to hear. “Come on, Pixie! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and we get to screw over a rich asshole who’s hurting kids tonight. It’s a great day.”
She stared at him incredulously, her eyes finally focusing just to allow it. “Who on Earth pictured you as a morning person. How did that happen? What is wrong with you? You’re supposed to be a creature of the night. Night. Look at that,” she motioned toward the light streaming in through the open windows on the other side of the room. “It’s not night, you abomination of nature,” she snapped before dropping her head onto her folded arms on the table.
He snorted and grinned at her scowl with a shake of his head as he removed his hoodie. “You’re just moody because it’s drafty as fuck in here. You spend the night at the manor, you gotta come prepared.” He dropped his hoodie around her shoulders and messed up her hair further before retrieving his coffee. She opened her mouth but before she could get out the scathing reaming he deserved, he presented the coffee immediately in front of her face. “And you need caffeine.”
She stared at the cup for a moment as if uncertain it was real. She looked between it and him a few times to make sure she was reading the situation correctly and it wasn’t just her hopes making her think he was giving it to her. She grabbed it before he changed his mind, wrapping both hands around it and inhaling the scent. “You are a miracle. The gods’ gift to mankind.”
“Or pixiekind at least,” he chuckled.
She took a large drink and let out a relieved sigh. Her face relaxed into a contented soft expression. “My hero. You are invited to be around all my mornings. This is why you’re my favorite.”
He raised an eyebrow with a bemused smile. “I beat Steph?”
Marinette’s eyes grew wide and after a beat she looked around for her best friend. “My male favorite,” she added quickly.
He snorted but quickly schooled his expression to mock consideration. “So… I beat Adrien,” he nodded.
She grinned and took another long sip. It was perfect. Exactly the blend she would have gotten for herself. It was like he got it specifically for her. It was like heaven. “Yes. You can take that title… as long as you continue to provide sustenance and he isn’t around.”
Jason huffed out a laugh and shook his head. “I’m just impressed you actually got up and you beat everyone else. That has to be some kind of sign of the apocalypse or something.”
She scowled with a huff. “Unnatural time to be up,” she glowered into her coffee. “I refuse to believe Mr. “I am the Night” is up at this hour of the…”
“Good you’re up,” Bruce boomed as he strutted in. “We have a lot to go over before tonight.”
“Oh, come on!” she exclaimed. Her arms were thrown out in disbelief before she even realized it, almost spilling her coffee. She carefully set down her coffee and eyed Bruce analytically, taking note that as soon as he entered the room, Alfred magically appeared with a tray of food. “I refuse to believe this is normal.”
“It’s not,” Alfred assured her. “Waking him before the crack of eleven is a dangerous endeavor for anyone.” He set down the tray and served the food as he continued. “I believe that speaks to the import of tonight’s mission that he awoke so early.”
“Thank you, Alfred,” Bruce acknowledged through pursed lips. “We’re just missing Tim and Stephanie. Marinette, do you know where Stephanie is?”
“Still sleeping,” she grumbled, jealousy clear in her voice if not in the way she aggressively speared her eggs.
“Bitch,” Tim managed to grumble through a yawn as he stumbled into the room. He stopped to stare at the cup in front of Marinette and quickly searched the room for more. He managed to keep his panic in check to ask, “Where’d you get the coffee?”
She looked around and noticed Alfred had brought in food and orange juice but no coffee. “Jason,” she shrugged.
Tim looked at Jason expectantly. He rolled his eyes and looked away. “I only brought the one cup,” he grumbled.
Tim blinked. His eyes slid over to Marinette happily sipping her coffee and back to Jason. “You only bought one cup?” he asked, a knowing, taunting edge to his voice.
“Yes,” Jason gritted out through clenched teeth.
The shoulder check he delivered on his way to sit next to Marinette only caused Tim’s smile to widen, all evidence of drowsiness in his eyes eradicated in favor of a delighted glint. “No, no. I’m just trying to figure out if you bought that planning to give it to her or if it was supposed to be for you, but you took one look at her and gave it up instantly.”
“Shut it duck boy,” he hissed just loud enough for Tim to hear.
