Daminette December 2025: 29-Compromising Positions
"Soooooooo." Tim began, at dinner.
Everyone turned to Tim, awaiting his news.
"Damian." He spoke, "I heard you're dating a girl from the office."
Bruce looked up. Dick smiled, happily. Jason turned to Damian like he had sprouted another head.
Damian sighed, "No."
"That's not what I heard." Tim beamed, "I heard you were found in a …..compromising position."
"What?" Jason asked, "Bruce, yeah, but him?"
Bruce glared at his son.
"Marinette-" Damian spoke.
"Aw!" Dick squealed, "You even call her by her name!"
"Was attacked by a coworker." he finished.
His family just stared at him.
"She had a drink thrown at her because she spoke the coworker's boyfriend." Damian stated, "He is a barista and She goes to that shop for coffee. The boyfriend made the mistake of bringing her a coffee, while plannign to go to lunch with his girlfriend. He said she was a loyal customer and had not been there in a while. He planned to leave her coffee with the receptionist and have her pick it up from there. It was only a coincidence that Marinette was in the lobby, at the time."
"Oh, well that was nice of him." Dick spoke.
He nodded, "The coworker took her drink and threw it at her. She called her a whore for seducing her boyfriend. The boyfriend broke up with her, telling her Marinette knew his boss and he wouldn't be fired for his controlling girlfriend with boundary issues."
"Marinette came to me for extra clothes." Damian continues, "I had to give her my shirt, as Drake donated the extra clothes that were in my office."
"Ooooh." Tim whispered.
"I informed her she could use any fabric, at no cost, and then bring me back my shirt. As she changed, I was facing away." the young Wayne replied, "The coworker must have heard she came to my office as she walked in and began to scream how 'Marinette was lying about her'. I was shirtless and Marinette was in mine. She likely assumed something had happened. It wasn't long after that I heard 'Marinette is sleeping her way to the top'."
"I personally spoke to the fashion floor, of Marinette's department, and showed them the security footage from the lobby." Damian declared, "They all pitched in to help make her an outfit. I asked if they could help dispel the rumor, as there was nothing between us and she merely came to a supervisor for help."
Tim turned red, looking down at his plate.
"It appears you did not speak to the right people, Drake." Damian scoffed.
"I …guess not." Tim whispered, "Sorry."
"Soooo, no girlfriend then?" Dick sighed.
"Hah!" Jason smiled, "I knew it!"
Damian sighed as he walked into his Father's office.
"What did you need of me, Father?" He demanded, "Could this not be done at home?"
Bruce remained looking outside, "When you can, please send Miss Dupain-Cheng up so I can personally apologize about our staff. I have already spoken to Miss Fletcher about her reaction the other day. She is on probation and will take anger management training again."
Damian huffed, "Wipe that smirk off your face, Father. We are not on display."
"Yes, I suppose you would know about how reflective the glass is……Son." Bruce replied, keeping the smirk on his face.
Damian froze, as he turned around.
"And please, buy Miss Dupain-Cheng a coffee." Bruce continued, "I'm sure she would greatly appreciate it. Corner of Steven's and Elm, right? You frequent that shop, a lot."
"I like their tea." Damian growled out.
"I'm sure that's all." Bruce replied.
Damian threw open the door and slammed it shut. Bruce smiled. He could see the moment Damian realized what their talk was truly about. He never expected to see his son's blush in the reflection.
'I'm sure he enjoyed his show. He should ask her out already. I quite like her.'
Damian sighed at the sound of glass breaking. It was a bar and Jason said this one was known for its 'bar fights'. He turned to see the 'entertainment' and saw a girl a foot shorter than him, standing over a man on the floor.
"Drinks on the house, Miss." He heard the bartender say.
"You don't have to do that." she smiled, flexing her hand, "Just….helping clean up Gotham."
Damian wasn't sure when he had moved , but the next thing he knew, he was holding her hand.
"I suggest you let go." A voice suggested, "Unless you want to end up the like the guy behind you."
"Did it hurt?" Damian questioned, looking over her hand.
"If the next words out of your mouth are 'When I fell from Heaven', you're definetly getting punched." She threatened.
He chuckled, "Sounds like something my older brother would say. You did not rotate your wrist or fully extend your arm. It is very likely you could have injured you hand."
"And let me guess," she scoffed, "you're some sort of doctor."
"Veterinarian." Damian stated, looking up into some very blue eyes, "My family has been injured before and I have done stiches on them. There could be a sprain or a dislocation. There is no immediate swelling, so nothing is broken."
Damian rubbed his thumb over her knuckles and felt the flinch, "Can we get some ice for her hand?"
The bartender smiled and handed the young Wayne a clean rag full of ice. Damian pressed it to her hand. He could see the blush on her cheeks.
"I would not have taken you for a fighter." He spoke.
"Well, you thought wrong." She spoke, turning back to look at him,
"I am very glad I did." He replied.
Marinette was trying her hardest not to fluster herself over the man holding her hand. He seemed like a very smooth talker and had green eyes. According to him, he appreciated her ability to defend herself. She could feel his hands were very rough, but gentle at the same time.
'He said he's a vet. I wouldn't have though someone like him would work on animals. I can’t see him looking over birds or kittens.'
"You mentioned being a veterinarian. Do you have your own clinic or do you like work at the zoo?" She questioned.
He sighed, "I own my own clinic. I have been banned from the zoo."
"Why?" Mari asked, "I knew someone whose father worked there."
"I was banned when I was ten." he spoke, "I attempted to free the animals and succeeded with a few."
Marinette couldn't help but laugh.
'Oh, Jagged would love him!'
"What kind of animal do you treat because with your record, I may have something up your alley." she smiled.
"Are they being mistreated?" He perked up and questioned.
"No." she stated, "Spoiled rotten with love and care, but….an unusual pet. Not everyone is so welcoming."
"I treat all animals. I have quite a few exotic animals myself." He answered.
"You seem sober, enough." Marinette replied.
"I am the Designated Driver for my brothers." the green-eyed man spoke, pointing out guys around the pool table, "The one in the blue is the one who would pun. The one with the white streak is a fighter, so I also have to stop him."
"And the one passed out?" She giggled.
"He hasn't had any alcohol." he declared, "He is just sleep deprived."
"Seems fun." She said, looking at them.
"Would you like to move your tab to ours?" he asked.
Marinette looked to the bartender and he nodded. He had been her safety net in the bar and she trusted his judgement.
"Sure thing, Doctor." She smiled.
The smile he sent her way, she felt it down to her toes.
Dick was immediately at attention when Damian came hand in hand with an injured girl.
"Did you fall from heaven?" He asked.
Jason smacked him upside his head, "Great shot, but I'm guessing Demon Spawn there sensed and injury."
"I told you he would say that." Damian spoke, "Pay no mind to him. He is married and has a daughter. He simply believes his puns are funny."
"I take offense to that!" Dick declared.
"You are supposed to." Damian shot back, "You are not funny."
"So, Pixie, what's your name?" Jason asked.
"Marinette." She smiled.
"Well, welcome to Gotham and let us know if you need to punch someone until your all healed up." Jason replied, "Damian can keep an eye on you until then. You know the bartender up there?"
"Yep." Mari answered.
"Next time you're in here, tell him Jason adopted you." He said, pointing to himself, "Extra security details."
Mari let out a soft chuckled and nodded.
'I'm glad these guys seem nice and protective. Jordon hasn't steered me wrong about people to watch out for in here.'
"Here’s a picture of my daughter!" Dick cried out, shoving his phone in her face, "Her name is Mar'I! She is five and right now, she's visiting her mother's side of the family."
"Very adorable." she cooed.
"You mentioned a pet I should care for?" Damian spoke up, bringing her attention back onto him.
"Right, but he belongs to a relative of mine. I would have to clear it with him. He travels a lot and brings his pet with him." She smiled, pulling out her phone, "Acts just like a puppy."
Damian looked from the photo of her, sitting with a giant crocodile, and it looked like she was….. giving it belly rubs. She had a giant smile on her face.
"Just let me know when he's available or there's an emergency." Damian spoke, "I'd be happy to take a look at him."
Dick and Jason looked at each other over the pool table. They couldn't decide it Damian was being genuine or if he was flirting with the girl. All they knew, was that Damian had never gotten close to someone so quick.
"Do you have a card on hand, Dr?" Marinette questioned.
"No, but I can give you my number." Damian suggested, "I can also give you the name of my clinic so your relative can see how they feel about it."
Mari smiled and sent him a text: Hello, Dr.
Dick dragged Tim to the car, as Jason settled their tab. Marinette waved to Damian from her friend's car. Her friend seemed to know of them and looked away.
"You keep those damn cards on you at all times." Jason smirked, "I've seen you give them out in Crime Alley so people can bring in the pets for free services."
Damian shrugged and walked towards the driver's side.
"We need to date." Damian declared, as he set his books down on Marinette's kitchen table.
"Excuse me?" She questioned.
Damian sighed, "Father is starting to offer me up to daughters of his business associates. He said I would have a 'great night' at the next gala."
Mari stared at him, "What did you do this time? This has to be a punishment, right? I mean...how many hospital bills has he paid until he learned that you don't like to be touched?"
"If it is, I am unaware." The Wayne heir sighed.
Marinette shrugged, "I guess I can help. I'm not seeing anyone and your family has met me before."
"We will keep it simple." Damian spoke, "I asked you out at the cafe on Grandeur, while studying."
Mari nodded, "We can also say that we have only had a few dates because we have been busy with finals."
Damian immediately agreed. Marinette closed her text book and stretched.
"Go ahead and undress." She stated.
"I do not believe my family will require proof of a relationship. " Damian declared.
Marinette turned bright red, "Damian, no! I- As my boyfriend, you are wearing my clothes to the gala. I need your measurements."
