I have this scene in my head of a giant DC/batfam crossover where everyone in the batfam inherits Bruce's adoption tendencies and he has no clue what to do about it.
Like one day, the batfam find a homeless Peter Parker, end up doing a DNA test, and bam, it's Dick's son. He's around 14, and has that same sunny disposition as his father. The Wayne family has grown by one and they couldn't be happier.
Except... Jason has been acting weird lately...
At first, it was a little weird because he had been spending more time around the manor to see Peter. And then he stopped. Completely cut contact out of nowhere. Dick confronts him and finds a 16 year old Danny Phantom hiding behind his brother with the brightest, green eyed glare Dicks ever seen.
A month later a French class visits.
It's their last trip of their middle school year before highschool. 17 year old Damian Wayne walks in with a 12 year old Marinette who's small, nervous, and is so smart she skipped a grade. Damian is happy to announce that he has a new daughter.
Yes, I do think that the city who heavily relies on their teenage superheroes because they are suffering under an emotional terrorist that doesn’t let them feel any sort of negative emotion lest they end up hurting the people that they love and whose literal only hope is, again, their teenage superheroes would end up being super fucking odd and super attached to said heroes.
And yes, I do think Paris would genuinely freak the hell out if they lost one of their superheroes. (They retired, they were permanently injured, they died, they moved to another city, etc.)
And yes, I do think they freak out badly.
And yes, I do think the fan culture there would be borderline cultish because they can’t (are not allowed to) feel negative emotions.
And yes, I do think Paris would riot if Gotham tried to steal one of their superheroes or if one of their superheroes left for Gotham. And if that superhero came back it would just be the ‘welcome home cheater’ meme.
Any city where the entire population (no matter who they are) could have their emotions used against them and be possessed by the weird magical abilities of some moth guy and be forced to hurt the people around you is just going to be a breeding ground for unhealthy personalities and attachment styles and habits and behaviours.
Ok for anyone who wants to read an extremely funny Miraculous Ladybug Batman crack story I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
According to the Press, We’re Eloping
By LynnaEvan
Here’s what my older brother texted me when he sent me this fic with his recommendation…
LoA attacks a gala thing to get Damian. He ends up in front of MDC booth and Mari decides that if the rich boy dies near her stuff it will be confiscated as evidence and she would make an order. So Mari takes down 3 assassins with an industrial coat rack, heavy wool coats, and 9 inch sewing shears built strong enough to cut through Kevlar.
So I immediately caved and read it and I DO NOT REGRET IT! Highly recommend. But be kind the Author is new to writing and posting so they would love some feedback! Let’s all show them the way. yeah?
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Marinette’s head throbbed as she leaned against the stall’s door, quickly swallowing her emergency medications. She couldn’t afford to miss today’s class, since they were doing an open circle debate about world war 2. She had done so much planning and did her best to research with her team… but it didn’t matter, if she missed it. Her teacher didn’t care how much work she put in, if she missed it then she would be stuck writing an essay. Marinette hated essays. At least for that class.
“And then he just showed up with flowers! Isn’t that so cute!” Lila’s bubbly, aggravating voice flooded the bathroom as the door opened, the sound of steps echoing the room.
“Oh yes girl! That’s awesome! I wish Nino would do something like that— I’m lucky if he even remembers that it is Valentine’s Day. Not that I mind, we try to stay lowkey you know?”
“Oh I absolutely get that! I tell Adrien that it’s too much sometimes, but he’s just such a romantic!” Lila sighed, as the sound of water flowing could be heard. Marinette froze, staying as still as she could. Lila would report her immediately if she found out she had medication on her.
“You both are just so cute!” Alya responded, her voice carrying a jovial tone. The two giggled, as the sound of the hand dryer came on.
“Oh but don’t tell Marinette, I don’t want her to be jealous you know? I’ve barely gotten her to stop calling me a liar so often, and I don’t want to start another fight.”
“Girl, no. Marinette would be so happy for you! But I get it, it must be so hard with that disease. Can you tell me the name of it? I want to do some research.”
“Oh actually, I’m the first patient ever to be diagnosed with it so it’s not really searchable! But I can send you—“ the door closed, their voices fading instantly. Marinette could still hear the soft clicking of their heels, but the nauseating voice that haunted her nightmares was gone. She barely stopped herself from falling to the floor in relief, depending on the rickety door to keep her up. Quickly, she put her pill pouch back into her bag, slipping out of the stall to the now empty room.
