#ch: marinette dupain cheng

[parfaitthewitch]

sorry i still dont know what to draw lmao. if u have any ideas or requests you can reply, ask, or message me

[nixthelapin]

I still can’t believe they turned the Eiffel Tower into a Chia Pet

[sizzleissues]

Speak my language (1250 words.)

inspired by this post by @nervousbelieverstarfish

There was a girl behind M Damocles, her hands stuck awkwardly at her sides as she made herself appear small next to him. Adrien tilted his head to the side to get a proper look but the girl shuffled away. Adrien straightened and looked up at M Damocles. Why had he led this clearly frightened girl all the way to his shady spot in the school yard? M Damocles stepped aside, gesturing to the girl with a worried smile. 

“This is Marinette Dupain-Cheng, she's a new student here.”

Marinette whispered something quiet that went ignored by M Damocles.  There was a piece of pasta on her shoulder that she didn't seem to notice and a reddish stain on her black jacket that she definitely knew was there. Her entire face was pink as she watched him from behind her bangs.

He extended his hand — that was what you’re supposed to do when greeting new people? — and tried to make his smile warm. “Hi, I’m Adrien. You have pasta on your shoulder.”

Marinette blinked and M Damocles stepped in, clearing his throat.

“She’s just moved here from China. Very little French.”

Adrien retracted his hand. (He was glad she hadn’t understood him, why had he opened with ‘there’s pasta on your shoulder’? She looked mortified already, no need to kill her.)

“I know you’re only recently returning to regular schooling after your m-,” M Damocles clammed up, his voice trailing off. 

“My maman died,” Adrien supplied, forcing M Damocles to look him in his eyes as he said it. He was sick of people treating him like he couldn’t bear to hear the words. Maybe it was more that they didn’t want to say it, that they didn't want to deal with the consequences if he did break with every mention of her. It was a good thing then that he’d put all that childish grief away — along with everything else that would only hurt him in the long run. 

“Err- yes. That. Anyways, you’re here longer than Marinette and I read on your file you’re fluent in Chinese. You’re also in all advanced classes so you’d be the perfect fit to help Marinette get around and teach her French on the side. If you are willing to, of course.”

Adrien had half a mind to refuse M Damocles and go back to his quiet existence on the edges of the school. That was the way he liked it and nothing ever before had made him want to change that. Then he looked at Marinette and he couldn’t find it in him to refuse.

“Do you know what dialect she speaks?” Adrien asked. 

“Pardon?”

“What dialect? I speak Mandarin but she could only speak Cantonese or another regional dialect I wouldn’t understand.”

M Damocles paused, his thick eyebrows weighed with confusion. It seemed the thought had never occurred to him. 

“Marinette. Do - you - speak - Mandarin?” M Damocles asked her in broken French. Adrien saw something flick across her face that was different from her timid expression before. A flash of fire in her otherwise soft blue eyes. She silently nodded in response. Adrien saw it again as M Damocles turned back to Adrien to relay the answer though he’d already heard. He had to bite his lip to contain a snicker as he caught the sarcastic flick of her eyes. 

“Well then, that’s all sorted. I’ll leave you to it,” M Damocles said with a note of relief in his voice, glad the translation problem was no longer his. He strode off, leaving Marinette behind. She watched him leave with a surprisingly reluctant expression, even though he’d proved utterly incompetent.

“So, you’re new here?” He asked in Mandarin. Marinette swung her head around, blue eyes wide and frightened again. 

“Y-yes.”

“I’m A-.”

“Adrien Agreste. I know,” She interrupted.

“You do?”

Marinette seemed to realise what she’d done and turned bright red.

“I mean, you already said so. Earlier. I’m not the best at French but I know when someone’s introducing themselves.”

“Right…” It didn’t explain knowing his last name, he’d never given it, but he wouldn’t be surprised if the Agreste name had made it as far as China. He moved on to the side on his bench and held his hand out to offer the seat beside him. “Do you want to sit down?”

“Okay.” 

She sat, bouncing her leg as she looked everywhere but at him. Had she understood him earlier with the pasta thing? He searched his head for something to say before the silence lingered too long and it became impossible to breach. 

“You have pasta on your shoulder.”

Not that!

Marinette squeaked, shaking it off and then removing her jacket altogether. She groaned into her hands. Adrien scrambled desperately for something not related to pasta to ask.

“I- I noticed you have a French word in your name?”

“Oh, yeah. My Papa is French but we’ve lived in China my whole life. Never really tried to learn the language. Regretting that now.” She laughed dryly at her own expense. Adrien smiled at her when she looked up and she immediately went back to staring at the ground, furiously tapping her foot. 

“Why did you move, if you don’t mind answering?”

“To go here. To learn art at this school and become a fashion designer. I applied ages ago, I didn’t think I got in. Didn’t think I would get in.” She leaned back from hunching over, her voice getting a little louder as she settled. “That's probably why I didn’t really try to learn French but now I’m here and I don’t know a word and it's going to screw everything up. I couldn’t find any of my classes and then this- this, bitch, threw her pasta all over me when I couldn’t understand her. She had a claim over the table I’d chosen, apparently. People had been warning me and I couldn’t understand them fully to realise. How am I supposed to become a famous fashion designer if I can’t even say it in French!”

Marinette clamped her mouth shut and turned to Adrien with an alarmed expression. His Mandarin wasn’t good enough to have kept up with everything but he got the gist. She was completely lost and alone.

“I’m so sorry. You don’t want to hear about that. You’re the one saddled with teaching me and now I’m dumping this all on you. You really don’t have to.”

Adrien looked across the school yard to where all the other students had gathered, talking amongst themselves. Groans about homework, whispers of gossip and cheers as one student presented a graded project. He’d never once bothered to join in. Now he was sitting with this girl who was on the outskirts like him and she couldn’t join in even if she wanted to. The voice that told him to shut everyone out could be ignored for now. She would be his exception.

His only exception.

(He didn’t know now but soon he’d make another. For a girl with fire in her soft blue eyes. He’d look into those eyes as her hand reached to save him and know he’d have to make another exception. But that would be the last one) (Until the next.)

“It’s alright. I’ll teach you French until it's better than your Mandarin. And you can help me improve my Mandarin in return. Does that sound like a deal?”

Marinette looked down at the hand he’d extended then up at him, her eyes flooding with relief. She shook his hand, grinning from ear to ear. 

“Deal.”

-

OK OK OK OK. I hope you liked it, i hope it was good. Let me know or whatever. Please reblog blah blah blah and have a good day

I would write more but I have so many WIPS and I’m trying to overcome doubt in my writing so I can just write again. This is an AU to the movie’s canon but also can be applied to the show if you want. I’ve also added my own slight headcanon that Adrien was only homeschooled during the period of his mother’s sickness and ‘death’ as my interpretation of the canon given to us in the movie. Take it or leave it. So he was friends with Nino prior to everything but he’s since shut him out.

[goggles-mcgee]

A Little Birdy Told Me 20

AO3

Beginning Last Chapter

Summary: Damian continues to try and get more information about the akuma class and Marinette while Dick is having an off day and just wants it to get better.

Only one brother gets what they want.

CH 20:

Damian may have jumped the gun on that one. 

He admitted that, willingly, in the privacy of his own mind. 

“To Dupain-Cheng? I mean sure but why would you like to know.” Chloe asked with narrowed sharp eyes.

Bourgeois was sharp, as were all his acquaintances so there was no point in lying, though he was confident he could do so flawlessly, his acquaintances had proved to be somewhat trustful. They all kept secrets if asked unless it was something trivial which confused him to no end. Allegra could ask they don’t tell anyone what she shared with them when it came to her having trouble mentally or her parents fighting but the group would tell almost everyone in the group how Claude had a crush on so-and-so from class-whatever. Richard said that is just how teenagers and friends are but it didn’t make sense to Damian and he tried many times to make it make sense. The only thing that made him feel better is the fact his father also didn’t understand. When he was in med school he told him how his study group kept his fear of bats to themselves but when he admitted to not being a fan of some musician that that information was shared and laughed at, but he stated clearly that the laughing wasn’t at him, just at the information as a study group member had explained. Again. It was strange, but Damian felt like this wasn’t one of those moments that they would share his information with others. 

“It goes without saying that what I tell you does not leave this table,” he began, “I know I said that if I knew something I wouldn’t tell, but given Bourgeois’s forthcoming, I too can be a little forthcoming. Dupain-Cheng is now a ward of my Father for the rest of the exchange.”

Vogel nodded and glared at everyone at the table as if to ward them off even thinking of telling anyone what Damian was saying. It was…nice and appreciated. Vogul reminded him of Cassandra sometimes and it always left him feeling warm yet wrongfooted. The blonde wasn’t his sister but sometimes she felt like it and that also confused him. Nonetheless he gave Vogel a small nod of appreciation. “After the events at Wayne Tower and what followed, it was decided that my father take care of Dupain-Cheng for the remainder of the trip and actual chaperones are being flown in. The original plan of having the class merge with ours has been effectively thrown out the window and negotiations are being made where to place everyone as they will be separated. Dupain-Cheng and her friends will join our class but it hasn’t been decided where Rossi and her sycophants will go.” 

Allaway pursed his lips together and looked deep in thought, it was like he was trying to organize everything that was said and unsaid. He was someone who liked puzzles and mysteries. “You guys are building a case?” It was posed as a question but Damian knew the other boy better. It was a statement. Damian simply leaned back in his chair to give Allaway his attention, it took the boy some time to voice his thoughts so Damian waited before responding. “The question is, who is the case against?” 

“I would think that obvious by now Allaway.” Damian scoffed. 

Allaway stared at Damian intensely until he let out a deep sigh, “Yeah, I know, I was saying it to be dramatic.”

“You’re always dramatic.” Damian countered.

“No. That’s Claude.” Allaway shot right back.

“Guilty!” Hardy sing-songed. Damian conceded. Hardy was always dramatic. Every announcement he made to the group or even the school was so rich in dramatics that Damian wondered if the boy practiced what he said every day to make sure it was the perfect amount of dramatic or if it was something instinctual. Damian felt like it was the latter. Sometimes Hardy’s dramatics confused him but Vogel was good at explaining what the dramatic boy was saying, she was basically the Hardy Translator.

“We are getting off topic.” Bourgeois sighed. “You really want to know everything that witch did to Dupain-Cheng, Wayne? Then you better buckle in and take notes.

Damian nodded and pressed the hidden button on his watch that Lucius Fox and his son Lucas upgraded at Bruce’s request, that would record the rest of the conversation. Though he did take out a notebook and pen, he never wrote in pencil, writing in pencil showed you were not confident in your writing or knowledge. He was trying to break out of the habit though as it was one Ra’s made sure ‘stuck’ with his heir. His grandfather would never settle for anything less than perfect and the one time Damian took a test in front of his grandfather and used a pencil, he was punished. Damian hid a wince at the memories of that particular lesson and instead stared at his watch, it was a replica of his Grandfather's watch , the one he wore when he was murdered. It was a bit morbid but it was the thought behind it that made it one of Damian’s most prized possessions. 

It had been a little after he had been…introduced to his father and a little before his father’s seeming demise at Darkseid’s hand that Bruce had taken Damian aside into his study to talk to him. Damian thought it would be another reprimand of his methods but had been surprised when Bruce handed him a small box with a bow on it. He had been so hesitant, so wary, so suspicious that his father had gently taken the box from him and opened it to show a watch. A rather nice watch though Damian had noted its somewhat dated design. Like someone had purposefully made it look vintage.  “ It’s made to look like my father’s watch, your grandfather, though I have no doubt you were…informed of my parents before you came here -”

“ I know everything about you, Father, and my grandparents .” Damian had interrupted, eager to prove his knowledge, his worth. 

