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mae-dwrites · 2 months

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Taking Flight - Chapter 20 - Behind The Veils

| Ao3 | Wattpad |

October 11

Damian found Fei Wu an interesting person of character to have around. She was well-mannered and thoughtful, very observant, and had made even Alfred laugh numerous times upon her arrival in the Manor.

Not just mere chuckles either, full-blown laughs that were uncharacteristic of the man. That was astonishing in itself.

The way she watched them though made him inclined to watch her more closely, there was a glint in her that held knowledge. But whether it was or wasn’t in unintentional regard to them it should be his family’s top priority to assess her intentions. Although if Fei knew then Cass would already know, that Damian had no doubt.

Damian’s frown deepened as he thought this over, his book sadly not being read as it should be and this did not go unnoticed by his classmate.

“Damian you’re glaring at the book again,” the boy sitting next to him stated without looking up from his assignment. His own food left not being given the attention it should be at the time. He looked up at Damian and raised his eyebrows, “You alright?”

Damian marked his page before closing his book with a, “Tt.” He set the book down and picked up his dish holding his lunch.

“Of course, simply my sister’s recent friend has left me perplexed,” he stated before taking a bite.

His companion nodded before looking down at his schoolwork again, “I’m sure it’s nothing you can’t sort out.”

Damian watched Sebastian put his academics above basic care for his person. Damian let out a huff taking to setting his food aside to close his classmate's computer. Sebastian glared at him and took a deep breath to speak but Damian grabbed the thin packet that lay in front of the ginger.

“Hey,” Sebastian cried and tried to grab the page back but Damian was already out of reach. “Come on Damian I’m trying to get this done.”

“You should be eating,” Damian’s voice plain as he read over the assignment. “You could easily have this accomplished after work.”

Sebastian frowned at his friend, “I’d rather have more time to sleep.”

“If you’d just take my offer,” Damian started but Sebastian stopped him before he started this again.

“I told you, I’m not being another Wayne charity case,” his voice came out cooly at the end. He reached over the table, practically lying on it, to grab the packet back, “Besides I can take care of myself.”

Damian pressed his lips together, not liking his weak argument.

“Beauréal I simply believe it would benefit you not to be working yourself to the bone.” Damian paused before stating quietly, “I do not wish to see you become desperate.”

Sebastian’s face melted and it showed his exhasation more clearly. He knew exactly what Damian was trying to say, in his own vague way. However in this case, it was clear to anyone.

“I won’t,” Sebastian stated with firm conviction. Damian simply hummed and his eyes went back to the teen's untouched sandwich.

Damian looked back at him, “Please do eat, you’ll pass out from overworking your system.”

A small smile made itself situated on Sebastian’s face, he found it amusing how Damian acted cold and distant but was an extremely considerate person. Really he saw Damian as a gem and was happy to be one of the few who got to see him.

“Sure Damian,” Sebastian said, setting aside his work to eat.

Chloé paced from the TV to the couch.

She should have been double-checking that her bags were properly packed, but they had been packed for days. She was sure they were packed, she’d check again before she slept.

The blond took a deep breath looking at her phone, she flipped it over and over. She was stalling and she knew it, she’d just never done this before. What did she say? Would there be more than five words spoken?

Chloé paused her pacing and took a deep breath, she was psyching herself out. Which was not like her, or was that her mother? No, it doesn’t matter, and she doesn’t need to think about her. She needs to think about her sister.

According to the person she hired her sister had dropped out of her previous school due to drama, and was currently self-enrolled in homeschooling. Chloé wished she could homeschool, it would have made everything so much simpler.

Chloé opened her phone, she had the number saved. For days now. Deep breath.

Call.

The phone rang a few times before a moment of silence, “Hello?”

Chloé swallowed and spoke in unsure English, “Hi, I’m Chloé your sister.”

Chloé held her breath feeling as though her insides were being prepared to be gutted out like a salmon and flailed to be smoked. Her shoulders were tense with anticipation.

“Oh,” it didn’t sound disappointed but more so thoughtful. As though it wasn’t something she considered before, which Chloé couldn’t tell if that would be good or not. Is that good? Zoé hummed on the other end, “Nice to talk to you?”

Chloé heard shuffles on the other side of the line, “Oh that must have sounded bad, I just never expected, or well. I didn’t expect to talk to you until, like, probably another five years at least.”

Oh.

“Not that didn’t want to talk to you that is,” Zoé said rushed as though she knew how that affected the girl. “So what do you want to talk about? What do you like? Or your favorite color? No that’s too basic, how about boys? Need me to shovel talk anyone? I know Mom wouldn’t, she’d shovel talk you, not the boy.”

Chloé smiled as her sister went on before interrupting her, “I actually wanted to see you in person.”

“Oh. Oh, okay yeah, I can do that,” Zoé sounded…excited, and that made Chloé giddy. “When do you want me there? I’ll fly right over, I don’t think Mom would let me take her jet. No, she has three, and she says yes to everything.”

Zoé’s voice trailed off making Chloé speak again, “I’m going to be in New York this next week, is there any time I could meet you while I'm there?”

There was silence on the other end making Chloé speak up again, “It's fine if you can't, I just thought it would be easier and less cost-effective?”

“No, I mean yes,” her older sister groaned. “I can, and will. Let me just,” more shuffling on the other line. Chloé swallowed, her uneasiness had dissipated. She lowered herself on her couch and hugged one knee as her chin rested on it.

Maybe she did do the right thing.

With one earbud out, Jess’s eyes held wonder as she scrolled through the blog. She personally preferred the Ladyblog over the government-issued sites. Magic or not the precision of their attacks and the complex simplicity of their plans was something to behold.

If only she could see them in action right in front of her.

Jess was used to working with people her age, with adults, and the occasional foreign hero; she knew many from just trailing Knightowl. But she never got to be on a teen team, but most teen teams had some older ones that were well in their twenties at least. At least that seemed to be the general gist.

She remembered begging her mom to let her join one or even have their organization create one, but her mother and a few others were highly against it. There was the belief that there weren’t enough of them and they were too inexperienced.

Ladybug and Chat Noir though, they didn’t have to listen to anyone. They took charge against a villain who haunted their city. Yeah, they don’t have much progress in capturing the guy, but they kept the people safe and the people let them freely do as they pleased with the city.

Scratch that, they practically worshipped them. The comments had people from all over France and almost every single person who defended them could be traced to Paris. It was funny really, seeing people of all ages on a blog run by a teen in the city. Politicians could be found on the site, granting criticism about not having gotten Hawkmoth but receiving hundreds of comments defending the heroes.

Though setting aside the considerably humorous parts of the blog the rest was concerning. There was a death toll for many of the Akumas, people’s reactions to the early Akumas were reasonable, panicked but reasonable. In the recent ones though, there were jokes about their deaths, comparisons to previous deaths, who lasted longer, bragging, competitions, and bets.

Yes, that was concerning on many levels but Jess couldn’t help but go back to one of the pinned articles at the top. It was posted about two weeks after the “Double Strike,” as the people had taken to calling it, about the reveal of all the temporary heroes that Ladybug would bring on. Stating how all of them wouldn’t like to be sought out about their time as heroes and that there is nothing they could gain from chasing them as Akumas.

Yes, there was wonder in Jess’s eyes as she was astounded by the heroes, but also with a level of consternation.

She moved back to the index the blog had, there were so many ways to select Akuma’s and articles posted. Admiration could only describe a fraction of what she felt watching the heroes.

“I am very excited for the French students to arrive tomorrow,” Aeon stated calmly with a sweet smile. On her screen she was looking over the students that would be under their protection, “They are very set on their goals compared to many of our peers.”

Allan raised his eyebrow with a mildly joking voice and spoke, “Hey, that isn’t fair. Some of us don’t have it so easy.”

“My apologies, Allan. I did not mean to belittle you or our classmates,” Aeon said sitting up in a panic.

“No, no, it's fine,” he pulled an easy smile onto his face. “I was just trying to josh with you.”

“But still,” her mouth formed into a pout as she lowered the device she held. “I should have thought about the statement before saying it. I know your future is uncertain with everything surrounding you and home.” Aeon’s eyes looked almost as if she was about to start crying, if she were able to.

“Aeon, I promise, it’s all good,” Allan tried to make his smile more reassuring, he at least hoped it was anything close to. “You didn’t mean anything by it.”

Aeon opened her mouth but Jess used her guitar to tap her sister’s bed, “Hey, he said it’s all good. How about we set the topic aside for now, okay?”

Aeon slumped against her big pillow in defeat. She was still adjusting to social situations and being socially aware. The android did not feel like she was succeeding despite months of being around civilians in her day-to-day life.

She looked to the studying the French students once more, ignoring the other two in the room. Both Allan and Jess looked at the machinal girl with the same expression, a frown and tucked brows in concern.

Allan had bonded with her as their civilian selves on a mixed-class project, the topic was to pick a place and search its’ history. They had been able to secure themselves with the neighborhood Harlem, starting with the Dutch settlement to the growth of the American city it resides into the 1920s and as it stands now. A symbol of art and connection, and that had opened the door to get to know one another.

The same sentiment was held as heroes, despite the welcome to the team of heroes there didn’t quite feel to be a click or a belonging to them. Something felt to be in the way of being able to really join. They didn’t quite match their peers but they didn’t match each other while either. They could try to though, and Mercury had tried to do the same with Sparrow but they had rocky encounters.

And that seemed to be affecting what had been starting as civilians since he had become friends with her sister. He glanced over at the native teen, who shifted her gaze upon feeling his move to her.

Jess raised an eyebrow and by only a millimeter tipped her head toward the upset teen. Allan looked back and swallowed before getting up and sitting on the bed next to Aeon. He pulled her into a side hug looking at the students on her screen.

“We don’t choose how we’re made or the after-effects,” he said softly. “I didn't and neither did you, but we can be happy about surviving.”

Aeon let out a quiet sigh but leaned against her friend.

Allan continued, “You survived Techno-Pirate, Jess survived Ring Leader,” Jess joined them taking Aeon’s hand while Allan continued, “and I survived B.E.I.I.M. We all have bad things happen, especially if we didn’t ask for, but we made it through.”

“Exactly,” Jess squeezed her sisters’ hand, “Besides, we joke about it all the time don’t we?”

“Yes, you have,” Aeon stated in thought.

“I wasn’t trying to make you uncomfortable by joking about me or our classmates,” Allan hugged her a little tighter for a moment. “I was trying to join you. It helps anyway, makes it feel far away.”

A small smile came to Aeon’s face, “I like it when those days feel far away too.”

Jess smiled at Aeon, “We’ll tell you if we don’t want to touch the subject, okay?”

Aeon looked up at her sister, her smile a bit wider, “Okay.”

Jess squeezed her sister’s hand one more time and kissed the top of her head making Aeon smile bigger. Jess went back to her bed, feeling that Aeon felt better and would be better from this point.

Allan leaned away from Aeon to better look at her, “Better now?”

Aeon nodded, “Affirmative.”

Allan got up when Aeon, in a more positive attitude, turned back to her screen. He went back to his seat that was next to Aeon’s desk. They say in pleasant silence.

Allan looked up confused when he felt a pair of eyes on him; Jess was smiling and then mouthed, “Thank you.”

Allan smiled back. They had a rocky start, but it didn't seem so important now.

For a good another thirty minutes of silence till there was a knock on the door, before any of them Allan’s roommate immediately opened the door.

“Dude are you done yet,” Claude bemoaned upon his entrance.

“Goodness mate, you can't just barge in,” Allan’s nose crinkled as Claude dramatically fell against the teen.

“Am I not good enough,” Claude asked, still extremely dramatic. Jess snorted while Aeon giggled behind her hand. “Suppose Jess can be your replacement,” Allan rolled his eyes while Claude leaped across the room and landed on Jess’s bed, his elbows digging into the mattress. The boy grinned and put a hand up, “How about it man?”

Jess snickered and clasped her hand into his giving it a crazy shake with a grin, “Of damn course.”

Aeon poorly attempted to stop herself from giggling as she bit her. Allan turned off his computer laughing softly, cause he saw the glint in their eyes when Claude said “man.” Now he understood the laughing fits they’d have after talking to him.

Allan couldn’t say he wasn’t amused.

“Continue the project tomorrow?” Allan looked to the girls with a more at-ease smile. Jess shrugged with a nod and Aeon gave a nod with an, “Of course.”

“Alright, Claude let’s head out then?” Allan pointed to the door with his thumb.

Claude stuck his tongue out him, and he turned back to Jess while getting back up, “I bid you farewell best man.”

“Till we meet again,” Jess bowed from where she sat. The door had already shut when Jess decided to get up.

“Where are you going?” Aeon asked with a slight tilt of her head.

“Just want to catch Allan again real quick,” Jess said, already at the door.

“Okay then,” Aeon’s voice was quiet as Jess slipped into the hall. Claude had just entered with Allan about to follow too. “Allan,” Jess called out in a whispery voice.

Allan paused with confusion, Claude poked his head out of the room with a pout, “Jess please, I want my buddy.”

“Just a sec, I promise,” Jess’s voice bored and leaving no room for argument.

“‘Kay,” Claude put his hands in the air and then pointed to Allan, “Don’t disappear on me. It makes me freak out.”

Once Claude had shut the door Allan gave his full attention to Jess with a raised eyebrow, “Everything okay?”

Jess crossed her arms, “Yeah, I just wanted to say I really appreciate you helping with Aeon.” Jess looked away with a thin frown, “I don’t always know how to make her feel better, and sometimes I just make it worse when I open my mouth. I’ve seen you help her get out of her head on the field and when she’s confused with the class, so thank you. I don’t know how to help her, and you do it so well.”

Jess sighed and looked to the ceiling, “I need to stop,” she chuckled looking back to Allan, “my point is: I don’t know how to help her, I don’t understand her situation but you seem to. Thank you for having my sisters back when I can’t.”

Jess gave a small smile that made Allan laugh softly and he looked away, “There’s nothing to thank.”

“Yeah there is,” Jess pressed. “Besides you make her happy, and somehow get her to just enjoy the world rather than overthink every little thing she does. Her mom can barely get her to just enjoy living. You’re doing more than you think.”

“Alright, let’s leave it at that?” Allan put his hands up.

“Only cause I’ll win,” Jess stated confidently.

“I really like us being friends and don’t want us fighting any more than we already do on the regular,” Allan said leaning back.

Jess hummed, “‘Kay well I’m gonna get some rest, those Paris kids arrive tomorrow and I’d like to able to babysit them properly.”

“Yes, Sparrow is the ultimate babysitter,” Allan nodded unable to keep a serious face.

“I’m gonna break your stabilizers,” Jess frowned with a hint of amusement in her voice.

“Please don’t,” Allan would have probably leaned away if it had been one of the Color Agents but this was Jess. She made jokes like those all the time, though the ones pertaining to his stabilizers were threats when he had found him annoying on a bad day.

“Night,” Jess turned away with a wave.

“Goodnight,” Allan waved back as Jess went back to her room.

Claude was chuckling from his spot on the top bunk, making Allan frown unimpressed.

“Don’t start this again,” Allan tossed his jacket onto his chair.

“She likes you,” Claude said.

“I said not to,” Allan glared at him as he carefully took off his hat. He decided that if he just ignored Claude he’d drop it, but he knew that wouldn’t work. He could dream.

“You know I’m right,” Claude said his grin evident.

Allan rolled his eyes while crawling into his bed, “You’re really not, and it’s you she likes.” Allan opened one of his drawers and plugged his hat in.

“No, girls think they like me, and then they come to their senses and realize I’m not what they want,” Claude stated matter-of-a-factly.

“With that attitude, yeah,” Allan kicked off his jeans to get his shorts on. He was getting tired of this same conversation. Allan snorted before asking, “Aren’t you the hopeless romantic?”

“It’s called hopeless for a reason my dear friend,” Claude sighed as he hung off the side. “It’s a struggle God puts on the weakest of his soldiers.”

Allan laughed and pushed Claude’s face with his socked foot. Claude immediately reeled back in disgust, “Get those away from me.”

“Then let me sleep,” Allan said laughly.

“You’re so mean,” Allan heard Claude huff as he finally laid down and threw his shoes off the bunk. Allan internally sighed, but chose not to bring them up.

“Goodnight,” Allan said pulling his blankets over him.

“Night,” Claude yawned back.

HEYY, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO THIS FIC, I’VE HAD SO MUCH FUN WRITING FOR IT, HERES TO ANOTHER YEAR OF ME WRITING!!

