#bear who will defend damian from anything

[introspectivememories]

im being so real when i say that i dont care if it's ooc for damian and bernard to be close in my mind tim takes bear to meet the family and damian doesn't give a shit about bear but bear loves children and is immediately enamoured by damian. to the point where he doesn't care if bruce doesn't like him but he does care if damian so much as frowns in his presence. do you see my vision? i will be the change i want to see in the world

[dramatic-squirrel]

Daminette December Day 16- Square

@maribat-calendar-events

Damian x Marinette

“Damian!” Jon waved to him from across the cafeteria. “Let me introduce you to someone I just met.” As Damian walked up to the table, he saw someone who could have been Jon’s twin. “This is Marinette, she’s an exchange student from France.”

“Bonjour.” The smile she gave him was bright enough to light the entire room, she held out her hand. Damian stared at it, not moving, until Marinette slowly lowered her hand, hiding it in her lap. “Sorry, I thought handshakes were how Americans greet each other.”

“In general, you are right. However, I prefer it when others stay away from me.” Marinette went still and Jon started panicking.

“Um… before you take that the wro-” he was interrupted by Marinette abruptly standing up.

“It was nice meeting you, Jon. I’ll take my leave now. I wouldn’t want to make others feel uncomfortable.” She quickly walked away, not bothering to look back.

Jon sighed as Damian took a seat at the table. “While I’m not exactly sure what happened, from your reaction it seems I may have misspoke.” Jon placed a hand on Damian’s shoulder.

“You’re so lucky I’m such a caring and understanding friend. I’ll try to clear up the misunderstanding, that you're just naturally abrasive to everyone and everything.”

“She did seem like a decent person. She seems like someone tolerable to be around.”

“Wow… such high praise for Marinette. You didn’t even try to kill her first. I am offended Damian.” The hurt expression on his face was clearly fake, so Damian didn’t feel bad about pushing him out of his seat. And also because it would take a lot more to actually hurt a kryptonian.

“That was a different point of my life.”

“No. That’s just how you show affection.”

Robin x Marinette

It was a mistake. She knew immediately that it was a mistake yet, she did it anyways. The light from the street lamp flickered on and off, just barely hanging on, several feet behind her, Marinette could hear the sound of footsteps following her. Next time, she made a mental note to herself, she wouldn’t go out in Gotham at night.

She tried to remain calm, slow her breathing and wait. There was still a chance that they were innocent people simply walking in the same direction as her. That hope was shattered as the footsteps began approaching quickly. Her first instinct was to book it, and as she ran as fast as she could manage, the approach of the people behind her could be heard. They were nearing her so she was left with one last option, fight. Normally, she preferred less violent methods but that wasn’t an option here.

Just as they reached her and she prepared to perform a spinning hook kick, a new sound entered the dark night. A body dropped right behind her, and the sound of fighting could be heard. As soon as she recovered her bearings she turned around to see what was going on. 

Behind her, one of Gotham’s vigilanties was battling against five thugs, two of them had knives. Marinette just barely made out the dark shades of red, green, and gold from her savior, confirming the identity of Robin. It barely took Robin five minutes to defeat the muggers, and Marinette watched in awe of his efficiency and skill. 

“Are you ok, miss?” he addressed her.

“Yes. Thank you so much for saving me.” heat flooded her cheeks when he turned his attention on to her.

“I doubt it was necessary. From what I saw you know how to defend yourself.” He was talking about how she almost kicked someone and she turned a brighter red at the praise. 

“Thank you? I guess, I mean, it’s not a big deal or anything. I just know some moves.” Her classic habit of rambling was rearing its ugly head.

“Regardless, you shouldn’t wander Gotham at night. Take care in the future.” With that he was off. Marinette supposed that most people would ask for an escort home, but she was grateful that he was taking his job seriously and on his way to help others.

Ladybug x Robin

“What are you doing in our city?” The accusation stung a bit, but Ladybug tried to brush it off. 

“That has to do with my civilian life, so unfortunately, I can’t disclose that. As for why I’m acting as a hero, I figured I could help out while I was here.” She sent him a smile. “There’s always so much crime in Gotham that another set of eyes wouldn’t hurt.”

Robin scoffed at her statement. “Real help would be appreciated. You rely on magic to accomplish the job, and unless it is magic related we don’t need that kind of help.” 

“Well, you may think that, but I can prove my abilities are my own.” Robin didn’t reply. After glancing at her with narrowed eyes, he swung away. Ladybug was an unknown, a magic user, and far too friendly to be able to properly deal with Gotham’s crime. He planned to keep an eye out before she ended up hurting herself.

Ladybug x Damian

Out of every crisis this was the worst one. Being forced to accept help from Ladybug of all people. Damian needed to escape so he could come back as Robin and help out, but the only way to do that was to accept help from an amateur. 

Ladybug’s thoughts were along the same premise. Being forced to help Damian Wayne, the arrogant, pompous jerk. He never apologized, or tried to be polite. The only reason she tolerated his presence at school was because of Jon. But, as a hero, she knew she couldn’t leave a person behind.

“We need to evacuate quickly, so don’t complain too much about this.” Without warning, Ladybug scooped up Damian into a princess carry. There was a brief squawk of protest before he went silent and didn’t complain. It surprised her, Ladybug expected Damian to prefer death over humiliation, but his calm reluctance was far from the image she had of him. When they finally made it out of the building, she set him down. “Get medical help from an ambulance,” then she rushed back in.

Damian had to admit, grudgingly, that Ladybug was braver than he gave her credit for. Perhaps, she wasn’t a completely useless ally after all. But that thought didn’t stop Damian from suiting up and pointing out her every error once the crisis was resolved.

[notdeezy]

Brief Character Analysis on Harley Quinn the Animated Series' Nightwing

I see a fair amount of people who hate the Emo characterization of Nightwing but I actually think that this is a really interesting take on Dick Grayson

Dick Grayson who, growing up, was never properly loved by Batman. (Proven by Poison Ivy cutting deep with the sentence "He's never going to say that he loves you" after Dick tries defending Batman's actions for kidnapping Frank and experimenting on him)

He tries everything to seek approval and Validation from Batman because his own self esteem is non-existent. He takes a facade of acting pompous and confident all the time to mask his insecurity and goes into a mental breakdown if he slips up and does even the tiniest of mistakes, most likely because he felt like nothing he ever does was good enough for Bruce Wayne to pay attention to.

And I think this is a common experience that a lot of Siblings have because when you compare How Bruce treats Damian, you see that Bruce overdid it with giving Damian love and attention to the point he's now Spoiled.

What triggered his Mental breakdown in his debut episode is that he failed a Puzzle in a deadly escape room which sent him and Poison Ivy to die. Nightwing ends up calling himself stupid and a Failure and afterwards attempts suicide basically by waiting for the deadly trap to kill him instead of trying to escape. Him saying that he's going to kill himself and actually attempting it wasn't him being hyperbole or dramatic. He genuinely has moments where he truly believes the world would be better off without him, especially after having failed to save Blockbuster from being killed and being branded a failure in Blüdhaven.

"I never should have left Gotham City. I got Restless and Batman pushed me to do it HE PUSHED ME TO DO IT!"

People overlook this way too often in my Opinion and Hearing Nightwing shout that in such an agonized way breaks my heart.

This shows that despite how Nightwing is willing to do anything for Batman's approval, he also Still bears resentment for the things he makes him do. And I think he unfortunately knows that despite that, Batman is willing to continue exploiting Nightwing like this because Nightwing won't stop trying to seek validation from him and will always end up blaming himself in the end anyway.

Which brings me to my last point. The only thing he has left grasping on to gain any resemblance of a self Esteem is his own Alter Ego: Nightwing. If Dick Grayson isn't clinging onto Batman, he clings onto Nightwing to try and find purpose in his life. It's the only thing he has left to prove to himself and the world that he is not useless and a Failure. That as Nightwing, he can still protect people. Be of use. Which I suspect is why he came back to Gotham after failing Blüdhaven. To give himself that one last chance.

TLDR: Nightwing tries acting emo but deep inside he's just a little guy, Batman is an asshole and Crime fighting is NOT a healthy coping mechanism.

[elareine]

Sooo I decided to clean out my inbox for my birthday week. There will be at least one drabble every day this week, maybe more. Sorry for the long wait, folks! 

I’m starting with @gaylien51 who commented on another drabble: Can you do Damian having a nightmare and Jon comforting him?

Damian, waking up from a nightmare, is not a gentle creature.

Jon can handle him. Damian wakes up, silently and deadly and at his throat, and all Jon does even half-sleep is grab his arms and still him.

(Those talks were difficult in the beginning. Damian has never shared a bed with someone who wasn’t assassin-raised or Grayson before, and for good reason. Jon has his own traumas, but he never woke up having to defend himself before Damian.)

As soon as he gets his bearings, Damian lets go and sits back. Jon allows him, switching on the bedside lamp.

Damian knows he looks a mess. He can feel his heart race, and his hair is drenched in sweat.

“What happened?” Jon asks softly.

Usually, this question goes unanswered. Damian doesn’t know how to talk about this. He has never learned.

Jon’s eyes are calm. His partner has never been anything but compassionate about Damian’s past, even as he never hesitates to call out some of the resulting “bullshit” Damian “comes up with.” Damian thinks he might owe him.

“I killed.”

Jon waits.

“It was mostly memories,” Damian admits. “With a few… people added on.”

It used to happen a lot when he first came to Gotham. Graphic images: A deliberately-frayed grapple line, low dosages of poison mixed into an Earl Grey tea bag, the right information slipped to the right people at the right time… it would have been so easy. Damian has devised methods to kill everyone he knows in his dreams, and the more he cares about someone, the worse it feels.

(Kryptonite pressed against a brightly-clad figure’s back in the middle of a gunfight. Quick, easy, inconspicuous.)

“You won’t,” Jon tells him.

“I know.” Damian does. Not because he trusts himself—he trusts the others. To stop him, by whatever means necessary. Bruce taught them that. But: “Some days, it feels like I’ll never be warm again.”

Jon is silent for a long moment. Then: “Well, you know, I got heat vision.”

“You are such a dumbass.” Damian is choking again, this time on fondness.

“And some pretty decent core temperature, if I say so myself.” Jon’s hand comes up to gently pull at Damian’s t-shirt. “You should cuddle with me.”

I’d do that even if you were cold, Damian doesn’t say. He just tips forward, into Jon’s arms, into his embrace, his love, and exhales gratefully. Jon probably hears it anyway, in the rhythm of Damian’s slowing heartbeat.

[morgansunflower]

Life's Surprises

Batman X Wife-Reader

Y/N, pregnant with her first biological baby though she soon finds out she'll no longer be having one baby.

I sat on the stretcher at my doctor's appointment. My hands cradling my bump, as my tears fell. The nurse just left saying that she needed to speak with the doctor. I called my husband on my mini intercom that was in my ear, I gasp fearing the worst. He answered my heart drops with guilt, will he be mad?

-"Darling, what's wrong?" his sentence swift

I cover my face as I cry "oh, Bruce I'm so scared the nurse was giving me a normal check up and th-then she left needing to talk to the doctor" I couldn't stop my sobs "what if somethings wrong?"

-"my Love deep breaths I'm on my way to you and no matter what happens I will still love you"

I sniff I didn't respond as I hear, the door open. I see my doctor with a gentle smile

"no need to worry, Mrs. Wayne you and your babies are perfectly healthy"

I let out a deep relieving breath, then I realized. I looked at my doctor in shock "b-babies?" I gasped "how?"

"congratulations Mrs. Wayne you're having twin's. To answer how, it appears your second baby was hiding behind his sister. Though today it seems he's said hello"

She showed me the ultrasound on the screen. I see, my babies I gasped crying. Two babies! Two babies! Not only did she say we're not only having a baby girl, but a boy as well. Moment's later I walk out and go to the exit. I'm still connected to the line with my husband. I waddle with my legs to the exit

I whisper not wanting to draw, attention "hey I don't if you heard that I'm sure you did. I'm ok the baby-" I corrected myself "babies and I are OK"

I made it to the exit seeing my beloved husband. He shuts his eye's taking a relaxing breath. I softly smile as he opens his eye's. We sat in the car my feet aching. I kicked my shoe's off and took a relaxing breath. I then realized we only have little girl clothes, and crib in the nursery

"Bruce" I take a small breath exhausted but we have to get more things "we need to go get more baby stuff but baby boy stuff"

"slow down, we're going home you can, get on the laptop and have everything you want sent home"

"Bruce, I'm fine my feet hurt a little"

"Y/N, your carrying my children I'm not letting you go walking through the store and worsening your pain. Your feet are in more pain than you're willing to admit. We're going home taking a bath, buying thing's for our son, and I'm giving you a foot message" his voice stern but with adoration

"so you're OK with having two babies?"

He kissed my head touching my bump gently rubbing it. That was enough reassurance for me. We made it home as Bruce has his hands on mine helping me into our room. We went into the bathroom. After Bruce helped me strip down. I laid in our double bathtub nearly taking all the room. As he turns the water on and messages my feet. I rest my neck on the edge of the tub. I instantly feel more relaxed. He gently rubs my large bump. He was quiet as usual though he seems to be thinking. I place the palm of my hand on his. As the bath water filled the tub Bruce turned it off. He moved his hand back on my bump, I again placed my hand on my his

"you seem to be thinking, anything you'd like to tell me?" I asked

"before I heard the doctor tell the news I'd had my suspension that you we're carrying twins" he kept his hand on my bump and looked to the side as his face dropped, my heart breaks "I was concerned of how good of a Dad I could be to two new children" he looks at me with a saddened look "I wasn't always the best father figure to the children I have now" he looks at my bump with a small smile "Though when I heard the doctor confirm my suspension, I didn't feel concerned or disappointed" he paused as if waiting for me to ask

"what'd you feel?"

He softly smiled looking me in the eye's "happy, concerned for how you were feeling though I was happy" he had genuine smile

I touch his face and he kissed me.

"ready to get out, Momma Bat?"

I nodded I held onto Bruce as he helped me stand. He drained the bath and held me bridle style. I chuckled he sat me on the bed and helped me put on my pajamas. He lifted my legs as I lay back down on the bed, he moved my legs onto the bed. He gave me a kiss and my bump. That following morning I yawn opening my eye's. It's late in the morning. I sat up seeing, Bruce reading.

"don't get up until I come to help you"

"Bruce, I love you but don't you think you're being a little overprotective"

"perhaps though do you honestly think I give a damn"

I roll my eye's as he shuts his book placing it on the nightstand. He walks, to me and offers his hands. I took them and stood. He kissed my head

"don't try to get out of trouble with me Mr" I jokingly stated for him being so adorably protective

He chuckled and kissed me. As I walk to go find breakfast he gives my butt a playful pat. I turn my head seeing him smirking at me. I chuckled. I open the door and saw, Cassandra. She offered her hand

"don't tell me Bruce texted you"

She playfully shrugged her shoulders. As if to say 'I'm not allowed to say but yes'. My daughter and I locked arm's. As we made it to the kitchen Cassandra walked to the fridge. I see my children on the barstools and Alfred doing dishes.

"morning kid's, morning Alfred"

"good morning Ms Y/N I have your breakfast right here"

"thanks, Alfred"

I feel a contraction and squint my eye's. Oww.

"mom! You ok? You're in pain, is it the baby" Dick asked as he came to my side

He held my hand "I'm ok kiddo it's just Braxton Hicks and it's not a baby there's two" I gasp covering my lips realizing I spoiled the surprise

Stephanie, spit her water out in shock.

"dammit Brown that's revolting I'm trying to comprehend what mother said"

"twin's? You're carrying two babies? Like" Dick extended one finger "one" he extended another finger "two?"

Stephanie looked at me in shock, along with Cassandra, Barbara Jason, Tim and Damian. Alfred, widely smiled. I nodded. Dick, carefully embraced me

"I can't believe it! There's going to be nine of us! Oh, Mom you need to rest like right now"

We parted "I'm fine don't worry"

Jason walked to me "hate to admit it but I agree with Grayson you need to rest Mom" Jason said and gently hugged me

As the rest of the kid's and Alfred stood by me each giving me word's of encouragements and warm hugs

"so wait you still haven't told us the gender, or genders, so?" Barbara asked

"it's a girl" I answered

Steph, Babs and Cass high five each other.

As Bruce walks he says "and a boy"

"woo! Boy's win-wait a boy and a girl. So wait who wins, the bet?" Dick questioned

"you all do which is a miracle considering I don't have to hear 'I win' on repeat for 3 week's"

"I was just stating what was true" Stephanie defended

I chuckled before I knew it Bruce and I were in the hospital room. After 3 hour's of contractions, they prepped me for delivery. With the stretcher bed leaned up, wearing a hospital gown. With sweat dripping down my face my tight grip on Bruce's hand. My legs leaned up. As the doctor told me to, I bore down and push, I scream in pain

"breath, Y/N you're doing outstanding" Bruce encouraged

I nod in response as I inhale through my nose and then exhale slowly through my mouth. I feel pain and pressure. I can barely hold it together. Bruce leaned down and kissed my knee. I then felt a firm swoosh, my baby was out

"Here she is!" the Doctor announced, placing the baby directly on my chest.

"D/N" I mumbled

I sobbed upon laying eyes on my baby. As I nursed my daughter then they weighed her and cleaned her. The nurse walked in offering our daughter

I winced "t-take her, Bruce. I think contractions are starting back up"

I moaned feeling the contraction again. I squeezed Bruce's hand. Bruce squeezed my hand gently and let go as the nurse put our tiny baby in the crook of Bruce's arm. I grunted, exerting all the force I could muster into my push. I yelled suddenly, I felt relief and saw my son. I gasped covering my face as I sobbed

"S/N" I cried

The doctor gave me my son I sobbed emotionally overwhelmed and overjoyed. After I nursed my son they cleaned him. With my after birth and myself clean. Wearing my clothes I sat on clean sheets holding my son. Bruce, holding our daughter he kisses my head.

"you did outstanding I'm so proud of you"

I kiss my husband as I hear knocking. Bruce walked and opened. I then see my kid's and Alfred. I gently smiled, seeing my children with gifts for their new brother and sister. Day's later D/N and S/N in the nursery sound asleep. With a teddy with a bow tie for S/N from Cassandra and a pink bow on another teddy bear for D/N also from Cassandra. As well as countless toy's and many other things their older siblings got to spoil them. Bruce and I full of exhaustion sat on the rocking chairs. He had put two in here for us. He offered his hand as I took it.

