✨Miraculous Trash✨

I ship Daminette entirely too much but oh well

[gourins]

"hi!"

Magic user in Gotham⑤

[theladylu]

I MADE ANOTHER BOOKMARK!!!! Got a laminator too so I can properly use them :D

This scene is from The Great IKEA Game by IcedAquarius which is a longtime favorite and I'm so thrilled to see the sequel was also just concluded!!! Love these little guys. Brief thank you also to @starwarsmum who suggested I draw the scene they drop from the vents when I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. :D

are there any other scenes from fics that would make a good bookmark??

[mochinek0]

Just A Friend(songfic)2

Just A Friend

CONTINUED!!!

The school stood still as Marinette Dupain-Cheng walked hand in hand with some random guy, leaving Adrien Agreste, alone on the school steps. She had kissed this guy and claimed Adrien was just a friend. Everyone glanced between the former ‘couple’ and watched as Adrien’s face revealed his true feelings. Whispers began to formulate and pass though the crowd.

Did Marinette cheat on Adrien? Had they ever been together? Who confessed to who? Did anyone know? Did Adrien dump her? Was the guy a rebound? Did she leave Adrien?

Alya couldn’t stand not knowing.

“Nino, talk to Adrien and I’ll talk to Mari.” Alya insisted, “We’ll get to the bottom of this!”

She had to protect her best friend. Nino quickly side-stepped Marinette and hurried to his best friend’s side.

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[mochinek0]

Unknown Soulmate AU (songfic + Bonus)

THIS IS A LONG FIC. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

This fic was inspired by “Into the Unknown” DUET Mashup

She knew what was coming and she hoped that it would answer all her questions, but deep down she knew it would only cause more problems.

When Marinette woke up that morning, she felt the pull. The pull of her soulmate, but it was too far away.

Once people had their sixteenth birthday, they were given a soulmate. It wasn’t until both parties had turned sixteen, could they pull of their soulmate and could feel how far away they were. Adrien Agreste was not her soulmate; not even close.

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[mochinek0]

Chat’s Retaliation

Silence filled the air between the two.

Had he heard her right?

Bullied?

Threatened?

The look of shock on Marinette’s face as she quickly covered her mouth and took a step back, shaking her head, told him he had.

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[mochinek0]

Team Damidrien

The Dupain-Cheng’s found out very early in Marinette’s life that she had a severe allergic reaction to cherries.

Her parents made sure she was properly educated about her reaction: she always carried an epi-pen with her. She even got a small purse for it, that she kept with her at all times.

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[mochinek0]

“Normal”

The Agreste’s Winter Ball was under way and only a select few were invited, of course with their plus one.

So many fashionable clients and business personnel held it in high regard. Security was tight and anyone who was anyone attended.

So, everyone wondered who let children attend.

As children of fashion’s powerhouses: Adrien Agreste and Chloe Bourgeois were invited.

The first one to blame was Adrien. He had given a ticket to Nino, who brought Alya as his plus one.

Sabrina was given hers by Chloe and invited Alix as her plus one.

Lila was given her ticket by Gabriel and was told to be Adrien’s plus one. She accepted knowing she had her prize in her reach.

Max was currently invested in an internship and was required to attend. He selected Kim as his plus one, hoping he’d cause a ruckus that would get him thrown out sooner or later, without endangering his position.

None of them knew how Marinette got a ticket.

Their eyes lingered on her as she walked in with a boy slightly older then her. He was tall, tan, dark haired, and had green eyes, but no one knew who he was.

“I bet she slept with him to get a ticket.” murmured Lila, taking a sip of champagne. “Probably.” answered Alya, in response.

Nino was beginning to question his relationship with Alya. She was amazing when they first started dating and had such big dreams, but now it seemed like all those things he had fallen in love with that made Alya….Alya, were shoved onto the back burner. She had done nothing but criticize Marinette, who he had known for years.

“Hey, Nino.” whispered Alix, “Do you know who the stuffy guy with Mari is?” “No, but she looks happy.” he whispered back.

The group watched as a businessman approached them and struck up a conversation.

“Woah, how did Marinette get Bruce Wayne to talk with her?” questioned Max, as Kim dragged him towards the buffet table. “Who?” asked Alix. “Bruce Wayne. He’s the owner of Wayne Enterprises; they have their hand in everything!” exclaimed Max. “He probably went to talk with the brat who came in with Marinette.” stated Alya. “You don’t think they’ll get thrown out, do you?” Lila asked, faking her concern. “Well, only one way to find out.” Kim said, between bites, pointing towards Gabriel and Adrien Agreste, walking towards Bruce Wayne.

“Bruce Wayne, it’s a pleasure to see you again.” announced Gabriel. “Ah, Mr. Agreste. Thank you for inviting us.” answered Bruce. “Yes, the invite was a most pleasant surprise.” spoke the young man next to Bruce.

“Gabriel, allow me to introduce, my son, Damian Wayne, and his plus one, Marinette Dupain-Cheng.” spoke Bruce. “Miss Dupain-Cheng, it’s a pleasure to meet you again. I have heard only good things regarding your designs.” Gabriel revealed. “Thank you, Mr. Agreste!” Marinette smiled.

“Hey, Marinette! I didn’t know you would be here.” spoke up, Adrien. “Hello, Adrien.” she responded, “How has your modeling been going?” “Lila hasn’t been making the shoots easy.” he responded. “We work in conditions we don’t like, Son.” announced Gabriel, “But we work through them to progress.” “It’s okay, Adrien. I usually ignore those shoots. I never regarded anything past the clothes before, but Lila’s presence, she doesn’t know how to work the camera angels and it throws off the feeling of the apparel, in my opinion.” smiled Mari.

“You would know best, Mari.” stated Damian, “The Wayne Retail section is always on the look for new models and designers. Even we have been, selecting fewer and fewer from the Gabriel female line.”

“I was unaware your son was following in your footsteps.” replied Mr. Agreste, shooting Bruce a look, acknowledging his lack of feminine clothing in circulation. “He is, at least on the business aspect. I’m afraid he’s only here in regards to Marinette and her love of fashion.” spoke Bruce, “My other sons wished to remain in Gotham to keep the place running.” “Is that so?” asked Gabriel, glancing towards his son, “How admirable. I’m afraid Adrien is only the face of the company. He lacks the cutthroat confidence needed in the line of fashion.”

Bruce and Marinette noticed Adrien flinch at his father’s ruthless word, basically calling him useless.

“Perhaps, but maybe his talent lies elsewhere.” smiled Bruce, catching Adrien’s eye of surprise.

“Perhaps. He does mostly take after Emilie.” retorted Gabriel.

Damian’s enhanced hearing picked up the sound of footsteps behind them, rushing towards them. Out of his peripheral, he saw one of the waiters charge at them with scissors, ready to strike, and Marinette was in the line of fire!

Quickly, he turned and side sweeped the waiter’s legs, causing him to stumble and fall on the floor, dropping the scissors. Damian is on his back and has a knife to his throat as the scissor slide between his father’s legs.

“Why did you just attempt an attack on my fiancée? ” Damian shouted, digging the knife just a little deeper.

Suddenly the attention was drawn to their group, if it hadn’t been already. Darted gazes, flickered between the young man holding a knife to the waiter’s throat and his revealed fiancée.

The group all looked at Marinette’s left hand to see, that sure enough, she was sporting a ring.

“Damian! Put the knife away!” shouted Bruce, breaking everyone out of their shock. “He attempted to attack her, Father! Are you suggesting we left him get away with this? He came after her with a pair of scissors!” Damian shouted back.

“Dami, it’s okay.” Marinette smiled, crouching down next to him and reaching out to touch his shoulder, “I’m fine. You protected me, right?”

Damian nodded and released his captured prey, as security rushed onto the scene.

“Son, how did you get a knife through the metal detectors?” they asked. “Polycarbonate pocket knife.” he replied, as if it would explain everything. “Did you steal from Dick, again?” asked Bruce. “He shouldn’t leave his things laying around!” replied Damian, slipping it back into his pocket.

Meanwhile, Gabriel is rethinking just how ‘perfect’ Damian is compared to his own son.

Lila glares as everyone is talking amongst themselves on how glad they are that Marinette was okay. They were on her side, not a minute ago. How could they have shifted their concentration so fast? Now, she had to play carefully. Marinette had acquired an overprotective man. He seemed ready to kill anyone who laid a hand on her.

Marinette’s eyes flicker to the man behind Damian reaching into his coat. She notices the movement and yanks on Damian’s arm, throwing him towards the floor. “DUCK!” Mari shouts.

She rushes at the secondary waiter and tackles him to the ground. Quickly, she gets him in a headlock, causing him to fire the gun off towards the ceiling in panic. As she hears the chamber click empty, she easily slips into a cradle hold. Everyone is stunned that the petite fiancée also took on an attacker. Security rushed back, arresting the accomplice.

Bruce sighed as someone is walked out for a second time.

'Why is it always my family that starts something or is somewhere in the middle of said drama? Why can’t we be normal? Can’t we have a normal outing for once?’

“Marinette, are you okay?” asked Adrien, reaching his hand out for hers, blushing red. Who could have imagined that sweet and innocent Marinette could be such a badass?

“I’m fine. Thank you, Adrien.” Mari answered, reaching for Damian’s extended hand. “That was reckless and stupid, Angel!” shouted Damian, pulling her up and into his arms. “You’re only saying that cause you didn’t realize they were there.” she smirked. Damian pulled Marinette into a kiss and whispered, “Don’t you ever scare me like that again.”

“Oh my God, Gurl! Why didn’t you tell me you could do that?” shouted Alya, rushing over, with the class not that far behind. “Who’s this?” questioned Damian, pulling her just a little bit closer. “Alya Cesaire; I’m Marinette’s best friend.” the budding journalist smiled. “I’ve met her best friend. You’re not her.” he replied.

Alya looked at Mari to counter his claim. “He’s not wrong.” was the response she got.

'How could Mari say something like that? They were friends since she moved there; since her first day at College.’

“You’ve changed.” Alya said with a glare. “I’m not the one that’s changed, Alya. I’ve just stopped being a doormat to everyone’s needs. I’m through being left out of everything.” retaliated Mari. “We don’t leave you out-” countered Alya. “When was the last time you came to my house or you called to hang out at the park?” questioned Marinette.

Alya found she couldn’t remember. 'Had it really been that long?’

“So, what? This guys teaches you some fancy new moves and-” she stopped as a burst of laughter was heard. She turned to see Kim, Nino and Chloe laughing. 'What’s going on?’ “What’s so funny?” she asked.