Thank you to everyone who reads this!!

#taking flight #maribat #maribat fic #maribat fanfic #mlb x dc #dc x mlb #maribat damian wayne #maribat jessica keynes #maribat aeon #maribat sparrow #maribat uncanny valley #maribat allan durand #maribat claude savard #maribat chloé #maribat zoé

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mae-dwrites · 2 months

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DPxMLB Prompt

Paris was the City of Lights, Romance, Art, Fashion Capital, home of The Lady of Iron, and so on and so forth.

Well that's all it was before, now though it was a city of magic! It's cool, Lord/Lady Paris (Lady Gotham style cause yes) finds this amazing, they’re a magic city. They were a capitol of many things, and they were proud of that, but magic?? Oh-ho that's just better!

Yes they're kinda pissed at Gabriel but if it weren't for him they wouldn't be an official magic city. (Paris is glaring at Gabriel everytime he neglects Adrien tho, you can be the villain but he a good father!!)

Paris loves their heroes, Marinette their sweet Marinette is growing up so well, she represents every about them. And Adrien, their poor concealed child could express himself more and learn better than he ever could in that snobby house (*pointed side-eye at Gabriel*)

There was only one issue, their people were dying, now this was just a headache! At least the magic brings them back, but now there's a waft of death out and about and not just in the catacombs. And not only that their people held death in them, like it wasn't bad necessarily. But now it was getting out of hand and their heroes really need some support.

Hmm, they heard rumors of a new ghost on the throne, a halfa at that, a warrior even, and he was kind. Perhaps they should seek him out to assist his heroes.

#paris city of the dead #paris city of death #paris citizens dying during akuma battles has me in a choke hold #i don't know what to call paris #maybe she/he/they lord/lady paris #dp x mlb #mlb x dp #dp x mlb prompt #dp x mlb idea #ghost king danny

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mae-dwrites · 3 months

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AU where Gothamites slowly became Liminals and they made their dear Lady Gotham - (Little Lady Gotham AU - LLGAU)

“What is wrong with Gotham?”

“They’re all crazy 😒”

“I don't think they're human at this point”

“They’re just built different”

“It’s the air they breathe lol”

“Nah there's something in the water”

Stop right there. That’s it. Gotham is a very polluted city, the sun? Non-existent! The water is black and brown and sometimes green when the moon shines on it…but mostly black.

The mass pollution is irreversible at this point, at least it’s effects on its’ people are. Pollution comparatively is much easier to cleanse.

No, death has been a deep fog surrounding the city for decades; the pain has made been in its rivers of streets for oh so long; the hope and fear and love and dread and pride and guilt and the calling have been the city’s symphony. The city always had a feeling of life underneath it all, something more to the people.

And the people, they've spent so long in this fog, walking through its’ rivers, from hearing to joining the symphony, for generations that it’s in their very souls and genetics.

They last much longer when inflicted with supposed fatal wounds, they heal as fast as thinking 1+1, physical touch is different for those from this capital of death, they move almost unnaturally to those who aren't from there, and that was before the chemicals.

The chemicals started getting made, getting poured, and spreading. No that strange change of color in the water was more than contaminated water. It was artificial ectoplasm, but with all the death already in it’s very core the waters were soaked up and soon the core in that cemetery came to life. It would have taken a few hundred more years for this core to form from just the death in the city, but she was fed. She was fed a feast, and little Lady Gotham was born.

#im reblogging with my version of continuing this once i’ve finished writing it hehehhe #dp x dc #dc x dp #dcxdp #dpxdc #dp x dc crossover #dc x dp crossover #dc x dp prompt #dc x dp au #dc x dp writing prompt #dp x dc idea #why are there so many?…#danny phantom au #batman au #lady gotham #little lady gotham au #←OH MY GODS IM CALLING IT THIS HHAHHAHAAHA #in my head little lady gotham is sassy and knows shit ton of stuff #like you want to know where someone lives? oh she knows. every safe house. every club #everything man. no one is safe! she knows the plans of rogues and can see when someone will die or something #like I just want more young lady Gotham. cause she's been in my head for awhile and im loving her so much #she is my daughter and I will have her!! she calls the rogues her parents along with batman #she chooses if you're a parent or a sibling. you don't get a choice #she's a little menace™#llgau

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mae-dwrites · 3 months

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Taking Flight - Chapter 19 - Registration

| Ao3 | Wattpad |

October 11

After a night's rest, Huang appeared to chill out and was less fidgety, and Bridget was still playing with her reading glasses. Tom was happily sat next to his wife rubbing circles on her back, he held a concerned smile toward the Cheng siblings. The eldest was very clearly stressed, as she ran her hands down her face.

“You’re sure it’s permanent,” Bridget asked playing with how she viewed the park below. “Because you gave me the best stake-out equipment ever and if it stops working I will kill you.”

“I can tell when I make a spell permanent,” the magic-user threw a light glare at her. “And stop people watching.”

“I’m not people-watching,” Bridget snapped, still hyper-focused on the glasses. She continued to lift up and down, “I’m a bird watcher, and there is a cute family of martins hopping down there.”

“You chased after my daughter and her friends,” Sabine’s voice came out muffled. She held her bangs against the top of her head as she said, “Then proceeded to lose all of them and follow the Akuma.”

“Hey,” Bridget finally turned to give her full attention, “I didn’t lose them, they ran off.”

“You lost them,” Sabine recounted back. “And chased down an Akuma.”

“Doesn’t matter anyway Ladybug came and did her thing,” Bridget leaned against the window. Glasses finally rested on her head while she turned to her family. Sabine opened her mouth to say something but sighed and let her fingers slip down through her hair. Once at the ends gave a tug that ended in her hair slipping through her fingers, there was a reason she kept it as short as she did.

She looked over at her brother instead, “You said you had something to tell us.”

“Right,” Huang straightened where he was sat. “So I can’t tell if it was because I was here to be close enough to her magical reverser or because I experienced it but I can tell where she is far better than I could before.”

“Could you track her down with just that,” Bridget asked, a little hopeful and a little nervous.

“No,” he shook his head, “I’d still have to use a spell, but considering that their jewels block people from recognizing them I’d have to use an extremely strong spell. I believe the magic residue throughout the city would actively work against helping me from pinpointing where she is.”

“What else,” Sabine asked, her hands were now clasped together.

“Ladybug certainly frequences this area often. Probably lives close by,” Huang shifted his gaze to Bridget. “Which means if we wanted to contact them this area is perfect to wait out at.”

“How can you tell,” Tom asked curiously, “that she lives so close by that is.”

“It’s…it’s very dense here you could say,” Huang rubbed his neck. “I think the jewel amplifies her natural magical reserves or, uh, creative aura? Bridget said it’s written that the earrings of the ladybug are very centered around good luck and creation, so I think that’s why. There’s so many reasons this could be, but that’s one of my main theories as to why.”

“What are your other ones,” Bridget tilted her head back.

“Well it’s that one or the magic she naturally has, has grown in her and she’s accidentally releasing that magic,” Huang held a light frown, “and that has me worried.”

“Why’s that,” Sabine frowned back.

“She has a handle on using its magic while having them active, out of suit though…I don’t think she knows how to or even realizes what she’s doing,” Huang’s voice showing more of his concern about the heroine as he went on.

“Hense you saying accidentally, right?” Sabine glanced between her siblings.

“Exactly why,” he confirmed.

Bridget looked at the ceiling going through the files of her mind. Magic was not her expertise, which was exactly why she brought her brother in. Someone she was close with and trusted most, someone who had a hand in more than a pot or two.

Her eyes went right back to her brother, “What about the cat?”

Huang pursed his lips as he spun that for a moment, “I don’t believe he taps into the core nature of his outside of when he has it active. This could mean he’s causing a stump in his growth, magically speaking that is. That isn’t exactly healthy for him, for his actual person, or for his ability to potentially channel his magic.” He rubbed his forehead as he said his last piece, “And that’s what I’m saying under the assumption that he is supposed to be on the same level as Ladybug, with the whole balance-partner thing that seems to be going on.”

Bridget squinted in thought, “You’d think someone so naturally,” she waved her hand for a moment trying to find the word, “exuberant, would already be so free with themselves.”

“Unless they have to hide behind a mask,” Sabine said in thought. “He can’t be that without it being Chat Noir.”

“So his control over himself gives him a natural suppression to his magic,” Tom looked to his brother-in-law in question.

Huang nodded intently to the assumption, “Possibly. He’d have to be doing it even before though for it to be this well kept.”

“What were you saying about balance,” Bridget chuckled at the thought. “In Ladybug’s capabilities are sufficient in battling the Akumas, yet she lacks control within herself. In Chat Noir it’s seen his more chaotic nature should be instability but has immeasurable control over himself.”

“While also lacking proper regulation to themselves,” Huang’s leg bounced as he thought. “Ladybug is over-expressing her magic while Chat Noir is practically snuffing his out. I do not doubt if that is the case the only reason he still has any is because he’s still using the ring.”

“So, if he loses the ring he’s at risk of what,” Bridget brought herself from being against the window.

“Ruining their balance, losing himself, I,” Huang shook his head, “I really can’t say, but I don’t know how that would fair for either of them.”

“They need to learn how to control themselves for them to lessen their dependency on the jewels,” Sabine’s tone was in question.

Huang nodded, “They may have started as, or at least been intended to be, the conduits of restoring a balance but they’ve instead made the jewels their conduits in balancing each other.”

“We need to talk to them,” Bridget stated. “Wonder Woman is supposed to return sooner than planned but I don’t know how soon that is,” she looked from Sabine to Huang, “I believe until she arrives you need to be training them in their magic growth and regulation.”

Huang nodded more so to himself than his sister, “I agree. If they don’t get themselves in check I’m extremely concerned for their well-being.”

“What about Ladybug’s Guardianship,” Tom pipped up making all three of them to look to him again. “The leaked footage, what was caught by the newscasters despite being under Queen Wasp’s control, the enhanced audio and all that,” Tom continued, “It showed that man giving “guardianship over the miracle box” to her, so what if that comes not only duty but with more magic in some way?”

They stared at him for a second, Sabine melted a little and kissed him on the cheek with a smile.

“That might be part of it,” Huang said slowly before asking, “What Guardianship?”

“There’s a box full of those magic jewels,” Bridget shrugged, “the old guy got caught and with magic passed the box to Ladybug to protect.”

Huang hummed before looking to Sabine, “This is why he’s here.”

“Yes, people overlook him 'cause he’s big,” Sabine said, “and he can’t run the bakery by himself. He could but I didn’t want to leave that to just him.”

“Sorry Tom,” Bridget gave an apologetic smile, “I’m people.”

“I don’t mind, I’ve gotten used to it,” Tom said trying to reassure her that it didn’t bother him. Bridget opened her mouth to say something else when voices and footsteps could be heard outside the door.

“Makzenie let go,” Marinette yelled, tugging on her backpack. Alya had opened the door with a very content smile on her face and Nino followed behind Marinette and Makzenie.

“No hand it over,” the girl tugged back just as hard. Alya stood off to the side leaning against the couch.

“Shouldn’t you separate them,” the adults heard Nino ask the girl. They were still in shock over the girls fighting over the bag. Makzenie had become more of a gremlin as she had gotten comfortable with them they had noticed, and especially when with Marinette or her friends. Nino rubbed his forearm, “They’re gonna fall again I think.”

“Nah, they’ll be fine anyway,” Alya grinned at the scene, “She needs to learn what it’s really like with kids.”

“I’m thirteen,” Makzenie seethed at the older girl.

“Oh lord,” Bridget heard Sabine say softly. “She’s just like her.”

“Yep,” Huang agreed quietly.

“Like who?” Bridget asked them not wanting to deal with the girls.

“Doesn’t matter,” Marinette said straining to the girl, taking a step to go up the stairs. “They’re mine.”

“You’re gonna burn them!” Makzenie snapped back, making Tom raise his eyebrows in alarm, “Burn what?”

“Nothing,” Marinette said with another tug.

“Some wedding designs,” Makzenie shouted, “I just want to see.”

“What’s wrong with your designs?” Sabine asked, making no movement to stop the girls. She was slowly becoming more tired by the minute.

“Nothing,” Marinette yanked up and took a step. Brightening at the sight of Makzenie losing her grip on the strap.

“You don’t even want them anymore,” Makzenie put her foot against a stairstep. “Just let me look at them before you burn them.”

“It’s personal,” Marinette said pulling hard again.

Alya looked over to the older people in the room and waved, “Hey.” Bridget and Huang gave a wave back while Sabine and Tom gave her looks. The girl opted to ignore the two’s stares as she squeezed past the girls at the stairs saying, “While you two squabble I’m getting what we came for.”

Once Alya was up in the room Makzenie gave a tug and twisted her body yanking the bag out of Marinette’s hands. Marinette caught herself from falling and faced the younger girl, her fuming face making Bridget laugh. Makzenie was sat on the floor hugging the back to chest with a shocked expression that soon became a triumphant one.

“I just want to get rid of them,” Marinette got out gripping the hand railing.

“Then let me have them,” Makzenie said with an unintentional roll of her eyes.

“Fine,” Marinette’s voice came out as a whine as she sat on the stairs.

Sabine sighed as Makzenie raised the backpack above her head and slowly fell onto her back with a stage whispered, “Yes.”

Sabine looked at her husband, “You see it too right.”

“See what,” Tom and Bridget asked simultaneously.

“You,” Huang said rubbing his face. “This is what I get in ten years.”

“Me?” Bridget leaned away from him in disgust, “Excuse me.”

“You’re excused,” Sabine smirked at her as Makzenie and Marinette finally situated their debacle.

“Hey, Papa are you coming with us to the tournament,” Marinette asked handing Makzenie some pages.

“Of course, I am,” Tom’s voice was boastful. “My daughter is going to crush the scene.”

Marinette looked away red-faced, “I don’t think so.”

Alya opened the trap door with a cry, “Found it.” She chucked a bag at Nino making him fall over with a groan.

“Alya please don’t throw things in our home,” Sabine requested. While the warning was firm still held fondness.

“Yes, Mme. Cheng,” Alya said making her way down the stairs. Alya tugged the girls up, “Come on we need to get there early.”

Marinette rolled her eyes while Makzenie gave her an annoyed look.

“I thought it was at five,” she said folding the pages up.

“It is but there’s supposed to be a bunch of stalls with all sorts of stuff,” Alya said. “I’m sure you’ll find something to distract you till the tournament starts.”

“She also wants to get B-roll,” Marinette said as Tom hugged his wife. “She’s gonna make a video on it for her page.”

“I thought she had the Ladyblog,” Makzenie’s face scrunched up.

“I do,” Alya nodded as she opened the door. “But I also have one separate because that one has become branded at this point.”

“So what’s B-roll,” Makzenie asked Alya as they made their way out the door. Nino laughed, “Once you get her started on the process she doesn’t stop.”

“Bye Maman,” Marinette kissed Sabine on the cheek. “You said you’d come down later right?”

The woman nodded, “Yep, I’m bringing the troublemakers with me.”

“We aren’t that bad,” Bridget said with her arms crossed.

“I’m not but you are,” Huang said pointedly.

“Xia he’s worse right,” She said pointing at him. Sabine rested her head in her hands choosing to ignore them, “See troublemakers.”

Marinette giggled, “The worst.” She looked up at the younger siblings, “Bye auntie, bye uncle.”

Marinette waved and grabbed her father’s hand who also waved as they followed the other teens down the stairs.

Max paced back and forth in his room looking at his friends’ resting place. How he had turned him off was a more manual way, how he would if was to do repairs on Markov.

Max paused his pacing taking off his glasses looking in the direction of the space but not seeing it. He took a deep breath and put his glasses back on. He carefully picked up his mechanical companion.

A light buzzing sounded as the fan sounded like a PC before slowly becoming non-existent. The screen was dim before lighting and sounding a loading symbol. The screen was quick to flash into an exclamation mark right before he zoomed out of Max’s hands.

“Twenty-four hours, twenty-eight minutes, and forty-six seconds,” the pain in Markov’s voice came out very clearly and made Max lower his head in shame.

“That is…correct,” Max confirmed reluctantly.

Markov showed droopy eyes as he spoke, “Max how could you? I’m supposed to be your friend, not just another project of yours.”

“That is also true,” Max said as nausea came over him again. He didn’t like this feeling, he wasn’t used to it and was a little more suffocating every time. But this moment was different cause he wasn’t imagining. It was actually happening.