"I love you" I said with adoration grateful for the life I have

He kissed my hand "I love you too"

Several months later Bruce on patrol the twins in their teething stage. I heard crying late in the light. I walk to the nursery. The crying stopped but I want to make sure their ok. I saw them with Bruce in his uniform. I held my laugh in covering my lips seeing D/N and S/N chewing on my husband's cowl ears. He grunted, I burst out laughing.

[thr-333]

Drastic Measures- Part 13

@daminette-december2019-2020

~Trapped~

This is gonna be fun!

Ao3

First < Previous > Next

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“Adrien I can't go down for breakfast,” Marinette hides under the blankets.

“Yes you can,” Adrien gives up tugging on the blankets and jumps on top of her.

“But Damian-” Marinette groans partly at his weight on top of her.

“Has no idea your Ladybug and moreover doesn't know your soulmate is Robin, and it doesn't mean you can’t like him so get up and come to breakfast,”

“Stop being reasonable and helpful,” Marinette pushes him off, getting up herself.

“I’ll try my best, now come on let's go,” Marinette sulks as she follows him downstairs, basically having to be pushed into the dining room.

“Is something wrong Marinette?” Dick asks, by now Marinette has labeled him the only one in the family not in denial that feelings exist.

“She’s just tired,” Adrien says for her when she can’t bring herself to answer, still sulking as she takes a seat, “Say I was looking around, why is there an entire circus set up in the gym?”

“Oh, I used to be an acrobat,” That interesting little revelation is cut short by an all too familiar feeling.

“Really? That's so-”

“Hey, Adrien I just remembered the thing we had to do today,”

“The thing?” Marinette gives him a sharp look and his face lights up with realization, “Oh right! The thing, can’t go forgetting the thing, bye!”

 ---

 “Sooo that was suspicious,” Dick muses as the two practically sprint out of the room.

“Put your masks on, we’re following them,” Bruce orders, they haven’t yet forgotten she’s the daughter of an assassin.

They head down the cave to gear up, following the tracking device on Marinette’s bike. However, when they reach it the bike is unattended and the two aren’t anywhere in sight. They hear a commotion nearby moving to check it out.

“It’s another Akuma attack,” Dick reports Ladybug and Chat Noir already on the scene.

“Oh my god,” Tim gasps, “Marinette's Hawkmoth!”

“Hawkmoths a man,” Red Hood deadpans, they would just ignore it if Tim’s sleep-deprived revelations weren’t right more often than not.

“Fine then she’s Mayura,” Tim waves them off, “Adrien’s hawkmoth,”

“What are you talking about?” Robin snaps, watching the battle below, anyone the Akuma hit’s disappearing.

“They leave and then there's an Akuma attack, they showed up just as Ladybug and Chat Noir did to stop Hawkmoth,” Tim rambles, “It’s all highly suspicious,”

“I’ve looked through the files, neither have been akumatized,” Batman adds, evidence stacking, “And their class was an Akuma hot spot,”

“Oh my god,” Dicks realization mirrors Tim’s, “Marinette's hawkmoth,”

“Again, Marinette would be Mayura,” Tim corrects.

“We need to tell Ladybug about this,” Robin decides dropping down onto the street.

“Hey, Robin here to help? Could you go around their left it’s a blind spot and we need to grab- are you listening?” Ladybug turns to him, simultaneously deflecting a blast lucky charm in one hand.

“Ladybug there's something I need to tell you,” Robin hesitates Marinette truly didn’t seem like the type but Ladybug has been fighting Hawkmoth for years if there's even a slight chance Marinette is Hawkmoth Ladybug has to know.

“If this is about yesterday now’s not really the time,” Ladybug says with a cold fed up tone that honestly takes Damian off guard, “It didn’t mean anything,”

“It’s no- what do you mean didn’t mean anything,” Robin gets sidetracked from his point, dodging a blast getting further from Ladybug.

“Soul mates they aren’t romantic or even involved so it doesn't mean anything,” She dodges another blast, Chat Noir getting thrown around somewhere, “I really need you to go around their left,”

“But they are real,” Damian clings to that fact and stays by her side. “And you are my soul mate,”

“Well yes but-”

“Ladybug!” Chat calls, tangled up in washing lines with the Akuma advancing.

“In a minute!” She shouts, fully turning towards Robin now.

“Ok I’ll just hang out then,” Chat swings gently in the wind.

“Really the only way a soul mate affects you is if they die,” Damian's stomach churns, “And still even when that happens the effects are minimal if there is little connection, so we should probably just leave each other alone,”

Robin is frozen as Ladybug moves too late to save Chat from the blast, when the light is gone he has disappeared.

“What are you- I’m not going to just ignore this!” He snaps, Ladybug comes back glaring at him.

“Well I am, I have worked too long and too hard trying to beat Hawkmoth to risk it all for someone I don’t even know wearing a mask,” Ladybug is glowering at him, glowing red eyes brutally honest and true, “I’ve put everything else in my life aside to defeat Hawkmoth, don't think I have a problem putting you aside too,”

“You can’t just- I know who Hawkmoth is!” Robin shouts as she goes to leave, sure she won't come back to him if she leaves.

“What?!” It’s then the rest of his family come to join them, Nightwing pulling Ladybug out of the way of another blast, “Who?!”

“Marinette Dupain-cheng,”

“WHAT?!”

“Again Marinette would be-” Tim doesn't get to finish as they all get hit by a blast.

Light envelopes them all, there is no pain which is either a good sign or a very bad sign. When Robin opens his eyes they are all standing in a stark white container of sorts. Chat Noir is there giving him a wave as they all regain their bearings.

“Why? Why would you think Marinette is Hawkmoth?” Ladybug asks, Chat Noir bursts out laughing for some reason.

“Actually we think she’s Mayura,” Tim supplies, “Adrien Agreste is Hawkmoth,”

“What?!” Chat Noir stands up, enough room for them all to face each other.

“Marinette isn’t Hawkmoth,” Ladybug pinches the bridge of her nose still holding a lucky charm going to waste.

“She’s- I give up,” Tim throws his hands up turning towards the wall in search of a way to get out.

“How do you know!?” Damian snaps, anger and betrayal still clawing at his insides.

“I just do!” Ladybug yells back volume increasing, Chat Noir tries to get her attention but no one is getting through to either of them.

“You trust her more than me?” Damian isn’t sure why he says it, just that he’s angry enough he doesn't care.

“Uh yeah, substantially more,” Ladybug crosses her arms a smug smile on her face, Robin bristles ready to change that.

“She ran away to Gotham as Hawkmoth arrived, she’s never been akumatized even after her class was specifically targeted! Shes the daughter of an infamous assassin!” Robins practically screaming at this point, everyone giving them as much space as possible, “How can she not be Hawkmoth!”

“She’s just not!” Ladybugs earrings beep, Chat now desperately trying to get her attention.

“If she’s not Hawkmoth that means-” Damian cuts himself off reframing all the evidence, conversations rushing back to him all at once, “Marinette?”

“No,” The earring beeps for the last time, transformation falling to reveal Marinette, “Wow great timing Tikki,”

“I’m sorry,” A little red bug thing lands in Marinette's open hands, the lucky charm is gone now.

“Don't be, more importantly,” Marinette turns to Damian glaring something fierce, “How do you know who I am?”

“You’re… Ladybug?” Robin says quietly still trying to process… everything.

“Does that mean Chat Noir’s Adrien?” Dick interrupts.

Damian's still playing catch up. Marinette's Ladybug and Ladybug is Marinette. Ladybug who protects Gotham. Marinette who left her family to be Ladybug. Ladybug who he had been talking to every night. Marinette who he spent every day with.

“How do you know that!?” Chat Noir, no, Adrien shouts.

“That's strictly-” Ladybug always seemed so strong with the mask Robin figured she was someone amazing outside of it. And he was right. Marinette was kind and smart, gave her all to a pet store branch Damian would have otherwise made someone else's responsibility. She left her family, never telling anyone she was Ladybug. It would have been so hard. And now she had been forced to reveal her identity to them, it wasn't fair she deserved… “ROBIN!”

Damian snapped back to reality, in one hand he had his domino mask and his face was bare. On one side was his father looking furious and the other side was…. Marinettte.

“Damian?” Marinette asks, they stare at each other until Marinette lets out a small giggle, Damian huffs in amusement too.

“Why would you ever-”

“Mr Wayne?” Marinette cuts off Batman's rant, her revelation not really helping things.

“You have compromised everyone’s identity,” Batman growls from his look Damian realizes he really messed up.

“She revealed hers,” He tries to defend, "And many heroes already know,"

“You can’t-”

“How about we save this until after we escape?” Marinette cuts in transforming back to Ladybug, so clearly the same person now just with different eyes and hair, “Adrien?”

Chat Noir uses his cataclysm to escape the container, it breaking their little piece of reality and sending them back in a flash of light. He has to run off before his transformation falls leaving the rest to the tense bat fam to help Ladybug out. It was easy to defeat the Akuma from there. Although they may have been stalling somewhat. No one particularly wanting to face Batman's wrath. Hawkmoth was preferable.

--------

No taglist :P

[alexiessan]

Senses - Chapter One - Soulmate AU

AO3

Here - Next

Master List

Happy birthday to me! As a gift from me to you, here is the first chapter of my new story! It's more mature than the other one, so be sure to be careful before you start reading.

This work was inspired by Sense8. The soulbond works the same way as in the TV Show. I've tried to explain it as best as I could in chapter 2, but I don't know if I succeeded. If you've watched it, you'll have no issue. If you haven't, it's a good TV show but it's not for everyone. If you're under 18, I don't recommend you watch it as there are violence and graphic sexual content in it.

In this story though, there is no graphic sexual content. It's implied, just like in Never Alone. But there are graphic depiction of violence and blood at some point, I'll warn you in the notes at the beginning of the chapter of course.

TW: Marinette has a bit of a panic attack in here, but it's really short!

Summary: Marinette never thought that she would be among the 0.1% of the population to have a soulmate, and yet, here she was.She wasn't ready for her life to change drastically because of it.

The first time Damian heard about soulmates was when he was fourteen-year-old. His mother never mentioned it when he was a child and neither did his father nor any of his brothers when he came to live in Gotham when he was ten.

The reason he never heard of it was simple: only 0.1% of the population had a soulmate. Which meant that the chance of him having one were close to none.

While soulmates were common knowledge, it wasn’t particularly talked about because of the rarity of it. People weren’t jealous of the very few who got one, but there was a curiosity about this topic.

So, when Damian first saw a girl in the dining room while he and his family were having dinner, he was more than surprised. No one should be able to enter the Manor unnoticed.

“Who are you and how did you get in here?!” he asked, or rather, demanded in a cold tone.

The girl jumped as if she hadn’t noticed him at all. She turned around, her eyes landing on him and she squealed, letting the sketchbook and pen that were in her hands fall on the floor.

“What- Who are you?! And how did you get in here?”

“I’m the one asking the questions.”

His family looked at him before looking around. Dick left his seat to approach him.

“Who are you talking to?” he asked softly, as if afraid to startle him.

It made Damian frown. He didn’t need his oldest brother to treat him like he was going to break down if he were to talk louder than that.

“I’m talking to this girl who somehow broke into our house.”

The girl scoffed. “Excuse me, but it’s the other way around. You’re in my house.”

The youngest Wayne stood up, hitting his fist on the table.

“Stop with this nonsense. How could I be at your house when you’re clearly in mine?”

There was a soft gasp coming from behind him and Alfred came behind him, resting a hand on his shoulder to try and calm him down.

“I think I know what is going on, Master Damian. And there is no need to worry.”

“No need to worry,” the pre-teen exclaimed, turning around to face the man. “A girl just broke into our home and you’re saying there is nothing to worry about?”

“Indeed. Because there is no one here.”

He went to argue, to tell them that there was obviously a girl around his age right in front of them, that he wasn’t going crazy. But when he turned around, the girl was no longer here.

“What- where did she go?”

“Master Damian, you were the only one seeing her.”

Damian scowled as he faced Alfred again. “How is that possible?” he looked at his brothers and his father who were looking at him in worry. “I’m not going insane!” he defended.

“No one said you were,” answered Dick, but there was an edge in his voice that said otherwise.

“You didn’t but you still think there’s something wrong with me.”

“Well, you did see someone no one else saw,” started Jason.

Tim remained silent, as did his father, probably trying to understand what was going on.

“But Master Damian is not going insane,” Alfred stated, still as calm as ever. “He just met his soulmate.”

There were several gasps around the table, and the look of worry disappeared from the members of his family’s faces, to be replaced by a look of understanding.

“What are you talking about exactly,” he asked, feeling calmer now that there was an explanation about what just happened, even if he didn’t fully understand it yet.

His father cleared his throat. “I’m not surprised you didn’t hear about soulmates until now. Talia probably never saw the use to, and I didn’t think about bringing it up.”

The middle-aged man took a bite of his meal, swallowing before continuing.

“It’s not common, but some people do have a soulmate out there. I believe it’s only 0.1% of the population, if not less.”

He fell silent, disregarding his meal as he contemplated how to explain this particular topic to his son. Never did he think that he would meet someone with a soulmate. Because, yes, it was that rare. Never would he have thought that his own son would be one of the people having a soulmate.

But it was a good thing, Bruce thought. His son, who had so many difficulties trusting others and befriending people, was blessed with someone who he could trust with his life.

He knew it wouldn’t be that easy. That Damian would scoff at the idea. That he would probably be rude to the girl that was assigned as his soulmate when he will see her again. That it would probably take years for him to give his soulmate his trust.

But she would be the one he would trust the most, one day.

“When you have a soulmate, someone that was decided to be your perfect partner by the fates, they appear to you from time to time. Either you’ll see them where you are, or you’ll appear at their location. They’re not really there, but you’ll sense them all the same. You can touch them, interact with them, but you can’t have any interaction with their environment.”

He sighed, feeling that his explanation was not helping at all.

“There are, sometimes, body switches. You don’t always control them, especially in the beginning, but you can learn to. The… uh… ‘apparitions’, let’s call them that, will be random too until you learn how to control it.”

Bruce massaged his temples, trying to remember what he knew of soulmates.

“Oh,” he began again, “if your soulmate speaks another language, it will be automatically translated to the one you speak.”

He finally looked at his son in the eyes, seeing him frown. “Basically, your soulmate is the other half of your soul. Your one true partner, the one who will never betray you. Congratulations, Damian.”

His other sons smiled at their younger brother, taking their turn to congratulate him, but the pre-teen only frowned.

“What’s wrong?” asked Bruce, even though he knew exactly what his son was thinking.

Damian scoffed. “I don’t believe in that. Who can decide who to trust but me?”

Bruce sighed, crossing his arms. “I’m not saying that you have to trust that girl immediately. You are soulmates, yes, but it works like every other relationship. With work and efforts to get to know each other. I know your trust has to be earned. Well, so be it. Just know that, as your soulmate, whether you like it or not, that girl is here to stay.” Bruce smiled. “She was chosen for you.”

Damian scowled, and Bruce let out a laugh. “We’ll see where it goes. Don’t think too much about it.”

Bruce was about to go back to eating when Damian finally spoke up.

“If she appears at random times without any of us having control of it, my identity will be compromised.”

Bruce froze, as did his other sons.

He had thought of that, of course. There was no hiding something that big to a soulmate. And while he didn’t like the idea to trust someone he didn’t know with his son’s identity — and his own and his other sons’ too — he had to believe that the person assigned as his son’s soulmate could be trusted.

After all, not a lot of people could be his son’s soulmate.

“It will. And we’ll have to bear with that. Since it’s your soulmate, it means that she is someone you can trust, even if you take a long time to trust her because of your issues.”

He sighed.

“I don’t like that our identities will be compromised, but we can’t do anything about it.”

“I can always threaten her.”

Jason laughed. “That’s a very bad way to start any sort of relationship, brat.”

They all returned to their dinner silently, all worried about their identity.

Especially since there was nothing there would be able to do about it.

Marinette was having trouble breathing. Her vision was turning black the more it lasted.

She was having a panic attack, she realized, like an afterthought.

She tried touching things around her. She found the sketchbook and the pen that had fallen on the floor earlier. She felt a piece of paper too — one of Adrien’s pictures she has been getting rid of, she realized — and the wood of the floor.

But it was Tikki’s voice that made her calm down.

“Marinette, you’re okay. I’m here and you’re in your room. Nothing can hurt you here. Listen to my voice, alright? Breathe in… Hold it… Breathe out.”

She listened carefully to the kwami’s instructions and after awfully long minutes, she managed to calm down enough to breathe.

“What happened,” the little god finally asked, her voice soothing to Marinette.

The dark-haired girl took a deep breath before looking around, making sure that the boy from earlier was truly gone.

He was there, just like that, coming out of nowhere, and gone the next moment.

Marinette wasn’t stupid. She knew what it meant. She had heard about soulmates from Tikki.

She just didn’t think that she would be one of those people with one. It felt so surreal.

“There was a boy here just five minutes ago.”

Tikki frowned.

“But there was no one…” she said before her eyes widened. “Oh! You’ve got your first contact with your soulmate! Marinette!” she exclaimed, flying in circles as she expressed her joy. “That’s amazing! You have a soulmate.”

Marinette said nothing, frowning as she looked around in her room.

The photos of Adrien that have been hanging on her walls were now on the ground sorted in a pile, waiting to be thrown out.

Marinette fell in love with Adrien almost a year ago, when he gave her his umbrella.

She had changed so much after that, obsessing over him like she has never obsessed over anything before.

She had had photos of him on her walls. His schedule too.

And yet, she hadn’t seen anything wrong with it at the time.

It was only when she had this weird double date with Luka, Adrien, and Kagami, after dragging Luka in this, did she realize.

Her love — no, her obsession — for Adrien wasn’t healthy. She was becoming a stalker and trying to sabotage other people for her own gain.

She was so focused on Adrien that everything else came in second place.

She didn’t like who she was becoming. Marinette didn’t like herself anymore.

And wasn’t it important to love oneself? Or to at least, to have some self-respect?

But Marinette didn’t like nor did she respect herself when she was in love with Adrien.

So she had to move on for her own sake if not for other’s.

She had taken down his schedule first. Then, it was the pictures, little by little.

There was so much of them that it took her a few days to take them down completely. School, homework, and her Ladybug’s duties left her with little time for anything else.

It was one in the morning right now, on the weekend that she finally took down the last of the pictures. She wasn’t tired yet so she had decided to sketch a little.

And then, the boy appeared.

