#(((Fairy Marinette will be happy to meet you again soon!!)))

[airi-p4]

NOTICE

As I already mentioned recently, I'm sad to inform you that my Fairy Misunderstood AU is going on HIATUS.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Marinette will be back with more cuteness and silliness when it gets colder!

[unordinary-but-extraordinary]

Helllooo sorry I’ve been gone so long I promise I will continue the story “He didn’t know a bet would lead him to the love of his life.” And while I’m at it I will like to present the story I’ve been working on for the past 2-3 years…

The story will start with a small moment in the present and then a dream will move us to the past and slowly it will move to the present again. Sounds complicated but it will all make sense soon.

Marinette’s first encounter with Damian and his mother.

The story of our life’s

The wayne manor is awfully quiet as everyone is drifting off to sleep after a long patrol, even Tim is drifting to sleep while working on yet another file, coffee having no effect this time (he hit a wall body shutdown... in process)

The old butler sighs and puts a blanket on top of the young man he looks out the window to the bright moon with no clouds to cover it and he lets a small smile show, he can feel it, something is about to happen and this time in a very long time he cannot wait to know what it is.

In Dream Land With Damian

Damian is recalling a childhood memory, one were he is feeling happy...RARE for him in the League there's no happiness other than when the enemy is finished off and yet that's just the feeling of being proud nevertheless he won’t bother trying to guess he’s about to find out….

11 years ago.

“We have found the enemies hide out,” says a shadow at the other end of the room.

Talia turns to look at Damian, “this mission will take longer then expect Damian so I’ll give you a task.. A test per say.”

Damian scowled in order to cover up his hurt expression. He was feeling unwanted and he hated it, (when will I ever meet her expectations?) Damian turned to look at his mother, he tried to speak with an icy tone but his voice was still very kid-like much to his dislike, “what would it be Mother?”

Talia looks around and spots a young girl with dark hair smiling and waving goodbye to an old lady; perhaps her grandma? Talia doesn’t concern herself with that and points, “that girl with pigtails learn her secrets and make sure to be on plain sight.”

Damian looks at the girl and studies her for a moment, “gain her trust to learn her secret very well. Deposing her body won’t be a problem because she's small. However why plain sight? You’ve taught me the target should never have the privilege of seeing us for we are assassins of the shadows.…”

Damian watches the whole scene play out and repeats the same words Talia is saying; “not all missions will be that easy Damian, in some you’ll need to be in plain sight and blend with the crowd .. Act your age while we are on this mission no child talks like a 40 year old..”

Tt.. that was the first time he recalls his mother making fun of the way he spoke, but also the first time she showed him how to do a mission outside of the shadows. His thoughts are interrupted by his younger self's voice.

“yes mother”

Talia looks at Damian as he walks away with a smirk which could make anyone easily miss the pain in her eyes, “ I wish I could do more for you Damian.”

Damian hadn’t followed his old self just yet waiting to see what his mother would do behind his back, he hadn’t expected to see her act so..sad? It confused him. Why would she be feeling sad?

Damian followed the girl everywhere she went; he was getting annoyed she hadn’t noticed. He started thinking of just going up to her but that was against what his mother said so he just stayed and observed, two older men tried to grab the girl and Damian almost stepped in but saw her turn to look at the guy and smiled before flipping him. She looked scared and then a woman called nonna appeared next to her.

Gina walked out of the shadows with a grind in her face, “ atta girl, that's how it's done.”

“Gina!?” the two older men exclaimed, earning them a glare.

“you! don’t dare Gina me what where ya trying to do to my precious little fairy?” Gina was pissed she wanted to check out a shop and let marinette go by herself to a nearby store, but when she hadn’t seen her she started to worry; she asked the women who she last saw Marinette talking to as to what direction she had gone in, once she found out she rushed to her, she knew marinette had been learning “self defense” from her maman but Gina was not prepared to see her granddaughter flip a man, 2x larger than her like it was nothing..

���We saw her alone and tried to get her attention but she didn’t hear us. We were only trying to help her since there was no adult with her. I promise.” One of the men quickly said.

Marinette, realizing what she had done, started apologizing that she hadn’t fully processed what she did. She was only thinking of her maman “the moment they grab you use this technique to use their own weight against them. “

Damian had been watching the whole time he didn’t recall this happening. Why couldn’t he remember the girl's face?

Damian's younger self decided to step closer and tried to act like a boy he saw nearby.

Damian cringed, he felt embarrassed at his young self’s actions. How could he have thought that was a good impression???

Damian started pretending to stammer and look embarrassed(pathetic was the only word repeating on his mind) “um excuse me? I-..”

“Oh well hello there are you lost ? What's your name?” Gina said patiently, waiting for the boy's reply.

“I’m Damian. I wanted to talk to your granddaughter but I couldn’t bring myself to... could I play with her”

Damian watched as the interaction went along (the second hand embarrassment burned) before he shifted to a different time, he watched as his younger self hung out more with the girl; small fractions of memories. He felt himself being pulled yet again to a new setting. His younger self was in a room with his mother explaining how flexible and good at Chinese martial arts she was. His mother looked intrigued by this. He explained how the girl had sharp eyes and amazing senses. She proved this while she made him a scarf that matched him well. Then finally the secret.

Damian watched his younger self, he was curious about this girl's secret.

“ Her secret is that she has no secrets”

Talia and Damian asked in usion “what?”

His younger self stiffend but didn't back down “ she hold no secrets she is an open book to good for her own good”

After a moment Talia softly spoke“ you’ve done well. Your mission is over and we leave in 3 days”

Damian scowled at the whole thing he hated the fact he wasted his time in a stupid dream and never found out the girls name. His younger self spoke, making him pause and listen. What could be so important for him to speak after getting told the mission was completed?

“Mother, if I may ask shouldn’t we take her? She has a great potential that could help the league and her sharpness would be a great advantage. Grandfather also mentioned choosing a betrothed for myself. She would make an adequate candidate if not a bride. She is bearable compared to the rest of the imbeciles I’ve seen and she would be loyal to me, not grandfather. It’d be a waste to dispose of her while she’s this young.”

Damian flushed red… How could I have said such a thing? I would never ! I don't remember saying this..

“you're right, however she is a girl your grandfather will see as unworthy. She is a normal child. I'm sure she has never seen blood. It's best she remains as she is. As well if the girl was not loyal to your grandfather she would be killed in order for a new bride to take her place. If you're worried about assassinating her, we won’t be disposing of her. She still has good use; we may encounter her again someday.”

Damian saw his younger self expression darken.. While trying to say how it didn’t matter to him if the girl died or not. This caused Damian to pause and think when did he get such childlike emotions?

His younger self left to see the girl. The girl upon seeing his younger self dashed to his side and gave him a pair of training clothes.

“What's this for?”

“your old ones looked too worn so..uh I copied their style and added more protection you can’t tell but I.. I hope you like it.” Marinette had seen the bruises in one of their play dates and she took it upon herself to make him clothes that would protect him.

Damian gives her a sad smile, “ I'll wear it.”

Marinette gives him a sweet smile, “ I'm leaving today so I wanted to give this to you. it was nice meeting you I’m sorry I didn't tell you sooner I just found out today! But I’m glad you were able to relax the way you talk..”

Gina interrupts their conversation, “ my little fairy we have to go now hop on already! it was nice meeting you damian.”

Damian nods, he could only see the girl get on the bike and give her a small wave before disappearing into the distance. He went back to his mother and explained what had occurred. Talia studied the outfit and told him she approved of it. 3 days later and they were gone. Damian forgetting all about the girl.

After saying her goodbyes Marinette was a bit down she hoped they would meet again..even though he never got to know her name she hoped he would remember her. Gina knew what Marinette was thinking about but stayed silent.. Damian didn’t ask for Marinettes name because he didn’t want to get attached but how could she tell Marinette that. It would break her little fairies heart so she stayed quiet and rode her bike to their next destination.

[fairyaali]

hello love! I got bored and thought of this. So it’s the readers bday and they like Adrien. Adrien like the reader and marinette hates that he does. So like reader is planning on throwing a party bc it’s their birthday so marinette decided to throw a party on the same day at the same time. And since reader is kinda new, everyone decided to go to Mari’s party. So that happens, but when Adrien gets to readers party, they’ve done gone batshit crazy, like screaming, crying, smashing things, idk just losing their shit. Not like in anger, they’re just really hurt by it. No hawk moth tho😩 hawkdaddy go on vacay or sum🤺🤺 Mk sorry this is long and it’s late and I’m kiiinndaaa drunk and in da feels anyway bye bye

HELLO ANON! SORRY FOR THE LONG WAIT BUT HERE IT IS! I never thought that i would have to write about mean marinette but here i am LMAO. i hope you like it bb <33

Pairing: Adrien Agreste X Reader

Warnings: Swearing. 

Tags: angst, Marinette is a bitch in this oops, alexa play pity party by melaine martinez. 

“Love, Adrien.”

“Wow, that’s really cringey Adrien.”

“Shut up plagg, I need to confess to her some way or another.”

Adrien Agreste is sprawled out on his bed and he just finished writing a birthday card for you. Yes, it was quite cheesy but he decided that today was going to be the day he confesses his feelings towards you. He’s had his eye on you ever since your first day of school and you’ve both gotten closer to each other, flirting constantly but never making a move. Needless to say, he was head over heels for you and was too much of a pussy to ever admit it. But tonight was the night.

You invited him over to your house for your birthday party along with your other classmates and he didn’t even think twice to agree – especially since his dad is at a fashion expo in Spain. All he wanted was for you to have the best birthday party you could possibly have. You really meant a lot to him.

  his thoughts disappear when all of a sudden his phone beeps.

 ‘Y/N’S PARTY WILL BE HELD AT MY PLACE SO WE CAN SURPRISE HER, DON’T MENTION ANYTHING TO HER. 7PM ! DON’T BE LATE! ~Marinette’

  ‘Sorry, can’t come tonight.’ You frowned as you stared at your phone, seeing a text from Marinette. You and her weren’t really that close to be honest but you still wished for her to come and have a good time. You sighed and plopped down on your bed. It’s your sweet 16th and you wanted it to be perfect. You hoped that enough people would show up. It was your first birthday here in Paris and although you haven’t been here for a while, you thought that you already made close connections with your classmates, especially a certain blond.

All you wanted was for him to show up mostly, maybe tonight you could make a move. Maybe tonight you could possibly hold his hand, maybe dance with him, maybe give him a kiss on his soft cheek or a small peck on the lips-

Your face heated up at that thought and a grin appeared on your face. You hugged your pillow and quietly squealed. Tonight was the night and nothing could possibly ruin it.

Or so you hoped.

 Everywhere was decorated with fairy lights, balloons and glitter. Music was already playing and there were drinks and snacks for everyone to enjoy. You were wearing the outfit you’ve been planning for ages and you were sitting down, leg bouncing as you wait for people to arrive.

Did you get the time incorrect? you did mention to everyone that you’re meeting up at 7pm. It was 7:15.

Maybe they were running late? But how could it be that all of them were running late?

You furrow your eyebrows and grab your phone. You go on Instagram to see if anyone posted anything about their whereabouts.

Kim was live.

You click on it and see him walking through a crowd of people.

“Marinette, this party is amazing!” you hear him shout.

“Thanks Kim.” You hear her say.

Your jaw drops Anger starts bubbling inside of you.

Kim turns the phone up and shows Nino on the dj stand. He waves to the camera.

“Adrien! say hi to my live.” Adrien appears next to Kim. He was caught off guard. He smiles sheepishly and waves at the camera awkwardly.

Your phone drops out of your grasp and tears start rolling down your cheeks furiously.

 Adrien was looking everywhere for you. it was already 8pm and he was wondering when you’d show up. He held your gift and note close to his chest, he wanted to personally give them to you.

“H-hey Adrien..” The voice of Marinette makes him turn around to face her.

“Marinette! Where’s the birthday girl?” He asks, furrowing his eyebrows.

Marinette stares at him for a moment and nervously chuckles. “oh- well- she uh- she can’t make it!” He shrugs and laughs again. “did you get something to drink? We have pomegranate juice, peach lemonade, spr-“

“what do you mean she can’t make it? Why the hell is the party still going?” Adrien questions, looking around in disbelief.

“Adrien i-“

“Marinette, your plan is totally working, can’t believe everyone fell for- “ Alya stops speaking when she notices that Adrien is in front of her and purses her lips.

Adrien stares at Marinette for a moment, narrowing his eyes and shaking his head. “On her own birthday? Marinette, this is so not like you.” He was disgusted by her actions.

“Adrien wait!” She calls out. “I can explain.”

“I don’t know why you did this, or what the hell is wrong with you but this was really low. I’m out of here.” He glares at her before walking away from her.

 You were out of control. You cried, you screamed, you threw everything you saw in front of your eyes until you fell on your knees, sobbing.

You couldn’t believe Marinette would do this, you couldn’t believe everyone would do this to you, especially Adrien.

You thought you’ve grown close to the people in your class but you were wrong. They didn’t show up to your birthday party, they lied to you. Your heart was broken.

You held your knees close to your chest as the music lowly played behind you. It was mostly drawn out by your sobs and sniffles.

You hear footsteps approaching you and you look up, with red puffy eyes and see a familiar blond through your blurry vision.

It was Adrien. You look away and sob even harder at the thought of him seeing you like this, with everything destroyed around you. Why did he come here? Did he want to taunt you further?

He kneels down next to you and rubs your shoulder, moving you to his chest and causing you to nuzzle your face there.

“I hate this. I hate today, I hate Marinette.” You mumble. Maybe hate was a strong word, but you didn’t care at that moment.

You look up at him. “Why did you come here Adrien? Do you want to make me feel even more embarrassed than I already am?” You croak out.

He shakes his head. “Please, I swear to you Marinette told me that your birthday party was moved to her place, she told everyone that.” He sighs and shows you his phone so you could see the message Marinette sent him.

“Fucking bitch!” You exclaim and hide your face in your hands again.

“Hey, hey. I got here as soon as I found out she was lying. All I wanted was to celebrate your birthday and make you happy” He says quietly.  “I’m so fucking sorry that this happened.” He says and rests his head against yours in a comforting manner.

You look up at him and wipe your eyes, sniffling. “Well, there’s nothing I can do now. It’s ruined.” You mumble and sigh. “I thought Marinette was my friend you know?” You mutter.

“I know.” Adrien nods and looks down. He stares at the card in his hand and bites his lip, his heart racing at the thought of giving this to you.  “Maybe this will make you feel better.” He says, a small smile twitching on his lips as he hands you the envelope.

You widen your eyes and look up at him as if hesitant to open it. You open it though and you begin to read it.

Ever since the first time I saw you, you absolutely took my breath away. Ever since the day I first saw you, I thought to myself that I have to get to know you better. I did. And that may have been one of the best decisions of my life. You have a beautiful mind, a beautiful soul and a beautiful heart. To be honest, I think I keep falling for you every day. Happy birthday Ma belle, i hope you have the best one yet.

Love, Adrien.

Tears start rolling down your cheeks again, but this time it was because of his sweet words. Your heart finally felt whole.

You look up at him with glistening eyes and give him a wobbly smile.

He smiles sheepishly at you. “Will you go on a date with me?” He asks.

You didn’t even answer, you just leaned in and placed your lips on his.

It was small, but you felt fireworks burst inside of you.

You pull away and watch him flutter his eyes at you, his cheeks glowing red.

“Does that answer your question?” You ask.

He chuckles and kisses you again.

Maybe your birthday wasn’t so bad after all.

[mcheang]

@pendoodlex Do an Adrien Salt where Lila lies about Chat Noir and Ladybug being in a relationship and Adrien confirms the lie.

It’s my love life!

It’s easy to lie about stuff people want to hear. Alya was greedy for any gossip about Ladybug and loved support for her theories on Ladybug.

Recently they debated on Ladybug’s true age. Was she an immortal with teenage hormones and atttiude? Or simply a teenager?

Now they were on to Ladybug’s love life.

Lila: Of course LadyNoir is a thing. Ladybug just denies it because she doesn’t want to give Hawkmoth any more reason to target Chat Noir, but it’s obvious how much they care for each other.

Alya: Yes! A witness to Ladynoir!

Marinette: a lying witness

Nathaniel frowned. “I don’t know, Lila…”

Before Lila could insist she was correct, Adrien actually jumped in. “It’s true. Ladybug and Chat Noir are a couple. Sorry, Nathaniel, but she’s off the market.”

Marinette froze. Did Adrien just lie to Nathaniel about her love life? Just so no one would interfere with their beloved Ladynoir fandom?

WTH???

Overwhelmed by her hurt and rage, Marinette actually grabbed Adrien’s hand and dragged him out of the classroom, her face burning red.

Some assumed she was trying out another one of her confession schemes. Lila thought Marinette was going to tell Adrien she was a liar (eh, he already knew.)

In a far off corner, Marinette was whisper-yelling at Adrien. “What are you thinking? It’s one thing to ignore Lila’s lies, it’s another to endorse them! LadyNoir is not real!”

Thinking that Marinette still had a crush on Chat Noir, Adrien winced and rubbed his head. “I’m sorry, Marinette. But it’s true. Ladybug and Chat Noir are a couple.”

“No, they are not! Where’s your proof?“ She demanded.

Adrien thought quickly. “I saw them kissing on a rooftop last week.”

Marinette raised a brow. “Are you sure you weren’t just dreaming?” Her voice was heavy with skepticism.

Adrien: Positive.

Marinette: Well, I’m not sorry to say that you’re wrong. Ladybug and Chat Noir are not a couple.

Adrien: and how are you so sure? Just because you have a crush on Chat-

Marinette: Because Ladybug visited me after my dad was akumatized!

Adrien:…what?

Marinette took a deep breath. She hated lying but she also couldn’t stand lies about her.

“Ladybug consoled me after Chat rejected me. She reminded me about the other great boys in my life and ones I have yet to meet. And I asked her why she wouldn’t date Chat. Do you know what she told me?”

Adrien was quiet.

“She said she was in love with a boy from her own civilian life, not Chat Noir. To be honest, he’s not even her type.”

Adrien perked up. “Ladybug has a type?”

Marinette: Obviously. From what I hear, she’s more into the sensitive soul kind of guy.

Adrien: Chat is sensitive!

Marinette just stared at her crush in disbelief. “Um, yeah, no. The dude sulks whenever he gets rejected and has no idea what no means. For crying out loud, he gave me a pink rose before dumping me, and that was after he ate the treats my dad baked for him.”

Adrien: For someone with a crush on the hero, you sure sound bitter.

Marinette exhaled again, calming herself. “I’m not bitter. I’ve moved on, truly. Enough to see what Ladybug meant when she said I’ll move on soon enough. I’m over Chat.“

Adrien raise his brows.

Marinette continued, “I’ve been able to analyse his actions without the hero-crush filters. Be honest, Adrien, how would you feel at having to constantly reject the same person over and over again? Wouldn’t you be annoyed by their repeated flirtations?”

Adrien shrugged. “I reject fans all the time. Well, not exactly. I just ignore their love letters.“

Marinette shook her head. “That doesn’t count. You don’t know those people. Let’s say Chloe was going to confess her love to you every day. And you have to reject her every day. When you reject her, she raises a fuss and causes an akuma. How would you feel about your childhood friend?”

Adrien grimaced. “That would suck. I would avoid Chloe just to avoid her confessions.”

Marinette raised her hand, like there you go. Point proven.

Adrien wasn’t done. “But,” he insisted stubbornly, “it’s different for LadyNoir. They’re partners. Yin and Yang. A superhero duo. Who else is she going to end up with if not her partner? These kinds of pairings always win in the end.”

Marinette: that’s just sad. You’re comparing Ladybug’s love life to fiction. Life isn’t a fairy tale, Adrien. you don’t decide who Ladybug ends up with, and it’s not right for you to lie about her either.

Adrien: LadyNoir will happen. I’m sure of it.

Marinette: You’re not even going to take back that lie, are you?

Adrien: Why would I? It’s going to be fact.

Marinette said sadly, “Goodbye, Adrien.”

After school, Marinette tore down her posters of Adrien. Filters removed, indeed.

Tikki: Don’t worry, Marinette. I’m sure things will come right in the end.

Marinette: that doesn’t mean I can’t help set things back in order. Tikki, spots on!

Alya turned around at a tapping on her window.

Alya: Ladybug!

Ladybug: Hey, Alya. Listen, I’ve been reading your blog, and I need to set some facts straight.

Alya: Is this about revealing your love life? Because honestly, it would be better to be honest about your love life than to let others hope they have a shot with you. Remember Copycat?

Ladybug: That’s my point. I’m not dating Chat Noir. I don’t even like him that way. Lila has been lying to you, Alya.