“Those aren’t new.” said Kim, between laughs. “Mari’s always been like that.” Nino answered, taking deep breaths.“ "She got suspended on the second day of primary for beating up Kim cause he stole her juice box.” announced Chloe, wiping the tears from under her eyes.“

"What?” she looked back to Marinette, who seemed unfazed by this becoming common knowledge.

On the other hand, Lila was feeling faint. This was who she had threatened? Marinette had never seen her as a threat. She was only humoring her.

“My Angel may wear pink, but it doesn’t make her any less fierce.” Damian spoke up, before sending the woman in his arms a small smile.

“How?” asked Alya, still confused.

“My parents.” replied Marinette, rolling her eyes, “Papa was a pro wrestler in his teens and Maman is a black belt in several martial arts. She’s been teaching me since I could walk.”

Bruce sighed.

'Why isn’t anyone in this family normal?’

“I apologize for my son and his fiancée creating a disturbance in your event, Mr. Agreste.” spoke Bruce, snapping them out of their conversation. Marinette turned back, wide-eyed and began to apologize fore creating a scene. Damian, realizing this was someone who his Angel idolized, apologized as well.

“It’s quite alright. You both defended yourselves, admirably. I will help with the investigation against you both. I apologize for not doing a better job with my security.” stated Gabriel, “Now, Marinette, I believe you were telling me about the fashion line you were working on.”

Damian smiled as his Angel began to glow with excitement and began to converse about her ongoing project.

“So, how did you meet Marinette?” asked Adrien. Damian turned to see Agreste’s offspring. Marinette had told him about Adrien: how she use to have feelings for him, how she took his advice against outing the liar who plagued her, how she had come to realize he knew nothing of the outside world.

He was just a wide-eyed with wonder as she had stated. He had a child’s view of the world.

“I met Marinette in Gotham, by accident. I heard a scream and was ready to help, but when I got there, Marinette had taken down three men my father’s size. It was very…captivating. She turned to me with a fierce gaze and when she realized I was no threat, her eyes changed to these alluring sapphire gems. I met her several days later, again, and asked her to grab some coffee with me. Once my brother’s found out, it didn’t take that long for them to try and spar with her. She laid them flat and so far that has been the best day of my life. Soon we’ll have many more days like that.” Damian spoke, turning his gaze back to Mari.

Bruce shook his head at his son’s idea of romance. He’s not sure how the universe did it, but they found someone to match his son’s tenacity and they were able to calm him down.

Damian glanced back to Adrien and found his eyes filled with amusement and wonder. “That sounds so wonderful! A real love story!” he whispered. “I assume you have a plus one, as well.” Damian stated. “Unfortunately, my father forced me to bring Lila.” Adrien pouted, “I don’t see why; he has me glued to his side to remind everyone I’m the face of his brand.”

“What do you like to do, Adrien?” interrupted Bruce. “I like playing the piano. I use to play with my mom all the time. I like videogames and science. Father prefers I spend my time learning Mandarin and fencing when I’m not modeling his clothes.” Adrien said, glancing quickly in his Father’s direction. “Perhaps, your Father and I can come to some sort of agreement. Excuse me.” Bruce left the conversation, as quickly as he had entered.

“What just happened?” Adrien questioned, turning towards Damian. “I have a feeling we’ll be seeing much more of each other, Agreste. I’ll inform my brothers of your timed arrival. I’m sure they’ll appreciate another player to take down.” Damian spoke, sauntering off to his fiancee.

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

Hammy

Meet Cute (not on a) Monday 35

Happy belated Birthday @ktreereads and @tylindel

This is my first (and highly likely) last Damianette.

Very minor swearing.

Masterlist

MCM Masterlist

……………………………

Damian scowled as Jon’s friend sighed looking between them, an apologetic look upon her face, but remained in place effectively trapping him in the booth of the dismal bar that he really didn’t want to be in. The table was sticky, the music too loud and there were far too many people for the experience to be consider anywhere near pleasant.

When Jon had ‘insisted’ that he came out and ‘socialised’, with Grayson agreeing, Damian had stupidly overlooked the fact that they were meddling, and he had ended up on a double date he certainly was not happy with entertaining.

Jon’s friend sighed yet again and pouted at the pair of them looking woeful.

“Sorry Jon, my girl’s bailed on me... she’s still jetlagged and working on Parisian time and... missed Hammy so... she won’t be coming.”

Alya looked guilty as she and Damian watched Jon’s brilliant eyes dim causing Damians frown to grow. Despite his frustration of being with the pair Damian knew Jon had worked hard to trick convince Damian into coming out tonight. As she glanced down at her phone again Damian scanned the messages Alya sent to her ‘friend’ subtly over her shoulder.

To My Girl: Where are you??

To My Girl: Meet me at the usual place!! There’s a cute guy here that I want you to meet

To Foxy: Can’t. Hammy’s birthday.

To My Girl: What?!?!?!

To Foxy: [pic of a hamster in a small party hat with a mini hamster friendly flapjack birthday cake. In the background birthday party banners]

To My Girl: No excuse! Get your butt down here! You need HUMAN company. Plus the hamster isn’t a year old.

To Foxy: Soz

To Foxy: Still can’t.

To Foxy: And so what if it’s not Hammy’s year birthday. He won’t live that long so celebrating his 3 month birthday.

To Foxy: AND I missed him. He’s my baby boy. 😛

To Foxy: Coffee tomorrow instead? Xxxx

To My Girl: Girl! Be serious!

To My Girl: Girl?

To My Girl: Mars??

To My Girl: … Marinette???

Sighing yet again Alya put her phone back into her bag, still within easy reach but more so she could focus on the guys in front of her.

“I kinda thought as we’d nor seen each other in a fortnight she’d want to come out and catch up.... ‘not play pretend parties for her fucking rodent!’”

“Tt, this is a waste of my time. I refuse to be a third wheel on your date. Jon. Move.”

“Pffffft!!! Dating?! No chance, sorry Jon. I’m happily engaged, thank you very much. I know Jon through work. He’s just a friend.”

“Noooo! Wait! Dames, please. You spend all your time couped up with Titus and Alfred or working. Dick and I thought you could use a break. Make new friends... maybe...”

Damian raised his eyebrow at his friend turned hostage keeper, folding his arms waiting for more of an explanation. Jon tried to use his ‘puppy dog eyes’ as a weapon to soften whatever he was going to say next. Probably in hope of convincing Damian to stay. Or to reduce the chance of him digging out the kryptonite knuckle dusters Todd gave him for his last Christmas present.

“Errr, Alya’s friend has similar interests to you, we thought, maybe, that we could all meet and hang out together. And I did want to spend time with you. This isn’t all a ruse. Promise Dames!”

Ignoring Jon’s pleading attempt to pacify him, Damian turned his frosty attention to Alya.

“Either she’s a poor friend who’s neglected to inform you of her cancellation early enough to be polite or you’re a poor friend who either neglected to consider your friends schedule or didn’t inform her of this prearrangement and expect her to drop everything whenever you demand her attention. Tt. All those are unappealing options to say the least.”

“Dames!”

Despite Jon’s protest, Damian felt that he’d stuck quite well to Pennyworths rules of etiquette. He’d not swore like the heathen strays of his fathers. He’d expressed his thoughts without violence. Ok, he understood that he spoke with distain and slight malice but he was impressed considering he wanted to stab Jon and Alya the march out the establishment he found himself in.

“No... Jon, he’s right... I got wrapped up in acting like my younger self again with all the excitement. I’m glad he called me up on it... Mars would... maybe.. Eventually have too.”

Alya wryly smiled at Damian.

“She might not have been quite as blunt.”

Damian had not expected that response and blinked slowly reassessing Alya. Normally Jon would end up make amends for his ‘blunt’ statement and try and appease the offended party. Alya didn’t seem to be offended. She was aware of her behaviour and didn’t begrudge his harsh, if true, words.

With a sharp look, and analysing her closely, showed that she had no signs of hurt from his remarks which was unusual and was more remorseful, most likely for her friend given the how often she was glancing at her phone.

Jon the saviour of sour tension broke the growing social awkwardness that Damian had created.

“Alya, you mentioned missing Hammy... is Marinette ok?”

The tired laugh that escaped Alya surprised Damian as she rolled her eyes at Jon before smiling fondly.

“I was house sitting her hamster, Hammy, as well as watering her plants for the last fortnight. If anything happened to them while she was away, I’d be a goner. She called daily to check up on both, like I’d forget about them. Mars is currently throwing a mini party for Hammy as it's his ‘3-month birthday’ and she really missed him. He’s basically her child.”

The young adult reached for her phone again, smiling with love as she saw her friend’s Instagram page has uploaded a whole bunch of photos. Most were of Hammy eating his cake, having cuddles and a few of him playing some weird attempt at party games.

“Here, look. These are the photo evidence of what my girl is up to instead of hanging out with us.”

She snatched her phone away from the guys after she was sufficiently content, they’d seen enough of Mars and stuffed it back into her purse and took a sip of her drink.

“Your fiancée made a superior decision to stay in with her pet than to come out.”

“Excuse you!!! First off, Rude!! Second, not my fiancé - she’s my best friends. Thirdly, Hammy’s cute and all, but coming out is just as fun, if not more. Other people are here.”

“Alya, you have no idea what you have unleashed.”

As Jon distracted Alya unintentionally, Damian swiped her phone and broke into it painfully easily. He started categorising and profiling her as a person as well as reviewing more of her messages to ‘My Girl’ and ‘Pobblebonk’ on instra. Out the corner of his eye Damian could see Jon shake his head subtly before guiding the conversation with Alya to the latest article they were working on.

Ten minutes later, Damian was satisfied with his investigation and handed Alya her phone back.

“Your friend is acceptable. You will take us to Hammy’s party. It holds superior appeal to this bar.”

“What?! When did you take my phone??”

“Tt, shortly after you finished showing us pictures of Hammy. I recommend that you consider improving your phone’s security. It was ridiculously easy to break into.”

“I.... what... huh?... You know what, with your phone ‘acquiring’ skills, you and Mare will be perfect together.”

“Tt, move. We’ve been invited to Hammy’s party and are leaving this ghastly location *now*.”

Damian roughly shoved Jon who hardly moved before return to glare at Alya who was staring at him and down at her phone, which had a few messages from Marinette dance up.

“You stole her number?”

“No. I enquired if we could visit and join the party. She was amendable to the suggestion.”

He could feel Jon beaming at him, so deliberately ignored the urge to glance in his friend's direction, Damian focused on Alya as she pursed her lips as she contemplated his behaviour. Damian could only guess what was going through the enthusiastic woman's mind. He approved of her scepticism about bring an acquaintance and unknown back to her friend's home and was happy to wait for her to assess the situation. If she refused, he had all the information he required to meet Hammy in his vigilante form instead.