Marinette was only now trying to move on from Adrien. From a frankly unhealthy crush — which made her wonder why her friends were encouraging it in the first place — and it was difficult, but she had to do it, to find herself again.

And somehow, the fates decided that it was a good time for her to introduce her to her soulmate.

No. Marinette couldn’t do this.

What if she became obsessed once again? What if she was actually insane and would obsess over anyone she would feel attracted to?

She wasn’t ready for a soulmate.

Deciding that it wouldn’t do any good to keep all that to herself, she told Tikki everything she was thinking.

The Kwami looked at her with this smile that reminded her so much of her mother.

“Oh, Marinette,” she sighed softly. “You’re not insane. Don’t be afraid of love because your first experience wasn’t a good one.”

“It was unhealthy, Tikki,” the blue-eyed girl interrupted.

“It was. But it’s also my fault. I didn’t tell you it was, and you were only thirteen when you fell in love with Adrien. You didn’t recognize an unhealthy behavior yet. I should have told you. But you realized that you didn’t like who you were becoming and decided to change. It’s a good thing. You’re admitting your errors and you’re taking your responsibilities to try and correct them.”

She flew to Marinette’s cheek and give her a little hug.

“And I’m proud of you for that,” the little kwami said. “It was the first time you fell in love. You got a bit excited. To the point of obsession, and obsession is never a good thing. Never. But you’re moving on from that. Now that you know it’s wrong, you won’t do it anymore, I know it.”

The fashion designer nodded, reassured by her friend’s words.

“I…” she hesitated but continued when Tikki nodded at her. “I still don’t want a soulmate… I mean… In theory, it’s amazing. My other half… The one I will trust more than anyone else in the world… But I don’t want to be forced to love them.”

Tikki laughed. “You won’t. The bond is just introducing you and, yeah, it will force you to spend time together with the apparitions and the switches, but it’s just saying: ‘Look! Here is the perfect person for you. They’re right here! Now, do what you want with this knowledge.’ You will love them because you want to, not because the bond is forcing you.”

The designer looked away, still skeptical.

Tikki smiled. “I understand your skepticism. But you’ll see for yourself.” she kissed her holder’s cheek. “Just keep an open mind, okay?”

“Alright.” Marinette sighed, getting up and gathering Adrien’s pictures. “Okay. Time to move on,” she said determinedly.

And she threw the last pictures in the trash.

Next

Tag List: 

@justafanwarrior​ @animegirlweeb​

[quillsareswords]

And Arnold Makes Four

The next part of Blurb #18, because it got surprisingly great feedback! Thank you all so much! You don't necessarily need to read 18, but I'd recommend it, just to get your bearings.

Interested in a Polyamorus Taglist? Comment here!

Prompt List // Masterlist (in bio)

Jon did not keep his promise. When two hours had passed and you were still snoring next to Damian as he reclined on both of you, he considered waking you because goddamn it he wanted a slushee, but decided against it.

Too many night had you both sat up until the sun shone. The least he could do was let you rest.

Besides—he was pretty sure one of you would try to punch him if he tried.

So, he laid contently against your legs, wasting most of the day between his Switch and your television.

Damian is the first one awake. He blinks hard twice, because the sun is shining directly through the window and straight into his eyes (likely what woke him up, he decides). You're the first thing he sees. You probably got a little too warm snuggled so close to him, so you've pulled back so he can see your whole face. Subconsciously, he tracks your breathing for a moment.

Then he's looking past you, for his other partner. One of you are usually in the middle, because Jon gets too hot laying between you. Jon's not there. Damian reminds himself that he's in your house and that there's realistically no reason to worry, before the niggling of panic worms it's way into his mind.

The weight against his shins shifts. He sits part way up, careful not to jostle you too much in the process.

Jon turns away from your TV and smiles brightly. "I wondered when you'd wake up," he says, quietly.

Your eyebrows furrow as you groan.

Damian rolls his upper half so he can properly himself up with his elbows. "Why didn't you wake us? It's been well over two hours," Damian asks, inclining his head towards the window, where it's obviously nearly sunset.

Jon shrugs, shifts his weight so Damian can roll completely over. "You seemed like you needed it, so . . ."

Damian nods slowly. He feels a little bad, wondering why his internal alarm clock didn't have him up within an hour. Probably you.

You mumble something about the light before your eyes crack open with a glare. You'd been half awake, listening to the conversation. "What time is it?"

"Sunset," Damian sighs, crawling over you to get off the bed. "Sunshine here didn't wake us up."

Jon's cheeks bloom pink at the endearment, but he pretends they don't. "You looked like you needed sleep," he defends, flopping back down in his boyfriend's place.

You realize he's already gotten dressed, while you're still in sleep shorts and a ratty tank top. You also realize that Damian is fishing clothes out of his duffel, which was slung down beside Jon's bulging backpack yesterday afternoon.

You don't know why they insist on bringing so much every time they come to stay, considering the bottom two drawers of your dresser are respectively theirs. You consider this silently as you roll out of bed to pull on jeans and your Converse.

By the time you grab your longboard and bid your parents goodbye, the sky is orange and pink and white and it's brilliant.

Jon's camera is in your backpack, your speaker on a strap slung across his body while you search for their designated playlist.

Damian's pennyboard hits the ground first, then your longboard, then Jon's skateboard. Down your suburban driveway you cruise, then down the cul-de-sac and onto the sidewalk running alongside the slow traffic of the road.

The Travel Center sign glows orange and red as you roll forward, Vance Joy booming from Jon's hip. The sky only gets prettier, so Jon asks for his camera once you stop.

When you reach the parking lot, you slide your heel along the cement to lose your momentum, simultaneously slinging your backpack down to the crook of one arm to get the camera.

You hand it to him when he stops beside you, then you pop the nose of your board and pause your music.

"What are you getting?" Jon asks, as you pass him, one arm outstretched to hold the glass door open for you, while Damian swings the other side of the door open for himself.

"Coca Cola, obviously," you hum, tucking your board under one arm and reshouldering the straps of your bag. "I'll cover snacks and whatnot if one of you will pay for the bracelets at the fair."

The county fair is finally back for the beginning of summer in your home town, so the three of you have decided to go, since the fairgrounds are so close to the pier anyway.

Damian nods. "I'll pay for them." He takes a small cup size from the stack as the three of you round the corner of the back isle.

"I'll pay for the slushees," Jon decides, taking a large.

"Good for you," you smile, filling your medium with the light brown, thinly ground ice from the rolling machine.

Jon flicks your nose as he pumps his large full if blue-burrrry first, then cherry.

Damian snaps a boring old flat lid on the top of his cup before he saunters off in search of a snack to take for the road.

You're the next one done, but because you have a soul, you take a dome lid and fill your cup past the brim.

You roam the isles for a few minutes, despite already knowing where everything, just like every weekend. You pick up a bag of cheddar Combos, a miniature tube of original Pringles, and a Hershey bar.

You meet your boys by the checkout, where the same tired-looking woman smiles at you fondly. Just like every weekend.

Damian sets down a bag of M&Ms, while Jon is still juggling four bags of candy, a skateboard, and a multicolored slushee which is oozing out from the top of the dome lid, because—like every weekend—he's overfilled it.

While you fish out some bills from the wallet in your backpack, Damian finally steps in and takes the slushee from him so he can slap down his pack of Rainbow Belts, a bag of Skittles, a Hershey Cookies and Cream bar, a bag of Trolli gummy worms, a bag of miniature Twix bars, and a blue Gatorade onto the counter.

You laugh, because it's a little bit like a clown car, the way he piles it all on the counter. Damian sighs, staring at Jon with a healthy mix of impression, surprise, and adoration.

Sheepishly, Jon takes his slushee back from his boyfriend and mumbles, "The slushees are separate."

The middle-aged woman withholds a laugh at the whole thing, even though this is a very regular occurrence, while she slides all the items across the scanner.

A few minutes later, the three of you pause in the parking lot to cram everything into your backpack. While Damian is helping you, Jon stands at the very edge of the sidewalk, snapping pictures of the gorgeous sunset and the colors it paints the sky.

Soon enough, you're on your way again. The pier isn't too far from your house—maybe three miles, not counting the backtracking you have to do from the Travel Center. Its also not used often unless there's some big event, like a holiday or something at the fairgrounds, which are a quick jaunt up a dirt path through a patch of woods.

It's been a favorite spot of yours, ever since you were old enough for your parents to let you loose. You brought the boys out last summer, only about a month after forming the three way relationship you're so comfortable in. Since then, it's been a frequent for you three, when the weather's nice.

It isn't an ocean pier, by the way. It's on a lake, which is partly owned by the park on the other side, and partly owned by the same family who's owned the fairgrounds for as long as you can remember. They have a miniature boat race every Spring, and a lantern release every New Year.

You make it to the fairgrounds just about as soon as the sun sinks below the treeline, courtesy of the (mostly) paved road that stretches through the massive unused field and dense woods that divides it from the main road. Mostly, because it was paved so long ago that it was well forgotten in the most recent repaving your small town underwent a year or two ago.

You pop the nose of your board up, shoving the rest of your chocolate bar into your mouth as you step on to the whiterock path leading to the ticket booth, and the rest of the pop-up carnival beyond it.

"Three bracelets, please," Damian requests, holding out a twenty and a ten. Ten bucks for an all-access bracelet that are only valid for twenty-four hours might seem crazy, but it's logistically cheaper and easier than buying X-amount of tickets, and then having to come back for more later.

You hastily strap the paper onto one another's wrists before you scamper off, your eyes set on the Twister, dragging your boys behind you.

You spend most of the night squished between two people in a two-person seat; or throwing things at other things to win more things; or sprawled out in the grass behind or between some booths, chowing down on pre-bought snacks. Jon went off and got an Elephant Ear at some point, so you spent more time sitting in the grass, eating and chatting idly, humorously judging people with Damian while Jon glared on disapprovingly. Still, even he couldn't find anything good to say about the full neon rainbow leopard jumpsuit that fit about six sizes too small in the worst way, other than at least he's creative.

At one point or another, you come across a giant stuffed sloth that's about a foot short of being as tall as you, and you decide on the spot that it is absolutely going home with you. Damian and Jon see the number of points it costs and sigh in unison. You spend about one hundred and sixteen minutes throwing baseballs at far-too-heavy milk bottles, but hey, who's counting?

You do, eventually, win the sloth, with the combined efforts of three super-sidekicks—Jon's super strength, Damian's freakish aim, and your intuitive throwing finally converge on one task, surprisingly.

Hauling your new friend—Arnold, you've dubbed him—on your back, you decide to show your gratitude by putting your knife throwing skills (you're very good at instinctive throwing, because of your flawless intuition) to good use at the dart-and-ballon game.

You leave Arnold in Jon's care (Damian ever so gently told you that he'd leave Arnold to sit in the dirt beside them, not hold him, which offended you deeply), and and your longboard with Damian, before you march over, wad of dollar bills in hand.

You return twenty minutes later, two plush animals in each hand. You proudly bestow a ambiguous black bird to Damian, and a fire engine red marshmallow-esque creature to Jon. You take Arnold in your arms and resituate him to ride piggy back, long boneless arms draped over your shoulders.

Jon giddily grins at his new blob friend, and thanks you, muttering, a little shyly, that you really didn't have to. Damian stares down at the stuffed bird in silence, a smidge of contempt flickering in his eyes. It crosses your mind that he might have preferred something else, but all doubt is erased with his grip on it becomes a little more firm, a bit more protective, and you catch his gaze going soft on it. He offers you a little smile, because he's bad at genuinely accepting and showing appreciation for these kinds of gifts.

And because you know this, you return the gesture to prove that you understand.

Your trio heads for the dirt path through the decently small patch of woods, where a dirt path peeks out like a old man with gentle eyes and a warm smile.

Jon stops right as you reach the mouth of the path. He hands Damian his skateboard. "You go ahead, I'll meet you there in a few minutes."

"Where are you going?" Damian asks.

Jon starts walking backwards. "I'm gonna get something. I'll be quick, I promise! Go ahead!"

Damian exchanges a look with you. You shrug, reaching toward his hand and wiggling your fingers.

He locks his fingers with yours, sparing Jon one more look over his shoulder before the two of you set off.

"What do you think he's up to?" you wonder, peering over your shoulder just before the carnival is out of sight. You don't see him, but you imagine him bobbing a weaving through the crowds of half drunk, drunk high, and half asleep people ambling around in the last hours of the festivities for the day.

Damian glances back one more time. "Don't know," he answers. "Can't be anything good, if he wouldn't tell us."

You nod. "Can't be awful, if he wouldn't warn us," you add with a smile.

He laughs. "Can't be amazing if he wouldn't gloat about how amazing his idea is."

You laugh loudly. "You got me there."

You pass the marker for the middle of the path soon after. It's just an old wooden post, marked properly with fading orange tape. Not long after that, you leave the treeline behind.

The pier is old, and a little creaky. The wood is dark with age, warm with sun, and worn with the repeated paths of the residents of your hometown. The group of people is surprisingly small, despite the carnival's large attendance.

Your eyes roam the few couples scattered around the clearing by the water, and the group of friends laughing loudly from borrowed fishing boats further out in the water. Warm summer night air sticks to your skin and fills your lungs the way only it can.

The pair of you find a good spot at the very end of the pier, where the boards are still stable, but boast a concerning number if cracks and splinters. You prop Arnold up behind you, safely away from the water, but he slouches inanimately while he holds Damian's crow and your backpack in his lap.

"We should do this more," you hum, leaning back on your elbows to get a proper look at the mostly clear sky. It's nearly a full moon, and lack of light pollution leaves the stars on display, while the open moonlight reflects beautifully off the tops and sides of passing clouds.

Damian hums in agreement. "That would be nice." His neck cranes to get a good look for himself. "Any constellations?"

"Orion is there," you point to the belt specifically. "And the Dippers are right there."

A beat of silence as you admire the heavens.

"How long do you think until Jon calls us because he's gotten into trouble?"

You laugh. "Fifteen minutes," you bet.

Damian nods. "Sounds right. He's probably getting some kind of food."

"I hope it's something without grease," you groan. "Otherwise I might be sick."

Damian chuckles. "Don't get your hopes up."

As if it was a stage cue, you hear footsteps thumping up the rickity wood planks toward you.

You both turn at the sound of your names. "Look what I got!" Jon howls excitedly.

He's got a giant bag of popcorn and another of cotton candy under one arm, and brandishing a clear plastic bag with the other.

"That better not be a fish," you warn, but the spark in your eyes betrays the implied threat. You sit back up to get a better look.

"It'll be dead in a week," Damian warns, "so don't get too attached."

Jon fakes a pout, stopping beside Arnold. "His name is Jerry and you're being very rude." He drops the bags of snacks among your prize-filled bag and stuffed animals, then drops himself on the other side of you.

"Let me see him," you swipe the bag without permission. You hold it level with your eyes. It stares back boredly. "What are you gonna do with him? Do you have a bowl?"

He smiles sheepishly at you. "I thought your mom might have a vase or something."

You roll your eyes good-naturedly and hold the bag out to Damian to inspect. "I'm sure she does," you assure anyway. "If not, you can borrow a water glass or something."

Damian's eyes light up suddenly, as he eyes the yellow fish. "Your mother has a huge wineglass, doesn't she?"

You grin. "Yes. Yes she does, and you're a genius."

Damian smiles suavely, reaching across you to hand the bag back to Jon. "This isn't new information."

You snort and roll you eyes again, reaching for the cotton candy. "And so modest, too."

Jon tucks one leg under the opposite knee, setting the bag of water in the crook of his knee. "And ugly as a moose."

Damian indignantly rips the bag of cottony sugar from your grasp, leaving you with an offended glare, an agape mouth, and a thick tuft of pink fluff in your hand. "I'll pretend I didn't hear that."

You giggle over to Jon. "I think he hates us," you loudly whisper.

Jon nods thoughtfully, peering past you as he whispers back, "He's planning to poison us with dinner."

Damian sighs, loudly. "Firstly, poison wouldn't effect you, Jon. Secondly, if I hated either of you, I wouldn't be here."

Jon laughs. "He's got us, Lovely."

You lean on Damian's shoulder. "In more ways than you one."

Your plan works perfectly. Red flushes down his neck, eyes still locked on the horizon.

Jon picks up on it immediately, and hooks an arm around Damian's waist. "Wouldn't you agree, Love?"

He grumbles between the two of you, annoyed and embarrassed and so overwhelmingly in love.

As predicted, he makes a quick effort to switch topics. "How long are we staying?"

You and Jon respect his discomfort with focused public affection and pull away. "Long as we want," you answer, shoving a smaller tuft of pink into your mouth. "Mom just said to be home before two."

Jon nods. "I wanna watch a Disney movie when we get home." You agree.

"Speaking of getting home," Damian peers over his shoulder at the small mountain of prizes, food, and skateboards behind you, "how exactly do you plan on getting Arnold home?"

You eye the four-foot-six sloth and your longboard. Then you turn back to your boys, moonlight casting a gleam in your eyes. "I have absolutely no idea."

[TAGS – @qween-of-trash ]

[unmaskedagain]

Spider Vs Bird

 I worked a long time on this fic. I really liked working on it though and I hope you enjoy it

 Peter met Marinette when they were six-years-old. She had been sent to camp in New York. She had been scared to be so far away from home, and while fluent in English spoke with a heavy accent that made other kids look at her funny.

           Peter had never been away from his parents for more than a few days, ever. He wasn’t happy. He was miserable in fact.  Peter had been sitting alone behind a tree, having escaped canoeing, face hid in his knees. His wanted nothing more than to go home. He sniffled.

“Don’t cry,” A soft voice said next to him. He looked up and saw a pretty bluenette with big blue eyes and a kind smile on her face looking at him. She looked about his age. “It’s okay. Do you miss home too?”

           Peter nodded, and tried to make it look like he was crying. The other boys could be really, really mean. “I want my pops and dad.”

“I miss my mama and papa too,” Marinette said. “I’m really far away from them.”

“Where are you from?” Peter ask curiously. He hadn’t met many people from different countries before and never a kid his own age.

           Marinette played with her hair, “France. Where are you from?”

“New York City,” Peter smiled. “It’s far but not as far as Paris. Do you miss it?”

“Yep; a whole a lot,” Marinette opened the care package from her Mommy and Daddy. It just made her miss them so much more. Her grandma Gina went to this camp when she was small, and so did her dad, so they sent her there too. “Chocolate, Vanilla, or Strawberry.”

           And just like any kid, Peter didn’t ask why she was asking. “I like vanilla.”