Tim tutted at him, his smile wider than when Damian accidentally smacked himself in the head with an escrima stick during practice. “Stealing Harley’s lines now, wow, you’re really in deep, huh?”
Jason turned on him with a warning glare but before he could whisper any threats, Bruce interrupted. “Okay, let’s get started without Stephanie. Jason, you can catch her up. She’ll be on guard on the opposite side of the building from you. Okay…”
><><><><><><><><
“I have control of the security feed and alarms, but they have a man stationed at the top of the stairs, blocking the way. He isn’t paying close attention, but enough we can’t get in,” Red Robin reported over the coms.
“We need a distraction,” Bruce said quietly, moving his lips as little as possible in case anyone was watching. “Anyone got a plan?”
“Oh God, I might blind myself if I have to witness Brucie tonight,” Red Hood groaned.
“I believe that’s my cue,” Marinette chimed in.
“Let me know if you need help with that,” Red Hood offered. He was already searching for things he could blow up or set on fire.
“You think I don't know how to make a scene?” she asked carefully. There was a sharp edge to her voice, a warning as much as an inquiry.
“We need people to look at you instead of the office,” Red Hood elaborated, like explaining why you wash the dishes to a toddler.
Marinette froze and lifted her eyes up to where Jason was positioned, willing him to appear at the skylight so she could appropriately glare at him. “You think I don’t know how to make people look at me?”
“Ooooohhhh,” Spoiler jeered. She shook her head and took her eyes from her post just enough to toss a pebble, the only projectile available other than her com, at Hood for his stupidity.
Hood whipped his head toward the source of the impact against his helmet and pointed threateningly at Spoiler. “I’m just saying a cute, sweet, little smile isn’t exactly scene inducing,” he defended.
“Oh,” Spoiler let out, unsure how to respond to that patronizing admission of interest.
“Awww, you think my smile is cute?” Marinette cooed condescendingly. The blasé, gala-ready smile morphing into a strained, determined uptick of her lips.
“Hood, Marinette…” Bruce started in a warning tone.
“Calm down boys, because I know at least Spoiler has my back here,” Marinette cut in.
“Damn right,” Spoiler agreed.
“Despite what Hood thinks, I know how to make people look at me when I want to.” She continued slightly louder when Hood tried to cut in. “…and sweet was the furthest thing from the plan.” She looked around the room for the necessary ingredients to her plan, her eyes settling on a figure in the distance, his arm resting comfortably on a woman’s waist. She grinned as all the pieces slotted themselves into place.
“You don’t wear Versace to not get noticed.” She moved toward the couple with quick, determined steps, and more than a slight sway in her hips as she moved. Her eyes focused intently on her target, not allowing her to notice the way heads around her turned as she passed by. Hood, however, just barely stopped the growl that threatened to escape upon seeing the lecherous looks she was receiving from Gotham’s ‘elite’. “Get ready, Red, I’m about to make a scene. Four minutes to Go Time,” she spoke lowly but clearly into the coms.
Spoiler followed her line of sight and cackled loudly into the com. “This is going to be good. I should have brought popcorn.”
She stopped just behind the man, but in clear sight of the woman and firmly tapped the shoulder of the arm around the woman’s waist. “Excuse me, sir, I’m such a huge fan of yours. Your music makes me feel things I can’t describe.” Her voice was breathy and deep in a way the bat boys had heard from many a woman at galas and events, but never from her. “Would you care to dance?”
“Oh my God,” Red Robin whispered in horror when the man turned around.
The man looked her up and down and raised an eyebrow at her. He looked around as if considering his response, his eyes only flicking up to the skylight for a moment before returning to Marinette. His face split into a dangerous smile as he removed his arm from the woman who dropped her jaw in a way more characteristic of a soap opera than a high society gala. The man offered his hand to Marinette. “I would love to dance with someone as lovely as yourself.”
He took her hand and led her to the floor with little more than a huff and glare from the woman. “Ooohhh, sorry Pixie, not the scene you were looking for,” Hood cooed in mock sympathy.
“Um… this is going to be a waltz,” Red Robin cut in uncertainly. “Do you even know how to dance a waltz?”
