Marinette jumped as she caught sight of a man kneeling just behind her chair. She tucked her pencil behind her ear, turning off her music and taking out her earbuds as she turned to face him. Before she had a chance to say anything, he started speaking.
“I know we’ve had our ups and downs.”
“Yes?” she said, softly, confused as all hell as she glanced about, her eyes locking on Adrien and Luka, watching from the corner, shooting her a thumbs up as the man continued.
“But you know what? None of it means anything to me. My family loves you. I love you. Will you marry me?” he asked, holding a ring pop out to her.
“Yes,” she replied with a small nod. He took her left hand and gently slid the ring pop on her finger. She covered her mouth to hide the large grin as he gave a relieved breath and stood.
“Thank you. So much,” he breathed.
She smiled, getting out of her chair, the two hugging.
“I love you,” he told her, resting his chin on top of her head.
“I love you more.”
“What's your name?” he asked.
“Marinette.”
“Dick. Nice to meet you, have a good day,” he told her, shaking her hand before starting to walk away. She lunged forward catching his wrist, pulling him back.
“Hold on a second. You do not just get to propose and ditch like that.”
He laughed, putting his hands in the air. “That’s fair. You were an amazing partner.”
“Thank you. Those two watching creepily from the corner and clapping pull enough shenanigans I’m used to it. Though not used to a stranger pulling them, if I’m being honest.”
“I lost a bet. This was my punishment.”
She laughed as he said that before feeling a sudden weight on her back, stumbling forward a step as Adrien leaned against her. Luka standing just off to the right behind them a small smile tugging at his lips.
“Mari! You didn’t tell us you were seeing anyone!” Adrien announced as he rested his head on her shoulder as he looked at Dick almost as if he was sizing him up.
“Luka. Adrien. This is Dick.”
“Nice to meet you two.”
“You as well,” he replied before a thought occurred to him. “You aren’t dating are you? I’m sorry if I just proposed to your girlfriend. It was a punishment for a bet.”
Adrien laughed. “No, please propose to Marinette as much as you like. We’re exes. We both are her exes.”
“And in the process got together yourselves and adopted me as a sister,” Marinette shot back.
“And I regret nothing.”
“Neither do I. You’re the beat that keeps ups together, Marinette. You know this.”
She shook her head at the two, ignoring Luka glancing back and forth between her and Dick.
“You made a nice choice, Dick.”
“I what?”
“In ring pop. Blue raspberry. It matches your eyes, Mari,” Luka observed with a small grin. “Almost like fate.”
“Would you believe me if I said both were random? Choice in ring pop and human?”
“Oh absolutely. Lady Luck is just funny like that.”
“And she and Marinette are old friends,” Adrien chimed in, before Marinette shoved him off.
“Okay, enough about my relationship with luck. If you two don’t mind, I’m going to have a word with Dick in private,” she said, pulling him away from the two boys, oblivious to their matching grins.
—--------------------------------
“I’m sorry about them,” Marinette said as they settled at a small table, not too far away from the watchful eyes of her self-proclaimed brothers.
“Don’t be. I am used to my own brothers being worse than them.”
She shook her head. “No. You just experience Luka and Adrien Light. You would think Luka’s the sensible one but no. He’s the reckless chaotic one when he thinks no one can see. I am sorry about them.”
“Please don’t be.”
She smiled, pulling a napkin out of the dispenser resting on the table and the pencil resting behind her ear, writing something down before tearing the piece off the napkin.
“Here. If you ever wanted to grab a coffee or dinner or just get together or talk, feel free to give me a call or send a text. I have a feeling these two will be planning our wedding whether we go out or not.”
Dick laughed, plucking the pencil from behind her ear, and scribbling his name and number on the same napkin she’d just tore a piece from, tearing that section out and tucking the pencil back behind her ear.
“Here’s mine. And I think it’s best my brothers don’t meet those two or else we’ll be married by the end of the week.”
She laughed, with a small grin. “May I be bold to mess with them a little bit?”
“Absolutely.”
She pulled her phone out, and pressed a kiss to his cheek, taking a selfie as she did so, capturing the bright blush on his cheeks.
“Thank you. It was amazing meeting you, Dick.”
“You too, Marinette.”
He watched as she left, before his phone gave a soft vibration. Looking down at it, he found himself looking at an unfamiliar number and an attachment. He opened it up to the picture Marinette took, with a sparkling heart emoji.
He smiled, quickly saving her in his contacts and shooting a quick text.
Dinner?
He glanced up towards her table watching her try to keep the ring pop away from Adrien and Luka who kept trying to “examine it,” losing the battle when she checked his text.
I’d love to
Saturday at 7? I’ll pick you up?
Sounds perfect
I’ll see you then
Can’t wait
Me either
He grinned, humming to himself as he walked back to his car, already excited for the weekend and ready to put up with his brothers and the video he knew they would have somehow obtained.
He took a deep breath before entering the manor to face the hoard of siblings he knew were waiting to ambush him as soon as he opened the door. His phone vibrated right as he opened the front door with a short text from Marinette.
I’ll bring dessert
“HE’S BLUSHING!” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Based off of this tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdBd2svQ/
Marinette frowned, looking down through the glass dome of the museum. Well this was unexpected. A midnight rooftop run through the city to stretch her legs, and to get Plagg to release some pent up energy before sinking another city had led her to yet another Miraculous locked up in a museum.
She stared down at the feather-like headband, the golden energy radiating off of it was bright, hitting her in waves as it sat in the display case below, studying it as the ears perched on top of her head twitched, alerting her moments before the faint thunk of someone landing behind her on the roof could be heard.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”
She straightened, turning to face her new companion.
“Do what?”
“Cause whatever trouble you were thinking of.”
She tilted her head at him. “Who said I wanted any trouble, mon petit oiseau? Can’t a girl get out to stretch her legs every once in a while?”
“Stretch her legs? Sure. Dressed as a cat and casing a museum? Not so much.”
“Now who said anything about robbing?”
“Thieving cats is appearing to be a theme here in Gotham.”
“How presumptuous. I’ve yet to steal anything in my life.”
“Keyword there, Kitty. Yet.”
“I have a name you know. How rude of you to throw names around before being properly introduced. Though I suppose the Dark Knight doesn’t care so much about manners? Certainly not enough to pass them on to his young partner.”
“Forgive me,” he replied, sarcasm evident. “Care to enlighten me with a name?”
“Lady Noire at your service,” she replied, sweeping into a bow, grabbing the baton at her waist as she did so. “Now that wasn’t so hard, was it Robin?” she asked, grinning.
“I feel like I’m at a disadvantage here. You know about me and I know nothing about you.
“How about a game of cat and mouse? You win, you get some information. I win, you let me go.”
“How about no.”
“Too bad then,” she replied, shrugging, taking off with a flip, landing gently on the next roof tand taking off into the night. Robin took a second, watching the ease she traveled over rooftops and through the air before taking off after her. Traveling parallel to her on the other rooftops.
His cackle echoed through the air as he swung over, tackling Lady Noir mid leap,sending the two of them tumbling. She laughed as she recovered, looking over at him from her crouched position.
“Change your mind?”
“What can I say? I don’t like not knowing things.”
“Well then better luck next time.”
“You said if I won I got answers.”
“But you didn't trap me now did you? This Cat is still free to roam. Maybe next time, mon petit oiseau,” she replied, giving him a quick wink before jumping off and vanishing into the night.
—----------------------------------
Dick opened his locker, throwing his last book for the day, and making sure he had what he needed to complete his homework for the next few nights in his bag when the sound of rapid French a couple of lockers down from him caught Dick’s attention, half listening in out of curiosity and to brush up on his own.
"Vous voulez me dire pourquoi Dame Noire était dehors la nuit dernière, Princesse?"
-Lady Noire was out last night, Princess?
Dick paused hearing the cat thief’s name in the two’s conversation. Now why would they know about the young cat thief being out and about?
"J'ai entendu dire qu'elle avait besoin de se dégourdir les jambes avant qu'un certain démon du chaos ne décide qu'il était temps de faire un cadeau de retour à Gotham."
I heard she needed to stretch her legs before a certain chaos demon decided it was time for a homecoming gift to Gotham.
Chaos demon? That was very disconcerting.
"Il me manque, mais je mentirais si je vous disais qu'il n'était pas beaucoup."
I miss him but I'd be lying if I told you he wasn't a lot.
Dick sneaked a peak over at the two having a conversation, watching as the girl shook her head, a light laugh tinging the words in her next sentence.
"Crois-moi, je le sais. La nuit dernière était la première d'une longue série."
"Tu pourrais toujours-"
"Il ne va pas dans la boîte."
"C'est une idée."
Believe me I know. Last night was the first of many.
You could always- He's not going in the box.
It's an idea.
Dick narrowed his eyes. Box? Magic users then if they could deal with demons well enough to presumably trap them in a box. He wracked his brain trying to remember the few fleeting details he’d heard about recent Parisian events. Ladybug and Chat Noir had stopped Hawkmoth. Chat Noir. A similar look to Lady Noire. They could be using magical jewelry too he supposed, though he hadn’t a clue how they worked or were powered.
"Gotham va devoir se préparer pour Lady Noire à moins que tu ne veuilles sortir, Chaton."
Gotham is just going to have to be ready for Lady Noire unless you wish to go out, Chaton.
"Vous savez que je ne peux pas."
You know I can't.
"Tu lui manques."
He misses you.
"Je sais. C'est juste trop tôt."
I know. It's just too soon.
"Prends tout le temps dont tu as besoin. Ma boîte est pleine, bien qu'il y ait eu des rumeurs sur quelques pièces éparpillées ici."
Take all the time you need. My box is full, though there's been some rumors about a few pieces scattered about here.
Dick closed his locker, turning to look over at the two speaking into the boy’s locker. Mentally making notes to look into the Paris situation and figure out whatever this box they keep referring to was.
"La spécialité de Noire sera utile alors."
Noire's specialty will come in handy then.
"Vous avez plus de foi en moi que vous ne le devriez, Chaton."
You have more faith in me than perhaps you should, Chaton.
“Do you two know about Lady Noire?” he asked, breaking into their conversation.
"We don't talk about Noire," the girl said quickly, her voice a little tense.
"Why not?"
The two looked at each other, the blonde giving a small go on gesture.
“I don’t know how familiar you are with the…. situation that was happening in Paris for the past three years. Lady Noire, while she was a great help and we appreciate what she did, it was never a good sign when she showed up meaning that something happened to put one of our main heroes, Chat Noir, out of commission. It’s not the nicest memories we have.”
“She’s a hero?”
“She is. She may not always seem it but she is.”
“The cat is always chaotic. It’s a part of the territory. It has a way of freeing people up from an orderly life,” the blonde added.
“You two know a lot about this.”
The girl shook her head with a small smile. “Ask any Parisian, they’ll be able to tell you the same information.”
“What else can you tell me?”
“About?”
“Lady Noire. The Cat. Anything.”
The two exchanged another glance, the blonde nudging his friend, she shook her head at him before focusing on Dick once more.
“We don’t talk about Noire, but it my freshman year-”
“It was our freshman year.”
“We were starting lycee and there wasn’t a problem to be seen.”
“No problems to be had at all.”
“The Cat drops in with a mischievous grin.”
“Puns!”
“You telling this story or am I?”
“I'm sorry, M’Lady, go on.”
“The Cat taunts the Akumas.”
“Driving them up a wall.”
“In doing so he buys Ladybug time.”
“Ladybug call Lucky Charm.”
“Allowing her to plan and scheme.”
“And capture the akumas, but anyways-”
“We don’t talk about Noire.”
“Thank you anyways. That’s been extremely helpful. I’m Dick by the way.”
“Marinette, and this is Adrien. Why do you ask about Lady Noire and the Cat anyways?”
“I just heard about what happened in Paris and saw a clip of Lady Noire, thought she looked really awesome and wanted to see if I could find more about her.”
Marinette seemed to relax a bit as he said that and gave him a smile, as Adrien gave a small touch on her elbow, before he disappeared to go talk to another student, ducking around the guitar on their back as he steered the guitar boy’s attention to Dick.
“Sorry we can’t be of more help but she only showed up once or twice in the past 3 years.”
Dick gave a small laugh as she said it. “Don’t worry. That was more helpful than you can imagine.”
“Well I’ll see you around Dick.”
“See you around Marinette.”
She gave him a small wave disappearing down the hall, stopping briefly with the two boys before heading down to her own locker.
Dick turned and started to head out. He had made it out of the front doors when a ‘Hey!’ caught his attention. Dick turned to find a teen with dark hair, the teal tips drawing his eye, and ran up to him. Guitar boy that Adrien had been talking to. He was speaking softly as he walked next to Dick.
“Grew to live in fear of Noire muttering or stumbling. I can always see her sort of leaping and taunting. I associate her with the sound of laughter in the air, he, he, he. It’s a heavy lift with a gift so humbling. Always left Hawkmoth and his akumas fumbling. Crumbling with a word to ash in her hand. Do you understand?”
Dick barely had time to give a small nod to the boy before he felt a pair of hands grab his shoulders and Adrien’s head pop up next to him, already speaking.