Damian turned away, "Father has already paid for-"
She glared at him, "Think of it as the 'cherry on top' of our dating announcement. Not a bad idea, right?"
Damian nodded in agreement.
"Where's Damian?" demanded Bruce.
"He said he was on his way." spoke Tim.
"He didn't come with you?" his father questioned.
Jason scoffed, "He left before us and he was in his tux. Track him or something."
Bruce sighed and reached for his phone, when he froze: "Announcing arrival of Damian Wayne and Marinette Dupain-Cheng."
"Marinette?" Dick spun around.
The Wayne family froze when they saw they were wearing matching outfits and Damian's arm around her waist.
"This is the first time you have brought a guest, Damian." A reporter spoke, "Is this your date or an acquaintance?"
"This is my girlfriend, Marinette." He replied, "I had the pleasure of asking her to be by my side."
"How long have you been dating?" The reporter pushed.
"It's been about two months." Mari answered, "We've been busy with studying for finals, so we haven't been out on too many dates. Damian insisted I accompany him to the gala as our first big date."
Damian took her hand, ignoring the reporters and led her to the dance floor.
"I don’t know, Damian." Mari whispered, "You know how clumsy I am."
"I am here to hold you up." He replied, "Do you doubt me?"
"No." she answered.
The Waynes looked at the couple from the sidelines.
"When have you ever seen him look this happy?" Tim asked.
"With his mother." Jason spoke, taking a swig out of the champagne flute.
"No one fuck this up!" Dick roared.
As the song ended, the Waynes approached the couple.
"So, you're dating now?" Bruce questioned.
"Yes." Damian stated.
"Since when?" asked Tim.
"Two months ago." Marinette replied, "He asked me out while we were studying."
"While you were studying?" Dick responded, "Little D, that's the worst possible way you could have done it!"
Mari giggled, "I actually prefer it that way."
"Why?" Jason demanded.
"Well, obviously if he had done something over the top, I never would have believed him." She scoffed, "Damian's blunt, but honest. It's what I love about him."
Damian quickly turned to look at her.
"Like!" Marinette shouted, "I meant like! I'm gonna get a soda."
Damian watched Marinette's retreating figure.
'Love? I thought this was fake. Is it not?'
"Damian." Bruce spoke up.
The youngest turned and glared at his father.
"You should go have yourself a great night with your date." he smiled.
Damian could feel his ears turning hot and rushed after Marinette.
'We might need to speak about this….arrangement and extend it.'
"What just happened?" Jason prodded.
"Your brother is growing up." Bruce spoke, "Let him.
Marinette Dupain-Cheng quickly ascended to Queen of Gotham University. She was the French Beauty who no one could believe came to Gotham. She was kind to everyone, but also distant. She had come to Gotham at fifteen and quickly broke many hearts. She had become a topic everyone talked about and it annoyed her competition. It was whispered that she was like Damian Wayne; cold-hearted.
"Marinette!" a guy called out.
She turned and looked at him confused. She couldn't recall him from any of her classes and she needed to be at her next class in five minutes.
He took a deep breath and half-question, half-shouted, "What would it take for you to date someone? You have denied so many people!"
Marinette looked at the stranger shocked and actually thought about the question.
'What would it take for me to say yes to a date? I haven't thought about dating in years and everyone in Gotham seems so shallow. They care about appearance and money. They're just like Chloe and Lila. Oh!'
Mari smiled, catching the guy off guard, "Make me a dress to wear on the date. It can be simple. It doesn’t have to be expensive material or an expensive date. My only personal requirement is that the dress not be revealing. If it looks trashy, that tells me you are trash."
The guy smiled happily and ran away. Marinette turned and headed straight to her class. She had no idea the weight her words carried and to how many. Many onlookers turned to each other before rushing away; eager to win her heart.
Marinette groaned as the teacher informed her the lab was currently full for the third time that week. She peaked in and saw every sewing machine was occupied. There were even ten people in line waiting to use it. Mari sighed and turned around, deciding to work at home instead.
'It's not even finals week! What is going on?'
Marinette finally understood when people started bring her clothes and asking her opinion. Some were pretty, but too short. Others the sleeves were too long or mismatched.
"You're nothing but a liar!" A guy screamed at her, "We all made clothes for you to wear and you always pick something wrong with it! You're just wasting all of our time!"
Marinette glared at him, and hissed back, "I told one person about the dress requirement, not the entire school. I despise liars. I liked the dresses and gave valid information on how they could be better, but they couldn't even do the first part of design right."
The guy took a step back, never seeing her so upset.
'Fuck! I ruined my chance.'
"I have my design, right here!" A rejected boy called out, "My dress even looked like it!"
Marinette turned and eyed the design. She recalled it. It was a blue, off the shoulder dress, but it looked like it the bottom was uneven. There had also been no security band for the dress to remain above the chest.
"I told you what needed to be fixed." She stated, "You have not brought me a new version. You are throwing a tantrum because your so-called effort was wasted."
Suddenly, he was shoved to the side as Damian Wayne walked up with his own bag. Marinette looked at him and everyone went silent.
"You-" she began.
"I have a dress. I designed it, myself. I have the sketches in my art book. I have the receipts for the fabric. My mother taught me how to sew up wounds and asked Alfred how it would differ. He had me watch many video before attempting a single stitch." Damian announced, "This was my first attempt."
Damian pulled out a teddy bear that looked like it had been found in Crime Alley. He heard a few snickers behind him, but kept his eyes ahead.
"I have hope for you." She spoke, taking the bar and hugging it.
Craig scoffed, "Let me guess, cause he's a Wayne? I thought you were different!"
"No." She replied, opening his garment bag.
Mari showed off a plain green dress. It was sleeveless and so ridiculously plain, it looked like it was something off the rack from a store. Damian stood still, embarrassed feeling everyone judge him.
"Damian was the only one to ask me for my measurements. " Marinette announced, "You can design anything you want, but for someone to wear it, you have to know their sizes. Everyone has different body types and those deserve the same respect. None of you respected me enough to ask. I was a trophy to you."
The crowd remained silent.
"I'll try it on today and let you know how it fits." Mari spoke up, "Where would you like to go on your date?"
"Gotham Muesum and a cafe." He answered.
She smiled, "I'd like that." and left with the dress.
Damian felt his throat tighten as Marinette arrived to the museum in his green dress. Somehow it looked amazing on her. He could tell she didn't change a thing. There was still a few threads hanging loose from the bottom and on the side.
"You can change if you wish." Damian spoke, as she approached him.
"Does it look bad on me?" She questioned.
"No." He answered.
Mari smiled. "Maybe I will get inspiration while we're here."
"Am I taking you away from something?" He asked, "Do you have an event coming up?"
"Nope." She stated as she entered the muesum, "Just…. Maybe you can wear one of my designs on our next date."
Damian watched as she entered the muesum, leaving him outside. He smirked.
There is a severe lack of content for Marikim and I've consumed it in an hour, time to adjust that even if it's just me. Listen, I hate cannon, most of it anyway. I'm not writing with Marc or Luka, only because I don't feel wholey comfy writing them. Didn't get that far in the show😅😅
Didn't finish the Lila shit either, so if it's wrong - sorry?
#####
To think, it all started with an akuma.
No, not a poor person taken advantage of. More like a poor butterfly being used by a madman being taken advantage of.
Kim was snorting, eyes rolling at Alix and Max as the duo continued to class from lunch. Max was lamenting the idiocy of their peers, of how Lila was obviously new and full of shit. A napkin take out someone's eye? Especially someone with glasses? Kim could hear his grumblings as Alix dragged him along, her snickering about whatever else that happened that Kim didn't care to pay attention to. While the new girl was objectively pretty, she was far too much like Chloe for Kim's taste. And Kim had made it a point to avoid anything resembling the blonde, he hadn't been the greatest when he'd been trying to impress her. Marinette had helped talk to Ivan after the Stoneheart thing, and since then Kim wants to say he's been doing better. No more silly tricks to impress and using actual words opposed to teasing to encourage have been shown to help loads. Max never hesitated to remind him of the odds when his old habits would make an appearance, but that's what happens when you're a teenager in the midst of an emotional, magical terrorist attack.
He still can't believe he mixed his gym bag for his school bag, eyes rolling at himself as he wondered if Marinette would be willing to take a commission to keep him from mixing them in the future. He didn't even want to think about the number of times he did this a week, let alone a day. It had to-
Kim froze, dread like ice in his veins as he saw the black butterfly floating along. He swallowed, holding as still as he could manage when he heard it. Voices. The following sound of a slam had his brow furrowing and he took a deep breath. Is he witnessing the becoming of an akuma? The memory, the feeling of strings connected to his limbs as the world went dark sent a chill down his spine and before he knew what he was doing. Kim was charging into the room after the akuma, eyes narrowed when he found its target.
Marinette.
The world would burn before someone let her get hurt by a fucking akuma. It was getting closer, heading for an earring as she gripped the sink so tight her knuckles were white. Nope! Not today, Hawkmoth.
"Marinette!"
She jumped, eyes wide with fear and tears falling from her cheeks. A squeak tore from her throat at the sight of the akuma and Kim did the one thing he could think of. He threw his bag. Now what Kim forgot was how he hardly missed a target when he threw something, secondly, was his strength. His muscles weren't for show, if he wasn't working out he was usually doing some sport or another. If not challenging Alix, rollerblades versus his own human body.
The bag slammed into the purple insect, slamming it into the wall. Marinette thankfully seeing his plan had dropped into a roll, moving from the Akuma and Kim didn't hesitate to snatch her around the waist and throw her over his shoulder before they were running from the locker room. Squished Akuma left behind.
Kim didn't stop running, his blood roaring in his ears and all he could think was to get her away from the evil little thing.