“ I don’t doubt that, Damian, but you were told about them by people who did not know them. That makes all the difference. There is time for stories so you get to know them like I knew them but this is the first one I will tell you. ” Bruce had looked sincere yet a bit uncomfortable, Damian had chalked it up to his father’s weakness of not getting over his parent’s death. Such a weakness was not allowed in the League, but Damian had said nothing of the fact even if he could. Richard had been teaching him just because you could doesn’t mean you should. It was confusing but his father seemed to agree with the sentiment so Damian was doing his best to learn it. 

His father continued. “ When my father was ten, his father bought him his first watch. I never met my grandfather, but when I was young, my father told me grandfather wanted to start a new Wayne tradition. When the heir of the family turned ten, they would be gifted a watch. I’m afraid that the reason is lost in time and forgotten memories but my father wanted to continue this tradition. I got my watch on my birthday and 9 days later my parents died. My father had been wearing his birthday watch that night .”

Damian hadn’t wanted to interrupt but he did want to touch the watch and his father seemed to understand that so he passed back the gift and watched as Damian had caressed the face of the watch with his thumb. 

“ I admit that I have bought your brother's watches as well but I know you are struggling to accept them. I won’t lie and say I understand but I want to feel connected to them, to me, to this family. I wasn’t able to give you a watch on your birthday but I am giving it to you now. I had this made for you in the image of your grandfather’s watch because I want to show you how important you are to this family and me. I could have easily given you a new watch as I had your brother’s but you deserve a connection to your roots. I hope you like it. ”

Damian had only nodded but the small smile his father gave in return had filled him with such warmth he hadn’t known what to do other than let his father put the watch on him. Later, Alfred would explain that Bruce had the watch built with many hidden features to keep Damian safe and to make sure his son wouldn’t be without a way out of a situation. The watch was made to resemble the Rolex Submariner that Damian had seen in a case along with a broken pearl necklace and some loose grimy pearls. He knows they were keepsakes of his grandparents that Bruce kept in a protected case in the Cave. He didn’t really believe it would make him feel any more connected to the Wayne name than him already being Bruce Wayne’s biological son but wearing the watch and seeing the original in its case when he was down in the Cave actually did make him feel connected in a way he couldn’t explain. Thus it became one of his most prized possessions much like his first straight double edged sword his mother gave him for the earliest birthdays he could remember. 

Damian inhaled slowly then exhaled to bring himself out of his memory before he looked up at Bourgeois and gave her a short nod. “Proceed.” 

___________________

Dick was doing all he could to relax and show Marinette the company’s botanical gardens as it was something she had wanted to do. It was good to see her smile and flit from plant to plant like a little honey bee or something, but Dick couldn’t get rid of his tension completely. He was always like that after dealing with Two-Face even if it wasn’t the usual confrontation between the two, i.e mask to two faces but it still left him feeling the same. Angry, restless and most annoyingly, scared. He wasn’t the same little scared Robin but dealing with Two-Face always made him feel like he was. He thought he worked past all that! But seeing Marinette in his arms with a gun pressed to her head brought uncomfortable flashbacks of a different tiny black-haired blue-eyed child. A child who got cocky in his skills as Robin and helper of Batman. He could still feel the long-since healed injuries throb in phantom pain. Dick couldn’t help the flash of another black-haired blue-eyed child, older than the first when he learned that being Robin wasn’t magical or whimsical. Thinking of that never did him any good, if anything it brought about an enormous amount of guilt and anger that Dick didn’t know what to do with. 

“Mari-gold?” A very familiar voice pulled Dick out of his thoughts and he cursed himself for being so distracted. 

“Ivy!” Marinette shouted out in glee as she ran to hug the woman she had seen fairly recently. It made Dick smile though, this kid loved with her whole heart and it was something he admired. 

“Now what are you doing here, Sapling?” 

“I came here with Mister Dick and Mister Tim. Though we lost Tim pretty early on.” Oh yeah, they did. Though Dick was willing to bet Tim just went to the coffee shop nearby, he seemed to have a built in radar for knowing where they were no matter what part of town they were in. It was kind of funny though since Tim wasn’t even a big fan of coffee, he more so just needed the caffeine. The guy preferred tea but he was really particular about which places made the best tea, specifically a good ol’ Dirty Chai. 

“And what brings you to the Gardens today, Ive?” Dick asked, deciding to partake in the conversation. 

“Oh just making sure they are doing okay and to give the workers a restock of my special fertilizer.” That made sense, Ivy was, on-the-down low helping the Wayne Botanical Studies team. While Harley helped them more with their night time business, Ivy was content to help in the more official business. With the occasional helping hand stopping a threat if they “got in over their heads.” Her words. 

“You make your own fertilizer?” Marinette asked. Look, Dick was also curious about that but after finding Ivy and Jason talking one night with these big-ass smiles on their faces, all teeth, he was like 80% sure that fertilizer was some of Jason’s…problems. But there was no way in hell that Dick was going to try and confirm that, and he sure as hell would not be telling Bruce that little theory. 

“Yes! It takes time but it-”

“My Passion Lily! I got your Matcha Lemonade and look! I found a wild Wayne.” They were interrupted by Harley, which was not a surprise, and she was dragging a resigned looking Tim with her. 

Ivy merely huffed out a laugh at her wife before taking the offered drink with a kiss to Harley’s cheek. “Thank you, Peanut, I also found a wild Wayne and a little Sapling.”

“Mari-Doll!” Harley squeaked out before almost knocking the poor girl off her feet in her hurry to smother the girl in a hug. Surprisingly they didn’t fall over. 

“Hi Harley!”

“You guys saw each other the other night?” Tim said, confused. 

“And?” Marinette and Harley asked in unison. It made Dick giggle and helped relieve him of more of his pent up tension. 

“Well since we're all here, why don’t we walk around together?” Dick offered. “Bruce wanted Tim to get some fresh air so try not to let him sneak off again.”

Tim gave an offended squawk which had Marinette laughing once more. “I’m fine!”

“Yeah, okay Timmy-Boy.” Harley said with a scoff as she laced her arms together with Ivy and Marinette. “And I’m the Queen of England.”

“You do need some time outside the Manor Tim. It’s not healthy to stay cooped up.” Ivy said as she happily walked with Harley and Marinette. Though she did grab Tim by the scruff of his shirt and manhandled him toward Dick. He looked very much like a cranky kitten. 

“What is this? Pick on Tim day?” 

“I believe Damian has that scheduled for next month.” Dick wished he was joking.

Marinette obviously noticed he wasn’t if her raised brow was anything to go off. “Oh?”

“He stepped on Titus’s tail three months ago, on accident.” Dick explained. “But Damian is very good at keeping grudges and he’s very good on cashing in on favors.” 

Tim merely whined in response and Dick couldn’t help but pity his brother for a second before he remembered how Tim used him as a human meat shield when Condiment King randomly joined in on a fight against some robbers. Apparently he was also planning on robbing the jewelry store after keeping a low profile from his then-recent prison break. Needless to say it took Dick forever trying to get the mustard smell out of his costume once again and had to beg Alfred for help once again. Even though Alfred refused to help with cleaning anything CK contaminated, it spiked his blood pressure or something like that. Dick thinks it’s because of all the first times he helped clean them up when the rogue had been new on the scene. That had been a long month and Dick had seen how Alfred got more and more annoyed each time they came home covered in mustard, ketchup, you name it. It was awful. Truly. So Dick didn’t feel all that bad. Stephanie was already coming up with a list of things to tease Tim about. She specifically waits for the days Damian declares will be Pick-On Drake Days so she has lists on lists compiled for that very reason. She hoards them and never shares until the scheduled day. Duke surprisingly joined in too and started making his own list. 

“He’s very dedicated.” Marinette giggled out.

“That’s one word for it.” Tim grumbled. 

From there they had a good time touring the different gardens with Ivy acting as a somewhat tour guide and Dick could see it was really helping Marinette unwind as well. The interview with Jim and Harvey had really gotten her tense which was totally understandable, it would be intimidating for anyone. Tim tried to escape a couple times but after Dick teasingly asked if he should get Tim a child-leash and Ivy offered to make one out of vines he stopped. He even seemed to be relaxing a small bit. It was nice, really and it seemed to be something that Dick needed too without realizing it. Eventually they went out for lunch and after they went their separate ways. The drive back to the Manor had been nice too, normal traffic and a nice playlist helped. Tim and Marinette had even made some good conversation, though Dick got worried at the mention of PowerPoints. He hoped it was nothing serious, but the fact that Tim found someone as obsessed with planning and making PowerPoints was a little frightening. Maybe more than a little, Dick could only take so many Tim PowerPoints. He loved his brother, dearly, with his whole heart, but his PowerPoints were long and…thorough. He even tested people on the more important ones with a freaking Kahoot match. Cass and surprisingly Damian always won those. 

As they made their way into the manor Dick was pretty much planning on taking a good, lengthy nap to catch up on the sleep he hadn't gotten last night. His brain felt fried and scrambled, like it couldn’t decide whether to sink into the depressing thoughts from before or just remember the good time at the gardens they all had, even Tim surprisingly had a good time. As he sunk into the couch in the family living room his mind seemed to settle on both. His eyes closed and he saw Marinette laughing and smiling at their afternoon activities, then it would flash to her being held against Two-Face. He could hear the rogue’s laugh deep in his bones, then it changed to the Joker’s unique cackle. Marinette changed from her to him to Jason at blinding speeds. He could hear Marinette’s voice firm and confident in contrast to the fear in her eyes when she told him there was no time and that she would lead Scarecrow away. He could hear her yelling and telling Alfred she and they weren’t safe. He heard his own cries and shouts mixed with Two-Face’s voice. He could hear what he imagined Jason sounded like when the Joker beat him to death. He could hear the accusations of others about his jealousy of Jason being adopted. 

That unfortunately brought up memories of the talk he had had with Bruce once upon a time about Jason and adoption. It felt like he had had to fight not only tabloids but even Bruce about nonexistent hatred. Dick never hated Jason, but he had been so caught up in his anger with Bruce that he let it affect his and Jason’s relationship. He had just been so angry and it wasn’t an excuse but sometimes it seemed like he was even trying to justify his actions to himself. Though there was some jealousy and hurt there that he didn’t know what to do with, okay he did know what to do but the fact it would have to involve talking to Bruce and Jason was not something that sounded fun nor easy. He liked a good challenge but that idea sounded impossible. Like yes, he was Bruce’s son now but for so long he was just a ward, like Marinette was now, he called Bruce dad, they lived together, they fought crime together, they took care of each other, and yet it took years for Bruce to adopt him. But Jason? Dick knew Jason was Bruce’s son, his first son, his favorite son. Jason got the Bruce Dick had always wanted and it had hurt. Jason’s death had impacted Bruce more than his parents. That was a fact. 