“7 foot braid, ears atop her head. When she calls your name it all fades to black. Yeah she sees your schemes and feasts on your screams.”
“Hey!”
The three looked over to see Marinette call to them from the front door, before hurrying to catch up to them.
“We don’t talk about Noire,” they said quickly.
“Your fate is sealed when her sights have locked on you,” Guitar boy chimed in before turning to face Marinette, slinging his arm over Adrien’s shoulder. “Took you long enough, M-Marinette.”
She rolled her eyes at this. “You knew you’d be out here before me, Luka, don’t act like you didn’t.”
He shrugged, a ghost of a smile on his face. “Can’t say I did.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Mhmm, we all know that’s a lie. Adrien?”
“Sorry, Princess. I’m not one to betray my partner.”
“The betrayal. The disrespect. I can see you aren’t one to honor past partnerships.”
“Now we both know I’ll always have your back, M’Lady.”
“Not always it seems.”
“You wound me.”
“Good. I can see I’m outnumbered here, so I shall take my leave with Dick here.”
“Mari-” the two boys started. She cut them off with a small wave of her hand, looping her other through Dick’s arm.
“Go. Have fun, go on a date, relish each other’s company. I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”
“This isn’t Paris, Mari-”
“I know. See you back at the flat!” she called over her shoulder pulling Dick away and around the corner. She glanced back once to make sure they were out of sight of the two boys before letting go of Dick with a small laugh. “Sorry about that Dick. Didn’t mean to take you hostage right there.”
He grinned. “It’s fine. Glad to help a third wheel get away anytime.”
“Dangerous words there. You may live to regret them.”
“What’s life without a little danger?”
She laughed. “Safe and boring. Well I’m not going to monopolize any more of your time, I’m sure you have places to be.”
“It’s no bother to me.”
“I’m just heading home, there's no need to drag you around the streets of Gotham with me.”
“Are you sure? I can walk you back or give you a ride if you're comfortable with either. It’s not very safe to be on your own here.”
She shook her head. “Oh no. I wouldn’t want to be a bother-”
“Not a bother at all. I think Bruce would have my head if I didn’t offer and if he didn’t Alfred certainly would.”
She looked at him for a minute before smiling. “Are you sure?”
“Absolutely.”
“Do you mind walking?”
“Not at all. Let me shoot Alfred a message then I’m all set.”
“Okay then.”
The two walked in silence for a minute, Marinette leading the way while Dick sent off a quick message letting Alfred know what was happening.
“So where do you live?”
“376 West Kane Street. It’s-”
Dick let out a low whistle.“Right near the center of the city. How’d you snag that?”
“Luka’s dad. He can be a bit much, but he has a good heart and heard the three of us wanted to get out of Paris, asked us where and got us the best place he could find.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Well we convinced him to let Adrien help out a little bit but he wouldn’t hear it from me or Luka.”
“Can I ask for any elaboration?”
She glanced over at him, and tilted her head. “Maybe another time. What about you? Where do you live?”
“Closer to the outskirts. Do you know where Wayne Manor is?” he asked. She nodded. “That’s my house.
“Nice. So I’m going to assume Bruce is your father then?”
“Adopted, yeah.”
She simply nodded. “It’s a beautiful manor. Bruce seems like a good guy too from what I researched before moving here.”
Dick blinked as she continued forward as if he didn’t just admit his guardian was loaded. “I don’t think anyone has handled that fact as calmly as you just did when meeting me.”
She laughed. “My best friend was the face of Agreste and his boyfriend is one of the best guitarists I know, son of Jagged Stone, whom I also happen to be one of his favorite designers for everything from clothes to album covers. So befriending the son of the richest man in this part of the country fits in nicely,” she joked.
“Holy-”
“I know. Insane,” she shrugged. “It’s funny but we’re all people. I know what it;s like to be mobbed because of your status or who you are and for celebrities such as Adrien or yourself it can be a nice breath of fresh air to be treated as a regular person, you know. No hero worship, no idolization. Just whomever you are.”
“Huh. Not many people think the way you do.”
“I know. It’s my specialty. Anyways, this is me. You’re welcome to come in if you’d like.”
“Are you sure?”
“Am I the daughter of bakers? Yes. Now come on, I baked several types of cookies yesterday and there’s plenty to snack on inside. Consider it repayment for walking me home.”
She took him up to the three’s apartment, unlocking the door, scooping something off the table as they entered. “I’m just going to throw my bag and sewing kit in my room. Mind locking the door behind you?”
“Sure thing.”
She reemerged a minute later, pulling out a couple of plates and various tupperwares. The soft sounds of opening containers and items being placed on plates filled the silence.
“Feel free to sit anywhere. Anything to drink? Lemonade? Water? Milk?”
“Lemonade?”
“Good choice.”
She walked over a minute later balancing two cups and two plates, depositing them on the coffee table before taking a seat herself.
“Nice balancing.”
She laughed. “Believe me when I say that’s a hard earned skill. I was the biggest klutz at the start of lycee.”
“What changed?”
“Hawkmoth. A lot happened in that time.”
“Do you mind if I ask what happened? I wasn’t aware there had been anything that big happening in Paris until recently and even then the information was infuriatingly vague.”
“That’s because Ladybug and Chat Noir wanted to keep out of the eyes of the Justice League.”
“Why?”
“Hawkmoth weaponized emotions. If you had a negative emotion he’d feed on it and turn you into his weapon, granting power to take care of whatever was proving to be the source of your distress. It was always a very seductive choice to those in their darkest moments, and hard to resist if you tried. No imagine him giving additional powers to Superman or the Flash. It would have been his greatest dream to weaponize them against Ladybug and Chat Noir. They would have had no choice but to pull in the reserve heroes and even then the battle would have most likely been close if not disastrous,” she paused, taking a deep breath. “They made the arrangements early on in their career to keep the news hidden and centralized to Parisians only to keep that from happening and for the most part had the City’s support. ”
“Most?”
“Gabriel Agreste was against it, very vocally at first, citing it would hurt his brand, of course we all know that to be bs now, but it caused several other Paris based brands to speak out. That honestly should have been a clue that something was up with how upset he had seemed over the blackout placed on Paris.”
“And he was Hawkmoth?”
She nodded, taking a bite out of one of her cookies.
“What happened to him?”
She glanced down, not looking at him as she shrugged, taking a sip of her lemonade, fingers lightly tapping against the glass as she set it down. “Not sure. Ladybug and Chat Noir never disclosed that information to the public, just saying that Hawkmoth had been defeated and that all Miraculi were safe and hidden away. And Adrien- he doesn’t like to talk about his father. At all.”
His father- ‘My best friend was the face of Agreste.’ Adrien Agreste. No wonder they got the hell out of Paris.
“I don’t blame him. I won’t mention this to him.”
She smiled. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”
“It’s nothing. You seem to know a lot of the going ons of the heroes.”
“Well my balcony was a common resting place for the heroes, we’d talk, I’d provide food or light first aid. And they had to rescue me a couple of times.”
“You were a damsel in distress?”
“Quite literally in one case. My papa had been akumatised and wanted to protect me so he trapped me in a tower of thorns. Though I did manage to save Chat Noir’s skin in that case.The other time my friend Nathaniel had a crush on me and took me on a date. I helped Chat Noir out with that one too.”
“That’s- wow that’s a lot. How’d you manage to stay whelmed?”
“I- Whelmed?”
“You know people are overwhelmed or underwhelmed but they’re never just whelmed.”
Marinette laughed. “Honestly I was overwhelmed the whole time. It was a lot but I couldn’t let Hawkmoth get me so,” she shrugged.
“What do you mean?”
“Oh- um- I- I was the safe spot for the heroes, they’d come talk to me. And my friends always joked with my brain and determination I could be unstoppable. Wouldn’t want that combination to fall out of control now would we? I think I’m one of the few in Paris that never got akumatised.”
Dick stared at the girl across from him. He studied her slowly. She was a confidant to local heroes and one that had escaped Hawkmoth. He could see why she’d help the heroes. The friendly disposition and kind, helpful attitude she’d displayed so far made perfect sense for tht but there was something else. When he’d asked about Lady Noire earlier, her guard had been up, she’d been hesitant to share. Wary and cautious. Not sharing any details about the cat thief other than defend her name and give very basic information about the Cat in general. Luka and Adrien had been really helpful of their little group, telling more basic information but giving him a better taste of her.
“I’m sorry you had to live through that.”
“Don’t be. I’m not. Believe me when I say Chat had some of the funniest mishaps.”
“Mishaps?”
“Like the time he tried to walk on my balcony railing and got startled by my phone’s alarm going off, jumping into the air and failing to land on the railing, proving to be the exception to cats always landing on their feet.”
“Did you ever speak with Lady Noire?”
“You’re awfully curious about her aren’t you. Got a crush or something? Looking for a good word to be put in?” she asked, tensing slightly, a curious gleam in her eyes as she studied him.
“Maybeeee. It’s not often you see someone effortlessly move around a 7 foot braid.”
Marinette relaxed with a soft laugh. “That’s fair. She wasn’t often seen in Paris, she was more of an absolute last case scenario since we normally had Chat, but she always was, eventful to be around, though I’m starting to believe that’s just any Cat in general. Anyways, it’s getting late, and I don’t know about you, but I have a mountain of work I need to get through.”
Dick glanced down at his watch and whistled. “I should get going. Thanks for inviting me in and for the delicious cookies and stories- Is there any way I could take some home?”
Marinette laughed as she disappeared into the kitchen for a minute before handing him a tupperware full to the brim with different types of cookies and confectionaries. “Enjoy. I’ll see you tomorrow, Dick.”
“See ya tomorrow, Marinette.”
“Get home safe!”
“I will!”
With one final wave between the two of them, he headed out armed with his backpack and dessert as he sent Alfred one more quick message.
‘On my way back now. Desserts on me tonight.’
—----------------------------------
“Back again Noire?”
“What can I say? I was hoping to get lucky tonight.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I thought we covered this the other night.”
“Let me rephrase. What brought the Cat kept in reserves away from Paris and into Gotham?”
“‘Kept in reserves?’ Well excuse me, just because I wasn’t out there as Lady Noire everyday doesn’t mean I was put on the back burner. My talents were used elsewhere.”
“Doesn’t answer my question.”
She rolled her eyes, hopping up onto the roof ledge, casually strolling along it as if she were on the ground and not a few hundred feet in the air.
“Hawkmoth’s gone. No need to stay in Paris, no desire to either. A change of scenery was required. Gotham was the best choice for ou-my needs.”
“Who are you working with?”
“Bold of you to assume there are others.”
“Nice try. I heard that slip up. Who’s your partner?”
She held a hand to her chest as she gasped. “I have no clue what you’re talking about. I don’t have a partner. I remain tragically single.”
“Not the kind of partner I meant.”
“I haven’t had a partner since Paris. That job remains unfilled. But what about your partner? Mentor? Surprised the Batman isn;t here with you. Or what about the rumours I’ve heard of you and some other young heroes popping up around the world working together. Did you start a small team of your own when the Bat isn’t around? Should I be worried about having to share my attention?”
“I’m on my own right now.”
She did a quick glance around before fixing her eyes on Robin with a Cheshire grin.
“Good.”
She slammed her baton into the glass beneath their feet dropping them into the museum. She tucked, flipping in the air before landing lightly in a crouch, balanced on the balls of her feet. She laughed, pushing off towards the case as Robin joined her on the ground after catching himself in the rafters.
Her ears twitched at the soft wish of air before bolas wrapped around her ankles. She caught her fall, palms stinging slightly from the impact of the ground. She twisted to get at the snare wrapped around her ankles. Hooking one of her claws under the rope, she cut through it easily, only able to enjoy her new freedom for a moment before being slammed down into the ground, Robin on top of her, hands gripping her wrists on either side of her head.
“Clever bird, hobbling me like that.”
“Had to keep you from getting too far ahead of me now.”
“Are you too slow to keep up? Next time I’ll keep that in mind. Just for you.”
“Bit more concerned that you would break something before I caught up. Not all of us can fall from 3 stories and land perfectly fine on our feet.”
“Ah the perks of being a Cat. We always land on our feet. Guess little birdies aren’t as lucky, hmm?” she said softly, tilting her head to the side as she looked up at him.
“I’m perfectly capable-”
“Oh I never doubted that. You get one question. What do you want to know?”
“What?”
“You caught me. And I am a girl of her word. What would you like to know, mon petit oiseau?”
Robin stared at her. She crossed her arms meeting his stare, quirking a brow.
“What can you tell me about the Miraculi?”
She huffed, narrowing her eyes at him a little at the question. “The Miraculi are assorted jewels and accessories powered by tiny bug-like gods representing concepts that grant the wearer power.”
“And what is the Cat’s power?”
“Ah ah ah. I said you got one question and you asked and I answered. One answer per catch. Got to have some sort of balance. I’m not in this for an interrogation.”
“So what are you in here for?”