“Fine. You best not be a psycho, or they’ll never find your body!”

There was a look in Alya’s eye showing she was earnest about it. Damian turned slightly as Jon catches his eye with his grave nodding like he knows that she was being deadly serious. Under his friend's questionable assessment, Damian nods his head sharply in understanding.

On journey to Marinette’s, Damian found that Alya often glared at him as he continued to ignore her in favour of messaging her friend. Overlooking the horrific way their over excited friends behaved in trying to encourage contact, Damian had to concur that he was enjoying Marinette’s conversation.

After exchanging concerns about the flapjack cake for the hamster and her horrified response about ‘how dare he assume that she'd not considering her babies diet and health’ they fell into a rhythm sharing information and facts that started off about hamster and bovine care. It quickly deviated to amphibians when enquiring about where Marinette got the name Pobblebonk which turned out to be frog which are alternatively known by banjo frogs. He decided he’d have to get Jon to explain to him further about who Yoshi was and why a frog was being commission to make his noise. Damian elected to ignore Jon’s snort and Alya’s semi supressed huff (as she was being ignored) as smiled softly as she sent him further pictures of Hammy.

Entering Marinette’s apartment surprised Damian further. It was in a rundown building on the edge of a nicer neighbourhood in Gotham, but the insiders did not match. Light colours, warm throughs littered the place with plants everywhere. It was more akin to what he would expect for Poison Ivy. He understood the need for Alya to come round to help look after them given the sheer number that fit in the tiny space.

Marinette had said that Hammy was well looked after. Alya had hinted that he was completely spoilt. Damian was inclined to believe that Marinette was just passionate about looking after her pets. Hammy seemed to have a converted doll’s house as a place to live and then one wall was filled with tunnels and tubes for him to run around, potentially the whole apartment given one funnelled off somewhere with nooks and place to play in. The tunnels weaved around floating bookshelves which were filled with trinkets and more plants. He was living the life of hamster luxury.

Jon was staring in surprise that someone else had done what Damian had threatened to do when he was younger and wanted to spite his father. While waiting for the boys to taking in the awe of 'hamster madness' Alya wandered off to get drinks for every one from the kitchen with an ease of familiarity.

Marinette herself seemed awkward, fidgeting with her fingers and nervously darting her eyes about the place. She stood in the middle of the room in her pyjamas and oversized hoody, having not considered changing for guests.

“Ummm, would you like some cake? NOT hamster cake obviously. Though it is safe for humans. I may have just umm, over shared some with Hammy so there’s not much left. I have human cake though. If you are interested?”

“I’m vegan.”

“Oh, no worries, I have alternatives for that too. As well as gluten free. I grew up in a bakery, we often had to make alternatives which still tasted amazing.”

“That sounds agreeable. I would be delighted to try some then.”

Damian always considered Jon a ball of Metropolis sunshine, that is until the Parisian before beamed up at him and darted away towards the kitchen.

“Oh, I forgot, watch out for Hammy. He’s currently in his ball dancing to his disco music! I’ll be back with snacks in a moment. Make yourselves at home.”

Jon and Damian glanced at the corner of the room, sure enough was a speaker with techno pouring out of it quietly with a hamster that seriously did look like he was dancing along. As Jon decided to settle on the sofa to wait for the hosts, Damian sat down near the hamster inspecting the set up that Marinette had constructed.

As the woman in mind re-entered the room with her friend in tow, she placed a tray of refreshments down on the coffee table and sat next to Damian on the floor as Alya took the seat next to Jon. She pointed to all the different foods and what contained products which Damian shouldn’t eat and as Alya and Jon dived in like vultures, Marinette turned her attention to her pet, releasing him from his disco ball.

“Do you want to meet Hammy, Damian?”

Marinettes quiet silky voice reached out to him as her gaze was completely focussed on the hamster.

“I would like that, Marinette.”

“Girl!!! You’re still researching frogs!! I thought you’d given up that interest!”

Ignoring Alya’s screech, Marinette carefully placed Hammy in Damians hand before trying to snatch an encyclopedia on frogs out of Alyas hands.

“I’m gonna beat Nino on facts Als. He knew what he was getting into. Don't knock my tab system. And leave the notes alone. Plus, frogs are interesting, Damian seemed to be interested in what I knew. And from your messages he wouldn’t lie.”

“Girl...”

“Errr, frog facts?”

“Pobblebonk here, entered a frog fact competition with my fiancé. Let’s say he is losing as has a social life.”

“Pobblebonk?”

"I have a social life!!!"

Alya launched into a discussion with Jon about Yoshi, Pobblebonks, Frogs and bets while Marinette scowled at her friend. Damian smirked to himself amused by how she looked as threatening as a kitten before returning his attention to Hammy.

“She’s going to rant about this and monologue for a while now.”

“Tt, That’s Jon’s issue. He started all this.”

“True. I feel bad though, he’s likely to get it enough at work.”

“Still his issue. You however never finished telling me about poison dart frogs that look like raspberry strudel.”

“Oh, you really are interested in that? I’m happy to hear about Batcow and facts about her instead... You don’t have to listen to my frog facts.”

“Tt. It’s unbecoming to fret. I asked you to tell me more so continue.”

With a wonky smile and tilt of her head Marinette started to explain more about what's she learnt. Marinette eventually stole back her encyclopedia from Alya to show Damian.

The evening continued that way with Jon and Alya talking about journalism and the pros and cons of the ethics associated with it while Damian and Marinette focused on celebrating Hammy and talking animal facts with a documentary going on in the background. Damian noticed Marinette's yawns slowly started to increase in frequency and recalled that Alya said she was still on Parisian time.

"I think Hammy should go back into his home. It's late and he probably has had a wealth of stimulation for an evening."

Marinette hmm'd at him and carefully reached across Damian, brushing her hands against his as she took her baby away from him.

"*yawn* night night or morning my sweet child. *yawn*"

She booped a kiss on the hamsters head while leaning against Damian. He felt a growing heat of embarrassnent in his ears at her soft but carefree behaviour. Gently she placed her pet away and sat down next to Damian again, this time leaning against his shoulder, her eyes dazedly gazing at the documentary playing.

"You're tired. We should leave."

"May *yawn* be. You're warm though."

With that she snuggles closer wrapping her arms around his holding Damian tight drifting off. Frozen and unsure of what to do and completely unsure of what just happened Damian frowns down at her. Her warmth isn't unpleasant. Her shampoo and body wash filled his senses with her this close, again is was unexpectedly refreshing. He contempts how easy it was to talk to her. Unforced. Her willingness to not push his conversation boundaries. And her never ending love of animals.

Jon's cough draws Damian's attention away from the tiny Parisian gaining Jon a glower. He'd still not decided how he felt about the woman next to him beyond deciding she was more tolerable than most he encountered.

"Oh shit! Fuck. Sorry Damian, I'd forgotten that Mars gets clingy when tired."

Alya glanced at the clock.

"Sugar!! She'd think it's 5am. Fuck! Oh god."

"Tt. You seem to really care for your friend."

"Hey!"

Damian just rolled his eyes at her. He might not have made his mind up on when he truely thought of Marinette, but he had decided that she needed better friends to look after her.

"Jon. You assist Alya tidying up. I'm taking Marinette to her bed and then we will leave. She obviously needs sleep and we've kept her long enough."

Shifting around and slipping his arms around and under her legs, Damian lifted the sleeping fae given how light she was, glaring all the while until Jon and Alya sprung into action. Carefully, he moved his sleeping cargo into her room. Feeling uncomfortable intruding into her private space, Damian made swift work of placing her in bed and pulling a blanket over her. With one final look over his shoulder he closes the door and rejoins his evening kidnappers.

The trio shortly after leave the apartment, walking back towards Jon's car to be dropped home. Stopping first for Alya before Jon heads towards Wayne Manor.

"So, ummm, tonight wasn't too bad right?"

"Tt, it could have been worse."

"You going to contact Marinette again?"

"She was surprisingly barrable considering who she is friends with."

Jon fist pumped with excitement, a huge grin upon his face.

"That's a yes then."

"Tt."

"Oooo a definite yes!"

Damian rolled his eyes yet again at his friends antics, refusing to join in the conversation. Instead he turned on the radio and watched the Gotham landscape drift by. Jon did have a point. It would be nice to see Hammy again. He was an adorable well loved hamster.

And potentially Marinette.

[astrynyx]

Fighting Feelings

pairing: damian wayne/marinette dupain-cheng

warnings: fencing? fighting?

AO3 masterlist

“Are you sure I’ll be able to get in?” Marinette asked Kagami, nervously holding her fencing gear to her chest. Kagami sighed, turning to stare into her friend’s eyes.

“Mari-hime, you are an excellent fencer, especially for only starting less than a year ago. The first time you ever fenced, you were on par with Adrien Agreste, the best fencer in his class, who had been fencing for years. Now, you have even been able to best me multiple times. I am more than confident that you will be able to join the club.”

“In my defense, I’ve been learning martial arts since I could walk.” Shooting the taller girl a smile, Marinette took a deep breath. “I’ve got this,” she whispered to herself, psyching herself up. Kagami nodded, gently pushing her friend forward.

“You will do great. Now hurry up before tryouts close.” With that final statement, Kagami shoved her best friend into the gymnasium.

Deftly regaining her footing, Marinette turned to glare at Kagami, not noticing the stares she got.

“Hey! What was that for?” Kagami shrugged, ignoring Marinette’s indignant huff as she strides into the room.

“You were hesitating.”

“I was not! And even if I was, you didn’t have to push me!”

“It was the most effective method.”

“You could’ve just told me to go in!”

“I did. Then I gave you the needed push.”

“It wasn’t needed, Gami!” Ignoring Marinette’s pout, Kagami turned to the expectant room.

“We are here to try out for the fencing team,” she stated in faintly accented English, looking at the coach. Marinette straightened up, turning to face the coach as well.

“My name is Marinette Dupain-Cheng, and this is Kagami Tsurugi. As she said, we want to try out.” She stood confidently, a stark difference from her earlier meekness. The coach cleared his throat, gesturing the two forward.

“Fantastic! However, only the best are able to make the Gotham Academy Fencing Team, so don’t be too disappointed if you don’t make it.” Kagami raised an eyebrow, inspecting the team. All but one of the students squirmed.

“I assure you, we won’t be.” Marinette threw her friend a smirk, which Kagami returned. The coach raised an eyebrow.