Not today, Hawkmoth, not his Cupcake. He didn't even want to think about the slaughter that would take place, because it wouldn't be a fight, a battle. Marinette would take out Hawkmoth and their heroes without fail. She was cunning, he's seen her climb the side of a building and not be late for class every other week. He's seen her when she's pissed, seen her fall and catch herself in a handspring. Seen her make Chloe back down. He wouldn't be surprised if Marinette would make Hawkmoth her little bitch.
"Kim!"
He skid to a halt, lungs burning for air and chest heaving. They were... at the park? Oops. Marinette was poking his back, his sides. Sharp nails digging in for attention, and another one of those squeaks tore from her throat as she clawed at his back on the off chance his rapid stop made her fall. Puh-lease. He played sports, his hands were probably one of the most guaranteed safe zones in the world. Well, maybe. Ladybug or Chat Noir might be safer.
"Kim, I think you outran the akuma." She said softly, and he chuckled. Heat flaring in the back of his neck as she wiggled to be put down. "Did... did you throw your backpack at an akuma?"
"No..?"
He laughed, rubbing the back of his neck now that she was firmly on her own two feet. Her pigtails were disheveled and Marinette's eyes rolled. Lips pulled into a smile as she tugged the ribbons free from her dark hair. Kim grinned, she was smiling! A far cry from the tears she had been shedding when he first found her. The question burned on his tongue, but it might not be a good idea to talk about it right now. Maybe after she seems a bit more at ease? He shrugged, starting down the path of the park and mentally fistbumping when she started along with him.
"That's my gym bag." He grimaced, "Though now that there's akuma juice on it... Hawkmoth can have it."
She laughed, her arm nudging into him as they followed the small path at a slow pace. Kim never thought he'd be skipping class with Marinette Dupain-Cheng, then again, he didn't think he'd have to save the literal sunshine from an akuma. But everyone has their days, everyone has bad days. Kim frowned, probably didn't help everyone was pushing her about today. He heard Nino and Alya criticizing her, but before he could've asked what was going on Lila was claiming a napkin was going to take out Max' eyes. Kim remembers the way his eye twitched, the way Alix immediately stood after Max made a very dry comment and started to preach Lila, her sarcasm missed by the new girl as the trio began to gather their things and leave. Ignoring the tales of wonder of Lila's sacrifice behind as Max proceeded to rant and rave about their classmates having less intelligence than a single cell organism if they believed that.
"Your sacrifice will be remembered," She snickered, patting his shoulder. "I'll make you a new one, if-if you want that is. So it won't be lost in vain?"
"Oh hell yeah!" He fistbumped, ready to brag his ass off about getting a custom design from Marinette and to flex on Alix and Max, on Ondine, on his teammates, mostly on Alix though. "I will never say no to a DC original! Alix is gonna be pissed!"
"Oh, I can make her on-"
Kim interrupted her, grabbing her by the shoulders and pressing into her space. His face turned serious, brows furrowed as he stopped them mid-walk. When he spoke his voice had dropped into just barely above a whisper and eyes staring at her intensely.
"Whatever you do, don't make her one." She squeaked, her cheeks heating as Kim continued. "I want to forever have bragging rights on that little shit."
Marinette blinked, once, twice. Then she snorted, eyes rolling as she playfully pushed at his chest. He grinned, mischief glinting in his eyes as she proceeded to grumble. Trudging along the path quicker, and aware of the effortless way Kim kept up. Never once losing the smile that made dimples form in his cheeks. She delighted in the mock hurt and offense that took over his expression when he actually heard what she was saying. The giant athlete bemoaning her cruelty and begging her to reconsider giving Alix more things to allow Shortstack to have bragging rights on him.
"Maaaaarrriiiii," He threw an arm around her shoulder, hearing her squawk as he leaned some of his weight onto her shoulders. Snickering as she stumbled about under his hold. "The betrayal of a sweet treat as yourself cuts ever deep as a thorn of roses!"
"That made no sense!" She laughed, shoving at his arm that was refusing to budge. "Kim! Get your meaty arm off me you oaf!"
"Oaf? Oaf?! Oaf!" He staggered, hands pressing into his chest as he spoke with an exaggerated huff. "How dare you! I am a theater jock!"
"Oh, is theater still your secret side piece to sports?" Marinette teased, and Kim grinned. Hands in his pockets as she stared up at him, shoving her fringe to the side. Her hair flawlessly turning into a brain under her deft fingers. He hadn't seen her with a braid in years. He forgot what she looked like with it. "I thought you dropped theatre last year."
"I did, but I didn't like that one class I took instead, oh the one with the thing and thing?"
"Home Economics?"
"Yes! It was laaaame, besides maman is going to show me how to do all that stuff this summer so I took theater and dropped it."
Marinette nodded, "Well if you want help cooking, you know maman and papa will help in a heartbeat."
"What, not gonna help me at all?"
She rolled her eyes, "I know you know how to cook, I also know you pretend not to when anyone asks."
"Rude. Fair, but rude."
They walked for a few moments in silence, the sound of the trees rustling in the wind. The smell of the flowers drifting through the air and surrounding them as the sun warmed them from a cloudless sky. The park wasn't filled, which made sense since most of the occupants of the park were currently in class or at work. Never in their lives did they think they'd end up skipping class, especially together. Not when he skips for sports and bets, and she skips for battle. Not that he knew that last bit.
"Thank you." She said it so softly, he wasn't sure he heard it. "For-for helping me, get away from the akuma and making me... yeah. Sorry you caught me, well..."
"Mari?" She hummed at his question, watching their shoes as they walked. "Why were you crying in the bathroom?"
"I-"
"Was it that chick, Alya? I know you've gotten close since she transferred, and it's good seeing you making new friends on your own." He stopped their walk, gently turning her to face him and lifting her chin from the ground. "But if she's not turning out to be all that great, you know you're always welcomed to break Bustier's rules and come sit with me and Nath, or even Nino, I know she banned the four of us from sitting together because we were hiding you and Nath from her so you could draw, but-"
"It wasn't- it wasn't Alya..." Marinette admitted, he raised a brow. Her gaze broke from his and she sighed. Her shoulders slumping. "Okay, her and Nino didn't help. But, it's-it's fine. We don't have-"
"Cupcake, unless you don't want to talk to me about it, which you know you just have to say so, what happened? Let your big strong knight be your shield again!"
She laughed, the sound soft, if a little pained. She heaved a breath and when she leaned into his side, he didn't hesitate. Wrapping his arm around her and pulling her close as they continued to walk. It was silent, comfortable. He missed hanging with her, with Nathaniel and Nino. He wondered how well Max and Nath would work together, or Alix and Nino. Considering he can't imagine ditching old friends for new, or new for old. Maybe that's what Marinette needed, some new friends too! He was already thinking of dragging Max to the bakery one day with him, to bond with her. Well, they did like video games and-
"Lila threatened me."
The world stop. The air left his lungs as his vision went dark around the corners. Lila threatened Marinette. Lila threatened Marinette. The Italian sausage threatened! He swallowed the urge to storm back to that school and just take care of that problem growing like fire in his chest. How dare. How fucking dare that new bitch.
"She should've stayed in Italy."
"Kim -NO!"
Her hands clawed at him, and Kim grunted when Marinette threw herself onto his back. Like that would stop him. He bench presses her weight, on a light day! He growled, she growled back and it didn't stop him from starting the track back to Dupont. Oh that bitch!
"Kim I don't have a bag to throw if you get akumatised! Stop!"
"Get off."
"No!" Marinette climbed further and he forgot how much a fucking spider monkey she was. "I will tell you everything but only if you promise not to do anything rash! I did and I got expelled."
He froze. She was expelled. Lila did that. Kim remembers asking Max to look into the cameras, remembers Nathaniel looking at the heirloom and telling him that it was a necklace from Gabriel Agreste. He knows because Marinette sent him the picture of them from the window earlier that same week to give inspiration for his art. They had already been on the way to make Damocles look when she had been sent back to class, her expulsion ending and Kim had noticed the look on Lila's face. She had been happy, and now Kim knows why.
He could see her over his shoulder, her bluest blue eyes wide and darting through the sky over their heads. She was looking for an akuma, watching out for him. Which... considering the butterfly probably no longer smashed against a wall in the locker room, it is a fair precaution. He took a measured breath, fists clenching at his sides. He focused, trying to reel his anger in even if part of him dared the butterfly obsessed freak to send one after him. Just so he could tear it apart with his hands, or better yet. Marinette has carried a sewing kit with her since she wanted to become a fashion designer and he knows she has a pastel pink seam ripper in her purse.
He breathed again, eyes closing. In through the nose, out the mouth. He could feel her warmth against his back, could smell vanilla, of warm bread, and cookies from the wind. Could feel her hair brushing against his skin as her arms locked around his neck. Holding tight to keep from falling. Her ankles locked on his stomach to keep herself up, and feel her purse pressing into the small of his back uncomfortably.
Kim relaxed, thoughts of tearing something apart with his bare hands replacing thoughts of dismembering something to make Hawkmoth stay the fuck away from him. From her. He needed to go hit a punching bag as soon as he could, just the thought had his anger fading away. The tension in his muscles easing as she continued to cling to him like a koala.
After a moment, he felt her slide against him. Her fingers clawing down and he shuddered, goosebumps breaking across his skin as she came to stop. Her hands curled in the fabric of his red hoodie gathered at his lower back. His neck burned, and he resisted the urge to roll his shoulders back. Ignoring the pleasant little buzz coming to life in his blood, pushing at all the thoughts trying to rush to the surface.
He needs her not to do that again, that felt way too good. His mind betraying him with the million and one ways her grabbing at his back could be twisted. He needed a cold shower after beating a punching bag, maybe one of the guys from his sports team would be willing to go a few rounds in the ring with him later? He was going to need it, even if the only reason he felt all pleased is because he liked backrubs. Stop looking at him like that.