Alya: Um, she’s your Best Friend…

Ladybug: When did I ever say that?

Alya:…….. ……….Why didn’t you correct me before today, then?

Ladybug sighed. “Because i had called her out in front of Adrien, and she got akumatized. And when she disappeared for a while, I figured there was no need to bring her up.“

Alya: Hold on. Adrien knew Lila was lying?

Ladybug: Yes. Though I’m sure he must have his own reasons for protecting Lila. But back to my point. I am not dating Chat Noir, and I am not interested in him like that. My love life is mine to decide, not for others to insist on just because they prefer me with Chat. How would you like it if Parisians started pairing you with Pegasus or Monkey King instead of Carapace? With them insisting you break up with Nino just to be with someone they chose for you?”

“That would be annoying,“ admitted Alya. “And invasive.”

Ladybug: I want to do a live interview, to clear the matter up once and for all.

In this interview, Ladybug was professional and succinct as she stated she doesn’t know Lila Rossi and she is not in a relationship with Chat. She doesn’t want to hurt her fans, but her love life is for her to handle.

Unable to help herself, Alya asked, “If you don’t like Chat, who do you like? You don’t have to give any names, but just one little tidbit, please?”

Eh, why not?

Ladybug leaned back on her hands and smiled, her eyes going faraway and dreamy. “Mature. That’s all I’ll say.”

After all, Luka had always supported her crush on Adrien. He never pushed her, but was always there for her. Why didn’t she how good he was? Oh right, Adrien filters.

Lila was fuming. How could she show her face again? Where was an akuma when you wanted one?

The akuma was drawn to a LadyNoir fanatic.

Fight fight fight. Chat was noticeably sulky at having been rejected on air.

When Alya came over to interview, he insisted he would not give up on Ladybug. Alya raised her brows, “Yeah that’s fine. But just don’t be pushy about it. And from your attitude earlier during the battle, I don’t think you fit Ladybug’s ideal criteria.”

Chat flushed and turned away, using his baton to propel himself home.

At school, Lila was playing truant, and Alya was grilling Adrien for keeping quiet.

Adrien: her lies weren’t hurting anyone!

Alya: I’m taking into account your isolated childhood, so let me just say, lies are hurtful. And it’s not right to encourage and spread her lies either.

Adrien: LadyNoir has to happen!

Nino shook his head in disgust. “You sound like that akuma last night. Ladybug has the right to decide who she wants to be with. If you ship LadyNoir, that’s fine. But you shouldn’t let it get this far to decide for Ladybug who she ends up with.”

Alya sighed, “Let’s blame Gabriel for this and hope Adrien can still be saved.”

Alya also understood when Marinette gave up on Adrien after seeing his behavior. She was interested in Luka but decided to wait because she didn’t want him to be a rebound guy.

Anyway, Adrien learned to keep his opinions to himself when all they got him was disapproval.

Ladybug’s interview caused the Parisians to question if the Italian diplomat should even still be in Paris if her daughter likes to spout lies about their heroine. How could she let her own daughter lie about stuff like that? It was enough that Mrs Rossi was questioned at work and her ignorance unveiled.

Yeah, Mrs Rossi would be lucky to keep her job after this but it was suggested Lila be sent outside Paris since she would certainly be unhappy with her new pariah status. Lila was sent to a correctional facility where no one was charmed by her falsehoods. Hell, she couldn’t even contact her mother because she was even busier trying to make amends.

When Ladybug finally told Chat she was happily in a relationship with her new boyfriend, he was sulky. Oh sure, he continued to fight alongside Ladybug but he was hopeful that she would break up with her boyfriend.

Plagg: that’s a horrible reaction. Can’t you just be happy for Ladybug?

Adrien: love is irrational and can’t be reasoned with, Plagg.

Plagg: then can you at least be polite and respectful to Ladybug’s wishes that you stop flirting with her?

Adrien: fine. Being Chat Noir was a chance to finally express myself, though.

Plagg: there’s a difference between freedom of expression and being rude/disrespectful/obnoxious

Adrien tried to date Kagami, but she broke up with him. There was no point in continuing the relationship when Adrien was so fixed on Ladybug.

I’m gonna leave this open ended. Any ideas how you would end this story?

[sturchling]

How about fairy tail where levy and gajeel are Marinette's bio parents

Sorry this took so long! Spent quite some time trying to come up with a good plot for you! I hope you like it! This story has some spoilers for the end of the Fairy Tail series. If anyone still hasn't seen it, be aware, spoilers ahead

Levy and Gajeel were about to make the toughest decision of their lives. After defeating Zeref, they thought all their tough battles were over. They had defeated Zeref, the Spriggan 12, and even Achnologia. After everything, the two had started dating. About a year after that, they became pregnant with their first child, a daughter. When their daughter was born, they both just fell in love with the sweet little girl, and named her Marinette. The young girl was the darling of the guild, and spoiled by everyone. It was the happiest time in the young couples life. But the happiness didn't last.

------------------------

There had been one loose end that nobody in the guild had thought of since the Grand Magic Games. Obra. Obra had escaped at the GMG, but no one noticed. Nobody in Fairy Tail realized that the small creature they had seen at the opening ceremony of the games sitting on Obra's shoulder was Obra's true form, and the person before them was nothing but a puppet. As a result no one in Fairy Tail saw this little creature return to Zeref and promise to return. However, Obra didn't return with Zeref. He instead waited patiently, and gathered more dark wizards to help him in his goal to destroy Fairy Tail. When the first wave of attacks happened, Wendy recognized this magic from when she was attacked at the GMG. It wasn't long before Obra had attacked several members of the guild, showing little sign of slowing down. It was clear that Obra meant to attack every person associated with the guild. Levy and Gajeel were terrified, not for themselves, but for their child. They made the difficult decision to send their daughter away. They knew that no where in Fiore was safe, so they approached Makarov for help. He knew of an ancient magic that could send their daughter to another world, where she would be completely out of Obra's reach. Reluctantly, the young couple agreed.

-------------------------

The time came soon after for the parents to say goodbye to their young daughter. Everyone was crying as Levy and Gajeel brought Marinette forward. Levy and Gajeel decided that as much as they wanted to go with their daughter and stay with her, they were needed here to help their friends. And since Gajeel had spied on Raven Tail, it was possible that Obra had a personal vendetta against him. They decided it was likely safer for their young daughter if someone else cared for her. So, Tom and Sabine, who had been using their cooking magic to help in the guild's kitchen, were asked to go to the other world with Marinette. They were the newest members of the guild, and it was unlikely Obra knew about them. So, he wouldn't go looking for them in the other world. The couple agreed and assured Levy and Gajeel that they would care for Marinette as their own. With tears in their eyes, Levy and Gajeel gave Marinette to Tom and Sabine, promising to bring her back as soon as it was safe. Before they left, Levy and Gajeel gave their daughter a locket, with their pictures in it, so she would always know her parents loved her dearly. And with that, the portal to the other world opened, and their darling daughter was gone.

---------------------

Years went by, and the new Dupain-Cheng family had made a nice life for themselves. There was hardly any magic in this world, but Tom and Sabine made do. What little magic they did have left helped to make their food the best in town and helped them become successful quickly. The bad news is that this lack of magic made it impossible to communicate with their friends back home, or to open the portal again. They had no idea if their friends in Fairy Tail had defeated Obra, or if they were even ok. But they never lost hope in their friends, and made sure to tell Marinette all about Fairy Tail and her parents. Marinette longed to see her real parents again and to get to know them herself. She would often stare at their pictures in her locket, and she never took the necklace off. While she was happy, with all her friends in school, and with Tom and Sabine, she did wish to see her real home, and meet her family.

---------------------

Meanwhile, in Fiore, it took years to finally catch Obra. In that time he had drained several members of the guild of their magic power. Sure, their magic power eventually recovered, but while they couldn't use magic, Obra would send other dark wizards to attack them. It was difficult to defend the guild from these attacks, but they always pulled through. But it was difficult to track down the tiny creature that was causing all this chaos. But finally after three long years, they caught Obra and the nightmare was over. But now they were faced with a new problem. When Master Makarov tried to open the portal to the other world to bring Tom, Sabine, and Marinette back now that the danger had passed, he found that he wasn't able to open it again. The only reason for this that they could find was that opening the portal the first time had used almost all the magic power in the other world, and it would take time for that power to be replenished. Until it was, all they could do was wait. Every few months, they would try to open the portal and bring their friends home, but it would never work. As time went by, Levy and Gajeel began to lose hope of seeing their daughter ever again.

------------------

As time went by, Marinette grew up and was now thirteen years old and a hero. While she knew that Tom and Sabine would believe her about the magic, she didn't want them to worry, so she kept it a secret. But it made Marinette happy to be a hero and using magic, it made her feel closer to her parents in a way. Marinette's life for the most part was fairly happy. She missed her parents, even though she had hardly any memories of them, and wanted to see them and Fiore more than anything. She just wished, more than anything else, that she would be able to see her parents again one day. But she was happy in Paris. That was, until, Lila came along. Lila had slowly been destroying her friendships in Mrs. Bustier's class. And now, almost the entire class hated her completely. The only person who didn't hate her was Alya. Alya, thankfully, had seen through the lies. Marinette had even told Alya about being Ladybug, and after sometime had also told her about Fiore, with Tom and Sabine's permission. Alya was stunned by all of this, but believed her friend. After all, the miraculous and kwami exist, who was Alya to deny the existence of another world?

------------------

The rest of the class, however, hadn't seen through Lila's lies and believed Marinette had been bullying Lila for weeks now. While Adrien knew the truth, he wasn't doing anything to stop the class from bullying Marinette in return. In fact, he blamed Marinette for it, saying that she just needed to apologize to Lila, even though Marinette hadn't done anything. While Alya tried to help, the class just got worse and worse.

----------------------

It was the first day of class after Hawkmoth's defeat. It had taken a while, but Hawkmoth's reign of terror was finally over. School was cancelled for a week after his defeat and the whole city celebrated. Master Fu took back the recovered miraculous, but let Marinette keep the earrings, saying that Paris may still need its heroes. Then her took the rest of the miraculous and returned to the temple with the box. Marinette finally told Tom and Sabine everything. While they were upset that Marinette hadn't told them, they made sure to tell her how proud they were of her, and how proud her parents would be. And they had a thought. If these kwami used such powerful magic, they may be the key to opening the door and being able to return to Fiore. After Marinette introduced them to Tikki, Tom and Sabine spoke with them about way to return to Fiore. Tikki said that yes, she would be able to help the family return home, but they needed a few days to prepare. Tikki would use the necklace Marinette was given as a way to open the door. Since it connected Marinette with her parents, it would be the ideal anchor for this magic to work. Marinette was excited, and thrilled to finally be able to see her parents.

---------------------

While this was the first day class was back in session, it would be Marinette's last day in this school. Everything was prepared, and that night, after school, Tikki would help to open the door back to Fiore. She had already managed to use her magic send a message to Makarov, telling him to try opening the door from his end tonight. With both sides trying to open the door, there should be enough magic for it to work. Marinette went to school with the biggest smile on her face, despite the constant glares being thrown her way. She whispered to Alya about the plan, and how she would be going to Fiore tonight. Alya was sad to see her friend go, but knew that Marinette would be happy going home. As the two friends talked quietly, planning to hang out one more time after school before Marinette left that night, they didn't notice Lila glaring at them.

---------------------

No matter what Lila did today, no matter what lie she told, or what she got the class to do, nothing seemed to upset Marinette today. Marinette just kept smiling. And Lila hated seeing Marinette happy. So, Lila went for her best plan. She had noticed how fond Marinette was of that locket she worse. She never took it off. So, Lila was going to get rid of it. Surely that would upset Marinette, since nothing else seemed to work today. At lunch, while Marinette and Alya ate in the classroom, Lila told the class that Marinette had ripped her favorite necklace off her neck and broke it. She planted the idea in the class' head to do the same thing to Marinette and then sat back and admired her work. The class waited until they saw Alya leave the classroom, when they knew Marinette would be alone, and made their move.

----------------

They all went into the classroom and attacked Marinette. They had been physically attacking her for a while now, but this was much more frenzied than before. In the struggle, someone ripped Marinette's locket from her neck and handed it to Lila. When she realized what had happened, Marinette tried to grab for the necklace, but was held back by Kim and Ivan. Marinette cried and begged for them to give her back the necklace. A few members of the class, Rose, Juleka, and Nathaniel, felt bad for a moment. But they quickly reminded themselves that Marinette had done the same thing to Lila and they were getting revenge for her friend. Besides it was just a silly necklace, Marinette could replace it later. Marinette kept pleading, doing anything she could to get the necklace back. That was her only way home. She turned to Adrien, he knew she was lying, surely he would stop this! But that hope was shattered when Adrien turned away from her. As she continued to reach for the locket, Lila dropped it on the ground and stomped on it, breaking the locket into several pieces.

------------------

Lila smiled, sure that this would be the end of Marinette interfering with her lies. The class let go of Marinette, and the young designer raced to the remains of her locket, gathering the pieces and crying. The class stood there, wondering why Marinette was completely breaking down over a silly necklace. Alya came back in the room at this point, and saw the scene. She was furious and just as she was about to lay into the class, she heard "Tikki, spots on!" Marinette transformed in front of everyone and raced out of the school and back to the bakery. She didn't care that she had revealed herself to the class. All she cared about was getting home and trying to fix things so she could still go home. She clung to hope that maybe they would still be able to use the necklace, even in its broken state.

-----------------

Meanwhile, the class was stood in shock. Marinette had just transformed in front of them. She was Ladybug. They had been bullying Ladybug for months now. They had helped to break Ladybug's necklace. And it was now dawning on them, that Lila must be a liar like Marinette had said. Because Lila couldn't have been best friends with Ladybug if Marinette was Ladybug. Adrien was shocked as well. His true love, his Ladybug, was Marinette all along. How could he have been so blind? And he had just stood by and let Lila and the class bully her for months! He had to apologize and confess his feelings to her again. It was the only way he might still get to be with his true love. Lila was horrified as she realized that this would ruin everything. She watched as the entire class realized that she had lied. She could see the exact moment they realized this. She watched as her kingdom of lies all came tumbling down.

------------------

Alya wanted to yell and berate all of them for what they had done, but her friend needed her more right now. Alya raced to the bakery, and ran through the front door. She knew Marinette had probably come in through the roof, so Tom and Sabine likely didn't even know she was here. She quickly told them not to let anyone from the class in and gave them a brief summary of what had happened. Tom and Sabine were horrified. They finished with the customers they had in the store, and then closed up the bakery to help Marinette. They closed and locked the doors, just as the class was about to come in. As the class begged to be let in, the couple just drew the blinds over all the windows and went upstairs to help Marinette.

---------------------

They found her and Alya sitting in Marinette's room. Alya's arms wrapped around Marinette's shoulders as Marinette sobbed. Tikki was floating at the desk nearby, looking over the necklace. As Sabine went to help comfort Marinette, Tom approached the kwami. "Tikki, can you still use it?" Tikki looked up, appearing worried. "I don't know. I might be able to. I won't know until we try." Marinette, having heard this, whimpered "You mean there is still a chance?" Tikki smiled at her chosen. "Yes, there is still a chance. I will start getting everything prepared, it will be time soon." Marinette was comforted by this, and clung to the hope that this could still work. As night fell, Tikki began trying to open the door, using all of her magic that she could. She could feel the magic energy coming in from Fiore, as Fairy Tail tried to open the door from their end as well. Everyone watched Tikki with baited breath. As time went by, nothing was happening. Their hopes began to fall as time went by slowly. But just as they were about to give up, a spark of light appeared.

------------------

In Fiore, the Fairy Tail guild had been buzzing all day. Master Makarov said that he received a message from someone in the other world to try and open the portal again tonight. Levy and Gajeel didn't have much hope for tonight, after all the failed attempts, but still there was a sliver of hope in their hearts that maybe this time would work and they would get their daughter back. The entire guild made their way to where the spell would be cast and waited as Master Makarov focused on the spell. At first there was nothing, and it seemed liked the spell had failed, just like every other time. But then a blue spark of light appeared. Then another. And another. Soon, a small circle of light began to grow larger and larger in front of their eyes. Levy and Gajeel held their breath as they saw the silhouettes of people on the other side of the light.

-------------------

Marinette, Tom, and Sabine watched in awe as the light grew larger in front of them and soon they could see a large group of people standing on the other side. And at the front of the group, Marinette saw two people that were obviously her parents. They were older than their pictures in the locket, but Marinette knew it was them. Before long, the spell was complete and it was time for them to go. Marinette turned to Alya and hugged her one last time. She may have been excited to go back to her home, but she would miss her friend dearly. Before she left, she gave Alya the Ladybug earrings, entrusting them to her. The two girls cried a little as they hugged goodbye. Marinette gave Tikki a little hug, before turning to face the portal again. She gave one last wave at Alya and Tikki and then, Tom, Sabine, and Marinette stepped through the portal.

------------------

As the light around her faded, Marinette was finally able to get a good look at everyone around her. As her eyes fell on her parents, she felt tears form in her eyes. She could see them forming in her parents eyes as well. Not wasting another moment, they ran to each other and embraced each other tightly. It had been several long years, but their small family was finally together again. Everyone was crying watching the touching scene, happy that their guild members were finally back.

-----------------

After everything, Alya kept the earrings and became the new Ladybug. The bakery closed permanently, and Alya told everyone that the Dupain-Cheng family had decided to move away from Paris. The class was left feeling guilty for the rest of their lives with how they treated Marinette and how they abandoned her for a liar. Adrien was upset that his lady was gone and he never got to make things up to her and have a relationship with her. He tried looking for her, or at least a way to contact her, so he could try to apologize and confess to her, but he wasn't ever able to find her. It was like her and her family just disappeared off the face of the earth! Lila was furious that she had lost her control over the class. She tried to fix things and regain the control, but nothing worked. She was outcasted, not just by the class, but by the entire school. She tried to convince her mother to let her transfer schools or even to go back to Italy, but it didn't work. She was left to suffer in Mrs. Bustier's class as a social pariah until she graduated.

-------------------

In Fiore, Marinette had quickly adjusted to her life with the guild. She and her parents were inseparable, understandably not letting each other out of their sight for several weeks. Marinette had even started to use magic! She may not be an ability type wizard like her parents, but she was a holder type wizard. After her time as Ladybug and using her lucky charm, Marinette found that she was very skilled at creation magic when her parents gave her a magic wand to practice with. It wasn't long before she was able to go on smaller jobs with her parents. Marinette was so happy with her new life in Fiore, and was happy to finally be home again.

[ive-tumbled-down-a-rabbit-hole]

Stories of Paris

I have no self control this week and have just finished this wip I'll update 2 days on the trot (mainly as I've become word blind and can't see the words for the letters). This is a flux occurrence and is likely to never happen again unless it's like a month with 2 full moons and the stars have aligned wonky and theres a north wind blowing and Fae stuff like that....

Will eventually post on AO3 when like the tech sprites are feeling nice to me and the gremlins have disappeared.

Masterlist

Part One Part Two

...................................................................................

Alfred checked in on his small charge, making sure he was still asleep, before heading to his own room. The last couple of months had been hard. Much harder for young master Bruce but still hard. He had lost his employers, who were closer to friends really. He'd become an unexpected full time guardian on top of a full time workload of running a manor house, which he was originally employed for. Gone were his fortnightly day off. His evenings to himself to meet up with friends, his whole life was turned upside down and he was grieving.

As much as he adored Master Bruce he wanted, no that's not right, he needed a break to grieve too. Grieve the loss of his friends, the loss of his freedom, the loss of his own life expectations.

Once he reached his own personal sanctuary he got out his personal phone and dialed the one person who got him. She may have been a foreign agent but she had taken him under her wing, looked after him and treated him like a son before they both retired (for different reasons). She was like a mother to him after he lost his own. She was always a grounding rock. It was this point, in his early 30's he needed someone to talk to this overwhelming, unexpected, humongous responsibility he'd stumbled upon.

"Ciao?"

"Gina, Are free to talk?"

"Alfie darling!!! Of course I am free to talk to you! I'll always make time for you darling! How are you doing stateside? The family in your charge still treating you well? Or do they need to be dropped so you can come adventuring with me?"

Suppressing a stifled sob Alfred tried to answer Gina's questions.

"They, they died Gina. The couple. The… the Wayne's were murdered in front of their son… They left me in charge of looking after him. I'm his guardian… I've looked after him for 2… 2 months..."

The stifled sob broke loose. After 2 months of being in complete control over all the emotions in favour of protecting and supporting Master Bruce he finally let them all out.