“In that case, you each will have to demonstrate your skill against one of the team members. Lucas, Damian, step forward.” The two in question followed his instructions. The brown haired boy was cute, Marinette thought, but her eyes were immediately drawn towards the other boy. He was tall with black hair and striking green eyes, standing proudly with the grace of a king. They sized each other up. “Lucas, you will spar with Ms. Tsurugi and Damian will spar with Ms. Dupain-Cheng.” The four nodded, separating to prepare.

Kagami gave Marinette a look, telling her to not hold back. Marinette only smirked with a wink.

“Ms. Tsurugi, you will be going first if that is alright with you.” Kagami nodded, getting into position. Lucas did the same. Both connected their body wires to the spools before testing their weapons. Once they confirmed everything was functional, they retreated to their en-guard lines. At the coach’s nod, they saluted each other and the coach.

“The first fencer with two hits is the winner. En garde!” They lower their masks and assume position. “Prêts? Allez!” With that, the match began.

Marinette stared at the two, analyzing the way Lucas moved and his technique. It was clear in the first five seconds, however, that he was painfully outmatched. Kagami won both rounds within sixty-five seconds.

The entirety of the Gotham fencing team gaped at the red clad fencer. She had beat their second best fencer in minutes. Marinette smirked.

“You were slow, Gami,” she said, giggling when Kagami rolled her eyes. The students’ eyes widened further. “Usually you’re much faster.”

“Jet lag must have gotten to me more than I originally presumed,” she said, taking off her helmet. Marinette only laughed.

Shaking himself out of his stupor, the coach cleared his throat. “Well, that was an interesting match. You did incredibly well, Ms. Tsurugi. Now, it’s time to see what Ms. Dupain-Cheng is made of.” Marinette brightened, bouncing over to hook her body wire into the machine. Damian did the same.

Raising an eyebrow, Damian tested his weapon. The machine beeped. “If you’re half as decent as Tsurugi, I suppose this might be interesting.” Marinette smirked, testing her own foil.

“Trust me, it will be.”

Both retreated to their en-guard lines, foils by the sides and masks pulled up. At the coach’s nod, they saluted each other and the coach. “Same rules apply. En guarde!” They lowered their masks, determination showing in their stances. “Prêts? Allez!”

Their match was far faster than Kagami and Lucas’s. It only took ten seconds before the coach realized that they were too fast for the machine.

“Halte! I suppose we’ll have to do this the old fashioned way.” He unhooked both teens, and they re-assumed stances. “Prêts? Allez?”

Without the machine, the two were faster than before. Every strike was either blocked or dodged, students being forced to move out of the way to avoid being caught up in the match. They moved throughout the gymnasium with enough grace to make it seem as if they were dancing. Every move was calculated and predicted, every strike foreseen. Soon enough, both stray from fencing techniques towards a more traditional form of swordplay.

The coach could barely keep up as their blades collided, each strike becoming faster the longer the match went on. Soon enough, they began to get creative, each using various aerial jumps and flips to try to win. Damian had more skill, but Marinette was fast and agile. Neither were willing to lose.

Soon enough, their blades hit the other’s chest in perfect unison. Kagami raised an eyebrow, impressed.

Marinette and Damian both threw off their masks, sweat dripping down their faces, as they whipped around to look at the coach. “Who won?!”

He looked between the two, clearly terrified, as he announced, “It was . . . a tie.”

“A tie?!” they exclaimed, glaring at each other. Kagami nodded, stepping forward.

“It was a perfect tie.” Knowing Kagami wouldn’t lie, Marinette closed her eyes, taking a deep breath to calm herself and as a reminder that this was only to demonstrate her skills.

“Is this enough of a demonstration, or would you like for us to go another round?” The coach furiously shook his head.

“No, no! This is more than enough! You both made the team.” Marinette smiled, turning to shake her opponent’s hand.

“What do you say? Was that interesting enough for you?” Damian analyzed her, searching for any hidden motives, before nodding.

“I suppose it was sufficient.” Marinette smiled, turning to jump onto Kagami’s unsuspecting back.

“You’re pretty good yourself. We should do this again sometime.”

Ringing the doorbell of Wayne Manor, Kagami rolled her eyes as Marinette bounced on her toes, foil at the ready.

“Try not to irreversibly scar Damian’s family, please.” Marinette laughed ominously, not calming her best friend in the slightest.

Before Kagami could give her any more warnings, the door opened to reveal an older gentleman.

“How may I help you?” Marinette stepped forward, smiling brightly.

“Hi! We’re here for Damian? We’re in his fencing club and this is the address he gave for practice?” Her words sounded as if she was questioning it. Kagami simply sighed.

“This is his house, Mari-hime. Damian is rich.” Marinette whipped her head around, eyes wide.

“Since when?! Why didn’t I know?!” Kagami raised an eyebrow.

“Since long before we met him. You would have known if you paid attention to our conversation instead of ogling Damian.” Blushing, Marinette glared.

“I was not! I was accessing him for weaknesses,” she mumbled, not making eye contact with either of them. The man chuckled.

“It’s nice to see Master Damian made friends.” He bowed at the waist, opening the door to let the girls in. “My name is Alfred Pennyworth, the butler of Wayne Manor. Master Damian is in the main sitting room, so if you would please follow me.” Marinette smiled as Kagami nodded.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Pennyworth. I’m Marinette and this is Kagami.” Alfred smiled, leading the two to a doorway.

“Master Damian is right through here. I only ask that you try not to break anything.” Only a little surprised that Alfred knew what she was planning, Marinette winked.

“I will try my best!” With that, she immediately crept through the door, spotting Damian sitting on a coach, foil at his side as he argued with another man.

Smirking at his obvious distraction, Marinette lunged, focusing only on her opponent. Sensing the attack, Damian whipped around, raising his foil to block.

The other in the room, sans Kagami, yelped in shock as the two traded blows.

Walking up to the others with a sigh, eyes never leaving the match, Kagami explained the situation. “There’s no need to worry. They do this often.” They blinked in surprise.

“Somehow, that doesn’t make me feel better.” Kagami shrugged, walking forward as the match progressed into another room. Damian’s family trailed behind.

“I can’t tell if they’re dancing or fighting,” one whispered, watching as Marinette gracefully performed a back handspring to avoid a blow. The others nodded.

“It is always beautiful watching them duel,” Kagami said, gently smiling at her friends. They had moved from traditional fencing to other types of swordplay, as their duels tend to do. Neither paid attention to their audience, focused solely on beating the other. That is, until Bruce Wayne entered the room.

“What’s going on here?!” he demanded, ducking out of the way. Realizing the two weren’t listening, Kagami whistled sharply.

“Halte!” The two immediately froze, stepping away from each other before turning to Kagami. She raised an eyebrow, nodding towards Mr. Wayne.

Marinette immediately started blushing with a loud squeak. Damian simply looked over, unimpressed.

“Father.” The man sighed, spotting his other children spying from around a corner.

“Damian. Care to explain what exactly is going on?” Damian shrugged.

“Fencing practice.” Bruce pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Neither one of you are wearing the proper gear.” Damian opened his mouth to speak, but Marinette smacked her hand over his mouth, looking apologetically at the billionaire.

“Ah, that would be my fault, Mr. Wayne. Our duels generally end up in a tie, so we’ve evolved to sneak attacks. I was the one who attacked Damian, even knowing that neither of us was properly protected.” Damian rolled his eyes, lowering her hand from his mouth. Bruce raised an eyebrow at the tame reaction, but didn’t comment.

“It wasn’t all Mar-Dupain-Cheng’s fault. I was the one who began the sneak attacks and have been prepared for one all day. We are both precise enough with the sword that we would not critically harm each other. Besides, if it looked like we would, Tsurugi would intervene before it could happen.” Kagami nodded in agreement. Bruce let out another sigh.

“Of course you would -!” He cut himself off, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Does Alfred know about this?” Marinette nodded.

“Of course. Before we entered the living room he only asked that we wouldn’t break anything.” Feeling as if he aged five years, Bruce took a seat at the table, where the duo ended up. Marinette smiled sheepishly.

“I’m really sorry, Mr. Wayne. I had assumed Damian would inform you prior to our meeting, but apparently,” she glared at Damian, who only smirked, “I was wrong.” Bruce shook his head.

“It’s not your fault, Miss Dupain-Cheng, was it?” Marinette nodded. “I was merely surprised to see my son sword fighting with such intensity.” Damian glared at his father, but Marinette only seemed to pale more.

“Oh my gosh. You guys are rich, so you probably get kidnapped a lot since this is Gotham. I probably brought up past trauma! I’m a horrible person I’m so sorry-”

“Marinette!” Damian yelled, yanking her closer to him. She looked up, eyes wide. “Listen closely. It is not your fault, and if I thought that it would be detrimental to do so, I would have told you not to do it. Do you understand?” Marinette nodded, lowering her head.

“I’m sorry . . .” she whispered. Damian glared.

“There’s no need to apologize. If you were at any risk of bringing up unwanted memories, I would have informed you prior to our meeting.” Taking a deep breath, Marinette nodded once again, smiling at the boy.

“Thanks, Damian.” He nodded curtly.

“Of course, it was not a problem.” The two continued to stare at each other until Kagami loudly coughed, reminding them of the others in the room. The two immediately looked away, blushing and refusing to meet each other’s eyes. Kagami smirked.

“So . . .” Kagami started, ignoring the twin glares from her friends. “Do you wish to restart the match?” One of the boys in the room, who Marinette assumed were Damian’s brothers, stepped forward.

“Well, if you guys already stopped, we may as well introduce ourselves,” he said, smiling brightly at the two girls. “I’m Dick Grayson, one of Dami’s brothers.” Damian rolled his eyes at the nickname, but said nothing else.

“Tim Drake,” said another boy, looking dead tired. Marinette sympathized.

“I’m Jason Todd,” the one with a white streak in his hair said.

“I’m Marinette Dupain-Cheng.”

“Kagami Tsurugi.”

“So,” Jason drawled, “what are two pretty girls doing with the Demon Spawn?” Marinette raised her eyebrow.

“If by ‘Demon Spawn’,” she used air quotes, “you mean Damian, then it’s pretty self explanatory.” Dick raised an eyebrow.

“Attacking each other?” Damian and Kagami both rolled their eyes, Marinette barely resisting the urge.

“I had already said it was fencing practice, Todd. Do keep up.” Damian gave his brother an unimpressed stare, hiding his pride at the giggle it drew from Marinette.

“Okay, but why with Damian?” Tim asked, taking a sip of the coffee Alfred placed in his hands. Marinette looked confused.