She hesitated before taking his hand, leading him down the path until they came across a far off spot. Bushes filled with roses laid about the area and Kim realized she gave them privacy. He didn't know if he liked the idea of this spot, of her taking someone here, probably Adrien because it had become quite clear she had feelings for him. Feelings for the blonde prince, as Alix said to him one day when her phone wouldn't shut up and Alya was trying to scheme them together without Marinette knowing.
Shaking the thoughts to the back of his head, he waited as Marinette slid against the trunk of the tree. Watched as she slowly stopped with her knees to her chest against the bark and caught his eye before patting the seat beside her. Offering him a seat even if the invitation had been there when she started leading him to the secluded little piece of safety. Kim settled beside her, lifting his arm and resting it on her shoulder when she leaned into his side. The smell of vanilla, of bread and cookies surrounding him with the fragrance of the flowers. She fidgeted, her fingers picking at each other until he caught the aforementioned digits in his other hand and squeezed. She was stalling, maybe trying to get that overworking mind of hers to figure out how to start it all. Kim didn't mind, he'd gladly wait for her to get the words out. She's always been worth the wait, even if he wasn't the most patient of the bunch. That was Nino’s and Nathanial's expertise, but Kim... he could listen. He could sit still for her.
When she began to speak, Kim had reminded himself to keep his mouth shut. To hold his questions to the end as her soft voice washed over him. Any other day it would've been peaceful, would've been nice even. The stuff out of those fairy tales Rose loved so much. He breathed through his nose, letting it out through his mouth slowly with every new thing she told him. When she finished, they sat there. Breathing as she let the weight fall off her shoulders, as he took it from her as he always would. Maybe she should rely on him more? She tossed the thought before it could finish forming, focusing on the questions he asked in that slow, calm, yet tight tone. She prayed to Tikki that Kim wouldn't leave, and wouldn't do as Alya did, what Nino did. Wouldn't do what Adrien did...
Before she could spiral, he squeezed her closer. Earning a squeak as he snickered, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head. The pink on her cheeks making his smile genuine, despite the protective rage simmering in his eyes. How he didn't attract an akuma, he wouldn't know. What he did know was that he had several things added to his agenda and clear in his mind.
For starters, Adrien Agreste is no prince charming. Not in any of the storybooks, or tales of love and daring do. Not in a million years, not hers at the very least. Take the high road? Really? That was not the way to handle a school yard bully, maybe tabloids, maybe lie-rags. Maybe even crazy fans. But not a person threatening to tear someone down amongst their peers. It took everything Kim had to not scowl, not to pull out his phone and text the model. Alix' love for the twisted version of the stories came to mind, the one when the princes were the real bad guys of the stories.
A new sort of resentment built inside him. For Bustier's constant victim blaming teachings, and for separating him from Marinette in the first place. If they were together, Lila wouldn't get the fucking chance to push the sweetest girl in school to the back of the class. Not only that, but she also wouldn't get her nasty ass claws inside Kim like she did Alya.
Which brings him to his next point.
Alya is no friend of Marinette's. When they got banned from sitting together, he and Marinette had challenged each other. To make friends with whomever they got seated next to. Just her luck she got fucked with blonde prick and fake news. He took a breath, giving Marinette another squeeze. Best friends push you to do your best, but they don't push you into doing your worst. When you aren't comfortable, when you're scared, they are the spotter to catch the weight you're lifting. Alya hasn't been that for Marinette for a while now.
Not only that, but what person schemes to hook up their bestie with their crush when neither have had a decent conversation? Or encourages the stealing of phones, privacy, and what was it? Oh yeah, stalking. After Kim was far more calm, he would be marching Marinette's ass home and telling her to take down everything. No schedules, no knowing everything there is about him from the internet. No future birthday presents, none of that shit. You're supposed to help coach the crazy, not encourage it. For fuck's sake!
Kim made sure to make a note to himself to have a long overdue chat with Nino. Take him out, sit him down, and if Kim's lucky, Nino can give Alya that dose of reality she apparently needs. If not, well, Nino has always been as protective as Kim. The duo never hesitated to protect Marinette and Nathaniel on the playground as they grew up, or from the teachers. They might have drifted, but they were still friends.
Kim stood, tugging her up with him and offering her a charming smile. She blinked up at him, but let him lead her out of the park to the Bakery. Kim had some work to do. No sausage haired new chick was going to alienate his honest to kwami best girl.
Lila huddled in the corner, with the rest of the class, avoiding The Riddler's gaze.
'I can't die here! Not like this! I'm supposed to marry a rich man! I supposed to be buried in a designer gown!'
"The answer is a snowflake!" a voice spoke.
The class turned to see Marinette stand up.
"What did you say?" The Riddler questioned.
"You asked 'I'm not a blanket, but I cover the ground; a crystal from heaven that doesn't make a sound. What am I?'" Mari stated, "My answer is a snowflake."
The Riddler laughed, "Correct, My Dear. Ready for another round?"
"What are you doing, Marinette?"
"Sit down!"
"He would have left us alone!"
"What can you break without touching it." The Riddler asked.
Mari sighed, "A promise.
"Very Good." He smiled, "Accent?"
"We're on a trip. We're not from Gotham." She answered, honestly.
"Shut up, Marinette!"
"What if he gives you harder riddles?"
"Next one!" He shouted, "I feel you move. I know your every thought. I'm with you from birth, and I'll see you when your rot."
"Max, any ideas?"
"No."
'Oh God; we're gonna die!"
"Why did we come to Gotham?"
"I wanna go home."
Marinette smiled.
"I suspect you have an answer, My Dear." The Riddler spoke.
"I do." Mari declared, "Your reflection."
The Riddler let out a cheer, "You are very clever, My Dear! I only have this much fun, with the Bats. I would say you are one of them, but you're not from here."
"It's my first time in Gotham." she replied.
"Then we must continue, immediatley!" He cried out, "I can be cracked. I can be made. I can be told. I can be played. What am I?"
The class looekd around to see if anyone could figure it out, but they all looked just as confused.
Marinette laughed, "You're a joke!"
"Marinette!"
"Is she trying to-"
"Correct!" He shouted.
'What?'
The Riddler turned at the sound of glass shattering. Marinette spotted the opening and rushed towards him. The Riddler was taken by surprise as she somersaulted his way and kicked his jaw as she performed a handstand. As he stumbled back, Marinette tackled him and pressed the button on his cane to disable the security system, allowing the police to rush in.
The class looked on in silence as Marinette took down one of Gotham's rouges. They had no idea she could move like that. Marinette stepped back as Batman and Red Robin approached her. She tossed the cane to Batman and walked away. The police rushed in and took The Riddler in handcuffs. Lila could hear a few of the classmates whispers.
"I didn't know she could do that. Did you?"
"No. Did you?"
"Thank you, Marinette."
"Yeah, thanks."
"You were really cool, Mari."
Damian walked over to the police and quickly explained that the group that was attacked was from Paris, France.
"It is unlikely that they will be able to understand your questions." Damian spoke up, "Wayne Enterprise will provide you with the full recording of what transpired in the lobby. We will also double check to see is the most prominent in English so you can speak to them."
"Thank will do, Mr. Wayne." Commissioner Gordon replied.
'Damian Wayne!'
Lila rushed over and latched onto his arm.
"Please!" she sobbed, "Marinette was in on this! Have her arrested! She's a bully and she probably planned this whole thing!"
Lila blinked, realizing she was now on the floor. She looked up to see Damian glaring at her.
"Filth, you do not have permission to touch me." He sneered.
'What did he call me?'
"Don't shove Lila!"
"Who do you think you are?"
"He acts just like Chloe!"
"What kind of man shoves a woman?"
Commissioner Gordon began to walk over, hoping to quell Damian's rage. He did not need another incident on his hands, right now. He stopped as Damian turned away from the class and walked towards a girl who was by herself.
'Why is he walking over to Marinette? Why didn't he listen to me about her? Everyone listens to me!'
Unable to handle being ignore by her 'biggest catch', Lila screamed, "How can you just ignore me like that?"
Damian Wayne turned and glared directly at her, "Mother informed me that a weak woman is a useless woman, who would crawl her way into another man's bed. Woman with strength, with power; those are who will remain loyal."
Lila simmered with rage, as the class shouted out her 'achievements'.
"She knows Jagged Stone!"
"She saved his cat!"
"She help Prince Ali and his environmental charity!"
"She helps build homes in the rainforest!"
"Shes a fashion model in Paris!"
Damian noticed Marinette roll her eyes; as the class continued to shout, to persuade him the girl, throwing a tantrum, was worth something.
"You do not believe her." Damian asked, out right, "Why?"
She sighed, "Everything Lila claims to achieve are lies. Her best friend has never even looked her up on Google! Is she even did a fraction of what she claims, everyone would know. Not to mention her 'wonder-like case ' illnesses would be a medical marvel and known throughout the world, just so other doctors could study and learn."
"She's been lying for years and I just learned how to tune her out and ignore her presence." Mari declared, "I don't associate with these people, anymore."
"Lila isn't a liar!" Shouted Alya.
Mari shrugged, "Are you willing to be your future dream on that, Alya?"
'Huh?'
Damian felt a chill run down his spine and a flutter in his stomach as Marinette turned and smirked, coldly, at her classmate.
"You do remember who you are talking to, right Alya?" She questioned, "The Damian Wayne? The same Damian who has the money and resources to confirm or deny anything Lila has ever said. His family owns the Daily Planet. He could even ask your idol, Lois Lane, to do the background check and do a massive interview about all of "Lila's Wonders". Imagine your blog apart of that."
Alya beamed happily.
"Of course." Mari continued, "If it's all lies, like I said,......your blog will be just laughed at by the very idol you worship and Damian will probably never hire you."