“There’s a nice little artifact that caught my eye,” she replied softly, glancing around, spotting the light switch on the wall next to her. She leaned back, flicking off the wall sconces, plunging the dimly lit area into complete darkness.
She moved taking advantage of the split second confusion she hoped to have bought herself, going for the case. She’d barely managed to lay a finger on it before two disks flew, bouncing off the glass and nearly slicing her hand off as she jumped back. Finding Robin right before he landed a hit.
“Didn’t anyone ever tell you to look with your eyes and not with your hands?”
“Guess I never got the memo,” she shot back, extending her abton into a staff, swinging it at him. He flipped away, grabbing the end of it and pulling her off balance. She let go, letting it fly to the other side of the room, opting instead to go on the offensive.
The two traded blow for blow, each blocking the other as the fought, dancing around each other for a minute, before Lady Noire dropped down, swiping his feet out from underneath him, and knocking the wind out of him.
She swiped her staff up with a small grin.
“This was fun, but I have places to be in the morning so I will take my leave. ‘Til next time birdy.”
He watched as her staff extended longer than should physically be possible carrying her up through the shattered roof and into the night.
—----------------------------------
“That’s Marinette’s tupperware. What are you doing with her tupperware?”
Dick jumped a little as Adrien seemingly appeared from nowhere, examining the container in his hands.
“I was going to return it after she gave me some baked goods in it last night, but now I’m starting to wonder if there’s something magical about it based on your reaction.”
“Marinette’s tupperware? Nothing magical about it, just distinctive. Now her baking? Food of the gods right there. Many would argue that her baking is magical, sometimes more than others.”
“You’re telling me. Those were some of the best cookies I’ve ever had.”
“You need to get your hands on her macarons at some point. Those, truly, are the best food to have ever graced this planet.”
“Don’t listen to him. He loves to exaggerate.”
“I’m telling the truth-”
“You live with the daughter of two bakers. Of course I know how to make a good macaron, after helping out in the patisserie for 10 years.”
“Your parents are amazing but I will argue you are a step above.”
“In some things perhaps, Baking is not one of those.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Positive.”
Dick looked at the two and their quick and easy back and forth, as Adrien proposed thoughts and Marinette easily shot them down with no hesitation. Neither slowing the other one down as they spoke.
“I don’t believe you.”
“Well too bad. You don’t have a say in this case.”
“Oh, be still my poor heart.”
“Then go get Luka to kiss it better for you. I’m certainly not tending to the wound inflicted by my hand. That would just be counterproductive anyways. Anyhow, you went through those fast,” she laughed, taking the tupperware back from Dick, and putting it in her bag.
“We put it in our own container back at the Manor. The little of what remained after dinner last night anyways.”
“I hope Bruce and Alfred enjoyed them.”
“They loved them. Absolute loved them. I think Bruce might want to hire you for some baked goods for the next gala.”
She laughed. “I'd be more than happy to help out.”
“Those are dangerous words there, Marinette. You may live to regret them.”
“Using my own words against me now? That’s just low.”
“Allow me to make it up then? Want to come and have dinner at the manor tomorrow?” he replied, face heating up as what he said caught up with his brain. Marinette was flushed, turning to try and hide behind Adrien who simply pushed her back in front of him.
“She’d love to,” he replied for her, grinning.
“You don’t have to Marinette if you don’t-”
“No! No! I want to. Sorry. Yes. I’d love to.”
“Great. I can pick you up at 5:30?”
“Perfect. I’ll see you then.”
“See you then.”
“Bye.”
“Bye.”
Dick watched as she pulled Adrien away, giving him a slap on the arm as they walked away, heads ducked together in conversation. He gave a small wave when he noticed her glance back at him. Her face turned beet red as she buried her head into Adrien’s arm, the blonde laughing as they turned the corner.
—----------------------------------
Marinette sat there, her cheeks burning slightly as they rode in the car, her knee bouncing as she and Dick talked.
A small box slid out from beneath Alfred’s seat as the car started uphill, hitting Marinette’s foot. Her heart pounded as the familiar waves of energy hit her. She bent over and gently picked up the box it rested in, not daring to open it in front of Dick and Alfred. She clamped her hands down on it, fingers tapping lightly on the edges.
“What’s this?” she asked, running her ring over the clasp in the front and hinges, channeling residual destruction into them, making it harder to open, if not stuck and immoveable all together.
“That is a recent acquisition Master Bruce has made from Gotham Museum. A headband designed to appear like a golden feather.”
“Oh. Sounds beautiful,” she replied, tucking it back under the seat where it had slid out from as they pulled in front of the manor. She’d turned to get her door to find Dick had already gotten out and beat her to it, offering a hand to help her. She smiled, placing her hand in his.
“Such a gentleman,” she teased, grabbing her tupperware filled with macarons for dessert, which Alfred swiftly stole away heading up ahead of them to get the front door.
“Alfred would have my head if I wasn’t,” he laughed.
“Can’t let that happen now can we? I rather like your head attached.”
“You do?”
“Very much.”
Dick grinned, trying to ignore the heat in his cheeks as she said that.
He was about to respond when Bruce entered, looking at the two of them and raising a brow at Dick, before focusing his attention on Marinette, taking a moment to study her before stepping forward and offering his hand.
“You must be Marinette,” Bruce chuckled. “It’s nice to finally meet you. Dick’s told me a lot about you.”
“Bruce,” he hissed.
Marinette grinned, elbowing him in the side as she looked over at him. “Has he now?”
Dick looked like he wanted to sink down into the ground.
“I think dinner’s ready-”
“Trying to change the conversation?” Bruce asked, humor in his voice.
“I was hoping this was going to be aster and it’s a disaster,” he muttered.
Marinette gave a soft laugh. “While I’m not sure what aster means I can assure you I think, so far at least, this has been far from a disaster and I think Monsieur Wayne would agree.”
“Please, just call me Bruce.”
“If you say so. Perhaps we shall head to where we’ll be eating for Dick’s sake?”
“Yes please.”
The three moved into the dining room taking their seats and striking up conversation while dinner was served.
“Are you doing anything this weekend, Miss Marinette?” Alfred asked, as he set out the macaron filled tupperware on the table after they had finished dinner.
“No. I’m still getting used to Gotham, I don’t have many plans at all most days besides school, homework, and commissions.”
“Commissions?” Bruce asked.
“I’m a designer. I have a small self-run business. I don’t have many clients but I have a couple regulars, who are more than enough for the time being.”
“Do you have any pictures?”
Marinette shook her head. “Not on me, but I don’t know if you would have or not but I’ve designed and made most if not all of Jagged Stone’s wardrobe the past couple years.”
“Very nice. If you’re ever in need of a commission, I’d be happy to fill a slot.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“You know, Marinette. There’s a charity gala here in a couple of days. I know it’s not the most exciting of things but I know Dick loses his mind at these events and I’m sure he’d appreciate the company. And if you wanted to promote your clothing you’d be more than welcome to do so,” Bruce said, ignoring Dick’s frantic waving and cut it out gestures. Marinette bit back a laugh at Dick’s antics.
Her mind grabbed onto the invitation. A in house function would be easy to sneak away for a moment to nab the Miraculous and be back before anyone noticed it was gone. And it was soon enough that with the slight tampering, they may not even open the box before then. But, taking advantage of the Waynes- she took a deep breath before giving a small smile.
“I’ll think about it.”
Bruce just nodded, standing. “Well I’ll let you two be. Have a good night Marinette. It was a pleasure to meet you.”
“You as well, Bruce.”
He gave a small smile as he left, the two of them. Marinette laughed, picking up her tupperware as she stood from the table. She and Dick walked over to the foyer, before Dick spoke up.
“Would you like to come to the gala with me? It’d be nice to have some company for one of those things for once.”
Marinette hesitated. She wanted to go with him, yes, but she didn’t want to use him for the golden opportunity to snatch away that Miraculous. She let out a breath before smiling at Dick.
“I’d love to. On the condition that I get to make your suit.”
“Are you sure? Are you going to have enough time?”
“Positive,” she shot back. ‘It’s the least I can do for what I’m going to do,’ she thought. “I have to make sure my date matches me don’t I?”
“You drive a hard bargain.”
“What can I say? I’m determined.”
“Fine.”
“Then you’ve got yourself a date. I need to run then if I’m going to get everything done in time. I’ll see you in school tomorrow! Tell Monsieurs Bruce and Alfred it was lovely meeting them. Thank you for having me over,” she told him, impulsively giving him a quick kiss on the cheek before rushing out of the door.
Her head spun. Bruce Wayne had purchased the Miraculous from the museum. The same one she’d tried and failed to steal twice now. What were the odds? With Plagg in her pocket, amazing in this case. She had heard the rumours that The Batman and Bruce Wayne were…. acquaintances, at the very least. Each helping the other out when the need called for it. Various speculations such as Bruce Wayne and Batman were in a secret relationship, to ‘the butts match’ saying they were one in the same. Though some had also posited Metropolis’ Lex Luther in the same theory and hell in Paris people had actually believed Chloe was Ladybug for a time. So she knew to take online theories with a healthy dosage of salt.
She shook her head, refusing to let herself dwell on this any longer. She had two days. Two days to prep and pray that they didn’t discover the secrets of that jewel before she got her hands on it.
—----------------------------------
Marinette offered a small smile to Alfred as she fixed a pin holding her hair up, the two garment bags in the seat next to her, holding her dress and Dick’s suit, rustling softly as she moved.
“Thank you again for the ride. I really appreciate it, Alfred.”
“Think nothing of it, Miss Marinette. There’s no need for you to have walked all this way with everything.”
“Still. Thank you.”
“Of course.”
The two finished the car ride in silence, Marinette thanking him once more as he helped her with the doors. Taking Dick’s suit from her as he gave her a short impromptu tour of the Manor as he guided her to a guest room, for her to finish getting ready in, informing her that Dick was ‘helping with last minute preparations but will be ready and with you shortly.’
She took a deep breath, closing her eyes as she sat on the edge of the bed collecting herself.
“Everything is going to be fine. Everything is going to be absolutely fine. A quick in and out, no one will ever know and then I can spend the rest of the night with Dick,” she murmured to herself, pulling the dress out of its garment bag, giving it a soft shake for any small wrinkles that may have formed.
She stepped into the dress, pulling it up, zipping up the back, before moving to the mirror and adjusting the sleeves. The blue draping, popping nicely against the black of the dress. The layers and sheer fabrics created a nice depth and movement to the skirt. She dug the heels out of the bottom of the bag and slid them on, tying a wrap around her ankles for a bit of extra support and security before hearing a knock on the door.
She stood, taking one last look in the mirror before opening the door, catching Dick making a last minute adjustment to his tie. She reached out, flattening the lapels and making a couple tweaks here and there.
“There.”
Dick gave a small half-laugh, ,rubbing the back of his neck as he looked at her. “You look beautiful. Absolutely stunning.”
“I think this is the best suit I’ve ever worn. And I’ve worn a lot.”
“You don’t have to flatter me.”
“I’m not. Anyways, we should probably head down. People were starting to arrive and we should be fashionably late in our own home at this point.”
“Lead the way.”
She took his arms as they went down the stairs, quickly getting swept into the decoration and people mingling, spotting some high class designer brand throughout the room. The two stuck to the corner for the first hour, people watching and talking.
“Are they usually this crowded?”
“Why us in the upper class must show we have a heart someway. And what is the best way other than to flock to the grand houses and spend our expensive money on expensive objects in the name of charity.”
Marinette stifled a laugh as he said that.
“I can’t believe you.”
“It’s true.”
She laughed once more, giving hima quick nudge. “I’ll be right back. I'm going to run to the bathroom really quick.”
Dick nodded. “I’ll be right here.”
She smiled before walking away, gut churning and the lump in her throat grew. As she navigated the hallways, remembering the way she had come and passing by the study, where she’d been informed ‘Master Bruce spends his time in there when he needs to relax. If you care to ask him, he keeps some interesting pieces in there,’ earlier that afternoon. She glanced around, before kneeling in front of the door, pulling Plagg out of her skirt pocket.
“Five more minutez, Pigtailzzz,” the tiny god murmured, not opening his eyes.
“C’mon you lazy cat. You can dream of camembert once you unlock the door. Ten seconds at most.”
“Fine,” he grumbled, zipping into the door before the soft click of the door swinging opening followed by the black bug of a cat, zipped back into her pocket with a soft “Geez those were some locks. There you go pigtails.”
“Thanks, Plagg,” she whispered, closing the door softly behind her as she waited for her eyes to adjust in the dim room. Scanning over looking for any sign of the- there. The box looked closed, the waves of energy rolling off of it and a soft shake of it confirmed that Miraculous was still there. Perfect.
Marinette froze as the light from the hallway shone over her, before the door clicked shut and the light flicked on. She swallowed as her eyes met Dick’s, quietly slipping the box into the large pocket she’d sewn in her dress’s skirt.
“Dic-”
“How did you get in here?”
“It was an accident. I got turned around on the way to the bathro-”
“Don’t lie to me, Marinette. Please. This room is always locked, especially during functions. How did you get in here?”
“A magician never reveals their secrets. I’m sorry.”