And…And Dick had no idea where this was all coming from. He knew he didn’t know Marinette well as her class’s tour guide but seeing her held against Two-Face, mere centimeters from danger had thrown him. She reminded him too much of himself and too much like Jason before his death. She wasn’t a Robin, she would never be a Robin, but she had been a hero like one. She saved her people as fiercely as a Robin protected Gotham and its people. She took the weight of her world on her shoulders, much like a Robin. She was a child turned soldier due to circumstance just like a Robin. Marinette was a Robin in soul with no Batman to guide her and maybe that was for the best but looking at how lost she looked when she spoke about the ‘akumatizations’ in Paris, Dick wished she had had her version of Batman. A mentor who could aid in the fight, who shared the knowledge and responsibility. Yes, there were other heroes, they were like her version of Teen Titans, but that’s just it she was just barely a teen, a child, when she took up the mantle of hero. And from the pictures Tim showed the family of the other heroes, it wasn’t hard to guess that the other ‘Holders’ were teens themselves. Seeing as Adrien was also a teen and a former hero. 

Dick, in a weird, roundabout way, felt responsible for Marinette. As soon as she looked at him with hope, determination and fear in her eyes he was hit by a wave of protectiveness for her. She looked at him like Damian did when he first complimented and criticized his work as Robin, he and Marinette had also pulled off a plan as smooth and seamless as Dick and Damian had been when they were the Dynamic Duo. Or as Dick liked to call them, The More Dynamic Duo. He knew his family was kind of freaked out by how well Marinette and Damian seemed to get along, but not him, sure he teased a bit but he just had a feeling they would be friends. Damian had been trying to get himself out there and make friends and he did have some! He just called them acquaintances right now but Dick knew it wouldn’t be long till they were bumped up to friend status. Though Jon would always be Damian’s best friend even if they weren’t in the same school anymore. They still video or phone called every day and they played games with each other online. Which games? Dick could never remember but the point was, Damian had grown and was very capable of making friends, it just took him some time. 

Speaking of time , Dick thought as his gaze lazily glanced at the clock on the wall. If he slept now, he knew he would not go to bed after patrol tonight. So with much reluctance he pushed himself up and off the couch. He figured he could see if Marinette wanted some company and maybe the two of them could get some tea and snacks from Alfred and tour more of the manor when they were done. It would help in the long term of Marinette’s stay so it was productive! When he got to her room he saw that the door was slightly open but it was still he knocked, if he could dodge a Pennyworth Lecture he would even knock his own bedroom door. As he did so though, the door opened more and with it came an overwhelming energy that left him feeling suppressed yet energized. He wasn’t around magic a lot anymore, but it always left him with the same feeling so he ditched being a gentleman and waiting for an answer and just barreled into the room to see what looked like a closing portal. 

“Shit!” That would be a dollar in the Swear Jar, but that wasn’t important. What was important however was the fact Marinette was missing, a portal had seemingly opened in her room and closed, and…and there was a note on the bed? 

‘Dear Any Wayne That Finds This,

Actually, are you all Waynes? I never asked, I should have asked. Anyways, please don’t freak out if you come to my room and I’m not here. Ladybug needed my help back in Paris and opened a portal to get me there. I shouldn’t be too long and hey! Maybe I’ll be back before anyone reads this but if I’m not then just don’t worry. Ladybug will return me once the akuma is dealt with.

 -Marinette who is very sorry if someone does end up reading this and is pleading they don’t worry or get angry.’  

“Double shit.” Dick said as he read over the letter. 

That was another dollar for the Swear Jar. 

_________________

Dick “Flying” Grayson @toflyistofall

Oops.

____

Bruce Wayne @therealbrucewayne

RE: Dick “Flying” Grayson @toflyistofall

       Oops.

Richard John Grayson-Wayne. What did you do?

_____

JBIrd @sidesteppeddeath

RE: Bruce Wayne @therealbrucewayne

       Richard John Grayson-Wayne. What did you do?

Ha! You got full government named Dickie! @toflyistofall

_____

Dick “Flying” Grayson @toflyistofall

RE: JBIrd @sidesteppeddeath

       Ha! You got full government named Dickie! @toflyistofall

Oh come on! I didn’t even add tags! How did he respond so fast?

#hahaimindanger

Next Chapter

[chronicallylatetotheparty]

Perfect Paradise

(art commissioned from @hekuuu )

"Don't be bemused, it's just the news!

After twenty years of marriage power couple Adrien and Marinette Dupain-Cheng have divorced! Following on the heels of Felix Graham de Vanily's shocking confession has everyone wondering: Is this what drove a wedge between the happiest couple in Paris?"

Ch.1 Tearing at the Seams

Juleka stared at the TV as Nadja's words sank in. That... couldn't be right. Could it?

"... M. And Mme. Dupain-Cheng have three children..."

Oh god, the kids! Juleka felt the unpleasant memory of Jagged's absence when she was growing up sting like a wasp. Sharp and unexpected. Like it always did.

Rose burst in, phone open to the same story playing on the TV. Nadja was one of the few news anchors she trusted not to spread misinformation about their most famous friends.

Still her eyes held disbelief as she looked to her wife. "Juleka? Did you...?"

Juleka shook her head. "He didn't tell me anything." From the way Nadja was saying that they were already divorced Adrien didn't tell anyone.

Pulling out her own phone Juleka called the man whose face was plastered all over the news. Adrien would hate that.

"Hey, it's Adrien! You caught me catnapping but leave a message and I'll get back to you!"

"Adrien! We just saw the news! ...God, I don't know what to say. You didn't-" Juleka took a breath as she cut herself off. Adrien had enough to deal with without her adding to it. "If you need any help. With the kids or whatever just call me. Okay? You're still a member of Kitty Section."

Juleka shot Rose a questioning look who nodded vigorously. "You're still our bandmate even if it's been a while. Okay? We're here for you."

Having said what she needed to Juleka hung up. Hoping her words would remind Adrien that he had people who cared about him. It may be a few years since they were in the same support group but Juleka still remembered him. Just like Adrien still remembered her.

Rose was typing furiously. Probably to Marinette. Adrien may not mind being called but it made Marinette's anxiety spike. And she was busy running Dupain-Cheng Fashions.

"Rose, sweetheart, keep it short." Juleka reminded her as she reached for Rose to sit beside her on the couch.

Her wife's fingers pausing with an "-Oh-" as she sat down hard. "I don't think it's sunk in yet."

"Yeah..." Juleka still remembered how Rose looked the first time she walked on stage wearing a Marinette original. Marinette and Adrien letting Rose hold Louis in her arms as their friends looked on. Adrien's lovesick look that never faded since they were teenagers.

"It doesn't seem real..."

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

"Madame Mayor, what's your response to the people that say Chat Noir shouldn't have-"

"I'm sorry it wasn't me," Mylène interrupted, turning to the next reporter. "Yes?"

"Madame Mayor, the people of Paris want to know if the extradition of Felix Graham de Vanily, also known as Argos, is still a priority?"

"Yes! I've spoken with the President and he assures me that we will continue pressuring the UK government to honor our treaties."

"What about accusations of leniency to one Adrien Agreste?" Asked a reporter from one of those papers that might as well have been a tabloid.

Mylène's eye twitched. "Dupain-Cheng," she corrected.

"Isn't M. Agreste the leading contributor to your campaign?" he continued. "Some people have suggested-"

"If these 'people' have any evidence that Adrien Dupain-Cheng collaborated with Monarch I encourage them to come forward. Otherwise I suggest you refrain from spreading rumors and slander. Thank you, that'll be all."

Mylène was followed by a chorus of "Madame Mayor! Madame Mayor!" as she stepped away from the podium.

Once out of sight she collapsed into a chair. Humming Smelly Wolf to herself to settle the hammering in her chest.

"Water?"

She looked up from the offered water bottle to see her longtime boyfriend smiling gently at her. "Yes, please." Mylène returned the smile as Ivan picked her up before setting her back down in his lap.

One of the few advantages to being a short adult.

"I'm glad you took the time to come," Mylène said as she leaned her head onto his chest.

Ivan shrugged. "Kitty Section is taking a break after the last tour and I know how much you hate these things."

Smiling against his shirt Mylène traced his band's logo. "Have I said I love you today?"

"Love you too," Ivan beamed.

"Ahem."

Reluctantly Mylène turned to her aide. Ignoring the slight reproach in his expression at the Mayor of Paris sitting on her boyfriend's lap. At least it was an improvement from him blushing and avoiding eye contact... She thinks. "Yes, what is it?"

"We might have to go with a different dress for the fundraiser. Depending on how... volatile the situation is with M. Adrien."

Mylène blinked. The dress Marinette donated so she wouldn't stand out among Adrien's snobby rich acquaintances? "Huh?"

Her aide handed her his tablet and Mylène read the headline. "Well... shit."

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

"Max! Oh, Max! Wherefore art thou Max?"

"Ha, ha, Kim. Very funny."

"He lives!" Kim raised his arms as Max came back into view of his webcam.

Alix snorting and Ondine shaking her head fondly in their respective tabs onscreen.

"We were just ironing out the kinks to the new software!" Markov explained as he floated next to Max.

"Hey, Markov."

"Hi, Markov!"

"S'up!"

"Hello, Alix, Kim and Ondine." Markov smiled with his eyes. "It's nice to see you again. Congratulations on your new job Kim!"

"I still say leaving him in charge of kids is a bad idea," Alix piped up.

"Uh-huh. Remind me who out of the both of us has gotten arrested the most?" Kim smirked.

"ACAB!" Alix snapped. Blushing from the fact that she'd been caught more often than Kim rather than anything else.

"ACAB," they chorused. Alix had taken to tagging protest art in very public places after joining Mylène and Ivan's activism. Well, on a more permanent basis than the rest of them.

"Besides," Ondine chimed in, "Kim cares about the sport. He's not gonna let them do anything reckless." She narrowed her eyes. "Right?"

Kim put on his most innocent expression, which wasn't very innocent at all. "Me? Encourage recklessness? I would never!"

Alix snorted.

"Statistically speaking there's an eighty percent chance of Kim encouraging reckless behavior in those he interacts with," Max said.

"Ha!" Alix smirked.

"But, of course, the data is skewed on account of Alix being the main data point."

Kim guffawed while Ondine covered her mouth in a vain attempt to stifle her laughter.

"You're all terrible," Alix announced.

Whatever comeback Kim was going to retort with was interrupted by his phone chiming. "Oh shit."

"What?"

"What is it?"

"Adrien and Marinette are getting divorced."

Alix blinked as her own phone chimed. Sure enough Kim was right.

"Max, you look a little off," Ondine stated.

"Yeah, dude. Aren't you the one always saying that marriage has a fifty percent divorce rate?"

"Certainly reminded me when I got married," Ondine nodded.

"Twice!" Kim elaborated.

"Yes, thank you Kim."

"Well... Yes." Max admitted. "But I always thought those two would beat the odds."

"We all did," Alix nodded. "But life throws you curve balls. Believe me, I didn't expect to spend my last year of collège time traveling."

"Lucky!"

"Kim, she had to repeat a grade."

"Oh yeah."

As his friends went back to bantering amongst themselves Markov started running calculations in his head...

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

"You hear the news?" Marc asked.

"Yeah." Nathaniel continued sketching the next page of their comic. "Hand me that would you?"

Marc gave a chuckle as they handed Nath the ruler. "Chloe's ranting about how she 'always knew this would happen' on Twitter."

"You should really block her," Nathaniel pointed out, still not looking up.

"True," Marc admitted without giving any indication that they would. "So... You don't have anything to say?"

Nathaniel sighed as he straightened up. "I mean, shit, Marc. We don't know anything about what happened. We haven't talked to either of them in over a year. I just... Don't give me that look."

"What look?" Marc asked innocently while giving Nath the Look™.

Nathaniel grumbled as he pulled out his phone.