Alya's smile faded instantly. Lila could see the doubt creeping in. Marinette had turned the tide, in their war, instantly. Her biggest supporter was now backed into a corner and she was losing her kingdom. The class looked between the two former friends. They waited and waited for Alya to jump all in for Lila, but her hesitation made them worry.
"Alya?" Nino whispered, attempting to coax an answer out of her.
Damian took her hand in his and pulled it to his lips, for a soft kiss. Marinette felt her face heat up and pulled away, quickly. Batman and the police stopped what they were doing, seeing their city's Ice Prince show affection.
"Strength, power, brains....and a cold heart. My mother would love you." Damian stated, not realizing his father was still there.
"I stopped feeling anything years ago." Mari admitted.
"Even better." He replied, taking a step closer, "She believes emotions are useless."
Mari laughed, turning the tips of his ears red. Red Robin looked to Batman, eagerly. He could tell the Bat was happy, but also hesitant.
"It's starting to seem like your mother manipulated my life." She stated.
"It does sound like something she would do, but if she had, you would have been with me since childhood and we'd at age five." He declared, making her giggle.
"Oh, like Lila!" Rose cried out.
Mari snorted. Damian turned to look at the class. Batman looked to Red robin, who nodded. They needed to change immiediately before this blew up. They quickly rushed away.
"The same liar?" He asked.
"Yes! " answered Mylene, "Here in Gotham."
"I was born in Africa and lived in that country until I was ten." Damian stated, "It was only after that, was I brought to Gotham and met my father for the first time."
Lila remained silent.
"Lila?"
"But you told us-"
"Why would you tell us that if it wasn't true?"
Alya started to get nervous, "Surely, there must be pictures, right?"
"All of my brothers were adopted over the age of seven. There are no photographs of any of us as infants." Damian spoke, "Gotham does not even know who my mother is. Grandfather believed in traditional art painting."
"Oh, Kwami." Mari mumbled, low sodium the class wouldn't hear her.
The young Wayne immediately turned to her, "Habibiti?"
She looked at him confused.
He smirked, "You were saying?"
"Oh, uh, just that my grandfather, on my Dad's side, is traditional, too." She replied, embarrassed, "Nothing is what it was and must be-"
"Maintained to preserve the traditions." He finished.
Mari nodded.
"Perhaps, our families have more in common that I thought." He replied, "Join me for dinner."
She blushed at the sudden proposal of a date. The class looked between the two, now aware that they were being ignore and interrupting.
"Are you sure?" She asked.
"I believe this is the right choice. I do not ask anyone out; Mother warned me to choose carefully." Damian replied, "I don't hope that you will forgive me, but I insist on selecting the restaurant. I solely eat vegetarian and not every restaurant has a wide selection for me."
"Of course!" She exclaimed, "I have no problem with you diet."
The young Wayne nodded, "I will lead you to my elder brother. He will be leading your tour."
Dick rubbed his eyes, thinking he had started day dreaming. He even pinched himself.
'Nope.'
In front of him, Damian was leading a girl by his hand.
'Oh my God!'
He immediately pulled out his phone and started taking pictures. He realized they were getting closer so he rushed up to them.
"Are you Damian's girlfriend?" He quickly shot out.
"If she will, after our dinner tonight." Damian answered.
Dick squealed, happily, "That's amazing! Does Bruce know? What about Alfred? Are you coming to the manor for dinner?"
The class looked on in shock. The difference between the two brothers was monumental. Their 'tour guide' was fangirling over his brother and Marinette. Damian on the other hand was very direct. His bluntness had put them all on edge.
"I'm not sure who they are." Mari answered, " And no, Damian insisted on choosing the restaurant. I think it would be too soon to go to your home, no offense. Damian felt we.....connected, but the date may very well end with us simply being friends."
"You're so cute! I approve, Little D!" The eldest exclaimed, "I'll take excellent care of her throughout the trip."
"As you should, with the whole class." Damian spoke.
"Oh yeah." He said, looking up at the class for the first time, "I'll keep a special eye out for her, though."
Damian turned to Marinette, "I will pick you up at 5pm, when the tour is over. I will have you back at the hotel by 7pm, at the latest." before he left.
"You know, it's not often my little brother makes a friend." Dick smiled, "He's......very selective and even calls his best friend an annoyance. I'm glad he found someone who could get through that thick skull and armor of his."
Marinette smiled
Dick immediately pulled her into another hug, "You're adorable! I dont know how you won him over."
"I don't know, either." She answered, still in the hug, "He just said his mother would like me."
Dick froze and slowly pulled away. He looked at this girl, who seemed so innocent, and confused.
"H-He did?" The eldest brother asked.
She nodded.
"That's not a good thing.....is it?" Asked Juleka, "You look like you saw a ghost behind her or something."
Dick didn't answer, "What else did he say?"
Mari thought back, "We bonded over emotions being useless and our grandfathers preferring traditional values."
"And what do you think?" He questioned.
"I don't think about that kind of stuff." Mari admitted, "I have called off relationships a long time ago; its why I said we may simply be friends. I'm focused on owning my own company."
"Like Wayne Enterprise?" He asked.
"An international company?" She replied, making a face, "Uh, probably not, but you never know. I have selective clients and they do travel."
"SO, what do you do?" He asked, "You mentioned clients."
"Fashion design." She replied.
Dick smiled, "What do you think of our bats?"
Her smile turned into an unyielding glare, that made him shiver, "I think if I ever saw Nightwing, I'd punch him in his face. Disco died and it should have stayed buried."
He chuckled, "I can see exactly what attracted my brother to you. His mother was.....is a strong and independent woman. I should pro6start the tour. Wouldn't want to make you late for your date?"
'He's definitely B's son. A glare that stopped me cold; if he saw it, I don't think he would ever stop pursuing her.'
Daminette December 2025: 29-Compromising Positions
"Soooooooo." Tim began, at dinner.
Everyone turned to Tim, awaiting his news.
"Damian." He spoke, "I heard you're dating a girl from the office."
Bruce looked up. Dick smiled, happily. Jason turned to Damian like he had sprouted another head.
Damian sighed, "No."
"That's not what I heard." Tim beamed, "I heard you were found in a …..compromising position."
"What?" Jason asked, "Bruce, yeah, but him?"
Bruce glared at his son.
"Marinette-" Damian spoke.
"Aw!" Dick squealed, "You even call her by her name!"
"Was attacked by a coworker." he finished.
His family just stared at him.
"She had a drink thrown at her because she spoke the coworker's boyfriend." Damian stated, "He is a barista and She goes to that shop for coffee. The boyfriend made the mistake of bringing her a coffee, while plannign to go to lunch with his girlfriend. He said she was a loyal customer and had not been there in a while. He planned to leave her coffee with the receptionist and have her pick it up from there. It was only a coincidence that Marinette was in the lobby, at the time."
"Oh, well that was nice of him." Dick spoke.
He nodded, "The coworker took her drink and threw it at her. She called her a whore for seducing her boyfriend. The boyfriend broke up with her, telling her Marinette knew his boss and he wouldn't be fired for his controlling girlfriend with boundary issues."
"Marinette came to me for extra clothes." Damian continues, "I had to give her my shirt, as Drake donated the extra clothes that were in my office."
"Ooooh." Tim whispered.
"I informed her she could use any fabric, at no cost, and then bring me back my shirt. As she changed, I was facing away." the young Wayne replied, "The coworker must have heard she came to my office as she walked in and began to scream how 'Marinette was lying about her'. I was shirtless and Marinette was in mine. She likely assumed something had happened. It wasn't long after that I heard 'Marinette is sleeping her way to the top'."
"I personally spoke to the fashion floor, of Marinette's department, and showed them the security footage from the lobby." Damian declared, "They all pitched in to help make her an outfit. I asked if they could help dispel the rumor, as there was nothing between us and she merely came to a supervisor for help."
Tim turned red, looking down at his plate.
"It appears you did not speak to the right people, Drake." Damian scoffed.
"I …guess not." Tim whispered, "Sorry."
"Soooo, no girlfriend then?" Dick sighed.
"Hah!" Jason smiled, "I knew it!"
Damian sighed as he walked into his Father's office.
"What did you need of me, Father?" He demanded, "Could this not be done at home?"
Bruce remained looking outside, "When you can, please send Miss Dupain-Cheng up so I can personally apologize about our staff. I have already spoken to Miss Fletcher about her reaction the other day. She is on probation and will take anger management training again."
Damian huffed, "Wipe that smirk off your face, Father. We are not on display."
"Yes, I suppose you would know about how reflective the glass is……Son." Bruce replied, keeping the smirk on his face.
Damian froze, as he turned around.
"And please, buy Miss Dupain-Cheng a coffee." Bruce continued, "I'm sure she would greatly appreciate it. Corner of Steven's and Elm, right? You frequent that shop, a lot."
"I like their tea." Damian growled out.
"I'm sure that's all." Bruce replied.
Damian threw open the door and slammed it shut. Bruce smiled. He could see the moment Damian realized what their talk was truly about. He never expected to see his son's blush in the reflection.
'I'm sure he enjoyed his show. He should ask her out already. I quite like her.'
More and more students, took to avoiding Marinette. They had learned not to mess with her after what she had done to Damian. Damian was already back in his uniform and he hated it. He found he missed wearing Marinette's clothes. He never expected to see her silently crying in the library. Seeing her cry, confused and made him furious. It irritated him.
"What is wrong?" Damian demanded.
Marinette looked up at him and wiped her tears away, "Same stupid stuff."
"Obviously not." he stated, taking a seat next to her.