".... Shhhh shhh, there there il mio piccolo… Let those tears flow. Don't hold it in. Let those feelings out… "

Alfred sat in his room allowing himself to crack with Gina providing soothing words to him. After a while the sobs died down and he recomposed himself.

"Are you feeling better Alfie sweetie?"

"... Yes …"

"How often do you get your own space? Time to care about yourself? When was the last time you had a 'you' day?"

"... Before, before all this I would have days and time to see friends. Now, it's all about Master Bruce. He needs someone. He's just lost his parents. I can't abandon him as well.''

"So not for 2 months then. Hmmmm… you need to get a babysitter and make time and days for yourself"

"I don't trust anyone in Gotham Gina to look after Master Bruce. I've built a network up but not a 'child friendly one'."

"Good thing then I have the perfect candidate for you. My granddaughter is in Gotham as part of a study program or something like that. My little fairy is good with bambini. And it would benefit us having someone we trust to physically check in with her too. Being an ocean away makes it hard for us to check she is actually ok and not what she is presenting to a screen or phone."

"That, that might work Gina. How old is she? I know you wouldn't suggest it if she wasn't suitable…"

"Currently 17 but soon to be 18 and planning to stay Gotham way for a while. She seems to adore the architecture."

"That… .this might work. Could you check with her that she is happy to do this and we can arrange a meeting to see how it goes. It will be dependent on how well she connects with Master Bruce as to what happens next."

"Sounds like a plan Alfie! You're a strong resourceful man Alfie. You'll get through this. Do call me again if you need anything. And I do mean anything! Also be certain I'll be visiting in the nearish future to check on you and the lad.

Now go to sleep and I'll have a chat with my little fairy to see what we can do. You're not on your own in this son. Rest now and I will be in contact soon."

"Thank you Gina. For everything. Just being able to talk to someone has been a huge help. I'll go rest now. Bye"

"Bye Alfie"

After hanging up the phone Alfred took a deep breath and for the first time in a long time he felt he could finally breathe. Gina had never led him wrong before. Having someone to watch Master Bruce even for a few hours would allow him the space to set up a new network and reconnect with people. The overwhelming task would become manageable. Hopefully Gina's granddaughter would be willing and that Master Bruce liked her.

With those thoughts in mind Alfred finally turned in for the night.

…………………………………………………………..

Bruce continued to stare at the teen in his living room. It was an unexpected guest in his eyes. Alfred had informed him of a visitor, an old friend's granddaughter who was studying in Gotham, and Alfred's friend wanted him to check up on her. So Alfred had invited her to the manor. That was all fine. What he didn't get is why HE needed to be about. He didn't want company, he wanted his parents back. He wanted that man who destroyed his life brought to justice. He wanted to do research not listening to some inane talk. He wanted to be left alone to wallow. And maybe have Alfred about too for quiet company and provide tea and snacks. Not this stranger in his home.

As he stared (glared) at the girl he lost focus on the ongoing conversation she was having with Alfred to sulk.

He was drawn out of his musing when he saw the girl out down the cup she was drinking from and gave Alfred a hug. She whispered something to Alfred and much to Bruce's amazement, Alfred's whole being seemed to loose some of the tenseness it held. A glimmer of a spark he once held seems to re-enter his being.

"*cough* Right Miss Marinette. I can tell you are related to your Grandmother. Gina holds a magic way with words too."

"It's ok Monsieur Pennyworth. I learnt a lot about how words have power and how they can affect people under Hawkmoth's rein. Nonna helped me refine the skill."

"Hawkmoth? Miss Marinette could you explain further?"

"Yes, he was a supervillain. He held the power to manipulate people with negative emotions and turn them into temporary villains which Paris superheros had to defeat.

It was exhausting to live through. Watching what you said and how it could affect others. Keeping your own emotions in check. Nonna was a great help in learning to read body language so I could preempt and defuse situations before Hawkmoth could attack."

The girl, Marinette, went back to drinking her tea as if what she said was common knowledge and that having super heros was a normal thing.

It sparked Bruce's interest. The 8 year old boy adored comics telling granduese stories of adventures. This Marinette may not be as awful as he originally thought. She had experience of heroes and what they could do. In the small boy's head, he needed to get as much information as humanly possible from her. She might know how they came to be. How they got their powers. She knew about justice and how to take down bad guys indirectly. That meant joining in the conversation so she might come again.

"Thank you for coming round Miss Marinette. Are you sure I can not interest you into staying for dinner?"

"No, thank you Monsieur Pennyworth, for having me. I would have loved to stay for dinner, Nonna tells tales of your fabulous culinary skills, I must however decline. The family I am staying with is expecting me back soon.

It was a pleasure to meet you though. And you Monsieur Wayne."

Bruce was drawn out of his thoughts of superheroing and taking down bad guys. His information source was leaving. He needed to keep her here somehow. Or get her return.

"It was nice to meet you too Marinette. Would you like to come round and visit Alfred again?"

Alfred looked at the young master in surprise, the young boy had appeared to show no interest and huge distrust of Miss Marinette, but apparently looks are deceiving. Somehow she had won the boys interest and he wanted her to return. Gina was right about the girl, she was talented and seemed to know how to work her audience especially children. Maybe, just maybe Gina's idea would work.

"I would be delighted to visit again Monsieur Wayne. Monsieur Pennyworth has my details. I'm sure we can arrange another occasion to meet."

"If you would like to follow me Miss Marinette, I will escort you to the door."

…………………………………………………………..

"Gina"

"Alfie!!! How are you? It's good to hear from you!"

"I am well thank you. Much better than when we last spoke. I must say though, thank you! Your idea has been perfect. Your granddaughter has been amazing. She completely worked her magic with Master Bruce."

"Mmmm hmmm"

"She has got him talking. Not much. But he isn't as wallowy as he was before we met her. She got him kneading bread. And basically got him to beat his frustrations into it. The kitchen was a disaster from it all but he seems happier."

"YOU sound happier darling too!! The kneading thing likely comes from my Tom. He got my fairy doing that a lot under Hawkmoths rein. Baking for her has become a way to process/deal with her emotions. The nasty fella. I'm glad he is all done and dusted for my fairy. He left his mark on her."

"I can honestly see a way forward now Gina. Thank you. Bruce and I, we will get there. But back to your comment, Left his Mark? Did Miss Marinette get hurt? Has she an injury that I need to be aware of. Every time I've seen her she seems well, with the occasional spacey moments. She seems to navigate a conversation well to avoid topics that cause her too many anxieties."

"Not physically that I am aware of. Emotionally it has taken its toll. She is good at masking and misdirecting emotions as you've probably seen and noted. She's grieving too. She's left Paris as it has too many memories for the moment."

"I see.... I can see how that is likely helping her and Master Bruce connect. Thank you Gina, truly. Our little family has hope now that your fairy has arrived. We will see if we can also watch out and help her."

…………………………………………………………..

Had Bruce realised at the time that Marinette's original visit was an informal interview to see if he connected with her, Bruce may have paid a bit more attention. He might have noticed if had paid attention but that's neither here nor there. In his unfocused state he had somehow agreed to her becoming his babysitter. And as much as he protested to Alfred that he was perfectly capable of looking after himself. The small fire he created in the kitchen when he tried to make toast (this time) shortly before his declaration destroyed his argument.

The bonus was that with each occasion Marinette babysat him he was learning more and more about superheros (and got freshly baked treats). And she knew a lot about both.

"Mon poussin, shall we go bake some cookies before Alfred returns?"

"Ummm… I might have been err banned from the kitchen since you last visited Mari."

"Banned mon chéri? Why on earth were you banned?"

"I tried to make the cookies we made last time for Alfred as a surprise. The fire this time was much bigger than normal"

"Are you banned from baking or just being in the kitchen? I kinda need to know what rule we're about to bend"

"Bend? And errrr baking and kitchen. Alfred said 'Young master. Please can you refrain from attempting to bake and using the kitchen equipment. You are banned until I see fit that it is safe for you to learn again'"

Bruce caught a glint of mischief entering Marinette's eye and a smirk grew upon her face.

"Perfect!!! You're banned from the equipment for baking. I'll use the equipment then and you can still be in the kitchen then. Bending is working with the rules and looking for where they are flexible and looking for loopholes. Alfred for example according to you said baking. Well baking is different from cooking. So technically you could cook. Though as it's Alfred I'd probably give it a miss."

"Yeah, I don't fancy getting on the wrong side of Alfred."

The pair started to walk to the kitchen to bake with Marinette leading.

"The Parisian's superheros used that technique a lot. The police there weren't particularly welcoming in the beginning so they followed the rules the police set out and twisted them to work best in their interest. It's something you see business people do too. Something I'm sure you'll encounter when you're older sadly."

"How did they get their names? Paris's superheros"

Marinette smiled ruefully as she got the ingredients out for cookies.

"I told you that I was friends with a blogger at the time"

"Uh-huh" Bruce nodded.

"For the most part she named them. I believe, from what I remember her saying, is that Chat Noir introduced himself as that, but Ladybug, she focused on the task at hand and ignored the media for the most part at the beginning and they named her. The blogger from what I recall named her and then created the blog 'the ladyblog' as a pun on the name. Lesson to learn there is that if a hero doesn't want to be named by the media they should have a name ready to provide and introduce themselves with. Winning the media and public over made the job easier from what I could tell"

"And what made them superheros Mari?"

"They had powers mon poussin. Police, firepeople, doctors and nurses. They are all hero's fighting to protect others everyday. All within the law. These superheros had powers. They had magic."

Bruce looked at Marinette in awe.

"Magic?"

"A curse and a blessing, magic is Bruce" Marinette in such a serious way that was so out of character it startled Bruce.

"There are so many types of magic out there Bruce. For the most part it's benevolent, neither good nor evil just existing in balance. Old magic though. Old magic tends to come at a cost. Yes it can help but there is always something required to balance it out. A negative payment. Hawkmoth, he used the magic in a negative way and it cost him his family. His life as well.. Ladybug and Chat Noir they both had to use their powers to balance the other one out."

Bruce absorbed the information like a sponge. He loved when Marinette forgot his age and just spoke her thoughts. Her memories. He was learning so much from her about these heroes when she drifted to narrate the past. Superheroes. If Alfred let him he was going to look this blog up on his computer later.

With such melancholy Marinette continued.

"Hawkmoth turned out to be my friend's dad. His dad was awful so it wasn't a huge surprise. But, his misuse of the magic caused the death of my friend to balance it all out. Magic isn't inherently bad, it's the side effects that people forget about and neglect to think."

Marinette let out a big sigh.

"These cookies are going to taste sour with this sad mood growing. Mon poussin, what superpower would you want if you could have one?"

She enquired trying to lighten the mood about the past as she put the cookies into the oven to cook.

Bruce mulled over the question.

"I'm not sure Mari. What you said about magic and powers seems like a bad idea. If I had a superpower, what would it cost me? I don't want to lose Alfred or you. I'd want to do it without powers''

*Chuckling* "Oh mon poussin. That's what you got from what I've said. Mon chéri, you won't lose us. You're family now"

Marinette stated before booping his nose with a floury finger.

"But you said people were heroes without powers Mari! I wanna be like that."

"So a secret ninja hero with lots of gadgets then."

Matinette giggled at the boys antics "Remember secret identities are key. No-one but your selected trusted support network can ever know them so you are all protected as well."

"Hmmm ok Mari that's good advice"

They both sat in silence after that. Marinette, still trying to recover from the memories of losing Adrien, Bruce pondering what Mari had said.

"How'd you train to be a ninja Mari?"

"Hmmm ninja training I guess Bruce."

"What's that though"

"I guess ninjas train in martial arts, gymnastics and stuff like that. Maybe in weapons. I don't really know Bruce. I've never met a ninja before."

Marinette smiled at the small boy. He reminded her of Manon with all the questions on heroes and Alya with her obsession in her teens. She never remembered being so fascinated with them but many of the children she had babysat especially in Paris had a huge fascination with them. It was times like this she missed Paris and her family there. Nonna recommending her to Alfred was a stroke of luck. Bless Tikki. She was starting to feel like she had a family over here now too.

Bruce mulled over the information Mari had given. Maybe he would get Alfred to sign up for martial arts lessons. That would help towards getting skilled enough to bring justice, even if it didn't bring his parents back.

When Alfred returned back to the manor, he found the pair giggling in the kitchen. Cookies cooling on the side as the pair pretended to do silly ninja moves while watching ninja warrior clips on Miss Marinette's phone. Alfred smiled to himself while craftily snapping a photo of the pair. Miss Marinette was an excellent babysitter and was slowly bringing happiness back into the manor. Bruce's sour moods from grief definitely improved with her presence.

Gina's recommendation was perfect.

…………………………………………………………..

Marinette had almost become a permanent feature in Bruce's life. She was round at least once a fortnight. Sometimes once a week and had been for the last 9 months and he had grown to see her as almost an Aunt or cousin or something more than a babysitter. She was becoming family. He desperately missed his parents still but having Mari and Alfred he didn't feel quite as alone on the bad days.

The pair were both doing homework in the garden while Alfred was out when Mari's phone rang. She switched to another language on answering. Bruce paused from his work and watched. He didn't know the language and felt left out not knowing what was being said. He would ask Alfred to sign him up for language lessons when he returns. The martial art lessons were awesome in the boys eyes. Language lessons would help connect more with Marinette. And help in spying and his secret hero training.

Watching her though she seemed to flit through a range of emotions in quick succession which were a blur to interpret before they went. They disappeared from her face. He couldn't read what she was thinking or feeling. Bruce knew he was fairly good at reading adults. It was helpful to avoid getting into trouble at school (and with Alfred). It was amazing and scary to not be able to do so with Mari.

"Mari…?" Bruce gently asked when the call had ended "How'd you do that?"

"Hmmm.. do what mon poussin"

"Hide your feelings. How'd you do that?"

"Hide them?" Marinette mused over what Bruce was meaning. "I didn't really hide them mon chéri. I just sifted through them as I felt them and checked if they were helpful to me or not. If it wasn't helpful I parked to deal with it at a later date so I could focus on the call with a clear head. Given who I was talking to, getting upset, angry or frustrated wouldn't benefit me at all. Why do you ask?"

"Can you teach me?!" Bruce demanded with enthusiasm. To be able to be able to do that would be so cool. To do it in games with peers and hide what he was feeling and therefore thinking would be awesome.

Marinette laughed at her temporary charges determination.

"It takes time and patience to learn mon poussin. And I started by learning to meditate and recognising my own emotions. Learning what I'm truly feeling and working out what I need to do to process it.

If we complete our homework soon I'll teach you some basic mediation and we can go from there if you like?"

"Yes!! But don't have to do homework first….. can't we skip it pleeeeeeease"

Marinette just raised her eyebrow, in a very Alfred manner, at the boy who ducked his head in return.

Much to Alfred's surprise he came home to find the pair sitting in the garden as Miss Marinette took Master Bruce through a guided meditation. He hoped that this may be the start of Bruce starting to openly process his grief.

Next

[dessarious]

The Angel of Death Pt45

Inspired by this Story Starter by @someone-ev

AO3   Prologue   Beginning  Previous   Next

This was going to be a disaster. That was the only thought Tris could manage as she waited for Gina on the warehouse roof. She’d been trying to figure out a way to keep her from finding out about Talia. The Blakes she could count on not to say anything, the others… even though she hadn’t named Talia she gave them enough clues that their idle gossip would tip the woman off. There was no way she could keep it under wraps. She had to tell her.

“My fairy, I’d hoped it was you.” She’d landed silently. If Tris hadn’t been able to see the string Gina would have snuck up on her. At some point she was going to have to ask where her skills had come from.

“I’m sorry, I did not want to bring you back into my fight. But now the other’s are in danger and I need your help.” The words felt like they were being pulled from her. She didn’t ask for help, it was a sign of weakness. Gina put a hand under her chin and forced her to meet her gaze. She didn’t know what that look meant.

“No, I’m sorry. I treated you like the child I remembered rather than the skilled warrior you’ve become. I shouldn’t have tried to insert myself without asking you.” Tris just blinked at her in surprise for a moment. An apology was the last thing she’d expected. “I just want to help you in whatever way you’ll let me.”

"I need you to train the others to fight. My efforts so far have been less than successful and there’s no time to figure out a better strategy.” The words came out in a rush, almost as if she were afraid they wouldn’t come out at all if she stopped.

“What is the threat?” And there was the question she really didn’t want to answer. Given her views on Talia she might go after the woman herself. Unfortunately, there really wasn’t a way to keep it from her at this point.

“Talia is on her way to Paris, but I’m almost certain she’s going after Damian. I have no reason to believe she actually knows I’m here. I just want the other’s prepared in case the worst happens.” She got it all out in a rush and practically held her breath waiting for a response.

“I thought you said Damian was dead.” There was a hard edge to her voice and Tris had a feeling the woman knew all about the Lazarus Pits. Well, one less thing to explain.

“He was. I didn’t get all the details but I’m fairly confident Talia at least ordered his death. I’m not certain who revived him or how, though I have my theories.” Gina was searching her face for something, but she had no idea what.

“You’ve seen him?” Tris just nodded. “And what about your string?” Oh, that explained the concerned expression.

“The string isn’t red and shows no sign of returning to it.”

“And how do you feel about that?” Tris just blinked at her in confusion.

“It’s for the best and means fewer complications. Damian said it was the universe correcting a mistake, and I can’t say I disagree. Given our history, any further contact is likely to just create strife.” Gina let out a sigh.

“Perhaps you should keep an open mind about that. Strings exist for a reason. In time things may change. You deserve to be happy and I don’t want to see you cut off any possible avenues, no matter how unlikely they seem at the moment.” Tris nodded. There was nothing she could say or do to change the woman’s mind, and the last thing she wanted was to get into an argument instead of focusing on getting the others trained. Gina sighed again. “Of course I’ll help train your friends and keep them safe. Do you know when Talia will get here?”

“Not exactly, but given her current pace and movements within the week most likely.” From what she could tell, Talia was stopping at various safe houses, probably to pick up people or supplies. The first was more of an issue than the second in her opinion. Being overwhelmed in numbers was a far bigger risk than any tricks she could come up with.

“That doesn’t give us much time. Have they had any combat training before?”

“No, but hopefully with the Miraculous they’ll be able to stay alive. Right now I just need you to keep them from being a liability to themselves and each other. Hopefully they won’t be a part of this at all but I don’t want them killed because I was wrong. I shouldn’t have stayed here and put them in danger in the first place.” She should never have let Fu and the Kwami convince her to stay here. She should have left as soon as Chloe recognized her. She shouldn’t have gone after Damian and outed herself. She was slipping, and that was a death sentence in her world. Gina cupped her face and made her look up at her.

“This is not your fault.” Tris just shot the woman a flat look. “It’s not. You can’t be held responsible for the nut job Talia is. And Isolating yourself from the world does nothing but cause you pain. You may not remember much from before you were taken but you were always happiest around other people. You can’t honestly tell me you aren’t enjoying being with your friends, even if you hate school.” She wanted to argue but stopped herself to really think about it. Yes, she hated school and the training sessions were a nightmare but when they were all together in their dorm or she was out with some of them it was nice. She certainly enjoyed teaching Kagami about reading people.

“Perhaps but it’s selfish to put them in danger for something so fleeting. Being around me is dangerous and no one deserves to have a target on their back just because I don’t want to be alone.” Until she said it Tris didn’t really believe it, but the thought of going back to the way things were… it hurt. But what else could she do?

“Marinette.” she flinched back but her Nonna kept hold of her face and forced eye contact. “Marinette, I'm not going to let that woman keep destroying your life. Regardless of who her target is by the time this is over you will be safe and I will not leave you alone. I promise.” She forced back tears and tried to figure out what the strange feeling in her chest was. She had to think back to right after she was taken. Those first few weeks when she’d told herself that someone would come for her, or Damian would stop his mother from torturing her. She’d quickly had all the hope beaten out of her. It was pointless, dangerous even. The fact that she was feeling it again… she wasn’t certain that was a good thing.

AO3   Prologue   Beginning  Previous    Next

Ko-Fi

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[e-milieeee]

you are enough (i promise you)—miraculous soulmate au

Summary: In a world where your dreams are snapshots of your soulmate’s life through their eyes, Marinette’s dreams are lonely and quiet, where smiles and laughter have long been forgotten. 

Adrien dreams of light—where the air is charged with happiness and the warmth permeates through his dreams and seeps even into the coldness left behind by his mother’s disappearance. 

Then, one day, everything changes.

Notes: This was inspired by an amazing piece of art by @australet789! I’m a sucker for SAL lyrics as well, so it was a big bonus. 

Thanks @jattendschaton for beta-ing! 

Or read it here on AO3 | Kofi

Marinette wakes up with tears in her eyes.