“That’s it? Sorry? Marinette-” his voice cracked as he shook his head. “Was all of this just to get close to my family and rob us?”
“No! Dick- No!” she took a step towards him, only for him to back away. “Merde, this, this was never my intention. But I can’t just leave it.”
“Why not?”
“I’m sorry.”
“So that’s it. Play with my feelings, use me to get close, and then run?”
“Dick-”
“Just go.”
Her eyes stung as she looked at him, she opened her mouth to say something, but he shook his head refusing to look at her. She let out a shaky breath opening the window, not daring to walk past him and out the front, looking back once, before pulling herself out, tears streaking down her face as she ran, not caring who saw her in this state. Not daring to stop until she made it back into the apartment, threw the box on the table and locked herself in her room, sliding down the door as she sobbed. Eyes stinging with no tears left to cry.
On the other side of the door sat her two friends, heads resting against the wood as one sang gently to the soft melody of the other’s guitar, unsure of what had happened, but trying to offer some comfort to their friend. While silently, plotting every way they could get at whoever hurt her.
Elsewhere, a dark haired boy locked the gym door, ignoring the gaiety happening upstairs, as he swung in the air, eyes stinging with tears he refused to let fall as he swung up and around, losing his balance at the climax and falling. Stumbling to the ground. Falling. Crumpling. Muffling his scream as he punched the ground, tears finally forcing their way to the front.
Upstairs stood two men, trying their hardest to clear everyone out 3 hours earlier without setting off a panic or tipping them off that something had happened. Itching to get down and offer what distraction or support to the Manor’s youngest resident and learn what happened, that led to the disappearance of his date, and the pain that the boy felt.
—----------------------------------
“I’ll see you guys next block!” she said, as Luka and Adrien parted ways as the bell rung, with a small wave. She’d barely made it two steps when her wrist was grabbed.
The cold metal of the lockers pressed into her back with a bang as she was swung around the corner, knocking the wind from her a bit. She took a breath as she looked at the offender.
“Where is it?”
“Is this really the place, Dick?”
“I’d really rather avoid calling the police in Marinette. Just give it back. That’s all you need to do. Please. I know you took the headband. Please, Marinette,” he pleaded.
A flash of blue and blonde hair caught her attention as she glanced past Dick, locking eyes with Adrien briefly, shaking her head slightly as she addressed Dick. “I can’t.” She darted her eyes towards the exit, before refocusing on Dick, as the other two boys gave a quick nod and left. “It’s not safe.”
“Why not? Are you okay? Are you in danger? Are you being forced to do this?”
Marinette bit back a laugh. “I’m fine. No one’s forcing me to do this. It’s my duty. Bruce, he doesn't know what he had. Thankfully. And now it’s safe.”
“Safe from what?”
Marinette shook her head as she started to press past him. His hand clamped around her bicep and pulled her back, pinning her against the locker.
“Safe from what, Marinette?” he repeated, voice low.
“That is nothing for you to worry about. I’m sorry Dick. But I couldn’t let Bruce have it. It’s too dangerous out in the open.”
“In the open? It was in the museum then locked away in the manor-” he stopped, eyes darting around as he looked at her. “What is it, Marinette?”
She gave a regretful smile as she looked away, refusing to meet his eyes or answer his question.
“What is it?”
“I’m sorry, Dick. Truly I am,” she said softly, grabbing his arm and twisting, escaping his pin and throwing him over her shoulder. She knelt down, planting a knee on his chest. “I wouldn’t have stolen from your family if that was an option. I hope you know that. I’m sorry that it ended like this,” she stood, shoving Dick away as she turned and ran, pushing through the doors and out onto the sidewalk, booking it to her apartment.
She threw the door open, catching her breath as she went into her room and grabbed her sewing kit, before coming back out to her friends, backpacks already on. Adrien’s knee was bouncing, while Luka rested his head on the other’s shoulder, twisting the bracelet on his wrist around.
“Take the box and go. Both of you.”
“Marinette-” Luka started before she shoved the sewing kit in his arms.
“Best case scenario is Dick shows up and he’s easy enough to handle. Worst case is that Batman shows up. We don’t have to deal with Akumas, just cops and vigilantes. I’ll be fine. The box is priority. Now if you would kindly get out of here before anyone else shows up. I’ll be fine. Please.”
“I don’t like leaving you without backup,” Adrien said softly.
“And I don’t like the idea of the box getting out of our hands. You and Luka go. That way there’s reassurance that the box stays safe,” she said, glancing at the bracelet Luka wore. He nodded. “Now go. I’ll call you when everything here is settled.”
The two looked back at her once before she shooed them out, locking the door behind them, as she twisted the ring on her finger, pacing back and forth behind the couch. Any minute now.
Thunk.
She turned, making her way to the fire escape window, opening it up for the Boy Wonder before he had a chance to break in.
“Can I help you?”
“Where is it?”
“I don’t know what you mean?”
“The artifact recently purchased by Bruce Wayne. Where is it?”
“I have no clue. I don’t know why you believe I have it.”
“His ward saw you take it.”
“Did he now? Well feel free to have a look around, though I’m afraid you won’t find much.”
Robin ignored her as he looked around, moving past her as she perched on the back of the couch.
“I have to admit I’m surprised to see you when Dick, explicitly mentioned the police an hour ago when he first confronted me about all of this. I hardly imagined this being Batman and Robin worthy, though I have heard the rumours about the Waynes and Bats being friendly with each other. You know some think that the Batman and Bruce Wayne are having an illicit affair. What do you think?”
He spun around to face her. “How are you so traught right now?!”
Marinette grinned, looking like the cat who caught the canary. “So that’s why they’re so close. Hello, Dick.”
“I don’t know wha-”
“Should I be prepared for Bruce to arrive shortly or are you solo on this?”
“How-”
“You’re the only person I know who drops prefixes off of words to create brand new words, mon oiseau. So do I need to be prepared for Batman to show up any minute or can we settle this between us.”
“He went after your friends when we saw them leaving,” Dick admitted. She nodded, pulling out her phone and shooting a quick text to Adrien. Bats on you. Eyes up.
“Good luck to him then, I suppose.”
“Not worried about Adrien and Luka?”
“Oh no. They can handle themselves. Bruce is the one at a disadvantage.”
“What was in the box?”
Marinette just offered a small smile, before tackling Robin before he had time to warn Batman, pinning him down, hands near his head.
“Sorry. Can’t let him get the drop on them as much as I can help it. My boys have the advantage but a little extra help won’t hurt.”
“And you were so confident a minute ago.”
“I still am.”
“Then why not level the playing field.”
“Because this is so much more important than you think it is.”
He pushed her off, recovering to his feet quickly. Marinette rolled to standing. She glanced at him only for a second before holding up his comm and quickly throwing it down and stepping on it.
“Sorry. Can’t afford any risks right now,” she said softly before climbing out the window and heading up the fire escape.
Robin let out an annoyed huff before following after her, grappling up to the roof and landing moments before she made it.
“What was your plan here?”
“To not destroy the apartment in a fight if avoidable. Lot less things to damage up here. And a lot more disposable surfaces.”
“Marinette if you would just explain-”
“No. The less people know about this the better. The last rich bitch to get his hands on them- I’m not risking a repeat. So the choice is yours. You can drop it and we can go back to being friends and forget this ever happened. Or we can fight and remain enemies. I know which one I would prefer.”
“Marinette- I don’t want to fight you but then you say stuff like Batman is at a disadvantage against two teenaged friends of yours and shamelessly rob us. How can I know you’re not working for some rogue like the Penguin or Lady Noire?”
She glanced down.
“So that’s how it is?”
“I never wanted to hurt you, Dick.”
“It sure looks like you did.”
Marinette shook her head. “I need to go,” she said softly, turning to leave.
Robin threw a pair of bolas, catching her around the legs, trying to get her to stop. She fumbled, not catching herself as easily as she had in the museum. Dick’s heart leapt into his throat as he watched her fall over the edge of the building. “Marinette!”
He ran, not hesitating to jump after her, falling through the air, trying to catch up when the shout of “Claws Out!” rang out.
He blinked as a toxic green light enveloped Marinette and in her place fell Lady Noire, now shooting past him as her baton extended.
Robin twisted, shooting his grappling hook to the roof and swung himself up, landing moments after Marine- Lady Noire did, the bola lat at her feet, the cord cut.
“Looks like I’m not the only one who had secrets.”
“I have more secrets that I care for.”
He stared at her, mind reeling. ‘You’re awfully curious about her aren’t you,’ ‘We don’t talk about Noire,’ ‘that all Miraculi were safe and hidden away,’
“The Miraculi. The headband is a Miraculous, isn’t it? You told me that Ladybug and Chat Noir had all the miraculi safe and hidden away. And yet here you are with the Cat Miraculous. Something else you stole? Building your own collection?”
“Now I never said that Ladybug and Chat Noir had the Miraculi. Just that they were safe and hidden. They’re being looked after.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Believe me when I say that you’d be happy that I have the Cat when you realize when Plagg gets restless disasters such as what befell poor Atlantis or the dinosaurs start to happen.”
“Still doesn’t explain how you got your paws on it.”
“You’ve put this much together. You can figure it out.”
“Do you know what happened to the Miraculi?”
Marinette hesitated looking back at him.
“I do. They’re safe.”
“Are they?”
“Believe me. Dick. They are safe and sound.”
“I can’t let you just run.”
Marinette gave him a pained smile. “I know.”
The soft whisper of ‘Cataclysm’ hung in the air as she bent down and lightly tapped the roof, leaping to the one next door. Her ears twitched hearing the soft whir of his grapple, and ting of it wrapping around a beam.
“Sorry Dick,” she said, taking off over the rooftops of Gotham, stopping as she spotted Batman and Adrien standing apart from each other, her sewing kit off to the side between them. Intact but a bit too precarious of a situation for her liking.
Lady Noire jumped off the roof, landing and immediately pushing off Batman’s shoulders, driving him back into a wall as she propelled herself forward, grabbing the box from where it lay as she landed.
“How many?” she asked, glancing over at Adrien.
“Three, apparently. What took you so long?”
Her eyes darted to the Batman, who was staying back, watching them intently, and then up to the rooftops, quickly scanning for a flash of yellow or red.
“Had an interesting revelation about a certain little birdy,” she said, passing the box off to Adrien.
“Go. I’ll meet up with you and Viperion in a minute.”
“M'Lady- Let me help.”
“I’m not expecting this to escalate and we both know I’ll last longer in a fight.”
“I resent that.”
“How long?”
“Two minutes.”
“All three times?”
“Two out of Three.”
“You’re getting rusty. Now go! I’ll be right behind you.”
She watched Adrien leave for half a second,turning her attention to Batman as Adrien took off around the corner.
“What do you know about Robin?” he asked, coming closer, his large frame looming over her petite build.
“You can drop the intimidation act, Bruce. I don’t scare easily after Paris.”
His eyes narrowed at her as she said that.
“How?”
“Something he said. Don’t worry. I’m not going to tell anyone. I understand the importance of identities.”
“I don’t trust you.”
“And neither does your son. But my word is good. So here’s what’s going to happen. You are going to let me and my two friends go. You are not going to follow us or continue to hound us or attempt to take your precious relic back. I’m sorry it had to be stolen but it’s too dangerous out and about in the hands of those who know nothing of what it can do-”
“But it can be safe in the hands of a teenager?”
“The hands of this teenager are the safest place for it to be. And you are going to let it remain there. I am asking politely. If you decide to go after us I will make your life a living hell, and half of the city will be in chaos if you do.”
“I don’t take kindly to threats.”
“It’s not a threat. It’s a promise. Ask Dick when he gets here any minute. He’s had a small taste. I’m asking you to please just leave it. Drop it. Forget it ever happened. That will be the best outcome for everyone,” she told him, pulling her baton off of her waist. “Tell Dick I’m sorry. I wish it didn’t have to end like this and I’m sorry it did,” she said softly, before extending her baton and landing on the roofs, taking off in the fading light of day.
—----------------------------------
Robin sat on the roof, looking at the dark windows of Marinette’s old apartment. He shook his head standing. No one had been in the apartment since its three inhabitants ran last month. He took a deep breath, grappling over to the other roof, dropping down onto the fire escape, opening the window and slipping in.
Nothing had been touched since he’d last been inside, searching, as Marinette sat on the back of the couch as if nothing was wrong. Maybe he should have dropped it like she’d asked. Maybe then everything would be fine. Maybe he and Mari-
The soft sound of scratching at the keyhole, broke Robin from his thoughts, as he quickly darted around the corner as the door opened, clicking it shut as the lights flicked on. Two pairs of footsteps, one heading into the kitchen, pulling closed the window, while the other set made their way over to where he was hiding, walking by the crack of the slightly open door.
The glimpse of blue hair passing clued him into that Guitar boy- Luka- was one of the two coming back to their apartment. Meaning it was most likely either Adrien or Marinette, back in the kitchen.
He silently cursed his luck, slowly and silently pulling closed the hallway door, neglecting to notice the slow opening of the one on the other wall. The light tap was his only warning, turning and throwing a punch at the newcomer.