Alya was still a close friend of hers, but it had been awkward lately with her believing Lila over her. She just wanted everyone to be friends, but Marinette could never do that. She could barely stand to look at Lila when she touched her kitty. Marinette was so, so close to reporting her to cops for some type of harassment, but she knew her case wouldn’t be strong, even if the victim was a famous model. She even considered marching down to Adrien’s house and talking to his dad. Her poor kitty.
Soon after the reveal of all her temporary heroes, and Marinette becoming Guardian, she decided it would be best to reveal their identities to each other– that way if one of them was caught, the other would know to grab their earrings or ring, in Adrien’s case. It also allowed them to form a sort of safety net or support system, letting each other know that their buddy was safe when they saw them at school.
Speaking of, Adrien would probably get concerned if she didn’t leave the bathroom soon. Class would be ending in a matter of minutes, and even if her teachers didn’t care, she knew her classmates would notice her absence from gym class.
“Sorry I’m late guys, I saw a cute little kitten just standing in the road in front of my house! I couldn’t just leave it, so I went to go find the owner of the poor thing. I actually had to take it to a vet since it didn’t have a collar, so it took a while before I could get here! I hope everyone can forgive me, I know today was such an important day for our presentations!” Lila stood in front of the room, wiping away a fake tear. Her classmates awed as she showed them pictures of a small, wet kitten on her phone.
“Don’t worry Lila, I’m sure you classmates understand. I’m just glad that you are okay and have so much empathy for others, especially animals. Just try not to be late again, okay?” Madame Bustier patted the girl’s shoulders, smiling brightly. The class chimed in their opinions, all positive and centered around the girl’s kindness.
“I mean, not like you’re super late, and Marinette is late all the time and still catches up, so I’m sure you can too.” Alix was leaning back in her chair, feet on the row’s desk. She grinned, almost taunting Lila. Truthfully, it wasn’t obvious that the small pinky hated the liar, but Marinette knew her too well.
Marinette didn’t look up, though, terrified that Lila would call her out for something or another. She really couldn’t afford detention today. Luka and her were going to have the most romantic date ever! She didn’t need to deal with that girl’s drama either. Marinette just tried to stay hidden in the back, writing notes in her small notebook. She didn’t even doodle in class anymore out of fear of the girl claiming that Marinette wasn’t paying attention or had stolen her notes because she had “just” doodled that exact drawing.
Luckily, it seemed the gods were looking down on her today, Lila didn’t even glance over before she took a seat next to Alya. Except… that usually meant she had a bigger plan going on, or had a huge story she was going to tell the class.
“Oh Nath!” Lila’s sickeningly sweet voice rang out, “I heard you were talking about my friend Red Thread earlier!”
Nathaniel looked up immediately, covering his notebook full of doodles. He sort of looked confused before an expression of realization appeared on his face. “You mean Red_Thread_Nettie?”
“Yeah! Weren’t you saying how much an inspiration they were? I didn’t mean to eavesdrop but when I heard her name, I couldn’t help it. She’s such a dear friend of mine and I’m so proud of how far she’s come. She used to make videos at my house but never had the courage to post them until I convinced her that she should!” Lila smiled as Marinette grimaced. The expression change was so obvious that some of her classmates turned to give her a weird look.
“Oh, that’s awesome.” Nathaniel gave her a half smile, not truly listening to her. It was obvious she was lying. Nettie started streaming years ago, way before she began to upload VODS or any sort of videos. He would know– he helped Marinette with the animation.
“Wait, girl! Why didn’t you tell me that you knew Red Thread! I’ve been emailing her for months to get an interview after she released her Miraculous line.” Alya beamed, leaning over towards Lila as they began a conversation loud enough for the entire class to hear. Only a chunk of the class actually listened, with many having been disillusioned long before. The thing was, none of them had the strength to stand up to her or protect Marinette from her bully. Few interacted with her anymore, and only a small handful would even send her a message to check on her. It was just like when Chloe had run the school, but somehow… It felt even worse.