“Are you allergic to anything?”

“No.”

           Marinette nodded and pulled out two cupcakes from her care package. It had been sent overnight. “Here you go, have one.” She handed him a big vanilla cupcake.

Peter’s eyes went wide and he gave her a toothy grin that showed he was missing one of his front tenth. “Thank!” He bite into it. “This is really good,” he said with his mouth full.

“My parents made them,” Marinette smiled then bit into her own chocolate cupcake. “They’re bakers!”

           Peter blinked at her with wide-eyes, “That’s so cool! So they cake cookies and cake and like everything right? You must get to eat as much as you want. I wish my parents were bakers!”

           Marinette just laughed. It was the start of a beautiful friendship.

           Steve and Tony would get letters from his son all about the new friend he made. And get a picture of their little boy with his arm around a blue-haired.

“Her name is Marinette,” Steve read the letter. “She’s French. Her parents are the best bakers in the world who send her weekly goodie packages. They have the coolest job ever!”

           Tony blinked, “We’re superheroes.”

           When they picked up Peter a month later from camp, he was ran up to him holding Marinette’s hand, “Dad, Pops; this is Marinette! She’s the best. She really smart and funny and cool. She’s my best friend ever! And-”

           Tony laughed, “Easy there, squirt. Take a breath. Hi Miss Marinette.”

           Marinette blushed but grinned big, “Hi, Mr. Stark, sir. Peter’s really nice. Like really nice. He even stopped a big kid from killing a poor little spider. He was really brave!”

           Peter grinned, “You’re really brave. You’re the one who pushed him when he pushed me the ground. You even made him apologize. It was awesome.” He told his parents. “Can I got to Marinette’s? Please. I want to see her bakery.  Pretty please.”

“Paris is a long ways away bud,” Steve teased. “You didn’t even want to leave for camp remember.”

“Not without your Ameri-bear,” Tony added with a chuckle. “You’ve been sleeping with that old teddy bear ever.”

           They stopped laughing when they saw Peter giving them a wide-eyed look, his mouth dropped opened, with his face a bright red. Before they knew it, Peter was shoving them towards the car, “Be right back, Mari.”

           Peter glared, “Don’t blow this for me.”

           Tony snorted, “Blow what? Do you even know what they means?”

“Yes,” Peter huffed indignantly, though it was a lie. “Marinette’s really, really nice. And smart. And funny. She doesn’t think I’m weird. Or too smart or anything. And she’s so pretty. Like really, really pretty.”

           Steve cooed, “Aww, you have a crush on Marinette.”

“NO!” Peter shouted. His face back to a bright shade of red.

           Tony smirked, “So I shouldn’t send out the wedding invitations then?”

           They were there for every milestone of Peter’s life; the day he was born, the day he crawled, his first word, his first steps, his first lab explosion, his first missing tooth, and his first day of school. Now they were baring witness to the first time Peter visibly looked to be contemplating murder. Unfortunately, it was at them.

“Mari’s parents are really cool,” Peter stated. “Just be cool like them.” Then he ran back to Marinette.

“I’m Tony Stark,” Tony said incredulously.

“I’m Captain America!” Steve said at the same time.

           Still, they ended up meeting the rest of the Dupain-Cheng family, and found them delightful.

           It was from that summer on that the Avengers got used to seeing Peter and Marinette running around the tower together. Peter also got used to be teased for his supposed crush on his best friend. Natasha ended up taking Marinette under wing and training her in combat and the art of spying.

           However, it was only two years later, when the Avengers responded to an intruder alert and found Marinette standing over a hogtied Nick Fury, with a fierce look on her face and Peter looking proud, that Tony said two magical words:

“I ship it.”

           Damian Wayne met Marinette when they were ten-years-old. Damian had only been living with his father for five years but still had trouble acting like a normal kid. The life of a league of shadows member was hard to break from; especially if it’s ingrained from a young age. He had been chastised more than a few times for leaving off on his own, especially in a place like Gotham.

           When Alfred informed them that an old friend and business associate was coming to visit with her granddaughter, a girl Damian’s age; it was to no one’s surprise when his father took him aside and made him promise to be polite.

           The woman Gina had showed up in the beginning of summer. She arrived on a motorcycle that had been so loud they heard as soon as she pulled up to the house. Alfred had answered the door with a chuckle.

“Penny!” The woman exclaimed and jumped at him with a hug. She had short silver, nearly white, hair and dressed mostly black and had a studded black leather jacket on and boots. “Ugh, still as boring as ever, I see,” Gina said once she pulled back from the hug.

“Gina,” Alfred smiled. “You haven’t change a bit.”

           Gina just laughed, and turned her attention to Bruce, “Brucie; I heard you took my advice to go exploring the world. How’d you like it?”

           Bruce smirked, “It was… educational.” He had known Gina since he was a boy, having spent a few summers with Tom, even gone to his and Sabine’s wedding. The woman hadn’t been to visit since Bruce adopted Tim and Cass. “You remember my boys?”

“Dick,” Gina said pulling the oldest Wayne boy into a tight hug. “You get more handsome every time I see. So sorry to hear you and Barbs broke up. I know some amazing girls I can introduce you to.”

           Dick just laughed, “I’m fine flying solo for now.”

“Jason,” Gina said crossing her arms, with a raised eyebrow. “I haven’t seen you since I let you steal my last motorcycle.”

           Jason smirked, “let me?” The only reason he’d happily come to the Manor was because Alfred told him Gina was on her way. She was the coolest lady he knew growing up.

“Oh please,” Gina waved him off. “You drove it to the Barnes and Nobel’s on 4th, and it sat there for like three hours. I have a tracker on my stuff, kid. I let you. Now give me a hug.” Jason laughed and hugged her.

           The same went for Tim and Cass. Cass excitedly told Gina in Chinese all about her adventures in Hong Kong. Tim told her about his trip around the world. Then finally it was Damian’s turn.

           Gina smiled softly at the youngest of Bruce’s kids, “And who’s this?”

           Bruce put a hand on his son’s shoulder, “This is Damian.”

“Nice to meet you, Damian,” Gina said.

           Damian nodded stiffly, “Pleasure.” He wore a black tailored dress pants and a high collard green turtle neck.

           Gina rolled her eyes, “God, Bruce, he’s nearly as uptight as you were at his age.”

“I was not uptight,” Bruce defended, despite knowing he was bratty little shit when he was Damian’s age.

           Alfred snorted but smiled, “And the young guest you brought with you.”

           Gina grinned and held out her hand to her granddaughter who had stayed close to the motorcycle, “She’s a bit a shy.” She told them. “This is Marinette.”

“Hi!” Marinette waved shyly, blushing a bit.

           The family cooed at the sight of the little blue-eyed, bluenette, in a baby blue shirt with a yellow happy face and dark jean short, with her hair in pigtails and big smile on her face. So innocent, so sweet. Bruce, of course, had been acquainted with Marinette. He had gone to the baby shower for her and stopped by the bakery whenever he was in Paris. The girl was the sweetest little thing.

           When Damian and Marinette got sent off to play together, only Alfred, Gina, and Bruce thought it was a good idea. Damian didn’t know why he was being punished. And certainly there were more fitting punishment than spending time with some little kid.

           He sent a cold glare at the bluenette, once they arrived in the entertainment room, “There are video games and movies over there,” Damian pointed to the TV. “Amuse yourself. Or perhaps you would prefer a coloring book and a teddy bear,” He said sarcastically.

           Marinette crossed her arms, “First of all, I would love a coloring book, thank you very much. There’s nothing wrong with that.” He snorted. “And Bruce said we should play together; get to know each other. Or do you frequently disobey an order?” If Damian was a rebel, Marinette needed to know. Because there was a fine line between rebel and troublemaker.

           Damian huffed, “Fine; let’s play a game then. How about… Mortal Kombat.” He sent her a cruel smirk. “Not the video game. Real life. It’s simple. We fight and the first person to die or cry,” He said with distaste. “Loses. Up for it?”

“What weapons do we get?” Marinette asked. Bucky and Natasha had taught her for the last four years on a variety of weapons. Though she knew it was only because of Steve’s doing that they hadn’t taught her how to use a gun yet. They even got a shield agent assigned to Paris to train her throughout the school year.

           Damian raised an eyebrow, curious. He had expected her to run screaming from the room in sheer terror, crying to her grandmother. “What do you prefer?”

“Bo staff.”

“Same,” Damian said. “Let’s take this to the backyard.”

           When Marinette yelled to her grandma that she and Damian were going to play in the backyard, Damian marveled that no one came out with questions filled with suspicious. Granted the first time Damian said he was going to go play in the backyard, he ended up in Watch Tower going over surveillance footage.

           Marinette and Damian stood ten feet apart on the grassy field, each held a long black bo staff. It was quiet. Damian had set an alarm on his phone to begin the fight. Marinette set hers to play music.

           When the loud beeping sounded and Carrie Underwood’s champion started playing, they charged at each other.

           It was a mix of attacks and dodges. Their staffs met; each putting their full force behind it.

“It is not wise to meet a Wayne in Battle,” Damian growled at her.

           Marinette rolled her eyes, “If all Waynes are as big of a jerk as you are, you must all be used to be called out to fight.”

           Damian attacks. The two kids stand in one place, trading feints, thrusts and parries with lightning speed, almost impossible to follow. The youngest Wayne was reluctant to admit, even to himself, that Marinette had no trouble matching him. “You know what you're doing, I'll give you that.”

“Not too bad yourself,” Marinette nodded.

           The two slow walked around the length of the imaginary circle. Until they were in the exact opposite of their initial positions.

“Your taste in music is terrible though,” Damian added on. Marinette let out an angry hiss like a cat and attacks,

           Their duel continued. Their staff flash and ring. Suddenly, Damian swung his staff, partially letting go. Marinette seeing the staff free sailing, ducked quickly. Not seeing Damian catch it at the last second, and then send a kick flying at her chest. Her weapon flew out of her hand. Marinette crashes to the ground, and with a quick swing her legs, sweeps Damian’s feet from under him, losing his weapon in the process.

           Marinette and Damian jumped up, right back in the fighting position. What happened next was a mix of punches and kicks, and headlocks. Until they found themselves once again across from each in their imaginary circle.

Marinette’s hair was a mess, pigtails having come lose. She was covered in welts and bruises from the staff. There was blood on her shirt and dripping her nose.  Damian didn’t look any better. His well-groomed look was gone. His turtleneck had torn. His lip was busted. There was bruising around his neck from when Marinette had wrapped her legs around it and held him in a chokehold, like Natasha had taught her, until he managed to maneuver out of it.

           Giggles burst from Marinette before she could stop them, “You look ridiculous,” She laughed.

“Shall I show you a mirror?” Damian said with a smirk. He chuckled.

           They both shook their heads, looked at each other again, and they each fell over laughing. They only stopped when the sound of applause reached their ears.

           Damian and Marinette looked up and saw the entire Wayne family and Gina watching them.

           Alfred nodded approvingly, “I see she takes after you Gina.”

“That she does,” Gina grinned. “You’re grandson could give a young you a run for your money.”

“How long after you been there?” Marinette squeaked.

           Bruce fought not to smile. “Just as the music started to play. We were going to invite you both in for ice cream.” He had been furious at first at his youngest child for deciding to spar with a civilian but the fury had faded as it became clear that Marinette could keep up with his son. There were times when he was sure one was trying to kill the other but they always held back; even if only just.

           He looked at Gina, “It’s nice to see Damian getting along so well with someone.” He would regret those words soon enough. Very soon.

           Damian and Marinette spent the next few days running after each other and trying to one up another in best surprise attacks. Bruce’s older kids took bets. Jason and Cass voted that Marinette would eventually win. Tim and Dick sided with Damian.

           One day, after lunch, Damian commented on his field trip his class was taking, “The zoo,” he wrinkled his nose. “It’s barbaric. Animals trapped in cages while less human beings gawk in amusement. There’s a new wolf exhibit my teacher is dying to see. It’s all terrible.”  

           Marinette agreed. While she liked the zoo, she always thought the animals looked really sad. She took a sip from her juice box, “So let’s do something about it.”

           That night, after midnight, the two kids climbed out of their windows, onto the roof, and quietly raced into the darkness. When they made it to the Zoo, they wasted no time in disabling the security cameras and breaking in the wolf exhibit. Damian, dressed in his the Robin costume he wasn’t supposed to have yet, managed to calm the wolf down as Marinette, dressed in mostly black with a red mask on, stole a truck (something she learned from Clint.) By the time security managed to get the cameras working again the kids and wolf were gone. All without a trace.

           The kids, and wolf, ditched the truck about a mile from the manor and raced home. They snuck back in through the tunnels of the Batcave that let the batmobile move securely without anyone seeing it.

           However, when they finally got to the Batcave, they were met with the exasperated looks of Batman and Alfred and the highly amused looks of Gina, Nightwing, Redhood, Blackbat, and Robin.

           Damian nodded slowly, not even bothering to try to hide the giant wolf, “Father, I decided that Marinette should stay for summer. She is much more pleasant than I originally thought. And don’t worry, Marinette figured out you were batman her third day here. She even found the cave all on her own.”

           Batman narrowed his eyes. He took of his cowl. He had been alerted that his son and Marinette were missing from their rooms just seconds after he was alerted about a break in at the zoo. He knew his son well. And it didn’t take a genius to be two and two together. “Grounded! One week.” He looked at Gina who nodded in agreement, though the smile was still on her face.

           The kids huffed but nodded.

“And wolf is going back!” That was met with loud protests.

           Marinette stayed at the Wayne Manor for another month. Not long after the grounding was over, Damian came into the living room where his father and siblings were and informed his father that he was leaving, “Alfred is taking Marinette and I to the movies. There is a showing of the new Little Mermaid movie she desires to see.”

           Bruce closed the book he was reading, “Very well. I’ll tag along. We can make a family day out of it.” Dick was the first to agree followed shortly by the others, who wanted to see the havoc Marinette and Damian tended to create.

           Damian visibly froze, “No, father.” He stated firmly. “I had… hoped it would be just Marinette and I. We can be trusted, I assure you.”

“It’s not a matter of trust,” Bruce started but Jason interrupted him.

“No! Way!” Jason yelled, his eyes wide with a sudden realization, and a grin his face. “You like her.”

           It was the entire room’s turn to freeze. All eyes on Damian who had blush slowly creeping onto his face. “Marinette has proven herself to be a strong and intelligent ally. She is worthy of my regard.”

           Jason shook his head, “No. You like her, like her.”

“I have come to value her friendship highly,” Damian said but the deepening redness of his face told a different story. He went to elementary school, he knew what like-like meant.

           Dick cooed, “Baby bird has a crush.”

“I do not!” Damian hissed.

           Cass snickered, “It is alright. Marinette is quite lovely.”

           Tim smirked, “And she has rather nice green eyes. A bit dull though.”

“Blue!” Damian corrected quickly. “She has marvelous blue eyes. They are not dull. They shine brighter than the sun. They sparkle when she laughs, you dolt.”

           Silence filled the room. Damian looked horrified at his words. Bruce looked at his young son with raise eyebrows and a small smile on his face.

“I am leaving now, father,” Damian stated. “I will return as soon as the movie ends provided we do not stop for frozen yogurt. Good day.” And then he swiftly left the room, leaving his siblings snickering in his wake.

           Bruce opened back up his book, “I ship it.”

           The declaration caused the room to fill with shouts.

           Marinette would spend half of every summer for the next few years in Gotham; training with Damian under the guidance of Batman himself. Eventually going onto meet the rest of the Justice League. She and Damian used the zeta beams to hang out as much as possible.

The other half of her summers, Marinette spent in New York City at Stark Tower with Peter and the rest of the avengers. Learning under the tutelage of The Black Widow and The Winter Soldier, two out of four of Peter’s godparents (the others being Rhodey and Pepper of course), while Peter learned under his parents.

Damian officially became Robin at 12. Peter became Spider-man at fourteen. And Marinette became Ladybug at 13. It was to no one’s surprise the two boys were the first ones she told about being a superhero. And it was not to her surprise when they couldn’t keep it from their families for long.

“Aww, look you two match,” Tony said upon seeing Marinette transform. “Couples costumes.” The genius would later admit he had that mouth webbing coming. He still ship Peter/Marinette so hard.

           Three weeks later, Bruce had said, “A little bright, isn’t it?”

“Do I even need to mention the first Robin costume?” Marinette snapped back. Though she was secretly glad that as soon as she saw the original Ladybug costume she had Tikki teach her out to change it. Gone was skintight onesie. Now she dressed in a more armored uniform. That was mostly black with bright red polka dots everywhere.

           Bruce smirked. He was proud of the girl who had become his son’s closest friend, and obvious crush. He really hoped his son would ask out Marinette soon.

           Then the Avengers and Justice League found out. Marinette found herself defending Paris with a league member or an Avenger for like six months before she finally told them where to shove it. She would call them if she needed them.  Though she didn’t mind Robin or Spiderman dropping into help every now and then when their secret identities were in town.

           Chat, who had grown become a brother to Marinette once their identities had been revealed to each other, had fanboy’d so hard the first time Robin came to help. And then again when Spiderman appeared, after catching Ladybug in a web after she’d been knocked from the top of the Eiffel tower. Then Marinette had to reveal that she knew the Avengers and the Justice league.

           It took Adrien five seconds with Peter Stark-Rogers to know he had a crush on Marinette. And he cheerfully told Peter, “I’ve got the god of destruction in my pocket. I’ll feed you to him if you hurt her.”

           It took Adrien three days to realize Damian Wayne liked Marinette. And he braced himself, held his ground, and told the teen, “You like Marinette. She’s my sister. I just want you to remember: Cats eat birds.”

           He thought it was really menacing until Damian sprayed him the face with a water bottle, “Bad kitty.”

           Adrien hissed.

           As good as Marinette’s superhero life was going, so was her fashion career. MDC was slowly become well known high-class designer and household name thanks to Jagged Stone, Clara Nightingale, Bruce Wayne, Tony Stark, Pepper Potts, Natasha, and even Lex Luther wearing her clothes.

her normal life had gone in the opposite direction.

           Lila had come to class and lied her way to the top; she went on and on about all the celebrities she knew. She promised all the students great chances and opportunities. Only a few didn’t eat it all up. Marinette, Chloe, Nathaniel, and Adrien called out her lies relentlessly. This caused the class to think of them as jealous bullies and had them ostracized to the back at Lila’s subtle behest. Unfortunately for Lila, Adrien had been quick to join them. And nothing she, or anyone else in class, could say to convince the blond boy otherwise.