Luka ducked under his punch, moving with a swift fluidity, Robin wouldn’t have expected from the boy. Luka moved to the side and ducked down, swiping his feet out from under him while pushing on his chest, causing Robin to slam his back into the wall.
“Everything okay, Luka?” Marinette’s voice called out from down the hall.
“Just knocked something over! Everything’s fine,” Luka called back, before focusing on Robin, eyes hardening as he spoke quietly. “Why are you here, Dick?”
“I thought Marinette said she wasn’t going to tell anyone.”
“She didn’t. Which is good for you because Adrien would have been on you in an instant.”
“You didn’t tell him?”
“No. Because then I would have helped him in the chaos he’d reign over your life, and Marinette doesn’t want that. Though I may change my mind after tonight. She really cares for you, you know. She pretends she’s fine for us but her melody’s been wrong since the gala. Yours has too…. That’s why you're here, isn’t it? Looking for some closure?”
“I don’t know.”
Luka studied him, before giving a small smile. “Don’t blow this or you will regret it,” he said before yelling out. “Hey, Mar! You might want to come here. We have a guest.”
“What do you mean we have a-” she froze, spotting Robin, “-guest,” she finished crossing her arms as she faced Luka. “Knocked something over?”
He shrugged. “I told the truth. I knocked something over. I never said it wasn’t a person.”
She took a breath shaking her head. “Go finish grabbing what you need, I’ll take care of the Boy Wonder.”
Luka fixed him with one last look before heading out with a, “Just call if you need anything.”
Marinette didn’t respond, just nodded and closed the door behind him, leaning back on it as she stared at Robin.
“Hey, Marinette.”
“Dick.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Why? You have nothing to be sorry for. I’m the one who stole from you and inadvertently played with your feelings, and smashed our relationship into the ground.”
“I can’t let you take all of the blame. I could have dropped it like you’d asked. Pretend that nothing happened.”
“We both know that’s a lie.”
“Is it?”
She shook her head. “What are you doing here, Dick?”
He took a step forward, gently pushing her back against the wall, and planting his hands on either side.
“Caught you,” he said softly, grinning as he watched the confusion turn to realization.
“Clever birdy. I’m guessing you have a question you desperately want and answer for?”
“‘She sees your schemes and feasts on your screams,’ what did Adrien mean by that?”
“I’m the brains between the three of us. Adrien was always the brawn and Luka’s our safety net. However, as Lady Noire I tend to get a bit more out there and reckless, taking on the brawn a bit more than I had traditionally. Satisfied?”
“I have another question.”
“Ah ah ah. You know the rules. One per capture.”
“And you owe me an answer for when I caught you last month.”
“Low blow but that’s fair. Ask away.”
“Where are the Miraculi? And don’t just say safe. I know you know more than you’re letting on.”
“Dick-”
“I want to trust you and be able to believe you but I need to know you're not peddling magical artifacts to people or something.”
Marinette laughed as he said this.
“I am probably the last person who would ever do that. I-” she paused, glancing down and letting out a breath. “Considering that I’m the one tasked with keeping them hidden and safe, I think I’d make a pretty terrible guardian if I peddled them on the black market. And if you tell anyone about that information, I will bring chaos down around your life.”
“Second time I’ve been threatened with that tonight. Not any more appealing the second time.”
“Luka?”
“And Adrien.”
“Of course. He did. Be glad he’s put the Cat away. Or worried that he was upset enough to consider using it again, to make your life miserable. Silly, protective, cat,” she muttered with a small laugh. Dick smiled looking at her, still against the wall, his hands on either side.
“You know Luka told me something about Lady Noire the first day we met. When I was doing all the digging.”
She looked up at him, tilting her head to the side, hints of a Cheshire grin pulling at her lips.
“Oh? What did he say?”
“That ‘your fate is sealed when her sights have locked on you,’ and looking back at it. He couldn’t have been more right.”
“Care to elaborate?”
“You’ve been in my mind since the first encounter at the museum. You caught my attention, then stole my heart.”
She blushed, glancing away. “So this whole thing has turned out pretty asterous, huh?”
Dick laughed, grinning as she said that. “I’d say so.”
She gave a small smile, leaning up slightly and pressing a kiss to his cheek. “Guess there’s no need for me to leave through a window again after all.”
“I don’t think I could put up with that if you did.”
She laughed, “Do you trust me when I say I’m not going to run from you this time?”
“Yeah. I do.”
She grabbed his hand, pulling him out and into the hallway and back into the living room, perching on the back of the couch as Luka joined them.
“Call Adrien. We’re coming back home.”
“You two finally settle your lovers spat?”
“Lovers spat?! Like you and Adrien were any better at the start- we can’t all be one step ahead like you,” she shot back, pushing off the couch, lunging at him. Luka laughed, already preparing to avoid her lighthearted attack when Dick grabbed her waist, and pulled her back so he could wrap his arms around her, before leaning back, pulling her over the back of the couch with a cackle.
“Took you two long enough. I called Adrien after I left you two alone. He’s already on his way. He’ll be here any minute with the box.”
“You know that one of these days you’re going to be wrong about something!” she called at the retreating boy.
“Time will tell!” came the muffled response.
Marinette dropped her head onto Dick’s chest, laughing as she snuggled into him, letting out a soft hum as he held her, idly running a hand through her hair.
The four soft clicks of the door being unlocked and opened and closed and locked was the pair’s only warning that their very brief time alone was being broken as Adrien came in and spoke up.
“I see you two finally made up, little lovebir-” Adrien’s sentence got cut short as Marinette flicked her leg up, her shoe flying off and the telltale thunk of making contact. “All right, all right, I’ll leave you two to it,” he finished, laughing as he disappeared down the hall.
Dick, grinned as she shook her head, pressing a kiss to her cheek, as the muffled sound of a guitar started up as the two snuggled on the couch, relaxing after everything that happened in the past two months, content to just lay with each other in silence.
Dick blinked as he watched someone slink into the museum. He paused, watching the windows, waiting for a light to flick on or the beam of a flashlight to cut across. Nothing.
He frowned, quickly cutting across the street and ducking in, pausing for a moment to study the large pane of glass missing from the door. No sign of it being shattered, just some ash on the ground.
He took note, continuing forward until he found the figure searching through cases towards the back. He could barely make them out in the dark, going more off the slight clink of the glass cases and shifting of darkness.
"Can I help you?" he asked, flicking the light on as he leaned against the door frame.
He stared at the woman in front of him as she whipped around, her long braid continuing to move, wrapping itself around her body. He might have mistaken her for Catwoman from a distance were it not for the braid and toxic green accents on her catsuit. The low slung belt and leather ears perched in her hair, further differentiated the two.
"I could ask the same of you. Museum's closed to the public. Might want to get a move on before something unlucky happens."
"I think I'll take my chances."
"Suit yoursel-" she cut herself off as several things happened.
The ears on top of her head twitched as Dick caught a glimpse of movement in the shadows behind her. The lights abruptly shut off, a hand wrapped around his wrist, sharp claws digging in as the alarm went off deeper in the museum. Dick gave a small nod to the shadows as she glanced behind, seemingly satisfied that the sudden arrival was moving to investigate.
Dick took advantage of her slight distraction, clicking handcuffs around their wrists. She turned around hissing slightly.
"Do you make it a habit to handcuff yourself to strange women?"
"Only when they're breaking the law."
"Funny, I didn't take you for the police type at first," she murmured as she swung him around, pulling him in as if she were going to dip him. She was stronger than she looked Dick noted as she held him close, bringing her other hand to rest against his throat, the sharp claws pricking at his skin.
"Don't move," she said softly. "I'd hate to have to slice your pretty neck open."
"Aw. You think I'm pretty."
She didn't answer as she moved back, pulling him with her. The rush of cold air was the only warning he got that they were heading out the back door.
"Hold on tight, Pretty Boy," she warned before he felt her hand leave his throat a moment before their feet left the ground.
She was on the move as soon as their feet hit the roof, pulling him along for a few feet before they went airborne once more, her staff carrying them over several roofs before landing. Repeating this a few times before coming to a stop.
"Care to take these handcuffs off of us?"
"No, I think I'll keep them on. Thanks."
She let out a sharp breath. "It's been a long day. I'm sure we both have other things we'd rather be doing tonight, that is unless you'd like to spend the night with me."
"I don't tend to spend the night with people I don't know the name of."
"How rude of me. Lady Noire at your service…"
"Dick. Nice to meet you. Now, doesn't a clever thief such as yourself know how to pick locks? Surely you don't need me to unlock these."
"I hate to break it to you but my strengths lie elsewhere."
"So how'd you get into the museum then?"
"Sorry, a magician never reveals their secrets," she replied with a wink.
"So you're a magician."
"Nothing so simple. I am much more than a measly magician."
"Then prove it."
"I have nothing to prove to you."
Dick shrugged. “Then I suppose you’re a cheap magician.”
“A cheap- WHy- Hmmph- think what you will. I don’t care.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
Dick gave a soft chuckle as she glared at him. He raised a brow as she yawned, quickly turning away from him.
“Tired?”
“I have a life outside of this, you know. It catches up with you sometimes. Though I can’t imagine you know what that’s like.”
Dick plopped down on the ground, pulling her down with him, catching her off guard as she landed on top of him, her cheeks quickly turning red as she looked away. He grinned.
“Then let’s take a rest shall we? As it doesn’t look like we’re going anywhere as long as we have these cuffs on and you certainly don’t seem like you’re going to pick the lock anytime soon.”
Dick sat down pulling Lady Noire down with him. She huffed, shaking her head a little bit, the ears on top of her head twitching.
He lightly closed his eyes, resting his head on her shoulder with a small smirk. Laughing a little bit at the soft vibrations.
“Are you purring?”
“Shut up and sleep.”
Dick laughed, gently closing his eyes, not planning to sleep, but unconsciousness pulled him under regardless.
---------------------
Dick woke up to the feeling of cold metal digging into his back.
"C'mon, Pigtails. You can't seriously be thinking about bringing him inside."
"I'm not thinking, I'm doing."
"Leave him on the roof. Even better, leave him on top of that ugly skyscraper. The rich guy's one. Wayne or whatever his name is."
"He'll freeze to death, Plagg. Besides, it's my fault he's here."
"And if he sees you? Or worse yet, one of us?"
"Then you'll get to say you told me so and revel in the chaos of that happening. Will you please unlock the window? It's been a long day, we didn't get the grimoire copy and I have three commissions to get through in the next three days. So please let me into my apartment so I can take care of Dick and get some work done."
"Wouldn't have to take care of handsome here if you left him on a roo-"
"NO PLAGG!"
"Don't say I didn't warn you, Pigtails."
She sighed as she slid the window open and slung Dick over her shoulder and into the warmth of the apartment. Setting him down gently and laying a blanket over him, he kept his eyes closed as he heard her walking away.
“All of you get going. We have a guest for a few hours. Nothing unusual please,” she hissed, closing a door, her footsteps coming back into the room he was in. The soft creak of a chair indicates her sitting.
Dick lay there for a few minutes before the sound of a loud crash in the room next to him. He startled sitting up, making eye contact with, presumably Lady Noire, though now lacking the green eyes and long hair. There’s no way she could have changed that fast, could she?
“Merde,” she cursed under her breath before fully turning to face him. “Morning Sleeping Beauty.”
“Where am I?”
“My apartment. Lady Noire dropped you off outside while you were asleep.”
“She did. Asked me to make sure you were taken care of and let on your way.”
“Well thank you…”
“Marinette,” she gave a small smile. “My name’s Marinette. And you are?”
“Dick. So how do you know Lady Noire?”
“I’ve patched her up on occasion. People with unusual nightlives aren’t strangers to my fire escape.”
Dick opened his mouth to ask another question as a second loud bang was heard in the next room.
“Is everything okay?”
“Everything is fine. Just a little chaotic, but I expect it will sort itself out. I’ll be right back,” she said before rushing into the other room.
Dick looked around at the small apartment, littered with fabric and sketches. A few pictures laid around here and there, was that an autographed concert picture of Jagged Stone? With her and a boy with blue tips and guitar playing with Jagged? She had connections.
He was pulled from his small exploration of the room as the wall in front of him crumbled into ash. Lady Noire- Marinette- froze anger blazing in her eyes as several small floating things hid. All except one.
The black floating bug-cat looking thing, turned away from her and grinned as it looked at him, it’s neon green eyes, the same unnatural color of Lady Noire’s, locked with his as he shrugged. “Oops. I told you it was a bad idea, Pigtails.”
“We both know you did this on purpose.”
“I can’t control it. Remember the dinosaurs? Atlantis? Just be glad it was a singular wall.”
She narrowed her eyes at it before letting out a frustrated breath. “We will be having a more in-depth discussion later.”
“So you can tell me thank you? I look forward to it. Don’t blow this pretty boy,” the thing told him before cackling as it hid, narrowly avoiding being snatched out of the air by Marinette as she turned bright red, looking at him.
“Sit. We need to talk.”
Dick took a seat on the couch as she sat on the chair facing opposite of him.