Marc beaming at him.

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

"One ticket for Paris, please."

"Sure thing! Is that one way?"

"Yes, please."

"... Y'know. You look an awful lot like one of Kitty Section's guitarists."

Luka smiled. "I get that a lot."

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

Kagami downed her glass of Romanee-Conti wine like a shot and then poured herself another.

The news playing in 4K on her Samsung QLED flat screen.

Turning on one of the stools of her personal bar to look at the TV. A picture of Adrien's smiling face staring back at her.

She raised her glass. "To proving me wrong."

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

Nino stared at his phone for a moment before sighing and rising to his feet. "So it's over."

Alya narrowed her eyes as she quickly left money on the table for their coffees. "That broke way too fast. Someone blabbed."

"It was bound to happen sooner or later, dude."

"Preferably later."

Nino nodded. "Yeah. You know where she'll be?"

"The studio, drowning herself in work like always. You?"

"Home," Nino stated simply as their paths split. "He always goes home..."

[the-delta-42]

Headache

Headache

Marinette rubbed her eyes as a familiar searing pain appeared behind her eyes. She let out a quiet groan, straining her ears to hear what Ms. Mendeleiev was saying.

“Is there something you’d like to add, Ms. Dupain-Cheng?” Asked Mendeleiev, glaring at Marinette.

“No, professeur, I’ve got a headache, I’m sorry for interrupting.” Responded Marinette, as she felt another stab of pain.

“That’s the fifth headache this week,” Noted Mendeleiev, glancing around the classroom, “Bourgeois, take her to the nurse.”

“What?” Demanded Chloé, staring at the teacher.

“Now.”

Chloé scowled, as Marinette got out of her seat and stumbled slightly. Chloé grabbed Marinette’s arm and practically dragged her to the nurse’s office. Marinette’s headache to taking up most of her attention, so she didn’t argue with Chloé during the trip.

The nurse looked up from her computer and spotted Chloé and Marinette, “Can I help?”

“Dupain-Cheng’s had a headache for the past week.” Said Chloé, before turning on her heel and leaving the office.

“So, this headache,” Said the Nurse, after a moment, “have you been having any other pains alongside it?”

“I’ve been having some issues with my eyes, and I’ve felt dizzy and sick at times.” Said Marinette, wincing with her eyes closed, “I’ve been taking some pain killers, but those haven’t touched it.”

The nurse hummed, before looking at Marinette, “What did your doctor say?”

“He said it’ll pass in a few days.” Responded Marinette, pinching the bridge of her nose.

“Do you require glasses?” Questioned the Nurse, typing on her computer.

“I haven’t checked.”

“When you said your doctor told you it’d pass in a few days,” Asked the Nurse, “when did he say that?”

“About a month ago, so in January.”

The Nurse stopped and looked at her, “Marinette, we’re in May.”

H

“And you’ve had this headache for five months?” Asked Dr. Bateman, looking at her computer screen, “And you’ve also been feeling dizzy and nauseous?”

“Yeah.” Replied Marinette, as her mother sat next to her.

“I’m sorry, I don’t understand,” Interrupted Sabine, looking between Marinette and Dr. Bateman, “Dr. Marsille didn’t ask any questions.”

“I think the migraines, nausea and dizziness are symptoms of another issue.” Confessed Bateman, looking at the mother and daughter, “I’m going to schedule an MRI, just to make sure it isn’t anything to be worried about.”

Sabine and Marinette left the doctors surgery with more questions than answers, and, in Sabine’s case, a quiet voice suggesting everything that could be wrong.

H

Alya chewed on the end of her pen, Lila, while her stories had been interesting at first, was droning on and on about some charity gig she went to with Clara Nightingale or some other popstar. Marinette had left half-way through science to attend a doctors appointment, so Alya was left to deal with the headache that the class often called ‘big boss in charge headache’. Thank you very much Kim, for that oh so wonderful name.

Speaking of Kim, Alya glanced to the side and saw him making spit balls with Alix, each choosing another member of the class at random. Alya groaned as Chloé squawked as a spit ball hit the back of her neck.

When was Mari going to get back?

-

-

“Okay,” Said an orderly, as Marinette was loaded into the MRI machine, “try not to move, so any scans we take are as clear as possible. And, don’t be afraid, it’s going to be loud, but you’ll be quite safe.”

Marinette nodded, feeling terrified, she taken the earrings off and left them with Tikki in her purse. She took a deep breath, before the procedure started.

-

-

“Okay, so,” Said Dr. Bateman, “This is Marinette’s brain, the different areas, like the hippocampus and brain stem. Now, we discovered a mass in your temporal lobe. We believe it’s the source of your headaches, and other symptoms.”

“Is, is it dangerous?” Asked Sabine, as Marinette just stared at the scan.

“We don’t know, we might start preparations for surgery, if that’s what you’d like.” Answered Bateman, as Marinette chewed her bottom lip.

“I-it’s nothing dangerous, right?” Asked Marinette, looking at Bateman.

“Until we do an angiogram, we can’t tell for sure.”

H

A couple weeks and one angiogram later, Marinette sat across Doctor Bateman, with her mother next to her.

“I’ll be honest, finding two abnormal aneurysms was a surprise.” Admitted Doctor Bateman, “We can schedule surgery and have them removed, if you’d like to. There have been people who have had aneurysms that have live long and healthy lives.”

“But…”

“But that number is few.”

Marinette tried to keep herself calm, thinking on the treatment for the aneurysms, “W-when can we have the surgery?”

H

“Okay, we have the tickets bought and the hotel paid for,” Said Bustier, looking over the list, “almost everyone in my class has paid the fee and all the paperwork is up to date.”

“Almost everyone?” Questioned Rebecca Chamber, another teacher, with a smirk on her face, “Is it your resident liar, or one of those blond brats?”

Caline sighed, “Okay, first of all, Adrien isn’t a brat, and it’s Marinette who’s not going on the trip. She has an important appointment.”

“Your little goody two shoes?” Scoffed Chamber, “What’s more important than a trip to London?”

“She has a medical issue.” Responded Bustier, “She needs the time to prepare for the procedure, undergo it and recover from it, by the time we get back, she’ll be ready to reattend class.”

“Ooh, she has a procedure?” Said Chamber, haughtily, “What’s going on? Is she having a face lift?”

“She’d having a brain aneurysm removed.” Said D’Argencourt, “Her parents told us and asked that the news be shared with her teachers, including you, Mademoiselle Chamber.”

“Oh, is that what that email was about?”

“Yes.”

H

“Okay, Marinette,” Said Dr. Bates, looking down at her, “we’ve started the anaesthetic. Now, I want you to count backwards from ten, can you do that for me?”

Marinette gave a small nod.

‘Ten.’

‘Nine.’

‘Eight.’

Marinette didn’t reach seven.

H

When Marinette opened her eyes, she was in a different room. Giving out a small whine as she looked around, before spotting an orderly.

“Hiiii.” Slurred Marinette, giving the orderly a dopey smile.

“Hi.”

“I have a secret.”

“Really?” Answered the orderly, looking at Marinette’s chart.

“’m Ladybug.”

“No way.”

“But it’s a secret.”

The orderly silently nodded, as Marinette rolled onto her side and went to sleep.

“Another Ladybug?” Asked a nurse, getting a nod from the Orderly.

“It’s nice that kids these days have someone positive to look up to.” Commented the Nurse, as they started to wheel Marinette to the discharge ward.

H

Marinette looked around the room she was in, her parents were sitting in the chairs next to her bed and she was scribbling in her sketchbook. A knock alerted them to doctor Bates entering the room, frowning at a scan done after the surgery.

“Is everything alight?” Asked Sabine, making Bates look at them.

“I don’t know how to tell you this,” Said Dr. Bates, turning the scan so they could see it, “There appears to have been a mistake, there was only one aneurysm.”

“B-but the scan showed two.” Said Marinette, feeling a chill run down her back.

“We think there might be an issue with the machine,” Confessed Bates, “I was confused when we only found one. It might’ve been large enough to be confused as two, but we’ll schedule an appointment for another scan a few weeks from now.”

H

Marinette rubbed her eyes, squinting at the front of the class, absently rubbing her head. The follow-up scan didn’t show any more abnormal masses and, after a quick chat with Tikki and Alya, Marinette had decided to bring Chat into her secret.

“You okay, girl?” Asked Alya, quietly, jerking Marinette out of her thoughts.

“Yeah, the board’s really fuzzy today, isn’t it?” Responded Marinette, before freezing, “Merde.”

“What?”

“I have an eye test in ten minutes.”

[verfound]

FIC: Coffee Shop Soundtrack: 1/10 (MLB; Luka)

Rating: Mature

Characters/Pairings: Luka Couffaine, Original Male Character, Anarka Couffaine, Juleka Couffaine, Marinette Dupain-Cheng, Tom Dupain; Luka Couffaine/Marinette Dupain-Cheng, Luka Couffaine & Anarka Couffaine, Luka Couffaine & Juleka Couffaine, Luka Couffaine & Tom Dupain, Luka Couffaine & Everyone (basically)

Summary: It all started one Saturday when Luka picked up an extra shift at work and his estranged father unintentionally stopped in with his new family for coffee.  Now Luka’s…processing.  Dealing.  And not well.

Sometimes it gets worse before it can get better.  Sometimes it doesn’t get better at all.  Sometimes that has to be ok.

Author’s Notes/Warnings: (Big Long Wordy Note About This Fic on Ao3 Cut For Tumblr Sanity but) That ficlet from back in 2019 that became more than it ever was supposed to as Ver worked through some shit and oh my God it's finally up I'm not freaking out at all

Ch 1

Coffee Shop Soundtrack

Chapter One: That Saturday He Saw the Tattoo

“Have a great day, ma’am,” Luka said as he handed the woman with a large hat and oversized sunglasses her change.  She nodded curtly and moved on to the end of the counter, and Luka took a moment to breathe.  Usually, he worked the afternoon shift.  It was a schedule that had worked around school, back when that had been a concern, and after he’d graduated he’d asked to stick to it.  It helped with his nocturnal lifestyle, and it was easy enough to work around gigs and his girlfriend’s own crazy schedule.  Still, every now and then his manager asked him to pick up a morning shift on the weekend.  It wasn’t always bad: he liked the little café he’d started working at during his final year of lycée.  It had a nice, laid-back atmosphere, the pay was good, and the owners had offered him a fairly steady gig on Friday nights.  As jobs go, it could have been a lot worse.  At least this one didn’t get messed up by unexpected rainstorms (which, in Paris, happened more often than he liked – it was the biggest factor in his decision to leave the pizza shop and apply at the café).

The morning had just been…taxing.  He’d performed the night before, and while he hadn’t stayed too late he’d spent a good two hours after the performance walking around the city with Marinette – and even longer after that texting her once he’d seen her home.  When Elise had called him at six-thirty that morning because Trevor had called out, he’d sorely considered chucking his phone out the porthole.  So he was already tired to begin with, and then the weekend rush had come through.  He reached up and rubbed at his eyes with his forearm.  At least the crowd was tapering off.  Two more hours, and then he could crash…

[kasienda]

Kisses in the Rain - Ch 1

Chapter 1 (of 3) is written for @adrinetteapril 2023 - Day 17 - Kiss in the Rain This is canon divergent from beginning of Kwami’s Choice Part One. Read on Ao3

Chapter 1: Adrinette

 “I feel like we missed out on something special.” Adrien said. “Do you think we’ll ever get another chance?”