           Marinette had thought of most of the students as friends but hadn’t been too surprised when they turned against her. She had never been to close to any of apart from the ones who joined her in back. For a while she had considered that maybe Alya would become her best friend but decided against it once she learned just what type of journalist she was. The glasses-wearing girl was always out for the next big scoop and didn’t seem to care how she got it; even if it meant putting herself in danger.

           Alya had also been adamant for a long time that Ladybug and Chat Noir liked each other romantically despite both heroes denying it repeatedly. She only stopped when Chat Noir told Alya that Ladybug was his sister.

           When Lila came, like the rest of the class, Alya ate up her stories and promises of a future at famous newspapers like the Daily Planet or the Gotham Gazette.

           And when Marinette claimed Lila was lying, Alya was the first to accuse Marinette of being jealous. The girl never seemed to get the message that Marinette and Adrien didn’t like each other that way and only thought of each as siblings at best and best friends at worst. Alya didn’t listen or care. Whenever Lila gave a tear-filled eyes saying that Marinette was being oh so mean to her, Alya was the first to defend her new bestie. The rest of the class following suit.

           It didn’t take long for Marinette to be voted out of being class president. This made Fearsome four, as Nathanial had nicknamed them after he and Chloe were given permanent spots as heroes, snickered as Marinette had pulled several string to for the annual class trip; so much for the class staying at Stark Tower with the Avengers or visiting Gotham and staying in luxury hotels. Oh well.

           Once she wasn’t class president, all the little things that Marinette had done in addition to the positon had stopped as well. She stopped planning dances, fundraisers, and birthday parties (mostly because she was never invited to go to anyone’s in classes anymore.) No more free sweets from the bakery for anyone but her three friends. No free commissions. No babysitting. No banner designs. Nothing. Squat. Zero.

           This of course caused anger from the other students in class as they had gotten used to all the free Marinette provided and tasks she did.

           Alya huffed, “You’re just getting back us because we’re not your friends anymore.”

           To which Marinette replied coldly, “Your point being?”

           It was suffice to say when Marinette fifteenth birthday rolled around and Marinette’s mom forced her to give invitations to the entire class, the students were quick to rip up the invitations in front of her face.

           Lila smiled, “Sorry, Marinette. Everyone’s throwing a party for me that day. No one can come.”

“Thank god,” Marinette said to their shock because it was obvious the girl was sincerely relieved. “My mom forced me to invite you, and I had no idea how to politely tell you I didn’t really want you to come.”

           On the day of Marinette’s birthday, Saturday, while the class was enjoying their own party, Marinette just finished setting up a mock carnival with rides, games, and concession booths, and an area for bands to play.  Adrien had even gotten his dad, Nathalie, and Gorilla to come on the threat of shaving his head bald.

Then Marinette’s guests started to arrive. Marinette’s schoolmates, the ones she had started to befriend after being made an outcast in class arrived first; the drama club, the art club, the fashion club, cooking club, and the world Travelers’ club had turned out be made up of some great people.

Adrien, Chloe, and Nathaniel stayed close to Marinette side; each wearing an earpiece.

Jagged Stone in all his rock and roll glory arrived first. Clara Nightingale practically danced her way in. Lois and Clark and the rest of the Kents were a bit more subdued. Though Cat, Nadja, and Lois immediately located rivals and the three could be found gossiping and sharing stories with each other. The same could be said when Style Queen Audrey, Wilhelmina Slater, Gabriel Agreste, and Miranda Priestly. Then it was just a slew of people; from friendly neighbors Marinette grew up with to famous models and actors and chefs.

She immediately greeted Damian with a hug, and thanked him for the perfectly wrapped green present. A second later, Marinette did the same to Peter, and thanked him for the blue present.

The two boys eyed each other.

Marinette looked confused, “Damian I told you about Peter, right? I talked about him all the time. And the same for Damian, Peter.”

“You didn’t mention he was Peter Stark,” Damian stated.

“Peter Stark-Rogers,” Peter corrected. “And you’re Damian Wayne.”

And Marinette finally realized she had forgotten to do one major thing; tell the Avengers and the Justice League that Marinette worked with both of them. Or at the very least Tony Stark and Bruce Wayne who looked ready to bring out the big guns.

Both superhero teams were very much aware of the others superhero identities as the Avengers never hid theirs and Tony hacked into the Watch Tower.

Lex Luther and Oliver Queen, the third and fourth richest men in the world, looked highly amused. While Gabriel looked like Christmas had come early. He had no idea Miss Dupain. He knew allowing Adrien to befriend the girl was smart idea.

The other heroes subtly watched the two for any signs that a fight might break out. Bruce had never forgiven Tony for hacking into the watchtower and uncovering Batman identity.

“Brucie,” Tony grinned and held out his hand. “You’re looking great today. No idea you’d be here. Or that you knew Marinette.”

           Bruce shook his hand a bit too firmly, “Her grandmother is an old family friend. I was at her parents’ wedding. I was at their baby shower. I’ve known Marinette for years.”

“We met Marinette when she was five,” Tony said. “She and Peter met at camp. Aren’t they adorable together,” He nodded to the two.

           Bruce forced a grin on his face, “Not as cute as she and Damian. They’ve been nearly inseparable since they were ten. Wouldn’t be surprised if hear wedding bells in the future.”

“Of course you will,” Tony laughed. “I’m sure Marinette will invite to her and Peter’s wedding.”

           The two glared at each other.

           Their significant others just shook their heads. Selena, aka Catwoman, looked amused. While Steve looked so done with this world.

“As one of Peter’s godfather’s,” Bucky said. “Should I be offering to fight Damian’s godfather?” He joked.

           Clark glared, his eyes turning a bit red, “Anytime you want.”

           Rhodey slapped Bucky on the back, “That’s all you man.” He was not fighting Superman over a case of puppy love.

           Diana looked a bit confused, “Should I engage in mortal combat with Peter’s godmother then?”

           Pepper crossed her arms, feeling last of the extremis still pumping through her blood.

           Natasha’s eyes narrowed, “It’s not required. But I wouldn’t mind a friendly spar or two.”

“You are the Black Widow, yes?” Diana asked. “A most excellent fight it will be then.”

“Where is Shazaam?” Thor’s voice thundered. “I wish for a fight as well.”

           Billy Batson had never been so happy that he wasn’t in his superhero form before. Quietly, he made his way to the Ferris wheel. He was going to avoid the god of thunder for as long as he possibly could.

           The magic users found each and decided to compare their abilities. It didn’t go well. Clint got turned into a frog… again.

           When Fury arrived he eyed the superheroes that were there; avengers, justice league, and the ones (dare devil, Jessica Jones, the Xmen) who were mostly unaffiliated. And briefly wondered if the kid who had hogtied him was planning world domination. He wouldn’t doubt it.

           The rest of the part went really well. Chloe, Adrien, and Nathaniel watched the superheroes in attendance like hawks. And were forced to break up more than one fight, or arm wrestling match that got out of hand. It ended up trending on social media, as various celebrities had posted pictures of themselves at the party. And then suddenly the world was asking wanted to know just Who Marinette Dupain-Cheng was. Marinette took that moment to announce that she was MDC. Which blew up the story even more.

           The only downside was that Peter and Damian seemed to have entered into a competition of some sort, the same with their fathers.

           At the end of the party, when sayings the goodbyes, Marinette swore she distinctly heard, Tony hiss, “Spiderbug forever!”

“Daminette!” Bruce snarled back.

           And she had vocally asked why Bucky was giving Superman wary glances but no one would tell her. Adults were weird.

           Monday came and the entire school, and all of Paris was buzzing about Marinette’s party. When she got to class, she was met with unhappy faces of her ex-friends.

“They wouldn’t let us inside,” Alya was quick to complain the moment the bluenette stepped through the door.

“We even told them we knew you,” Nino frowned. “The Bouncers didn’t believe we were invited.”

           Marinette shrugged as she went to her seat between Adrien and Chloe, “its invitation only. What happened to your invitations?”

           All the students frowned. They had been told the same thing at the door. And had been miserable when they remembered they destroyed the invites. Even Lila had nearly shed real tears when she saw just who she had missed meeting for real.

           Alya crossed her arms, “We tried calling you. But you changed your number! How could you not tell your bestie you changed your number? When did you change your number?”

“When I realized you still had it.” It was a cold response. One that Damien would’ve been proud of. “And I’m not your bestie. We’re not friends, remember? Why did you even try to come to my party, you were too busy last I checked.”

“That’s before we saw how awesome your party was!” Kim said honestly. “Dude who knew you knew so many celebrities.”

“Prince Ali was there!” Rose said excitedly. “I really wanted to see him.”

“Tony Stark, Bruce Banner, Lex Luther,” Max whined. “I was so close but so far.”

           That was pretty much how the rest of the morning went, with a side of her ex-friends trying to question Marinette about being MDC and all the celebrities she knew. Marinette didn’t answer a single question.

           Just before the lunch bell rang, there was a knock on the door, “Hello, I’m here to pick up Marinette for lunch,” Damian Wayne smiled charmingly as he walked in. “My father’s waiting.”

           The class gasped. Lila’s mouth dropped.

           A second later Peter Stark-Rogers walked in the classroom, “Marinette, you want to go to lunch,” He said excitedly. “Dad’s waiting outside.”

           Again the class’s mouth dropped.

           Outside of the school, Bruce Wayne and Tony Stark glared at each other.

           Marinette looked confusedly at her friends, “Sorry, I didn’t know you guys wanted to go to lunch. Or that you were still in town.” She told them. “It’s okay, though.” She said brightly. “You can join me and Roy.”

           As if on cue, Roy Queen walked into the classroom, a big smile on his smile, “Hey Mari, you read-Oh shit!” He said upon seeing Robin and Spiderman. The two heroes sent the Red Arrow twin glares.

           Two minutes later both Tony and Bruce’s phones pinged. They opened it and read the texts they got from their sons.

           They looked up, and met each other eyes. “We kill Oliver together,” Tony offered.

“Agreed.”

           The Green Arrow watched through binoculars from a safe distance, “Long Live Roynette!”

[anjuschiffer]

Coming In For A Diagnosis and Leaving With A Date

HAPPY BIRTHDAY @theatreandcomicfreak!!!! Sure, we’ve only known each other for a few months, but Mina! You’re so freaking amazing and I’m so glad to have met you!

So to celebrate, I wrote this for you! Enjoy it! And hope you have a wonderful day :D

------

He was here to help Damian on taking down a small-time criminal, so why were they having such a hard time taking him down?

“Damian, are you sure that-” Garfield started, only to get interrupted by his friend.

“I’m going to be fine. Go and rest. I’ll be sure to update you on-” Static filled their communication, Garfield already fearing the worst. 

“Damian.” No response. “Damian!” Garfield yelled out, quickly coming to a halt, bearing the slight burn he got from the roof asphalt. Who cares if he was bleeding from his arm. Who cares if he couldn’t retain his form for any longer than five minutes. He had to go back! Damian was in danger-

“Well, look what we have here. A lost kitten.” Garfield quickly whipped his head to see Catwoman. Or Selina as Damian called her. Despite Selina and Bruce being together for several years, the two still wouldn’t get together, much to Damian’s annoyance. If you asked Garfield, Damian probably wanted her to officially be part of the family already, not that Damian already considered her as such.

“Please don’t do that.” Garfield said, letting out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. All the hairs on his body relaxed, but his heart still raced quickly against his chest. “Do you know what’s going on?” Garfield watched as Selina hummed, looking over to where Damian was last heard from.

“He’s going to be fine, kid. He can handle this. And if anything, he’s got Bat out there as well.” She assured, looking at the gash across his arm. “You, on the other hand, won’t if you don’t get that treated.”

“I’m fine.” Garfield protested, wincing when Selina placed pressure on his wound.

“I beg to differ.” Selina said, quickly taking out her phone, a corner of her lips curving as she typed something, pocketing it away once she was down. “See that apartment over there?”

“Yeah?” Garfield looked over to where she was pointing, an apartment building just a block over. If Garfield squinted just a tiny bit, he was able to see a few plants sitting by the window ledge. “What about that-”

“Go there and wait inside.” Selina instructed, ushering him to go. “Someone will be there shortly to help you treat that wound of yours.” Garfield turned to go, but remained seated where he was. “I’ll make sure to update you on Damian’s whereabouts.”

Seeing as Selina wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer, Garfield made his way to the open apartment, carefully stepping over the plants, finding himself stepping onto a sofa. He promptly took off his shoes, not wanting to dirty the poor furniture anymore than what he had already done.

As he chose to sit, he took note of how organized -and white- the room was, the cabinets meticulously neat and labeled, his eyes widening when he saw the names on some of the glass jars. 

Naloxone, bacitracin, lidocaine… where did this person even get the first and last one?

As he tried to distract himself, Garfield thought it would be a good idea to look at the white board hung above one of the work stations, ignoring the various mortars filled with who-knows-what. 

He began to panic when he saw Damian’s medical records there, quickly running towards it to grab it, quickly turning page after page, panicking when he saw that this person also knew that Damian was Robin. 

Lifting his gaze from the papers, his eyes landed on the wall files, his eyes landing on the name Wayne. 

He began to rummage through, finding the rest of the Batfam’s identities, also finding other rogues' names in the other compartments. 

His heart stopped when he came across his own file, his name staring back at him in pink ink. 

Just as he was about to look at how much this person knew about him, the sound of keys jingling broke his determination. 

He quickly began to put the files back, making sure to place them in their proper slots, quickly hopping back into the sofa as he heard footsteps approach the room along with muffled talking. 

As soon as he managed to sit down and attempt to look normal, the door slid open. 

“-should have said no. Maybe I really am a pushover.” The person muttered, Garfield feeling his breath hitch. She was pretty. Very pretty.

The girl looked at him, gaping at his appearance before throwing her bag to the side and rushing out the room. 

Garfield felt hurt, wondering what she had thought when she saw him, only for it to all go away when she came back, gloves on and a first aid kit in hand. 

He thought she already looked pretty with her hair down, but she looked just as stunning with her hair tied into a loose bun. 

“How long have you been like this?” She asked, snapping Garfield from his trance.

“Half an hour?” Garfield tried to provide, watching as she cut off his sleeve, quick to start cleaning the outer rims of his wounds. 

“I’m guessing you were like this for a while before Miss Ky-Ca-” she started to fumble. 

“I know Miss Kyle is Catwoman. Don’t gotta worry about the whole ‘secret-identity’ thing with me.” Garfield said, watching the girl visibly relax, the girl going back to focusing on clearing the dry blood with a pair of tweezers and cotton swabs.

The two remained quiet, Garfield watching as she kept cleaning his wound, wincing when she started to add the stitches to his wound.

“Sorry.”

“You’re just doing your job.” Garfield had to bite his tongue to stop from hissing from the pain. “Actually, is this your job?”

“Kind of.” She replied, adding one last stitch. “I have experience on patching up small injuries and I used to study medicine under a mentor, but that was a while ago...” the girl trailed, Garfield picking up on how her mood quickly shifted. 

“Wow, these are the neatest stitches I’ve ever gotten! You have to be a pretty amazing sewer if they’re this neat. I bet you’d also be a pretty good designer!” Garfield praised, noticing a faint blush dust her face as she placed some ointment over the stitches. 

“Matter of fact, I am a designer.” The girl said, a soft smile now on her lips. “Miss Kyle commissioned me to make her a dress for the upcoming charity here in Gotham. Although, I ended up getting roped in some things I shouldn’t have.” 

“Accidentally found out her identity?” He watched the girl nod. 

“Yup. Well...that's a part of it.” She said, taking out some bandage. “And along the way I found out about her family’s, as you saw the files over there.”

“I-I didn’t see any files.“ He said, averting his eyes from her, feeling her gaze on him. “Okay. I did.” He admitted. “But why do you even have all of those medical records?”

“Curious, aren’t you?” Marinette purred, something inside of Garfield stirring. “Don’t blame you. It’s not everyday you find someone like me.”

“You mean a pretty girl like you?” Garfield teased, watching her almost drop the pair of scissors in her hand. “Which reminds me, what’s your name?”

“Wh-what? No!” Marinette squeaked out, trying her hardest to not wrap the bandage too tight. “I meant someone who helps vigilantes and heroes while being a civilian.” Garfield hummed at that, watching as she finished patching him up. “And Marinette. My name’s Marinette.” Marinette said, checking over her work. “And seems like you’re good to go.”

“That’s it?” Garfield said in a panic, not wanting to leave just yet. “Wow, didn’t think it’d be this fast.”

“Like I said,” Marinette said, pulling out Garfield’s file and jotting something down. “I have my share of experience when it comes to these types of things.” 

“Well then,” Garfield got up, one minute himself and the next as a cat on her desk, nudging her hand for some scratches. “Thank you very much.” 

He watched as red dusted her face again, giving him a few scritches under his chin, giggling when he let out a few purrs.

“Remember to come back tomorrow morning for the follow up.” Marinette reminded, watching as Garfield pounced to the window ledge, morphing back into his normal form. “Need to make sure it heals properly.”

“Will do doc!” Garfield said, stepping out into the fire escape, only to find Damian there. “Holy shi-” He was fine!

“What are you doing here?” Damian asked with a growl.

“Umm...getting my injuries checked?” Garfield defended, showing Damian his wrapped arm. “What about you?”

“Same thing.” Damian said as he motioned to his bruised face, quickly jumping into the window. Garfield quickly followed suit.

“Damian! Just look at you! What in kwami’s name were you up to?” Marinette scolded when she saw Damian, quickly going through her cabinets, grabbing different jars. “Oh! Hi Gar! Thought we agreed to see each other tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow?” Damian asked, narrowing his eyes at Garfield, causing him to gulp. Why was he acting like this?

“A follow up Dami, no need to get so overprotective, geez.” Marinette clarified, making Damian face her. “If anything, I should be the overprotective one. I am older than you.” Garfield could only watch as the two bickered.

“By two years.” Damian stated, hissing when she placed an ice pack over his bruise. 

“Meaning I don’t need little brother dearest to be following me 24/7.” Marinette said with a hint of annoyance, lifting Damian’s face to get a better look at the cut under his chin. “Small scratch. Nothing too major, unlike the one on your torso.”

“Wait, brother? You guys are related?” Garfield asked, this question going ignored as the two siblings kept arguing. 

“It’s just a scratch.” 

Marinette was related to Damian… his sister...

“A scratch!? You’re still bleeding from it!”