“He’s the best fencer on the team, and the only one that is a challenge. If we want to improve, the only way is to work with others. Besides,” Marinette shrugged, idly swinging her saber, “Damian’s cool. I like hanging out with him.” All of the Waynes, including Bruce, look at the girl blankly.

“Damian’s . . .” Dick started, looking bewildered.

“Cool?” Tim finished, face contorting like he ate something sour.

“Did he pay you to say that?” Jason asked, brows furrowed. Damian, Marinette, and Kagami looked insulted.

“Why in the world would I bribe someone to hang out with me?” Damian asked, hand moving closer to his knife. Marinette, however, was downright offended.

“Why would he need to do that? He’s great! It’s not his fault people are dumb.” She pouted, not seeing the adoring look Damian shot her way. Unfortunately for him, no one else missed it.

Kagami, ever the best friend, spoke before Damian could be teased about it. “Damian is a good friend to have.” Bruce assessed the two girls; Marinette and Kagami politely pretend not to notice.

“How did you meet?” he asked, looking between the three teens.

They all shared a look, speaking in perfect unison. “Fencing club.”

Bruce let out a deep sigh. “Why am I not surprised?” Marinette smirked.

“Maybe because we were fencing, sir.”

Damian stifled a laugh, turning so his brothers couldn’t see the amusement in his eyes. Bruce shot the girl a small glare, which she dutifully ignored. He only sighed once again, standing up to leave the room.

“Why did I decide to have kids?” he grumbled, gratefully taking the cup of coffee (with possibly a bit of vodka) Alfred prepared for him. Marinette courteously waited until he was out of earshot to laugh.

“Um, I’m here to join the fencing club?” a student said, cautiously walking into the gymnasium. The coach raised an eyebrow.

“Fantastic! However, Gotham Academy Fencing Club only accepts the best, so don’t be too disappointed if you don’t make it.” The student deftly nods.

“I won’t.”

“Perfect! Now,” he turned to look at his students, “who should we have you duel?” Marinette and Kagami share a smirk while Damian rolls his eyes, all of them remembering the day they met.

@mgi-events @solangelo252

[the-witches-you-couldnt-burn]

Epistle from a Friend

Collab with @jumpingjoy82 for @tylindel

Chapter one

Ao3

Chapter two

“Hello?”

She sucked in a breath and her hands began to shake and she ended the call. While they were friendly as children, that couldn’t be said for now. It had been more than five years since they last saw each other, let alone talked, now they were little more than strangers.

She sighed, collapsing on her loveseat.

“What was wrong?” Tikki asked, flitting around Mari’s head, fretting from her friend. “Why didn’t you say anything back?”

Taking a calming breath, she opened her eyes. “I just couldn’t, ok?”

Her phone chimed again. The girl lifted the screen up to her face, squeaked, and then instinctively yeeted it across the room. Tikki swooped under the device and thankfully redirected it to land on a pile of dirty clothes. The screen went dark once more as silence befell the room.

“He called again, Tikki! What should I do? I’m not ready!” Hands covering her face, pulling at her fringe.

“Well, you did call him first Marinette.”

“You know me Tikki!” She stood and began to pace around the room. “I’m impulsive!” She swivelled mid-step, turning to face Tikki. “And I’m clumsy! I don’t make the best decisions.”

“So,” Tikki landed on her holder’s head. “If you aren’t ready to talk to him, maybe try texting him?”

The kwami held onto the bluenette’s locks for her immortal life, as the girl cried, thanking Tikki for her genius whilst diving for her phone. The grin she wore decreased as her phone chimed again, this time with a text.

A text from Damian.

Damian: This is a private number. Who is this?

Damian: State your business

Marinette groaned, slamming her head into her fluffy pink rug. Why does fate hate her?

‘I can’t call him, I certainly can’t text him. So what should I do now?’ Her blue eyes traversed her room. She gazed upon the package he sent her, the fabrics he specifically chose, and the tissue paper even had small cherry blossoms. He did all this for her, why could she talk to him? Why was she so scared?

He even wrote her a letter. ‘Wait. . . He wrote me a letter.’

She shot up from her place on the floor. Jumping on her cushioned pink and white gamer chair, she spun towards her desk. She gathered what she deemed necessary for Mission ‘Childhood Friend’, and with her pink gel pen, she started writing.

Hearing his phone vibrate with an incoming call, Damian looked up. Most would just text if the matter wasn’t too urgent, and being a part of the family that he is, Damian generally didn’t have to worry about outside people getting ahold of his number.

With a final scratch of his pencil, he grabbed his phone within the next second. Looking at the screen, he hesitated a moment, as no contact showed up, and the location was showing from France. Paris, to be precise.

Shrugging his shoulders, he went ahead and answered it, as any of his siblings could have gotten a phone as well as a number from there at some point in time, which wouldn’t be too out of character considering their nightly activities.

When he answered the phone, however, as soon as he said hello, the person on the end of the line hung up. A flash of anger went through him. Who would dare hang upon him with not a word having been said?

Mulling over it some more, he thought back to the package he had sent about a week ago. He remembers how his father had given him the ‘assignment’ to find something ‘pleasant’ from his childhood. It had been quite the hassle to get things mailed off without anyone except for Alfred noticing, but he had done it.

The entire ordeal had slipped from his mind and no, he didn’t spend any time stressing over the fact that he may not get a response. The longer he thought about it, the more it made sense. The number was from Paris, after all, so that was easily explainable as she lived in Paris.

Before putting too much into the thought, he sent a message, as he could never be too sure that it was Marinette that had called him. It could quite easily be someone else completely.

Damian: This is a private number. Who is this?

Damian: State your business

He waited a few minutes, still receiving no reply. Taking the chance to call back, he waited until the last ring was heard.

The person you called has a voicemail box that has not been set up yet. Please try again later.

Knowing better than to throw his phone down, he slid it into his pocket. Taking a few calming breaths, he thought back to the day Marinette had quite literally fallen into his life.

“Hi,” he had heard, a whisper from the tree behind him, “do you want to play with me?”

Before he had had a chance to look up and around, a rustle of the leaves were heard, making way to a lithe girl falling down. Where he had thought she would crash down onto the ground, she landed gracefully.

“You’d be the perfect partner!” She had said. Damian, unable to keep his bout of curiosity at bay, had inquired about what exactly she would need a partner for with her only response being, “Because I can’t trust these adults, and you look like a good spy! So, what do you say?”

When he accepted, the only reasoning he had was that her child-like nature would be beneficial in reaching his objective.

“Fine, but you will have to be of some use, as I am not of that height yet.”

With a beaming grin, she had pulled him along, to which he had to resist the strong urge to remove the hand which held his own.

“Ok, lots of people are shorter than me, especially Kim!”

Rather than questioning who this Kim person was, he stayed quiet, allowing things to go as they were.

Damian sighed, hands in his pant pockets, hanging his head. Maybe he was looking for something that was never even there. Would she remember him? They were acquainted, maybe even. . . friends? She had called him “her perfect partner” or was it “the perfect partner”? He groaned in frustration, his fist swung into his room frame. His non-bleeding hand picked up his school bag.

He hurried to the door, hiding his fist in the sleeve of his school blazer. “Master Damian.” Damian cursed under his breath. He knew he wouldn’t get far, he swore that Alfred was the embodiment of the all-seeing eye. He swivelled around, Alfred stood at the dining room table. The elder pulled out a chair and gestured for Damian to sit.

He sat and Alfred left the room before returning with the large first aid pack (they used to have a small one but quickly realised a large one was necessary).

“Have they replied yet?”

Damian shook his head. His eyes were entranced by Alfred wrapping the bandages down his wrist and up to his thumb.

“I’m sure they will soon.”

Damian looked up, bewilderment on his face. “How are you so sure?” He whispered.

Alfred straightened his back, looking at the young man in front of him. Damian was in his last year at the academy and had grown into a person the whole family was proud of. “Because anyone who you interact with is exceptional.”

Days went by, turning into weeks, turning into a month. March the 6th, the day of the mysterious call. He checked the tracking and his package arrived that day but there had been nothing since.

He had several late-night conversations with Alfred about this. Alfred said there is a possibility that she was disturbed by him knowing her address. That thought made his chest hollow.

He arrived home to anarchy. Dick and Jason were standing on opposite sides of the table, arguing. Tim was holding a gun with a computer screen, thanks to Dick’s shout he was about to determine it was an x-ray gun. Babs was sitting with her computer, typing away, her eyes showering the screen. Cass and Steph stood to the side, giggling as they recorded the fiasco on their phones.

Damian stood in the doorway, what happened this time?

A phone was shoved in his face as something intelligible was screamed out of Steph’s mouth. “. . .Care to comment?!”

The yelling turned towards Damian. His brothers yelled over each other; words like “demon”, “who would” and “abroad” were thrown around. Damian’s eyebrows scrunched as he took a step back, bumping into something.

“WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?” Bruce’s voice boomed, Damian stepped to the side, allowing Bruce a full view of the chaos.

Silence overtook the room before the yelling started again. Alfred cleared his throat and appeared from behind the Wayne's head. “I believe what they are trying to say, Master Bruce, is that Master Damian got a package from overseas.”

Damian’s green eyes locked onto the package that he hadn’t seen before. It sat on the table between Dick and Jason. He walked closer, it was the box he sent to Marinette.

His chest tightened. The address information had been stamped as ‘returned’, but it was taped differently. Hope sparked within him as he peeled off the tape and opened the box flats.

He was so focused that he was numb to the silence. His family watched as his desperation grew. Their youngest sibling paused and picked up an envelope.

It sat on black tissue paper and there was pink wax that sealed the letter. He ran his finger over the wax imprint, it was a bundle of grain tied with a bow; the design of Boulangerie Patisserie.

The letter was written in light pink on an inky black card. He smiled, she still liked to keep a certain ‘aesthetic’ it seems.

Dear Damian,

I apologise for hanging up on you, yes that was me. Sorry!

I do remember you, our second meeting was quite eventful. I was trying to put a baby bird back in its nest, you were in the tree and tried to stab me with a stick. I still laugh thinking about it.

I wonder if I’m still taller than you :P

Oh! I read that you met your father! How is he? You looked up to him so much when you were small (smaller?).

I love the gifts you sent me. The fabrics are gorgeous, they’ve given me so many new ideas. I included one in this package, I hope you like it.

Your old (taller) friend, Marinette

P.S I’m glad that you consider me a “pleasant” part of your childhood, I think the same of you too. Sorry, I reused your box, it had the return address. Let’s talk soon, ok?

A chuckle escaped his mouth, his family was shocked, and they stole glances at each other. He shook his head as he placed the letter down and moved the tissue paper. He froze before he pulled the item out to get a better look at it. It was made of the dark green fabric he sent. It was double layered with a lighter translucent green that shimmered in the light. The two layers were stitched together with embroidery of a robin.