"I was bullied back in Paris, for years." Marinette admitted, "I had roaches in my locker, my belongings stolen, vandalized. I thought I could handle it. A new girl showed up and everything changed; it wasn't one bully, it was everyone. She would claim I stole something and my belongings were stolen. She claimed I bullied her so I was punished. My belongings destroyed. Sometimes I was beaten. I came to Gotham and created new social media accounts. Nothing that was tied to who I was in Paris. Even my fashion label, brand, and page were new. They found it."
Marinette pulled her phone away from her chest and showed him the screen. There were dozens of anonymous complaints sent withing minutes of each other.
"This is MDC!"
"She steals ppl's hard work and sells it!"
"Don't buy from her!"
"Poor quality!"
"It fell apart in the wash!"
"It wasn't the same color I ordered!"
"It didn't even look the same!"
"Worse than thrift shops!"
"Have you called your lawyer?" Damian asked.
"They're all anonymous." She sniffled.
"Still." He spoke, "Inform them, so there is a trail."
'I need to get Drake and Barbara on this. They will be able to figure out who these people are. I'm sure Drake would jump at the chance to help her.'
"The way I see it, they are jealous of your success." Damian stated.
"Huh?" she asked, confused.
"You have clients; high paying." He continued, "You have the money, the reputation; connections. Your photo is not even on the website."
Marinette had never thought of it that way.
"Whoever did this had to send their time looking: hours, days, possibly months." He finished.
Marinette nodded, understanding what he was saying.
"You remember my brother; you're number one fan?" He questioned, "He can easily help you with your website. He can remove every complaint. We'll call it…..restructuring."
"Really?" She asked.
Damian pulled out his phone and called Drake, in front of her.
"What do you want, Brat?" Tim asked, "Aren't you supposed to be in school?"
"Marinette needs help." Damian stated.
"What do you need?" Tim questioned.
He smirked her way, "Bullies from her past are harassing her website. I told her you would be able to make them go away."
"Give me-got it!" Tim cried out, "There is now a new page up on the site."
Mari grabbed her phone and refreshed her home page. There was now an 'Error' page with a timer, counting down.
"Give me two hours." Tim spoke, "The complaints will be down and the site will fully accessible."
"Really?" Mari cried out.
"Hey, Marinette, and yes, really." Tim answered, "I have a friend in IT and we can check to see if they are all from the same IP address. We should be able to block them, too."
"Thank you!" she replied.
Damian ended the call. He could hear Drake's smile and pride through his voice. He felt his body shift back as Marinette hugged him.
"Thank you!" she cried out, sitting in his lap.
Damian was frozen. Mari quickly recalled that Damian disliked physical touch, just as much as her.
"I'm so so sorry!" she shouted, as she pulled away, "I reacted and-"
Marinette froze as, she felt herself being pulled back against him.
"Don't let go." Damian whispered, "Please."
She could tell he was still tense, as if he was internally struggling to hug her. She wondered if something she had done was changing he felt or if he was trying to comfort her. Whatever it was, Marinette relaxed against him. She allowed herself to feel secure against his chest and smiled.
Damian was shocked how light she felt against him and how small she was in comparision.
'It is hard to imagine this is the same girl who dislocated my shoulder. At least her reasoning for physical contact is understandable now.'
Damian looked down at her as her breathing evened out. She had fallen asleep on him, with a smile on her face.
'One thing is certain, lives are about to be ruined for disrupting her life.'
The class was shcoked when people in suits filed into the room.
"Cerise, Max, and Alya." a man spoke, "You are hereby being sued by the Wayne family."
"What?"
"We didn't do anything!"
"This is a mistake!"
"My students couldn't have done anything!"
"Who the hell is Cerise?"
"Why would the Wayne family sue us?"
"Who are the Waynes?"
Lila sat still, knowing they used her real name. Everything was about to end.
"The Waynes pride themselves on keeping track of their own and who works for them." the man continued, "You are being sued for cyber bullying, harassment, stalking, and emotional distress."
"What did you, Alya?" Nino hissed.
She looked to him in shock, like he had betrayed her. She turned to Lila, only to see her in tears.
"Lila!" she whispered, "You know the Waynes. Why would they do this? We've never met them. It has to be a mistake, right?"
"Your parents can explain everything to you." the man spoke.
Three sets of parents walked in and Lila froze.
'Mom?'
"Cerise, or should I say Lila, we have a meeting with your parole officer." her mother announced, "Not to mention with the school board. With how much money I poured into this school, you would think they kept better control of their students!"
"Parole officer?"
"Wait! Lila is Cerise?"
"Wasn't her name Layla?"
Her mother sighed, "Cerise tends to bully her classmates. It seems she did it here, too. She was told if she did it again, she would go to jail. You would think that she would listen."
An officer walked in and immediaely handcuffed Lila.
"I didn't do anything!" She sneered, "I never put a hand on that damn bitch! They bullied her! They harassed her! They hit her!"
The class looked around confused: 'Is this about Marinette?'
At the trial, they learned that Marinette was the Waynes personal designer. They showed the jury pictures of Marinette with the Waynes. There were pictures of Damian Wayne and Tim Drake-Wayne wearing her deisgns. The Waynes had used their connections to track who had attacked their designer through their IP addresses.
Lois Lane debunked the Ladyblog. She called it 'amateur work', 'fanfiction at best' and tabloid nonsense'. She said there was nothing believable about it as there was no sources, no evidence, no sense of time. Alya was silently crying, as her hard work was ripped to shreds. She sat in silence once she learned that the Waynes owned the Daily Planet. She knew it was unlikely that she would ever get a chance to work there, now. Max sat silently, even after he explained how Li-Cerise had lied to them all. His mother was put on probation so she could keep a better eye on her son. She had been up for another chance to go to space, but now that chance had been given to someone else. Cerise, as they had learned, had worn a wig and contacts to school. She was sentenced to serve time in jail.
"You want to grant them leniency?" Damian shouted, slamming his hands on the table, "Why?"
Mari smiled and he fought hard to keep the glare on his face. The fluttering in his stomach made it to hard to disagree with her. She slowly stood up and walked over to Damian. She took up one of his hands and held it in hers.
"That Bitch is already in jail and can't hurt anyone. Everything she did to me is known throughout Paris and so is her fake persona. It's on her school records. When she gets out, everyone will be wary of her." She answered, "Alya's dreams are shattered. She turned against me and listned only to Cerise. She stopped preaching her journalism views; she gave up long ago and now she knows. Max is learning that being the smartest in the room means nothing if he can’t decipher people. He loves his mother and having her home will be a constant reminder of how he failed her."
Damian couldn't help but feel manipulated. The girl, in front of him, appeared so innocent, yet she ruined their lives more than if they had faced time in jail. She turned the very thing they loved against them. Somehow, he didn't care one bit. Damian brought their entwined hands up to his lip and placed a soft kiss on one of her knuckles.
"Never let go, Haibibti." he whispered, pulling her closer.
Damian sighed at the sound of glass breaking. It was a bar and Jason said this one was known for its 'bar fights'. He turned to see the 'entertainment' and saw a girl a foot shorter than him, standing over a man on the floor.
"Drinks on the house, Miss." He heard the bartender say.
"You don't have to do that." she smiled, flexing her hand, "Just….helping clean up Gotham."
Damian wasn't sure when he had moved , but the next thing he knew, he was holding her hand.
"I suggest you let go." A voice suggested, "Unless you want to end up the like the guy behind you."
"Did it hurt?" Damian questioned, looking over her hand.
"If the next words out of your mouth are 'When I fell from Heaven', you're definetly getting punched." She threatened.
He chuckled, "Sounds like something my older brother would say. You did not rotate your wrist or fully extend your arm. It is very likely you could have injured you hand."
"And let me guess," she scoffed, "you're some sort of doctor."
"Veterinarian." Damian stated, looking up into some very blue eyes, "My family has been injured before and I have done stiches on them. There could be a sprain or a dislocation. There is no immediate swelling, so nothing is broken."
Damian rubbed his thumb over her knuckles and felt the flinch, "Can we get some ice for her hand?"
The bartender smiled and handed the young Wayne a clean rag full of ice. Damian pressed it to her hand. He could see the blush on her cheeks.
"I would not have taken you for a fighter." He spoke.
"Well, you thought wrong." She spoke, turning back to look at him,
"I am very glad I did." He replied.
Marinette was trying her hardest not to fluster herself over the man holding her hand. He seemed like a very smooth talker and had green eyes. According to him, he appreciated her ability to defend herself. She could feel his hands were very rough, but gentle at the same time.
'He said he's a vet. I wouldn't have though someone like him would work on animals. I can’t see him looking over birds or kittens.'
"You mentioned being a veterinarian. Do you have your own clinic or do you like work at the zoo?" She questioned.
He sighed, "I own my own clinic. I have been banned from the zoo."
"Why?" Mari asked, "I knew someone whose father worked there."
"I was banned when I was ten." he spoke, "I attempted to free the animals and succeeded with a few."
Marinette couldn't help but laugh.
'Oh, Jagged would love him!'
"What kind of animal do you treat because with your record, I may have something up your alley." she smiled.
"Are they being mistreated?" He perked up and questioned.
"No." she stated, "Spoiled rotten with love and care, but….an unusual pet. Not everyone is so welcoming."
"I treat all animals. I have quite a few exotic animals myself." He answered.
"You seem sober, enough." Marinette replied.
"I am the Designated Driver for my brothers." the green-eyed man spoke, pointing out guys around the pool table, "The one in the blue is the one who would pun. The one with the white streak is a fighter, so I also have to stop him."
"And the one passed out?" She giggled.
"He hasn't had any alcohol." he declared, "He is just sleep deprived."
"Seems fun." She said, looking at them.
"Would you like to move your tab to ours?" he asked.
Marinette looked to the bartender and he nodded. He had been her safety net in the bar and she trusted his judgement.
"Sure thing, Doctor." She smiled.
The smile he sent her way, she felt it down to her toes.