“Luckily, that wasn’t the scene I was planning. Even luckier for me, waltz is the only ballroom dance I know,” Marinette hissed under her breath.
“You’re going to distract them… with a waltz,” Hood asked. “I never learned ballroom dancing but isn’t that like the most boring of all of them?”
“Yes,” Red Robin answered instantly. “And even if you know it, how do you know he does?”
“Is the plan to bore them to death?” Hood snickered. “Bold approach there, Pixie.”
“Are you sure about this, Marinette?” Bruce asked quietly.
“Maybe you boys need to shut the fuck up and have a bit of faith,” Spoiler cut in, her voice harsh and cold. “You focus on your jobs and let Marinette focus on hers.” After a beat she groaned. “And now I’m the responsible one. This is all your guys’ fault.”
Marinette chuckled and the hostility that had caused her frame to tense eased slightly at her best friend’s words. “Maybe you boys are just doing it wrong,” Marinette singsonged quietly. “Or maybe I’m just that good.” She waited until she and the man had taken position at the middle of the floor before getting into proper waltz frame and turning her head from the man, the picture of the highly trained ballroom dancer she wasn’t. “Get ready Red. Count down to 90 seconds until I’ve distracted them,” she said in barely more than a whisper.
Tim set his watch and watched her out of the corner of his eye for the right moment, still uncertain of her plan. Whatever Stephanie and Marinette said, he had nightmares of learning the waltz and watching it performed at functions throughout his childhood. It was by far one of the worst and most grating parts of his childhood. From what he could see, Marinette was not deviating from his memories. The dance was stiff, structured, and suffocating.
“You call this a scene?” Hood scoffed after thirty seconds.
“You call this a dance?” Marinette taunted at almost the same moment.
“Marinette, you cannot just insult Luka freaking Couffaine!” Tim chastised. If she ruined his chance of ever meeting Jagged Stone, his favorite artist and… Marinette’s friend. He narrowed his eyes at the two for a few seconds then rolled them in realization. He’d been too focused on the mission and up too early that morning to have put the pieces together earlier.
Spoiler chuckled. “She already tried breaking up his engagement. What’s a little… provocation?”
“Oh, you want to dance,” Luka smirked. A devilish glint shown in his eyes, a look Jason did not appreciate at all.
Marinette grinned fiendishly in response, the glint in her eyes matching his. “I believe that’s what I asked for,” she agreed.
He slid his hand to the small of her back, splaying his fingers as he moved and jerked her against him. His arms were still rigid and in position, but now wrapped around her. His legs interlaced with hers, their movements almost synced to just miss each other by millimeters. They moved around the floor, twisting and turning quickly and with purpose. The audience split to give them more room both to see them better and to avoid getting hit when she spun.
He spun her out and pulled her back to him, pressing her tight against his body and continuing to spin her with him, moving and contorting as one as they did, but never allowing her space. He spun her within his embrace just enough for her back to be against his chest. They moved slowly as his hands traced her arms lightly but sensually.
“That’s not proper waltz form. You’re supposed to leave room for Jesus,” Hood growled loudly.
Marinette smirked just slightly before turning back to Luka. She wrapped an arm around his neck and lifted her leg to wrap it over his hip, her dress splitting along the slit to reveal her shapely leg almost up to her hip, allowing him to drag her with him as he walked backwards. His intense gaze never leaving hers as they moved.
Even from the roof, Jason could see the way his hands fisted into her hips and his eyes hungrily soaked her in. “How’s your helmet doing, Hood,” Spoiler taunted.
He had to shake his head to remember where he was before he could respond. “Fine. Why?”
“Thought it might be steaming up,” she shrugged. Her voice dripping with perverse pleasure.
“Mission accomplished,” Red Robin reported just as the music finished. “I’m out.”
“Wrap this up,” Bruce said quietly. “Let’s get out of here before they discover they’ve been robbed. Hood, Spoiler, follow us out.” He made a show of spilling his drink on himself and made excuses to leave.