‘Did she know?’ He thought, a strange nervousness flooded his psyche.

A tag hung with twine was a pale white against the darkness of the forest green. He held it up so he could see her pink writing.

The baby bird from our second meeting was a robin. He’s grown so big and now has a family of his own just like you (Unless you’re still short)! Robins mean hope, renewal and rebirth.

He tisked and pulled out his phone. His family by now had crept out of the room, leaving him mostly alone.

———06/03/2022———

Damian: This is a private number. Who is this?

Damian: State your business

———Today———

Damian: Marinette I’m 5”10

Damian: and growing

Marinette: SHORT UNTIL PROVEN TALL

Taglist:

@toodaloo-kangaroo @to-be-honest-i-dunno @achaoticmess1 @prettylittlebutterflie @adrestar @iglowinggemma28 @lilyoflothlorien @hammalammadamdam @slytherin-batbitch @nullsleepy @laydeekrayzee @twsssmlmaa @vroomtaka @dorkus-minimus @miraculous-mystery @ann0631

[aliensunflower-fics]

My Recommended Fic List

So, I got this ask awhile ago, and since I have been re-reading a bunch of my old favorite fics as a way to cheer up after work I figured why not. This list will be long... and varied but mostly its older fics cuz idk there my favs. Now lets go:

Fashion Upgrade - By @soap-lady : Straight up one of my favorite fics ever, its fun, its creative, it never fails to make me laugh when I need something warm and wholesome after a bad day. Also go check out the rest of her stuff there's so much good okay like shes just a writing queen. Shes on AO3 I don't want to spoil you on her other stuff just GO experience it for yourself.

Ode To Decoy pt 1 / 2 / 3 - By @a-marlene-s : Ive always liked this short sweet little fic about Lila getting caught. Its Lila + class salt though so avoid if that's not your flavor.

EVERYTHING - By @unmaskedagain : They have salt, they have sugar, they have funny, they have crossovers. Like honestly they are a just a great writer with so much variety so go check out the masterlist I linked and I guarantee there will be something there you like.

@ravennm84 Is a writer on the saltier side but they have a wonderful selection of weird wacky tales from the salty but oh so well written Damning Evidence that sees Lila get caught in the best way to the 3 part Horror inspired Serafina other great fics from them include Marinettes Family Court Circus pt 1 / 2 and Of Moldy Bread and Cockroaches / Be Kind to Servers honestly its worth giving there blog a look.

@mochinek0 Is another writer with several beloved fics. They write a lot of Maribat and we love them for it. Ones to check out would be Blind Date / Bruce vs Gabriel just go check out there tag list of daminette for more.

Accidental Crime Boss Marinette - By @lady-literature : This is a wonderful idea and a wonderful little fic and I just... I just like it okay. Sadly I haven't read a lot of there other stuff... But I might after finishing this list considering how much I enjoy this one.

@nobodyfamousposts I love a LOT of there fics. They are one of the best when it comes to striking that sweet spot of calling out the show for some of its garbage while not getting so salty that you cant have fun lighthearted goodness. I have been looking for a masterlist of there work but cant find one so just go stalk there tags. I do recommend there Chloe's Lament Series 1 / 2 exploring how certain 'wishes' would backfire. Guardian Assistant Kevin is also a good one Miracle Queen Aftermath pt 1 / 2 / The 8 parter Burn the Witch series / The Wisdom Teeth Reveal / Kagami Vs The Wall of Faces / Resigning With Grace & Spite / I tried to give a lot of links cuz they have a lot of stuff

Kill Them With Kindness - By @luki-fanfic : Well written, good salt without going overboard. Just good vibes. I havent stalked there other stuff but if its anything like this fic its probably excellent quality.

Stephen Vladislav pt 1 / 2 - By @stormiclown : Adrien centered salt on the idea of finally giving Adrien his own proper rival. I like the idea of Adrien having a rival because its usually Marinette and this was just the right length to get those creative ideas flowing. Also just well written what more can you ask for.

Power Trip - By @storygirl000 : This was the first fic that made me go... Wait would it be more fun if Lila was actually competent? And that set me on the path to writing my own fics where Lila is more villainous and more capable. Its short, well written. Good.

Your Wish is My Command - By DemiGoddess28 on AO3 : A great 11 chapter fic looking into Lila's life if she were to win and get a miraculous wish. Its got sugary goodness for our protagonists and the class and salt for our dearest friend Lila.

LadyBugOut AU - By Miraculous-Content on AO3 : A 50 chapter fic made up of snippets and ideas. I found it really inspiring in many ways. I also love how it redeems Marinettes classmates showing how and why they were tricked but holding them accountable anyway its just... Good.

Juleka vs The Forces of the Universe - By goldenlaurelleaves on AO3 : For those of us not yet ready to accept the death of luka/mari we have this wonderful fic showing Juleka being the biggest wingman as she helps these idiots find there way together.

ChaoticNeutral on AO3 has there own Chloe's Lament fic as well as a Gabriel's Lament fic for people who need sweet salty of those two characters.

BroadwayCutie16 was Inspired by the person above and DemiGoddesses your wish is my command fic to write Lila's Lament fic going over Lilas failed wish. Honestly I always love these fics because there just so interesting and the way wishes can be taken and twisted is always a fascinating idea to me.

#WayneAngel - By Tired-Writing-Teach on AO3 : For us Maribat lovers. Its fun and lighthearted with some good gags and some light fluff.

Damian in Paris - By Lilliesandliveries on AO3 : A sweet Maribat series showing what would happen if Damian ran away from home and found himself in Paris and getting therapy.

How a Demon Commissions an Angel - By AlixAnonymous : Damian blackmails Marinette into letting him be her client so he can get his bros the best gifts, they end up becoming penpal buddies.

Mythomania - By LadyEnna_50 on AO3 : Proof that I dont hate Adrien or Mari/Adrien. In this fic Adrien's spine gets titanium plating and he sees just how bad Lila is hurting Marinette and does something about it.

The Contingency - By AbyssalGuardian on AO3 : SALT. Also Tim/Mari but even still I love the way this was written, the style, and some of the ideas just ugh love it. Its not for those who dont like salt so just avoid at your own discretion. Its about a chaotic Marinette done with her life running away to Gotham where she meets her true black cat, and gets her life back on track.

The String That Binds Us - By FaithAndATypeWriter on AO3 : Okay so is there any Mari/Bat fan who hasnt already heard of this one? Who cares its good, its cute, I love it. May the author be blessed with snacks.

The Great IKEA Game - By @batsandbugs : Okay again... I think every Mari/Bat fan has probably heard of this one already because its just that good and that popular. But who cares I am recommending it anyway. Don't read if your allergic to fun I guess.

If this list still doesn't somehow have enough salt for you then try @goggles-mcgee fics here is a link to there Masterlist. They are in a way a professional at salt and angst and they make you want to adopt Marinette and pop her in a blanket fort.

Honestly I could keep going but this list already feels so long for other great recs though I can link you to @jayphoenic who has some great Daminette Fic Recs and some Lila Salt Fic Recs!

Feel free to reblog this and add some links to stuff you would think I or others might like! Also lets just acknowledge how many talented authors the community has like wow.

[cocosparkel]

Curiosty killed the cat(but satisfaction brought it back)

Summary -When Marinette finds out that she is adopted, she tracks down her Biological aunt. Who happens to live Gotham, the place she swore she wouldn't go. Well, Gotham just gained a new vigilante - Chaos.

Chapter 10 Ravager

previous next

Word count : 730

A/N: IM BACK

Paris was so very destroyed when Marinette stepped in through the portal. Her Aunt seemed to have a heart attack at the sight but Marinette had gotten used to it.

“Ma— Ladybug… how will you save this place ?” Her Aunt asked, her expression somewhere between terrified and shocked.

“I have a plan. I can fix this mess.” Ladybug said, mostly to herself as she assessed the damage level.

“Darling, this place is damaged beyond repair. How will you..?"

Before Ladybug could reply, a familiar voice spoke up. “Ladybug ? What are you doing here ? And… who is this ?” Princess Honey asked.

She seemed… tired. Ladybug turned towards her, “No time to explain, we have to defeat… er — ”

“Ravager.” The bee hero supplied.

“Right, Ravager. They seem to live up to their name. Any clues on why they were akumatized ?”

“None, and on top of that, they seem to be invulnerable.” She seemed frustrated, which was to be expected.

“Where were they last seen ?”

“At the Louvre, they seem to have made it their lair of sorts, Cat Noir and Viperion are supposed to be there at the moment, analysing the situation.”

“Then I suppose we should head there ?” Her Aunt interrupted.That seemed to turn on a switch in Ladybug's mind, and she gasped, opening her yoyo.

“What ? Is something wrong ?” Princess Honey asked, curious and worried.

“No it's… I have a plan. They're not the only thing that's invulnerable..” Ladybug muttered.

“What do you mean, Ladybug ?” Selina asked, exchanging a look with Princess Honey.

“We don't wait for the Ravager to make a move, we bring the fight to their doorstep.” Ladybug said grimly, her mind quickly devising a plan.

<•••••••••••••••••••••••>

The fight lasted a solid half hour. Ladybug's plan worked perfectly, as usual. Ravager did not expect that the heroes would Storm into her ‘base’. She tried to destroy them, as every other villain before her.

Her gun, which seemed to be her weapon which could shoot waves of devastating destruction, was the akumatized object. Marinette had used the Rooster Miraculous to grant invulnerability to herself, Selina, Princess Honey, Viperion and Chat Noir.

When Ravager realised her attacks were futile, she tried to escape. But with a strategically placed portal by Selina, or Mare as she wished to be called, they managed to trap Ravager caging her against a wall, with no place to escape.

Before the Miracle Court could even try to convince Ravager to reject the akuma, Mare had disarmed here with a flawless move, quick and efficient.

She then tossed it to Ladybug, as Ravager pounced on Mare. Everyone watched in awe as Mare effortlessly dodged, and within seconds, Ravager was on the ground, her masked face pressed to the uneven, destroyed ground of the Louvre, Mare on top of her, not even a bit shaken or affected.

Ladybug snapped the gun in half, a bit too easily, and the akuma flew out. After cleansing the akuma, and reverting the damage, Ladybug silently disappearing, dragging Mare with her.

In the confusion of the aftermath of the battle, no one noticed till it was too late…

…………………..

“So.. You're a super hero.” Selina stated.

"Yeah. I promise I'll explain everything later, but you need to teleport us back to the manor, now." Marinette said, avoiding her aunt's eyes

"Okay. I can do that." Selina hummed as she summoned the portal.