Meaning she is a Wayne...and she had quite the overprotective family, and a large one at that… just look at Damian!

“Nothing that I can’t heal on my own.”

Just what is he getting himself into?

“That’s it.” Marinette huffed, pulling out her phone. “I’m calling Grandpere.” Garfield let out a laugh when he saw Damian stiffen.

“Mari, don’t you dare-”

“Alf? Yes, it's me. Listen, Damian doesn’t want to get himself checked, insisting that his injury-stop that!” Marinette yelled at Damian, who tried to grab the phone away from her, only for Garfield to get a hold of it.

“Hey!” “Logan, hand it over to me.” The siblings said simultaneously, only for Garfield to ignore the two.

“Hey Alfred, it’s me, Garfield. Yes, a cut on his torso that’s not too deep. Yes, I will tell him to let Mari to look at it or else there will be consequences.” He looked over at a betrayed Damian and a grinning Marinette who mouthed a thank you. “Yes, I’m fine as well Alfred. Oh! And if Miss Kyle is there, please tell her I said thank you. Right. Bye.” With that, Garfield hanged up, handing Marinette her phone back.

“I won’t forget this betrayal Logan.” Damian said, pouting as he sat back down on the sofa, Marinette already having her tool out to clean his wound.

“You’re very welcome.” Garfield said, grinning as he watched Damian fuss over his patch up.

------

“Thank you for having my back Garfield.” Marinette said as he followed Damian out the window.

Marinette was able to tend to Damian’s injuries with such grace that it left Garfield mesmerized, wondering how he didn’t feel the two hours pass by.

“It was nothing.” Garfield said, averting his gaze from her, scratching the back of his head as heat rose to his cheeks. That’s when he felt a peck on his cheek, turning to see Marinette smile at him.

“A token of my gratitude.” She reasoned, fiddling with her fingers as she watched Garfiled hover a hand over the place she kissed him. “Sorry if I made you uncom-”

“No, no, no!” Garfield started, finally touching the spot with his fingers. “I didn’t mind it.” He melted when she beamed, only for Damian to ruin their moment.

“Hurry up! I don’t have all night!” Damian yelled, causing Garfield to groan.

“So about tomorrow-” Mari started, only for Gar to cut her off.

“Come in the morning for the check up. Got it.” Garfield recited, lifting his right hand. “Promise to be here at 8 sharp.”

“Well, I was thinking if you’d like to join me for breakfast after the check up.” Gar broke into a smile. “Would you?”

“Definitely!” Gar said, “Consider it a date then.” Without giving her a chance to reply, he went to join Damian, looking forward to his breakfast date with Marinette.

Marinette watched as Garfield jumped away, going back to the file she had for him. Picking up her pink pen, she drew a small heart next to his name.

She can’t wait for tomorrow’s date, even if it meant that her stupid brothers might try to stop it.

[side-shawty]

Don’t Hate Me

Fandom: DC 

Type: one-shot

Prompt/Summary: “Hello! Can I request a Damian Wayne x reader where the reader can communicate and control animals, so when the batfam sees her fight for the first time, they're like, hella surprised and Dami is very pleased that the reader treats the animals so kindly? 💜💜👽”

Pairing(s): Damian Wayne x Reader

Requested? YES by @comicnerd557​

I mostly focused on the controlling part but the communication is implied. I hope you enjoy :)

-Duckie

“Come on Y/N just show me what your power is please~” Dick begged for what felt like the millionth time today. Ever since Damian had let it “slip” that you had an ability that even he didn’t know about all of the Wayne boys had become curious.

“Just give us a hint,” Tim pressed as you sat on one of the sofas, getting ready for a post-patrol movie night.

“I’m telling you she’s not going to give it up,” Damian said as he sat beside you and wrapped an arm around your shoulders, you were quick to snuggle into his side.

“How about this,” Jason began settling into one of the armchairs, “If we guess right or even pretty close then you have to tell us that we’re right, okay?”

“Deal,” you said as Dick started the movie but it was pointless considering they spent the entirety of it trying to guess at your power. They were close a couple of times but not enough to call them right.

“Okay can you, um, teleport people?” Dick asked as the credits rolled.

“Nope,” you said, popping the ‘p’ and repositioning to place your head in Damian’s lap.

“Alight how about —“ Jason started but was interrupted as all of your phones began to chime with a crime alert from Bruce, who was already suited in the cave when you all arrived, he probably hadn’t taken it off.

“Sorry to interrupt movie night but I could use a hand with something,” Bruce said, “Get suited up, I’ll brief you in 5.”

“So much for a quiet night,” you said before you all suited up for a second time that night.

When you all got back there were already images and CCTV footage on the Batcomputer and Bruce didn’t hesitate to begin.

“At approximately 3:45 AM Killer Croc and Gorilla Grodd released all the animals from the Gotham Zoo from their cages but have yet to release them into the city. They’re trying to wait until sunrise for their ‘animal liberation.’

“The police are there but it seems they have lions and tigers barricading the entrances. We’ll go in, take down Crock and Grodd, and put the animals back. Hopefully before breakfast,” he finished and you saw Damian’s hands become fists, you knew he had a soft spot for animals and it was one of the reasons you hesitated to tell him about your powers.

You controlled them, for lack of a better word. Yes, they might have been drawn to you but like Grodd, it didn’t take much for them to bend to your will.

“One last thing,” Bruce continued, “You’ll be needing these. Attach them to your temples and Grodd won’t be able to get inside your head.” He looked to you, “Y/N, you’ll be needing this too,” Bruce said and handed you an amplifier. You looked at him and shock but he only winked at you.

Damn, he really was the world’s greatest detective. 

“What why does she get a special gadget?” Jason asked.

“It probably has to do with her powers, idiot,” Tim retorted.

“Shut up replacement. Y/N you told B about your powers before us? I’m hurt,” he said throwing a hand over his heart as you all made your way to your vehicles.

“Let’s be honest, nobody tells B anything,” you said before hopping onto your cycle and revving the engine.

———

The Zoo was controlled chaos when you got there. Gordon already knew what Grodd’s powers were so he had fewer men than with a regular villain. Just in case the gorilla somehow managed to be able to control the animals and the police there wouldn’t be too many at his disposal.

You split into two teams Bruce, Tim, and Dick would focus on Killer Croc whilst you, Damian, and Jason went after Grodd. They had barricaded themselves in the middle of the zoo along with crocodiles and gorillas because they truly were that cliche.

Killer Croc put up a good a fight as ever but he couldn’t do much when Grodd turned on him and forced the animals to defend only himself. Croc went down cursing Grodd’s name as Batman and Nightwing left to take him to the authorities.

“Now that the nuisance is out of the way I can focus my energy on getting rid of all you pests,” he said and began his onslaught. You fought but waited for Batman’s signal before hitting the amplifier on your neck and stretching your powers.

“Stop,” you spoke, holding a hand in front of Grodd and he immediately went lax before you.

Damian and his brothers also froze as Batman and Nightwing returned to the battlefield.

“What the hell?” Grodd spoke angrily, “What are you doing to me girl?!” He screamed at you.

“You’re strong Grodd but your downfall is that you’re also an animal and I control animals,” you told him, a smug smile on your face as he roared at you.

“Silence,” you commanded and he found himself unable to speak.

“Take his helmet, Robin, it’s still controlling the animals but they can’t move if he can’t. The cuffs are on my belt,” you told him and Damian quickly removed it and disabled it. Within minutes he was in police custody with the proper utilities to ensure he wouldn’t be using his powers any more tonight.

“Nice work Y/H/N,” Batman complimented and you smiled at him.

“Couldn’t have done it without this,” you told him tapping the amplifier. 

“Feel free to keep it. Now let’s get these animals back in their enclosures,” Batman said and you all instantly got to work.

You took the lead mostly, coaxing the larger animals back to where they should be but stopping often to pet them or appreciate how beautiful they were. At some point, Robin had joined you in or rather stared watch you as you were getting the polar bears back to their place.

Even though you weren’t looking at him you could feel his eyes on you from your crouched position rubbing at the polar bear cubs belly. 

“What?” You asked as the cub rolled over and stood up to join its mother behind the gates.

“So this is your power? It is truly“ you braced yourself for the worst, “amazing,” Damian finished and you had to do a double-take.

“Huh?” You said dumbly, not expecting that at all.

He grabbed your hand so you stood next to him but still avoided eye contact.

“Why did you not tell me sooner?” Damian questioned softly, releasing your hand because you were still in uniform even if your only witnesses were animals.

You thought about beating around the bush or making a joke of it but instead, you said, “I thought you’d hate me.”

“Hate you?” He said, incredulous, so much so that you spared a glance at him and suddenly you took interest in anything but him.

“Yes, I’m no better than Grodd,” You said fingers grazing over the feathers of a passing peacock.

“Tsk, I assure you that you are not similar to that overgrown monkey in the slightest. Let’s go home,” he said and you nodded.

——

When you got back you took a long shower and didn’t see Damian again until you found him reading on his bed as the sun rose.

He looked at you, all smiles as if nothing had changed and it made you look away again as you sat next to him.

Damian sighed at your silence and put his book down, holding your hand instead.

“What’s wrong beloved?” He asked, noting your lack of eye contact.

“I just don’t understand why you’re so okay with my power. I mean I can’t stand it and I hate using it,” you told him and risked a glance into his blue orbs, suddenly you couldn’t look away.

“Y/N do you want to know one of the reasons I fell in love with you?” When you said nothing he continued, “It’s because Ace, Titus, and Alfred don’t like anyone outside of the family for at least a month but the moment you stepped through the door they were as smitten with you as I was,” he told you and your eyebrows raised in surprise.

“Really? ” You asked, you hadn’t even noticed.

“Yeah, and then when you told me you were studying to be a vet I fell a little harder. And when I came back from patrol and found you and Titus sleeping on my bed. And when you carried that bird half a mile in the rain because of its broken wing,” he said and before he could continue you interrupted.

“Robin, it was a robin. I found it a day after we told each other about our night lives. I thought of you that entire half-mile,” you told him smiling as the rising sun began to make his eyes shine.

“There you go again,” he said and you tilted your head slightly in confusion, “Making me fall in love.”

You felt your cheeks warm beneath your chocolate skin as he used his free hand to cup your face.

“I don’t hate you or your power beloved, I know people who would be more than happy to abuse an ability like yours but you only use it for good. Hell if it was up to me I’d use it to make Alfred attack Drake non-stop,” he smiled at you and you couldn’t help the laugh that escaped your lips.

“That laugh too, I have always loved your laugh,” he told you.

“Okay now you’re getting cheesy,” you smiled as he released your hand to mimic the one on your face.

“Oh am I?” He teased inching closer and closer to your face.

“Absolutely,” you told him before closing the space between you and falling into a kiss that was all smiles and love.

Suddenly you didn’t hate your power so much.

[thattimdrakeguy]

Weirdly enough Red Robin is the series I’d be most scared to review, because for obvious reasons I imagine more than any other character it’s the Tim fan base (I won’t say fandom, because I feel like that gives a different connotation nowadays. and it’s a bunch of chill, un-interactive but very passionate, chaps) that follow me.

And I’d just get sooo many people giving me nit-picks, and telling me stuff I already know.

Cause I can say anything against Teen Titans 2003, New 52, Rebirth, and Wonder Comics stuff cause that’s the generally agreed upon stuff that you can complain against for Tim. Cause like, to not play dumb to it, this whole Bat-Family fandom acts like there’s freaking laws to abide by if you don’t want a bunch of batty (not a pun, not even saying not a pun in sarcasm lol) fans and stans down your neck. Normally involving certain characterizations or comics that, honestly, aren’t even usually the more accurate ones, but the contradicting ones that don’t make a lick of sense, and that’s not even talking about the straight up fanon ones.

Not to say I wouldn’t get why it’s the Red Robin series that’d get people to give me crap out of all the Tim stuff, because I do. It’s a lot of peoples entry to Tim, and it’s pretty heavy implications of suicidal ideation, and more so obvious mental breakdown journey across continents means a lot to people. I can get why, and if it wasn’t those characters in it, I’d think it was great too.

Also I know for a fact people would act like I’m just bias for 90s Tim, and point out Timmy’s in a teddy bear hoodie in my header. Cause it’s the most weakest defense someone could possibly make cause they’re lacking an actual point. Like they know everything a fucking ‘bout me, when they don’t, I’m just allowed to think my own stuff, and I’m allowed my dang comfort art, so blah blah blah. I’ve proved myself enough. I don’t need some random dismissive guys random approval or not, but man can it be annoying when someone thinks they’re smart about it.

Like basically put, it would be very exhausting to go through the many different series and years of comic book content to explain why I think the way I do, when all the other person has to say is “I like this series a lot, and it means a lot to me, it’s story about depression, and plus it’s Tim being at the button of his sanity so-- And I think this person is stuck on 90s Tim” cause like I freaking get it, and acting like cause I prefer a different Tim comic means my opinion isn’t valid, is the most childish thing ya can really do. Like I love 90s Tim the most for a reason, and I started reading Tim as Red Robin first, ya ninny.

But to just be honest, it is an incredibly flawed series that has overall, in the long game, soiled the character of Tim Drake, and directly influenced the New 52 and beyond depiction of him. Not to give Lobdell an excuse, I just find it really odd that people getting praising it as the peak of Tim content when it’s even caused some really freaking toxic fandom beliefs.

When some of the most important scenes in the series are so botched that it has genuinely made people despise other characters when I don’t even think they were portrayed well for that to make sense. The messy inconsistent writing as it went between two different writers causing some absolutely terrible characterization for Tim that isn’t even always consistent within the series itself because FabNic is just awful, and how forgettable most stuff after the first story is.

That first story I can understand the love for it. But people treating the whole series as a whole like it’s a great journey of long-term story development just feels like a real bad describer for it. Because to me by the end of it’s run it caused Tim to be put in the terrible spot that he’s only now escaping from little under a decade later. As well as only really starting cause people in the company didn’t like Tim and the characters around them as much as you’d hope.

In total, I honestly feel like if it wasn’t released during a time were the common tastes were very edgy and emo-esque, as well as around the time the online fandom spaces were only really then being formed in a way that was practical for casual interaction and discussion, and being the only series titled “Red Robin” therefore people seem to think it’s Tim’s variation of “Nightwing”, when it’s honestly not, it wouldn’t be a series that highly regarded.

I’m not saying the whole thing is a pile of shit, cause it’s also frankly not. There’s some powerful stuff in there, and some moments that really do hit super hard in ways that don’t feel superficial. Cause another thing people don’t seem to understand that when I say his characterization isn’t good in it, does not equal me saying “He is not the same exact character he was 15 years before the series came out”, it legitimately just means I feel they took the character to places that felt more forced than genuine, or just had him stuff that goes against what he’d do for the sake of just being edgy as if it’s deep, even during his circumstances and it created people having a false understanding of who Tim is at his heart, that made it incredibly difficult for Tim to get a good story for basically a freaking decade.

It’s a series I want to review because I have genuine things to say about it, but when ever I do say anything about it I feel like I see several sub-posts that are almost undeniably about me (hasn’t happened for a while cause I don’t really bother talking about stuff I don’t like anymore, cause life's hard enough, and I’ve seen the worst end of a lot of people from it) trying to downplay me, because they got defensive about it, rather than actually trying to process what I meant by things instead of just assuming it cause it’s touchy for them.

Like I’ve openly shit on Damian’s most popular series’, and accepted fandom malarkey, because I legitimately think they’re overhyped as could be, not that great, and only have the popularity they do through bandwagoning and going along with things. And I did that while knowing how defensive the Damian fandom is, and how quick they are to just leak out nasty assumptions or outright suicide bait you (yes I remember someone tried to defend me by suicide baiting someone else, but fuck them too, I never defended them or asked them to. idgaf which fandom does it. i’m clearly not on anyone's team. this isn’t a fucking sports game).

I’ve even straight up shit on pretty much every single Jason story except Under the Red Hood, while defending some Robin Jason stories, and I haven’t even got crap on me for that, which is honestly strange. Surprisingly just got told “Ya know what. Fair point. I can accept that. I don’t agree, but I can accept it.”. Which given what I have been shown of the Jason fandom I expected much worse, but they’ve honestly been really chill with me. Me and the Jason fandom has been actually some of the most pleasant interactions I’ve had outside my own bubble.

The majority of Steph’s existence as a character I’ve criticized and gotten crap on it, but honestly I found the response of countless anons going “YEAH MAN I AGREE WITH YOU” and going way harder on her than I ever did to be pretty dang annoying, and even more annoying cause people kept thinking I said stuff I freaking didn’t out of it. So every now and again people will just straight up lie about me to my face. Like you try to talk to someone that’s been preparing to talk to you by fighting an imaginary version of yourself. It’s pretty difficult if I had to be honest. Talking ‘bout bias’s like I didn’t write TimSteph fan fictions before I realized they weren’t that great and didn’t work, while realizing that I honestly didn’t think Tim was into girls in-general.

But, to get back on topic, with the Tim fandom it’s less like, open faced attempts to make you feel like a garbage human being, and more just straight up rudely dismissive as quite often the ones I’ve seen do it try to portray themselves as some calm knowledgeable unbias source of Tim knowledge.

And there’s a different sensation of annoyance at that.

Like what is the point of trying to pretend to be some source of knowledge and for a few comradery, while also being a dismissive person that first has to make others seem lesser.

And there’s some that I’ve seen do it that I don’t even think are dicks honestly, and have no problem with it, cause it’s just so innocently “I just really like the series and still think it’s good”. That I’d be confused why people would think I have a vendetta against everyone else. I’ve never been like, straight up offended more than once over the specific topic of Red Robin. But it is a thing that makes me like “I’ll get so many people giving me crap over having a different opinion for this won’t I”. And get some people trying to validate just being a bit of a fucker to me for no good reason.

So like, may or may not write a Red Robin review, but I might not cause despite quite a few people in the Tim fandom being quite chill about it, there’s quite a lot of people that are low-key toxic about it, and a lot of bad fandom things came out of it as well.

[considermewhelmed]

Soldier, Poet, King- Jason Todd, Dick Grayson, and Damian Wayne, as told by Tim Drake

taglist- @river9noble

Master

“There will come a soldier/Who carries a mighty sword/He will tear your city down.” 

“There will come a poet/Whose weapon is his word/He will slay you with his tongue.” 

“There will come a ruler/Whose brow is laid in thorn/Smeared with oil like David’s boy.” 

Tim watches his brothers closely. 