 Marinette’s fist tightened around the earring in her hand. She wanted to respond, to take back her ugly lie that she didn’t love him, to tell him that she wanted what he wanted more than anything. But the miraculous cut painfully into her palm. She’d never get to be truthful with him. Everything would end the same way it had with Luka, only it would be worse because she’s not sure she would ever get over Adrien.

 The same way she’d never get over Chat Noir.

 She choked back a sob.

 “Good-bye, Marinette,” he said. And he slipped away, taking a piece of her heart with him.

 The second the latch clicked closed Marinette let herself fall to pieces. She wasn’t allowed to love Chat Noir and she couldn’t let herself love Adrien. Which was impossible because Chat Noir always caught her every      single     time she had lost all hope, and Adrien was so sweet and so patient she      still     could barely form words around him. She couldn’t      not    love them. And that wasn’t going to change anytime soon because how did you make yourself stop loving someone just because it was a bad idea?

 But no one could stop her from crying.

 Her throat was raw, her eyes were hot, and her gut writhed with every sobbing convulsion. And she knew she could be akumatized like this, but she couldn’t clamp down on the torrent of feelings anymore than she could stop the sun from setting.

 “Marinette Dupain-Cheng, you have been an exemplary holder of the Ladybug. You’ve always used the power of creation for the greater good.”

 Marinette sat up. Tikki sounded oddly formal, and she looked like she was about to cry.

 “The task you’ve been performing has become too much of a burden, crushing you. Your mission is over.”

 Marinette blinked at Tikki, her shock temporarily overcoming her grief.

 “Wh-what?”

 “You can give up the earrings, Marinette. And then, you can finally be with Adrien.”

 Marinette blinked again.

 Could she really do that? Just hand over the earrings and let Tikki subject some other poor soul to this responsibility?

 Isn’t that what had been done to her though?

 She didn’t owe anyone anything, did she?

 She could let go of the earrings and never look back.

 She was tired of responsibility and secrets. She was completely over having to sacrifice everything she wanted for something that should never have been her fight.

 She had already slipped the second earring off when she froze.

 If she did this she might never see Chat Noir again. Even if he happened across Marinette’s balcony he wouldn’t know she was his partner.

 Hadn't she promised she would never abandon him? Just as he had shown time and again that he would never abandon her. And as much as she hated what being Ladybug had stolen from her, she couldn’t deny that she wouldn’t change anything because it had brought her Chat Noir.

 And she loved him. And whether or not they could ever be together, whether or not she was able to pursue something with Adrien, she wanted him in her life.

 She couldn’t give up Chat Noir.

 Not even for Adrien.

 She gripped the earrings in her fist.

 “No, Tikki. I can’t give up the earrings. Thank you, though, for reminding me why I still keep them.”

 Tikki darted forward and nuzzled herself into Marientte’s chest.

 “Oh, Marinette. I wish I could promise that things will get better, that they will work out.”

 Marinette stroked her soothingly. “I know, Tikki. Thank you.”

 …

 The moment his door clicked close, Adrien dropped all pretense and let himself fall face first onto his bed. He didn’t cry, but part of him wished that he could. Marinette didn’t love him anymore. He had just realized his own feelings, but they obviously weren’t new. It was just so unfair. What had he done wrong to lose her affections?

 Or was he just not enough or too much, or just overall, unloveable? His mother had left. She hadn’t thought he was worth it. His father always found him wanting. And Ladybug had never been interested despite everything they had faced and been through together.

 But Marinette was different. She had loved him once.

 He hadn’t noticed, and now? Now, it was too late.

 His fingers traced his bottom lip, trying to recreate the memory of her kiss. He wished he could have said yes to her as Chat Noir.

 But it was hopeless. He was unlucky and cursed or something.

 “Adrien Agreste,” Plagg announced, floating ominously through the air. Adrien made himself roll over so he could see Plagg hovering over him. “You have been an exemplary holder of the Black Cat. You’ve always used the power of destruction for the greater good, unlike me. Your mission is now over.”

 “But–”

 “If you do this, you won’t have to hide anything from the ones you love. You can finally be yourself.”

 Adrien shook his head. “How will that help anything? Marinette already said she doesn’t love me anymore.”

 Plagg paused, his tiny lips pressing together for a moment. “Can you just trust me? It will solve everything.”

 Adrien’s brows furrowed. “So the ring      does     make me unlucky then?”

 Plagg had denied it over and over, saying that such associations with destruction were just superstition.

 And now, Plagg looked so startled, but then his face lit up. “Yes! Exactly! Super unlucky. If you give it up everything will magically work out.”

 Adrien snorted. Well, that clearly wasn’t it. But Adrien for the life of him, couldn’t guess what Plagg’s actual angle was.

 “Is Ladybug trying to replace me and you’re just being nice about it?”

 “No! She adores you!”

 “Are you mad that I ordered off brand Camembert last week? I swear they’re the same.”

 “They absolutely are not! But no, that’s not what this is about. I’m serious. Can’t you just trust me?” Plagg asked.

 Adrien had rarely seen him so serious, and so he had to believe him. Plagg always led him towards mischief but he had never once led him astray.

 “Okay.”

 “Really?!” Plagg did a little dance in the air and Adrien laughed.

 “Yes, I always trust you.”

 “Give me the ring then.”

 He started to slip the ring from his finger. It felt strange to let go of the object he had been trained to never relinquish. Even outside of superhero duties, being Chat Noir had once been his ticket to freedom and joy. He wasn’t certain when he had started to feel like another set of expectations that he could never hope to live up to. Where having a secret identity had once seemed fun, now just felt like it was a recipe to never ever show his full self to anyone.

 What would it mean to be completely real with his friends? To never have to put his loved ones at risk just by caring about them too much?

 To never have to hold back with Marinette?

 The way he always had to with Ladybug?

 He froze.

 “Adrien?”

 Ladybug who had lost everyone she could call an ally. Ladybug who had told him that she would never leave him. If he closed his eyes he could still hear her sobbing on the other side of his bathroom door.

 “What about Ladybug?”

 “What about her?”

 “I’m all she has left.”

 “I would find her a worthy partner,” Plagg promised.

 Adrien was shaking his head. “You can’t just replace all that time we had each other’s backs, Plagg.”

 “It would be fine!” Plagg insisted.

 Adrien shook his head. “I can’t abandon her.”

 His eyes squeezed closed.

 “Not even for Marinette.”

 Brave self righteous Marinette who always seemed to have a sixth sense for when things were awry in his world, who never failed to bring a smile to his face, who always seemed to simply understand him when he barely understood anything himself.

 How lucky he would be to have her in his life as more than a friend, as a      partner     in      every     sense of the word.

 And suddenly he      was     crying. It seemed like it should be easier to let Marinette go than Ladybug who he had loved for so long.

 And yet, it wasn’t.

 He felt the loss more deeply because now it wasn’t just her saying no. It was      him     making the choice. And he could barely stand it.

 He whipped out his phone, shot her a text.

     Can we please talk?  

 Her response was immediate.

     Of course.  

 He texted back just as quickly.

     I’ll be over in ten.  

 …

 She’s waiting for him outside the bakery, unable to stay inside despite the threatening cloud cover overhead.

 He arrives before she is ready. She can’t look at him.

 “I’m not here to change your mind,” he says. “I just… I didn’t want to end things like… that.”

 She shakes her head. “I didn’t want to leave it that way either. I… I want you to know that I was lying.”

 His eyebrows come together. “About?”

 “I do love you. I have since the day we met. I initially misjudged you…” and her throat closes off, and the words won’t come together, but this time it’s different than every other failed confession. She’s not nervous or tongue tied.

 She’s breaking his and her heart at the same time.

 It’s not fair.

 “Shhh,” he soothes, taking and squeezing her hand. “It’s okay.”

 She lets herself fall into his arms for a second. She lets herself cry. No one can take away her tears. “I just… I didn’t want to tell you. I thought if you didn’t know… it’d be easier somehow? Because the truth is… even though I love you, I can’t be with you. Not right now. Maybe not ever.”

 And her throat squeezes closed, every muscle is quivering, every bone is jelly. But she knows she won’t fall. Not when he’s holding her.

 He nods. “I understand more than you know,” he whispers, kissing the top of her head. “I’m not asking for anything that you’re unable to give.”

 She looks up at him. His eyes are softer than ever. And he’s smiling at her, like she’s blown him away instead of broken his heart. He’s never been as gorgeous as he is right now looking at her with the patient kindness that made her fall in love with him the first time.

 Before she can overthink it, she rises to her toes and kisses him. For a split second he melts against her, and she lets herself pretend that this is the beginning of a new chapter between the two of them instead of a possibility stolen away by duty and friendship.

 Raindrops fall on her head, but she doesn’t care, wanting the moment to last forever.

 Until she’s the one to pull away.

 “I think you were right,” she says.

 “Hmm?” his eyes are still closed like he’s trying to memorize the moment.

 She’s trying to do the same with the expression on his face. “We missed out on something special.”

 His eyes flicker open. “Yeah, I think we did, too.”

 “I hope someday we get another chance.”

 He smiles softly, and brings her hand to his lips. “Me too, Marinette. Me too.”

 He lets go of her hand and starts to walk away.

 She wants to burst into tears all over again.

 Then he whirls back around and offers her an umbrella that she never noticed he had.

 “Stay dry,” he says.

 But what she hears is “I love you.”

 She accepts the gift with trembling hands. “Thank you.”

 But what she means is “I love you, too.”

 …  

I plan to post chapter 2 during Ladrien June, and Chapter 3 during Ladynoir July.

[mochinek0]

Daminette December 2022: 15-Side Effects Ch.2

PREVIOUS

Damian Wayne had found a lone Beta wandering around campus. They were known for traveling in packs of other Betas or following an Alpha. He swore he had seen her with a pack and an Alpha. He was shocked to learn she had no loyalties, from what the whispers said. He decided to approach her and figure out where the fault lay. Had she been unworthy or them? Damian learned her name was Marinette Dupain-Cheng. When she presented, the Alpha of her group had shunned her.

'Likely had wished she was an omega.'

He was even more surprised that no one had claimed her to a pack. Her friends had never even brought up the topic of forming a pack. Damian had noticed that she actively kept a distance away from him, whether he was walking next to her or sitting down. She never tried to ask him any personal questions and only answered his questions. He often found her sitting by herself and drawing in her sketchbook. He found it pleasant to find another calming presence. Unfortunately, his father had decided to arrange him to some Omega he never met.

'That stupid engagment.'

'It's the best thing your father could have done.'

'I don't want some no-named Bitch!'

'She's an Omega!'

'I don't care!'

'You can't have the Beta!'

'Why not? She at last treats me with respect! She has never tried to make a move on me and has never asked about joining my pack. That Omega my father has chosen is likely a daughter of a business partner trying to climb the ladder. I'm nothing more than a bargaining chip!'

'The Beta has everything to gain.'

'And yet has never tried! Trust me; something is there! I can tell.'

'Fine.'