“I was frustrated and extremely upset on many levels, I should not have treated you the way I did because of it. It does not excuse my behavior,” Max stated struggling to look at his friend. “You are more than just a machine, that has been proven many times. I’m supposed to be more than your maker, I’m supposed to be your friend.

“And I am sorry for my behavior, you did not deserve my attitude. I can not promise my emotions won’t get to me again another day, but I will try to keep in mind that and try to listen to you next time.” Max gave an unsure smile to Markov, “You’re a great friend and I do not wish to have us be simply creation and maker, but friends and partners.”

Markov’s screen showed eyes as if they were squinting, “Max I do not blame you for your emotions of getting the best of you. As I too got Akumatized. What I am upset about is you shutting me off unexpectedly.”

Max frowned, “I am especially sorry for that, it was not called for. I should have instead asked you to leave me alone as I did with my friends.”

“I accept your apology, I do hope next time it is handled better,” Markov bowed his head to Max.

Max smiled wide, “Want to join me in cheering on Marinette and Adrien?”

“Absolutely!” Markov spun in the air making Max laugh.

“So what’s the difference,” Makzenie asked Alya while plucking some cotton candy from Marinette. Marinette stuck her tongue out and got one right back.

Marinette wasn’t listening as Alya went on explaining the difference between regular and broadcast journalism to the girl. Nino had run off to meet with Adrien and her mother had yet to arrive. Marinette was wandering around the stadium with her dad looking at all the stalls, she hadn’t even gone to the registration station on the other side of the stadium.

There was mostly food at the entrance but everywhere else was filled to the brim with visiting streamers, writers, game developers and companies, voice actors, and coders of all types; all in all different stages and connections to videogames surrounding the family unit.

It felt more like a convention than a tournament, but then again it was probably for the publicity.

Alya rushed forward to a stall with Makzenie on her heels. Marinette was about to rush after them when a hand went on her shoulder. She looked at her dad with confusion.

“What’s on your mind,” Tom asked softly. Marinette’s breath caught in her throat, her body tight.

When was the last time her parents had asked that? It felt like recently they were doing more things they didn’t often do. It was overwhelming in a way Marinette couldn’t quite grasp.

She opened her mouth to say something but couldn’t come up with anything. She looked at her tornado of sugar, spinning it between her fingers. Because where could she begin? She had so much on her mind and it made her want to just fall. To be weightless and not feel any of this, allow the space around her to envelop her off into nothingness.

But that would never happen. She had a place and a role to fill. So where does she begin?

Tom waited patiently for her daughter to answer, taking to watching Alya and Makzenie listen to the person at the stall explain why they were there. He opted to steal a piece of cotton candy from her like Makzenie getting a reaction from her in the form of a glare.

It only made him smile because she looked so much like her mother when he met her.

Shoulder-length hair and sharp eyes. Everyone commented on how much she looked like Sabine, but they never noticed where she really looked like her.

Marinette sighed as she looked back to the girls.

“Papa.”

Tom hummed and moved his gaze back to his daughter as she watched the girls.

“Do you think she can still grow,” she paused, “or is it too late?”

Tom frowned in thought trying to figure out what she was referring to, “Do you mean Chloé?”

“Yeah.” She spun the cotton candy again. “Is it too late to try and help her grow?”

Tom remembered that day, bringing his daughter home from school a small crying mess with gum in her long hair. Crying cause Chloé was sometimes mean or overtly whiny to get her way but had never done anything truly drastic till that year. He’d told Sabine he’d handle it when he’d walked in as she handled the bakery.

She’d cried the whole way, sometimes saying it wasn’t fair.

Tom brought his daughter into a side hug, “Well, what do you think?”

He watched her pursed her lips in thought and then looked up at him unsure, “I don’t know, maybe.”

“That isn’t no. Now is it?”

“I guess not.” She shrugged with a small smile, “Thank you.”

“Of course,” he squeezed her. “Now how about a proper hug.”

Tom enveloped her as she groaned, “Dad.” But she was quick to return the hug with a bigger smile.

“Marinette,” Makzenie called as they pulled away. “They’re interested in your graphic design work.”

Marinette’s face went red as she came up to join them, “Hi, I’m Marinette.”

The man snapped his fingers with a grin and spoke in English, “Nice to meet you, your friends here say you do graphic design.”

Marinette nodded going to English, somewhat annoyed but happy to practice, “You heard correct.”

“Do you have a portfolio or anything I looked at right now,” He asked at a quick pace.

“Um, yes,” Marinette grabbed her phone out, “May I know why?”

“Oh right, I’m a technologist at S.T.A.R Labs, they’re working with W.E. to research child development via video games,” he explained as he waited for Marinette to bring up designs. “Usually S.T.A.R. Labs is based mainly around keeping supervillains and bad aliens imprisoned and general tech advancements, but we work pretty closely with W.E. tech-wise. And part of their technology division has recently gotten the green light for more creative routes and reached out to us and I volunteered to be a part of the project.”

“That’s,” Marinette paused as she handed her phone over, “interesting. So why are you here?”

“To spot out people who would be interested in helping the project,” he shrugged. “Wow, these are great!” He looked up at her, “How old are you?”

Marinette squinted at him prompting him to shake his hands, “No, no, not like that. Just I think maybe having you on board for the project would be cool, but we’d need to talk to parents before hiring you. Child labor and such.”

“I’m fifteen,” Marinette said after realizing her dad was behind her. “This is my Papa.”

“Lucas Carr,” the man put his hand out to Tom. “Your daughter’s work here is amazing,” he stated flashing her phone toward the larger man.

“Tom Dupain,” Tom smiled back. “Trust me I know very well what she’s capable of.”

“Hey is this the cover to that one rock-star album from this year,” Lucas brought the screen close to his face snapping his fingers as Marinette’s face became red again. “Oh, what was his, oh Jagged Stone right!”

He looked up to the group. Marinette nodded silently while Alya slung an arm around Marinette, “She also made the man’s favorite pair of sunglasses and has made three of Clara Nightingale’s for the Quarter Tour.”

“Did you also make the outfit he wore for the halftime show,” he leaned forward with interest.

Marinette shook her head, “No, I only met him about two months before the, uh,” she spun her hand before changing back to French for the moment, “le football américain, uh super…bowl?” She smiled apologetically, “I’m very sorry.”

“Oh no need dude,” he said handing her phone back to her. “That’s crazy though. With your talent, I’m sure we’d be able to make a wonderful visually capturing game.”

“I’m not that interested in game design,” Marinette said sheepishly.

“That’s too bad but if you change your mind,” Lucas grabbed a card and pamphlet from across the table, “I’d be happy to bring you on for the development stage of the project.”

Marinette took the papers with a polite smile, “I’ll be sure to keep it in mind.”

“Come on girl, this could be great,” Alya gave a light shake of the girl. “Get a hand in more than one pot.”

“Marinette told him she wasn’t interested,” Makzenie frowned at her.

“She said not that interested.” Alya said back and looked to her best friend, “Just think about it, it would look great that you worked on such an important project. W.E. and S.T.A.R. Labs? Colleges would eat that up!”

Marinette opened her mouth to respond but Makzenie spoke up again, “She said it in a way to let the guy down easy. And she has the papers to look at if she really wants to consider it.”

Alya and Makzenie glared at each other making Marinette a deep breath, but as she was about to say something, yet again, her father spoke instead.

“Girls you’re both right, it is a great opportunity to consider but it is Marinette’s decision,” Tom said a bit of bush attitude but obviously trying to stay cheerful.

Marinette opened her mouth to add her own thoughts when the sound system went off, “Attention Ultra Mega Strike Three Tournament participants: if you have not completed the registration form yet, we ask to make your way to do so now. The tournament will start in twenty minutes, if you do not sign up with your partner you can not participate in the tournament. Please hurry, thank you.”

“Oh let’s go,” Tom and Makzenie said at almost the same time.

Alya grabbed Marinette’s hand to guide her through the crowd, “Let’s go gamergirl.”

“Please never call me that again,” Marinette said cringing away but following.

“Yeah, I don’t want to hear that again,” Makzenie exclaimed with disgust.

The group made their way to the table, careful not to be too far from each other. The excitement around them was electric seeming to work off each person making the excitement rise.

“The boys should meet us there,” Alya hollered at the two girls just before they made it to the table.

Marinette got in line while Makzenie and Alya looked around the area and her father went back to the entrance. She waited patiently in line.

“Next,” the woman called.

“Hi,” Marinette said with a wavering smile.

“Here,” the woman gave a much more cheerful smile as she handed over a clipboard with a form. Marinette took it with a thanks. She stepped away so others could get the form. She sighed looking at it.

“Nino, Adrien,” she heard Alya call out. Marinette looked up searching for the two before spotting the blond head. Adrien waved at her with a wide smile, and Marinette waved back with a weak smile.

Marinette’s head turned when she heard a familiar voice, she looked for Max till she spotted him. She looked back down at the form hesitant for a moment before straightening her stance and filling out the form. Alya popped up next to her, “You’re really into it now, ain't you?”

“Not exactly,” Marinette said softly. “This isn’t my baby, it’s Max’s and he should get to participate like he wants.”

“What,” Alya exclaimed, “but you trained, and you-”

Marinette looked up to Alya, “I jumped to do something without all the facts. I made assumptions, that’s not okay. You should know making assumptions is dangerous, jumping to conclusions without all the facts can hurt people. I hurt Max, he’s my friend and he didn’t deserve that. I’m going to make it up to him.”

Alya stood speechless for a moment, “But Adrien-”

“Is just a friend,” Marinette said with the same soft voice and a gentle smile. “Besides I got to hang out with him, didn’t I? That’s what friends do.”

Alya stood there baffled as Marinette took confident strides to the boy.

“Babe what’s up,” Nino asked offering her a drink.

“Just a friend,” she stated quietly.

“Excuse me,” Nino cried.

“Just a friend,” Alya laughed. “She said that about Adrien.”

“Really,” Nino looked at Marinette as she almost reached Max. He glanced at Adrien who frowned as Marinette got closer to her target.

“Yeah,” Alya took the soda from him and took a big drink as Marinette tapped Max’s shoulder.

Max turned around surprised to see Marinette, “Uh, hello Marinette. Markov and I came in support of you and Adrien.”

Marinette chuckled, “Well, about that. And I really believe you should play tonight.” Marinette held out the form, “I already filled it out with your name and what details I know. The rest is up to you.”

“What, but you, you won.” Max’s eyes were wide behind his glasses, “You’re the more adequate player. You-”

“I love games as much as the next person, but it isn’t my heart and soul. It’s your heart and soul though, it’s part of your passions, and you deserve to take as many steps to it as you can. This one of them, this is your tournament. It wasn’t meant to be mine.” Marinette gave a light shake of the clipboard, “I don’t want to take this away from you, Max.”

Their friends joined them as Max took the clipboard and said, “I don’t know how to thank you.”

Adrien slung an arm around Marinette putting a clipboard in front of her and said to Max, “How about by winning the tournament with her.”

“Huh,” Marinette looked between the clipboard and Adrien, “What?”

“You’re a hundred times better than me at this thing Marinette. Go on, win the tournament,” Adrien’s face was a bit smug looked at her, “Unless that’s too tall of an order for you.”

Marinette’s face went red and she huffed finishing the form, “You’re way more annoying than people know.”

“Only my biggest fans get this,” Adrien said dramatically before smirking, “or maybe my littlest.”

Marinette shoved him off of her, “Nino take him back to his mansion.”

Adrien gasped and clung to Nino, “You wound me Mars. I will bleed in the stands as you take victory with Max!”

Marinette’s smile became tight as she looked at the blond. His hair was just the littlest bit unneat, his eyes had a spark and his face was full of unbridled joy of the moment they were in. She could almost see the black markings of a mask thanks to the lighting, nearly perfectly place the magic leather on him.

You wound me Princess!

Marinette took a sharp breath before laughing, “Guess that’ll also have to be a part of my winnings then.”

Adrien held back a laugh, now gripping Nino for support.

“Dang Marinette,” Kim laughed from behind Max. He smiled down at Max as he showed he’d filled out the form. Kim hugged him before they went ahead to turn in the form.

“Come on Marinette,” Makzenie grabbed Marinette’s hand. “Let’s get yours turned in too, before it’s too late.”

“Yeah Mars, getta moving,” Alix rolled past with a grin. It made Marinette just how many of her friends she’d see before the end of the night.

“Okay, okay,” Marinette laughed at the girl’s enthusiasm and the group made their way to the official tournament.

Does anyone know Lucas…??? •v•

#oooo #maribat #maribat fic #maribat fanfic #maribat marinette dupain cheng #taking flight #maribat adrien agreste #maribat alya #maribat bridget cheng #maribat sabine cheng #maribat tom dupain #maribat huang cheng #maribat max #maribat markov #dc x mlb #mlb x dc

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Taking Flight - Chapter 18 - Gamer

| Ao3 | Wattpad |

October 10

“This is a disaster,” Marinette spoke quietly.

Marinette sat on the bench in the locker room. She’d said goodbyes to most of her friends and not many people were still in school so she didn’t have to worry about people hearing her.

Marinette groaned; as it was most of her friends did not include Max at the moment. Numerous times between lessons she tried to talk to him but he just dismissed her or flat out ignored her. Despair had settled on her as she sat there holding her head from her chin.

“Oh Marinette don’t say that. You didn’t know,” Tikki tried to comfort the girl. “You don’t need to dwell on it. Besides you get to hang out with Adrien!” Tikki unintentionally flew in a circle in front of Marinette. The Kwami was determined to cheer up the girl she cared deeply for.

Marinette, for all she had at the moment, simply sighed. She cast her gaze to the floor before closing her eyes and taking a breath. She faced Tikki and put on a smile, “Of course, I should get home and get the rest of the Kwami situated before Adrien comes to my house.”

“Exactly,” Tikki beamed and zipped into Marinette’s purse; they made their way home. Marinette smelt the bakery before she even crossed the street, her home practically inviting people to come and buy something.

Marinette went around the bakery and entered through the residence door, but she couldn’t help but pop her head in. Her Maman and Papa must have been in the kitchen due to the smell of more pastries being made and Bridget at the cash register.

“Psst, Āyí,” Marinette said to the young woman.

Bridget turned, “Oh Marinette you’re home!”

“Uh, yeah. Can you give me a chasan?”

“Of course. Will only speak to me for food,” Bridget said sarcastically as she put the requested food on a napkin for the girl. Bridget squinted at the food and then put her eyes back on her niece, “Need anything else? Any help?”

“I’m good, see you,” Marinette waved and exited up the stairs. Hurrying to get to her room, she knew Adrien was going to arrive soon and the quicker she got the Kwami set the smoother practice would go.

Marinette almost tripped up the steps to her room but caught herself. She pushed her trapdoor open, “Hey guys I’m home, let’s get your tray and coloring books set up.”

“Guardian,” many cried zipping around her and her room grabbing items. Marinette giggled as some of the fluffy affectionate Kwami nuzzled her cheeks. Ziggy rammed into her bicept making Marinette snort at the Kwami’s goat quality.

“Okay guys, let's focus on getting you all situated.” The Kwami dispersed allowing her to set her backpack down next to her desk.

Marinette found the tray half filled with the Kwami’s various snacks, Barkk and Daizzi were struggling to lift the container of strawberries out of the small fridge. Marinette grabbed it allowing them to grab some other lighter snacks. Marinette placed five strawberries down and put the container back.

Marinette filled the rest of the tray up with the help of Barkk, Daizzi, and Trixx. Many Kwami would come up to her asking if the drawing utensil they had was okay to use; to which she would say yes.

Marinette brought the tray up to her bed and set it right in front of her pillow. Kwami were zipping in and out of the green book organizing their drawing utensils. Marinette opened the coloring books and set them on the bed next to the tray of food, and hung a sheet from the ceiling on the side facing the rest of her room.

Marinette smiled at her handy work as the Kwami got settled and calmed down. There were plenty of colors so they wouldn’t fight over who used what color when they colored.

“Wonderful work Marinette,” Tikki said, phasing in and out of the sheet seeing how it looked.

“Thanks Tikki. Now let’s-”

“Marinette,” her mother called slowly opening her trapdoor. “Adrien’s here for training.”

Marinette turned too fast and her grip slipped on her latter and fell, she broke her fall with her forearms.

“Marinette are you okay?” Sabine asked letting herself into the room. Marinette smoothed her overcoat while giving a reassuring smile to her mother, “Yes Maman. Just slipped.”

Sabine huffed while she looked over her daughter, “And this is why we learn how to fall properly. You could have seriously injured yourself.”