It’s always beyond her control. She lies in bed, staring at the ceiling with blurred vision, phantom thoughts from the dream still gripping her heart and refusing to let go. All of a sudden, her room, colorful as it is, feels extremely lonely. Her soulmate’s steady trickle of emotions still run through her like a current, and no matter who she surrounds herself with, that underlying melancholy never seems to leave.

Taking a deep breath and wiping the tears from her face, she climbs down from the bed.

Maybe today she’ll meet him.

***

Adrien wakes up with the feeling of warmth fading around him.

He squeezes his eyes shut in hopes of grasping a little more of it, but it’s already gone. His room is only artificially warm while his dream is warm with the smell of sweets and the thrill of laughter tumbling around. Here, silence makes the loudest noise of all, and turns even the hottest days cold.

He breathes in, breathes out. He thinks back to the dream. Pink, all around—his soulmate’s life practically revolves around pink. It’s endearing; the color has grown on him since the dreams started. Adrien’s own room has started to adopt a splash of that pink in remembrance of her.

Like he does every single morning, Adrien pushes the covers off himself and peers out of the window, hoping for a flash of pink. He wonders if she ever passes by below his window.

Maybe she will, today.

***

The hardest moments are the ones when her soulmate sits alone at that long, long table.  

Marinette looks down at her hands—not her hands anymore, but his—as they pick up the fork and knife and cut dutifully into the meal. He eats slowly, because he is waiting—he is waiting for somebody to join him.  

The fork lifts to his mouth. He chews. Swallows. Stares at those giant, forlorn doors.  

Nobody enters.  

He lets out a ragged breath and forces himself to continue eating. His heart—no, her heart as well—is bleeding.  

Disappointment hurts some, but hope hurts much more.  

***

Adrien is always awed by the plethora of colors and scents in his soulmate’s life.  

In the mornings, the sunbeams slant into her room and it positively glows, resplendent in light. He can hardly imagine some place so lovely exists. And this girl—with her laughter like bells—is his soulmate. The thought fills Adrien up with hope—the good sort.  

His favourite moments are the ones when she’s in the bakery with her parents. Their features are blurred to him, but he feels their joy all the same. She joins them early in the morning, singing and dancing as they bake, and the happiness is the sort that leaves a sweet aftertaste long after it fades away.  

Even if he knows that when he wakes up, he’ll be alone once more, at least he won’t be running on empty.  

***

Fall, winter, spring, summer. They pass in the blink of an eye. Marinette keeps her eyes out for him, but she has no idea who he can be. Perhaps she will never meet him, because he’s always in that house. Perhaps she has met him already, but they have parted.

She wonders if he will have to sit at that table alone all his life.

***

Hope is a dangerous little thing.

In the beginning, it’s refreshing and beautiful to cling onto. But with the seasons’ passing it becomes stale and cold, and every time Adrien tries to rekindle it, it steals a little bit more of himself. He hopes until it hurts, then hopes some more.

Because even if the hope twists into his gut, if he doesn’t cling onto it, there’s nothing else he can hold.

***

She still dreams of her soulmate, but they’re bleak and tired, and she can almost feel the hope he’s so desperately clinging onto fade breath by breath. She wants to tell him not to, wants to ask him where he is, wants to be there with him, but she can’t. The only thing Marinette can do is watch.

So she does, until doubt starts gaining a larger foothold. Perhaps this is what is meant to be: the glimpses of his half-lived life in her dreams, the accompanying sadness that never goes away, this feeling of not being whole. Marinette will have to learn to live with it.

Then, as the seasons fade to fall once more, Marinette finds a small box with a red, spiralling pattern on its lid.

***

What is once warmth turns into longing, and longing turns into pain. Adrien wakes up from his dreams with the warmth draining from him, the loneliness of the house leeching even the brightest of emotions.

The days melt into a mundane blur of lessons, of waiting and giving up. His father is scarcely seen; even Nathalie doesn’t have time for him outside the homeschooling. His nights are full of can’t-haves, and Adrien wakes up in the morning feeling emptier than the day before. He tries— he really does. But it’s pointless.

Then, as the leaves outside his house put on their autumn cloaks, Adrien finds a small, black box sitting on his desk and learns to hope again.

***

The wind tears at Marinette’s face as she struggles to keep her balance.

With a supersuit and magic, one would think that she’d be granted better coordination skills. But as the monster rampages through Paris, she still can’t use the yo-yo properly. It’s stupid, she thinks, to have a yo-yo as a weapon. Out of everything she could’ve ended up with, it’s just her luck to end up with the most useless thing.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Marinette lets loose the yo-yo once more. She can no longer see the creature, but the noise it’s making is deafening, as noticeable as the destruction it leaves in its wake. She gives the string one tug, and, finding it secure, throws herself towards the next building.

Two things happen in quick succession. First, she catches a glimpse of a shadow streaking directly beneath her, and the lapse in concentration causes her to slip. She misses the landing, slams against the corner of the building, and tumbles.

Marinette’s grip around her yo-yo loosens. She braces herself for the impact—what a godawful superhero she makes—but the landing isn’t harsh concrete and broken bones like she imagines. Instead, she’s snatched out of the air by a pair of arms—gingerly, the movements full of uncertainty—but it saves her from the fall.

They hit the ground a second later. Her saviour ducks into a roll, lessening the impact, before they finally skid to a stop.

For a moment, Marinette lays on the ground. The air feels like it’s been knocked out of her lungs and the adrenaline burns through her veins. Somebody rises beside her, giving her a glimpse of black in her periphery: it’s the shadow she had seen just before she’d toppled off the roof.

A hand extends into her vision, cloaked in shadowy black. “Judging by your suit, I think we’re supposed to be partners,” a boy says. There’s a faint note of mirth in his voice.

Marinette lets out a groan, but accepts the hand. Partners— the little fairy (kwami? Tikki?) had informed her that she would have a partner. She allows the boy to pull her to her feet. His hand, despite the suit that covers both of them, is warm around hers. Marinette squints at his features as soon as they’re level.

“I think,” the boy is saying, “that stone thing—”

He breaks off. She sucks in her next breath and does not let it out.

He’s sitting in front of a large window. Outside, people walk past the mansion, where iron gates separate him from the rest of the world. He counts the figures one by one, looking for someone he has never seen but knows.

He exists in a world that is simply cold: the faces around him, the voices that address him, the reality that he has found himself in. But he waits with far more hope than his world deserves: he waits for the tall, silver-haired man to join him at a table that is perpetually empty; he waits for the girl who has filled his dreams with so much warmth and beauty.  

He waits for her.

***

Adrien meets a pair of clear blue eyes.

The world splinters around him into a kaleidoscope of colors.

She hunches over a sketchbook, one that is always tucked away safely in the corner of her desk. Inside, she draws what she can remember of her dreams; his room, his bed, even the long, empty table. There are sketches of large details, such as the grand staircase in the Agreste mansion. Then there are small things: the pencil holder on his desk, the little picture of his mother he keeps hanging on his wall. All of these are drawn in remembrance of him, so she can capture every little detail about her soulmate that she’s dying to meet.  

She lives in a world that abounds with color and life, yet she still makes room for him. She thinks of him, she searches for him, she loves him. Even if they’ve never met. Even if her life is already so full of love, she still loves him— loves the boy who pales in comparison to her, loves the boy who is broken and bruised and hurt.  

But broken, bruised and hurt can be mended, and that mending can start now.  

***

When the images fade from Marinette’s eyes and the boy in front of her comes back into view, she finally allows herself to breathe.

They stare at each other for the longest time. His hair is spun of golden thread, reflecting the sunlight softly. Even the black of his suit doesn’t take away the colors. And all of a sudden, even if her life is full of vibrancy, everything is grey compared to him.

Because despite everything—the coldness of his house, the missing presence of his father and the pain of having lost his mother, his eyes brim with life. They are brilliant and beautiful, making Marinette’s breath catch again in her throat. She’s never seen his eyes—she’s seen through them only—and now she knows they are the brightest shade of green.

“It’s you,” she whispers.

“Yes,” he replies hoarsely, “I—I found you.”

***

Adrien cannot look away from her eyes.

They are the best sort of blue; the sort where the sky is clear and cloudless, like sunlight gleaming off the ocean. She is beautiful and radiant, and Adrien does not know how she is his and he hers. He feels as if he’s known her for a lifetime, and for the first time in a long time, he doesn’t need to second-guess to know: she feels the same.

He blinks, feeling his eyes misting. Tears follow not long after and Adrien reaches up to wipe at his cheeks. It's a fruitless effort because not long after, he’s crying in earnest. “Ah, sorry,” he murmurs, not quite managing to stop his voice from trembling. “I’ve thought a lot about what to say when I finally met you, and crying wasn’t on the list. It’s just… I almost gave up thinking I’d ever be able to meet you.”

“Gave up?” she echoes. Her voice is just as he remembers it. It’s carried him through rough days more than once.

“Yeah.” Adrien sniffles, but the tears still don’t stop. “I thought that maybe I would never find you. Or maybe you didn’t want to find me, because my dreams of you were always so full of vitality and I can’t even begin to compare to that, and—”

She lifts up a hand and rests it gently on his cheek. He stills, words melting away. Her touch is featherlight but at the same time anchoring. He feels the world through her fingertips; he feels the beauty that he hadn’t seen before.

“No,” she says fiercely. “I have always wanted to find you. And now, I’m so, so glad I did.”

Adrien leans into her palm. Her gaze does not waver when she meets his eyes, and carefully, she draws her thumb under his eyes, brushing over wet cheeks. “I’m so glad,” she repeats, “that I found you.”

All those days of loneliness and longing are swept away to mist. The feelings of inadequacy, the aching question if anybody truly cares— her expression says it all. You are enough.  

And it’s worth it, the pain of waiting. Because he will wait all over again if just to meet her.

***

They meet up once more after the akuma is defeated. There, standing on the rooftop, Marinette faces her soulmate once more.

“Spots off,” she says, and simultaneously, he commands, “Claws in.”

He doesn’t look much different without the suit. She recognizes him easily, even if it’s barely been an hour since they’ve formally met. She knows him deep down in her bones, singing in her blood, like the oxygen filling her lungs.

“What’s your name?” she asks him.

He stretches out his hands, a smile lifting the corners of his lips. “Adrien Agreste,” he tells her. “What’s yours?”

Marinette takes his hand. It’s almost a ridiculous motion to follow through with, but she shakes it nevertheless. Silently, she vows to herself—he will never have to endure a meal alone, never have to face his loneliness alone. She won’t let him, and it’s a promise.

***

Everything has changed, and Adrien knows.

The meals he eats alone will never be truly lonely anymore. His dreams of her will no longer be wistful but genuinely bright, speaking of better things to come, because she is here.  

“Nice to meet you, Adrien Agreste,” she says, a brilliant smile alight on her face. “My name is Marinette Dupain-Cheng.”

Notes: Likes are appreciated, but reblogs help very much! Here’s my fics masterlist. 

[thebookwormfairy]

Maribat Winx Club Part 3

Part 1

Part 2

Masterlist

Marinette *panicing*: This doesn't make any sense. How can we be family? I was born on Earth! My parents were born on Earth! I'm an Earthling!

Damian gently grabbing Marinette by the shoulder: Angel I know this is a difficult time for you right now, but we need to focus of the mission right now, okay? Let's grab the miraculous and get back to Alfea, then we can all freak out about you and Jason being related there. Okay, Angel?

Marinette: Okay

Jason: Okay! We can have a big freak out party together with your parents, Bruce, and Alfred. Can't forget the brothers and our friends either! We can all have a mental breakdown together!

Marinette: Sounds fun!

Jason went over the the chest and opens it revealing a pair of red and black Polk a dot earrings

Jason: It looks like the Ladybug earrings. Let's head home guys.

As the fairies and specialists press the buttons to head home they all had one thought in their minds

If Marinette and Jason were family what did that mean for their quest for the Miraculous?

After a nice long freak out session between everybody over the apparent relation between Jason and Marinette they gathered in Ms. Faragonda's office to tell her what they had learned on Miracul

Faragonda: Then it seems what I feared has come to pass. I must call Bruce, Alfred, and the rest of the old Miraculous holders

Jason: Wait why?

Marinette: You used to be a Miraculous holder?

Faragonda: all questions will be answered in due time once everybody is here

Faragonda sent out the call to the surviving ex miraculous holders who came right away

Alfred, Fu, and Mariam gathered in Faragonda's office along with Bruce and Jon's dad Clark who was in charge of the Justice League, a group that formed to keep peace in the magix dimensions after the fall of Miracul

Faragonda: Thank you for joining us. As you know the Miraculous have resurfaced and with them the Dark Coven

Fu: We have heard of the attacks we have also heard of the brave students who are working the gather them. *Fu gestures the the young fairies and specialists* I assume these are those brave students

Dick raising his hand: I'm actually a teacher

Alfred: Yes Master Dick and we're all very proud of you

Dick now resembles and happy golden retriever

Faragonda: Yes these are the young people who have been gathering the Miraculous. So far they've found 5 Miraculous, the Fox, the Turtle, the Rabbit, the Mouse, and most importantly the Ladybug

Mariam: That's wonderful! If only we had the Black Cat and a member of the royal family then we could use them to pull the rest of the Miraculous to them

Faragonda: We might have 2 members of the royal family with us in this room. Jason and Marinette can you please stand up here with me

Jason and Marinette stood side by side in front of the crowd of adults

Faragonda: We've been working under the assumption that Jason was just a lucky citizen of Miracul that was able to escape it's destruction, but the Miraculous call out to him. And Marinette gained her Enchantix by saving Jason's life that means their family. I've had this feeling for a long time. Look closely at these two, who do they remind you of?

Alfred was nodding his head looking at the two as if he's seeing them in a new light

Miriam gasped, covering her mouth and tears weld up in her eyes

Fu was the one to put everybody thoughts into words

Fu: They look so much like Queen Clarisse and King Roland

Faragonda: We've been living under the assumption that the Dark Ones were smart enough to get rid of the royal heirs before the attack, but what if they weren't. What if young Prince Jason took his sister Princess Marinette to the portal room and was able to escape the planet but got separated along the way. One ending up in Gotham the other on Earth.

Alfred: That would explain a lot. When Master Jason first joined us at the Manor he use to have terrible nightmares about failing to protect somebody

Fu: To bad we don't also have the ring of the Black Cat then they could call forth the rest of the Miraculous using the Miraculous box

Miriam: But the box was lost along with Miracul

Faragonda: But we might be able to find it if we also had the Black Cat

Marinette: Is the Ring of of Black Cat black with a green paw print on it?

Fu: Yes it is. How did you know that Marinette?

Marinette was hesitant, but the voice inside her head said it was alright to show them the ring

Marinette reaching into her pocket: Last year during our final exam I was assigned Miracul as the dead planet I had to bring back. During the test i head a voice call me into a cave where I found this. The voice told me to keep it hidden and not to let anybody know that I had it

Marinette pulled out the ring from her pocket showing it to the people in the room

Fu: That is indeed the Black Cat Miraculous

Jason: Why didn't you tell us about it soon Marinette?

Marinette: I was scared what it meant if the Miraculous was really calling to me as well. If that means my parents weren't really my parents. If that somehow changed my relationship with them.

Fu walked over to the girl that reminded him so much of his dear friends and put a hand on her shoulder

Fu: Marinette I may not know you or your family, but if your parents took you in and raised you for the last 16 years then you finding out that you are adopted will have no change on the relationship you have with them. Unless you let it effect it

Faragonda: It is time for you two to claim you birthright as the wielders of the Ladybug and Black Cat Miraculous

Jason and Marinette stared at eachother thinking over what Faragonda had just said

Marinette: But what if you're wrong? Didn't you say that anybody who wasn't the royal family or the Dark Coven would die if they but on the Miraculous

Faragonda: I'm not wrong. I've already seen you use the power of the Black Cat once before during the Scarecrow's attack on the school

Jason grabbing the Ladybug earrings: I'm in if you are Pixie Pop

Marinette tightened her grip on the ring: Let's do it or die trying

Adrien: Wow wow wow, there is no reason for either of you to die

Damian: Yeah I have to agree with Agreste let's try to not kill my girlfriend, Todd.

Jason with one earring already in: Yeah yeah yeah, don't worry Demon Spawn. I'm not going to lose my sister again.

As Jason slipped the last earring onto his ear and Marinette place the ring on her finger to balls of light came put of the jewelry and floated in front of the reunited siblings

The one in front of Jason formed into a ladybug looking creature and the one in front of Marinette formed into what looked like a small cat

Plagg stretching: Aahg finally! You know kid you could have put my miraculous on a long time ago. Your my kitten you got to get a little bit more curious then that

Marinette: Oh I'm sorry...

Plagg: Plagg Kwami of Destruction you got any cheese?

Marinette: Not on me but I'm sure we can go to the kitchen after this

Plagg: It'll have to do

Plagg flew over Marinette and landing on her head and looked every bit like an old house cat lounging on their owner

While this was happening Jason was meeting his own Kwami

Tikki: Hello Jason! I'm Tikki the kwami of creation! I remember you when you were just a little boy! You used to love chasing us around!

Jason: I remember you! You were my mom's kwami!

Tikki: Clarisse was a great Ladybug, but I know you'll do her proud!

Bruce didn't want to interrupt the found family's moment but they need to get this meeting back on track

Bruce: Since Jason and Marinette can wield the Miraculous does that mean they can summon the rest of the Miraculous right now

Fu shook his head: They would need the Miraculous box to do that and sadly we know for certain is in the hands of the Dark Coven

Marinette: But we can choose new wielders of the Miraculous right?

Alfred: That is correct

Jason: But we don't have enough Miraculous for everyone

Alya: Don't worry about that!

Rose: Yeah we all have Enchantix

Alix: This Dark Coven members have no chance against us in those forms

Juleka nodded her head in agreement

Marinette: Then let's give them to the Specialists. I love you guys but you don't have the same protections as the fairies. You'll be safer with the Miraculous

Jon: You guys don't have to worry about us we're Specialist. We are train to go into dangerous situations like this

The other boys go to agree with Jon, but Jason interrupts them

Jason: She's right boys, but we'll need to find 1 more so each of you can get one

Fu: If you two transform using the miraculous you'll be able to focus on a certain Miraculous and track it. I suggest the Dragon Miraculous it's one of the most powerful, besides the Cat and Ladybug

Jason: Let's do this Marinette

Marinette: Let's find that Miraculous

Tikki: Great! Jason all you have to do is say Spots On

Plagg: Kitten all you have to say is claws out

Jason: Tikki Spots On!

Marinette: Plagg Claws Out!

Jason now work what looked like the classic prince outfit with a red and black color scheme

While Marinette wore a tea length Princess Dress with a Black and Green color scheme with black cat ears on top of her head and black lace fingerless gloves covering her palms

Damian stared at his stunning girlfriend

Adrien was watching him with a smug smile

Adrien: Damian you might want to wipe that dwell off your chin

Damian quickly wiped his face only to find no dwell

Damian glaring at Adrien: Shut Up!

Jon: Don't tell him to shut up

Adrien: Yeah don't tell me to shut up

Marinette: I got it! It's like I can see the Miraculous itself!

Jason: Yeah it's on Salerios hidden in the royal garden

Clark: The League will call a head to the King and get him to allow us access

Bruce: We leave in an hour

And before the day was up the fairies and the Specialists had the Dragon Miraculous in their hands

Jason: Awesome with the Miraculous we have and you fairies' Enchantix the Dark Coven ont stand a chance

Tikki: And if you get the rest of the Miraculous and the Miraculous Box we can restore Miracul to it's former glory

Adrien: That'll mean you'll be a real life princess Marinette

Alya: With all the responsibilities that comes with it!

Alix: Like meetings with royals fron other planets and-

As her friends discussed Marinette's future everything really hit Marinette

It finally sunk in that her whole life was a lie

What if she wouldn't be able to see her parents any more

What if she couldn't be with Damian any more

What if she destroyed her planet like the Dark Coven did

Marinette: Hey guys I'm going to turn in for the day

Damian frowning: Are you okay Angel?

Marinette: Yeah I just need some rest after this hectic day

Jason: Are you sure Pixie Pop?

Marinette: Yeah I'm sure Goodnight

When Marinette went to her room she didn't feel any better

She knew what she had to do so she wrote a note to let her friends knew she was okay and headed to the portal room

Marinette stood in front of her parents backery gathering courage for what she was about to do

Tom and Sabine was closing for the night when their daughter rushed into the store

Tom: Marinette?

Sabine: What are you doing here sweetheart

Marinette couldn't help it and blurted out what she had learned

Marinette: I know I'm adopted!