TAG LIST: @maribat-calendar-events @animeweebgirl @a-star-with-a-human-name @meme991001 @vixen-uchiha @abrx2002 @alysrose-starchild @fandom-trapped-03 @dood-space @moonlightstar64 @saltymiraculer @marveldcedits20 @09shell-sea09 @icerosecrystal @animegirlweeb @insane-fangirl-of-everything @blueblossombliss @nickristus-dreamer @megawhitleycalderonpaganus

[parfaitthewitch]

Been thinking about this for like 5 minutes so I drew it. (If you don’t know, this is based off of Rem and Ram from rezero)

[wndrflgrl]

*jazz hands* here it is. the muse inspiration board. some of the ones on here, i wasn't expecting either, lmao.

maka albarn - soul eater

marinette dupain-cheng / ladybug - miraculous ladybug

lance - voltron legendary defender

po - kung fu panda

chrissy ch/lapecka - tiktok popstar

amy rose - sonic heroes

[kleenex-tissues]

Yours Truly (13)

AO3 here

Ch. 13: Even Heroes Make Stupid Choices

After spending so many years protecting Gotham, Bruce Wayne has learned a few lessons to say the least.

Poison Ivy will always take a break during a fight to gush about Harley.

Arkham is a good place to send Rogues, so long as they actually feel like extending their stay.

Always wear extra padding in the Batman costume so that no one knows both of your identities have the same ass shape.

Do NOT make out with anyone on the roofs unless you want Barbara to set a picture of it as the batcomputer’s screen saver.

When one of your kids shows up to their patrol shift in a sparkly hot pink version of their suit, it’s better that you don’t ask questions.

Duke was flaming red under his glittering suit. Thankfully, the impossible-to-miss shine of the costume kept attention directed away from the small bit of visible skin on his face. He tried to stick with day-time patrols, where his sole presence was enough to prevent any major crime. However, not even the petty thieves could keep from bursting into laughter when they saw him.

One guy laughed so hard that he dropped his bag of stolen money on the ground and burst a lung. It was an awkward trip to the hospital for both of them, to say the least.

Realistically, he knew that he should have seen this coming. After walking in on Damian sending emails to the pen pal he had supposedly deemed ‘unbecoming of his status as heir,’ he had the bright idea to check it again.

It wasn’t easy to break into the email account. It took a long call to Barbara and a few promises to convince her to figure out how to get through Damian’s authentication walls. Duke needed to see what was going on with his little brother, even if it was at risk of punishment and/or death. It was a coin flip of how Damian would react when he found out.

This is how Duke Thomas came to learn that Damian was head over heels for a girl he had never met. In an act of possible self-sacrifice, he found out her last name and followed her on Instagram. You know, the smart choice.

Marinette was way too good for Damian. Quite frankly, Duke couldn’t find anything wrong with the girl. They bonded quickly after he explained who he was and gave some definitive proof, taking the time to send memes and share embarrassing tidbits about Damian, of course. She was sunshine incarnate, and there was no way Duke wasn’t going to try and convince her to marry Damian. She had to be part of this family.

Damian needed someone too good for him. Someone who could heal his inner darkness and tame the hyperactive assassin that still lived within him. Damian Wayne needed Marinette Dupain-Cheng, whether he wanted to admit it or not.

Sadly, secrets don’t last long in this house. It was entirely Duke’s own fault; he knew that, but all he wanted to do was get a snack from the pantry. He didn’t mean to leave his phone unlocked on the coffee table, and he certainly didn’t expect Damian to snoop through it. But it was only a matter of time before the teen learned of his deception.

Duke had barely made it one step into the room before Damian was tackling him and his chip bag was flying through the air. If Damian didn’t kill him first, he did Alfred would for the mess. There was no way he was making it out of this manor alive.

Fists were thrown and legs flung meticulously at vital spots. Duke was confident in his ability to hold his own for a while, but Damian had stamina like no other in the house. This confrontation would not end in his favor. Duke tried to pull himself out of the way of another fist by grabbing onto the doorway and using the momentum of his clothing against the hardwood to speed him along.

It was these battles, more so than the ones on the streets of Gotham, that his foresight came most in handy for. Using his knowledge of what would happen, he made the maneuver smoothly and efficiently. He just had to make it to Dick’s room, and he would survive. He had never been more glad in his life that Dick was spending a week at the manor.

Just as quickly, Duke was on his feet and racing up the stairs. Four doors, that’s all he had to pass to get to the end of the hallway and burst through his brother’s room.

One door. Damian was gaining on him. He didn’t need his foresight to feel the breathing down his neck.

Two doors. Duke felt his speed failing him, but he pushed onwards. He just needed to get to the one room Damian wouldn’t dare touch.

Three doors down, one left to go. It was a race against a fast-footed ex-assassin. Quite frankly, Duke was a little impressed with himself.

Last door. The home stretch! Duke was just a few feet away! He extended his arm to reach the knob and turn it, but just as the tips of his fingers touched the cool brass, Damian lunged.

The door felt a lot harder against his head than he would’ve imagined. Stars were clouding his vision, and a dull ache reverberated against the expanse of his brain. Duke was faintly aware of Damian trying to pull him back to the floor as he reached once more for the doorknob. He was finally on the doorstep of freedom when the wood swung away and Dick stared down at the two.

“Help me,” Duke whispered, losing his unsteady footing and slamming into Dick’s chest. Thankfully, warm hands grabbed him, and he was once more on his feet.

Damian practically growled. “Grayson, this is none of your concern. If you would place Thomas in my arms, we will be off shortly.”

Dick lifted an eyebrow in response. He didn’t seem convinced.

“It seems it just might be my business, little wing. Why else would Duke fall face-first into my bedroom door?”

Duke took the chance to hide behind Dick, in the safety of the room. He wasn’t taking any chances. Knowing that he could easily deter Damian with a distraction, he mentally apologized to Dick before blurting, “Damian’s emailing Marinette, and he didn’t want me to tell you!”

The heartbroken gasp that came from Dick’s mouth almost shattered their eardrums. Tears started to form in his eyes as he scrunched his face up into the classic ‘how could you lie to me like that?’ pose he had mastered. Perks of being the first Robin. How else would he have gotten away with as much as he did?

Damian stepped back in shock, his face going as white as a sheet. He felt fear very little in his life, but the second Dick began crying, they all knew that Bruce could appear behind them within minutes. He had a second sense when it came to his first child. No one ever made Dick cry and go away with it.

“It’s not what it sounds like, I swear,” Damian stuttered. “I was going to tell you! I just wanted to teach you a lesson about meddling! That’s all!”

Oh no. The tears were falling now. Damian needed to escape while he had the chance. Looking towards the nearest window, he pulled it open, punched out the screen, and jumped into the garden below.

As he picked a leaf from his hair and climbed out of the bush he landed in, he heard his father’s voice echoing through the open window.

“Dick! What’s wrong? Is everything alright?”

Damian was sprinting across the yard now, unsure of where he planned to go. Wherever he ended up, he would bide his time. Duke will rue the day he decided to message his Marinette.

His? No, now’s not the time to think about this. He needed to embarrass Duke as much as he embarrassed him. He would hit him where it truly hurt – his public image. Cue, Duke’s very unfortunate suit redesign.

Unknown Number – 10m ago

Hey, this is Mari! Here’s my number :)

[airi-p4]

On the ice - Chapter 2

Chapter 1 | Ch 2 | Ch 3 | Ch 4 | Ch 5 | Ch 6 ….

_________________________________________

Summary:

Ice girls AU

After failing a double axel in her last competition and getting injured as a result, Marinette quits ice skating and moves to her paternal grandfather’s city with her mother. Seeing a blond girl performing at the local ice rink and becoming her friend, makes her start thinking about skating again. Thankfully, she’ll find the help that will grant her a second chance in figure skating and to follow her dream, finding friendship, rivalry and love in the process.

AO3

_________________________________________

Chapter 2

Marinette didn't expect to fit in her new High School right away. She knew that, in fact, it was hard to adapt after changing schools mid-season. Not having many friends wasn't new to her, anyway.

She was early enough during lunch time to snatch an unclaimed table to eat. From there, she noticed the skater from the day before, followed shortly after by the blue-haired boy she saw outside the ice rink.

The blond girl soon sat in front of her. "Hi, there. You're the girl who was at the ice rink yesterday, aren't you? How come I've never seen you around before? Do you skate? What's your name?" She asked. "I'm Chloe Bourgeois, by the way. But you must already know that considering how popular I am"

Marinette knew she was bragging about something that wasn't even true considering the looks she was getting from the other high-schoolers. Chloe didn't look like she had friends, but she pretended that it didn't bother her. She thought her mother may have had something to do with her attitude, but she wasn't going to over-analyse who could become her first friend at school.

"I'm Marinette Dupain-Cheng. I've just moved to Dunkirk from Paris. And well… I used to skate but I don't anymore…"

"Why not?" Chloe asked, bluntly, taking a long sip of her drink.

"I injured my knee a while ago…"

"Oh. That's bad" she said, but her tone wasn't really showing concern or empathy. "I'll be happy to be friends with you. There's no one else who skates in this high school, so it's nice to have someone who can understand me and the pressure I'm under. Getting a good place at nationals isn't easy. There's so many rivals and-" she paused for a moment to look at Marinette's eyes. "you're not going back to skating, are you?"

The way her fork was pointing at Marinette and how she narrowed her eyes intimidated Marinette for a moment. "No, I don't think so…"

"Good! I don't need extra rivals. I'm aiming for the top!" Chloe let out a triumphant hum as her fork stabbed one of her meatballs and put it whole into her mouth. Then, she looked at the side, where the blue-haired boy Marinette recognized from the previous day just seated, about three meters away. "Oh, gosh. There he is again: Luka Couffaine. That boy is obsessed with me, I swear! Not that I can blame him for being attracted to me, but he's totally ridiculous! And he's troublesome and annoying! Have you seen his dumpster clothes? And his ridiculous hair? You better stay away from him, he's bad news"

Marinette could see from the corner of her eyes how the boy's nose scrunched in disgust, having obviously heard Chloe, and she immediately felt sorry for him. He didn't look like a bad guy despite his apparent coldness. "Why?" Marinette asked.

Chloe's eyes opened wide at the question, until she realized... "Oh, of course you wouldn't know since you're new here…" she rested her chin on her hand. "His mother is in jail and he's been involved in many street fights. He's cold, violent, insensitive and dangerous. Absolute trash" Chloe empathized with fork movements in the air. Was she really talking about the same person Marinette saw the day before, though? Her description didn't match what she had witnessed the previous day. Ok, maybe the cold part seemed accurate, but insensitive? That seemed wrong. "At least his little sister was bearable” Chloe continued. “A total freak, but still bearable. Anyway-" she paused to swallow a piece of lettuce. "You should follow my advice and stay away from him".

Before Marinette could answer, another student came to sit by Chloe's side, occupying her personal space. "Hi there. I'm Alya, the School's journal reporter. You’re Marinette, right?" Marinette nodded. "I have a few questions for you, to get to know you better. Is it ok?" Marinette made an uncertain gesture that Alya took as a yes. "So, here's the first one: how would you define yourself? Goth, nerd, bookworm, princess-?"

Marinette blinked in confusion and Chloe answered on her behalf. "Princess, obviously. Just like me. Isn't it right?" She smirked, tilting her head a little towards her, and Marinette laughed back awkwardly at them with a confused ‘I guess?’ nervous shrug.

_____________________

“I’m so glad you had nothing to do after school today. Come in, come in” Chloe invited Marinette inside her house. “I’ve been looking forward to having a friend who also skates. I want to ask you what you think about some of my dresses. Too bad we don’t go to the same class” Chloe hurried Marinette inside, as she was too impressed by how luxurious Chloe's place was. ‘As expected of the Mayor’s daughter’ she thought. Chloe opened a drawer in the kitchen and took a big, already opened bag of chip potatoes out and started eating. “Want some?” She offered Marinette, and she took one out of the pressure. “Come here, to my room”

Marinette followed Chloe upstairs, and when they got to Chloe’s look her eyes glowed: the room of a princess, like she had always dreamt of. Nothing like the room she had since she moved to the new city. And when Chloe opened the wardrobe and she saw the amount of beautiful skating dresses she had to hold her excitement.