Back at the manor, in the bathroom, Bunnyx was waiting for them. She smiled at them, and let them into the burrow. Then, when they came back out, they had traveled back in time, to a few seconds after they left.

“Magic is.. amazing,” Selina marvelled.

Marinette smiled. “Thats true, but now we should act like—”

“Nothing happened ?” Selina finished, smiling.

“Yes. I promise, I will explain everything later.” Marinette said, fixing her dress.

“I'm holding on to that promise.” Her aunt said, bumping her hip.

The two walked out together, and when they walked in, every eye turned towards them.

"Is everything all right ?" Bruce asked.

“Yes.” Selina said smoothly, “It was just a little.. misunderstanding.” Marinette smiled at everyone, nodding.

“Well, if you say so.” Bruce said, relaxing slightly.

The rest of the dinner went normally enough, and the drive back home was so silent, that Marinette almost fell asleep.

Almost.

“Now,” her aunt said the second they entered their apartment, “Explain. From the start.”

___________________

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A.N. Want to know when the next chapter is posted ? Let me know and I'll tag you in the next chapter :) Also, if you liked this chapter, do comment ! Comments fuel me to write longer chapters, and update faster.

( This Chapter is... Something. I really wanted to show more of the miracle court, but was restricted to only chloe, cause I felt Marinette wouldn't introduce her aunt yet, not when they were pressed for time. The next few chapters will focus more on lore and world building. I reallyyyy hope you like this chapter. Honestly your comments really help a lot, some comments from previous chapters might be the reason I managed to finish this chapter. )

Taglist -@radmusicstrawberry @trashyangelic @myazael @shadowwyng @depressed-bitchy-demon @meira-3919 @itsanimepotato @gladly-be-the-good @jenjubili @sarcasticlibrary @zotinha456 @shadowolfspider @star1ightbite @magman3000 @stormnightingale @sylveoncupcakes @mosseetrees @dissarraymania @greengreenghostie @sleepyandgrumpy @nisarelle @victory7155 @bluepartywobblernickel @starscreamlover @emo-elaine13 @blobanor-lovesrobin2 @pilotkooki @lynkurosawa @mcheang @blue-duck-egg

[cocosparkel]

Curiosity kiled the cat

Summary -When Marinette finds out that she is adopted, she tracks down her Biological aunt. Who happens to live Gotham, the place she swore she wouldn't go. Well, Gotham just gained a new vigilante - Chaos.

<<Previous next>>

Chapter 9 : A Matter of Trust and Louboutins.

Word count: 1250

All eyes were on her, and her ridiculously loud phone. Marinette was panicking, hard.

Still, she managed to immediately turn off the alarm. She smiled slightly at them, saying it was just an alarm. She tried, God's she tried to ignore that gnawing ache in her heart, the way her throat was tightening.

They didn't seem to buy it — at least not completely, but she excused herself from the table, and made her way to the washroom. Which was apparently just down the hall, from what Selena had called out to her. Everything was going fine, why did it have to happen now ?

She locked herself in the bathroom, her brain filled with a hundred different screams. The bathroom was comparatively big, but still small enough to make Marinette feel as if the walls were collapsing inwards.

She caught her reflection in the huge mirror, and looked away immediately, as she backed up to the wall; not just out of fear, but out of shame. She slowly sunk to the ground, clutching her head, her back hitting the wall.

Tikki zoomed out of her purse. “Marinette, what..?” Tikki asked, confused.“I…I don't know what to do..” Marinette said, looking at Tikki with teary eyes. “There is an akuma attack, a level ten…”

“Well, you can use the rabbit miraculous, go back in time and decide not to come here today. Or you could use the horse miraculous, go to Paris, defeat the akuma, use the miraculous rabbit then, and come back just seconds after you leave !” Tikki said, reassuringly.

“Or… I could use all three Miraculouses, and prevent the akumatization altogether ! Sure I might have to use multiple Miraculouses, but it would still work..” Marinette muttered, mostly to herself.

“Marinette, that's not a good idea. Using too many miraculouses at once is dangerous. It takes a toll on your health and you know that…” Tikki said softly, concern filling her sweet voice.

But Marinette wasn't listening, she was too into her head for that. She was spiraling down and fast.

What if I'm not good enough? What if Hawkmoth wins ? What if I lose my miraculous ? What if —

“Marinette !” Her Aunt's voice. “Is everything okay ?”

No. Nothing was okay. She didn't reply. She couldn't. Couldn't breathe, couldn't focus, couldn't do anything. Wasn't she just pathetic? So useless—

Before Marinette knew it, strong hands wrapped around her, rubbing her back and whispering sweet nothings into her hair. “Breathe, kitty, Breathe.”

She tried. And for once, she didn't fail. She forced air in and out in a steady rhythm — matching her Aunt's. It took her about a few minutes to relax.

(Absent-mindedly, she notes that the door wasn't broken, so her aunt had probably picked the lock. A useful skill. Marinette should ask Selena to teach her that.)

When she pulls away from her aunt, she expects disgust, annoyance, disappointment. Hate even.

But what she saw knocked the air out of her. In her Aunt's eyes, there was only pure concern. Behind her Aunt, Tikki was floating, a similar expression on her face. A small thought plants itself into Marinette, a positive one, almost like a flower growing amidst weeds.

“Selena, how much do you trust me ?” Marinette asked cautiously.

The look on her aunt's face was enough for her.

“Blue carrots.” She says aloud, confidently.

Just then, a blue and white portal opens up where the mirror was, a sign that Marinette made the right decision.

Bunnyx steps out, a smile on her face. Just like that, the portal disappeared.

“I almost intervened, but I'm glad you came to a conclusion.”

Her Aunt reacted immediately. Standing up, she pushed Marinette behind her, and got into a defensive stance facing Bunnyx. She also managed to successfully block the door with her body.

“Get away, who are you ? How did you get in here ?” Her Aunt snapped. Alex looked slightly worried, and looked at Marinette, her eyes asking Marinette for help.

“Selena don't worry.. that's Bunnyx, a superhero from Paris.” Marinette placed a hand on Selena's shoulder.

“…what.” Her Aunt asked, alternatively looking at Bunnyx and Marinette. Selena seemed to be completely confused

“I… Paris had been under the attack of a superpowered villain for the last two years, and I was chosen to be the hero, ladybug, by using these magical earrings, called a Miraculous. And uh… many things happened. And.. long story short—”

“I think,” Selena interrupted, “I would like the long story.” She looked at Marinette expectantly, still shielding her from Bunnyx.

“And I will tell you. But now, we have more important matters at hand. Paris is being attacked by a very powerful villain, and I need your help.” Marinette said, slightly impatient.

Her Aunt looked at her, slightly shocked. She seemed to be on the edge, which was to be expected.

“My help ? How ? I mean I'm just a civilian…” Selena asked, her voice faltering slightly.

“I know, but all you will have to do is teleport me to Paris and back.” Marinette reassured her.

“I… Okay. I'm assuming you'll tell me how to do that ?” Despite everything her aunt was taking the news quite well. Marinette tapped her bracelet, and the portal opened. Her Aunt looked even more put off at the display of magic. Marinette suppressed a laugh at Selena’s skepticism.

“Selena Kyle, this is the Miraculous of the horse which grants the power of Migration. You'll use it for the greater good.” She offered the bracelet to Selena.“Once the mission is over, you'll return the Miraculous to me.... Can I trust you?”

“Yes, I accept. Now what do I do ?” Her aunt replied, inspecting the miraculous which seems to be peculiar sunglasses.

“Wear it and say – Kaalki, full gallop.” Her Aunt hesitantly wore the glasses, and Kaalki zoomed out.

“So we each get a mini flying elf ?” Selena asked, looking at Kaalki then at Tikki,” I'm assuming that's your magic elf ?”

That seemed to have offended Kaalki, “I'll have you know, I'm more than a mere flying elf—”

“Okay, okay that's enough Kaalki. We have bigger problems we need to face.” Marinette sud, slightly impatient, more than before.

“Fine. Well human, hurry up.” Kaalki snapped at her already bewildered Aunt.

“Uhhhh ok..?” Her Aunt replied, shaking her head. “Kaalki, full gallop.”

Bright light enveloped her aunt, and before her stood a new hero. Her suit was pitch black, except for her torso, which was beige. Her Aunt's hair, which was a bob before, was now in a high pony that came till her mid waist.

The sunglasses had become goggles, and her boots were.. not what Marinette expected. They seemed to be a modified version of Louboutins, but with a white sole, and a slightly thicker heel.

“Now that's what I call a fashionable, practical suit. I do love this magical makeover.” Her Aunt said, checking herself out in the mirror. Then, she turned to Marinette.”Let's get this party started. What do I do now ?"

Marinette grinned, and transformed herself. That's when she noticed that her suit had changed too. It wasn't major, but it certainly had more black now than before. She liked it.

After she told her aunt how to activate her powers, and explained her plan, she realised that things didn't seem as impossible or difficult as it seemed before. Not now that she doesn't have to do everything on her own anymore.

Maybe she did the right thing coming to Gotham.

___________________

Previous next

A.N. Want to know when the next chapter is posted ? Let me know and I'll tag you in the next chapter :) Also, if you liked this chapter, do comment ! Comments fuel me to write longer chapters, and update faster.

( This Chapter is one of my favorites, for a lot of reasons. I reallyyyy hope you like this chapter as i put a lot of thought into it! Honestly your comments really help a lot, some comments from previous chapters might be the reason I managed to finish this chapter.)

Also, I'm in need of a beta reader, anyone interested?

Taglist -@radmusicstrawberry @trashyangelic @myazael @shadowwyng @depressed-bitchy-demon @meira-3919 @itsanimepotato @gladly-be-the-good @jenjubili @sarcasticlibrary @zotinha456 @shadowolfspider @star1ightbite @magman3000 @stormnightingale @sylveoncupcakes @mosseetrees @dissarraymania @greengreenghostie @sleepyandgrumpy @nisarelle @victory7155 @bluepartywobblernickel @starscreamlover @emo-elaine13 @blobanor-lovesrobin2 @pilotkooki @lynkurosawa

[chaoticcutielover]

Red Hood and the girl who bakes

Ao3 link

Shanghai, China – 2:17 a.m.

The rooftop was silent—until it wasn’t.

Marinette blinked awake at the sound of a thud. It wasn’t thunder. It wasn’t the creak of old wood. It was the solid, heavy kind of noise that only happened when something hit the roof that shouldn’t be on a roof.