@t1dwarrior-of-earth @clumsy-owl-4178 @vgirl-10123 @aestheticnpoetic @toodaloo-kangaroo @animegirlweeb @k-poplunardreams @our-preciousss @razzledazzle247 @justafanwarrior @kanamexzeroyaoifangirl @eve-v0lution @fusser90 @dast218

[rosalineandrosemary]

one final goodbye

hi! i wrote this for @maribat-angst-fluff-april with prompt 14, goodbye. you can check out my partner, @yoltastic09 ‘s fluff submission here. anyway, warnings for major character death and descriptions of blood and the fic is below the cut!

the video is blurry, filmed with shaking hands. when it focuses, they see a girl coated in red spotted spandex. she’s leaning against a wall, eyes closed and smiling softly, but their eyes are locked on the stab wound through her abdomen.

“thanks… thanks alya.” her voice is soft and raspy, and behind the camera, someone chokes on a sob.

“lb, please. just hold on a bit longer. chat... carapace. Someone will bring your lucky charm and it’ll be okay.” the voice, alya, trembles, and the spotted girl’s eyes fly open.

“i didn’t tell you, did i? alya, there’s no saving me. that’s why we’re recording this. I have his miraculous but my lucky charm can’t fix me. it’ll fix paris and i’ll still be here.” the camera falls to the ground with a clatter, and beyond the black screen they can hear alya’s sobs. 

“alya please, I need you to do this. I need to be able to tell them myself. I need to be able to tell you myself.”

“tell me what?” alya’s voice is thick and broken, and the camera is lifted off the ground. they see a girl, fox ears coming from her head and in another spandex suit, before the camera focuses on the bleeding girl again.

“hello viewers, hi alya. my name is marinette dupain-cheng, also known as ladybug. and this is my final goodbye.” 

the dark room where they sit is filled by the sound of things shattering, a mug falling to a ground, a wine glass being crushed in someone’s tight grip. 

“alya, i love you. it’s been an honor fighting alongside you as ladybug, and despite our ups and downs, and even how things were before you got your head on straight, it’s been amazing being your friend. i’m so sorry that this is how things turned out.” alya sniffles, and her soft words are easily picked up by the mic.

“mari, please. you can’t leave us, please.” marinette smiles and looks away, faltering. she takes a deep heaving breath and looks back at the camera. 

“maman, papa, i’m so sorry i couldn’t tell you about this. i’m so sorry that i can’t say goodbye properly. i’m sorry that i lied and i’m sorry that i kept this from you. i just didn’t want you getting hurt. you two are the best parents a girl could have and i’m so grateful to call you two mine. please don’t blame yourselves. i chose to keep this a secret to protect you, and you raised a pretty clever little girl. there isn’t anything you could have done to stop this.” marinette is crying at this point, tears streaking across the red of her mask and down her cheeks. “make sure they see this alya. please make sure they see this.” 

“of course, i promise girl. i’ll do anything.” alya’s voice is broken but marinette nods solemnly before continuing. 

when they see this, marinette’s parents wail and sob, the sounds echoing throughout the arrondissement. their neighbors tense, waiting for the destruction their akuma could cause, but hawkmoth is gone, and tom and sabine dupain-cheng are free to mourn their only daughter. 

“bruce, or, well, dad. i thought you might want to hear me call you that at least once, considering i’m not going to be able to meet you again for you to hear me say that legitimately. i’m sorry i didn’t tell you about this. i’m sorry that when i said goodbye, that when i said i’d see you again soon, that it turned out like this. it was nice being your daughter, at least for a little while.” the viewers turn to look at him with the mention of his name, and bruce opens his palm, glass shards falling to the floor. he stands up, staggering to the side, and walks out of the room.

when bruce had first met marinette, he thought she’d fit in with the rest of them. he wasn’t oblivious to the jokes his kids made about the black hair, blue eyes, and the way she held herself made him think she’d fit in in other ways too.

she was always cautious, always nervous, like she was expecting something to attack her out of nowhere. she was good at hiding it, beaming sunshine smiles and a charming yet genuine demeanor, and he could see the resemblance from miles away. he had seen her baking with alfred, laughing with dick and jason, drinking coffee with tim. she had found a slot in their family and fit herself there perfectly, and in the short time he knew her, he had grow to care for the daughter he was unaware he had.

the last time he saw her, she hugged him and smiled, a soft tentative thing, as she whispered goodbye. she turned to leave, but her back was too straight, her shoulders too tense. he swore to himself that he’d find out what was troubling her back in paris and that he would see if there was anything he could do about it. 

bruce never got the chance. 

“dick. you’re a great older brother. i’m sorry that i couldn’t be your younger sister for very long. it could have been fun. we might have done acrobatics together, or you could have showed me trapeze if you wanted. you try so hard to take care of people, please remember to take care of yourself.”

marinette, dick thought, was tiny. she was so much shorter than he was, and she looked up at him when she introduced herself. bruce’s other unknown child. she has the hair, and the eyes, clouded with the same world-weariness he had seen in all of them. he hadn’t been the first to meet her, as that honor had gone to bruce and alfred, and tim had been walking by when she walked in the door, but he had been the first to declare her his younger sister. he asked her questions and she responded, she asked him questions and he responded. 

he learned of her love of fashion and cooed as she bashfully showed off her outfit that she had sewed and designed herself. he told her of his gymnastics and trapeze skills, and she was wide eyed and nearly glowing when she asked if he could teach her. he had swallowed heavily, looked away and back at her, and told her that “maybe we can next time, marinette. i think b-man has an itinerary for you and everything.”

she had looked disappointed for a second before composing herself. “okay, maybe next time. but speaking of mr. wayne, i should probably go find him again, talk to you later dick!” he had heaved a sigh of relief, scared of bringing her so close to something that had already taken his family once. 

when he hugged her goodbye before she left for the airport, small hands clasped around his back, dick resolved that he would try to teach marinette the trapeze next time she came over. There would be nets and she wouldn’t get hurt and then there would be more memories of the trapeze that didn’t come with the bittersweet tinge of all his memories at haly’s circus. 

dick didn’t get that chance. 

“hi jay. i was making you something, did you know that?” marinette laughs softly, then inhales sharply as she aggravates her wound. and yet, she continues. “no, of course you didn’t. i didn’t tell you. it was almost done, just had a few finishing touches. you could still wear it though. it's a leather jacket. i saw that the one you had seemed to be getting worn out, thought you might want a new one. a new leather jacket for my big brother.” her tears quicken and she attempts to curl in on herself, even as her body lay against the wall. she looks so small. “even if your advice wasn’t the best you were still there and i was happy to be ‘pixie pop.’ i wish you were here. you’re safe, you know that? you feel safe, like if anything tried to hurt me you’d fix it. And i’m scared but at least other people are safe now. Thank you for making me feel safe.”

jason todd did not think he was a good man. there was too much blood on his hands for that. and even if the bastards had deserved it, it still didn’t make him a good person. so when he had seen the tiny slip of a girl who ran into him as she attempted to find bruce, his first instinct had been to stay away. she was so tiny, so pure, and no amount of washing would ever be able to clean his hands. 

but then she had flinched and started spewing out apologies, hands flying everywhere as she drove herself further down this spiral, and he saw in her what he had seen in so many of the other street kids. fear of retaliation, a desperation to appease him because she was afraid of what he might do.

and jason was furious. not with her, but with whoever had taught this girl (bruce’s daughter. he had warned them all about her, telling them to hide the objects that showed their “nightly pursuits.” he hadn’t told them she’d be so small.) that she had to apologize like this. whoever had traumatized her in this way. 

“hey, no need to apologize, pixie pop. no harm, no foul, right?” she had looked up at him, confused, and he grinned at her and clenched his fists, trying to dispel some of the anger festering in his chest. 

“who’s pixie pop?” she had said, eyebrows furrowed adorably.

“you are, of course. because you’re so tiny, like a little fairy. and all my siblings need nicknames, like dickie-bird, or replacement, or demon spawn. and since you’re my little sister now, you get a nickname too.” she had smiled and nodded, responding with a soft “okay,” and he swung an arm around her shoulder.

“so let me help you find bruce. but on our way there, is there anyone you’ve got any problems with? Any bullies you’d like big bro jason to deal with?” she had tensed, pursed her lips, and shook her head.

“there’s nothing you can deal with. it’ll be fine.” he hadn’t believed her, but he wasn’t going to pry.

when he hugged her goodbye, she had shook, clutching the sleeves of his jacket within her hands, but when he went to ask her what had happened, she said she’d tell him next time. he said he’d help her through anything.

jason never got the chance. 

“cass.” with this, she attempts to lift her hands from where they lay on the floor. she’s shaking with the effort, but manages to hold them up to her chest. slowly, she signs out every word with her hands. “i think that you could tell something was up. i don’t know how, and i’m not sure even you knew it would end up like this, but i think you could. thank you for trusting me, even if it ended up like this. thank you for being my friend, and i’m sorry i couldn’t improve my sign language fast enough to have a full conversation with you. i hope this is good enough.”

cass could tell that marinette was like them from the way she held herself. she had muscles curled under her clothing, and whenever she tripped she shifted her center of gravity if she didn’t catch herself first. 

cass hadn’t really spoken with her, standing as bruce introduced her to marinette. she could tell when marinette had processed bruce saying she preferred sign language, and when marinette’s shoulders sunk, she could tell it was with concern instead of malice. 

marinette turns to her with a small frown, apologizing for not knowing any sign language. marinette smiles afterwards though, and reaches out a hand. “i’d love to learn asl though! and i’d also love to be friends if you’d want to be. of course we don’t have to be, i don’t want to…” she trails off as cass takes her hand and nods. marinette’s smile grows wider and a small warmth grows in her chest. 

friends sounds nice. and marinette promises that she’ll try to learn asl and they’ll have a conversation in a way that cass is comfortable with, talking with that same smile. 

the last time cass sees marinette, she signs goodbye. marinette’s right hand goes up, thumb out, and she closes the rest of her fingers to her palm. she continues with the sign for cass’ name, and cass responds in turn, goodbye and marinette, and marinette leaves, excited at getting it right. 

marinette inhales, a wheezing breath, and the video is interrupted by the sound of heavy footfalls and a man’s calling voice. “ladybug? rena?” 

alya lets out another sob and the man approaches. they can tell when he sees marinette, as he stalls before sprinting towards them. 

he’s clad in blue and snake print, teal tips at the bottom of his black hair, and he goes directly for marinette, trying to press a red and black spotted objects into her hands. 

“ladybug please, please take it you can fix all of this with the lucky charm. just do miraculous ladybug and the magic will fix it.” he begs her, voice jumping. marinette clutches the object in her hand but makes no motion to do anything with it, and he speaks again. “ladybug…” he hesitates for a second before continuing. “marinette, my melody, please don’t die on me.” her eyes widen slightly before she looks away.

“i should have known you already knew, mon coeur. but you also have to know this is the end.” she smiles at him, lifts the object in her shuddering hands and attempts to yell miraculous ladybug. she’s cut off halfway through by her own coughing, shaking her whole body and sending blood spilling from her lips.

it works regardless though, and the remaining waynes watch in awe as glowing ladybugs reverse the property damage. they fix the walls and the pavement before crowding around marinette’s body, but when they leave the wound is still there. the blood is still there. 

marinette’s eyes are drooping, and when she tries to talk, it comes out a whisper. “damn it. i thought i had more time.” she coughs again, more blood dripping out of her mouth. “tim, i was so happy to be your work buddy. steph, you are so fun and so important and it was so so lovely being your sister and your friend. damian, i wish i could have been your sister without scaring you, but that won’t be a problem anymore.” her breathing is shallow but she continues going, trying to say all the words she’s scared she wouldn’t be able to. “alfred, being your granddaughter, baking with you, all of that was such a pleasure. babs, spending time with you was so much fun and i wish we could do that again, that we could be friends for longer. duke, i know we didn’t interact much but i wish we could have.” she exhales, leans her head back against the reformed wall. her eyes flutter closed. 

“goodbye.” she says, one last word before her chest stills and marinette dupain-cheng dies.

[purrincess-chat]

Marinette Dupain-Cheng’s Spite Playlist: Remix CH7

Happy Valentine’s weekend, my dears! To make up for missing last week, I’m sharing two chapters today. Maybe if you’re all really good, and I have time I’ll share chapter 8 on Sunday. That’s where the fun begins ;) Are you ready for it?

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Chapter 7: Shake It Out

My dear sweet Marinette,

           How are you, my fairy? I hope that this letter finds you well. When you backpack over Russian mountains, you take whatever mail service you can get. I have so much to tell you about my latest trip, but first I have some exciting news for you!

During my last stay in Africa volunteering to build homes in a humble little village, I ran into a sweet little fairy by the name of Clara Nightingale. She says she met you! Did you know she’s a famous pop star? Anyway, she and I spent a lot of quality time together teaching young children how to read, and I showed her the scarf you knitted me for Christmas. She loved it! She says she will be in Paris again on the 18th and wanted to meet with you about designing for her, so I gave her the address to the bakery. She said she would stop by and see you.

“No way, no way, no way!” Marinette shrieked, kicking her feet. “Clara Nightingale wants me to design for her! I’m gonna faint.”

“This is an amazing opportunity for you, Marinette,” Tikki said as Marinette paced the floor, hugging the letter. “Tomorrow could change your life!”

“I know, Tikki! I’m so excited to- wait.” She stopped abruptly. “Tomorrow?”

“The letter said the 18th,” Tikki said, and Marinette raced over to pull down her calendar. “Isn’t that-”

“Tomorrow! Clara Nightingale is coming to my house. Tomorrow. To look at my designs!” Marinette clutched her cheeks as rapid breaths shook her shoulders. Tikki covered her ears as another scream emitted from Marinette’s throat. “This is a dream come true, Tikki!”

“It’s not that surprising. Gabriel Agreste liked your designs, and Clara attended the show, so it’s not like she’s unfamiliar with your work.” Tikki pointed out. “Plus, you’ve designed for Jagged before too.”

“I know, but getting commissioned by celebrities at 14 isn’t something you just get used to.” Marinette fell onto her chaise with a sigh. “I can’t wait to tell Macy, Eliott, and Martin! They’re gonna freak out.”

“What are you going to do about Chloe?”

Marinette waved it away, reading over the letter again. “I’m going to ignore her. She has no power over me.”

“True…” Tikki said. “But she did have a point. You always look out for your friends.”

“Yeah, but how many of those ‘friends’ came to visit me when I left?” Marinette said pointedly.

“Is that why you left? To see who would come?”

Marinette set the letter down and pursed her lips. “That’s one reason. I wanted to get away, but I also wanted to see who my real friends are,” she said. “I wanted to see who cared enough to chase after me, and I guess Adrien is the only real friend I had after all. Funny how I spent all that time hoping he would notice me when in reality, he’s always been on my side.”

“He thinks really highly of you.” Tikki flitted over to rest beside her.

“I know. My heart was beating so fast when he said those things earlier. Do you think it means he likes me?” Marinette smiled up at her ceiling, biting her lip.

“It definitely means he knows how amazing you are, and I’m sure you can catch his attention romantically too. Especially now that you two are hanging out so much,” Tikki said.

“I feel like all of my dreams are coming true.” Marinette buried her face in the throw pillow with a squeak.

“With everything you give to the city, I think you deserve it,” Tikki said.

“Well, one thing is for sure, I need to defeat Hawkmoth before I become a famous fashion designer and go to New York. That’s priority number one. Chat Noir, Rena- oh-” Marinette sat up abruptly.

“What’s the matter?”

“Well, Alya and Nino are Rena Rouge and Carapace, but after everything… I don’t know if I still trust them,” she said. “I don’t doubt that they would help Ladybug, but if I know who they are, then it might affect me. Do you think I made a mistake picking people close to me?”

“I think that’s a question for someone with more experience picking.” Tikki advised.

Marinette drummed her fingers on her thigh. “You’re right, Tikki. Let’s go.”

Master Fu was playing cards with Wayzz when Marinette knocked on the door and poked her head in. “Master?”

“Marinette, what brings you here?” He lowered his hand calmly.

“I could use some advice. Do you have a minute?”

Wayzz peeked over his cards with a huff. “We are in the middle of a game,” he said matter-of-factly, but Master Fu cast him a sly smile.

“It’s okay.” He splayed his royal flush for Wayzz to see. “I was just winning. What is on your mind?”

Marinette sat on the mat, hugging her knees to her chest as Wayzz zipped off grumpily. Taking a deep breath, she dove in, sparing no details—Volpina, Lila, her friends, changing schools, leaving Alya. Everything. Master Fu listened patiently while she talked, sipping his tea thoughtfully every now and then.

“I’m sorry, Master, but I think I made a mistake picking my friends to be Rena Rouge and Carapace.” She finished, head hanging low. “I don’t think I’m fit to choose our partners anymore.”

“Marinette,” Master Fu said with one of his kind, grandfatherly smiles. “We cannot blame ourselves for the actions of others. Your friends have made choices outside of your control. That does not mean that your judgment was lacking when you picked them. People change, and that is no one’s fault, just the natural order of things.”

“So, you won’t be mad if I pick someone else next time I need help?” Marinette glanced up at him like a small child waiting to be scolded.

“You must pick allies you can trust—whoever that happens to be in the moment,” he said.

“Thank you, Master.” Her shoulders relaxed. “Sorry to interrupt your game.”

“It’s okay. I have a large lead on Wayzz.” He chuckled. “Come back anytime.”

“I will. And next time, I’ll choose people I know I can count on.”

♪♫♪ StopRewind ♪♫♪

“You’re in an awfully good mood,” Macy remarked as Marinette took her seat in home room.

“Did something good happen? Spill!” Eliott leaned in.

Marinette glanced around the room to ensure their classmates couldn’t hear them. “Can you two keep a secret?”

“Oh, if there’s anything we aristocrats know how to do, it’s keep secrets.” Eliott assured her.

“Yeah, you’re our friend now. You can count on us.” Macy echoed with an encouraging nod.

Marinette bit her lip, leaning in close to whisper, “Clara Nightingale wants me to design for her.”

“No way!” Eliott gasped.

“Marinette, that’s huge.” Macy squealed before regaining her composure. “Don’t worry. We will totally keep it on the down-low, but I can’t wait to see the look on Gabrielle’s face when it goes public.”

“Pretty soon you’ll be buying your own yacht, Marinette,” Eliott said with a laugh. “Speaking of, you still need to see mine.”

“Oh, and we should totally have tea at my house! We just had the theater redone,” Macy added.

“I’d love to,” Marinette said. “Clara is supposed to come over today, so I’ll tell you how it goes.”

“We want all of the details tomorrow,” Macy said as Mr. Mercier entered the room and called for everyone to settle down. “We can rendezvous at my place this weekend.”

“Sounds good.”

When school ended, Marinette rushed home, a giddy smile tugging at her cheeks. What type of design would Clara want? A dress? Or maybe a tasteful pantsuit? Her mind was already buzzing with ideas. Hopefully, she didn’t mess everything up. What if she designed something, and Clara hated it? Or worse what if Audrey Bourgeois slammed her design in the next issue of her magazine because she refused to help Chloe? Then it could ruin Clara’s career, and it would be all Marinette’s fault!

“Hi, sweetie. How was school?” her mom greeted when she entered the bakery.

“Fine, except I have no talent, and I’m going to ruin Clara Nightingale,” she said.

“That’s not true. My daughter has all the talent in the world. She can do anything!” Her dad scooped her into a tight hug. “After all, she comes by it naturally.” He gestured to a large wedding cake resting in the back.

“You’re just nervous, sweetie. You’re going to be great,” her mom said.  

The bell above the door chimed, and a woman wearing a hat and sunglasses entered. Marinette’s father put her down and resumed his post in the back while her mother returned to the cash register.

“Welcome! What can we get for you today?” her mom asked politely.

“What I’m after isn’t a sweet treat; there’s someone here I want to meet.” She lowered her sunglasses to peek over at Marinette. “It’s been some time since we’ve seen one another, but your designs are truly like no other.”

“Clara Nightingale! You’re here!” Marinette gasped.

“I want to ask you a request of mine. I’ll run it by you if you’ve got time.”

“Yes, I have so much time!” Marinette said, then composing herself, gestured to the back door. “Why don’t we chat upstairs?”

“Fine by me. This request is top secret, you see,” Clara said. She followed Marinette up to the apartment, and once they were safely away from the public eye, she removed her disguise with a sigh of relief. “Thank you for meeting with me. I assume you read your grandmother’s letter.”

“I did. It arrived yesterday.” Marinette nodded, putting on a pot of tea.

“Excellent! Then you know why I’m here.”

Marinette turned and found herself face-to-face with Clara, nearly dropping the teabags in surprise.