Chloe left the bag of chips on her bed and took two dresses out, showing them to Marientte. “Which one do you like better?” she asked and Marinette gulped. She wished she could have had more than one dress and have had those same dilemmas. “I like the yellow one, but mom says I should go with the black one. What do you think?”

Both of them were beautiful. More than any dress she had ever owned. How was she supposed to choose one? She stood there, silent, while Chloe impatiently tapped her feet against the floor.

“Well?” the blond girl asked again.

“Oh, Chloe. You have a friend with you today?” a voice -Chloe’s mother- called. The blond girl rushed to hide the bag of chips under the pillow just in time before her mother got inside. “Aren’t you the one who was at the ice rink yesterday?” she asked Marinette.

“Yes. Sorry for yesterday. I’m Marinette Dupain-Cheng” she politely greeted the woman.

“Hmmm… So you skate?” she asked, judging.

“No, Madam. I don’t skate anymore” she answered, intimidated.

“She used to skate, mom, but she got injured and quit,” Chloe explained.

“Oh, I see. What a pity” she said, but she actually looked content with the news. Then, Audrey noticed the chips under the pillow. “Chloe! What’s the meaning of this!?” she took them out, enraged. “What about your diet!? You can’t eat these calories! What will happen if you gain weight! How do you expect to win? Huh!?”

“No, mom, I-” Chloe tried to excuse herself, terrified.

“I’m sorry, Madam!” Marinette stepped in, surprising Chloe. “I brought it for us to share, as a thank you for inviting me over. I didn’t know-”

“Oh, really?” Chloe’s mother arched an eyebrow. “Then you better stop sharing snacks with my daughter. She has a figure to keep if she wants to make a career out of figure skating. You should have told her, Chloe!”

“Of course, I’ll be more careful from now on, mom”

With an arrogant ‘hump’ and a ‘see you, Marinette’ that sounded like ‘you better don’t get in my daughter’s way’ message, Audrey left the room and moved downstairs. The girls sighed and looked at each other. Chloe stared in awe at Marinette until she smiled back at her in relief that took her unprepared. The blond girl’s pride surfaced.

“I- I didn’t need your help, you know?” she complained, crossing her arms and looking away. Marinette blinked twice. “But thank you, Marinette. It’s the first time anyone has ever done this for me” she finally admitted with a blush and a shy smile. “I’m glad we’re friends”

Marinette smiled brighter at her words, happy that she just made a new friend. Chloe continued talking about her dresses for a little longer, while Marinette just listened and looked around Chloe’s marvelous room. She couldn’t help but worry Chloe would look down on her if she ever saw her own old-fashioned room or her grandfather Roland’s house, where she lived, along with her mother. Her grandfather refused to move to modern times, after all. For that same reason, Marinette turned down the Bourgeois’ offer to drive her home and she returned by bus instead. Social class differences could be intimidating… Chloe’s mother was proof enough.

[mae-dwrites]

Taking Flight - Chapter 1 - Life

| Story Masterlist | Ao3 | Wattpad |

| Next |

“Remember truth, and honesty are rewarded,” Sabine said after giving the purse left on the bus to its’ owner. “Even if you don’t realize it. Being a Cheng means honesty. Do you understand Marinette?”

The seven-year-old cheeks puffed out in determination and she nodded, “Yes Maman.”

“Now come on, it’s too late to be out.” Sabine picked her daughter up.

☾•☽

Tom held Marinette as she cried in his arms, “Sometimes people are mean 'cause someone was mean to them. We can’t change them but we can try to help them.”

“B-but if people don’t ch-hange then how can you h-help them?” Marinette tried wiping tears away, boogers getting on her shirt sleeves.

“People think they can change but they can’t, they grow. They can grow from what they’ve done but it will always be a part of them, you can help people grow.” Tom explained as he wiped away the nine-year-old’s tears away for her.

“So I need to help her?” Marinette asked with a sniff, “Cause someone hurt her?”

“Yes, exactly. Chloé just needs someone to help her.” He set her down and opened a drawer, “Now let’s see how we can help your hair.”

☾•☽

Marinette groaned as she sat down for lunch. Grabbing her lunch out of her bag as Nino joined her, “What now?”

“Just ugh, Chloé! And she hasn’t done anything, yet, but being the daughter of the Style Queen she would be better at dressing herself.”

Kim snorted as he sat down, “When has she ever been good at anything.”

Marinette lightly whacked Kim, “Don’t be rude.”

“And you weren’t?” Kim stole a croissant earning him another smack. Marinette huffed, “I’m a designer! I’m not bullying, I’m critiquing. Also, we’re in collégé, she should be able to dress herself to not look like an orange. Like that orange is so bright I might cry.”

“You would think she wouldn’t use her dad as a threat anymore,” Nino grumbled before pulling his headphones up.

“She needs to grow up,” Kim said handing his rice bowl to Marinette. Marinette said thanks, “She will eventually. She has to.”

☾•☽

The bakery door busted open, “Happy Birthday my precious Marigold!”

"Āyí Bridget!” Marinette ran from the cashier station to her aunt. Marinette heard her mom yell something from the bakery kitchen. “Bridget is here Maman!” She grabbed her aunty's hand bringing her to the back.

“Baihu,” Sabine wiped her hands off on her apron before hugging her younger sister. She tried to mind her hands so she wouldn’t get any flour on Bridget. Bridget put her hands on Sabine's shoulders to la baize, Sabine chuckled as she had her wrist on her sister’s shoulders.

“Now, shall I take my niece out for her birthday,” Bridget raised her arm to Marinette as if to court her. Marinette giggled and hooked her arm around her aunts.

“Can you wait till Tom gets back, so one of us can take over when Marinette goes,” Sabine gave the young woman a pointed look. Bridget waved off Sabine, “Of course, what do you take me for? I’ll work it with Mari ‘til Tom arrives.”

-•-

“Sooo is there anyone I need to worry about hurting my favorite girl?” Bridget spoke in English, raising an eyebrow at Marinette. Marinette shook her head as they walked, “You don’t need to worry about that. Besides Maman has that department handled.”

“Even so you should never let someone step on you, literally and metaphorically. Let people know they can’t fuck with you! Stand tall and say ‘I AM MARINETTE ZHÀNSHÌ DUPAIN-CHENG, DON’T MESS WITH ME!’” Bridget had jumped onto a bench and yelled.

“That’s easy for you to say, you’re cool and confident,” Marinette said looking at her. She started to fidget with the bottom of her shirt. She sighed changing to French, “I can’t even get Chloé to be remotely nice to us.”

“Do you want her to be nice or kind?”

Marinette frowned as she changed back to English, “What’s the difference?”

“How I see it is kindness is genuine, you want to help because it’s right. You put others before yourself more often than not, unless it's wrong. When someone is nice they want something, they pretend, and throw you away when they’re done.” She dropped down into a sitting position. She tapped beside her and continued, “It’s hard to find kind people, but it’s harder for people to stay kind.”

“Which is why it’s harder to find them.”

Bridget nodded with a small smile, “See you get it, your father has this idea of nice and kind are the same, and can be used interchangeably. He’s got your mom thinking it too. When people describe others like ‘they seem nice,’” Bridget had gone into a high-pitched voice. “Like uck! Seem, I don’t like that word.”

“Uh, how come?” Marinette asked. Bridget looked at her shoes, “I don’t like uncertainty. If you aren’t sure then you’re walking in the dark.”

Marinette bit her cheek as she thought about what Bridget had said. It makes sense I guess, Marinette tapped on the bench till her aunt grabbed her hand and pulled her up.

“Let’s stop talking about icky grown-up ideas. Let’s go find Andrè before it’s too late out, I do not need your mother yelling a storm at me.” Bridget said. “Oh and don’t tell her I spoke profanities, she will have my head.”

☾•☽

“Marinette it’s destiny,” the tiny creature squeaked.

Marinette just wanted it to stop following her, she wanted to be alone, she couldn’t do this. How could she? She was only fourteen, how was she supposed to do any of this? She doesn’t even have the time for heroing, she barely has time to keep up with her family and that’s when she knew what they were saying! She barely knew Chinese and some of her cousins were speaking another other language around her! If she can’t keep up with them how can she keep up with anything hero related?

Being a hero took time out of your life, if anyone knew they treat you differently, American Heroes were proof of that. Sure not all of them hide their identities but most do, cause they want to live their lives, or have no choice. Sometimes they would get in trouble so they hide.

What if the people don’t like her? What if they try to arrest her? What if she ends up being more of a vigilante than a hero? What if they don’t approve? What if the person who gave her the earrings realize they made a mistake and came back for them?

That would be good, she wouldn’t have to do this but she would rather be able to just give it back rather than seen as a mistake. Chloé did say that she was a mistake last year, but that isn’t true. Chloé doesn’t know her, she doesn’t know Tom and Sabine. At least Chloé didn’t get these earrings, Marinette thought touching the earrings. I am a better choice than her at the least.

But she could handle this better, a part of her nagged…

“Marinette please listen to me, you’re the only one who can do this!” Right the flying bug-mouse was here.

“I’m the only one who can do this?” Marinette let out a laugh, “As if! An adult should have these”-she moved her hair to show the earrings-” I, still a child, shouldn’t. I don’t have the skills or-or experience too!”

“You’re smart, creative, exactly what a Ladybug wielder needs to be. You have shown to be able to adapt well even in this stressful situation!” The red creature came closer to Marinette’s face.

“So is my mother! Although she may not have the time to be a hero, just like me, she can fight far better than me. She can handle this better than I can. You saw the news! I messed up I didn’t get the Akuma, between me and my mom, she should have the earrings.” Marinette grabbed the wooden box.

“Marinette you were chosen for a reason! You can’t give the earrings to just anyone!” The bug flew in front of her. “You can’t tell anyone your identity or about the miraculouses.”

“Yeah, well-well the city knows! Not a lot but they’re aware too!” Marinette shot back, it wasn’t fair! It wasn’t fair to her or the people who lived here. And an adult should handle this, no-

Marinette’s phone went off, it was supposed to be her alarm to go back to school, but no one had to go with the Ivan turning and others being turned into stone monsters. Lunch was technically over now. She didn’t have to go back but maybe she should, maybe she could find an older student to give these earrings to. She took off the earrings with Tikki’s protests in tow, she placed them back in the box.

She sighed, It’s the right thing to do.

“Marinette where are you going?” Sabine asked when Marinette got down to the bakery.

“I’m going to school, some of the kids might have been forced to go back for all we know. And Ivan being turned into that stone monster was scary, also he might need support.” It wasn’t the whole truth, but not all a lie either.

“I-” Sabine hesitated, “You can go to school, but you come straight home after, you hear?”

“Yes Maman,” Marinette kissed her cheek.

-•-

Marinette dropped the transformation in an alley by her school, she brought her hand to her right earring. She made circles around it as she leaned against the wall.

Being a Cheng means honesty.

Well, Cheng does mean honesty, Marigold.

You’re kind, I hope you stay kind my Marigold.

Always help others my Marimoon.

Hello Marinette, you truly look like one of the sea.

This is Marinette? Heh, she best bring honor to our name.