She grabbed the closest weapon she had—a rolling pin—and slipped out of the warm kitchen of her Uncle Wang's apartment.

Outside, the air was cool and damp. The moon was low and soft over the tiled rooftops. Her slippers made no sound as she climbed the short ladder to the top, her rolling pin at the ready.

Then she saw him.

A man in a red helmet. Leather jacket. Black gear. Bleeding. He was sprawled across her uncle’s rooftop like a fallen bat, one arm clutching his side. The other—holding a gun that was now out of reach.

“…You good?” Marinette asked, lowering her weapon.

The man groaned.

“Wrong roof,” he grunted. “Go back inside.”

“You’re bleeding on my uncle’s roof,” she said, stepping closer. “And he just re-tiled it.”

“Lady, I have a bullet in my ribs.”

“And I have a rolling pin and a grumpy uncle who values tilework. You want help or not?”

There was a long pause.

“…Do you have alcohol?”

“I have baijiu.”

“Close enough.”

---

2:33 a.m.

He was wayyyyy heavier than he looked. She dragged him inside, laid him across the kitchen table, and got to work. First alcohol, then gauze. Then needle and thread.

“You’re not a civilian,” he said hoarsely, helmet and mask removed and sitting on the floor.

She didn’t look up. “And you’re not a tourist.”

“Who taught you to stitch up bullet wounds?”

“My ex-boyfriend had enemies. Long story.”

He hissed as she tightened a knot. “So you’re just out here in China for fun?”

“I’m visiting family. Uncle Wang lets me stay when I need time to… disappear.”

“…Same.”

She paused, then finally looked at him. Dark hair. Strong jaw. Piercing blue eyes cold as tempered steel, filled with exhaustion and caution and guilt.

“You have a name?” she asked.

“…Jason.”

“Jason what?”

He gave her a look.

She rolled her eyes. “Fine. Jason Whatever. I’m Marinette.”

He looked down at her bloodstained fingers. “You’re good at this.”

“I sew and bake,” she said with a shrug. “Precision helps.”

Jason snorted. “You stitched me up like a croissant."

----

3:03 a.m.

She handed him a still-warm pork bun and cookies.

He stared at it. “Are you feeding me?”

“You bled all over my uncle’s kitchen. You’re lucky I didn’t hit you.”

Jason took both the bun and a cookie. Chewed. Groaned. “You’re a witch.”

Marinette smirked. “I get that a lot.”

They sat in silence for a bit. He didn’t ask why she wasn’t scared. She didn’t ask why he was injured, or who he’d been fighting.

Some things don’t need answers.

But just before dawn, as he stood to leave—

“Don’t die,” she said softly, handing him his helmet.

He paused. Helmet in one hand. Food in the other.

“…You got a phone?”

She raised a brow. “You wanna call me or track me?”

“…Both.”

She gave him her burner number.

Just in case.

---

2 Years Later – Gotham City

Wayne Manor – Present Day

Jason slammed a grocery bag on the kitchen island. “If anyone touches the tarte Tatin in this bag, I’m fighting them.”

Tim peeked in. “Is that from her?”

Jason narrowed his eyes. “Marinette is not ‘her.’ She’s my pastry witch and you will respect her almond crust.”

“She’s in town again?” Dick called from the living room. “Tell her she still owes me a batch of those lavender macarons and Nightwing themed cookies!”

“Tell her yourself,” Jason snapped.

“What, is she coming over?”

Jason grinned.

The kitchen door opened revealing Alfred and Marinette.

“Hi everyone!” Marinette chirped, stepping inside with a bag full of baked goods and wearing a soft blue hoodie. “I brought food!”

Jason beamed. “See? Little sister privilege. You’re all beneath me.”

---

Across the kitchen…

Damian Wayne looked up from his book.

And stared.

She was shorter than he expected. Freckles. Black hair up in a messy bun. Eyes like calm ocean.

Damian hated how fast his heartbeat is.

She turned and saw him.

Their eyes locked.

He blinked. She smiled.

Jason watched the whole thing.

Groaned.

And glared.

“...Oh hell no.”

[1moonflame8]

Don't mess with a Ladybug's family

The abandoned high-rise in Gotham City loomed like a broken tooth against the skyline—dark, jagged, and full of bad decisions. On the eighth floor, two very out-of-place teenagers were tied to chairs.

“Ugh,” Chloé Bourgeois huffed, flipping her hair as much as the ropes allowed. “When I get out of this, I’m suing everyone.”

Beside her, Adrien Agreste looked… oddly calm. But that's not unusual for those who are from Paris but Gotham doesn't know that. Across the room, The Joker lounged like this was dinner theater instead of a hostage situation, chin resting in his hand, eyes glittering.

“Oh, this is delightful,” Joker cackled. “Foreign rich kids, dramatic setting—what’s missing? Oh right—panic!”

Adrien tilted his head. “Actually… I know you’ll probably say no, but… can I get a phone call?”

The room went quiet. Then Joker burst into laughter—loud, wheezing, borderline unhinged. “Oh, I love you,” he said, tossing a phone across the room. “Sure, kid. Call Mommy.”

One of the goons snorted. Adrien caught the phone, dialed quickly, and lifted it to his ear. “Hey Mom,” he said casually. “Eighth floor. They have guns and hit Chloé and me.” He hung up. No hesitation. No explanation. Then he handed the phone back.

The goon blinked. “What’s your mommy gonna do, huh?”

Adrien smiled. “...You’ll see.”

—

CRASH. Glass exploded inward. The lights flickered as something slammed through the window. Then—

PFFFT.

Smoke flooded the room in seconds. Thick. Black. Swallowing everything. “What the—?!” a goon shouted. Adrien leaned back in his chair, utterly relaxed. “She’s about to whoop your ass.”

A scream cut through the smoke. Then another. Something moved in the haze—fast, precise. A shadow in the smoke. Gunfire erupted—wild, panicked.

“THERE!” someone yelled. They shot at the silhouette. It didn’t stop. One by one, the screams got closer until one by one there were no more screams and the clown was now alone. The Joker’s grin faltered, just a little. “…Oh, this is new,” he muttered, gripping his crowbar tighter.

“…Alright!” he laughed, voice a little sharper than before. “Show yourself!”

A voice answered. Right behind him. “Turn around.”

Joker spun—

—and froze.

Standing there was a girl. Small. Teenaged. Unassuming. For half a second. Then—

CRACK.

A crowbar slammed into his face. The Joker dropped like a puppet with cut strings. The smoke cleared dramatically, curling away from her like it knew better. Marinette Dupain-Cheng stood there, breathing steady, eyes sharp, bloody crowbar resting on her shoulder. “Don’t touch my fucking family.”

—

“WOOOOOO!!!” Adrien cheered.

“YES, GIRL!!!” Chloé shouted.

From the shattered window—

THUD.

THUD.

THUD.

Three figures landed almost simultaneously.

Batman.

Red Hood.

And Robin.

They froze. Because the entire room was already… handled. Joker? Unconscious. Goons? Down. Hostages? Cheering. And in the center of it all was a tiny civilian girl holding a crowbar like it was a personal statement.

“…What,” Batman said flatly.

Red Hood blinked slowly. “…I’m sorry,” he muttered. “Did we just get beat to the punch by a middle schooler?”

“I am not—” Marinette started.

“She’s perfect,” Red Hood cut in, already nodding. “We’re adopting her.”

Batman turned his head very slowly toward him. “No.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“She took down Joker with a crowbar, B! That’s basically a family tradition!”

“I said no.”

Meanwhile—

Robin had gone completely still; staring with eyes wide and cheeks red. There were actual hearts in his eyes. “…I will marry her,” Damian announced with absolute certainty.

Everyone paused.

“…What?” Marinette blinked.

“You can’t!” Red Hood snapped. “We’re adopting her!”

“You cannot adopt my future wife,” Damian shot back.

“I will absolutely adopt your future wife!”

Adrien wriggled in his chair. “Uh—excuse me?!”

Chloé leaned forward. “HELLO?!”

Both of them shouted at once: “WE SAW HER FIRST! SHE’S OURS!”

“EXCUSE YOU?!” Jason barked.

“PREPOSTEROUS,” Damian snapped.

Batman pinched the bridge of his nose. “…No one is claiming anyone.”

Marinette lowered the crowbar slowly. “…I literally just came here to save my kids.”

There was a pause. Batman blinked. “…Your kids?”

Adrien beamed. “Hi.”

Chloé waved. “We’re rich with parent issues. Marinette claimed us as hers and we have been loving it.”

Red Hood pointed. “Okay but that makes it worse, now I really want her on the team.”

Damian stepped forward, deadly serious. “Name your dowry.”

Marinette stared at him. “…I’m going home.” She turned, grabbed Adrien and Chloé’s ropes, and snapped them loose with practiced ease. “Come on.”

Adrien hopped up instantly. “Thanks, Mom.”

Chloé dusted herself off. “You’re buying me a new phone.”

Behind them—

Red Hood leaned toward Batman. “…We can keep her, right?”

“No.”

“…What if I ask nicely?”

“No.”

Damian crossed his arms. “I will simply pursue her independently.”

Batman sighed. For once—

He had absolutely no control over this situation. And somehow—

That was more terrifying than the Joker.

[itriedwritingandhereiam]

I like to imagine in a world of Daminette, when Talia finds out her boy is dating she might, possibly go on a "no one is worthy of my child" streak and then she meets the girl and its like:

Talia:*on a far away rooftop, staring through the rifle

Marinette:* in the distance, walks into a lamp pole repeatedly

Talia: why my child, are you trying to spite me in some form or fashion?

Also

Marinette: what the fuck does the LoA want with me

Talia: why do you even know who I am

Marinette: hi my name is Marinette and my cult is your neighbour

Talia: what

Marinette: behold, the celestial guardian, nice to meet you

Talia:*who just saw her drop a bag of flour on herself

Talia:*processing

[sgtscuttle]

Marinette didn’t forget, she’s actually just kinda embarrassed about it. How is she supposed to casually mention a sculpture that was made by someone who was in love with her resides outside her front door?

Damian is just endlessly amazed by the details of her life.

Annnyywhoooo, my first daminette fanart easily became my most popular post in just a week… didn’t realize there was so many of us! All the notes are encouraging me to make more so I wanted to thank you all so much, I’ll definitely make more :)))

Tim cameo bc he’s my fav weirdo

Extra-

Damian: Since w h e n?

Tim: Uhhh, early Hawkmoth days. Kinda unfair, we’ve been around for decades and don’t have anything like that.

Steph (on call): Tim, the Wayne name is on half the buildings in the city. Fund your own and plant it outside Wayne Tower if it’ll make you feel better.