“So what have you gathered?” she asked him, arms crossed.
“You’re Lady Noire, a thief that keeps somehow managing to evade police and Bats alike. I’m assuming with some sort of magic ability based off those flying bug-creatures-”
“Kwamii.”
He blinked as she interrupted him with the term for the bug-creatures, before she gestured at him to go on.
“Based off of those kwamii, especially since one just destroyed your wall as easily as breathing and are powerful as it claimed to have something to do with the dinosaurs and Atlantis.”
She nodded as he said that. “That was Plagg. He represents Bad Luck and a being of destruction. He is the reason the dinosaurs are extinct and Atlantis now resides at the bottom of the ocean.”
Dick stared at her. Oh Bruce and Aquaman would have a field day with Plagg if they ever met him.
“That little thing caused all that.”
“That little thing is a god who’s been around since creation.”
“And you just live together.”
“I guard him and the rest.”
“The rest?”
“There are others. The specifics aren’t for you to know. But the reason I am a thief is the same reason I was a hero. I keep the Miraculi, the jewelry that tether the miniature gods to this realm and allow them to gift users with their powers from those who would abuse their powers and keep them from being used needlessly and protect them. Along with the texts that go with them. Every now and again I find a piece in someone’s home or a museum, so I reclaim them. Make sure everything is safe and tucked away and the balance secure.”
“So the museum had a Miraculi?”
“Miraculous. Singular. And no. A grimoire. Now, I hope you realize you can’t tell anyone about this and that if you do I will reign chaos down around you?”
“Yes.”
She smiled, leaning back in her chair. “Great. Any questions?”
“Just one. What did Plagg mean when he said ‘don’t blow this pretty boy’?” he asked. He couldn’t help the small grin as Marinette blushed, turning away, cursing the god under her breath with far more confidence than Dick ever could.
“Using a Miraculous connects you in a certain way to your kwamii,” was all she said, refusing to look at him.
He laughed slightly as it all clicked into place.
“Would you like to get coffee some time?”
“What?”
“Would you like to grab coffee some time? With me?”
She raised a brow. “I essentially kidnapped you and you’re asking me on a date?”
“You could have left me to freeze to death like Plagg originally wanted.”
“You heard that?”
“I did,'' he admitted. She shook her head before giving him a small smile.
“Might as well. I’d love to get coffee with you.”
Dick grinned, asking for a piece of paper and pen before scribbling his number down. “Let me know when or feel free to back out, no pressure.”
She laughed, tucking it away, as she led him to her door. “You’re taking this all in stride.”
“Believe me. Is not the weirdest or worst I’ve dealt with.”
She tilted her head as he said that, clearly curious. “Well we’ll clearly have some interesting discussions on our date. I’ll see you soon.”
She gave him a small wink as she closed the door, locking it behind him. Dick had barely taken two steps when he heard Plagg’s cackle and Marinette’s small outburst of ‘You Meddling Cat!’
“Thank you, Plagg,” he said under his breath with a smile as he left.
“I feel like every time I hear that ad I’m being seduced by her.”
"Seduce her back," Jason suggested. "Assert dominance."
"Yes the next time the ad plays I'll just turn the tables and instead of her trying to seduce me to buy her brand's clothing I'll just throw out a 'maybe I'd rather see you outside of those clothes,'" Dick shot back.
Marinette choked hearing this conversation moments after the commercial Adrien had forced her to do aired. She tried to duck away as the two looked towards her.
"What's wrong, Mari?" Adrien asked, sliding into the booth sitting opposite of her.
"Next time, Chloe records the ads."
"Not her fault you lost the bet."
"Oh wipe that grin off your face. We all know you rigged it," she hissed. He held his hands up laughing.
"Something's got to counteract your uncanny good luck."
"You did not just overhear a stranger say they felt like they were being seduced. By your voice," she told him, burying her face in her hands while Adrien laughed.
"I'm sorry M'Lady."
"No you're not. Don't lie to me."
He could barely keep his laughter out of his voice as he replied, “You’re right. I’m not. Chloe’s just as much to blame for this as I am.”
“But you’re here and she’s not.”
Adrien laughed as she sank in her seat, glaring at him just over the table. He only laughed harder holding his hands up in a mock peace offering. That didn’t appease her.
—-------------------------------------
Dick blinked as the woman started apologizing, dropping her bags before helping him up. She was a lot stronger than he would have guessed. Why did she seem so familiar. Dick studied her as she wrapped up her long winded apology.
“I am so sorry about all of this. Really. I should have been looking where I was going. Are you okay?” she asked. That was when it clicked.
“You.”
“Me?”
“You’re the ad!”
She blinked owlishly at him as he said this, confusion clear on her face as she looked at him. “I’m the what now?”
“The voice for the Agreste ad.”
Her face turned bright red as he said that. She gave a quick, tight laugh as he said that, trying to relax.
“That would be me, yes. I’m impressed you recognized me by my voice alone.”
“You have a pretty memorable voice. In a good way. Your voice is beautiful. It’s-”
“Seductive!” a man in a leather jacket called out as he walked by, laughing as Dick found himself turning red to match her.
“Ignore my brother. Please. Pretend he never said that. I DON’T KNOW WHY HE’S FOLLOWING ME!”
She laughed as he yelled after Jason, before her phone buzzed, she glanced down at it before letting out a breath. “I hate to cut this short but I need to run for a consultation. It was so nice to meet you. I’ll see you around,” she said with a smile, scooping her bags up, not giving him a chance to answer before rushing down the path, offering a small wave as she moved.
His phone buzzed as she left. He opened it to several texts from Jason.
Go on Big Bird
Seduce her back
Don’t get tongue tied now
Ya big fucking flirt
‘maybe I'd rather see you outside of those clothes’ line her
no no way
anyways
she's gone now
Coward
Knew you wouldn’t do it Replacement owes me 5 now
Thanks
YOU BET ON ME SEDUCING HER?!
Of course we fucking did
What else would you expect
I-
I don’t know
LMFAO
Thanks Coward
Dick shook his head as he exited the app, sliding his phone in his pocket right as it started vibrating, message after message coming in. Tim.
Goddamnit Dick
I owe Jason $5 now
You didn’t flirt with a cute girl for the first time
You’ve failed me
Don’t fail me again
This is a threat
WTF Tim
Do not fail me again
I-
Do
Not
Fail
Me
Richard Grayson
—-------------------------------------
“Adrien!” a voice cut through the noise of the diner. Jason gained a shit eating grin as they both recognized the voice.
“Go talk to her.”
“No.”
“Go. I’ll stop betting on your love life if you go talk to her.”
“A year.” “I’ll stop for a year if you say the line.”
“No.”
“Then I’ll keep making money off Tim.”
Dick glared at him while Jason smirked at him, crossing his arms and leant back in his seat.
“Two years.”
“One and a half.”
“Deal.”
“Go on.”
Dick took a deep breath and Jason made shooing motions at him until he left, crossing the dinner to the booth where she was.
“Hey, I thought I heard a familiar voice.”
She smiled as he came to stand next to the table.
“Hello again. I don’t think I never got your name last time. I’m Marinette, and this is my friend and business partner, Adrien.”
“Nice to meet you both. I’m Dick.”
“Have you ever thought about modeling, Dick?” Adrien asked.
“No I haven’t.”
“You’d be great at it. I’m looking for some new models. You’d get to work closely with Mari here as she brings her designs to life. It’s something magical to watch.”
“Don’t listen to him. I mean you can if you want, but don’t feel obliged to. He’s just a meddling alley cat. Are you comfortable standing? Would you rather sit? I imagine it’d be more comfortable than standing there,” she said, gesturing at the empty space next to her.
Dick took a deep breath seeing his opportunity to get his brothers off his back. He leaned over slightly, placing his forearms on the table as he looked at Marinette.
“Maybe I'd rather see you outside of those clothes.”
Adrien slapped his hands over his mouth as Dick said that Marinette herself turning bright red barely managed to squeak out a small “what?”
“I am so sorry It’s just I made that joke when I first heard the-”
“I know,” she cut him off. “I heard you.”
“Oh. You. You heard me?” he asked, feeling his face heating up. She nodded. Her friend was now fully biting his hand, body shaking in silent laughter.
“Yes she did,” Adrien answered, grinning like the cat that got the canary.
“Adrien, why don’t you go order a milkshake or five.”
“Five, M’Lady.”
“Shoo. Take your time.”
Adrien laughed as he slid out of the booth, leaving Dick alone with Marinette.
“I am so sorry, my brothers have-” he cut off mid sentence as she shook her head, holding her hand up.
“You’re fine. Brothers are a pain. You’ve met Adrien. The closest thing I have. I can only imagine what having multiple is like. No need to apologize. I know they like to meddle.”
“Still I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. Let’s strike that from the record. Pretend that didn’t happen and you can forget Adrien’s pushing. Deal?”
“Deal.”
She grinned as they shook hands, before a look of horror crossed her face.
“Oh he did not.”
Dick looked at what had caught Marinette’s attention. Adrien was on his way back, five milkshakes balanced in his arms. He delicately set them down in front of them.
“Five milkshakes for M’Lady.”
Marinette glanced at Dick like ‘see what I mean?’
“Thank you. Dick you and your brother wouldn’t happen to be interested in a couple milkshakes would you?”
“We’d love them.”
“Thank you. It was great seeing you again. I’m sure we’ll run into each other again.”
“Thank you Marinette, Adrien. See you around.”
He ignored the bearing and laughing behind them as he returned to his original table, handing Jason a milkshake.
“You got milkshakes!?”
“Yes and I said the line. So you can keep out of my love life now.”
“Alright, alright. Thank you.”
The two drank their milkshakes and ate their fries, for a minute in silence, Jason grinning ear to ear in a way Dick didn’t trust, when someone popped up next to their table from out of the blue.
Adrien handed two cards to Dick. “My card and Marinette’s card. If you do find yourself interested in modeling, working with Mari, or just, Marinette herself, you know how to reach us. I’d be happy to set up a blind date, a date, a scheme, anything, just let me know,” He grinned before leaving as fast as he came.
Jason laughed. “Look at you making moves,” he said, sending off a quick text.
“I did nothing.”
“Sure….” he said as, Dick’s phone started vibrating like crazy again. Tim, once more sending several texts in rapid succession.
You failed me again
But you were successful
You get a pass this one time from my threats
Task failed: Successfully
“You didn't.”
“I have no clue what you’re talking about.”
“Sure you don’t.”
“There’s nothing you can prove.”
“Jason, I swe-”
Jason’s laughter cut him off as he noticed Marinette, coming up to the table. SHe took a quick breath before launching into a quick ramble.
“Hey, sorry to interrupt, but I was on my way out and I just wanted to- Here’s my card if you ever wanted to get together or talk or anything. Yeah. My number’s on there, I hope I’ll see you, without our brother’s around. Bye, Dick.”
“Bye, Marinette. I’ll see you later. Maybe for dinner?”
“I’d love that!”
She smiled as she left, Jason laughing at Dick’s apparently rapidly growing card collection.
“You better text her.”
“Not this second.”
“Good job, Big Bird.”
“No thanks to you.”
“Plenty thanks to me.”
Jason only laughed as Dick ignored him, looking at the two light pink cards with delicate writing, committing her phone number to memory.
Thank you @the-witches-you-couldnt-burn for the ideas!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The soft click clack of Marinette’s heels was the only sound as she walked down the hall towards the parking garage, moving at a decent clip as she glanced at her watch. 1:30 am. How the hell had it gotten to be so late? She knew she’d be fine inside but she still wanted to get into her car and home as fast as she could.
“Excuse me?”
She jumped, moving on instinct, pinning the poor soul who had snuck up behind her to the wall, forearm braced against his throat.
He put his hands up in a “I surrender” position as she let go, covering her mouth softly.
“I am so sorry. I’m just a bit jumpy. It’s late and I’m usually home by now. The time just got away from me- I really am.”
He just shook his head with a grin. “You’re Tim’s new secretary aren’t you?”
“And Mr. Wayne’s as well. Tabby just quit. Which is one reason why I am here so late.”
“Well, may I walk you back to your car? For protection of course.”
“I wouldn’t want to be a bother. I can protect myself.”
“I can and it’s not a bother. It’s my job.”
“Well if you’re sure.”
“I am.”
“I’m Marinette.”
“Dick Grayson.”
She smiled as he opened the door for her
—--------------------------------------
Marinette closed the car door, making sure it was locked, before heading in. She was early for once, as she was hoping to, wandering down to find the security offices, heading in with a smile, holding herself with confidence as she looked around the small desks, trying to remember which one she’d been told was Dick Grayson’s.
She grinned as she finally found the small desk belonging to Dick in the security section, she set the container of baked goods down, scribbling a short note and sticking it on top.
She left for the upper levels with a smile, having successfully dropped off her small thank you gift.
–
Dick was surprised to find the tupperware container on his desk, peeling the sticky note off of the top of it he grinned as he read it.
For energy
Thank you for walking me to my car last week.
~Marinette
Opening it to reveal muffins, scones, and cookies
—--------------------------------------
This became the new routine for the two of them.