“Ever since I met you, I felt a connection between us like our destinies were entwined. I loved the hat you designed for Adrien, and Jagged has only ever told me great things about you. Then of course, Gina’s scarf was to die for, so, Marinette Dupain-Cheng, would you be willing to design for me?” Clara dropped onto one knee.

“Doesn’t Gabriel Agreste usually design your clothes? Wouldn’t you rather see a professional?” Marinette asked.

“Gabriel’s designs are wonderful, but I think you can capture my essence for this. I’ve been nominated for a music award, and I want you to design my dress for the ceremony.” Clara took her hands with a confident smile. “You and I are both passionate about our crafts, and I think you can bring something that Gabriel can’t, so what do you say?”

Clara’s gaze bore into hers hopefully, and Marinette shifted her weight. “I’ll do my best.” Marinette gulped, and Clara bounced in delight.

“Thank you, Marinette! This favor is one I won’t forget!” Clara pulled her in for a tight hug. “Your willingness means so much, and very soon I’ll be in touch.”

Clara trotted out the door happily, hat and sunglasses in hand, leaving Marinette standing in the kitchen, stunned. She blinked out of her trance when the teapot on the stove screeched and set it aside, barely capable of containing her smile.

She couldn’t wait to tell her friends this.

♪♫♪ I’d Love to Break It to You ♪♫♪

Adrien removed his fencing gloves with a sigh. Another long day of watching Lila manipulate everyone. Even he had to admit it was getting old, especially since Nino spent most of his free time helping Alya with her deputy duties, which were really Lila’s class representative duties that she came up with excuses to get out of.

He ripped open his locker and tossed the gloves into his bag, thinking back to Marinette’s anguished sobs the previous evening. Seeing her so upset was nauseating in a way Adrien had never felt before. Maybe it was because Marinette was always positive and upbeat, doing her best to help others even when she had problems of her own. Someone like her being so broken and hurt was painful to watch. He wanted to help her in some way, but how could he? He could barely stand up to Chloe, let alone Lila.

“Why the long face?” Kagami’s voice startled him.

He turned to face her as she leaned against the locker next to his.

“Just tired.” He slung his bag over one shoulder with a shrug.

“You’ve been like this for the past week,” she remarked as he paced up the aisle toward the door. “Ever since Marinette left.”

“It’s been a long week. I’ve had a lot going on,” he said flatly.

“You miss her.”

Adrien stopped short at the end of the row and glanced back at Kagami over one shoulder. “Why wouldn’t I? She’s my friend.”

Kagami shoved away from the locker, approaching him slowly—lithe like a cat stalking her prey. “I wonder why she left so suddenly. Rumor has it that she had a jealousy spat with that Italian girl in your class,” Kagami said. “What was her name again? Lie-la?”

“Yeah,” Adrien said curtly, adjusting the strap of his bag.

“She sure has everyone enamored.” Kagami paused beside him and cocked a hip. “Well, almost everyone.”

“Why do you care?” Adrien’s eyes narrowed.

“I don’t.” She shrugged.

“So why bring it up?”

“Because you and I both know the truth, and I suspect Marinette does too.” She tilted her chin to meet his gaze. “She’s a liar.”

Adrien let out a breath, the stiffness in his shoulders fading. “How’d you find out?”

“She claimed that her great grandfather was a world-champion fencer who invented a secret technique, but my family has held the championship title for the last six generations,” Kagami said. “Plus, her stories are so obviously farfetched and self-congratulating.”

“Tell that to everyone else,” he grumbled.  

“It’s not really my place. I don’t even go here.” Kagami shrugged again. “Besides, to everyone here, I’m just the ice queen.”

“So, you’re stuck with this knowledge too.” Adrien deflated with a sigh.

“After what happened with Marinette, I have no interest in confronting her. If your classmates want to be sheep, I say let them,” she said. “No sense in letting it upset you. They could easily figure it out if they applied an ounce of brain power.”

“Well, yeah, but she’s using all of them. I thought her lies were harmless, but she has everyone bending over backwards to help her. Now Marinette left the school hurt… I’m starting to get a little fed up.” Adrien averted his gaze, the wave of nausea returning to his stomach.

“So, call her out then,” Kagami said as if it were obvious. “People trust your word, and you have enough celebrity pull to prove it.”

“Yeah, but…” He winced.

“Adrien, your friends will only continue to suffer if you stay silent. Action is the only way to help them.” When he lowered his head, she rolled her eyes and pushed past him. “I hope your friends see the light eventually. For your sake. See you tomorrow.”

Adrien’s hands clenched into fists as she sauntered from the locker room, biting his tongue as anger swelled in his chest. Letting out a heated breath, he stalked toward the door, blinking in surprise when it opened.

Lila stepped in front of him and wasted no time latching onto his neck. “Adrien, you’ve been avoiding me,” she said with her sugary-sweet lilt. “You promised to help me catch up on my school work.”

“Sorry. I don’t think I can. Why don’t you ask Max?” He unhooked her arms and pushed her away gently.

“But you promised!” She pouted.

Her whiny tone sent a shiver down his spine, and he tried unsuccessfully to mask his grimace. “I’ve got a lot going on, Lila. Photoshoots, private lessons, that sort of stuff.” He took a purposeful step away from her.

“You seem to have enough time to go visit Marinette,” she said pointedly, crossing her arms over her chest. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed.”

“Lila-”

“She’s the one who’s lying, ya know. I’m sure she has told you all kinds of nasty things about me, but they’re false,” Lila said. “She’s just trying to turn you against me because she’s jealous.”

“That’s not true, Lila.” Adrien’s anger boiled hotter. “Marinette just wants to move on.”

“Is that why she went to Jagged Stone’s concert just to try to make me look bad?”

“No, that’s not-”

“Alya is still upset over their fight. Marinette ripped her heart out and stomped on it.”

“There’s more to it than tha-”

“Honestly, Marinette is the worst person I’ve ever met.”

Something in Adrien’s chest snapped—a rubber band stretched too far.

“How do I know when I should stand up for myself?”

“I get a feeling in my gut that it’s the right thing to do.”

“Enough, Lila!” he shouted.

She flinched, cupping her hands over her mouth. “Adrien, I-”

“Your lies won’t work on me, and sooner or later everyone else is going to see through you too, and you’ll be left all alone. Is that what you want?” He barely gave her a moment to respond before continuing. “Marinette poured her heart and soul into her friends. She made sacrifices for them and never once asked for anything in return, and now you’ve gone and turned her best friend against her and convinced everyone that she just wanted attention. If anyone here is a terrible person, it’s you.”

Lila’s face hardened, her whole countenance darkening. “I see how it is, Adrien.” Her jaw clenched. “If you choose to side with her over me, then I can’t help what happens to you. I own this school now, and there’s nothing you or Marinette can do about it.”

Turning over her shoulder, she slapped Adrien with her hair on her way out, and he balled his hands into tight fists. A feeling he’d never felt before bubbled in his core that made him restless. Adrien always thought Lila just wanted attention, but purposefully targeting one of his friends was not okay.

A new resolve came over him, and he instructed Gorilla to make a pitstop at the Grand Paris on the way home. His fist pounded against the suite door, breaths short and hot.

Chloe was lounging in a yellow bathrobe, feet soaking in a tub of water when her butler let him in. She raised an eyebrow as he entered. “You know I’m always happy to see you, Adrikins, but I’m in the middle of an herbal soak-”

“I want to help you take down Lila.” He cut her off.

A sinister smirk spread across Chloe’s lips, her shock fading to triumphant glee.

“Excellent.”

[kryptored]

Fall

Would you look at that, huh? I finally finished mine and get to post it for all of you to see, especially @bbwoulfc who I wrote this for and provided me with wonderful prompts.

Here’s to my first time participating in the @lovebugs-and-snakecharmers Valentine Exchange Event 2021. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Cross-posted from AO3.

Organizing his room isn’t something Luka learned from his mother, but it’s what he makes into a habit after living with her his whole life before moving out. His apartment isn’t as messy as La Liberté is after leaving it alone into his mother’s hands, but that doesn’t excuse him from cleaning his own domain every now and then. And so on that’s what he ends up doing on a Monday, free from other obligations that would’ve prevented him from cleaning.

He starts off by clearing out a particular box stained with multi-coloured paint, sitting at the bottom of a shelf in the corner of his bedroom. He wouldn’t have paid too much attention to it on any other day and just made sure to organize the chaotic stacking of whatever’s on top of it, but there’s something about the chaotic joy that emits from the box, calling out to him like a fairy in the forest. And so he sits down, clearing out the surprisingly spacious box filled with so many things. He finds old photos of him and Juleka smiling widely into the camera and showing off their missing teeth, a few forgotten guitar picks obviously painted by himself, some beads of what could only come from his mother’s collection, and an old shirt that he hopes was washed before sleeping in the box for years. But underneath all of those lies an even smaller box painted dark-teal with splatters of pink, rectangular in shape, and with a latch keeping it closed.

The box is small enough that he can hold it with his two hands, but the sound of shuffling tells him that something is hiding inside it. He opens the box carefully, mindful of any stray glitter that he might’ve forgotten about (something he’s learned in the past), only to find something else. He picks up a small notebook that appears to have something stuck in between its many pages, and he realizes they’re pressed flowers – daffodils, rose petals, violets, daisies, and even bluebells. He carefully closes the notebook, making sure that the flowers are left undisturbed, and notices something written on the first page. He recognizes his handwriting and his pathetic attempt at writing his name in cursive, Juleka’s, but there’s a third name that’s written by someone else’s. It looks much neater than his, so it’s easier for him to read it, and his finger gently brushes against the years-old charcoal on paper: ‘Marinette Dupain-Cheng’.

All of a sudden, the name of a long-lost friend unlocks memories of the past. Memories of children spending most of their days together, running around and splashing each other with water and sharing snacks while sitting under a tree. He sees memories that unlock something that has been planted in his heart a long time ago, spending years in silent hibernation, until now.

He blinks his eyes multiple times, trying to shake away the wistfulness and longing of what he thinks is already gone, and puts the notebook back in its place. As he does so, he notices a necklace chain lying at the corner of the small box and picks it up. Strangely enough, nothing is attached to it. He thinks hard on what could have been there, and whether or not it had been lost during one of his previous cleaning before, during, or after moving out. He’ll have to ask his mother and maybe Juleka about that. For now, he pockets the chain and puts the small box right by his bed as a reminder to put it somewhere else.

Not wanting to get too distracted, he quickly and carefully puts the rest of the trinkets away and continues with his cleaning. Despite that, though, he spends most of his cleaning time thinking about the past and a girl he once called Marinette.

While he clears out the dust gathering from every corner, he remembers the softness of her hand whenever they held hands.

While he sweeps the floor, he hums the tune of an unnamed song he remembers singing to her after tripping and scraping her hands and knees.

While he washes, dries, and folds his laundry, he smiles when he remembers the sound of her laugh.

While he cooks dinner, he remembers the smell of grass that lingers around them after rolling around it for hours.

It takes him until he’s lying on his bed, eyes wide open, fingers twiddling with the necklace chain that he realizes it’s always been there. The feelings have always been there, but he was too young to know until now. He closes his eyes to sleep, hoping to at least see her again - if not in reality, but perhaps in his dreams.

He wakes up in the morning, tears staining the sides of his cheeks, and he realizes he’ll never see her again.

A few days after the impromptu visit down memory lane, he walks into an arts and crafts store to buy some special paper to use for his band’s flyers. After asking an employee on which aisle to go to, he hums the same song that reminds him of her, and for now he won’t cry again. But as he turns the corner of the aisle, he halts his steps and his face is frozen with wide eyes and a gaping mouth.

There, standing in the middle of the paper aisle, is who Luka can only assume is Marinette (if he remembers her features correctly). From the looks of the basket she’s carrying filled with paint and paintbrushes, she must’ve been here for a while now. She looks pretty - no, prettier - than how he remembers her, and he wishes he can take a picture of her in case it’s all he has left of her before she disappears again.

She looks pretty (what was wrong with repeating it?) standing there looking at the shelf of cardstock paper, her hair done up in a bun with a few stray strands brushing against her neck and cheeks. She’s wearing a peach-coloured blouse with a ruffled collar and short butterfly sleeves tucked into light-blue high-waisted jeans, and gold-coloured sandals.

Luka changes his mind and thinks that she’s not pretty - she’s absolutely beautiful.

“Marinette?” He calls out to her in a soft voice, unsure if she’ll hear him. Luka remains standing still, his breathing even caught in the moment, and that’s how Marinette finds him when she turns around at the call of her name. She puts on a polite smile, unsure how to address the stranger who knows her name, until she realizes it’s not just a stranger.

It takes her a while to recognize Luka, mostly because of the teal-dyed tips of his hair that apparently suits him well. He’s grown up from the lanky boy she used to grab onto whenever she gets scared, judging by how well the all-black raglan t-shirt clings to his arms. She notices how tall he’s gotten, what with how long his legs look wearing those dark skinny jeans and a pair of low cut white and mint green sneakers.

“Luka? Is that you?”

They simultaneously walk closer to each other, but still wary about whether or not they’re mistaking someone else for their childhood friend.

“It’s been awhile, hasn’t it?” He asks, and his heart beats a little louder and faster when he hears her laugh, the back of her hand covering her mouth to hide her smile and he so wishes to see it again after all these years.

“I guess it has been.”

“So… 15 years, huh?”

“Hm? Oh! Oh, yes!” She laughs again and he loves the sound of it. It sounds even better than he remembers it to be. “I can’t believe it’s been that long already.”

“Yeah, neither can I. So, uh… how have you been? How’re your parents? Do you live around here, too?”

“I’m doing fine and so are my parents. They have a bakery and apartment set up at the 21st arrondissement, so you should come by! They’d love to see you again, you know?” she holds onto one of his arms, and it feels so warm and he doesn’t want her to let go. “What about you? How’re you doing? And Juleka? Your mom?”

“We’re great,” he responds breathily, “I’m glad to see you again, you know? And I’d love to drop by at the bakery. And you said ‘they’ so, does that mean you…?”

“Moved away? Yes, I have.” She lets go, and he feels as if winter has come to hold him instead. “It’s actually not too far from them so, we don’t really miss each other that much.”

They continue with their small reunion, walking around the store while exchanging stories that they missed out on each other. They talk as if 15 years had never separated them at all, until their meeting comes to an end when Marinette sees that time and tells Luka that she has somewhere to be. Sad as it is, he finds comfort when they exchange numbers and have something to hold onto the other - to have something to remind them that they’re not separated anymore.

He waves her off from the store’s door, and it’s only when the same employee he spoke with earlier asks him if he’s found what he’s looking for that remembers he was there to buy paper.

Right, of course.

They spend the entire night after their reunion talking to each other, and it ends with them agreeing to meet up outside of Shakespeare and Company, a bookstore they’ve both been meaning to visit soon. They agree to meet the day after, and it leaves Luka feeling nervous as he picks out what to wear. After 15 minutes (he made sure to wake up extra early today) were spent looking through his closet, he finally decides on a white graphic shirt slightly tucked into light-grey chino shorts with a brown belt to secure it, and blue and white loafers. He grabs his dark-green crossbody bag, checks that everything he needs is already inside, locks his door, and leaves for the bookstore.

When he arrives at the bookstore, he sees Marinette standing outside looking down at her phone, and he can’t help but admire at how adorable she looks wearing a white oversized shirt with drop shoulder sleeves reaching down to her elbows and tucked into all-black shorts, black high cut boots, and a black bucket hat to cover her head from the bright sun. As he walks closer, he notices that she’s left her hair down this time, and the image reminds him of those times she and Juleka would practice different hairstyles on each other. Her other arm holds onto the strap of her own crossbody bag.

Luka coughs into his hand to catch her attention, to which she responds and he’s happy to see how bright her eyes are when she notices him.

“Luka, hi! You’re here!”

“Hello, Marinette.” He greets her, and the way those words leave him feels all too familiar until now. “You ready to go in?”

“I’m excited, actually. But I think knowing you’re spending the day with me makes it even more exciting.”

Unsure whether the weather is getting warmer or not, he clears his throat and opens the door for her. “So am I, actually. After you.”

The day goes well - even better than yesterday - and they spend it like good old friends who leave no time for awkwardness. They touch each other by the arm or by the shoulder, something similar to what they used to do, and yet they’re also more than that. Each touch is warmer and lingers longer than the last, and Luka can only hope that Marinette feels it, too. He thinks she does with how she turns around quickly after they brush their fingers against each other while reaching for the same book. His mind is stuck with the image of what he can only assume was a blush on her face, unable to respond to her squeaking out, “I’ll check the next aisle!”

He only stares at her back, initially scared that she’ll disappear again and never to see him again for 15 more years, but he calms himself and ponders on the tingling that tickles him from inside out. And for the rest of the day, they peek through corners of bookshelves and vacant spaces in-between books, smiling and laughing as they share their finds and decide on what to buy.

They leave the store to eat lunch at a nearby café, doing some more catching up with each other. They talk and talk and talk the entire day away, going from one place to another without a care in the world besides from knowing that finally, finally they’ve found each other again, and it’s like they don’t want to let go of each other again.

The next few days, unfortunately, do not cater to their sudden need for each other’s company, because of their own personal responsibilities. Luka and practicing with his band, writing and composing songs, and visiting his mother and sister while letting them know that he’s seen Marinette again. Marinette, on the other hand, finds herself busy with multiple card orders from her clients, helping out at her parents’ bakery, and definitely letting them know that she’s seen Luka again.

It’s not until a week and a half later that they get to see each other again in person for a picnic. Although they spend the previous nights texting and calling each other, there’s just something about seeing someone special to you without the physical limitations from their phones. Even when it’s summer, the days and nights they spent apart after reuniting could only make them feel like it’s winter.

The picnic was to take place on a field outside of the city, a place recommended to him by one of his bandmates (after some well-deserved teasing when they found out the reason for his asking). Because it was a bit far, Luka volunteered to drive them both there with his car. The lack of the typical urban noises they’ve grown accustomed to only serves as a plus, considering they were both the type to prefer a calm ambience.

Marinette had brought some home-made pastries for them to eat, as well as some water and juice to drink. She also brought with her a sketchbook and some pencils in case inspiration were to strike her and use it for any future cards to make. Asides from those, she also made sure to bring two small bed tray tables for them to place some of the food on. She also decided to wear a light blue V-neck dress just brushing against the top of her knees with circular cap sleeves extending down just before her elbows, and white sandals. Once again, her hair is left down to spread across her back.

Luka, on the other hand, was quite adamant to take responsibility for bringing the picnic blankets that could fit an entire class and more when they first planned the outing. Asides from those, he also brought some foldable chairs for them to sit on if the ground started feeling too stiff for their bottoms, and his guitar to pass the idle time by playing some music for both of them. As for his clothes, this time he went with a light blue button-up shirt with the first two buttons left open, paired with black shorts, and sand-yellow loafers.

After arriving at the field for their picnic, they choose to sit close to a small cluster of trees that would give them more than enough shade to protect them from the sun. They were taking out all of their picnic essentials from Luka’s car while also admiring the scenery in front of them, when Marinette said something.

“This is wonderful, Luka. Please thank your friend for recommending this place, and I really think we should start doing this more.”

“For sure, Marinette. And not that I don’t like it, but aren’t you a bit too early to say that?” He turns around from where he’s busy placing their food basket down, “What if you ended up hating the picnic?”

“Wha - no! As if!” Marinette looks over her shoulder quickly and he sees her eyes going wide, her hands clenching onto the blanket she was supposedly fixing, “Why would I even think that? Why would you think that? This place is perfect, the weather is perfect, the food is perfect, and - ”

“And the company is perfect?” Luka’s question was a gamble on his part, and he hopes that Marinette doesn’t notice the trembling of his voice.

“Yes!”

He also wasn’t sure that she’d even say something back, but he watches as her eyes slowly widen even more, the flush in her cheeks rapidly gaining territory of her entire face, and her mouth shaping into a large ‘O’ until -

‘Yup, there it is.’ He thinks to himself, unsure whether he’s referring to the lovely shade of red on her face or the fact that his childhood friend finally realizes what she’s said.

“I-I mean – it’s because – I wasn’t thinking properly when you – but that doesn’t mean that I think you’re – but you know what I – ” Marinette quickly turns her back on him, her shoulders tense and hunching, and just as Luka’s about to reach out and touch her shoulder for comfort, he’s startled when he hears her muffled scream.

“H-hey…Marinette, come on. It’s okay.” His hand finally makes contact with her shoulder and pats it gently. “I understand, so don’t be too hard on yourself, okay?”