Dick was immediately at attention when Damian came hand in hand with an injured girl.
"Did you fall from heaven?" He asked.
Jason smacked him upside his head, "Great shot, but I'm guessing Demon Spawn there sensed and injury."
"I told you he would say that." Damian spoke, "Pay no mind to him. He is married and has a daughter. He simply believes his puns are funny."
"I take offense to that!" Dick declared.
"You are supposed to." Damian shot back, "You are not funny."
"So, Pixie, what's your name?" Jason asked.
"Marinette." She smiled.
"Well, welcome to Gotham and let us know if you need to punch someone until your all healed up." Jason replied, "Damian can keep an eye on you until then. You know the bartender up there?"
"Yep." Mari answered.
"Next time you're in here, tell him Jason adopted you." He said, pointing to himself, "Extra security details."
Mari let out a soft chuckled and nodded.
'I'm glad these guys seem nice and protective. Jordon hasn't steered me wrong about people to watch out for in here.'
"Here’s a picture of my daughter!" Dick cried out, shoving his phone in her face, "Her name is Mar'I! She is five and right now, she's visiting her mother's side of the family."
"Very adorable." she cooed.
"You mentioned a pet I should care for?" Damian spoke up, bringing her attention back onto him.
"Right, but he belongs to a relative of mine. I would have to clear it with him. He travels a lot and brings his pet with him." She smiled, pulling out her phone, "Acts just like a puppy."
Damian looked from the photo of her, sitting with a giant crocodile, and it looked like she was….. giving it belly rubs. She had a giant smile on her face.
"Just let me know when he's available or there's an emergency." Damian spoke, "I'd be happy to take a look at him."
Dick and Jason looked at each other over the pool table. They couldn't decide it Damian was being genuine or if he was flirting with the girl. All they knew, was that Damian had never gotten close to someone so quick.
"Do you have a card on hand, Dr?" Marinette questioned.
"No, but I can give you my number." Damian suggested, "I can also give you the name of my clinic so your relative can see how they feel about it."
Mari smiled and sent him a text: Hello, Dr.
Dick dragged Tim to the car, as Jason settled their tab. Marinette waved to Damian from her friend's car. Her friend seemed to know of them and looked away.
"You keep those damn cards on you at all times." Jason smirked, "I've seen you give them out in Crime Alley so people can bring in the pets for free services."
Damian shrugged and walked towards the driver's side.
"Damian, what's your pet name for Little Bean?" Tim asked.
"Pet....name?" Damian questioned.
Jason threw a couch cushion at Tim and yelled, "He doesn't give his pets those name. What makes you think he would give one to Pixie? His pets have name-names."
"They're affectionate names for couples in a relationship. Like I call Starfire, My Star." Dick smiles.
"I call my boyfriend, Babe or ....Professor." Tim blushed.
Dick continued, "There's generic terms like Baby, Honey, Babe, Sweetheart-"
"Those all sound degrading." Damian interrupted.
Marinette walked into the room, as Dick wilted.
"Did you bring up his disco look again?" She asked.
"No." Jason cackled, "But you did, Pix. Good one."
"I stand by my previous statement" she declared.
"Do you have a problem with The Brat not giving you a pet name?" Tim questioned.
"Huh?" She asked, confused.
"You know like Sweetheart, Baby, Honey." Dick cried out.
"Uh, Princess." Jason spoke up.
"Oh, that's Chat's name for me." She stated, silencing the room.
Damian turned to look at her. The brothers remained silent, as they watched their youngest process this information.
"Who?" Damian growled out.
"Our Parisian hero; Chat Noir." Mari stated, "I've told you about him before. He comes to my balcony, sometimes, for sweets."
"Uh, Pixie." Jason started.
"Does he now?" Damian questioned, shutting his book.
She shrugged, "Yeah. They're just leftovers from the day. He doesn't always show up, so we don't have like prepared batches for him."
"I'm packing a bag." He stated and walked passed her.
Marinette looked at the Wayne brothers, confused, "Where's he going?"
"Paris." They all spoke.
Marinette just stared at them confused.
"I didn't think it would bother you this much, Dami." Marinette spoke, "I'm sorry."
She stared at Damian, who sat visibly upset on her parents' couch. He reminded her of a cat, prepared to attack. She wasn't sure if he was ready to fight Chat Noir or if he was embarrassed from her parents' teasing. Tom and Sabine found the whole interaction hilarious and sweet. They had never seen Damian so overprotective of their daughter and had taken to calling him their Son-in-Law.
"How long do you plan to stay, Son?" Tom asked, as he washed the dishes.
"Until I speak to him." Damian stated.
"He doesnt have a....routine or a schedule, you know." Marinette sighed, "Sometimes, he doesn't come for months."
"You wish to be rid of me?" He questioned.
"No!" She shouted, "I-"
"It's okay, Sweetie." Sabine smiled, "We don't mind having our Son-In-Law around."
Marinette could feel Damian radiating with pride from the other side of the room.
Damian was busy with his online classes, while she was at school. When he was done, Tom was busy teaching him how to bake. Marinette had never seen Damian so relaxed before. She had been tempted to ask Chat to bring some sweets, just to get them meeting out of the way, but she decided not to interfere and let the meeting happen naturally. It took three weeks before Chat Noir decided to visit the bakery.
"Hey, Princess!" Chat Noir beamed.
Damian glared at the so-called 'hero', "Where do you get off calling her that?"
Chat Noir froze at the unexpected guest on the balcony. He hadn't expected an audience or a confrontation. All he wanted was to see if they had leftovers.
"There's nothing behind it, Dami." Marinette spoke, grabbing his hand, "I've already told you, it's more of an…..inside joke."
"A joke?" The young Wayne questioned, glaring at the cat hero.
'He reminds me too much of Selina. I wonder if this could be her offspring.'
"I…..helped with an akuma, early on. It was when it first started happening. The akuma was a guy from school, who had a crush on me, and he was made fun of. I was bait; Chat called me 'The Princess in Distress'. Later, it just became 'Princess' because he kept saving me. He comes here for some leftover pastries from the day." Mari spoke up, before kissing his cheek, "Chat is a friend. I have no romantic feelings for him, whatsoever, Damian."
"You are correct, Marinette." Damian spoke, pulling her close, "There is nothing between you because you belong to me. You're mine."
Marinette could feel her brain short circuit as Damian showed his possessive side, again. The sound of Chat Noir hissing rebooted her brain.
"Who-" shouted Chat, but was interrupted.
"Dami!" Mari cried out, throwing her arms around him, "Are you jealous of Chat? Is that what this has been about? You're adorable."
Chat Noir looked between the two confused, sensing he missed something.
'Wait? Are they….a thing? I didn't know she was dating anyone. Do they others know and no one told me?'
"He is not wrong in his assumptions, I'm afraid." Damian declared, "If I were to go back to Mother and you take my name, you would be a Princess, though I doubt that would be a kingdom you wish to rule."
Marinette kissed her jealous boyfriend and said, "Perhaps not, but I don't need to be a literal princess. I just like being yours."
Chat witnessed as the boyfriend's fury fizzled out, as a soft look overcame his face towards Marinette. Chat immediately stood up.
"You know." the Parisian hero spoke, ruining the moemnt, "If you had told me you were dating, I would have stopped calling you that. All you had to do was tell me."
"It's your nickname for me." Marinette spoke, "It didn't have any deeper meaning to me. Dami was the one with the problem. I didn't even get a chance to mention it."
"Todd claims it's a pet name." Damian interrupted, "Those are reserved for relationships only."
"Oh." Chat whispered, "Well, my heart only belongs to Milady, Ladybug. I swear on my miraculous that I have zero feeling, other that friendship, for her. Well then,….Miss Dupain-Cheng and …..suitor?"
"Husband." Damian insisted.
Chat blinked startled by the unexpected title. Marinette just laughed, as Damian kept her close.
"I-uh, I'll head out." Char noir declared, "Good night."
Adrien dropped down from his window ledge, into his room.
"Claws In." he spoke, flopping onto his bed, "I-I never thought that would be Marinette's type. I sorta thought she liked me….liked Chat, you know?"
Plagg grabbed a piece of Camembert, "What? Protective? You literally gave her the pet name 'Princess'. What Princess isn't protected?"
"Nickname, Plagg. I gave her a nickname." Adrien sighed, "Its….just…..weird."
"You mean that her protector isn't you?" Plagg belched, "He looked ready to fight ya, Kid. No miraculous, either."
"He must really love her." he whispered, closing his eyes.
Plagg on the other hand, looked towards the bakery.
'So…..it's Him? My true destined holder. I can feel the chaos from here.'
"You sure you don't mind Damian not giving you a pet name?" Dick asked, over zoom.
"Oh my god, will you just drop it already?" Jason cried out, "He's become Santa, Pixie! He's made a list and checked it twice, to make sure he didn't already put it on there!"
Marinette giggled and said, "Nope. I don't mind at all."
"Why not?" The eldest prodded.
She sighed, "You still haven't learned a thing about Damian. He's lived with you for eight years and you still don't understand him, but Jason does."
Dick looked between Marinette and Jason, "What? What don't I get?"
"My name." She answered, simply, "He calls me by my name. He doesn't call any of you by yours. He uses names as his sign of affection."
Damian smiled on the couch in her room.
"The dog is ranked higher than us!" Jason shouted.
"In what world would Titus not outrank you?" Damian shouted back, not leaving his spot.
Dick picked up his sheets and left the room.
"Gonna go watch the bonfire, Pix." Jason spoke, "Make sure Demon Spawn behaves himself." And turned off the chat.
Marinette made her way to the couch and curled into her boyfriend, "I love that you call me by my name; don't let them convince you otherwise, Habibi."
"We need to date." Damian declared, as he set his books down on Marinette's kitchen table.