Dick would walk Marinette to her car whenever it got late. The idea of it being late slowly becoming earlier and earlier before disappearing all together. He would walk Marinette to her car, always claiming it to be “for protection” with a grin as they talked. He started to suspect Marinette started parking further away to prolong their short nighttime jaunts.
Marinette would bring in tupperwares full of baked goods twice a week “for energy.” A savory one on Mondays full of muffins and scones and a sweet one on Wednesday with cupcakes and cookies, mixing fruits and sweets in on occasion, slowly learning what Dick preferred through trial and error, making sure to keep those in and expand off the newfound knowledge.
The two were slowly getting closer and becoming the couple everyone rooted for. Before they even were a couple.
The two found themselves dragged or brought into rooms by coworkers and friends to be abandoned under a clumsy excuse like a “forgotten pen” or “watering my desk. Plant. I forgot to water my desk plant. Which I have.” That was the most infamous excuse they’d been given.
It was after the twenty-second occurrence Marinette decided to address it with Dick.
“How long do you think it’s going to take for them to realize they aren’t being subtle?” Marinette asked, pouring two cups of coffee, with a soft smile.
He laughed, happily accepting one from her. “I don’t know. I think they really are trying. They just…. not great at it.”
She nodded, raising her mug in a salute. “I’ll drink to that.”
Dick clinked his mug with hers, the two smiling at each other before taking a drink and heading back to their respective work spaces.
—--------------------------------------
Dick had finally gathered the courage to swing by Marinette’s desk with the aim to ask if she’d like to go out at some point. After a few months of flirting, he was hoping to take the next step.
Unfortunately, or actually, fortunately he had the worst timing imaginable getting to her desk only a minute before two armed men burst into the room, immediately training their guns on the security guard. Dick.
Dick tried to push Marinette behind him only for her to duck underneath his arm to stand in front of the short hallway leading to the CEO offices.
"I'm sorry. You can't see the CEOs without an appointment," she informed them with a smile, not even blinking as one of them pointed their gun at her. His partner keeping their gun trained on Dick.
"Out of the way. I'd hate ta shoot a pretty lady."
Her smile grew serious as he said that. "Have it your way."
She grabbed his wrist, twisting the gun out of his hand, quickly turning the safety on and slid it down the hall behind her. She kept her grip on him, swinging him into his partner knocking both of them down, following up by disarming the partner and knocking the two out.
Dick blinked as she turned to face him, straightening her clothes and smoothing her hair out.
"You got it from here?"
“Marry me.”
“I’d love to. I’ve always dreamt of a Spring wedding. Small, just family and close friends. What do you think?”
He had not been expecting that response. “That sounds beautiful. This Spring or next?”
“This Spring as in next week?”
“So next year?”
“Two weeks? My parents and family can be here in that time.”
“Two weeks is perfect. Is Wayne Manor a good place? We have some beautiful grounds out back, and the gardens are starting to bloom.”
She smiled. “You’ll need to show me the grounds first don’t you think?”
“A good idea. And you need to meet Alfred. And rings.”
“Saturday? And Sunday if we run out of time to sort all of that out?”
“I can be free.”
She smiled, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “I can’t wait. Now I do believe there are a couple of thugs for my fiance to clean up.”
“That my stunning fiance handled as if it was nothing.”
She blushed slightly making a shooing motion at him. “I’ll see you tonight.”
“See you tonight my love.”
—--------------------------------------
“How’s your desk plant that you definitely have doing, Andy?” Marinette asked as she ran into her coworker in the break room.
“Not my finest excuse I’ll admit but I think the bigger question is how are you doing? You’ve been gone for a month. So has a certain Dick Grayson…. Anything you want to share? A relationship update, perhaps?”
Marinette smiled softly as she looked at him. “Oh, didn’t I tell you? We’re married,” she said before turning to walk away, biting back a small laugh as she heard Andy sputter behind her before hurrying to catch up to her.
“What was that?”
“We’re married. Just got back from our honeymoon in Paris. I showed him around where I grew up-”
“Introduced me to Andre’s ice cream.”
Marinette let out a small squeal of surprise as Dick hugged her from behind, twisting to wrap her arms around his neck and giving him a kiss.
Nightwing stifled a yawn as he spotted his apartment building a block over, quickly grappling over and landing on the fire escape, quickly sliding the window open and swinging in, closing it behind him.
He didn't bother to change, simply peeled off his mask and the top of his suit before collapsing into bed, too tired to pull the sheets up in the summer heat. Grateful to let sleep claim him.
–
Marinette yawned, shaking her head slightly as she turned her sewing machine off. It was her first night that week not going out as Lady Noire and she’d found herself swamped with commissions, too many to get through in a night not that she let that stop her.
She quickly slipped out of her clothes into the large sleep shirt she had hung on the doorknob, not bothering to turn on the lights before crawling into bed. Grateful to let sleep claim her.
–
Marinette blinked the sleep from her eyes slowly. Content. She squinted against the sun before closing her eyes once more, snuggling into the warmth, one arm falling over her side, holding her close. She let out a small hum before freezing. She tensed as she inched slowly out from the arm, replacing herself with a pillow before hastily retreating.
She scrambled back, taking a minute to collect herself before truly focusing on the unknown guest in her bed. The black and blue shirt crumpled on the ground- what fabric is that? Too thick and structured yet clearly flexible. Marinette shook her head, turning her gaze once more to the man, feeling the blush in her cheeks as she looked at him. Dark hair, handsome, strong, clearly athletic. His pants seemingly matched the shirt and boots next to the bed and the mask on the nightstand. Wait- mask?!
Marinette bit back a laugh as she added it all together. Nightwing, for who else would willingly walk around black and blue like a bruise, was asleep in her bed. She was choosing to ignore what that meant for her identity at the moment. She hadn’t gone out last night so he couldn’t have followed her back, unless he followed her back at some point in the past. But then why had he fallen asleep in her bed? Why had he taken his mask off?
The small noise and movement drew Marinette from her thoughts as she turned to look over at Nightwing.
“Good morning,” she forced out, heart racing as she realized he was awake. Her voice seemed to spur him on as he quickly rolled out of the bed into a guarded position, quickly taking in the room. “Did you sleep well?” she asked, a small bite in her question. Shut up, Marinette.
“Where am I?”
“My apartment.”
“Your- apartment. I am so sorry. I thought- nevermind.”
“Maybe next time you shouldn’t swing sleep deprived. Doesn’t tend to end well,” she said, looking away, ignoring the blush forming as he pulled the top of his suit on, and sticking the mask back on with a laugh.
“I’ll work on it. I have a big favor to ask-”
“Forget this ever happened and pretend I never saw your face. Consider it done,” she replied, fingers crossed as she gave a soft smile. “Get home safe, Nightwing.”
“Thank you-”
“Marinette.”
“Thankyou for understanding, Marinette,” he said with a smile before pulling himself out of the window. She shut and latched it behind him, watching him grapple away, and pulling the curtains as she watched him wait for a few minutes before grappling right back, the soft landing of him on the fire escape one floor up hit her ears as she grinned.
“Hello neighbor.”
—------------------------------------
Dick stared at black rose that had been tied to his fire escape railing with a neon green ribbon, a small note attached. He glanced around for any sight of one of his brothers, for who else knew where he lived and would leave that outside his window.
He quickly untied the flower and note, bringing them inside and closing the window, locking it shut behind him.
Get some rest, Birdy. You’ve seemed extra tired lately.
The delicate script seemed to taunt him as he read it. So not his brothers.
He looked at the rose, twirling it idly in his hands as he stared at it. He shook his head, grabbing a tall glass and filling it with water, clipping the bottom off and placing it in the makeshift vase.
—------------------------------------
He froze watching as Lady Noire swung herself out of Marinette’s window, landing deftly on the railing, the window falling shut hard behind her. The ears on top of her head twitched before she used her baton to push her to the rooftop adjacent to where he sat.
He grappeled over to her, swinging into her, sending the two of them rolling, her startled squeak as they came to a stop, Nightwing on top as he pinned her down, holding her wrists over her head.
She looked up at him, quickly looking away as her cheeks flushed. A strange departure from her usual smirk and quick, sharp remarks.
“Did you lose your sharp tongue, Kitty?”
“You wish.”
“You know, my first thought was that you had stolen from that apartment. A bit smaller than your usual capers, but you never know. But you live there don’t you, Marinette?”
“Look at you so clever, Dick.”
“How’d you figure it out?”
“You think it’s that hard to figure out the name of my upstairs neighbor? Especially the one Mrs. Mitchells has been telling me I’d be perfect for since I’ve moved in.”
He let out a breath at the name of their landlord. Of course.
“She actually tried to convince me to ask you out, taking my asking as a sign,” she continued, still refusing to look at him.
“You know I think I prefer looking at your pretty eyes when we have our rooftop conversations.”
She let out a sharp laugh as she finally looked at him with her Cheshire grin. “It’s hard to look at you without thinking about you shirtless in my bed.”
It was his turn to blush, Noir taking the small distraction to flip their positions, so she was pinning him down, her braid falling next to his face, tickling his ear slightly.
“I do have to admit you are very handsome,” she said softly. “But unfortunately I don’t see you leaping to go for a thief, romantically that is,” she finished in a whisper before pushing off of him. “I’ll see you later. Neighbor.”
—------------------------------------
Dick didn’t see her for a couple of weeks after that night, though every so often he’d find a black rose tied with a bright green ribbon tied to his fire escape, usually with a note, teasing and taunting.
He was just putting the most recent one in the growing collection, surprised at the lack of note when there was a knock at his door. He dropped the ribbon on the table to see who was there.
“Marinette?”
“Dick?”
“Marinette.”
“Dick. May I come in?”
He shook his head, stepping away from the door frame and opening the door wider. “Of course.”
She gave a small smile, coming in and looking around, eyes stopping on the ever growing black bouquet.
“Birdy have a crush?” she asked, grinning as she looked at the growing bouquet of black roses in his kitchen. The water glass now had one of the green ribbons wrapped around its mouth, the other ribbons laying scattered around the glass.
He raised an eyebrow at her question. “I assumed these were from you. Since the rest of the Bats aren’t doing this. And this certainly isn’t their handwriting,” he said, picking up the growing pile of notes. She snatched them out of his hands, letting out an annoyed huff as she shuffled through them before letting out a laugh.
“These weren’t my doing, but they came from my apartment, from someone else who likes to meddle in business that doesn’t concern them. I do have to admit the forgery is good. The black rose is a bit too obvious for my taste however. I’m going to assume you had no clue I was going to be here?”
“Yep. Does Mrs. Mitchells?”
“No. No they do not. This is the work of a pesky concept.”
“I’m sorry?”
“Don’t pry, Birdy. You won’t get any answers. Just know I know who’s doing this and will get them to stop. I’m sorry for coming by unwanted. And for the flowers. I don’t even know where he got the- Nope nevermind I do know. They’ll all be getting a talking to. I’m sorry about this. I’ll get them to stop,” she said before heading towards the door.
“I’m sorry to hear the flowers aren’t from you.”
She paused, glancing back at him. “What?”
“I enjoyed getting the flowers from you.”
“I thought-”
“That a vigilante and criminal was taboo? Batman and Catwoman are an item. I’ll get mocked for this forever but I certainly wouldn’t be the first.”
She stared at him for a minute, before
“Well then. I’m free tonight at seven. Dinner at my place?”
“That sounds amazing.”
She plucked one of the green ribbons off of the table as she came closer to him, looping it around his wrist and tying it.
“So you don’t forget,” she whispered before pressing a quick kiss to his cheek and sweeping out of the door.
Lady Noire let out a grunt as she was slammed out of the air, hitting the building rooftop hard. She tumbled to a slow speed, using the now controllable speed to roll into a crouch, pulling her baton into hand as she looked up at her attacker.
Nightwing. Great. Just what I need, she thought, brushing herself off as she stood, keeping one eye on him.
“What can I do for you tonight, Blue Bird?”
“That depends. What’d you steal?”
“For once. Nothing.”
“I don’t believe you.”
She shrugged. “That’s your own fault then. I was just following up on an instinct,” She moved to leave, before once again getting acquainted with the roof as Nightwing pinned her down.
“Leaving so soon?”
“I’ve got a big night tomorrow and I would love to be able to get some sleep tonight so if you don’t mind, Birdy, I’m going to have to settle this another day.”
She broke his hold, pushing him off before snatching up her baton and diving off the side of the roof, making her way back to her apartment, taking a longer route than she normally would to be safe, a small yawn welcoming her home as she landed on the fire escape.
Adrien looked up from the book he was reading as she climbed in through the window.
“You were gone longer than you thought you’d be.”
“Nightwing caught on patrol again. AUGH Why can’t he just let me be?!”
“You have been stealing jewels and priceless texts from rich families and museums, Princess.”
“It’s not my fault that New Jersey has so many of them! It’s like this place is a magnet for old money and dangerous artifacts. I’m surprised a Miraculous hasn’t been used here sooner.”