“I’m sure I can get you an interview soon, but they are just so busy, you know? But, still, since you asked, I’ll see when she’s available!!” Lila pat Alya’s shoulder comfortingly, eyes suspiciously soft. Lila took a glance over at Marinette, smirking a bit before looking back at Madame Bustier.
“Thank you for your kind conversation, Lila, but before we go out, I have a safety announcement. In the next couple weeks, Paris will be hosting many foreigners for Comic Con, and that means you need to keep out an eye on your classmates a lot more. Please try to make sure to walk in groups of two, keep your phone on, and give the school notice on any absences. I know this is exciting, but we have to keep safe, everyone!” Madame Bustier started handing out safety tip pamphlets to the students, making sure no one was forgotten.
Marinette slightly perked up when she heard the event, remembering the unfinished costume she had at home. She couldn’t wait for the break, knowing that she’ll get to meet so many of her fans. It would be exciting– especially since Lila couldn’t ruin it for her!
Notes: part 1 of chapter 1 is officially done! What do y’all think? Comments feed me/motivate me so PLEASE comment!!!!
It was like she was being held deep underwater with only a pinhole of light remaining.
She tried to reach it, but it was like walking through mud.
By Kwami, did she try.
But it was impossible.
"Mari!"
She felt a light touch on her skin, and suddenly, all that held her back was gone.
But the momentum remained.
Marinette jolted upwards, flailing and gasping as if she had just ran for her life. Her eyes were wide open, her pupils dilated.
Marinette was panicked. Nothing was registering.
Tikki!
Marinette reached out to her bond with Tikki, but felt nothing there.
Marinette swallowed thickly.
No. She couldn't lose herself. She had to be strong. She was the Guardian.
It seemed like a lifetime, but only a couple seconds had passed.
She touched her ear, and they were there.
She calmed down.
"Are you okay, girl?" Alya asked.
But was this Alya? She looked different. No scar on her brow from chasing her superhero stories in Metropolis. No exasperation in her eyes. Only concern.
"...Alya?"
"Did you have a nightmare, girl?"
"Yeah, dudette, you woke up like a riot."
"Nino?"
"Are you okay, Mari?"
She turned her head towards the voice only to see a vastly different Adrien, one with the same haircut from lycée.
Lycée?
It clicked.
Marinette looked around, and her friends were all looking young, and they were all together, the same as they were before university.
"Mari?"
Adrien touched her shoulder, but she jerked back.
"I--"
"Attention, all passengers. The train will be arriving at London St. Pancras International station shortly. Please be mindful of your belongings."
London?
"Mari?" Adrien looked at her with unconcealed worry. "What happened?"
"What's happening?"
Alix popped up behind Adrien. "We're headed to Felix's class for the sponsored graduation trip. You should buddy with me for today, Mari."
Marinette looked the ex-rabbit miraculous holder in the eye and saw something there.
"...Sure."
Marinette and her old classmates stepped off the train and onto the busy platform.
They shuffled through the crowd with Alix leading Marinette along, as she was still dazed over the circumstances.
"Fe!" Adrien shouted, bringing Marinette back to the present.
Marinette turned her head only to see Felix smirking at her, but she blinked and it was gone. Felix was looking at Adrien, deep in conversation. She must have imagined it, still as confused as she was.
Marinette turned to Alix only to see mirth in her eyes.
Marinette furrowed her brows.
"Spill it. What happened?"
"I don't know as much as you think I do," Alix admitted. "Older me only told me to tell you not to worry about Tikki and Fluff; they'll be alright."
"And this is our graduation year?"
"Yup, we're now on the London trip."
"The one sponsored by the Waynes?" Marinette sneered.
Alix raised a brow at her tone but thankfully chose not to question her.
Alix didn't answer her question, but Marinette didn't need an answer anyway. She remembered this trip all too well.
After all, this was where they began.
Marinette was quiet as they traveled to the hotel. Her friends kept throwing her looks of concern, but she didn't have the mind to respond. Her head was swirling with questions only the kwami could answer.
By the time they arrived, Marinette was already bouncing one foot in impatience. As soon as Mme. Bustier dismissed the class, she sped to the room she was assigned to.
She dug through her luggage, throwing clothes around without a care in her hunt for the miracle box.
The door lock clicked into place, and Alya entered with her key, accompanied by Alix, Adrien, and Nino.
"What in the world..?"