“It’s not that bad,” Marinette started. Sabine frowned and opened her mouth to continue when Adrien popped his head up, “Is Marinette okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine,” Marinette said rushed, with a small smile.

“That’s what she claims,” Sabine stared hard at her daughter before turning back to the hatch.

Adrien smiled, “Well I would hope she is. Wouldn’t want my partner out of commission.”

Marinette’s smile became strained as she laughed, “Right. Of course, because I’m now your partner for the tournament.” She clapped her hands together, “And nothing else, well there is nothing else because we don’t partner up for anything else really.”

“Yeah,” Adrien said awkwardly, holding his smile. Sabine raised her eyebrows at her daughter in question. Marinette gave an affiliative-like smile in response along with raising her shoulders a little.

Sabine nodded to herself, she took in a breath as she turned to Adrien, “Well have fun and work hard?” The woman laughed, “Never thought I say that about video games.” Sabine started down the steps, “But really, have fun and if need anything just ask Marinette or one of us. Okay?”

She looked between her daughter and the model, who smiled,” Of course Mme Cheng.”

Sabine grabbed the trap door and squinted at the boy in a playful scolding, “Haven’t I told you to call me Sabine.”

“Right,” Adrien said sheepishly. Sabine nodded with an amused expression as she shut the door.

Marinette dropped onto her chaise took a deep breath and gave a wide smile to the blond standing next to her chest seat, “So I read up on the Ultra Mega Strike Three Tournament last night, we fight as a duo, as you know, but how well do you do partnered battles? And what’s the fastest you’ve gone through the Champion Chapters on randomize mode?”

“I don’t have experience playing partnered battles other than the one time Nino played with me,” he explained eventually avoiding eye contact with her. “And I’ve only done randomize twice, both I struggled, even with the second time having the computer partner.”

Marinette’s brows came down as she asked, “You never did the online battles?”

Adrien shook his head, “Father never permitted me to, and even before then my parents didn’t like the idea of playing online for the second game.”

Marinette nodded before giving a smile, “Well luckily for us I have online access, we can start with battling the computer before moving on to battling actual players.” Marinette got up and took her regular chair, leaving the spinnable office chair for Adrien to use. Marinette, while she had told them they didn’t need to do things for her, was thankful the Kwami had put the controllers and turned her computer on for her.

Her screen saver was no longer a collage of Adrien but all her friends and family, she’d kept the heart but made them change colors but was mainly still pink. After the news incident before school let out for the summer she had been mortified and had been quick to make a few adjustments to her room setup. She was glad though that Adrien wasn’t the only person on her wall, but he did take up the majority of the space along with her desktop screen saver.

Adrien frowned at the desktop noticing the change, he swallowed the frown away as Marinette pulled up the game to practice. Adrien briefly wondered if he’d done something wrong.

No, he couldn’t have. Every interaction had been positive from what he remembered, or at least he thought so. Marinette smiled at him as he sat down, it turned out one of the controller's batteries were dead. Adrien watched in awe as Marinette pulled a floorboard open to reveal dividers, Marinette pulled out a box and a different controller.

Below them, Sabine made her way back down to the bakery where her sister bombarded her.

“So that’s the boy,” Bridget grinned upon her rounding on the kitchen. Her words were a statement not a question to the older woman.

“Yes, that was Adrien,” Sabine confirmed as she rejoined her husband. Bridget hung at the door clearly not satisfied and wanted to poke her sister more, “The Adrien you’ve spent multiple conversations telling me about?"

Sabine loved her sister, she truly did; and even with years spent apart mainly due to their mother, Sabine knew her sister was only so invasive because of the lack of time together. Unfortunately, that bled into her treatment of Marinette as well.

Tom struggled to stifle a laugh, his wife shot a glare at him that said to stop laughing at her predicament. Sabine received a look practically stating she did this to herself.

Sabine sighed before speaking, “Yes that’s the one I told you about.”

Sabine swore she heard her sister’s head coming up with ideas, so she added sternly, “Baihu you leave those two alone.” She turned to see her sister had just stopped herself from leaving; Sabine gave a narrowed-eyed look to her little sister, “Adrien is a sweet boy who doesn’t ever get out of the house other than for his father’s company. He was homeschooled his entire life and his only friends were his cousin and the mayor’s daughter.”

Sabine’s face softened as she continued, “I know he wouldn’t do anything, there’s nothing to worry about. Compared to you at that age he is just experiencing the world, think about that.”

Bridget had lowered her limps to more natural positions taking in the information, to say she wasn’t worried about her niece was an understatement. She thought about how she didn’t have friends till the end of elementary school when she lived in California, and how not soon after did she lose them to moving to another state. Then again after middle school, she lost her friends for moving to another state unexpectedly.

Being isolated to just two people and whoever was brought to your precinct sounded much lonelier.

Bridget leaned against the doorframe, “Okay I won’t go up, but if they come down it’s open season.” Her smile nearing mischievous, despite this Sabine seemed to relax as she said thank you and resumed her work.

Most of the billboards throughout Paris were plastered with Adrien’s face, but when special events were happening it seemed as though Gabriel Agreste graced those people's usage of said billboards.

A good 45.7% of the boards were promoting the Ultra Meta Strike Three Gaming Tournament rather than the blond's face. His mother had asked about the tournament only to meet with Max’s scowling face while he stated he would not be participating in the tournament. This left Claudie worried as she asked him why, her son appeared to be struggling with whether or not to tell her.

When she tried to gently get his attention to not lose him, she was met with him brushing her off before storming off to his room.

Claudie sighed and leaned against her countertop. Max usually talked to her when something was bothering him or of any alterations to his plans, but he hadn’t this time only leaving her to find out now. She wasn’t used to him acting like this, especially when he was a very forward person. Even as a boy once he’d found his voice, he wasn’t one to beat around the bush or allow time to dwindle.

Her hand brushed against a slip of paper.

“Markov must have printed this,” she murmured to herself. She straightened herself, Max was a smart boy and could very well handle himself for a few hours.

She picked up her purse and knocked on her son’s door, “I’m heading to the store. I’ll be back soon, message me if you can think of anything Markov didn’t put on the list.”

She made out a heavily muffled, “Okay Mom.”

Claudie held a light frown on her face, “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Max made his voice louder so his mother could hear him. He could just make out her footsteps as she walked away and the front door shut.

Markov’s heating fan and rotor blades whizzed between Max and the door. Markov’s screen showed his concern as he flew over to his friend.

“Max I understand you’re upset. What if we focused on another activity to take your mind off the tournament,” Markov swayed to get the boy’s attention as he spoke. Markov’s digital eyes drooped as Max turned over on his bed and mumbled something unintelligible. Markov moved so that he hovered just six centimeters from Max.

“Max I believe it would be better for you to busy yourself with something else you enjoy as a distraction until you leave for the New York Trip on Saturday.”

Markov observed Max as he lowered himself to the bed, allowing his claw to sit on the bed. Markov did not like seeing his friend like this, it was very rare that he saw Max so demoralized with discomfit. The living machine lightly tapped Max’s arm with his claw, trying to get his attention.

Max glanced at him, his frown still ever-present. Markov looked hopeful on his screen, sometimes it even amazed Max of what he had made to be so animated. Right now was not one of those moments.

“Markov go through blueprints,” it was more of a command than a request. Markov’s screen held lines to showcase he was doing just that. Max pushed himself off his bed and pulled on a hoodie, this made Markov stop.

“What are you doing?” A question mark on the screen.

“Out for a walk,” Max said, trying to sound unbothered.

“Then I will come with you,” Markov propelled himself up with confidence.

“I would like more solitude,” Max opened his door to walk out, but Markov was right behind him.

“But Max, your emotional state could–”

Max cut him off, “I want to walk alone; that includes you not coming with me.” Max grabbed Markov, “And I know will keep pushing, for now, have a system break.”

“No Max–” Markov was cut off by Max shutting down the intelligent creation. He gently set down his friend on his resting spot.

Max was soon on the streets. He truly was hoping that a walk and some fresh air could help him center himself. But at every turn, there was Adrien’s face, there was a promotion for the Tournament.

His watch indicated a slightly higher blood pressure than usual. And dang it he knew that, he didn't need to be told, or reminded every five minutes.

Where did he program the settings for that! He just needed to turn it off, and could calm down more. He stared downward, hard at his watch. Tapping and swiping, if he could just find where he put the settings for it.

He ran into something hard, he fell back with a grunt rubbing the frontal region of his head. He looked up and there he was again!

Adrien.

But behind, up on the roof of some poor fool's house was promotion for the tournament. And he looked to the right and there was Adrien, and as Max got up he spun around there was Adrien and the tournament.

Max didn't hear his breathing become harsher, the people around him panicking, running, groaning as the flaps of a beautiful glowing Lepidoptera came for him. He didn't see the people dissipate from his area, nor some getting their phones out. No, all he saw was Gabriel and Tournament promotions.

Suddenly everything was a hazy lilac purple, a cloud blocked everything, but Max could still see the promotions clearly. Everything became muffled, and his mind felt as though something slowly cradled his consciousness. A hand gentle but firm, Max while his anger and betrayal turn up the nth degree had relaxed. The soothing hands on his mind were a comfort as they went through the file folders of his mind.

But that was done in milliseconds before his voice sounded in his mind.

“Hello Gamer, I am Hawkmoth, you have had a chance taken from you. A chance that you so rightfully deserve, and all because of some crush?”

He tsked in his head sending vibrations through his nerves. Marinette had taken his place, and all cause she wanted Adrien. But she won, fair and everything. He can't blame her for the talent that came with hard work. But she wouldn't have joined if she wasn't after Adrien.

“Now that won't do will it? You can take your place back, I’ll get you it and you can prove how much better you are. You just need to get me Ladybug and Chat Noir’s Miraculous, so simple.”

Yes, it was a simple request, wasn't it?

“Do you accept my offer,” his voice was so comforting, full of promise. It almost calmed his anger, but it was still blaring just as loud as his voice.

“Yes Hawkmoth,” Max smiled with glee.

“See that time was faster,” Marinette exclaimed.

“It was mostly you again,” Adrien laughed.

“You got the last hit,” Marinette pointed at him, a light glare cast his way too.

Adrien covered his face and dragged his hands down muffling his response.

“You’re still great at the game, just need more practice,” Marinette tried to reassure him.

“Marinette you could probably beat them without my help,” he said very seriously.

“Psst, no,” Marinette laughed. “I’m lucky but not that lucky.”

“Well you are the everyday Ladybug,” Adrien grinned at her. Marinette rolled her eyes and stage whispered, “You want to know my real secret? This is my secret weapon.”

She pulled out a red string with big beads from children's sets and a single clay one. Marinette grinned while Adrien raised an eyebrow, “You’re messing with me.”

“Nope,” Marinette popped the word. “I made this in cours élémentaire 2, and ever since I win every round.”

“You did not have that on you yesterday,” Adrien looked back at her.

“Did I?” a grin still on her face.

The door slapped open making the two jump, and a loud voice boomed, “How about some fresh chocolate croissants with spinach and sourdough bread.”

“Dad,” Marinette whined. Adrien just laughed, “Maybe now would be a good time for a break.”

Marinette slumped against her seat but agreed, her father enthusiastically stretched to give Adrien the tray. Marinette stretched realizing how sore she felt from staying in mostly the same position.

“Why don’t we go down the park? Stretch our legs a bit,” Marinette suggested. Adrien was quick to agree, being glad not to be just confined to her room, but he knew the Dupain-Chengs wouldn’t force him to.

Marinette stopped him for a moment, “Hey you don’t mind if I invite Makzenie, do you?” Marinette pointed to the door of the apartment the girl and her aunt were using. “It’s just that she doesn’t get to hang out with many others, most of the girls’ hangouts are out around the city and she isn’t comfortable going all around.” Marinette smiled a little more nervous, “And we’re only going across the street, and not to mention you’re a very comfortable person to be around. Well, not that it isn’t a mentionable quality it’s just that it seems kinda obvious.”

Marinette trailed off with a laugh.

Adrien had been staring at her a little wide-eyed and if he was being honest hadn’t expected that. He knew Makzenie had gone to the bakery, to finally have a safe place to be but he hadn’t actually seen her. He couldn’t ask to see her because that would be weird of Adrien to do, and he hadn’t dropped by as Chat Noir to see her specifically because that could come off as creepy and he did not want Makzenie nor any of the Dupain-Chengs to think badly of his hero side. That was already rocky with M. Dupain, and he did not want to expand to the rest of the family.

Oh Kwami he’s been quiet and staring for too long, hasn’t he? And Marinette was now rambling about how it was completely okay if he wasn’t comfortable with it.

“She can join,” Adrien interrupted a little too loudly. He cleared his throat, and he could feel the embarrassment of trying to choke him, “It’s a great idea, you’re very considerate Marinette. I’m sure this will help her, also it would be great to meet her myself after you and everyone talking about her.”

It was mainly the girls as they hung out with Marinette the most, but Nino, Max, and Ivan had met her. So that’s all he had to go off as Adrien.

A smile blossomed on her face and she clapped her hands together, “Awesome, let me just see if she wants to join.”

Adrien leaned against the railing, holding the tray of food Tom had brought up, while Marinette knocked and spoke quietly to the girl on the other side. The door opened a little wider and the brunette peaked to squint at him. Adrien had experience with that look plenty as Chat Noir, but without his mask, it made him almost squirm. Adrien gave a small wave to the girl, Makzenie only nodded and said something to Marinette and appeared to leave the door open.

She reappeared in seconds pulling her ponytail through a cap and had a jacket half on, it hung off one arm, but she pulled it on as she pulled the door shut with her elbow.

“Ready,” the girl stated firmly to Marinette. She then faced Adrien and put a handout, “Makzenie.”

Adrien smiled and shook her hand, “Adrien, nice to meet you.”

“I know, you’re everywhere.”

Ah, there’s the ever-blunt attitude he missed during patrol.

“Well let’s get going. Adrien and I are just taking a break, but you join us if you want when we come back to practice more,” Marinette said trying to take the tray from Adrien. Adrien grinned and lifted the tray in the air, “I’m carrying it.”

“You’re a guest,” Marinette glared up at him.

“I thought I was your partner? That means equals, doesn’t it?” Adrien stated smug and lifted the tray higher.

Marinette’s face rippled for a moment and she looked back and forth between his eyes. It made Adrien raise his eyebrows at her in question. Marinette’s eyebrows knitted together, her face was set in a look of confusion at the blond. A strange look of concern he wasn’t used to.

“Are we going or what,” Makzenie asked as she walked between the two. “I was promised snacks and sunlight. I’d enjoy them at a level that I can reach.”

“Right, fine you carry it,” Marinette surrendered following the younger girl.

The trio made their way down the stairs and decided to pass through the bakery. Tom had already arrived back downstairs. Marinette and Makzenie freely snagged some extra treats from the display cases, the former more confidently in the pastrynapping. Marinette kissed Bridget on the cheek as she passed with a, “Love you Āyí.”

Bridget watched the teens make their way out of the bakery. She saw them go to the crosswalk from through the windows, she just needed to follow them. The girls might end up needing her, or they may need help getting away from his crazy fans. She knew about the mob mentality that the boy’s fans tended to have.

Though Bridget’s current theory about that was it was from the effects of mind control Akumas.

“Bridget,” Sabine’s voice spoke out warningly.

“I said it was open season, and your help will be here in,” the woman glanced at the clock, “three minutes.” Bridget started taking off her apron, which she didn’t need but her sister insisted she wear it.

She heard Sabine sigh as she hung up the apron and removed her tag.

“Just be respectful,” her sister said with resignation.

“Of course,” Bridget waved her off. Bridget was mildly self-aware of her tendencies, but it wasn’t anything unusual in the family. The bell dinged and she turned to see Huang with a cup of coffee in one hand and a cup of tea in the other, and a bag hanging off his end fingers on one hand. “And there’s my insurance Xia,” Bridget grinned to her.

“What did I say about magic,” Sabine hissed at Bridget. Bridget rushed across the bakery grabbing their brother by his arm, “That you love and appreciate that we practice.”

Bridget pulled Huang out with her before Sabine decided decking her was an attractive option.

“Hey these are hot,” Huang glared at her.

“Oh please you can cool them,” Bridget said as she tugged the bag from his fingers. She went to open it but glanced up at him, “Which one is mine?”

“Neither,” he frowned. “You’re annoying and lack respect.”

“I have plenty of respect,” Bridget's nostrils flared while she frowned back.