As a photographer, he sees the beauty in things and people that most don’t. His attention was drawn to the finer details, the diamond beneath the rough that most people didn’t catch. 

Jason was his Robin, the one he grew up with and his predecessor. He remembers the quips and reckless smile from his formative years, and the time he spent following the bat and bird around Gotham to take pictures, capturing the brilliant image of a boy who seemed to fly through the sky. 

Jason reminded Tim of Icarus, the warmth and comfort of a mothers love mirroring the sun that caused the demise of a child who merely longed for the taste of freedom, who gorged on it, lest it be stolen from him once again. Freedom was as exhilarating as it was fleeting, and Icarus knew it. Jason knew it. Some people find it, most never do. 

At least not without a little help. 

Tim found it fascinating that despite all of Jason’s flaws, and the blood on his hands, he will defend a kid every time. It was his one rule in Crime Alley- leave the kids alone. 

Maybe Jason was doing what was never done for him- or what he felt was never done for him. Jason was protecting the broken kid who had died that day in the warehouse by protecting these kids. He reinforced the glue in their wings before letting them soar off into the clear skies. 

And he would be there to catch them when they fall. 

He would tear the city down if it meant saving the kids. 

Dick, however, was less brutal, less violent. The eldest son and the one who had been under Batman’s wing the longest, he just seemed to know everything and anything about any of the Rogues in the Gallery. 

And Dick’s time in the circus certainly proved useful, Tim knew that first hand. He’d seen footage of Dick back when his quadruple somersault was meant to land him in his parents arms, safe, and he had only improved over the years, learning to master and weaponize the skills that defined his past, and as much as he tried, Tim never seemed to catch up to Dick. 

But the most brilliant, he would argue, was his oldest brother’s knack for mediating. He’d seen him talk Damian out of murder and Jason into the Bat Cave. He’d seen him charm girls and extract information from henchmen just as easily. 

Dick’s words were as smooth as silk and cut like a knife. Tim was convinced if Dick wished to, he could charm all of Gotham and swiftly destroy it. 

And Damian. 

Damian reminded them all, especially Tim, who the ‘blood son’ was. Damian was tough, bold and didn’t waste his time asking for permission. He had gotten better with control while working with Bruce, but still, he remained annoyingly adamant about one thing- his birthright. 

And maybe it’s because he seemed to have lost his birthright to the Al Ghul’s, or maybe Damian felt threatened by the other boys, and the sort of bonding and level of trust they had with their father, or maybe he genuinely wanted to bear the wait of the cape and cowl one day, but in any case, he was insistent on reminding the others. 

Tim had no doubt Damian would most likely become Batman one day. Dick would probably transition out once he built a life, and a family. Jason wouldn’t want to be restricted by the moral code of Batman. Tim might take to sitting in a chair, or updating systems, but he hopes to get out of the streets when he gets older so he can go to school. 

Damian was well trained not only in martial arts, but high society living. His social cues might be askew, but he’s in good shape to be a businessman, should he choose to venture into the Wayne family day job as well as the night one. 

But Damian would one day become the ruler of Gotham, that much was certain. 

Tim watches his brothers closely. He always has. He finds it fascinating that two men, Alfred and Bruce, could raise such wildly different children in so many ways- a soldier, a poet, a king -with seemingly a singular common interest-

Save people. 

[a-la-la-llama]

Aged Up Daminette Pt:2

This is a continuation of This post! I suggest you read it first before this one.   This was amazing! Damian was actually having a pleasant conversation with a girl who saw him and only him. He didn’t have to worry about the ending of his legal name or the image that came with it, nor the weaseling of his pesky brother! For a good hour and a half, that was when an intoxicated Jason Todd thought it was a good idea to approach his favorite person. “Pixie-pop! I didn’t see you till now! Is he causing you any trouble?” Marinette giggled as Jason wrapped an arm over her shoulder and looked at his brother with a smirk. “No Jay, Larry actually sent him over!”, flicking to the pink straw in her drink indicating the bartender thought Damian was safe. It was the little safety indicators like these created by Larry and Alice that kept her coming back. “What was he thinking! Sending Demon Spawn over here, he could have killed you!” Jason was livid, there was no way he would ever trust his youngest brother to be around her. Marinette crossed her arms and leaned against Jason, facing Damian, “So you're the ‘Demon Spawn’ Jason's always complaining about?” Damian wanted to kill Todd that very second, he had a legitimate chance with this girl but it was all thrown down the drain by his loudmouth brothers.

  “What did you say, Todd?”, he seethed hissing out the words while glaring at said brother. Damian was greeted by a cheeky smile, “You know, even if I could remember I wouldn’t tell you. I’m usually black-out drunk when I start spewing things about my life.” Marinette giggled and pushed herself out of Jason’s embrace, “And that’s also when he likes to start fights!” Damian scowled, that wasn't fair, he wanted a hug too! “I always have valid reasons though, I’m not some brute!”, Jason defended himself. “What about when you broke a barstool on someone when they interrupted you and Larry trying to order a drink?” Jason retorted, “Okay, but-“ Marinette added more, “Or when you stole someone else’s shot and proceeded to throw them out the window?” Jason huffed, “But that-“ Marinette just continued, “Or when you stabbed that-“ Throwing his hands up, “Okay, Pixie-pop! I get it, you made your point!” She smirked now satisfied with the points she made. “Since Damian has someone to talk to now, I’m going to the bathroom!” She closed her sketchbook before sliding off the stool.

  Damian turned to his brother once she was out of sight, “Now tell me what you told her, Todd!”, he all but demanded. “I’m not lying when I say I don’t remember. Now tell me what you're doing around her, of all people!” Jason asked, dropping his smile for a narrowed glare. “That’s none of your business.”, retorted Damian. “Oh, like hell! Pixie-pop is a literal angel and I will not let her be corrupted by the son of satan on my watch!” Tt, as if Damian would do anything to harm her, he did like the name angel, however. “Where are Grayson and Drake?” Jason stole Damian’s drink and chugged what was left in it before answering. “Grayson passed out and was picked up by his wifey and Tim is over there chatting up Larry about mixed drinks.” The two turned to stare at Tim who was desperately trying to understand the concept of a Galaxy Cocktail. “Fess up, what are you doing with Mari! I care about her more than you, so if-“ Damian did not stay sitting around to listen to the rest of Jason’s lecture, who had not turned around yet from looking at Tim so it was an easy escape. At the moment, Damian was on a search for a good spot to wait for the wonder of the girl.

  Idly waiting on the edge of the dance floor, Damien leaned against a structure pole little ways outside of the bathroom. It was the perfect spot to wait, hidden by the crowd on the dance floor to hide from Jason but where he could easily catch Marinette without it being weird. That is until a woman along with a man walked up to him. Both seemed a few years older than him, most likely in their late twenties. “So you're the dude hanging around Mar-bear.” The woman was the first to speak with him, well more like interrogated. She had her arms crossed over her chest and was set in a staredown with him. He kept her gaze while answering, “Yes, and who might you be?” She gave a small huff, “I’m her honorary big sister! Let me tell you, everyone who knows her in this bar is not above throwing down and kicking ass for her!” Damian grew up with Bruce and Batman as a father; this self-proclaimed ‘big sister’ would not deter him from Marinette. “No need for that Alina, he has been nothing but nice!”, Marinette joined the conversation before Damian could even say anything snarky. “You never know Mar-bear! He could be just like that ‘nice guy’ Matt from last week. I’m just doing my duty as a big sister to protect you!”

  The man placed an arm on the pouting woman, Alina, and smiled. “Sorry Marinette, you know how she gets. I couldn’t hold her back this time.” Marinette waved her hands in dismissal, “You don’t have to apologize Aven, plus this is Jason’s brother so he has it covered!” Alina raised an eyebrow to the new information, “Which one?” Marinette threw a thumb towards Damian, “This is Damian!” The couple, Alina and Aven, sighed. “Mar-bear, he has like three! Are you the smart one, annoying one, or the evil one?” Alina asked, turning her attention towards him. “ Hm. Drake is definitely the smart one. I could be considered an annoying or evil one. I’ve learned he refers to me as Demon Spawn, here.”, he all but grumbled out. Aven was the one to comment, “ No way! You’re like my favorite to get him to talk about. Dude, you do the craziest shit sometimes. Like when you stabbed Jason in the leg when you were like twelve after he ate your dessert. I could not stop laughing when he showed me the scare!” Out of all the stuff Todd could have said about him, he picked how violent he was. How was Marinette not running for the hills yet? “You got your work cut out for you then, Mar-bear here is a little fire-cracker, if you know what I mean!” Alina nudged Marinette in the side. “What?”

  Marinette giggled at how stunned Damian looked, “Who do you think is Jason’s back up in fights, Dami?” As if summoned by his name, Jason popped up out of nowhere. “There you are Demon Spawn, we gotta go! Say bye to Pixie-pop cause it’s the last time you’ll see her on my watch!” Tim was there too, but was occupied with the hell-ish concoction he convinced Larry to make him. “No need, Jay-bird! Big sister Alina has this covered!” Said sister nudged Jason out of the group. “Hey! I met her first, plus, I fought that Matt guy last week when he wouldn’t stop hitting on her! I got honorary brother rights too!”, pushing Alina back. “ One, Marinette actually knocked him out, you just threw him outside. Two, I’m a girl and she’s a girl so it should be me! And three, this is your brother, that makes you biased!” Having a feeling this was going to go on for a while, Damian took the opportunity to grab Marinette’s hand and lead her further into the crowd on the dance floor.

  “You know, you have to ask a girl to dance before you just take her away?” Marinette teased him along with a smile. “My bad, Angel. That was not my intention.” Surrounded by people, he stood in front of her and looked down. Damian realized why Jason’s nickname fit her, he had at least a good eight inches in height above her. He lifted her hand that he held up and intertwined their fingers, his hand was huge compared to her small, soft, and slim ones, and brought them back to their sides. “You brought a girl onto a dance floor but expected not to dance?”, she said between giggles. Now embarrassed Damian looked away and tried to excuse himself, “Ask my family, I don’t dance and I’ve got two left feet. It really isn’t my style either.” The giggles stopped and he could feel her body tense up through her hand. He turned his head back to look down at her again. “It’s Alright! I’m just teasing you, Dami.” Her smile didn't go to her eyes, was she disappointed? That caused a jab in his heart, she really had him in the palm of her hand. Screw it! Damian didn’t care, he’d do anything for her no matter where to keep that smile. He brought their joined hands back up and spun her before setting his free hand on her waist and bringing her closer.

  Damian took back what he said, “I’d loved to dance, Angel. As long as it’s with you.” Taking a peek back down, Damian enjoyed the view he had of her blushing face. Best idea ever. He took note of how he could feel her lean into his chest and the way her voice vibrated against him, “Thanks, Dami.” If Damian had the guts, he would tease her and tell her how she was waltzing away with his heart with how adorable she is. Maybe, he should save that for the future? For now, he enjoyed their first dance together and hoped for his sake, the first of many. God, he sounded like Grayson! Marinette finally helped him understand Grayson’s words

  “Wait till you have a girlfriend, Baby Bird! When you’re older you won’t be teasing me then, I’ll be teasing you!” Which he always responded with, “Yeah right! I’d never give into disgusting emotions like you. It’s a waste of my time.” Though, that might have been from living with the league. He was that kind of kid who despised romance. Oh, how wrong younger him had been. Good thing his Angel never had to meet the teenage version of himself. Hear stories, maybe? But meeting the hell-bent kid version of him would have been a nightmare. Damian knew if they had known each other then he certainly would have driven her away. Love never came his way until this day. He never imagined he would want to settle down with someone, let alone someone he just met. But everything felt easy with Marinette. It was familiar, felt normal, almost natural. As if they were destined to be with one another. She might not be feeling what he was, but Damian was determined to make this last. This was the farthest he had ever gone with someone and it had only been a few hours. Dancing as if there was no one else around him and Marinette, Damian decided he wanted this as his future.

Bonus!

Jason: “Tim! Are you recording this? I’ve never seen Demon Spawn dance!”

Tim: “There he is, spinning this girl round and round in circles. Hell must be freezing over!”

Jason: “ Dick is going to have a field day tomorrow!”

Alina: “Truce. We are totally working together to spy on their first date.”

Aven: “ Isn’t this technically a date?”

Alina: “Shut up, babe. That’s just the minor details!”

Jason: “Shut the fuck up both of you! I’m trying to get good blackmail here!”

People who said they wanted more in the last post!

@mystery-5-5 

Well this was a 3:14 am!                                      Next

[ali-kitkat]

What’s a Sham? Our Childhood - Childhood Friends AU Ch2

First  

AO3

She loved him.

How was he supposed to process that? That was something for him to sort out, later. Especially with the glee in his brothers’ eyes. Except that statement kept replaying over and over in his mind; he couldn’t think of anything else but her words.

She loved him.

He knew he had feelings for her, but he never opened that box when he was with the League or after he came to live with his father.

With the League, he never opened it because it was a weakness, and weaknesses were exploitable. He was close with her when they sparred but any other time, they acted indifferent. Their sparring matches were never supervised. It was odd that they weren’t, but they never thought much of it. They agreed to never speak to each other unless their guardians commanded them to.

The only times Marinette had ever shown emotion was when they sparred. The first time she had shown any emotion other than concentration in a fight was when he brushed off her feelings of Sabine’s words about her father, she had lost control during the fight and had beaten him into a corner until he apologized for his impudence. The second was after they were each told to kill the other.

While living with his father he never thought about her because he wasn’t sure if she was alive. He was hopeful about it, but the doubt he had made him more cynical on the days he thought of her. His brothers learned to avoid him on those days, it had taken them time to realize that. Especially on the anniversary of Slade’s attack.

He’d drawn her once, and immediately stashed the portrait away. He couldn’t bear to look at it, there were a cacophony of emotions it elicited, and he didn’t know how to handle them. Jason had found it once and asked about the girl. He didn’t have the courage to talk about who Marinette was to him. All he did was rip the portrait from the offending hands and burn it.

He was pulled from his thoughts when someone flicked him on the forehead. When he glanced around, his brothers were all pointing at Marinette. Which was rather pointless as her expression gave her away, it was one of perfectly schooled innocence. It never fooled him though.

He didn’t bother glaring at her, she would’ve been unphased after spending four years ignoring it and sending the same glare back. He sighed exasperatedly so, which prompted muffled laughter from his brothers. Grayson, the closest to him earned a jab to the ribs for his suggestive eyebrows. He himself received a sigh of disappointment from his father and another flick on the forehead from Marinette.

“Marinette.” He said, voice low and glaring at her. This time to send a warning.

“Marion, actually.” She replied.

“What?”

“My name is Marion Agreste, best not to get confused when my class is around.” She explained. “I can easily say you’re an old friend who knows me by my nickname Mari, but my class knows me as Marion or as the Ice Princess.”

There was a snort from behind them. They all turned to see the two blondes from before with amused expressions on their faces.

“Mari, you’re just full of surprises.” The boy spoke.

“Of course, she is Adri.” The girl replied, slinging an arm over his shoulders. “She’s magic or have you forgotten how she saved your ass from the harpy?”

“Chloe don’t be mean to him. You know he can’t help it. The hairspray from all those photoshoots always go to his head, killing his braincells in the process.”

The boy, Adrien Agreste he recognized, was gaping; opening and closing his mouth trying to think of a response to the insult Marinette had thrown at him. His brothers weren’t even trying to hide their laughter. Adrien had regained his bearings and shrugged Chloe’s arm off of him and scowled.

Chloe had rested her hand dramatically on her heart. “Of course, it’s just made worse by the class’s incessant need to pull him away from his sister. You’re his Jiminy Cricket after all.”

“Okay, one this is uncalled for, how dare the both of you gang up on me like this. Two, are you going to introduce us to your friend Mari?” Adrien badgered. Mari glared at him and flipped him the bird.

“Oh, dearest brother of mine, go fuck yourself.” She sassed. “If you must know, he’s an old friend.” She repeated his words from earlier making him and Drake laugh. Adrien looked quite affronted at her response. Jason snorted as his Father muttered something about children that he didn’t quite catch.

“Wait, before you maim your brother. How did you end up with the Agrestes and in Gotham of all cities?” He asked, gesturing to her friend and brother. “How much do they know? About you and where you came from?”

His father cleared his throat and glanced around. “How about you move this conversation from a public place to a conference room, this isn’t something I’d like to have spread around. I’m certain photos have already been taken of us, none of us are exactly low profile.”

Nodding their heads in agreement they headed to one of the secure conference rooms on the ground floor.

“Adrien and Chloe know who I am. You remember Slade’s attack fairly well I’m assuming. Sabine helped him, I’m sure you knew already that.” She started, her eyes hardened, and she glared at a spot on the wall. “Sabine never bothered to check on me during the attack. Not to mention since Ra’s loyalists were going to be instantly killed, I didn’t know whether or not I was safe. I went with the assumption Sabine was probably going to kill me herself.”

Mari had refused to sit; Adrien and Chloe had settled next to each other in seats closest to her. He refused to sit as well, standing beside her too. Glancing around he could see that Dick was sitting on the edge of the table with Bruce and Tim sitting in chairs across from the blondes, and Jason leaning against the wall behind them, watching the scene.

“You believe she would’ve killed you?” Adrien asked in disbelief. From a glance he could see the boy was horrified and clutching onto his friend’s hand.

“She killed her grandfather, the last Guardian before her, who had the box. What would stop her from killing her own daughter?” She let out a bitter laugh. “She knew that I would’ve killed for Damian, she instilled that in me herself. I ran partly to try and find you, but Talia’s men found me first and since it was revealed that Sabine helped Slade in his coup, I was to be killed. Especially since she never liked me either.”

She gave him a wry look and lifted her bangs showing off a scar. “I defended myself admirably, our training together paid off, but five against one isn’t quite even odds. The room for the miracle box was nearby and I entered, since I couldn’t find you and I decided my death wasn’t going to be decided by people who didn’t care about me I used what I had to escape.”

“I don’t blame you for that, you’re right. Talia would’ve killed you. I don’t know how I would have responded, especially since she told me you helped Sabine in the coup.” He said. Reaching out, he grabbed her hand gave it a small squeeze. “I had a lot of mixed feelings. I knew you wouldn’t have done that, but the love I had for Talia at that time was at war with my feelings for you.”

“Thank you, Damian.” She paused for a moment and squeezed his hand in return. “Well, I ended up Paris after using one of the miraculous. I was clutching the box, wandering around I stumbled upon a photoshoot in a park. Emilie Agreste saw me first and she was livid. She wanted to know what happened and why I looked like I came out of a war zone, I wasn’t a pretty sight. I lied, obviously, and said I didn’t remember much except that my mother was the cause of it and that I didn’t know anything else, not exactly a lie.”