“Heh, honor,” she slid down the wall onto the dirty ground. She didn’t care, not right now at least. “Chengs are honest,” she sighed. Marinette closed her eyes and rested her against the wall, “I must keep my promise.”

A tear fell down her cheek, “I must keep my promise.”

The bug mouse sat on Marinette’s leg, “I’m sorry Marinette, I do agree you’re too young to take this responsibility, but there wasn’t much time when we realized the Butterfly was active again. I wish you were older, I wish the person who holds the Butterfly had waited longer. I truly am sorry.”

Marinette looked down at the creature, a Kwami, she smiled at her, “It’s okay. It wasn’t our choice, but the man who had you and Hawkmoths. They’re the reason.”

They flew up to Marinette’s face and wiped away her tears, “Your aura really is perfect for my power though Marinette. There aren’t many that are, maybe more but not here. I can sense it, you’re the only one in the France area who’s a perfect match. The Guardian couldn’t just go out in search, it would take too long even with my help. Not to mention it would be too suspicious if a Ladybug came around the same time as a newcomer to Paris.”

Marinette nodded, “You needed the quickest option.”

“Exactly.” The bug bowed its’ head in shame, “If I could change things without consequence I would.”

“But there needs to be a balance,” Marinette whispered. The creature nodded before going back down to its chosen knee. Marinette took a deep breath, she brought her hand next to her knee, “What is your name again? It’s been very rude of me to dismiss you.” The creature went on Marinette’s hand, she brought them up to her level.

“I am Tikki,” she said. “And please this was sprung on you.”

“Well, Tikki, I think we should head back to school. Alya and Kim are most likely wondering where I am.”

“Of course Marinette.”

☾•☽

If you’d like to be tagged let me know <3

[chronicallylatetotheparty]

Perfect Paradise Ch.5

Take My Hand and We'll Make it I Swear

Summary: Children under the law.

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

"What're we going to do!?"

"We're not doing anything Marinette. I'm hiring the best lawyers in the world and Cataclysming this circus into oblivion."

"We can't let her have the kids!"

"...You think I don't know that? You think I don't know that?"

"Sorry... I'm just... Call if you need anything. Please."

"... I'll let you know... And Marinette?"

"Yeah?"

"She's not taking them. No matter what."

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

"So what you're telling me is that I'm fucked."

"M. Dupain-Cheng-"

"Adrien. Please."

"... M. Adrien. Your... biological relatives, are very public figures. Emilie Agreste was instrumental in establishing the Centre pour Victimes Akumatisées. Despite the recent controversy surrounding Monarch the CVA is still regarded as providing the best help to Hawkmoth's victims."

"And her decision to let the CVA become independent of Agreste holdings only strengthens her character in the eyes of the public."

"Precisely. Under the law a grandparent has the right to a relationship with their grandchildren. Your decision to prevent contact between your children and their grandmother gives Emilie a legal advantage. If you were to allow her to visit them her position becomes much more tenuous."

"No. No."

"... I see. Then you must offer some evidence that would support your decision."

Adrien sighed as he rubbed his hands over his face. Processing his lawyer's words. Nike was the best and most experienced lawyer who specialized in superhero/supervillain related cases. It helped that she used to dabble in both.

Nike hesitated for a moment before deciding to take a leap. "M. Adrien, in my experience family members often feel guilty about exposing supervillains they are- were close to. Especially a parental figure."

Adrien looked at her.

"Perhaps you do not think Mme. Emilie did anything to warrant legal action. Or you do not wish to be scrutinized even more than you already are... M. Adrien. Did you cut ties with Mme. Emilie because of something related to Monarch?"

"...Yes."

Nike felt something bubbling up and crushed it with ruthless professionalism.

"But it's all circumstantial. Without proof it's my word against hers."

"Unfortunate... Then we'll have to take the other approach."

Adrien felt the churning in his stomach speed up.

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

"Why can't you come too?" Emma asked.

"Papa has to deal with this mess Grand- Emilie has decided to stir up." Adrien gave her an apologetic hug.

"But you said you'd be able to spend more time with us after the... After it was over," Louis pouted.

"I know kiddo," Adrien kissed his forehead. "I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you when you get back.

"Okay..." Louis looked down.

... Adrien ruffled his hair.

"Hey!" Louis pulled out of reach of his Papa's unfairly long arms.

"Besides, you don't want your old man cramping your style."

"Pfft! Yeah, sure." But Louis was smiling.

Adrien's grin softened as he walked to his other son. "Try to have fun, Hugo. It's basically a vacation!"

"I don't want a vacation! I wanna go to school!" Hugo snapped.

Adrien sucked his lips in and bit them as he was suddenly reminded of another kid who wanted to go to school. "You'll-" he cleared his throat, "You'll be back before you know it."

The main gate opened, letting in a large van.

"Besides," Adrien smiled, blinking rapidly. "I got you a present."

"S'up little dudes?"

"Uncle Nino!" Emma practically barreled into him.

"Whoa!" Nino stumbled a bit at her momentum with a massive grin. "Hey there, Little Em."

"Uncle Ninoooo," Emma protested.

"Alright, Big Em then. Got enough trophies for it at least."

Emma stuck her tongue out while Louis giggled.

"Sunshine!" Nino offered his fist and Louis bumped it. Flowing into their signature handshake. "Ha! Still got it! Now where's- oof!"

Hugo buried his face in Nino's chest as his own hug dislodged Emma.

Nino returned the embrace. "Missed you too, little dude."

"Ahhhhh! Lookit you!" Rose squealed, giving Emma a big hug and Louis a 'pinkie hug'. "You've gotten so big!"

"Aunt Rose! Aunt Juleka!"

"You miscreants staying out of trouble?" Juleka grinned.

"No!" They lied.

"That's what I like to hear."

Adrien chuckled at the normalcy of this moment. Grabbing onto the spark of joy in his chest like a lifeline.

Juleka walked up to him after ruffling Hugo's hair, who was still hogging Nino, arms outstretched.

Accepting the hug gladly, Adrien took the opportunity to wipe at his eyes. "Thanks for doing this."

"You kidding? Rose practically begged to come along. She adores those three." Juleka glanced over to see Rose had pulled everyone into a group hug with Hugo now trying to wriggle free in the middle. "We all do."

"I'm sorry things are weird with Luka... and Marinette... and Alix... and-"

Juleka held up a hand. "Nope. Stop right there. I've already gotten enough apologies for one day. Er, week. My brother's an adult. He can deal with whatever happened between you two like one."

"... Thanks Juleka."

She shrugged. "If it makes you feel better you can think of it as me returning the favor."

"Which one?"

"Now listen here M. Moneybags!"

Adrien laughed. Startled out of his thoughts by the old nickname. He forgot who gave it to him but it was quickly adopted by their... his, friends. Usually when he was about to spend a ridiculous amount of money on a gift or something. 

A gentle reminder that his friendship meant more to them than his wealth... And that ludicrously expensive gifts made them uncomfortable for several reasons.

That didn't stop Adrien from recommending Juleka to several modeling agencies.

"I just open the door," Adrien started.

"But I have to walk through it," Juleka finished with a smile.

"God, I haven't even asked you how you're doing!"

"I'm good. Modeling experience still comes in handy when they want a magazine cover or something."

"Very dumb of them to only want the Juleka Couffaine to model their clothes some of the time."

"Eh, I'm fine with it. Y'know models don't last long in the industry. Your career already lasted longer than most professionals when you quit as a teen."

"That's what happens when your parents think of you as a doll."

Juleka nodded less from understanding and more to let Adrien know that she was listening.

"Anyway, how's Rose?"

"She's got good days and bad days. The new treatment means she's got more good ones."

"So she's taking care of herself?"

Juleka snorted. "Y'know how she is. Doesn't like dwelling on the bad shit. But, yeah. Mostly."

"Your girlfriend is quite stubborn," Adrien grinned.

"Yup. We have unfortunate taste in women I think."

Adrien covered his mouth to keep from laughing hysterically.

Juleka laid a hand on his shoulder. Worry in her eyes. "If you need anything just call us and we'll come rushing back."

Adrien took a shaky breath. "Yeah."

"Adrien!" Rose said as though she'd just remembered him. Entirely possible considering how engrossed she was with whatever Emma was saying.

Adrien kissed both cheeks as Rose did the same. "Hey, Rose."

"I'm sorry about Marinette," Rose said, energy dampening a little.

"Ah, thanks..."

"Adrien, they should leave soon if they want to make it there before nightfall."

"Gregor!" Rose reached up to cup his holographic face. "Hiding again?"

If Kanté could blush Gregor would. "No... Just busy is all."

"Too busy to say hi?"

Gregor's face went through several emotions too quickly for Rose to follow before simply settling on an embarrassed smile. "No. Not that busy."

"Gregor! My man!" Nino held up a fist again.

Manifesting a hand Gregor met Nino's fist as they went into a completely different handshake.

Adrien raised his hand for their own greeting but Nino flew past it and into a deep hug.

Nino felt Adrien tremble slightly as he melted into his arms. "You need anything you call. You hear?"

"Y-yeah. Juleka already gave me the once over." Adrien said as he bent his knees a little so he could rest his head on Nino's broad shoulder.

"Cause y'know how you are about asking for help."

"That's why I'm here to keep an eye on him," Gregor teased.

Adrien waved Gregor over to the kids without looking up. "Go on. Say goodbye."

Gregor smiled as he floated over to his niece and nephews. "Remember this is a public plane you're going on. There are other people onboard even if it is first class."

"We know Gregor," Hugo rolled his eyes. Which were still a little red from crying.

"I miss the private jet," Emma sighed.

"You know how dad got after he learned about the carbon emissions. He got all... all..."

"... Droopy?" Hugo supplied.

Louis nodded. "Yeah, that."

Emma sighed again. "Okay, okay. Public transportation can't be that bad can it?" She glanced at Rose.

"Ehhh." Rose made a so-so gesture while trying not to pull a face.

"Encouraging," Hugo deadpanned.

"Is it? Then I hope you'll all be good for your Grunkle." Adrien laid a hand on Emma and Louis' shoulders. "He's even older than Grandpa so no roughhousing, got it?"

"Yes, Papa."

"Okay, Papa."

Hugo mumbled something but nodded.

"Good... Th-that's... good..."

Emma and Louis hugged Adrien from both sides.

Adrien squeezing them tight before clearing his throat. "Now go on. Don't want to be late."

"Bye, Gregor. Don't overheat your CPU!"

"That was a one-time occurrence!"

Hugo chuckled as Emma and Louis made their way to the van... Feeling Papa's presence behind him. "Don't let Gregor overwork himself. You know he's bad at judging his limits."

"I'll take care of him," Adrien promised.

Hugo sniffed, wiping at his face. "... I'll miss you."

"It won't be for long," Adrien smiled softly. "But I'll miss you too."

Nino grabbed a bag from the back of the van. "What?" he asked at Adrien's look. "You think I'm going to let my best bro handle this by himself?" he asked as though it wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. "No offense Gregor."

"None taken!" Gregor grinned.

"Think again." Nino set his bag down and wrapped an arm around Adrien's shoulders. "We're having a sleepover!"

Adrien rubbed the back of his head. "We're a little old for sleepovers."

Nino took his cap off, pink from sun exposure, and placed it on Adrien's head. "I resent the implications!"

Adrien chuckled, any protest he might have brushed aside.

Juleka and Rose gave a last hug goodbye before driving off. Adrien waving back to his kids as they left the manor's gates. Other hand gripping onto Nino's for dear life.