“Say that to my arm,” Huang grumbled. “What did you want them for anyway,” he nodded to the small bag before they crossed the street.

“Oh we’re gonna follow Marinette,” Bridget chirped as she opened the bag and grabbed a silver ring out.

“Excuse me,” Huang stopped in his tracks. His face was pure bewilderment, “Bridge.”

“Yeah,” she looked up from inspecting the piece.

“That’s, uh, it’s unethical,” Huang said with hard enunciation.

“Yeah,” shrugged at him. “Oh don’t worry we’re gonna use these to follow the heroes during fights. Observe them better, and find places they frequent. It’s hard following them, they have heightened senses and stuff. Besides we’re gonna be in contact with them soon and we need to be prepared. Marinette’s friends aren’t gonna be perfect sources.”

Huang just stared at her but Bridget wasn’t having it, “Come on. Track them.”

Huang would not answer her summoning again. Ever even, he will take the spell back at the end of this.

As they made their way into the park, invisible rings on, a thudding could be heard coming toward the area. Several phones went off making Huang’s stomach drop. Just a few yards away stood a giant robot of sorts, he slowly looked down to see it was looming over the three teens his sister wanted to stalk.

Great.

He was just close enough to hear Marinette with only annoyance in her voice, “Tell me this isn't some kind of publicity stunt for the tournament.”

“Well, well, if it isn’t the lovesick nincompoop. How about we see who is victorious now Marinette,” the Akuma cried, its amplified voice making a person or two just hide in a bush to overhear.

Huang stood there slack-jawed at the giant machine, he thought the Miraculous the villain was using transformed people. Not give them entire vehicles, unless it was connected to him? Yeah, he didn’t want to go down that train of thought, but he might end up regardless later.

“Lovesick,” he saw Marinette cringe as she repeated the word while at the same time Bridget went, “Really? Nincompoop? Jeez, might as well say zoinks while he’s at it.”

Huang faced his sister with utter horror, “He’s threatening our niece and that’s your only reaction?”

She shrugged, “She’ll be fine.”

“She’s fifteen,” he stressed.

“She’s Xia and Tom’s,” she countered.

He couldn’t believe they were having this conversation now, “She just got shot at with lasers!”

“Yeah, let’s go,” Bridget said running ahead. The teens had already started running, with lasers to follow. He ran joining his sister, watching in horror as Adrien got separated from the girls. Huang went to follow him but Bridget grabbed his arm, “Marinette is more important, besides the Akuma is after her. We’ll have a better chance at observing the heroes if we stick to her.”

They ran after the girls instead, and damn, these girls were fast. At least Bridget didn’t have a problem keeping pace behind them. Marinette yelled something to Makzenie that Huang couldn’t hear. Makzenie and Marinette went back and forth for a few seconds, while running.

Seriously where did these kids get their lung capacity from?

Mackenzie ran off from Marinette; Marinette turned around running backwards without losing speed, and oh Celestials help him, yelling at the Akuma. He doesn’t know how Sabine hasn’t succumbed to her stubborn need to be a bulwark.

A cry sounded as a black blob came down on the machine of the veicheal, the momentum the…cat hero brought knocked the machine into the building. Sounds of rubble falling, glass shattering, and metal snapping from the pressure could be heard as the building collapsed from the large machine.

“Dang,” he heard his sister say, her voice soft but disconnected. Her detachment was very telling that she heard some of the screams that made their way to their ears.

“Hello Purincess,” the Cheng sibling's heads whipped to Chat Noir as he bowed to their niece, “May I ask why someone Akumatized into an avatar from one of the popular games on the continent is after you?”

“I may have accidentally taken his place in the upcoming gaming tournament,” Marinette’s voice came out strained and her face showed shame.

“How did you accidentally take someone’s place in a tournament,” the feline hero frowned as he glanced between the Akuma and the girl.

“I just wanted a play a round and I beat him and then they said I’m playing then and no one would listen to me when I tried to say I didn’t want to participate and he’s been mad at me since yesterday,” Marinette said fast-paced as she looked to the Akuma and took a step closer to the hero.

“Can you get me out of here real quick?”

“How about I get you out of here real quick?”

They said at the same time.

Huang was very close to yelling in frustration, he did not have the necessary materials on hand to follow them. A heavy sigh that morphed into a groan sounded beside him, he saw his sister glaring at the direction the cat hero had taken their niece. He was thankful that looks did, in fact, not kill.

“It’s fine,” she hissed. He knew for a fact that it was not fine, but they also had bigger problems. “We can just follow the Akuma and observe the heroes,” Bridget said as the giant machine got up and began to shoot lasers and get…plus symbols. Guess Huang could give credit where it was due, the guy knew how to be on theme.

Chasing the machine and trying to help citizens had made Huang send his drinks away long ago. At least the heroes were here now, including a new turtle-themed one. The turtle hero did not seem to be as familiar with the game as the main duo.

Now Bridget and Huang watched from the top of a building as the turtle hero put a dome around the stadium. It wasn’t a great place to be but they got a general gist of what was happening. Their goal had come to minimize his level-ups and disturbance to the rest of the city.

“It’s so hard to see,” Bridget complained, she squinted hard at the structure, “at least I could follow Grater.”

“What a kid get cut trying to help mom with the cheese,” Huang said as he resummoned his drinks, offering Bridget the tea.

Bridget murmured thanks before shaking her head, eyes still glued to the dome, “Akuma not even half a day being here, she was giant.”

“Bigger than the robot,” he asked curiously.

“Taller than the school,” she said still squinting. Suddenly she faced him, shoving her reading glasses in his face, “Enchant them.”

“Excuse me,” Huang leaned away from the excited woman.

“You heard me.”

“Yes I did, figure of speech,” Huang frowned. “I can’t just cast spells willy nilly Bridge. It’s dangerous to do it so carelessly.”

“Just make them act as binoculars temporally.”

Huang really wished he could say she was convincing. She wasn’t, but he couldn’t say no to her. He held the glasses for a second, pushing energy into them, making a limited pocket of magic on the item.

“There,” he said turning to his now cold coffee. “Ten minutes, you can see through the stadium better than I can and closely if you concentrate.”

Huang rested his chin sipping his drink, it’d take more energy from him to reheat it than to summon a new one. A bright pink light shined through the barrier, making him raise his eyebrows at the structure.

“Spray paint,” Bridget said beside him in question.

“They lucky thing?”

“Yeah,” Bridget said, “And it’s lucky charm.”

Huang sucked in a breath to retort but it died down when the barrier around the stadium had fallen. Seconds after he sees the turtle hero jump to the top of the stadium and throw something large. And seconds after that, red bugs flew through the sky, undoing the damage from the Akuma.

Huang watched mouth agape. The magic made his insides warm and spin, he felt as awake as he had before the Akuma, everything around him felt notched to 100th degree, like everything was on blast. He looked at his cup and reheated it without feeling any sort of drain.

He grabbed Bridget’s reading glasses, “Hey!”

Like an eager child for some candy made a thicker braid of magic on the item. It was so easy. Huang laughed in a partially crazed state, this city was practically a hub of magic at every level of being.

“It’s permanent,” he said, handing the glasses back.

“What?” Bridget put the glasses on, she gasped after putting them on and she faced her brother, “I thought you couldn't do magic all willy-nilly?”

“Not on my own,” Huang said standing up, he took a deep breath. “Not without worrying about using up my magical resources or reserves. This city is rebuilt and destroyed by magic almost daily, sometimes right?”

“Yeah,” Bridget nodded, thinking over the back-to-back Akuma’s she’d read on.

“Every single time,” he moved his hand with each enucleation that came from his mouth, “she cases that spell it didn't just rebuild and bring back the dead.” His words were almost breathless and made Bridget move so she sat on the ledge of the building watching her older brother pace.

“It made the very buildings imbued with it, the people probably have natural reserves inside of them that they don't even realize they have,” he ran his hands down his face. “It’s in the very air we breathe, the soil we walk on, the plants we pass, it's everywhere.”

He laughed again, this time giddier in sound, he looked almost as if he was gonna dance around on his tiptoes.

“I can’t believe I didn't realize this soon,” he continued pacing. He paced a moment to face Bridget again, “I mean I did, just not at this caliber.” His feet were soft despite the urgency they had taken. “But I feel it now,” he stopped and looked at the city and the stadium.

The heroes were long gone at this point, but the residue of their magic was still lasting. Huang didn't even need to try to see the remnants of Ladybug’s magic flitting through the air.

“Don’t you see it,” Huang said, “It’s still there.”

Bridget turned around confused, she never understood her brother when he got like this. He’d long stopped but when it came to magic he slipped into that same crazed wonder he’d use to talk about the world around them. It made her feel like a little girl again, looking over a field to see, to understand, what it was her brother saw.

For once she saw exactly what he had been talking about.

Speckles of green that were just barely visible surrounded the stadium and from there spread out strips of red.

“You mean the,” Huang interrupted Bridget with clear certainty, “Yes.”

After standing there for what was certainly too long Bridget spoke up, “I think we should go back.”

Huang still stared out, “Yeah, yeah. Go.”

And on the way back to the bakery Huang was much more aware of the city around them.

“And then Marinette tripped, face in the carpet,” the young woman laughed, “but she didn’t spill a single drop of the soup.”

“I find that highly doubtful,” Damian frowned at her. “The amount of skill and experience needed not to spill any of the soup would have also kept her from tripping in the first place.”

“You’d think,” Fei laughed before taking a bit from her plate. “Her mom has trained her in self-defense and stuff but she does not have a sense of balance.”

Cass silently giggled next to her while Stephanie smiled with as much amusement over the story. Bruce watched as his daughter’s friend interacted with his son. Tim was “staying late at the office” so he could not join them this evening with Miss Fei Wu.

Bruce kept a pleased smile as he ate, a good part of it was out of being polite but he was happy his daughter had found a friend during her temporary mission in Hong Kong. Though she had met the young woman when she went to investigate Shanghai as he had requested.

Fei was to fly back to Shanghai within the next week, and Bruce had yet to try and prod any information out of her about what she’d experienced during that night in the city. But it seemed his daughter could tell every time when he was going to ask about it, which didn’t surprise him, he should have expected, she seemed to be against him asking her about it.

“Mr. Cheng is one of the best chefs in the world, but I couldn’t tell you who is better,” Fei said deflecting Stephanie’s targetted question.

“I would rather like to have a competition between Pennyworth and Cheng,” Damian spoke up, and he raised his chin as he declared, “but Pennyworth would certainly win. His skills in the kitchen are unmatched.”

“You and your competitions,” Cass signed with a playful roll of her eyes.

“They are the only proper way to measure someone’s competence in such a manner,” Damian frowned defiantly.

“Sure Dami,” Stephanie said dryly, “Like the cart race in the Blüdhaven Target, you thought all of you were extremely competent.”

“I do not appreciate your sarcasm or that eye roll at the end Brown,” Damian squinted at Stephanie before continuing his meal. Stephanie snickered before doing the same. Fei had followed suit in snickering and turned back to Cass.

“We should do that with my friends in Shanghai,” Fei’s face was mischievous and was soon matched by Cass who grinned back.

Oh, Bruce did not like the sound of that. But he would preserve through.

After dinner Cass, Stephanie, and Fei went to the family sitting room while Bruce and Damian went to “rest” for the rest of the night. For as much as Bruce wanted to stay behind to try and get information out of Fei, he knew by this point that it wasn’t going to happen. That and he wasn’t very sure about leaving just Tim, Jason, and Damian on the field, even with Barabra and Alfred.

Stephanie snickered for a moment before bursting out laughing after Bruce had bid the three girls goodnight. She looked between Fei and Cass giddy.

“I still can’t believe you snuck in a magic-using hero,” Steph whispered.

“Not exactly what I am, but,” Fei tilted her head as she extended the word, “It kinda counts.”

“B would freak out regardless,” Steph said crisscrossed. She leaned back and forth, “So while you tell me about the night Bruce really wants the dets to, have you ever played Yahtzee?”

Fei shook her head making Steph light up, “Perfect!”

Stephanie got up and ran to get the game out, Fei’s phone buzzed. Fei looked and smiled, she tried not to sigh.

“Marinette,” Cass questioned with amusement.

“Yep,” Fei laughed. It was what? One in the morning over there? The girl needed sleep, regardless of her and Adrien’s nightly duties. “Wish I could strap her to a bed and take over for her.”

Cass hummed as Steph got back, “Did I hear Marinette?”

“Yeah,” Fei waved her phone. “Probably doing one of her many projects.”

“You said she designs and sews right?” Steph looked up at her as she pulled out the game from the box. Fei responded as she replied to the younger teen, “Yeah, she knits and crochets too. Makes her own clothes.”

“That’s so awesome, wish I had the time to do that,” Steph passed Cass sheets for both her and Fei.

“She doesn’t have the time, but she makes it.”

“Really?” Steph looked at her again.

“She’s a miracle worker,” Fei said, she fought to not laugh at her pun. She took one last look at her phone before turning it off. She smiled with her full attention on the blond, “So how do we play this?”

Marinette:

Hey this next week I’m going to be in New York, you said you were in Gotham right?

Could we call at some point? It would be great to call while in the same timezone!

Me:

Sure thing Marinette! Can’t wait!

#taking flight #maribat #maribat fic #maribat fanfic #maribat marinette dupain cheng #maribat adrien agreste #maribat bridget cheng #maribat sabine cheng #maribat bruce wayne #maribat chat noir #maribat damian wayne #maribat fei wu #maribat cass #maribat stephanie brown

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mae-dwrites · 3 months

Text

Tom and Jack are brothers - mainly DPxMLB (can be DPxDCxMLB)

It was clear from the moment Jack was born that he was Gina’s son, no one could doubt that overzealous nature, and while Tom didn't have the same level of entustatsum as his mother and brother it didn't mean he wasn't an excitable person either. Truly Roland had no idea how he didn't die living with them, the man didn't realize how much he was like them nor really saw how much Jack would go on to be like him in some ways.

One thing was for certain the boys loved their parents, the Fenton luck and sanguine as well as the Dupain passion and vigor were ever-present in the household growing up. Gina loved her boys very much, they were the only reason she stuck in one place for so long. However, she was able to convince Roland to take them all over the U.S. and Europe.

Jack went on to have a passion for inventing and ghosts, both of which Roland looked down upon but Gina was his biggest supporter followed by Tom. Tom ended up enjoying baking with his father. (Jack tended to forget a meal or two when he got too into his work. So it worked out.)

Jack would move out (taking his mother’s maiden name) and go to college in Wisconsin and meet Vlad and Maddie and fall in love and all that! Tom though opens a bakery a few years of baking for some personal events and such, and meets Sabine who moved to Paris to go to school, they fall in love and she takes business courses to help better run the bakery. Roland does his…thing and he never approved of Jack’s hobbies either, “that's not what job a family man takes on” or something, he of course doesn't try to contact him. He gets to be a grumpy old man in (guilty) peace.

Tom and Jack have never missed anything, they're best friends and each other’s biggest supporters. Best man, holiday’s, etc. So of course they make sure their kids have plenty of meetings despite being an ocean away. They couldn't have been happier that their kids were so close in age, which meant they wouldn't struggle to connect.

It was quick to be seen none of the kids showed signs of the Dupain shape, oh well maybe they’d still get the strength? Or perhaps the Fenton luck would just be much stronger. To say where the kids got their size from was an understatement, and to say very amusing to their wives and mother.

Marinette loved her cousins and didn't like how it was only every so often she got to see them. And her aunt and uncle were very cool, and reminded her of Nonna Gina. It was fun to see Uncle Jack lift her papa up, he was the only person she’d ever seen who could pick up her papa.

Jazz and Danny loved the Dupain-Chengs, they seemed to help level their parents out and they actually set aside their ghost obsession to just be a family. Not to mention they made the best food, going to their home was the best, you never got attacked by the food!

Jazz, Marinette, and Danny were as thick as thieves as their dads were, they were a unit. Which meant Marinette had called Jazz and Danny after she had taken the earrings off, and Danny had called Marinette to tell her about how he was dealing with his powers after dying.

And the next time the Fenton’s came to the Dupain-Cheng’s maybe Marinette and Danny hugged a little longer and a little tighter than usual, and Jazz spent her time glued to the younger girl’s side.