"Bugaboo, what happened?"
"Mari..."
"I'll explain later," Marinette said without stopping. "There's something I have to ask Plagg."
"Aha!" Marinette finally excavated the disguised miracle box from the bottom of her bag. She opened it and put on the cat miraculous.
Plagg appeared with a whoosh. "Bug! Are you okay?" The little god looked at her, worry clear in his green eyes.
Marinette let out a bone-deep sigh, crashing out onto the carpeted floor without a care. "What exactly happened, Plagg?"
"Sugar cube was being stubborn, and Fluff was encouraging it," Plagg grumbled. "I told them to talk to you about it! But Tikki wouldn't listen to me. Well, that's because Fluff said you wouldn't have listened to us anyway."
"Listened to you about what?"
"Just, you know..." Plagg flew into Adrien's hair, his eyes darting back and forth. "Things..."
"Things?" Marinette's eyes narrowed.
"Look, bug," Plagg redirected, "the bottom line is that Tikki and Fluff turned back time for you. So now, you're filled with enough energy to ping sensors an ocean away if you can't mask it."
Marinette's breath hitched. No. No time for panicking.
"Then, they already know?"
"No, no, no," Plagg reassured hurriedly. "Don't worry, the others and I took turns masking it the entire time. But you'll have to wear my ring for a more permanent solution."
Marinette let out a crazy laugh. "You should have started with that, Plagg."
"You have to put your earrings away too. Tikki needs to rest in the box, and you already know what happened last time..."
"Right, right," Marinette said quietly. "Last time..."
"So..." Adrien interjected. "What happened last time?"
"Yeah, dudette, we're worried."
"You've been acting off since you woke up. And then, Alix got involved. And now, turning back time," Alya rattled off before looking her squarely in the eye. "And who're "they" and why were you so panicked?"
"They're... Well..." Marinette trailed off, her eyes avoiding Alya's.
"Oh, I'll say it," Plagg grumbled but you could hear the worry underneath. "It's just her ex-husband and his family."
"Ex-husband?!" Alya shrieked.
"Just?" Adrien gestured with air quotes.
Nino's brows creased together, "To be clear, we're not talking about you know who, are we?"
"Who?"
"No."
Marinette and Alix responded simultaneously.
"That's good."
Marinette could see Nino visibly relax at Alix's words.
"Nino," Marinette looked him straight in the eye. "Who?"
Adrien cut into the conversation, "Just someone who we thought you'd end up with, my lady."
"Adrien..."
"Girl, what's more important is what's going on now. Spill. What happened in the past future."
"It's a long story."
"We have all day."
Marinette took in a shaky breath, "I met him on this trip."
Adrien looked at her encouragingly.
"He's..." Marinette hesitated. "Well..."
"Someone from Felix's class? From the school?" Alya immediately questioned.
"No..." Marinette sighed.
But before she could say more, Alya immediately followed up.
"Wayne's side?"
Marinette grimaced at the mention of that name.
"Yeah, Damian."
"No, no, Mari," Adrien was looking at her that way again. "Don't tell me your ex-husband is Damian Wayne?"
"Yeah," Marinette let out a strangled laugh. "Him."
"I've met him. He's not a good match for you."
At those familiar words, Marinette's brave face cracked, and her eyes welled up with unshed tears.
"That's what you said last time too. But I was acting like a fool. No, I was a fool, a love-struck fool. I should have listened to you, chaton."
"Bugaboo, you couldn't have known..."
Marinette shook her head at that.
"You know," Marinette let out a sarcastic half-smile. "Alya and you all held interventions. Again and again. You all knew he didn't love me. But I just couldn't see it. Or rather, I didn't want to believe it. After all, Tikki told me he was my soulmate. We were a perfect pheromone match, and my inner omega really liked him. And he was nice, you know? Sometimes."
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
I did it!
I've been reading a bunch of maribat fics lately (genuinely don't know how I ended up there but whatever) and realized there was so little Alya interaction with the bats/other dc characters. As ideas kept popping in my head, I stumbled across @creatingblackcharacters' Melanin Beam Challenge and since I can't draw or edit for the life of me, decided to give some love to those two Black characters that I don't give enough love to
(can't believe my first Duke fic with him being a love interest is a crack mlb crossover, why am I like this lmao)