Marinette let her arms slowly drop to her sides but didn’t take a step back from Luka. “Thank you, M. Couffaine,” she said sweetly. “I appreciate the… personal attention.”
He nodded and traced her jaw lightly. “Always glad to appease a… fan,” he responded. His voice was thick and sinful.
Marinette brushed a long strand of hair over her shoulder, tapping off the com as she moved so he could see. He leaned closer setting his lips just short of her ear. “See you at the wedding?” He whispered.
Marinette’s smile turned genuine as she pulled away just enough to meet his eyes. “Well before, I’m sure. I still need to do some fittings and plan Zoe’s bachelorette party.”
He sighed in defeat but made a show of grazing her side with his free hand. “Not too wild, please,” he begged.
She slid her hand up his chest slowly just openly enough to appear like she was trying to be secretive without actually being so. “Come on, I’m not Alya,” she teased.
“And don’t think I don’t appreciate that,” he answered seriously.
“But fair warning, Steph is helping me plan,” she added with a teasing tone.
He groaned loudly and dropped his forehead to hers. “Well, thanks for the warning anyway.”
She giggled and straightened his tie before meeting his eyes through her lashes. “Of course. And thank Zoe for playing the offended fiancé. Brilliant as always.”
“Oh, I guarantee she’ll be laughing all night,” he snickered. “I think this made our month.”
Marinette nodded slightly and brushed her hair behind her ear again to tap on her com. “Later, M. Couffaine,” she said seductively but loudly enough to be heard by evesdroppers.
He nodded lightly before turning and disappearing into the crowd. “Exiting now,” she said quietly. “Oh, and Hood? Bet, I made you look,” she crowed before turning her com off.
Hood sputtered a few times, unable to find words for a retort until she had already left the building. “I was looking before,” he grumbled to himself. “And I was definitely lied to about the waltz.”
><><><><><><><><
Marinette made her way through the manor, freshly washed and back in her street clothes, which was ridiculous really since she was just going to go home and climb into bed after her extremely long day. Maybe not even change, because she’d added Jason’s hoodie before heading out the bedroom door and it was comfortable enough that she could happily sleep in it. The scent and warmth would actually help her sleep better than her regular pajamas, certainly better than she had the night before.
She almost screamed when a door opened just as she was passing it, but smiled when she met Jason’s wide eyes. They stared at each other for a moment before chuckling awkwardly and continuing down the hallway. He fell in step with her, hands casually slung in his pockets. They had passed several more doors before he finally spoke up. “Not staying over tonight?”
“No. Not tonight,” she shrugged. “I’m ready to get out of here.”
Jason nodded absently. “Right.” He walked silently with her for a few steps before speaking up again, as casually as he could manage. “Need to get to your meeting?”
“Meeting?” she asked, her head quirked to the side and an eyebrow raised.
“With M. Couffaine,” he elaborated. He tried to keep the bitterness out of his tone when he said that man’s name, but he wasn’t entirely sure he was successful based on the side eye Marinette was giving him.
Both eyebrows raised almost to her hairline at his question. She had to fight desperately with herself not to fall on the floor cackling at his expression. She managed to limit it to just an amused smirk. “With Luka? No, not tonight. I don’t meet him until next week…” she paused to let that set in. She knew she shouldn’t get as much enjoyment out of his dejected reaction as she did, but… she did. If he wasn’t going to make a move, he really had no justification for being upset if someone else did. She let herself enjoy it for a moment before putting him out of his misery. Afterall, she hadn’t made a move either. She met his eyes for just a moment when he glanced over at her and straight ahead again. “… for his fitting,” she finished.
Jason whipped his head back to look at her so hard, she was surprised he didn’t pop any joints in his neck. “His… fitting?” he asked, all bitterness gone from his tone and a bit of hope edging in.
“For his wedding suit,” she smirked. “How’s your neck?”
He rubbed his neck, his eyes still glued to hers. “Fine. You know him?”
“Oh, good. Thought it might have gotten hurt doing that double take,” she nodded indulgently and continued making her way toward the exit, looking as innocent as she could with a devilish smile. “For almost a decade actually. We met when we were like 14. Both of them, him and Zoe, his fiancé. I’m maid of honor at the wedding. I introduced them.”