#jack and tom are brothers #danny and jazz are practically marinette’s siblings #dp x mlb #this could totally also be a dp x dc x mlb #danny and marinette totally comforted each other through their bb #blond bullies #jazz tries to help Marinette through her crush ptsd. especially after socquline goes and can't be there for her #jazz definitely went and threatened chloé and kim after that. NO ONE hurts her baby cousin #that's why chloé wasn't so hands on the next year of school. she was scared of it getting back to jazz #in my head it’s marinette was born between jazz and danny #which means danny dies the year following ladybug becoming a thing #i haven't seen a single jack and tom being related and that is a crime. like ITS RIGHT THERE PEOPLE!!!#gina dupain’s madian name is fenton #like the similarities between the dupain’s and the fenton’s make my brain go brrrrr #blue eyed dark haired child who ends up being a hero because it’s needed and have parents that don't really pay attention to them so #it makes it easier to be a hero and has a very clear crush and has an older but close-in-age figure who will kick ass for them #also danny and marinette like getting the greatest responsibilities in the universe (if you ghostking danny route)#also let all three of these scrawny kids the dupain strength!!#it would be so funny #dp x mlb prompt #dp x mlb crossover

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mae-dwrites · 3 months

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Tam’s Sub Secretary

Tam Fox wanted a brake, a small vacation, just a week. A week was all she wanted, but how was she supposed to have that if she was worried over Tim?

Tam had complained to her cousin in France, they were quick to recommend the best of the best. Marinette Dupain-Cheng, regular and executive secretary and assistant of The Audrey Bourgious, and a personal designer on the women’s team.

She was considered a standard in the business world, intern for her at 16, and her secretary by 17. Each year taking on more roles and making a team to help her balance out the load, to work with her was heaven despite Audrey being right behind her. The Style Queen Fashion House and Magazine had never been smoother nor popular.

Tam thought it too good to be true, to have the MDC temporally take over her position just so she could have a short vacation. She tried to say she couldn't do that to her, but her cousin insisted she could have a schedule set up for the company for the time she was off as she had in the past. All Tam had to do was come up with instructions and details that Marinette would need to know.

So there Tam was in front of Marinette Dupain-Cheng, explaining last-minute details she forgot to include.

“This is your email as my sub, any emails sent to me will automatically forward to you,” Tam explained, “and-”

“I understand Mademoiselle Fox, I assure you I have it under control. If Monsieur Drake needs me to cover for him I will. Go and enjoy your vacation,” Marinette soothingly stated.

Tam had one of the most peaceful weeks she had in possibly years. When she came back Tim had charged her wide eyes and grabbed her by the shoulders, “Where did you get her?”

Who is the cousin? My first thought was Alya, then I thought Max.

#theyre probably in their early 20s #tam fox just wants a vacation #secretary!marinette #secretary marinette is my favorite trope #maribat #dc x mlb #mlb x dc #maribat marinette dupain cheng #maribat prompt #maribat tim drake #maribat tam fox #secretary au

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mae-dwrites · 3 months

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You know what fuck everything I want to go on another ramble, it's going on this one instead.

So I decided that Jon is born 4 years after Marinette is taken, it gives time to Clark and Lois to mourn the daughter that was taken from them, they never stopped searching, not really, but still it effected them.

Superman can be seen every year, the same day just floating above Metropolis, staring out across the skyline, almost as if waiting for something, someone. He’ll be there after dark for a while too, before flying off somewhere.

It happens to be the same day Lois Lane and Clark Kent ask for a day off, it's the only day they will fight for, and Perry can’t really be mad, he can't fight them on that. Lois and Clark are his best, and it isn't his business why they don't come to work on the one day, but he has an idea why.

Superman will arrive back at the Kent Farm, there is Lois, Ma and eventually his boy. Jon knows that day is a sad day for his family, he would eventually know why, and when he does the world sees a boy with up in sky with Superman. On the same day, every year, waiting, watching, watching as the sunset, and flying away after dark.

When Kon is found Superman is rushing to find Lex once again demanding answers, because he has to be hiding his daughter somewhere. There's no way he didn't use his daughter to help make Kon, but the files only state how they looked at her DNA to help them map out their attempts better. Seeing where the alleles matched up and what hopefully could.

But she’s only referred to as the “natural born.” It’s beyond frustrating and for some reason they just can’t find her files. She only referenced like they have research to look back on.

And Lex won't tell them why. Why? That's a great question, but sadly no thinks to search any international branches, at least it doesn't cross anyone’s minds to as usually going out of country/jurisdiction didn't bod well.

All of Marinette’s files were written in French, never emailed, never translated, Lex wouldn't risk it. It came by hand carry, two copies until his clone project got taken. It didn't matter he still had the first, and if needed he was sure he could use her.

Now Marinette knew she was weird but everyone is a little weird. Her breath was a little colder than others sometimes, she could lift the tables in the shop, and look! Look Maman I’m not even wobbling this time! She could run faster than all the boys but only by a handful of centimeters, she didn't get hurt as easily as her friends. Yeah, she's clumsy sometimes but it’s fine! She promises…oh please she won't break her legs jumping from this high up.

“You’re a freak,” Chloé hissed to her once. Chloé never bothered her, not really, her words always washed over Marinette, but that. That stung, it stayed with her, it left her up late at night trying to ignore the echoes of the words.

She’s right her Papa is strong but he couldn't bend a metal pipe, he could break through a door with ease, possibly a wall but not what Marinette had done.

Marinette started to draw more into herself, she stopped talking to Nino, Kim, and Alix.

“Marinette come join tag!”

“I’m good thanks,” she’d say, going to a bench to draw instead. Eventually she’d just walk to the bench, and her friends would stop trying to get her to join. We're they ever really her friends in the first place then?

Chloé still tormented her, but when she was really feeling like being mean she just called her a freak. Disaster Freak had become the common name at some point. At least Socqueline was there for her, up until she had to leave.

Marinette should have done something, anything, other than cry, other stand around. And for the first time in years her insides burned with the same passion that used to radiate from her, it wasn't much but it was kindled.

Then she became Ladybug and she was like the star in the sky, something too bright to ignore, Marinette took strides once again. And she wouldn't let anyone hold her back again.

Marinette though tried her best to not let her powers be well known, only old classmates remember her uncanny strength, but that was chopped up to her father being very strong, how fast she was simply just her being small and surprisingly agile. Marinette is a very observant person, everyone knows that. Why are you questioning how she recognized you from across the courtyard with like 100 kids between you too, that's just Marinette cause she’s awesome and Marinette.

Alix and Kim get excited, well after their race at the beginning of the year, because Mars is taking things on left and right, she's stick it up to Chloé, she looks so much more familiar than she has in years. They invite her to race and it confuses other classmates, Nino just smirks and says a simple, “Watch.”

Marinette can still outrun them even with Alix on wheels, and she did cartwheels without falling behind.

Chloé calls her a freak once, and everyone is on her, they don't know how that word hurt her before but Nino, Alix and Kim saw it and they're leading against that the millisecond it happens. They don't want to watch Marinette go down that hole again, watch her curl up. But she doesn't this time, she stood taller, with calm anger said, “I am, what about it Chloé? Gonna have your dad put harsher regulations on metas?”

(I’ve always seen there being laws and systems in place for metas in Paris specifically, due to Hawkmoth)

Alya jaw drops for sure, her best friend is a meta, and she didn't tell her??? But after hearing Marinette’s reasoning and how Chloé calling her a freak affected Marinette from Alix, Kim and Nino. Like she can't bring herself to be upset with Marinette after hearing that from them.

Marinette probably got told she was adopted at the same time as her parents were like “we think you're a meta sweetie.” It helps so there isn't this bombshell to deal with after knowing she's a meta, they simply laid it out for her. Marinette main focus was the fact she was adopted for awhile before finally going, “okay lets look at meta-related things. Oh wow okay then.”

That's all I think I'm adding for now. Sidenote based on the mathing I did, Kon is 7 years older than Marinette physically, and he was released to the world before she turned 9 but Damian had already turned 8. I’m using the Damian is 3 years older than Jon, I always forget about it so here’s to not forgetting

So this morning as I struggled to want to get up an AU came to me. I've been struggling on how to word some of this so bare with me.

This got longer than I thought it would but here:

Lois Lane and Clark Kent find out they're having a child later on they find out it's a girl, they're overjoyed and shit. But their relationship is on the down low, and everyone in Metropolis is convinced that Lois and Superman not only have a thing for each other but are together(which they aren't wrong). So when Lex Luthor finds out Lois is pregnant he comes up with a plan(cause his blad ass thinks he's so smart). And he does succeed.

Clark has to go off planet for [intergalactic problem here] and so he's gone for a few months during Lois’s pregnancy. So while Superman is away Lex is like ‘yes my plan will go so much easier now’ and so Lois gives birth, after she(the baby) is put in the baby ward thing, Lex steals their daughter. He gives her this serum that (in theory) blocks her powers till something triggers them. It does work but he doesn't know what will trigger it or how well it works.

He decides to put her as far away from them as possible on Earth tho. So she's in France getting adopted by the lovely couple who own a bakery and want a child. They can't due to biological complications, and Lex can watch them easily ( he knows French ig for this ). And they get to name her cause she doesn't have name.

So enter Marinette Dupain-Cheng the adoptive daughter Tom Dupain and Sabine Cheng. There are some things they just can't explain about their daughter, they love her very much. Shenanigans my beloved, shall ensue.

But she's so small and doesn't have a lot of muscle how is she carrying this bag of flower at the age of 10? OH NO BOILING WATER GOT ON HER SHES GONNA GET BURN MAR- oh, she's okay...? MARINETTE DONT STARE AT THE SUN! They go to the doctor to check her eyesight, she has perfect vision. Marinette the fastest kid in her class, faster than Kim and Alix, they're playing hide and seek? Oh Mari is up a tree!

Back with Clark and Lois, Superman threatens Lex or talks to Bruce or something idk. Jon is made or born 2 years later(idk his story sometimes he's a clone sometimes he's not???!) when Mari is 2, then two more years later Con is born(I know for a fact he is born) so Mari is like 4. Bruce is doing the blood thing, but Lex has that shit under strict supervenience. And while raising the boys they learn what they should look for.

Tom and Sabine conclude that Mari is a Meta, talk to her about this when she is like 12, than when she is almost 14 she searches this stuff up and she's like “okay, no powers” well that gets thrown in her face when she was left with being Ladybug. Lex can't watch her anymore cause Paris closed itself off!

How being Ladybug affects Marinette:

She is still really strong even with that serum not letting her be at full strength so now that she has the Miraculous it enhances her already enhanced strength so she has to pull her punches, and this is one of the main reasons why she uses her yo-yo and her brain in battles rather than brute force, cause she could kill the akuma. At least she thinks so, who knows, depends on the writer!

Post [What-ever-the-fuck version of Gabriel we're dealing with]:

There are two ways this can go! 1) Mari during her time as Ladybug and Guardian activated the trigger so she could use all her half-Kryptonian-ness or 2) somehow it wasn't triggered yet but it was at some point while being around JL. Probably from being around Superman and her body went “FATHERRRRR”

And why Clark hasn't figured out this is his daughter after meeting her? Magic suit y'all! Prevents him from using x-ray vision on her, so he doesn't see her hybrid organs. One thing is for certain Bruce wants to adopt her! He can't of course cause she has already been adopted, so instead, he offers her a place to stay in Gotham, all paid, and any school of her choosing in Gotham. She says she’ll think about it, and when she researched she was surprised, and decided why not! She can fight villains, build her career, see what she can do with her new activated power, *cough* get all that pent-up rage out *COUGH*!

One big problem tho, the Meta and Magic users ban, so she talks to him again, he's like I'm willing to adjust my ban, then he does a double take cause “meta?” cause guess what Brucie, you wanna take in a meta-magic user! So he adjusts his rules.

Time passes, a long time depends, but Clark and Lois go to this gala being reporters and friends with Bruce. This gala is also Mari’s first. She's been doing great, other than almost burning her room in the middle of the night a few weeks ago. But it's fiiiiine, they're all learning, and Damian has his suspensions.

Clark was area of Bruce having another kid in his wings, and he does his x-ray things like he does all the batfam, and that's when he sees it! She wasn't human, she was part human. So he takes her Bruce, and is like “you can't have this child” “why tf can't I!” “this is our missing daughter!!”

So after the gala they all sit down and talk this out, they call Jon and Kon to get their asses here to see their sister! They talk to Tom and Sabine and they’re willing to share custody especially cause of how this happened! Anyway big family in the end.

This has probably been done somewhere but I needed to get this written out. I really want to write this, but if anyone does tag me please! PLEASE!

Bonus points for any salt or angst. Just sayin

Edit: it really shows how I didn't know about Kon and it pains me everytime I get a notification for this. Excuse my dumbassery.

Jon is born two years after Mari, Kon is made whenever the fuck he’s made, so Kon is like twoish year's older than Mari growth wise?? Cause Damian and Tim are like five/six years apart? (supposed to be anyway but who gives a shit, apparently not the DC writers, cause like aren't they supposed to be idk 7-9 years apart?? I don't care really it gives better annoying the shit out each other I'm specific ways while in the same household prevogligous)

They call Kon cause, “you're family regardless and we found our daughter we want you to meet her, get yo ass over here”

#maribat #mlb x dc #dc x mlb #bio dad clark kent #biodad au #lex luthor is a dick!#superfam #maribat prompt #mlb salt #kinda not so much now lol #kryptonian marinette

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mae-dwrites · 4 months

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A Bundle of Heliotropes - Chapter 3 - Lull

| Ao3 | Wattpad |

When Marinette woke up her room was quiet. It was quiet?

Marinette sat up in alarm and scrabbled to get out of bed, “Tikki?”

No response. Her panic started to grow, “Tikki.”

“Guardian, do not panic,” Sass floated to her, making the girl slip and hit her head on the ladder. Sass winced while Marinette rubbed her head, hanging upside down on the ladder. Sass floated down to her face, “The ressst of the Kwami are down stairss with your parents.”

Marinette blinked as she took in the words she noticeably relaxed before pulling herself up to get on the ground. She rubbed the back of her head with a small frown, she felt almost as embarrassed as she was irritated with the injury.

Marinette looked to the snake kwami with mild confusion, “Why are they down there?”

“I don’t know everything, I do know Tikki sssaid that she would talk to them in the morning if they would like,” Sass explained, “eventually otherss joined her asss they got bored up here. None of usss wished to wake you, but there wasn’t much to do that would keep usss quiet. Ssso we joined Tikki, and I stayed ssso that you would be lessss likely to panic.”

Marinette nodded, “Thank you Sass, I appreciate it a lot.”

“Of courssse Guardian,” Sass bowed his head.

“You can join everyone else if you’d like,” Marinette said smiling at the snake. Sass nodded before phasing through her floor to downstairs. Now that Marinette was more awake when she strained her ears to listen she could barely hear the sound of voices from downstairs.

Marinette yawned despite herself and stretched. She pulled on a sweater before having another stretch and rubbed her face. Marinette came down to see the island covered in foods prepared, all things the Kwami enjoyed or favored. Usually the Kwami would be rambunctious when they didn’t have to be careful, but all the Kwami were relaxing, eating, or talking to her parents.

Marinette blinked as she took in the scene before her.

Tikki, Sass, and Longg sat on the coffee table munching on their respective snacks while Trixx and Pollen sat on Sabine’s head; they were listening just as intently to the conversation as some of the other Kwami. Mullo sat in the mother’s hand. Stompp, Daizzi, Barkk, Ziggy, and Orikko all rested contently at various levels of her father.

Lastly Xuppu, Kalkki, and Roarr sat on the island, Xuppu playing around the food but careful to not make a mess. Kalkki made an annoyed but amused neigh as she munched on a sugar cube.

Marinette looked around the room searching for Fluff, she found the time bunny on the shelf observing the scene. A small smile on their face as they munched on carrots, her piercing eyes flicked to Marinette.

Marinette was used to the Kwami after all the months of the group residing in her home, especially with spending most of her time with them. Fluff was chaotic in nature, but time also held order in her delicate chaos.

“Good Morning Fluff,” Marinette smiled and nodded.

“Is it morning? May it be noon? Or tea time? Why is it not dawn,” Fluff sprouted out what would seem incoherent. It was best not to overthink her maze of words.

Marinette’s smile softened, “Sun high, clear sky.”

Fluff beamed at the response and floated over to the Guardian, she nuzzled and rubbed the top of her head on Marinette’s forehead. Marinette giggled the bunny’s fur and whiskers tickled her with affection.

“Good morning sweetie.” Tom and Sabine said in unison.