"Excuse me?" She questioned.
Damian sighed, "Father is starting to offer me up to daughters of his business associates. He said I would have a 'great night' at the next gala."
Mari stared at him, "What did you do this time? This has to be a punishment, right? I mean...how many hospital bills has he paid until he learned that you don't like to be touched?"
"If it is, I am unaware." The Wayne heir sighed.
Marinette shrugged, "I guess I can help. I'm not seeing anyone and your family has met me before."
"We will keep it simple." Damian spoke, "I asked you out at the cafe on Grandeur, while studying."
Mari nodded, "We can also say that we have only had a few dates because we have been busy with finals."
Damian immediately agreed. Marinette closed her text book and stretched.
"Go ahead and undress." She stated.
"I do not believe my family will require proof of a relationship. " Damian declared.
Marinette turned bright red, "Damian, no! I- As my boyfriend, you are wearing my clothes to the gala. I need your measurements."
Damian turned away, "Father has already paid for-"
She glared at him, "Think of it as the 'cherry on top' of our dating announcement. Not a bad idea, right?"
Damian nodded in agreement.
"Where's Damian?" demanded Bruce.
"He said he was on his way." spoke Tim.
"He didn't come with you?" his father questioned.
Jason scoffed, "He left before us and he was in his tux. Track him or something."
Bruce sighed and reached for his phone, when he froze: "Announcing arrival of Damian Wayne and Marinette Dupain-Cheng."
"Marinette?" Dick spun around.
The Wayne family froze when they saw they were wearing matching outfits and Damian's arm around her waist.
"This is the first time you have brought a guest, Damian." A reporter spoke, "Is this your date or an acquaintance?"
"This is my girlfriend, Marinette." He replied, "I had the pleasure of asking her to be by my side."
"How long have you been dating?" The reporter pushed.
"It's been about two months." Mari answered, "We've been busy with studying for finals, so we haven't been out on too many dates. Damian insisted I accompany him to the gala as our first big date."
Damian took her hand, ignoring the reporters and led her to the dance floor.
"I don’t know, Damian." Mari whispered, "You know how clumsy I am."
"I am here to hold you up." He replied, "Do you doubt me?"
"No." she answered.
The Waynes looked at the couple from the sidelines.
"When have you ever seen him look this happy?" Tim asked.
"With his mother." Jason spoke, taking a swig out of the champagne flute.
"No one fuck this up!" Dick roared.
As the song ended, the Waynes approached the couple.
"So, you're dating now?" Bruce questioned.
"Yes." Damian stated.
"Since when?" asked Tim.
"Two months ago." Marinette replied, "He asked me out while we were studying."
"While you were studying?" Dick responded, "Little D, that's the worst possible way you could have done it!"
Mari giggled, "I actually prefer it that way."
"Why?" Jason demanded.
"Well, obviously if he had done something over the top, I never would have believed him." She scoffed, "Damian's blunt, but honest. It's what I love about him."
Damian quickly turned to look at her.
"Like!" Marinette shouted, "I meant like! I'm gonna get a soda."
Damian watched Marinette's retreating figure.
'Love? I thought this was fake. Is it not?'
"Damian." Bruce spoke up.
The youngest turned and glared at his father.
"You should go have yourself a great night with your date." he smiled.
Damian could feel his ears turning hot and rushed after Marinette.
'We might need to speak about this….arrangement and extend it.'
"What just happened?" Jason prodded.
"Your brother is growing up." Bruce spoke, "Let him.
"Robin jumped." he said, pointing out of the bat plane.
"Over the ocean?" Ladybug shouted.
Nightwing, Red Hood, and Red Robin all sighed. She quickly shook off her shock, "Chat stay with them until the extraction point!" and she jumped out of the plane.
Ladybug was able to catch up with him.
"What are you-" he shouted.
"Spots off!" she shouted.
Robin remained silent as the girl holding him, threw something and shouted, "Astro Tikki!"
A light flashed over them and they were suddenly hovering over the ocean. He looked below them to see the ocean almost ten feet below them.
"I did not need your help!" Robin growled out, "I was perfectly fine on my own."
"Fine." Ladybug declared, letting go of him.
Robin sputtered and glared at her as he resurfaced. Ladybug landed in the water, and thew another item in the air.
"Aqua Tikki!" she shouted.
"Will you stop blinding me?" He demanded, taking in another new appearance.
Paris' mighty heroine stuck out her tongue and dove under the water. Robin rolled his eyes, took out his stabilizer, and dove under the water.
"You've swam over 50 miles!" she questioned, once they were back on Justice Tower.
"I told you I knew what I was doing." Robin scoffed.
Chat let out a low whistle.
Ladybug walked up to Robin, "Huh? You're more of a man that I thought."
Red Hood snorted, trying to contain his laughter.
"You underestimated me." Robin stated.
"I did." she smiled, "Glad you proved me wrong."
As she walked away, Chat Noir trailed after her, "Did something happen I should know about?"
"Well, Little Bird?" Nightwing asked, "Did something happen?"
"No." he answered, walking away from the loading dock.
Robin sat in his designated room. He hadn’t expected Paris' heroine to look so innocent. Her eyes were bright blue and her hair had been pulled into pigtails. She had dropped her sacred transformation, the moment she thought he was in danger. Robin wasn't sure how he felt about that.
Damian stood in the shop annoyed. He had attempted to contact Alfred, but he was still unavailable. He didn't have his own measurements, on hand, and the only person who may possibly have them, would be his father.
'Father cannot know about this.'
Jon looked between them, nervously.
"I can take you measurements, you know." Marinette announced, "It might take a few minutes, but at least I wouldn't second guess myself."
Damian just nodded.
Mari could feel Damian tapping his leg for the thousandth time as she tried to get his measurements right. She threw her notebook on the floor, getting the boys' attention, and yanked Damian's tie down so they were eye level. Jon squeaked.
"I need you to fuckin' hold still. I get that you don’t like being touched, but this is the only way to get your measurements, unless you want it too tight on one side and too loose one the other." She snapped at him, letting go of the tie so he could stand up, "Uncle moves constantly, but it's easier to get his measurements."
Damian remained still, embarrassed he had been scolded like a child. He could feel the tips of his ears burning. Jon let out a small smile, noticing his best friend's embarrassment. He had ever seen Damian act this way and probably hated that he was there to witness it.
"Why don’t I go get us some drinks?" Jon suggested, "My treat. I already know Damian's choice."
"Where are you going?" Marinette asked.
"The café down the street." He answered.
She smiled, "I'll take a large Death cup."
"Death cup?" he questioned, "Never heard of it."
"The ladies there know my order." she replied, "It's my specialty."
Jon just shrugged and left for the drinks.
"Okay. We got the easy part out of the way." Marinette spoke up.
'Does she mean Jon?'
"Easy part?" He questioned, ready if she turned into a fan girl.
Marinette crossed her arms and shot him a look. Damian gulped realizing she understood what he thought.
"I have to get the inseam, now, Mr. No Touchy." She stated, "Just hold still. We get ot over with and you can leave when Jon gets back with my coffee. Deal?"
He sighed, "Deal."
Damian was quick to realize she was moving quickly and short-scripting her notes to help him.
"Got it." She smiled, "I'll start cutting fabric, right away, and you can come in tomorrow, as promised. I'll have you try it on and if anything needs to be fixed, I can do it right away."
He nodded, as she walked away. He watched as Marinette was already grabbing pins, thread, and bolts of fabric. Damian watched, fascinated by how focused she was, he almost missed Jon's return.
Jon handed him his earl Grey cup, but he notice him hesitate as he handed the seamstress hers. Damian watched as Marinette happily took it and chugged half the cup.
"Thank you!" She smiled.
"I don't know how you drink that." Jon gagged.
'Is it a lot of sugar?'
"Motivation." She answered, "See you, tomorrow."
Jon grabbed his arm and yanked him away.
"Why do you continue to drag me like a child, today?" Damian demanded.
"Your brother is banned from that shop." Jon said, as he continued to drag him, "I already called Conner."
"Jonathan." Damian growled.
Jon stopped and sighed, "Tim takes what 6-8 espresso shots, at the places that haven't banned him, right?"
"Last I recall." The young Wayne groaned.
"Marinette gets ten in hers." Jon declared.
Damian looked back towards the shop and started walking.
"Damian." Jon cried out.
"Go home." The young Wayne spoke, leaving no room to question.
Damian walked in through the back door, she had led them out of. It made a soft ding.
"You know, when I said tomorrow, I didn't mean midnight." Mari called out.
"I'm staying." Damian stated.
"Why?" She questioned.
"Jon told me about your cup." He admitted, "My brother is at eight shots, works for days, and functions on little to no sleep."
Marinette rolled her eyes, "I don't know how you people find me."
"I am not the only one to watch over you." He asked, amused.
"You are tonight." She sighed, "I moved my work upstairs. I came back down for my drink."
The Waynes' looked at Damian in confusion. His suit was completely different from theirs.
"Why does he get a special tux?" Jason demanded.
"I'm not sure." Bruce spoke, "The designer-"
"I used my personal designer." Damian stated, "She is very good with her craft."
"Good?" Tim shouted, "Why does yours look so much better than ours?"
Damian shrugged, "She did not wish for me to wear 'trash', as she called it."
"Trash?" Bruce questioned.
"I'd introduce you, Father, but she had me sign an NDA contract." he smiled, "We shouldn't be late."
Marinette: shivering It’s kind of cold
Jason: take off his jacket here take my jacket
Dick: I’m cold too
Damian: Deal with it Grayson! I don’t control the weather
Bruce: Seliana and I are having a baby
Marinette: That’s gre-
Bruce: Slams down adoption papers it’s you sign here
Marinette: It's time for plan b
Dick: We have a plan b?
Marinette: No, but it's time for one
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