He fell out of step with her, frozen in shock. She had played him, the entire room, like a master. She had made it almost out of the hallway before he finally barked out a laugh. He jogged to catch up with her and slung his arm over her shoulder. “Come on, Pixie. I’ll drive you home. Unless your buddy is giving you a ride.”
“It was Steph, actually,” she corrected.
“Steph, really? That’s not safe,” he scoffed dramatically. “I’ll take you,” he offered in seeming nonchalance. He preened when he noticed she had nuzzled further into his embrace seemingly without even noticing.
Marinette snorted. “It won’t be safe for you when I tell her you said that,” she warned, but didn’t make a move to head toward the kitchen to meet Stephanie like they’d planned.
He gazed at her out of the side of his eye and tightened his grip on her. “Or maybe it isn’t about your safety,” he admitted quietly. “Maybe you were right. Maybe I want to look a bit longer and you just make me want to look.”
Her heart rate jumped and her breath stuttered. This was quickly moving into uncharted territory. They flirted. They skirted the edges of serious, but they’d never breeched the boundaries. She needed to get back into their normal territory before her heart imploded from anxiety. “Even with my ratty old hoodie on?” she quipped.
“My hoodie,” he corrected. “And it’s worn in, not ‘ratty’.”
Marinette was barely able to raise her eyes to meet his to tease him. “Agree to disagree.”
“I can take it back if…” he started to reach for the zipper.
Marinette dodged his hands and wrapped her arms around her waist to secure the hoodie to her body. “Ratty but warm.” She met his eyes as she walked backward, not noticing she was headed toward a wall until she hit it.
“Uh huh.” He stalked slowly toward her. “For the record, you always made me look; whether you’re dressed up in a dress that costs more than the entire Narrows combined, or in sweats working out, or taking out a rogue in one of your magic suits, or jeans and a tee sketching on the couch when you’re totally lost to everyone and everything, your eyes twinkling with inspiration.”
He stopped a step away from her, so close she had to crane her neck to continue eye contact. “Or even when you’re in my hoodie.” He smoothed the fabric over her shoulders and down her arms and back up, his hands lingering at her hood, right by her neck, no longer pretending they were only there to adjust the hoodie. “Actually, especially in my hoodie. And you in my hoodie in the morning when your hair’s a mess and you’re completely unguarded? It’s the hottest thing I’ve ever se…”
His sentence was cut off by her soft lips colliding with his. He froze for less than a millisecond before his body reacted, acting before his mind caught up with what was happening. One hand wound around her neck to hold her lips in place while the other worked their way down to her hip and pulled her tight against him. His mind caught up just in time to hear her whimper quietly, driving his mind into hyperdrive and heightening every sensation.
He tightened his grip on her to feel more of her against him at the same time she pushed up to deepen the kiss, causing him to groan this time, which seemed to encourage her to let her hands roam his neck and chest, causing him to groan louder. The groan almost turned into a growl when she lowered down and broke contact, both breathing hard.
She took a moment to catch her breath before looking up to meet his eyes through her lashes. “I wasn’t sure you were actually looking,” she said breathlessly. “I hoped, but…”
“Oh, Pixie,” he cupped her face and gently stroked her cheek, “I’ve been watching since you stormed into the Justice League meeting room in the middle of one of B’s speeches and started yelling at him to back the fuck off and stick to his own narrow-minded lane.”
Marinette buried a snort in his chest. “I don’t think that’s exactly what I said,” she muttered against his pectoral, not quite ready to show her face.
“No, I’m pretty sure it was,” he snickered. He pulled back from her and ducked slightly to meet her eyes. “Haven’t been able to stop looking since. I’m too afraid to look away, because everything with you is too important to miss.”
She grinned up at him. “Then maybe you should take a closer look,” she murmured as she guided his lips back to hers.
123 notes
·
View notes
Last Seen Blogs
love4mimi
Simply Imperfect.
colboyworld
Untitled
tippstikkmann
t€¥€¶¶
lilium
A World That Does Not Exist.
innocentlittlestars
Innocent Little Stars