This time instead of another bitter laugh, she sighed. It was one of exhaustion and acceptance. “She walked up to Gabriel and told him what I said, verbatim, and that was that. They called contacts, falsified a few documents and here I stand as Marion Agreste. A child they found with severe PTSD and amnesia who doesn’t remember her childhood. Emilie and Gabriel don’t know who I am exactly, but they do know that I lied to them, they understood why I did.”

“Now as to how I’m here in Gotham actually has to do with the fact that Adrien wanted to go to school and Chloe wanted him to as well.” She snickered. “Chloe wanted Adrien to go to school and tried to bargain with Gabriel. If Adrien wanted to go to public school so badly, I had to attend with him. Emilie didn’t want to keep Adrien in the house as he really didn’t have the most social upbringing. His social cues are shit.”

“They are not!” Adrien defended. Both Mari and Chloe gave him a knowing look and raised an eyebrow in question.

“Adrien sweetie, when I first met Mari you thought we should just get along because we were both girls.” Chloe replied, eliciting varying laughs of amusement.

“And when Chloe told us about Lila you asked what was so bad about a stretched truth.” Mari chimed in. “Then Lila mentioned she was dating you and you replied that you were gay. Now when Lila tried to cozy up to you when we started public school you shouted you were gay.”

Adrien winced looking thoroughly cowed. “Alright you’ve made your point, please stop calling me out like this.”

“Wait, why did you have to attend with him?”

Adrien started to laugh while Chloe smirked at Mari. She had groaned and refused to look at anyone else in the room.

“In my defense, I thought someone was going to hurt Adrien.” She started. “It was a little bit after Emilie and Gabriel had gotten the legal things sorted out. I went with them to Adrien’s next photoshoot in the park. While Adrien was taking a break, someone came up to him and dragged him off for a selfie. Adrien looked startled and –”

“Her solution was to remove their arm from my body and twist it so far behind their back it was dislocated. Father decided that Mari was the best bodyguard for me because she’s tiny and unassuming.” Adrien interrupted, having finally gained some composure. 

*~*~*~* 

i can’t recall if anyone asked to be tagged in this, but i’m not sure about making a taglist for this one if i do it’s going to be limited to maybe thirty or so people. 

this one isn’t beta read so if there’s anything wrong just comment and i’ll come back and fix it. probably. 

[angelliev]

Lover Boy - JJ Maybank x OC - Part Fourteen - Spilled Tea

Word Count: 3.3K

Summary: Aria wakes up in the hospital to be greeted with drama. Secrets are spilled within the room.

Warnings: Hospitals, cursing, crying, Claude being a jerk and much more.

A/N: Here’s the piping hot tea. Hehe. (Not my GIF. I don’t own any of the characters or the show.)

Lover Boy Series Masterlist

The blinding white lights of the hospital attack my eyes that attempted to flutter open. I scan my surroundings when my eyes finally adjust. I could hear the heavy rain pattering on the windows. Outside is all gloomy and wet. I sit there confused as I try to remember what happened. I then notice someone slouched next to me. I immediately recognize the mop of blonde hair and light snores. I lightly shake his shoulder, causing him to snap his head up. His eyes light up when he sees my awaken form. “Aria! You’re awake! You scared the shit outta me.” He hugged me tightly and littered my face in kisses. “Sorry about that lover boy. Speaking of, what the hell happened?” I asked out of curiosity.

“You passed out on the boat and cracked your head open. Don’t worry, your mom said you’ll be okay.” He reassured me. It all starts to come back to me. “She must be freaking out. Does she know what caused me to faint?” I can already see my mother asking me a billion questions. “Not yet. They’re still trying to figure that part out.” He nods his head. “How long was I out?” I asked. “Since you passed out yesterday. They had to put you under anesthesia while stitching you up, so that kept you out till this morning. I stayed here all night waiting for you to wake up.” He rubs my hand. This made my heart flutter.

“They let you stay past visiting hours?” I asked surprised. “Your mom may have snuck me in.” He smirked. Why does that not surprise me? “I called your sister by the way.” He said, making my eyes widen. “What did she say?” I pushed for an answer. “She booked a flight out here as soon as I told her. She’s getting here as fast as she can.” "Thanks JJ. It’ll be nice to see her again. I just don’t know how my parents will react to seeing her pregnant.” I say nervously. Her due date is in June and its already April. She’s definitely showing.

“They still don’t know?” He asked incredulously. “No, she wanted to be the one to tell them.” “Well they’re definitely gonna know now.” I say. I felt guilty not telling my mom or brother about the pregnancy, but it’s not my story to tell. I still don’t know what the gender of the baby is. I’m really excited to be an aunt though.

The door to the room opens, revealing my mom, who smiles at my state. “Sweetheart! You scared me! How are you feeling?” She hugs me tight. “I’m okay mom really. Just a little tired and sore.” I try to calm her down. “It’s about time for you to take your prescription. I ‘m just glad you’re okay. You’re lucky to have such amazing friends and a stubborn boyfriend.” My mom teases JJ, causing him to blush. “He refused to leave your side. I had to sneak him in so he’d stop freaking out.” I giggle watching the two smile.

“Speaking of my friends, are they here?” I asked wanting to see them. “They were until visiting hours were over. They were sent home, much to their dismay. Your father should be here soon as well. He was at a business meeting in Philadelphia.” Great. Just the person I wanted to see. “What about Damian? Where’s he?” “He went home after visiting hours. I’ll give him a call and tell him you’re awake. Make sure to call your friends, they were pretty worried about you.” My mom suggested about to leave the room before turning to us.

“JJ, I never got to thank you for what you did. Not just for yesterday, but also for defending her against Rafe. I really appreciate you standing up for my daughter. It means a lot to me love.” She thanks him sincerely. “It’s no problem, really. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.” His words make both of us smile. “I know you would. Thank you. I’ll be back in just a moment. Call your friends.” She leaves the two of us alone. “Now if only my dad loved you as much as my mom.” I say. “Tell me about it. He always looks like he’s ready to bury me whenever he sees me.” JJ agrees as he calls JB. “Hey man. Get down here. Aria woke up. Yeah, she’s alright. See ya later man. Bye.” He hangs up before turning his attention back to me.

“You sure you’re okay babe?” He asked once more with puppy eyes. “I’m fine really, thanks to you guys. My heroes.” I peck his lips. “Next time, if you’re feeling off, just tell me and we’ll stay home.” “Yes mom.” I tease, earning a kiss from him. The two of us just sat there scrolling through channels. Soon, the Pogues start pouring in, questioning my being and covering me in hugs. Kie, Charis and Sarah held flowers and teddy bears. My brother followed in not too long after. It just occurred to me that this was the first time he had met JJ and the Pogues.

“I want to thank you guys for what you did. Which one of you is JJ?” My brother asked. Oh boy. “That would be me.” My brother turn to the blonde, before walking up to him and holding his hand, which JJ gladly shakes. “Thanks for kicking Rafe’s ass when I wasn’t there. I appreciate you looking out for my little sister.” The two share a smile. “The pleasure’s all mine.” Looks like those two will get along just fine.

“Aria?” A familiar voice had made everyone’s head turn. There stood Jennifer, with her impressive baby bump. My eyes lit up to see her. Everyone’s eyes nearly flew out of their sockets when they saw my very pregnant sister standing there, before she waddled over to hug me. Collectively, except JJ and I, everyone had said, “What. The. Fuck???” Not holding back. “I came as soon as JJ called.” Everyone looked over at the guilty blonde with shock written all over their faces.

“Hold up. You knew two knew she was pregnant?!” Damian asked the two of us. Jennifer turned to Damian. “Surprise?” She said nervously. The awkward silence in the room had lingered for a moment, until Kie broke the silence. “Well, I don’t know about you guys, but I think we should grab some lunch and let these guys talk this out.” The Pogues, all agree and begin to leave the room, well except for Charis. “But this is some piping hot tea! I wanna hear!” The girls drag her out of the room. My mom enters not too long after.

The look of shock was written all over her face, when not only did she see Jennifer, but her gigantic baby bump. My mom and brother began questioning her. “You’re pregnant? Where have you been? Why haven’t you called?” The two asked frantically. “I’ll explain everything. I just need you guys to calm down.” She says. “What in the actual fuck?!” There in the doorway stood my father. “It’s about to go down” - Kevin Hart

“What the fuck is that?!” He points to her blown stomach. “It’s a baby bump you fucking idiot!” Jennifer snaps at him, surprising all of his. Looks like she’s had enough of his shit. “More like a slut bump!” His hateful words anger everyone. “Watch your language! This is our daughter you’re speaking to!” My mom scolds him. “You have some explaining to do! What the hell is going on?” My father yelled. “Stop yelling at her!” Damian stepped in. God, I wish I was high for this conversation. “Everyone calm down! Let her talk!” My voice breaks the chaos. “Thank you.” Says Jennifer.

It took everything in my father to sit down and let my sister explain everything. The pregnancy, moving to Boston, Andrew Coleman, who is now her fiancé. Everyone just listened as they tried to process what was going on. My dad stood up as he paced around the room. “So, you’re telling me, that you moved to Boston, pregnant with this man’s kid and now you’re marrying him?!” Claude asked astonished. “Yes.” “Why?!” His eyes were filled with anger. “Because of you and Rafe! You two were the ones who had pushed me away. Not mom, not Damian, and not Aria! You! And that’s not even the worst part! I learned that you were trying to set Rafe up with Aria! Are you fucking kidding me? You think that just because I left, means you could push you next daughter to marry him? You’re fucked in the head you know that?” Jennifer yelled angrily.

“Everything was fine, until you little pricks screwed it up! Now your mother is pressing charges against Rafe!” My father looked like he was about to pop a vein pointing at us. “I’m sorry I’m pressing charges, because he assaulted our daughter who you clearly don’t care about!” My mom shouted. “Don’t care about? Woman I left the middle of my meeting to fly out here! Don’t tell me I don’t care about her!” He talked back to my mother. “Oh really? Cause the first you did when you walked in here, was yell at Jennifer. You didn’t even ask if Aria was okay! She just cracked her bloody head open!” “She’s alive is she not?!” Fucking dad of the year right here. “Gee thanks dad. Really appreciate your concern.” I said sarcastically.

Someone knocks on the door. Housekeeping. JJ pokes his head in to see all of us staring at him. “I take it this is a bad time.” You think?! My dad’s face begins to sweat out of frustration. “What the hell is he doing here?!” He points. “Don’t be rude! He and his friends were the ones who brought here to the hospital!” My mom defended him. “What does he want? A fucking cookie?!” Jesus Christ shoot me know. Can this get any worse? A nurse peeks her head into the room.

“Dr. Prescott, you might want to take a look at this.” The woman looks between all of us. Elaine steps out with a sigh. My dad paces around the room frustrated before speaking to JJ. “This is all your fault. You know that? Aria was perfect, then you showed up and corrupted her.” Before any of us could say anything. “She’s already perfect! Always has and always will be! I know you think I’m not good enough for your daughter. I may not have fancy yachts or mansions. I may come from a shitty home life. But sir, I love your daughter with every bone in my body. I’ll do anything to make her happy. I may be young and stupid, but damn it loving her was the best decision I’ve ever made, and I’ll never stop loving her. Her name is forever inked on my body just to prove that!” JJ shouted before revealing the tattoo of my name. That’s my man. “Kill me now.” My father mutters.

The door creaks open slowly. My mom’s eyes fall on me. She looks like she had seen a ghost. This makes me scared to the core. “Mom? What’s wrong?” I asked cautiously. She doesn’t answer. “Everyone, please remove yourselves from this room.” My mom requested calmly. “Like hell,” My dad doesn’t get to finish his sentence, before my mom snaps. “Damn it Claude! This is between me and Aria! If you don’t leave, I’ll have security show you the door!” Mama’s mad - JJ. Everyone leaves the two of us alone, the door shuts on the way. “Mom, you’re scaring me. What’s this about? Please don’t tell me I have cancer.” I begin to panic. “No, it’s nothing like that.” She calms me down. “Then what is it?” I asked confused. My mom just sits there for a moment, hesitating to answer.

“We tested your blood and samples. Traces of the hCG hormone came back positive.” She explained as I sat there dumbfounded, not understanding. “What does that mean?” I asked confused. She just looks at me with sympathetic eyes. “Aria, you’re pregnant.” Her words made me freeze completely. My blood ran cold and my eyes watered. A thousand thoughts began to run through my head. This can’t be true. I must be dreaming. I’ll be waking up in a few minutes!

“We estimated that you are about three weeks pregnant.” I ran my shaky hands through my hair. “Mom, what am I going to do? What am I going to tell JJ?” I asked frantically. “We’ll figure this out sweetheart. I’ll be by your side the whole way.” She held my hand. “Can you send JJ in please? I want to see him.” I cried. She simply nodded her head before inviting him in. He rushed to my side immediately.

“Babe what’s wrong?” He asked concerned, wiping away my tears. “If I tell you, you’ll hate me.” I sob. He looks hurt by my words. He takes my face in his hands. “Baby, look at me. I could never hate you okay? I love you too much to hate you. Whatever it is, you and I will get through it together. I’m not going anywhere I promise.” He kisses my forehead. “Now, what’s the matter?” He asked. I couldn’t find the courage to find words, with my tongue tied and the lump in my throat.

“JJ, I’m pregnant.” I whisper, more tears stream down my face. The silence in the room made the situation even scarier. His eyes bulge and his hands run through his hair. “JJ please say something. You’re scaring me.” I plead. He huffs. “I’m sorry. I’m still trying to process this. We’re having a baby? Like for reals?” He asked nervously. “What else would we be having?!” My heart beats fast. “I’m sorry! I’m scared too okay. I don’t want to grow up to be like him okay!” Tears began too well in his eyes, as his insecurities poured in. His father’s words coming back to him. “I can barely give you anything! How am I supposed to give our baby anything?” He stressed. “You are nothing like your father. You’ve given me so much love and care, I know you’ll do the same for this baby. We’ll raise this baby together. You’ll be a great dad. I know it.” I hold his head in my lap.

“What are we supposed to do about housing, groceries, diapers and everything else?” He asked already worried. “You let me worry about the financial situation.” My mother steps in. “We can’t ask you to do that Mrs. Prescott.” Says JJ. “I want to. I don’t want the parents of my grand baby to be starving or homeless.” She looked at the two of us with nothing but love.

“What are we going to tell dad?” I asked nervously. She just sighs. “I don’t know. It’s honestly up to you. I didn’t think you were going to tell him. Can’t say I blame you.” My mom looked at him sympathetically.

“Tell me what?” My father’s voice interrupted us, Jennifer and Damian walk in. For a moment we all just stood there not knowing what to say. “Dad, you might want to sit down for this one.” I warn him. “Oh, for the love god, out with it!” He demands. “I’m pregnant!” I decide to let it out. What I wasn’t expecting was for him to bust out laughing. He kept laughing until he realized no one else was. “You’re serious?! Are you fucking kidding me?!” He kicks a chair making me jump. “Claude! Calm down!” My mom yells.

“How do you expect me to be calm when both of my daughters are knocked up? One’s pregnant with a man we never met, while the other is pregnant with a pogue’s kid! This is a monstrosity! We can’t allow this!” He declares, making our brows furrow. “What are you talking about?” Asked mom. “She’s getting an abortion and that’s final. We still have plenty of time.” His words made me see red. “No!” I shout. “Excuse me?!” Claude looked at me with ferocious eyes. “I am having this baby! This is our baby, not yours!” I yell grabbing JJ’s hand.

“The hell you are keeping it! It’s just a fetus!” Claude protests. “This is not your decision Claude! She’s the one who’s pregnant. Not you.” My mother takes my side. “Bullshit! She’s my kid I’ll do whatever I want with her. And if that means I have to rip the child out myself then so be it!” He grabs a hold of my arm, dragging me out of bed, while everyone tries to shove him off of me. “You monster! Get off me! Help!”

“Get the fuck off her!” JJ punches Claude across the face, which seems to piss him off even more, causing him to grab JJ by the shirt. Damian is finally able to pull Claude off of me. Jennifer and my mom pull me up from the floor. “I’ll kick your ass if you ever touch her like that again!” Yelled JJ. “Fuck off! She’s my kid! I’ll do whatever the hell I please!”

“She’s not yours!” My mother’s voice echoes throughout the room. Everyone stared at her for a moment, in disbelief, unsure we heard her right. “What the hell did you just say?” Claude asked in disbelief. “She’s not yours, Claude.” My mother says softly. Her eyes full of shame, as she looks over to see me in complete utter shock. Words can’t find their way out of my mouth. “You fucking liar! You’re lying!” He denied. “Why would I lie about that?!” My mom shouted, tears in her eyes. “Okay, well if she’s not mine, then who’s the father? Tell me goddamn it! Who’s her father?!” Claude knocks over a glass. My mom doesn’t answer. She just stands there silently holding her ground.

“She’s his. Isn’t she?” All of us sat there in confusion, as to who they were talking about. “You lying whore!” Damian grabs my father by the collar of his shirt. “You watch your mouth when you talk to my mom!” “She’s a liar and a cheater!” My dad defends himself. “Like you aren’t?! We all know you’ve been cheating on mom for years now, so don’t act all innocent! You think we don’t know about your mistress? Don’t shit on mom because she was tired of being in a loveless marriage, and you refused to sign the goddamn papers. You gave her no fucking choice!” Jennifer called him out triumphantly.

“Screw you guys! You deserve each other!” He yells before turning to Jennifer. “You can go back to Boston for all I care! And you!” He points at JJ and I. “Don’t even bother coming back home.” He said heartlessly, tears began to well in my eyes. “Where am I supposed to go?!” “Why should I care? You’re not even my fucking kid!” His words stung me harshly. “Enjoy your little bundle of joy.” Claude says before leaving the room. I finally break down in the bed, not able to hold back my sobs. JJ wastes no time pull me into his strong arms, letting me cry into his shoulder.

“Just let it go, baby. I’ve got you. I’m not going anywhere. I promise. I love you and I’m gonna love this baby. I promise.” His soft words bring me comfort as I cry. I don’t know how long we laid there with him just holding me and whispering sweet nothings into my ears as I let all of emotions out. At this point, I didn’t care about what my dad, er, Claude had said. I have JJ and our beautiful creation inside me.