He sits closer to her and gives her a side hug, rubbing her arm to try and console his easily flustered friend. It seems to work when her face finally surfaces from the safety of her hands, face still a little red, her brows scrunched up in worry and her eyes glossy from unshed tears.

“Hey, hey…” he coos at her, leaning even closer to her to the point that their shoulders are practically touching, “It’s alright. I get it. You know you don’t have to worry about embarrassing yourself in front of me. And besides, I am the perfect company after all.”

“Lukaaaaaaa!” she whines and hits him not too hard on the chest, inducing a hearty laugh from him.

“Alright, alright! Easy there, Marinette. How about we forget about this and go right ahead with eating. Sounds good?”

“Mhm.”

“Good. Why don’t you get some of your stuff that’s still in the car, and I’ll set the food?” He gives her the car keys, implying that she can lock the car afterwards. Just as Marinette takes the keys, turns around, and walks away, Luka quickly turns his back towards her to hide his face that’s now rapidly gaining a new shade of red.

‘Magnolia and cherry blossom;’ he thinks to himself, referring to the smell from his friend, ‘like a walk at Champ de Mars.’

Before getting caught, he goes right back to taking the food out from the basket and sets everything down onto the blanket with shaky hands.

After eating and admiring the view, they eventually find themselves leaning onto each other’s back. They make no other noise asides from Luka strumming his guitar and the occasional scratch of charcoal against paper on Marinette’s end. After the slightly awkward chattering from earlier, it worries Luka that there had been little talk between them since then. And even when Marinette would keep on assuring him that everything’s alright, it worries him that perhaps after being separated for 15 long years, not everything goes back to the way it used to be.

Perhaps he is expecting too much, thinking of what ifs and could have beens, and he’s left clueless on how to keep their strange relationship afloat if the day ends on a sour note. Perhaps he should’ve kept his mouth shut, and maybe Marinette wouldn’t feel too uncomfortable anymore and -

A muffled thud rouses him from his deep thoughts, curious to know what could’ve dropped onto the blanket. Just as he turns back to ask Marinette what it was (if she would even answer him at all), he sees something flash from her small and soft hands.

There, sitting perfectly from Marinette’s hand, is what looks like an open pocket watch with its outside the colour of champagne. But as he looks closer, he realizes it’s actually a compass with a sundial instead of a watch with gold-coloured rims. Marinette notices him looking at what she’s holding, and before she can say a word, he beats her to it by asking,

“You still have that? After all these years?”

“Of course. It’s one of the few things I can never let go.”

Instead of saying something back, Luka immediately starts patting his shirt and shorts, before finally putting his hand in one of his pockets to grab something and pull out the same necklace chain he had found in the small box hiding in his room, and holds it out to her.

“This is its chain for it, right? The compass, I mean.”

“Y-yeah. You told me I could have the compass while you keep the chain, so we’d know there’s always a chance for us to see each other again.”

The words ‘and we did’ are left unsaid, but they still knew what it meant for them. What it means for them. No longer able to stop himself, he cups both her cheeks and leans his forehead against hers, close enough to smell the flowers on her again. Close enough to brush his nose against hers. Close enough to just kiss her.

But he doesn’t and she doesn’t. And frankly, they’re alright with what they have right now.

They end their picnic in the late afternoon, with the sun still up and hinting a shade of orange in its yellows. They pack everything back inside Luka’s car in silence, but the kind where they are comfortable and content without the words. They spend the rest of the drive back to the city basking in a new kind of understanding, one that they’ve chosen to keep among themselves, hands bashfully brushing against each other every now and then, and eyes sneaking glances at one another.

They don’t talk again until Luka drops Marinette off, helps her put all her stuff back in her apartment, and stands outside of her door.

“Thank you again for the picnic, Luka.”

“And thank you for the company, Marinette.” Instead of getting flustered at the reminder of what happened earlier, she only offers him a small smile.

“You know you can stay a little longer if you want,” she offers, “surely you must be tired from driving.”

She wraps her hands across herself, her fingers playing with the fabric of her dress. Her hair is now tied into a loose side ponytail, her sandals replaced with soft home slippers in light pink.

Luka scratches his right cheek with a finger, his eyes telling her without words that he is more than ready to accept her invitation. His left hand is hiding within the confines of his pocket, fidgeting as much as possible with his phone.

But just as Luka opens his mouth to verbally accept her offer, they hear something buzz. Luka immediately takes his phone out, sees his mother’s name and excuses himself, walking a few steps away from Marinette. He notices her glancing away, giving him some privacy.

His head is filled with today’s events, even as he listens to his mother’s words through the phone. He can’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, they’re not just childhood friends anymore. That maybe, just maybe, these feelings between them can grow just as they have. But as soon as he comes to that conclusion, his heart drops at what his mother tells him.

He hangs up after bidding her goodbye, puts his phone back in his pocket, and walks back to Marinette. For every step he takes, he dreads of the disappointment he’ll see on her face as soon as he tells her,

“Sorry, but I can’t stay.”

The guilt eats at him as he watches her smile drop, her bright blue eyes looking from up at him to down at her shoes, her brows a little furrowed from -

‘Disappointment. She’s disappointed I can’t stay.’

“So, uh…” he clears his throat, “I really want to stay, but Ma called me to – ”

“It’s okay, I understand.” Marinette finally looks up, and Luka’s glad that there aren’t any tears. “Just tell her and Juleka I said hi.”

“Yeah, for sure.”

He remains standing in front of her, still not ready to leave her in fear that it’ll be the last he sees of her. They remain standing in front of each other in silence, the gaiety from today slowly slipping away until it leaves them with a cold hug. All of a sudden, it feels like winter during a summer night. It doesn’t make sense; not in the slightest, and Luka hates it.

“I guess I’ll just call you when I get home?” He asks her, his arms opening up to invite her for a hug.

“Yeah, of course.” She walks into his embrace, and he’s not even ashamed of letting out a sigh of relief when he feels her hands wrap around him. “Let me know when you’re back home.”

He hums in agreement, even when bites his tongue to not say ‘I am home. With you.’

They separate after a few more seconds, but only enough that they’re still wrapped around each other, Luka looking down at Marinette’s face. He looks into her eyes, and he sees the same blue sky that often smiled upon them when they used to be children, and he wishes to see the same sky now that they’re no longer that young. He looks at the small blush that finds itself spreading onto her cheeks like the picnic blankets they used, and he sees the sunset that used to smile down on them whenever they bid farewell and went back home; before the last goodbye turned into years instead of a night and day.

And suddenly, he has an idea.

He has an idea, and it’s a very bold one. He has an idea that has been whispering suggestively at him from the very corner of his mind, persisting to catch his attention and never going away. He has an idea that persists on calling out to him, screaming at him, telling him to just –

He leans down slowly, his eyes looking into hers before falling down onto her lips. He looks into those lips that he keeps thinking whether they taste just as sweet as the pastries she bakes.

Instead, he gently presses his own lips onto hers, and all he tastes are blueberries and lemon. He thinks he’s kissing pure bliss, but perhaps it’s happiness.

He feels her hand cup his cheek, slightly putting pressure onto the skin and pushing him closer to her, and suddenly happiness turns into elation. Marinette is responding and it’s utterly delightful. Luka doesn’t want to let her go anymore – because he’s finally telling her what’s been gnawing at him – but he pulls away, nonetheless.

He hears her whine in disappointment, and he mentally berates himself for making the habit of disappointing her.

“I have to go now.” He whispers to her, but with where he’s looking, neither knows if he’s telling Marinette, herself, or her pair of lips.

After gaining the confidence to look into her eyes again, Luka believes his knees are going weak.

“I really have to go now.” He tells her, and he leans onto her hand when her fingers start caressing his cheek.

“I know.”

He finally lets her go and steps away, unwilling to turn his back around; afraid that he’ll lose sight of her and never see her again for years. Or ever at all.

“I’ll call you later?”

Marinette can only smile at the boy she once knew 15 years ago, tucking stray hands of her hair behind her ear.

“I’ll wait for you.”

He smiles back at her before walking away,

only to quickly turn back around to kiss her like sunlight with the flowers on fresh, spring morning.

[charming-mage]

Opposite Day: Contrary Fairy Gives DuPont High Their Worst Nightmare (Part 1)

Hello everyone! Here’s my take on my prompt, Opposite Day (Or DuPont’s Worst Nightmare). Does anyone even remember I said I would take on this prompt? It’s been such a long time. Ha ha ha. If you want to be added to the taglist, let me know.

If anyone takes on this prompt too, the Akuma or any details in this fic doesn’t have to be the same. Go with your vision as you see fit. I don’t mind. 

A student at Dupont is Akumatized into Contrary Fairy. She has the power to turn people into their “Opposite” self by taking a victim’s major personality traits and switches them with an antonym of it.

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Chapter 1: This is just the beginning

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Mrs. Bustier’s class awaits in eager anticipation for the arrival of Marinette Dupain-Cheng. The only people who haven’t arrived yet is Adrien, Marinette, and Lila. Today is Alya’s birthday and her first friend at Dupont is bringing her a special birthday cake. Even though they’ve had some disagreements about Lila, Marinette is still bringing her a gift. It’s a rough patch, but she knows they’ll get past this bump in the road. Alya privately admits to herself that Marinette gets a bit high strung about Adrien sometimes. In the end, Marinette will get along with Lila like she does with Kagami. 

“Where’s Lila? She’s usually here by now. She promised to tell me about her charity work in Nigeria,” said a concerned Mylene. “Did she have an emergency trip again?”

Alya assures Mylene. “Lila is just running late. She promised to be here today.”

Just as she was mentioned, Lila walks with a nervous look on her face. It quickly changes to a happy smile when she spots Ayla. “Happy Birthday Alya!” Lila quickly jumps Ayla and gives her a strong hug.

“Whoa. You’re really energetic today.” Ayla returns the hug.

“I’m so happy to celebrate with my best friend.”

When Alix grumbles out loud about tricky math problems, Lila excuses herself  to go help her.

Ten minutes later, Marinette walks in with the cake along side.....is that Adrien? Alya thinks the blonde boy in ripped black jeans, black jacket, and a devil horns headband. The classes’ sunshine has become the sunset.

“Good morning Marinette.” Marinette, strangely, ignores her.

Nino asks, shocked, “Dude, you’re finally rebelling against your father?”

“The old man can’t tell me what to do. By the time I’m done today, he won’t stand to have any black in his designs. Not even the buttons.”

“Adrien, count me in.”

Nino grabbed Adrien and they seated themselves in the back of the classroom for a private conversation.

Ayla turns her attention to Marinette, who’s been very chilly to her. Very unlike her. Usually they’d say their good mornings and jump right into gossiping. She has a very bad feeling about this. 

Marinette drops the delicious looking cake into the trashcan next to Mrs. Bustier’s Desk. “Oops,” says a unremorseful Marinette.

Gasps echo in the classroom. Rose asks,” M-Marinette....why would you do that?”

What Marinette says next nearly gives her a heart attack.

“You owe me 500 euros. When you sprung on me to babysit your sisters, they broke my new sewing machine. You’re lucky they didn’t destroy anything else or you would be talking to my celebrity clients’ lawyers.”

“I’m so sorry! I’ll pay you back, I swear. I’ll tell my sisters to be more responsible too.” Ayla is shocked Marinette didn’t say anything yesterday when she came to pick up the twins. It’s become a routine for them. If Alya wants to do anything last minute, she’ll drop off the twins with Marinette. Later, the kids will be picked up and the money dropped off. Marinette is owed a favor as well.

Alya has to tell her parents what happened. She doesn’t have enough money to pay Marinette. The money saved from side jobs is not enough to cover it in full. Her and the twins were all going to be in trouble, but it’ll be worth it to make it right for Marinette. No more last minute babysitting either. Heck, on top of the babysitting money, she’ll do more favors for Marinette in exchange for scheduled babysitting if her bestie is up for it in the future. 

“Good. I expect the money in my hands soon.” Marinette takes her usual seat next to Ayla. It’s kinda awkward since Marinette refuses to speak to her.

The birthday celebration mood is gone. The class is filled with quiet whispers as no one dared to raise their voice too loud. Marinette’s look of displeasure when Rose once made the mistake to happily squeal a bit too high pitched scares the rest of the class to behave.

It gets worse once Mrs. Bustier comes to start the class session. The teacher announces her presence with an angry door slam. The rest of the time is stressful as everyone did their best to avoid drawing Mrs. Bustier’s ire. Once class ended, everyone left in a hurry. 

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Alya thought the worst was over. She was wrong. Horribly, horribly wrong. This is just the beginning. 

The morning classes’ teachers suddenly became strict. Their usual passiveness replaced with a no nonsense attitude. When brave students asked why the sudden strictness, most of the teachers said something along the lines of orders from up top. Rumors circulated there’s going to a school inspection soon.

Strict teachers like Ms. Mendeleiev are their usual selves. The classes where they sit together is painful. Marinette barely talks to her. And when she does, it’s in a passive aggressive manner. 

 Alya is relived when lunch is finally here. She didn’t think she would have made it until lunch without Lila. Her kind friend did her best to cheer her up. Very helpful with group assignments, ran damage control when Alya messed up a few times in a presentation, and gave her useful tips in physics. This kindness must be what others experienced in Lila’s adventures around the world. No wonder her friend has so many famous friends.

Lila was so kind to carry Alya’s lunch to their table. Her girl even paid for her lunch. Her friend insisted it’s the least she could do to repay Ayla for doing the same.

Alya slumps in her seat. Lila is taken by an excited Mylene to her table. “Hey guys, had a rough day too?”

Groans abound at their table.

Nino sighs. “Did you guys hear? There might be an inspection soon and the teachers want everything in order before they get here.”

Alix rolls her eyes. “Yeah, time to cover up the things that’ll make them look bad.”

Kim pouts. “My history teacher told me to quit my dares. I can do them again on Friday.”

“That’s three days from now,” Juleka says slowly.

They chat a bit. Not much excitement besides Mylene getting upset about something and Lila consoling her.

Aurore and Mireille unexpectedly come to their table.  Aurore places a hand on Alya’s shoulder. The weather girl says with concern, “I know you can’t talk about it, but we just wanted to let you know we both support you.”

Alya looks at them confused. “What are you talking about?”

Mireille pipes up. “Your message on the Ladybug.”

Ayla thinks back to her recent posts. Nothing comes to mind that’ll warrant the concern they’re showing. The latest post is just LadyNoir shipping. The post before that talks about the damage her camera received from dropping it. No way the weather girls would approach her over such a trivial matter.

“Oh dear, you don’t know what were talking about?”  Mireille looks concerned. “Alya, you need to check the Ladyblog.”

Ayla quickly digs through her bag. She’s unable to find her phone. “I can’t find my phone.”

Aurore hands over her phone. “Here, I already have it open.”

Alya gets the second heart attack today.

Dear Ladyblog fans,

I’m sad to say due to legal issues I’m taking down the blog soon. Certain posts contained false information. I’ve already deleted the mentioned posts. I didn’t do my due diligance in fact checking. I should’ve provided sources. For that, I’m so sorry.

- Ladyblogger out (for the final time)

Alya mind-numbingly taps the Ladyblog’s home page. It refreshes to a ‘sorry the website you’re looking for is deleted’ page.

Nino peaks over her shoulder. “Oh god, Alya......” Their reactions gets everyone else huddled over the phone. Gasps ring out.

“Guys, I didn’t write that message. Or take down the Ladyblog.” 

Nathaniel asks, “Then who did?”

Doesn’t take Ayla long to figure it out. “Whoever stole my phone did.” Her phone was already logged into the Ladyblog’s admin page. She puts her heartbreak on hold to solve the mystery. “I need to do some investigating.”

“We’ll help you,” says Aurore. Mireille nods with a look of determination.”

“Me too!”

“Don’t worry! We’ll get justice.”

“I’m with you Alya.”

Alya tears up a bit, touched. “Thanks everyone.”

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They’ve spent half of lunch interviewing students. They have a lead. One girl in Ayla’s last class before lunch said she saw Marinette borrow the mentioned phone. Although the girl didn’t see if Marinette put it back. After some more asking around, Marinette was last seen in the student council room. 

“-and that concludes our council of evil meeting.”

Marinette’s face forms a grimace when she catches sight of them. “What are you doing here?”

Alya is taken aback. “Girl, I know it was super expensive, but I think you’re taking it too far.”

The student council members snicker.

“Oh my god, are these the gullible morons?” This comment opens the floodgate.

“I’m best friends with the tooth fairy. I can tell you all about on your tabloi-I mean credible blog.”

“I’m secretly Rena Rouge. Want an Autograph?”

“I can hook you up with Stan Lee. Even though he’s dead.”

“I’m the president of the United States. I’m doing this council stuff for fun.”

“I’m Adrien’s secret girlfriend. So secret even he doesn’t know.”

“HEY! I’m just here to ask Marinette something.” Alya looks right at Marinette’s blank face. “You’re the last person seen with my phone. Did you see anyone suspicious near it when you were done with it?”

The student council erupts into laughter. Once Marinette stops laughing she answers, “Oh my, you didn’t figure it out yet? I deleted your blog.”

“W-What?” The revelation startles Alya. The everyday Ladybug never made it to the suspect list. Not even the top ten.

Alya mind is well rested now. The pieces are coming together. This morning’s strangeness, Marinette’s hostility increasing throughout the day, and the teachers sudden 180.

“An Akuma got you. All of you.” The Marinette she knows would never be so cruel.

Marinette raises an eyebrow. “No, I just stopped keeping in what’s bothering me. Besides, I didn’t see an Akuma today.” Various student council members pipe in the same. No one else saw an Akuma.

“So either an Akuma snipped all of you or none of you remember.”

“Look tabloid reporter, I would have noticed if Hawkmoth’s latest fashion disaster was here.” Marinette waves them away. “Shoo pests, unlike some people, we have a lot of work to get done. The school dance won’t magically appear itself.”

“Don’t worry Mari,  I’ll get help. You’ll be back to normal soon.”

“Come on guys, we need to let the teachers know an Akuma is here.” 

“Let’s try Ms. Mendeleiev. She seems her usual strict self.”

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“Thanks for following my lead everyone. Glad we don’t have to waste time fending them off if they discovered we already knew about the Akuma.”

“No problem President Marinette.”

“That’s Queen Marinette to you peasants.”

“Yes, your most evilness.”

“Aren’t we going to stop them? They know about the Akuma now?”

“There’s a plan in place. It’s been several hours and no one has ‘seen’ an Akuma running around. Why do you think that is?”

“You think of everything Queen Marinette.”

“Of course I do. One of you tell our ally Contrary Fairy the Akuma class knows now. They may be stupid, but they have been competent help to Ladybug before.”

“Yes, my Queen.”

“Don’t forget to tell her to get Ms. Mendeleiev ASAP. The only competent teacher in this school might believe them.”

“Yes, my Queen.”

“Let’s have some fun before Ladybug spoils it.”

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To be continued in Opposite Day: Contrary Fairy Gives DuPont High Their Worst Nightmare (Part 2)

Chapter 2: There’s No Akuma in Dupont

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Lila will be featured more in part 2.

I sprinkled in some salt tropes. I find it funny they work so well for Chloe 2.0.

@andromeda612 @whatsupwithjinx

[sturchling]

If your taking prompts can I get a Tim or Jason with Marinette where lila lies about dating Damon whom is 10or 11 to Lilas 17 to 18 and Marinette is grossed or and worried by her lies. she has seen how Lila treats Adrein and the only thing she knows about Damon Wayne besides his age is he was raised by his mother and grandfather whom did not allow him out much. So she thinks he might be a little like Adrein and not world wise on how people will use you. And doesnt want anything bad to happen

Here you go, hope you like it. Thank you for waiting and being patient with me. Sorry it took so long.

Marinette had met the Waynes a long time ago. Gina had been friends with Alfred for a really long time. So, Gina was at the manor fairly often. After her little fairy, Marinette was born, Gina would bring her to the manor as well to play with Bruce’s boys. Dick and Jason were like big brothers to Marinette. Tim and Marinette were the same age and were very close.

 --------------------

Eventually, the two started dating. The relationship became long-distance when Marinette was able to visit less and less. Tim also became quite busy over the years and wasn’t able to fly to Paris as often as he would have liked. But the young couple always made sure to talk and FaceTime as often as they could.

  --------------------

The whole family was fond of the Parisian girl and would often join Tim on FaceTime to speak with her. They always kept her up to date on the new family drama. Marinette also kept them informed in her life. But they didn’t tell her much about Damian when he joined the family. All she knew about him was that he was ten and had been raised by his mother and had only just met Bruce and the boys. According to the boys, Damian had been extremely sheltered for his entire life.