Marinette looked over to see her parents now facing her. Her father radiated pride and his eyes were glassy, it made Marinette swallow. Her father always wore his heart on his sleeve but very rarely did she see him cry. Seeing her father look at her like this made her heart tight and want to fall on the floor and let it all wash over her, but of course, she didn’t do that.

She looked over to her mother, a woman who always kept cool but was a gamut of raging and unfiltered emotions. A woman who felt everything so wholly under the surface. A small understanding smile was set and Sabine’s eyes crinkled as she took in her daughter.

A strong and confident young woman, her heart ached looking at her now. Her heart had hurt before looking at her, but that was when she was worrying, scared of what would happen to her baby. Now she knew it was far worse than she’d allowed herself to even entertain.

“Good morning,” Marinette smiled back feeling nervous as she looked at Tikki. Her Kwami hadn’t said anything about speaking to her parents. While she believes there was a reason, Marinette feels like she should’ve been there.

Many Kwami sprouted shouts of Guardian and Marinette excitedly, some even coming to her and flying around her talking in rapid succession. The bakers laughed at the magic beings.

Sabine motioned for Marinette to join them. Marinette couldn’t help that her insides swirled as they usually did, although this time was certainly different in multiple aspects.

“Marinette,” Sabine started making said girl straighten up, “we have been speaking to Tikki to better understand what we can and where she can speak of.” Sabine nodded to the Kwami as she floated happily to Marinette.

“While we don’t like it we understand the need to keep secrets surrounding all of this, and that you even telling us is breaking the rules. We,” Sabine stopped for a moment to clear her throat; she took one of her daughter’s hands, “appreciate you for telling us. Even if it’s rather unconventional.”

Sabine chuckled while Tom brought his daughter into a comforting side hug.

“But we do think we need to figure out our own system or set of rules,” Tom spoke up.

Marinette looked at her father taking in their words carefully, she nodded.

“I understand and I agree,” she said thoughtfully, her brows down as her mind went miles a minute thinking over possible ways they could go about this. Marinette soon grabbed out a piece of paper to help sort her thoughts out.

The family and minigods spent the morning discussing her leaving classes, the bakery, her friends, and more. She had permission to say her parents needed for an emergency, or to just straight up leave the class no questions asked.

As they spoke the more they relaxed, joked and simply enjoyed their time together. Marinette was far more relaxed than she had in years.

“It’s not like they can just chase me,” Marinette joked to her parents as a knock sounded on their door. Marinette gasped and leaped across the room as Kwamis hid, “Nino’s birthday.”

Marinette looked back and didn’t see a single Kwami, her parents gave small reassuring smiles. A rapid knock sounded followed by an impatient voice. Marinette finally opened the door revealing Alya and Nino, their eyes were red and puff but they held the biggest smiles on their faces.

The dread that had been previously there faded away, Marinette looked between the two, “Did-”

She was cut off by Alya yanking hers and Nino’s intertwined hands in her face, “Yes.”

Green turtles with black lotus flowers resting on top of the shells sat between their thumb and pointer fingers. Marinette noticed Alya’s turtle was darker in shade but aside from that they were just mirrors of the others.

Marinette pulled them into a tight hug telling them how happy she was for them.

---

“Here dear, eat something,” Ma Kent said sliding a slice of pie to Damian.

“Thank you Ma Kent,” Damian nodded taking the fork from the older woman.

“Of course, dear,” Ma said with a sweet smile. She turned to cut a slice for herself, “I remember when I got my mark.”

Damian took a breath; of course, Jon had mentioned it to his family. Well, his father must have talked to Clark of course, and Tim to Kon. Damian hadn’t gone out of his way to find out if Tim had told Kon, but Damian did not doubt his reasoning for it was sound.

Ma continued to recount fondly how her sister had teased her and her friends had thrown a party, and when she had met her dear Jonathan.

Damian could not hold malice toward the woman, she only knew so much, but she knew enough. He was sure Ma was just trying to ease any “nerves” or “fears” he had about meeting his soulmate.

And he was not “nervous” or “scared.” That is simply prosperous. He had concerns about meeting them.

What if they were a civilian?

A beat.

What if they weren’t a civilian?

Damian paused for half a second, but that was enough.

“Damian?” Jon who had been doing chores around the farm was now next to him.

Damian blinked. What was worse, he hadn’t actually thought about it. He hadn’t wanted to think about any of it. He never let himself entertain anything related to soulmates, his soulmate. He should have, he should have been planning.

“Dear,” Ma Kent spoke softly in a question.

Damian stared at his half-eaten pie, his brows barely drawn together.

The young vigilante cleared his throat, “I am fine. Just had a thought.”

Ma Kent smiled and gently rested a hand on the boy’s, “It won’t be easy will it?”

Damian looked up to her, sometimes he forgot how similar the woman was to Alfred at times. All observing and knowing.

Ma gave a light squeeze, “I’m sure they’ll be just fine.” Her eyes flickered between Damian and Jon, “Clark was worried too when he got his, no matter what we said.” She fondly shook her head recounting the days of her son.

“Whoever it is, they’ll fit right in,” she stated as a matter of fact.

Damian ever so barely pursed his lips as he looked away for a moment, when he looked back at the woman and nodded with gratitude, “Thank you Ma Kent.”

Robin’s cape flittered behind him in the slight breeze, the smog-filled sky hiding the moon from the beautiful chaos of the city. His family was spread across the city, Robin was awaiting instructions from Oracle for the area he had already run through twice that night. A few muggings around, so simple for him to handle.

For as much as he would like to rest after being up for so long he wasn’t ready to go yet, but he would be called home for the night soon.

The sound of heels made him turn around, not even five meters away from him stood Talia al Ghul.

“Darling you need to be more aware of your surroundings,” Talia chastised with an unsatisfied smile. She looked to her son’s hand where it lay on his katana. Talia straightened in realization, she held a small frown and her eyes softened, “Oh Dami. I promise I’m not here to fight.”

The mask did not hide how Robin looked her over before slowly removing his hand from his weapon. He straightened and raised his chin as he looked at his mother.

“What is it you want,” Robin stayed put, not wanting to let his guard down.

“My blessing,” Talia took a small step forward. “Not that you need it of course, and Nyssa would not approve,” she waved her hand as though to dismiss her sister from the conversation, her disdain bleeding into the words.

Damian looked his mother over again, trying to find the deceit or hidden agenda. There was none to be found.

“Blessing for what exactly Mother,” Damian asked, adding the title hesitantly. He knew what she meant, but he wanted to hear her say it.

Talia smiled amused, “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten.” She knew he hadn’t, but she knew what he wanted. What she had wanted so long ago. “Blessing to let them live.”

She could see him relax, her smile became fond as she looked at her son-

An “oof” came out of Talia, a sound she never made, as her son’s arms hugged her. She reached her arms up holding her precious son close. When he pulled away she held his face, a near pout on her face as she looked up at him,

“When did you get so tall dear?”

Not that his mother could see it, he looked away.

“Robin, there looks to be a kidnapping in process a block away from your current location,” Oracle stated through his comm.

“On it,” Damian stated. He turned to leave but looked back at his mother, “Thank you.”

Talia only nodded before leaving him, her heels not making a sound as he leaped from rooftop to rooftop.

---

Ladybug’s leg hung off the Eiffel Tower between the bars, laying on her back she watched what stars she could make out with the monument lit for the night. Her hand absentmindedly rubbed her collarbone, her breathing was long and slow.

She was used to her suit changing little bits as she grew up, almost every few months something new changed. She remembers when Chat and her would freak out about it, making jokes about growing into the suits.

Ladybug rolled her eyes fondly.

Alya would rant for hours about the suit changes and chase her during Akumas just to get photos to show every little change she noticed.

She now sported a short cape garment over her shoulders down to her elbows; black on the outside and red on the inside keeping the famous ladybug colors prominent. When it separated it mimicked the way a ladybug’s wings spread when they would take flight. Tikki had been ecstatic over that; loving how much more her lovely insects were represented than just colors; while Alya had deep-dived into ladybugs and other beetles.

Her suit had inverted from her abdomen to her thighs, it helped to work with her hiding from Akumas in dark places. Her suit had become thicker and adjusted to give her proper traction on her soles and heels.

A quiet thump sounded near her, she stayed where she was at ease knowing who was there. Alya usually went home after patrol so she could be there in case her sisters bargained into her room, they did so often; the littles when they had a nightmare or Nora to ambush Alya. All out of trust and love.

A mischievous smile came into her view blocking the sky. His wild hair whipped in every which direction it could. His mask had slowly grown to look more like a second skin on his cheekbones, temples, and lower forehead.

Ladybug believed it was him growing to keep his identity a secret more over time.

“Why hello m’lady, a fine evening is it not?” Chat grinned, his cat ears twitched making his dangling earrings swing.

Ladybug smiled contently, “It is.”

Chat Noir brought himself down with his legs crossed, Ladybug lifted her head and he scooted forward so her head was on his lap. Chat brushed her bangs back gently, careful not to nick her with his sharp nails. Ladybug let her eyes close, the slight breeze brushed over her face.

“Is something wrong,” Chat asked. Her eyes snapped open, Chat frowned, she blinked a few times before replying with a light nervous laugh, “No, no, of course not.”

He obviously didn’t believe her but decided to let her have this, “While I’d hope not, especially since I found this present on patrol.” Chat said back to his puckish attitude.

“A present,” she restated surprised, she shouldn’t be really.

While he didn’t know when her birthday was he did know it was close to the beginning of May, and that seemed to be enough. The first year he had scrambled to get her a present, it had been a very simple one a keychain with a paw pad. Small and cute, easy to hide, also was so basic he wouldn’t figure out her identity if he saw someone with one.

The previous year he had bought her a paw print plush (he had a theme so far) and a bouquet of yellow roses when he had been much more bent on the just friends train. But he had also bought her four bolts of velvet after she had talked about how much she wanted to use it and experiment with it. Marinette hadn’t touched it for months too scared to make the wrong thing or ruin the expensive material; she hadn’t made anything with it till this last Christmas, and that was only with two of them.

She was almost dreading what he’d gotten her thing year with the drastic change between the two years.

Chat Noir nodded eagerly, he took out a moderately sized bag. Ladybug relaxed a bit as she sat up, seeing that he hadn’t gotten so big this time around.

“You want to take a guess,” He asked as she sat up.

“Not really,” she said offhandly.

“You sure,” he pressed, leaning forward.

Ladybug giggled, “Yes I’m sure chaton.”

His ears flattened as he handed the bag over to her, “Fine.”

Ladybug smiled at the feline hero as she took the bag from him.

She took tissues out tossing them playfully at her partner; he glared at her which only made her smile wider. Ladybug looked in the bag to pull out a yellow bouquet of roses, she looked at him exasperated.

“Didn’t I tell you to stop giving me flowers?”

“And yellow roses mean friendship,” he said pleading, “I double-checked this time, you’re not making me second guess this time.”

Ladybug gave him a “seriously” look before lightly whacking him with the bouquet. He hissed at her making her whack him again.

“Rude,” he squinted at her.

“You’re rude,” she stuck her tongue out at him. She grabbed out a small baggy with two little paw charms on hair ties. She smiled at the simple gift, “I love them.”

She reached back in while Chat beamed. She pulled out two envelopes, one white and one purple. She raised an eyebrow at her partner.

“It doesn’t matter which one you open,” he waved, his voice revealing his nervousness.

Ladybug set the purple one down before opening the white one. She noticed Chat tap his fingers on his knee as he watched her.

She took out the pink page that was written in his neat handwriting.

You didn’t happen to get your mark?

There was a box for yes and no.

Ladybug frowned, she knew her kitty’s birthday was coming later in the year. She swallowed as she looked up at him.

“Chat,” She started. He looked at her, his cat eyes piercing her heart. Full of fear and hope, she knew she was about to break his heart. She swallowed again and opened her mouth but no words came out.

She nodded with tightly sealed lips. She blinked tears away rapidly in a poor attempt to not cry. She watched as he made an inaudible, “Oh.”

He covered his mouth as the tears ran down his face.

She quickly put everything back in the bag and setting it aside she pulled Chat into a hug.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” She murmured into his hair and rubbing circles on his back.

“I just wanted one of my best friends,” he hiccuped out. “Just a friend was all.”

“I know,” Ladybug gave a squeeze. “I’m sure whoever it is will be your friend first.”

And if they stayed there longer than normal, it wasn’t like Paris would know.

•

Taglist:

@stainedglassm

@angie500

#a bundle of heliotropes #soulmate au #maribat alya #maribat damian wayne #maribat marinette dupain cheng #maribat soulmate au #maribat chat noir #maribat sabine cheng #maribat tom dupain #maribat talia al ghul #maribat #maribat fic #maribat fanfic #daminette soulmates #daminette #maribat daminette

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mae-dwrites · 5 months

Text

A Bundle of Heliotropes - Chapter 2 - Apprise

| Ao3 | Wattpad |

Now Marinette hadn't been avoiding her parents, nope siree! She wasn't strictly talking about the bakery, her commissions, school work, and every other thing in between when she was with them. She wasn't avoiding them, nor was she avoiding the growing elephant in the house.

Wait. What elephant? There's certainly no elephant, because for there to be one in her home her house would need to be bigger! Unless you're talking about the metaphorical kind, which there was none. That would require tension, and avoiding something.

Marinette does not avoid things. No, never even! She handles things head-on!

Which is why this is a tactical maneuver! As her soulmark could possibly reveal who she was despite the magic, but by how much? That is unknown, so to show or not to show. To tell or not to tell. To lie or not to lie…

Marinette hated lairs…lies; everyone knew that. And being Ladybug kinda went against that, she’ll admit. The pure irony made her cry from laughing when she first started this whole Protect Paris thing. Tikki had tried to reassure her but it didn't really help most of the time, Marinette had gotten over it through the years.

“Marinette! Alya’s here,” Sabine called from the other side of the trap door.

“She can come up, thank you maman!”

“Hey Mars,” Alya said as she came up. Marinette looked over the documents Mlle. Bustier had sent her this morning. Mlle. Bustier was putting all the budgeting for the class on Marinette, much like she had been for the last few years.

Which she shouldn’t even have to be doing since all her friends and her should be in different classes for their career-based tracks, but with Akumas and the fear of causing more: students were forced to stay in their same classes. Which sucked for the most part, i.e. Lila and Chloé always being on her. Well, Lila more so than Chloé since last year.

“Hey Alya,” Marinette didn't look up at her friend, still looking at the notes.

“Girl you need to relax, let me help.” When Marinette didn't say or do anything Alya continued, “Better yet why haven't you told Mlle. Bustier to stop dumping this on you?”

Marinette finally huffed and pushed herself away from the desk space, “I did last year. She threw a fit at me. Remember that?”

“Mlle. Helper? That's what that was about,” Alya gapped at Marinette.

“I thought you knew that,” Marinette frowned, she had told Alya, hadn’t she?

“You were very irritated after that Akuma that you told Alya you would talk to her later,” Tikki popped up. “You might have forgotten to tell her if you didn't message her.”

“Okay,” Marinette mumbled to herself, almost a grumble of sorts even, as she turned back to the sheets in front of her.

Their class hosted two major dances this year and were going to host another one in the middle of May. They also had multiple fundraising events, their entire year had been doing events left and right to get enough money for them to go somewhere out of France. Marinette had come up with the idea that they spent this year raising money so that next year they could fundraise for some extra cash. They would go somewhere much cheaper and close by at the end of May.

Next year though? They still hadn’t decided, but the staff were supporting them thoroughly.

“Marinette,” Alya’s hand gently took the papers from the Eurasian. “You for one need to put your foot down, and hard this time. Even if it means we need to fight an Akumatized Bustier twenty times. You have so much already, I don’t want you to overwork yourself more than you already do.”

Marinette frowned back at her friend, who just frowned at her harder.

“Are you going to tell your parents?” Alya finally asked, her true reason for randomly popping by this time.

Marinette’s lips became a tight thin line, she wasn’t going to lie to Alya but she knew what she was going to say. Marinette’s head rolled back and squeezed her eyes shut. She didn’t want to think about it or deal with it for that matter. She didn’t want to deal with anything she was dumped with these last three years honestly.

If she had never become Ladybug would she be unfit for her soulmate? Would they still work? Or maybe if she wasn’t Ladybug, wasn’t the Guardian, was just Marinette, whoever was her match wouldn’t be hers. Maybe she’d be with Adrien or Luka, perhaps it would be platonic instead.

Marinette’s lips went from tight to droopy, she swallowed as she thought over possibilities. She got pulled from it with a light squeeze on her wrist, she opened her eyes. Her vision now blurry, she blinked away her tears before looking at her friend.