  --------------------

So, when Marinette heard Lila’s newest story the next day, she became incredibly concerned. The news had already caught wind of Bruce Wayne having a new son and was reporting on Damian Wayne all morning. But there were no details about him at all. The only thing the media knew was his name. Lila thought it would be a great story to tell the class that she had known Damian for a long time and she was dating him. She had no idea that Damian was only ten.

  --------------------

When Marinette heard this story, she obviously knew it was a lie but she was disgusted and worried. She knew that Lila wasn’t actually dating Damian, but that didn’t mean that Lila couldn’t cause a problem for Damian. Lila could say whatever she wanted about Damian and get away with it since there was no other information about him. She could ruin his reputation before he even gets a chance.

  --------------------

That night, Marinette called Tim to tell him about what Lila had said. It required some explaining, since she had kept Lila a secret from the Waynes. She wanted to fight this battle on her own. She knew the boys would have wanted to charge in and help with the Lila problem if she had told them. Now she was telling them everything. Dick, Jason, and Tim all sat quietly as Marinette told them everything and what Lila had said this morning. “I wanted to let you guys know what she said. I have a friend that was sheltered most of his life and he got into a messy situation because of how he handled this girl. I know you said Damian was sheltered too so I thought I should warn you so maybe Damian would know and would stand up to a liar instead of let her be.”

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The boys just stare for a second before they all burst into laughter. Dick is the first to recover, “Marinette, Damian would never tolerate a liar. We said he was isolated, not sheltered.” Marinette paused for a moment, “What?” Jason, still wheezing, says, “That demon brat may have been isolated, but he was definitely not sheltered. I’m more concerned of what he would do if he found out about this liar, than what this liar could do to him.” Dick looks thoughtful for a moment, “Still, we should probably tell Bruce about this. Just so he knows.” The other boys nod and Dick gets up to go get Bruce.

  --------------------

It isn’t long before they both return and Bruce is filled in on the Lila situation. To say he is displeased would be an understatement. “Thank you for telling us Marinette. Do me a favor, if she says anything else about Damian or any of us, please let us know.” Marinette agrees and Bruce leaves so Marinette and Tim could continue their conversation.

  --------------------

For the next several weeks, Marinette kept note of everything Lila said about the Wayne family. After the popularity of her first lie about Damian, Lila just kept coming up with more lies about the Wayne family. She has now said that she is very close to the family. That she grew up with the boys and is like a daughter to Bruce. She even said that she has helped run Wayne Enterprises and clean up Gotham.

  --------------------

Marinette tells Bruce and the boys everything that Lila has been saying. When she asks what they’re going to do, they tell her not to worry about it and that she will see. Another week passes before Marinette finally sees what they mean.

  --------------------

Marinette arrives at school and her class is buzzing with excitement. She asks Adrien what is happening, and he tells her “The class was told that we are having a very special guest today. They won’t tell us who, but everyone thinks it is someone Lila knows and is excited to meet someone so important.” Marinette glances at the liar and sees everyone surrounding her and asking questions. Lila has a strained look on her face, as she evades the questions and tries not to reveal anything.

  --------------------

The class continues to whisper throughout the day about who it could be, until lunch. Mrs. Bustier leaves the room for a moment and then comes back with a smile on her face. “Class, our guests have arrived. Please welcome Bruce Wayne and his sons, Richard, Jason, Tim, and Damian.” Lila grows pale when she hears those names. She doesn’t have time to try and cover her tracks with the class before the door opens and the group walks in.

  --------------------

Bruce goes to stand front and center, with his sons surrounding him. Alya is looking at all of the sons, trying to figure out which is Damian. There are two boys that look older than them, and a young kid. Then there is a boy that looks about their age, so she figures that he must be Damian. She instantly calls out, while staring directly at Tim, “Damian! Nice to finally meet you! Lila has told us so much about you and how sweet a boyfriend you are.” Tim just stares back at Alya. Tim eventually breaks the silence saying, “I’m Tim, not Damian. He is Damian” Alya is shocked to see him pointing at the young kid. He couldn’t be older than ten, so why would Lila be dating him.

  --------------------

Before Alya could continue, Bruce spoke up. “Miss, I don’t know what you are talking about. Damian is only ten, and isn’t dating anyone. Who is this Lila?” Alya stands up, ready to defend her friend. “What do you mean who is Lila? She is close with all of you! You think of her like part of the family. She even helped with Wayne Enterprises! How could you not know her?!” Alya points at Lila through out the tirade, as Lila tries to hide. Bruce gets a look on his face. “Young lady, that is all a bunch of lies. I have never met this Lila person. But thank you for pointing her out. Now I know who to give this to.” Bruce walked to Lila’s desk and hands her a bunch of papers. “That is a cease and desist order. I am not suing you yet, but if you do not stop lying about my family this instant then I will have no choice.”

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The class jumps to defend their friend, with Alya being the loudest. “How could you say that? Lila isn’t a liar!” This is when Damian spoke up, with venom in his voice “She is obviously lying you imbecile. I would never court a harlot like her.” Bruce turned to look at him, silencing him with a look. Bruce turns back to face the class. “The only person in this room that is dating one of my sons and is like part of the family is Marinette.”

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The class is shocked and turns to face the young fashion designer. Lila is fuming. Of course, that brat knows the Waynes. Bruce turned to face Mrs. Bustier again, “Now, I am taking Marinette with me for the rest of the day to go have lunch with us. I suggest you contact Ms. Rossi’s mother and let her know about the cease and desist order and what her daughter has been doing. Have a good day.” With that, Bruce ushers everyone, including Marinette, out of the classroom.

  --------------------

After they leave, the class erupts into chaos. Everyone turns to Lila, demanding answers. Lila tries to cover it up, and come up with a lie to fix everything. But it doesn’t work. Hard to explain how she isn’t actually dating Damian Wayne and how she didn’t know he was only ten. The class started looking into Lila’s stories. Not just her stories about the Waynes, but everything else. They quickly realize that Lila had been lying this whole time. Soon, Mrs. Rossi arrived and dragged her daughter to Mr. Damocles office. Lila never came back to the class; she was expelled once everything was revealed. The class apologized to Marinette for not believing her and she forgave them. Things settled down in Mrs. Bustier’s class after that and Marinette was happy. Lila was gone, she had her friends back, and Tim and her were as strong as ever. Marinette was the happiest she had been in a while, and felt ready for the next chapter of her life and whatever it may bring.

[pinetasticapple]

Beyond the Crystal Blossoms Ch 1

A retelling (of sorts) of the classic Beauty & the Beast. There's a curse, magic, and a kiss of true love. If only it was so easy.

Also on AO3

Legend says that deep in the woods, past the clearing of the Crystal Blossoms and the pond of Balance, there are the remnants of a once-great castle.

Many years ago, it used to be the home of a lord of great power. He was as rich as he was feared, for his personality was one of a ruthless man, some even said he had no heart. He would control with an iron fist and show no mercy to whoever stood against him. It was a miracle he had a son, a young man who grew under his wing, turning as bitter and cold as his father. For decades this would be the fate of the inhabitants of said castle, afraid of leaving yet withering little by little in the walls of that place. Until one day, when the young lord of that time fell in love with a kind maiden from the Northern Isles. She was a rose in a pool of thorns, a fragile girl that had lost her path once and found herself in front of the gates of the castle. And still, her heart was fierce and noble, not fazed by the lord’s apparent heartlessness, even creating something no one had seen before, the melting of the man’s heart.

He would smile, he would offer words of kindness, he even would little by little destroy everything that resembled the lineage of hardship that had been the previous lords. The people were thrilled, even more when, years later, the maiden took his hand in marriage and had a son. He was the spitting image of his mother, with golden hair and emerald eyes, with a smile that made everyone’s heart melt.

The boy grew up to be as kind as his mother, joyful and contemptuous.

But just when the people were starting to think they were finally free of the tyranny’s past, a calamity occurred. A disease some say, a curse, others would say, but something happened that took the woman’s life away from them, along with the lord’s soul. His heart, broken and beyond repair, was tossed aside the moment he felt his wife’s life fading away.

In a full act of grief and despair, the lord left the castle’s walls and marched towards a deeper part of the woods to curse everyone for his misfortune.

Now, there’s a reason why you should never disturb the woods. You see, the forest is not only the home of wildlife, but also of magic. And magic is a very delicate being. The lord, blinded by his grief, cursed everything, blaming it for the loss of his wife. And magic didn’t like that. In return, he received a real curse, one that extended to everyone that served under him, every one of his blood…

“A plague shall fall upon your kin, a curse to wither your will,

An insult that can’t be forgiven, but an answer can be given

Love is gone from your heart but shall not be kept apart

When someone can love with all their might,

The plague shall be lifted without a fight.”

“Mom that is a horrible rhyme” a little girl pouted “and it makes no sense!”

“Oh? And why not?”

It was late outside the small room. A candle dangled its flame by the window, illuminating a small bed where the little girl had interrupted her bedtime story. Her hair was tied in two pigtails that looked more like little antennae, her blue eyes staring very hard at the woman that was her mother currently sitting by the edge of the bed, a book in her hands.

“B-because” she sat up “why must the little boy suffer? It wasn’t his fault but his dad! The boy was nice like his mom, right? So, so why must he be punished if he didn’t curse the magic?”

“Hm, that is true” the woman tapped her chin “but that’s the thing with magic my little coccinelle” she poked her child’s nose “is wild and unforgiving, it doesn’t hold the same morals we do.”

“What are morals?”

“Well, those are what tells us what is right and wrong, what is correct and what is not.”

“Like eating desserts before breakfast?”

“Something like that” the woman stood up “but I see you are trying to sneak away from sleeping so I should just- “

“No!” Marinette shrieked and pulled at her mother’s dress, a pout on her face “I want to know the rest of the story, please?”

“And then you will go to sleep?”

“I promise,” she puffed her cheeks, earning a chuckle from the woman.

“Oh, how can I not believe that serious face, very well then” she sat down and opened the book again.

The Lord suffered the punishment of his selfishness and so did the people of the castle. Many say that they all turned to stone, while others say the castle is no longer safe for anyone to venture close.

But there are some that think the people in it are still there, waiting, hoping to be freed of the curse.

She closed the book and smiled.

“Well, you weren’t missing much,”

“B…but it doesn’t have a happy ending” Marinette frowned.

“Because this is not a fairy tale dear,” Sabine Cheng stood up and kissed her child’s forehead “but an old legend.”

“Oh,” Marinette yawned “but… it should have a happy ending.”

“Perhaps,” Sabine snuffed out the candle “but you can think about it tomorrow, for now, you ought to sleep.”

“I will” Marinette smiled “good night mama, I love you.”

“I love you too my coccinelle” Sabine smiled and left the room, leaving the door slightly ajar so a little light would filter through it.

The little girl rolled on her side and closed her eyes, soon to be drifted away to dream about magical forests and big castles.

Unbeknownst to her, many miles away from her small home, deep in the forest and beyond the warning signs people put to prevent others from getting lost, was the clearing of Crystal Blossoms, a patch of grass that had a weird enchantment to it, where two creatures would reunite after several years.

One was red with black dots, her eyes a deep blue, while the other was completely black except for a pair of bright green eyes. They appeared from different sides of the clearing, only to meet at the middle and transforming into a more human-like form. The red one now had long red hair with black streaks that reached her waist, while the black one had short, messy black spikes. Only the eyes of each were the same, both looking at the other with a mixture of longing and power.

“It’s been a while,” the red one, named Tikki said while looking around her “a few years?”

“Pft, try around eighty or so,” the black one, Plagg, replied, his arms crossed in frustration “what gives? Are you going to try and talk me out of the curse?” he snarled “because I am not going to yield.”

“No,” Tikki sighed “neither will I, however” she smiled “I heard a voice calling against it.”

“Oh?” Plagg looked aside, to the direction of the closest village “I thought humans would have dropped the story already, would have been nice.”

“It appears not,” Tikki smiled “and I happen to sense a very strong will in this voice,”

“You said that fifty years ago” Plagg rolled his eyes “and in return, the old geezer pushed the daisies and now we have statues in that place, no fun in that.”

“I have a good feeling this time” Tikki shrugged “a sense of justice is forming in this soul, a kindness like no other, dare I say, a good soul that could challenge our curse?”

Plagg snorted, but he had to admit, it was no fun when the original source of their frustration was no longer there to mess with. One last chance wouldn’t hurt that much.

“Fine, let’s see how that goes” he grinned “shall we unfreeze them?”

“Let time go its course” Tikki held his hand “the soul is very young but we want it to be fair, after all, humans are very different than us in that regard.”

“Fine,” Plagg twirled a finger a black essence coming out of it, fluid like water, only for it to shoot past the clearing and towards another direction “same rules apply sugar cube, if your soul fails, back to the ice they go.”

“I can assure you,” Tikki smiled, a glint in her eyes as they transformed back into a smaller form “this one will succeed.”

[hermionemonica]

The Road to Us, and Everything in Between: Chapter 4

(This is a no magic AU. There is no existence of the Miraculous or the superheroes in this universe.)

AO3 | Chapter 1 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 5

Weeks passed. Now that Nathaniel was no longer in her life,  Marinette  began to reach out to and reconnect with all her friends that she had left behind. Alya saw to it. And  Marinette  couldn't have been  more glad . It was slightly awkward in the beginning, but how long could it take for her to get along with the people that she had grown up with? She was initially apprehensive that they might hate her for not keeping contact after high school, but it soon became clear that they knew she had never left. And boy, did she have a lot to catch up on!  Marinette  was finally happy.  

Of course  the girls squealed when  Marinette  told them that she was studying in the same university as Adrien Agreste. And their excitement was not rooted in the fact that he was a celebrity, but instead because they knew all about her past celebrity crush.    

“Oh, it's just like a fairy tale!” Rose exclaimed in delight.    

In spite of herself,  Marinette  found herself smiling at that.  It was true, wasn't it?  It was really like a fairy tale. Had she ever imagined that she would get to meet the Adrien Agreste? And now she was having lunch with him almost every other day. If someone had told fourteen-year-old  Marinette  that a day like this would come in her life, then she would have fainted in ecstasy. But now it just felt so natural. Adrien was her friend. And she could not explain why her cheeks felt warm thinking about him.  

Sitting across from her, Alya smiled to herself.  Maybe, there was a chance her best friend could be happy again.  

.  

It was raining heavily. All day,  Marinette  had been cursing herself for having neglected to bring an umbrella with her.    

When she stepped out of the university, she braced herself for a long wait, because by the looks of it, it didn't seem like the rain was going to stop anytime soon. It was either get soaked or wait, and Marinette chose the latter.  

“Hi Marinette, are you waiting for someone?”  

Marinette  turned quickly at the voice, only to find Adrien approaching her. She smiled.  

“No, just waiting for the rain to hold up for a bit.”  

“You haven't brought an umbrella?”  

“Unfortunately, I haven't,” Marinette let out a nervous laugh.  

“Oh.” Adrien turned away and stepped ahead of her, and opened his umbrella.  Marinette  thought he’d bid her goodbye and walk on.  

But he did not. Instead, he turned around and extended his umbrella towards  Marinette , who looked on with wide eyes, as if she could not make sense out of it. She actually could not, for some reason.  

Something about Adrien's expression was very soothing. Probably his eyes. “Come on in,” he said softly. Marinette took a step ahead, never removing her eyes from Adrien's face.    

And that was when it happened.  Marinette  was not looking where her feet were going, and she accidentally stepped into a puddle. The unexpected change of surface made her foot skid. As her leg lost contact with the ground and slipped into the air, she lost her balance and felt herself falling backwards. She shut her eyes tightly as she braced herself for the impact.  

When she stopped falling through the air, she was surprised that she didn't hit the floor. Instead, she felt something catch her. Arms. She slowly opened her eyes, and found herself looking at Adrien's concerned gaze. His green eyes bore into hers, and she felt her breath catch. “Are you okay?” Adrien whispered in a worried voice. “Y-yeah,” Marinette said almost indiscernibly. Her heart was beating so fast that she thought Adrien could probably hear it.  

It seemed to her that they stayed like that for hours, Adrien holding her in his arms, and them looking into each other's eyes. And then a peal of thunder sounded loudly, bringing them to their senses with a jolt. Adrien loosened his hold and pulled them both up. Slowly and surely, Marinette got back on her feet. And then Adrien pulled her closer to his side so that they could share the umbrella. As they descended down the stairs together, Adrien kept his arm around her protectively, as if that were the most natural thing to do in the world.  

He was unaware of what this was doing to  Marinette , after all. She could not bring herself to look at Adrien's face once they had broken eye contact. The girl could barely control her breathing, and the only part of her body she could feel was the shoulder on which Adrien's hand rested. They walked across the university compound together. When they reached Adrien's car, which was standing just outside the gates, Adrien pushed his umbrella towards  Marinette . “Get home safely, okay?” he said softly, and  Marinette  lost the ability to think. Her hand moved on autopilot, and took hold of the umbrella, and their fingers brushed lightly against each other's. The little contact messed up her mind even more, and she ended up accidentally closing the umbrella on herself. As the darkness surrounded her momentarily, she heard a jovial sound that made her heart skip a beat. She lifted the edge of the umbrella, and saw Adrien laughing. That made her smile, his laughter was so beautiful. He was so beautiful.  Had he ever laughed like this before? So carefree, so uninhibited?  She didn't remember. And she felt it was a privilege for her senses to be blessed with that beauty.  

Adrien stopped laughing after a few seconds. He stepped inside his car and said, “See you tomorrow.”  

“Y-yeah!”  Marinette  stuttered. “See you t-tom-tomorrow.”  Why was she stammering?  

Marinette saw an amused and indulgent grin on Adrien's face as he waved goodbye before his car drove away.  

.  

Marinette couldn’t stop thinking about what happened. She had spent so much time with Adrien before, but this was new. The way her heart began to beat faster on thinking about Adrien, that was new. The way her cheeks felt warm when his face flashed in front of her eyes, that was new. And surprisingly, it felt good. To the pits of her stomach.  

No, wait, she had experienced this feeling before. But that was so long back. When she had begun dating Nathaniel. And she knew it was because she was in love with him...  

Marinette  gasped.  

Was she- was she falling in love with Adrien?  

But this was not supposed to happen! Love-that word, that place in her heart- it was meant to be only for Nathaniel!  Marinette  was scared. And ashamed. She was still very, very vulnerable. Love was still a very sensitive thing to her. And she felt unfaithful about having feelings like this for someone else not even a year since Nathaniel. She felt so shallow.  Oh, why was love so complicated?  

Surprisingly, even with all the guilt and negative feelings, the warmth in her heart did not go away. Somehow, it felt right. And that confused her even more.  

So she called Alya.  

“Hey, Mar-"  

“I am in love with Adrien.”  

When there was no reply from the other side,  Marinette  began to get scared again.  Was Alya going to abandon her because of what she had ended herself in?  

“Alya, are you mad at me?”  

“What? No, Marinette. Rather I am proud of you. I am so so happy for you.”  

Okay, this definitely wasn’t the kind of reaction she was expecting.  

“Umm, are you sure you heard me right?”  

“Yes, of course I did. And to be honest, I was rooting for this to happen.”  

“Are you saying you are happy that I have begun to develop feelings for someone, not even a year after I lost my first love?”  

“Look here, girl. You don't need to think of it that way. Besides you can't control how you feel,” Alya said kindly, and her voice was already soothing  Marinette's frayed nerves. “ So  tell me now, why is this bothering you?”  

“I am scared,”  Marinette  whispered in a little voice.  

“Of what?”  

“Of love.”  

“No, Marinette. You are not scared of love. Ask yourself once more, what are you really afraid of?”  

Marinette  paused.  What was it that she was actually scared of about this?  

After a while, she spoke in a whisper, almost as though she was ashamed to say it, “I am scared that Adrien will turn me down. That I'll have my heart broken, and I'll lose one of my closest friends.”  

“Are you thinking like this because of what happened with Nathaniel?” Alya asked kindly.  

“Maybe,” Marinette spoke in a weak voice.    

“I understand, Marinette. That... that was definitely not an easy thing to go through. But please don't let that hold you back.”  

A few seconds of silence followed.    

“I'll try not to,” Marinette finally said. “But it'll take time.”  

“Of course. Take all the time you need. All I want is that you be happy.”  

“Thanks, Alya.”  

“And know that I'll always be there. Anytime you need me.”  

Marinette smiled to herself. Alya would always have her back.

“Yeah, I know.” After a pause, she continued. “Hey, Alya?”  

“Yeah?”  

“Please don’t tell the girls now. Not until I have completely figured this out.”  

“You have my word.”  

Marinette ended the call with a lighter heart. It felt simpler now that she had an idea of what was happening and why she was feeling the way she was. And of course, it felt good to know that Alya was beside her in this.