Alya had a small, reassuring smile on her face as she carefully stated, “I think it would be better for them to know you’re Ladybug..”

This admittance from Alya was not unfamiliar to Marinette, they’d had conversations surrounding identities many times before. Marinette didn’t tend to handle them well, that was a recurring theme that made her avoid it more so. When she had asked Alya for the Fox Miraculi back she had thought it had made it clear where she stood on identity sharing.

That request had later led to a fight between the girls, Alya pointing out all the ways Marinette picked and chose her rules, and how she saw the difference between Chat Noir's involvement to that of either of them. It had been tense, to say the least.

But eventually, Marinette came forward and explained her side more thoroughly, though was careful to still keep the secrets the Order wished her to. It only left apologies and tears, and perhaps a bracelet.

Marinette’s gaze shifted to the bracelet on her best friend’s wrist before looking back up to look her in the eyes. The previous times they’d talked about identities it had been much calmer, but with soulmates coming up more and more Alya had taken to approaching the topic more.

Alya listened more and didn’t push Marinette past what she said she couldn’t handle, she dropped it when she clearly was over it. Alya’s face still held that same smile, so full of patience she didn’t have before. There was already acceptance in her eyes, acceptance for whatever Marinette said now.

Marinette opened her mouth to speak but closed it to clear her throat, having become dry in her emotional moment and lack of speaking. Alya let a quiet laugh out, earning her a half-hearted glare from Marinette.

“It wouldn’t be the worst plan,” Marinette finally said with a laugh. She didn’t like it, not one bit, but what choice did she truly have? Her parents weren’t pushy by any means, they respected her space and privacy. That had been one of the few things that made being Ladybug really easy, but they would want to see. If they didn’t realize it immediately they would put it together eventually.

“It really wouldn’t be,” Alya grinned.

“Perhaps you should plan how to tell them,” Tikki spoke up again.

“I think that is a swell idea,” Wayzz expressed from Alya’s shoulder. Alya smiled down at the green Kwami before looking over at Marinette, “That sounds good? Maybe it’ll help keep you calm?”

Marinette nodded, “Yeah. Yeah, we can do this.” Marinette wiped her eyes with a sniff. “That sounds good, let’s do it.”

“That’s the spirit!” Pollen cried from above them, making the girls laugh.

“This isn’t going to end well,” Marinette mumbled to herself. “They’re gonna throw me out,” she whined.

“That’s completely irrational. What happened to the confidence we had earlier?” Alya asked from behind her.

“I know, I know,” Marinette groaned before taking a deep breath. “This isn’t going to be a disaster. If it will Bunnix come out now.” Marinette held her breath for a moment. Alya groaned behind her.

“Marinette,” Alya grabbed Marinette by her shoulders. “I know this is hard but I think this would be very beneficial for you. Your parents love you, and no matter what they will support you.”

Marinette’s face still held a frown, “What if they’re disappointed?”

“Dis-disa-” Alya howled at the thought, “Do you know how our parents reacted when they found out you let us be temporary heroes? They were kinda mad at you for a moment but it also gave them some perspective of who you were. And after the worry mostly subsided they were really proud of us. Anark doesn’t shut up about it to other parents! So your parents are definitely gonna worry but they’ll be proud and support you.” Alya paused, holding Marinette’s hands, “Just start with your mark.”

Alya smiled at Marinette, it made Marinette’s chest go tight. Why couldn’t she be so sure? Why was she so scared? She knew those things, yet she was still so very terrified to tell her parents.

Three years. Three years and they never knew, or at least they never came to her about it. Three years of hiding, of following a rule that even Marinette sometimes found stupid. Three years of imagining telling them, ranging from welcoming her and supporting her to making them move or being told it was too dangerous to have her around. From the most realistic of outcomes to the worst, even if they were very unlike her parents.

Her parents loved her, she knew that.

Marinette held her breath for a moment.

This would be fine…yeah. Yeah! Bunnix would have stopped her right here and now if it didn’t go mostly right.

Marinette straightened up and gave an affirmative nod for no one but herself. She finally opened her room door and made her way down the steps. Marinette could sense the other Kwami making their ways down phasing into hiding spots, she felt Tikki in her pigtail and she knew Wayzz was likely close to Alya.

“Marinette! Alya,” Sabine greeted before asking, “are you staying for dinner? Staying over tonight?” The woman looked up from her pot, she tapped her spoon on the pot before putting it on the dublé. “Of course you’re welcome to but please check with your mother, I really don’t want her to relive her panic that one time.”

“Oh I’m just staying for dinner, and I already messaged her a while ago,” Alya reassured the older woman. “Marinette actually asked me to.”

Marinette felt her poke her in the back, she probably would have shot her a glare if she hadn’t been so nervous. She took a deep breath, “Yep uh, yep. I actually wanted to, to talk to you two with Alya.”

Marinette’s insides roared with trepidation, and she’d only said she wanted to talk!

“Of course sweetie,” Tom said beside Sabine. “Dinner’s almost ready, you want to set the table?”

“Of course,” Marinette made her way to the cupboards the familiar actions helped to ground her emotions. Alya tried to help her but the Dupain-Cheng household refused to let her, instead she was forced into a seat by Sabine as Marinette placed her plate and Tom came dishing her up. Alya crossed her arms in (lighthearted) annoyance of the sweet family.

Under the annoyed look love came off her, which was enough for the family of three.

When everyone was seated on the island and they’d all had some to start Marinette took a deep breath. She sent Alya a look that made the older teen feel the need to straighten up, just to simply show she was there whenever she was needed.

“So Maman, Papa, as I said there is something I wanted to talk to you about,” Marinette started, gaining her parents' full attention. “I believe it would be best for you to have an empty mouth.”

This made her papa nervous, she could tell as he tried his quickest to finish the bite in his mouth. Sabine though slowly lowered her fork with confusion a small frown on her lips.

Marinette swallowed and opened her mouth to speak but had to close it to center herself. Alya what she assumed to be a reassuring nudge with their knees. Marinette looked up at her parents with resolve.

“You know my birthday happened this week,” she watched her father grow concerned while her mother seemed to unintentionally lean forward. “Well I got my mark,” she trailed off for a moment, “And the thing is that I want to show you, but I believe you need to know something before I do.” Her voice almost sounded like it was tailing again but wasn’t quite.

Her parents stared at her as she sat there, not doing anything. She’d already put the start out, she’d gotten their attention on the matter and that meant no going back.

“Maman, Papa, I’m,” she struggled, gripping her fork tightly, “I’m, I.” She grew irritated with herself. It’s not that hard to say it, two words. That’s it, two simple words. Two simple, extremely life-changing words.

“Marinette, dear, it’s okay if you’re not ready. We’ll wait however long you want, you don’t ever have to show us,” Sabine reached out for her daughter’s hand. She had barely even grazed her hand when Marinette pulled away and firmly stated, “I’m Ladybug.”

Marinette squeezed her eyes shut. Finally, she’d said it, but the silence following was deafening. Moreso than any Akuma she’d fought, worse than getting a recipe wrong, worse than having to restart a project, worse than-

“Oh baby,” Sabine’s voice cut through. “Oh my baby,” she said softly rushing to her daughter. Arms encompanced the girl making her draw a quick breath, no sooner her father was quick to follow suit. Marinette swallowed as she slowly opened her eyes, staring at the empty seats. Her heart raced and she felt a bit lightheaded.

Overwhelmed. That’s it, she’s just overwhelmed.

Not by her family though, no not them. Saying it, her panic had come that’s what.

Marinette focused on the feeling of her parents' arms around her, the pressure that came with their love, the smell of the meal they’d made, the bakery coming off of them in waves…

Her maman murmured words she couldn’t quite make out into her hair, one hand smoothing her hair as the other held her. Her father’s giant arms encompassed her as she felt light tears drop onto her head.

A hand slid into hers. Alya, her mind supplied. Her best friend gave a gentle squeeze which she gladly returned. Marinette let her eyes shut as her own tears slid down her face, tears of relief. She took a deep, happy breath.

“My strong baby,” she made out before her mother kissed her practically on the ear. Marinette didn’t mind, she’d take it all.

Sabine slowly pulled away making Tom to take it as a cue. Sabine held her daughter’s face in her hands looking over her face seeming to be searching, searching for the trick, for the prank, for the lie. There was none, and no all she saw was her little girl. Who’d turned into a strong woman, had become…a solider of her people.

“Maman?”

Sabine’s eyes became glassy.

“I’m fine dear. What about you? How are you?”

Marinette swallowed giving a weak smile, “A lot better right now.”

Sabine squinted at her, “Tell me the truth.”

“It is,” Marinette insisted laughing wetly. “I didn’t like it, lying to you.”

“Oh sweetie,” Sabine said so simply, so thick with words she couldn’t ever know how to say. She looked over to Alya and smiled, “I’m happy you had someone.”

Alya sat up with pride, but not without blinking rapidly. Tom bombarded her with a hug as he wailed, “Thank you for being there for her Alya.”

Alya laughed, “I wasn’t there the whole time.”

“It doesn’t matter, we mean it all the same,” Sabine said still smiling. The woman sighed looking back at her daughter, “I suppose you’re gonna show us missy?”

Marinette laughed, “Of course Maman.”

---

Damian had been very careful these first few days of having the mark, but sadly his brothers’ occasional nonchalant attitudes had infected him at some point. Now that meant something a little different for every family member, but for Damian that meant being sure; leaving him to slowly become truly careless.

Why? Because Jason was busy tracking someone in Crime Alley, the person had left him on quite the chase. Tim had holed himself in the cave the past two days, soon enough he’d pass out or Alfred would cause him to. Dick was currently in Blüdhaven for the next few weeks. And Father was busy with WE as to be expected.

Damian was safe for the time being, he smiled to himself as he decided what to wear for the day. He didn’t want to change as he had promised Titus that he would take him to the park today, and his friend knew what those words meant very well.

His neck prickled making him straighten up. It must be Alfred, he must have slipped in and he hadn’t noticed. It was fine, Alfred wouldn’t say anything. And he could keep it a secret, and-

Cassandra stood behind him with a wide smile. She’d seen, she knew, she’d tell Stephanie and then it would be over.

“Cain,” he said carefully. “Don’t tell anyone.” Her face became impish, Damian felt his stomach drop. His eyes glanced down to her hands, she was holding her phone.

“You didn’t,” Damian's voice became strained as he eyed the device. His panic seeped through more than he ever allowed, but that didn’t matter because Cass would know regardless.

His sister stood before him in a calm excitement. She didn’t need to answer, she knew she didn’t need to, Damian already knew she had. His brothers would pester him, Dick would be hurt he didn’t tell him, they wouldn’t stop talking about it…They wouldn’t stop talking about it. He hadn’t even told Jon, Jon would be upset he wasn’t told.

Damian stood staring at her in panic and shock, Cass stood staring back with an almost eerie calm.

“You didn’t share,” she said simply. Damian’s phone started ringing.

Oh. Oh Damian was in for it.

Damian glared at Cass from across the table.

He’d turned his phone off for the day so he wouldn’t answer Dick, but Tim had tried to chase him as he left with Titus. He thought he could stall but not even an hour of being at the park with Titus and Jason strolled in. Damian had barely made it out of the park without being spotted.

Damian suspects Tim had called Kon which led to Jon finding out. Jon had flown to Gotham and face planted on his car. Now Damian needed a new windshield and hood.

He could feel Jon glaring at him as he sat right next to him. Dick had driven right back to Gotham and was currently giving the saddest puppy dog eyes from across the table. Damian ignored him as he stabbed his brussels sprouts.

He was going to tell Jon, maybe even Cass, and his brothers could learn it when they became significantly insufferable. Damian tried to tell Jon that he was planning on telling him, but Jon was focused on the fact that he wasn’t told and learned from Kon.

“What’s it look like,” Brown whined, dramatically stretching her arms on the table. It’s all she would say it seemed, Damian was beginning to wonder if she was finally going insane.

“Stephanie he doesn’t have to show us,” Father said for what seemed like the twentieth time. His father while he was composed was obviously just as hurt as Dick was, Damian could’ve sworn he’d seen him sending heartbroken looks at him.

“We’ll see it eventually,” Todd said, looking smug at the thought. “It’s only a matter of time.”

Oh how Damian wanted to leap across the table with his fork.

“You didn’t have to show us, just tell us that you got it,” Grayson spoke up still looking forlorn.

“When did this happen?” Drake asked, sadly he hadn’t passed out yet like Damian hoped. Damian spent a moment trying to incapacitate him with his mind-will alone. Perhaps he could convince Raven or another hero to teach him spells without father finding out.

“Only this week, it hasn’t been very long,” Damian stated plainly.

“And you couldn’t tell me,” Jon’s voice woven with betrayal on par with Dick and with offense laced in. Damian certainly felt bad for not notifying his closest confidant, and was slowly feeling bad he didn’t say anything to Dick. The only thing stopping him from succumbing to the feeling was that he saw it as his brother moping.

“Dude you’re like second on the list who gets to know,” Brown stated with a mild glare.

Jon frowned as he snapped back, “That would make you third then.”

“Excuse me?” Stephanie squinted at him slowly moving her hand across the table to reach for a utensil.

“I’m his best friend, you’re a family friend,” Jon said, almost seeming to want to start a fight at the table. Damian felt a headache coming on, and by the look on Bruce's face so was he.

“That’s how you started out, and I was here first you’re a newborn,” Brown fumed with a predatory look.

“Stephanie,” Bruce strained from his seat.

“Best friend,” Jon said, his voice suddenly dropping his usually predominant Metropolis accent to encomancing his Kansas’s one thickly.

“Jon I will call your father,” Bruce hung his head not even wanting to take in the visual of his not-child and nephew arguing.

“He’d agree with me,” Jon mumbled just loud enough for Damian to hear.

“No he wouldn’t Jon,” Damian said bored. Being upset with Cass would not solve his problems and Dick and Jon would get over it eventually.

Splat.

Damian looked down at the table to see Duke wide awake with mashed potatoes, gravy, and mushroom sauce dripping down his face and onto his suit. Damian frowned serving his brother; Duke, as he always has, does the dayshifts but he also stayed up for night classes he took college classes. At least he tried to get sleep between his schoolwork and working to patrol during the day, unlike Tim.

When Summer Break came Damian would be sure to take day patrols, while they weren’t his favorite he didn’t want to leave Duke to handle all of it. Jason occasionally joined which made plenty of rouges and lowlives think twice when they saw him or heard from others. Damian could probably put a few hours on the weekends to help lighten the load now while school was still in session.

Dick had rushed to help Duke almost immediately, the only reason Damian hadn’t gotten up himself. Alfred was soon with them presenting proper towels for the mess.

“Duke, what did I say about getting rest?” Selina’s smooth voice announced her presence, along with the happy babbling of Helena in her arms.

“Sorry, I’m trying, just today was busy,” Duke yawned at the end of his sentence. His suit appeared fine and with Dick’s quick action to wipe up any goopy mixture of the food it was safe to assume nothing important had been ruined. Alfred took the messy towels to dispose of them, he nodded to Selina as he passed her.

Damian got up and went to his stepmother, “Allow me.” He said simply referring to his sister.

“You don’t have to Damian,” Selina still handed the baby to him with a fond smile at both of them.

“Of course I do. She is my sister, and you shouldn’t have to be the sole caretaker. You’ll become too drained to properly take care of her,” Damian stated with a firm nod to Selina before making sure the baby’s head was well supported.

Selina's smile was soft as she kissed the tops of both their heads, “Thank you Damian.”

Damian hummed back taking his sister to his seat, he was glad he had eaten most of what was on his plate so he wasn’t trying to eat while he held his sister. Jon looked at his sister with the same wonder he had seeing anyone just younger than a toddler. His father kissed Selina as she sat down, they briefly spoke of their daughter before moving on to other topics that Damian ignored to give his attention to his sister.

She babbled excitedly to him trying to move her hands. Damian smiled at her while nodding seriously, “Fascinating, anything else to look out for?”

Helena reached her hands up trying to reach his face, which he gladly aided in her attempt to reach up. She tapped his nose and dragged her hand down to his cheek.

“She’s so cute,” Jon cooed forgetting both his food and his betrayal from his best friend.

“Very,” Damian agreed as the infant continued to tap his face. He gave a kiss on the top of his sister’s soft head, she made noises as though she was trying to speak again.

Damian’s smile softened, maybe he was thinking too pessimistic about it in the name of being a realist.

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