Adrien laughed as she called for her detransformation, simply opening the fridge door for Plagg to get at the cheese and help himself.
“He’s going to-”
“I don’t care if he eats all the cheese. I am tired. I want to sleep. When do we need to leave tomorrow?”
“No later than five.”
She yawned, closing the refrigerator door as Plagg came out. “If I’m not up by two, drag me out of bed.”
“Are you sure you’re up for this?”
She nodded, waving his concern away. “I’ll be fine. This is the best chance I’ll get to nab that grimoire hiding in the manor. You wouldn;t believe the security measures that Barkk found there. I’m more up for that than dealing with those. Night.”
“Get some good rest, M’Lady.”
She gave a half-hearted wave as she walked into the hall and promptly collapsed on her bed allowing sleep to consume her.
—-------------------------
Dick resisted the urge to pull the mask off his face, the ties in the back not nearly as comfortable as the domino mask he was accustomed to. He tugged slightly on the edge before freezing as he caught sight of a familiar figure. Long braid piled up around the two ears perched on top her head, a familiar domino mask and unnatural green eyes, sweeped the room, seeming to pause on him for a second longer than anyone else, a small smile tugging at her lips as she slipped into a crowd of people.
He moved, struggling to keep her in sight as she weaved onto the dance floor, finding a partner to dance with.
He uttered a soft ‘May I cut in’ to her partner as he stepped in, taking her hand for the turn. She laughed as she was spun around, her smile growing colder as she faced her new dance partner.
"To what do I owe the pleasure, Blue Bird?"
"What are you doing here, Noire?"
"It is a charity masquerade. Why shouldn't I be?"
“I didn’t think you’d be the charitable type.”
“It’s Valentine’s day. I can share the love can’t I?” she asked, grinning as he dipped her, wrapping her arms around his neck as she came back up. “Besides, it never killed anyone to mix a bit of business and pleasure,” she whispered, her lips brushing against his ear, lingering for a moment before pulling away.
He grabbed her wrist, spinning her back into him. “Not so fast there, Noire. I’m not letting you out of my sight.”
She laughed, “If only that was up to you, Birdy.”
She dug the claws at the end of her gloves in his wrist, the sudden pain loosening his grip enough for her to pull away and into the arms of a blonde man, immediately pulling her into the dance and into the crowd once more.
Dick looked, trying to follow her for a minute before giving up actively looking for the moment, to complete some quick rounds as was expected of one of the host’s sons to do, before he risked hearing a side comment from Alfred after the event admonishing him. He grinned, spotting a familiar, friendly face.
“Adrien Agreste. Nice to finally see you at one of these things.”
The ex-model laughed. “Dick Grayson, it’s been years. You know I wouldn’t normally be caught dead at one of these events, but when an old friend is dying to get to see one such event up close,” he shrugged. “I can’t say no. How have you been?”
“Not bad. There’s a stray black cat that’s been giving me trouble at night for a while, but that’s the worst that’s happened so I’m not complaining.”
Adrien laughed with a small smile. “Black cat’s are something else. Love them, but they can manage to get into the oddest of situations. But they are some of the best around too.”
“I don’t know how much of that adds up with my experiences.”
“Give it some time. You’ll see. If you can put up with their chaos you can grow to love them.”
Dick laughed. “I don’t see how.”
“They have a unique way about them. You’ll see. Anyways, it was great to see you again, but I need to go find my friend before she finds herself out of her depth.”
He parted with a small wave as he walked away. Dick hung by the wall, making small talk with any of the socialites who decided it was time to catch up after ‘far too long’ since they spoke at the last high society event.
The soft snicker from behind him gave him an excuse to break away, moving to catch up with Lady Noire, as she slunk around the outside of the room, and onto the balcony, clinging to the shadows outside.
He came up from behind her, placing his hands on the railing to either side of her as he spoke up.
“You left our dance so quickly.”
She gave a small hum as she turned to face him. “I’ve had a long past few days, sometimes a girl just needs a break.”
“Was that an accomplice who helped your quick escape?”
“Accomplice?” she asked, holding a hand to her heart. “Not at all. Simply a good friend, who happens to be coming this way now.”
“M’Lady, do I need to be worried that someone is going to steal you away from me?”
“Always, Chaton. I’ve told you about the bird problem I have right?”
Adrien grinned as he looked between the two of them. “I think you’ve mentioned it once or twice, Marinette. Dick, didn’t you mention having a bit of a problem with a Black Cat earlier? Maybe the two of you could help each other out.” His laughter was clear in his voice.
Lady Noire- Marinette- glared at him. He laughed, ducking out of range of her slap. “I would apologize, M'Lady, but the opportunity was too good to pass up.”
“No wonder you’re Plagg’s favorite. I don’t understand how you tricked everyone into thinking you’re all sunshine and innocence.”
“My charming personality and good looks? My sweet and loving designer friend?”
“Your flattery will get you nowhere, Kitty.”
“I know a dismissal when I hear one. I shall leave you two to figure out your mutual problems,” he replied, walking away with a grin, stopping to talk to one of the musician’s Bruce had hired for the night, a guitarist with hints of blue throughout his hair. The blonde looked back at the pair, directing Guitar Boy’s attention towards them, before steering him away.
“So, Dick, having a cat problem are you?”
Dick narrowed his eyes slightly, taking her arm with his, keeping a tense grip, in case she tried to slip away. “Let’s talk out of the public eye, shall we?”
“Ooh too scared of what might happen or what I might let slip in front of some unsuspecting upper class ears? Or do you just want to get me alone?” she teased, Cheshire grin growing as she spoke.
She tapped Adrien’s arm gently as they passed, giving a small shake of the head as he took a step towards them. And a second one as her eyes met Guitar Boy’s.
“Friend of yours?”
“Who? Luka?”
“Is that the guitarist’s name?”
“He’s an old friend. An ex actually. We parted on friendly terms. I keep waiting to see when he and Adrien will finally get over themselves and get together. I think they’re too busy mother henning over me.”
“Mother henning you? I didn’t think you’d allow anyone to watch over you.”
“I don’t need anyone to watch out for me. Unfortunately those two have been in the habit since lycee and I just can’t seem to get them to break it.”
Dick couldn’t help the small laugh as he imagined the two boys trying to control her and keep her out of trouble. “I can’t imagine that went over well.”
“Well they did, and do, do a far better job than you could, I imagine. What’s your success rate at this point? One and a half jobs stopped? If even?”
—-------------------------
Marinette laughed as he didn’t answer instead, pulling her into a room, and shutting the door behind them. She grinned looking around the library, running one hand gently over some of the books’ spines.
“Are there any books in here you can’t read?” she asked, looking around the large bookshelves.
“I imagine. I don’t know all the languages in the world.”
“Really? I thought with all your other skills surely you must.”
She reached under the waistband of her skirt and pulled out her baton, extending it to get to the top shelves. She perched ther, balancing delicately on top of the thin metal cylinder as she looked at the shelf in front of her. Eyes quickly scanning the titles, skipping over some, backtracking over others. Searching for anything that seemed out of place. There.
She glanced down as Dick came up underneath looking up to watch what she was doing. Perfect, she thought, as she tilted her head to the side looking down at him.
“Don’t you know it’s rude to look under a lady’s skirt?”
Dick looked away, taking a few steps back, cheeks burning as she called down to him, green eyes almost glowing with mischief.
She pulled the book off of the shelf, standing, keeping her balance on top of the baton, as she stashed the book into the deep pocket she had hidden in her dress pocket. She smiled down at Dick, pushing off the baton, grabbing it and collapsing it as she fell, flipping in the air, her laughter ringing out, getting absorbed in the pages of the books as she neared the ground, tensing slightly preparing to land.
She was, however, not prepared for the pair of strong arms to catch her, cradling her descent. She wrapped her arms around his neck as she looked up at him, a small smile forming.
“My hero,” she murmured, softly, her smiling growing at the faint blush on his cheeks.
“I wasn’t just going to let you fall.”
“Aw, you do care about me after all,” she purred softly, uncoiling, and pulling away from him, tucking her baton away back underneath her skirt. “Did you like the view?”
“I didn’t see anything.”
“I know. You wanted to talk?”
“Same question I’ve already asked. What are you doing here?”
“Would you believe me I just wanted to get into a nice party, see what the upper class are interested in wearing these days?”
“No. But a cute attempt.”
“Like you.”
“What?”
She gave a soft laugh, pushing him into the bookshelf, and placing her arms on either side as she grinned up at him. “You’re cute, Blue Bird. Dare I say handsome.”
Dick blinked, trying to figure out how to respond, ignoring the blush forming as she continued.
“Has the cat got your tongue?”
“Not at all.”
“That could easily change,” she said softly when the fire alarm went off breaking the two apart.
“That, unfortunately, is my cue to leave. ‘Til next time, Birdy,” she said, pushing away from him and towards the window, sliding the window open and hopping out. Dick followed right behind, trying to catch up. He lunged forward grabbing onto the skirt of her dress hoping to trip her or cause a spill. Not expecting it to rip away in his hand revealing her usual leather catsuit. She glanced back, hesitating a moment before continuing on, using her baton to carry her up onto the rooftops in her escape.
He looked at the skirt in his hand, turning it over, the black on black fabric making it look almost like shifting shadows. He shook his head as he folded the fabric, pausing as his hand hit something solid. He frowned as he found a hidden pocket pulling out an old book, the ornate W lightly traced on the inside of the cover indicated it was from the library.
“So that’s what you were here for.”
—-------------------------
The soft knock knock knock broke Marinette from her thoughts as she made tea. She pulled the kettle off the stove top and turned it off, furrowing her brows as she went over to answer the door.
Marinette opened the door, immediately slamming it as she saw who was on the other side. Or attempting to, the door bouncing back as he stuck his foot in the door. Hard.
She crossed her arms, leaning in the door frame as she looked at him unimpressed.
“Does it hurt when you do that?”
“Funny. Thought I’d return this to you from last weekend. I have to say the hidden pocket was clever.”
“Thank you. I tried,” She replied, snatching the skirt from his hands, draping it over her arm. “I imagine you have questions.”
Dick nodded as he stared at the woman in front of him. Gone was the long braid and impossible green eyes. Instead the shoulder length hair she sported was held back in the remains of a bun as blue eyes regarded him carefully, the faint shadows of one too many sleepless nights that Dick knew too well were present. In any other circumstance he’d say she was beautiful. “You might as well come in since you’re here. I just made a pot of tea. You’re welcome to have some,” she said walking into the apartment, draping the skirt over the back of a chair as she passed.
Dick closed the door shut behind him, taking in the small apartment, eyes lingering on the several odd ornamental boxes littered about. He reached out to pick one up, getting stopped short by a man’s hand grabbing his wrist.
“Look. Don’t touch,” he warned softly, letting go of his wrist. “You didn’t tell me you were expecting anyone else, Mari.”
“I wasn’t. I’m sorry I’m going to have to cut our afternoon short. I have some business with a lost bird to deal with.”
Luka chuckled. “All good. My place next time?”
“Yep! Let me know how tonight goes!”
“You as well!” the sound of the door shutting behind him.
She left the kitchen, placing a tray with two cups, a teapot, and several baked goods down on the coffee table. She poured herself a cup, grabbing a cookie as she sat leaning back.
“Go on. Make yourself comfortable. Help yourself.”
Dick sat down.
“How’d you find me?”
“It wasn’t hard after I learned your name, Marinette.”
“Ah, right, tutored by the great Batman. What do you want, Nightwing? I doubt you came just to return my skirt.”
“What was that book you wanted?”
She hummed, laughter threatening to spill out. “You want to know about the book?”
“I do.”
“That’s too bad. Because that’d be counterproductive to what I’m trying to accomplish.”
“Then can you at least tell me what language that is? It didn’t look like anything I’d seen.”
“That’s because you wouldn’t have seen it. It’s not meant to be known by regular people.”
“But you know it.”
“Unfortunately.”
“Unfortunately?”
She leaned forward, putting her cup down as she put her elbows on her knees and looked at him, fighting back a yawn quickly before speaking.
“I’m going to make a proposition here. That book does your family no good. It’s just going to sit there, collecting dust until it gets donated or lost or destroyed, and I would really hate to see that. It could be what I want. It could be nothing. Either way it still shouldn’t be in the hands of people like you.”
“People like me?”
“Mhmm.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Anyways,” she continued brushing off his question. “The way I see it is either you give me the book, or allow me to take it if that’s less hurtful to your pride and I’ll be out of your feathers. Or, you can stubbornly hold onto the book as I bring chaos to your family and that beautiful house of yours until I retrieve that book. Which will it be?”
“I think you know what my answer is going to be.”
She let out a breath.
“I was hoping you’d come around, but I suppose I knew it was in vain. Very well. I’ll see you around, Blue Bird,” she said, escorting him to her front door.
“One last question?”
“What is it?”
“What did Luka mean when he told me, ‘Look. Don’t Touch.’ when I was looking at one of your boxes.”
She looked him over, narrowing her eyes as she studied him, head tilting sideways, letting out a small huff. “You should be grateful. Some of those boxes have got some nasty jinxes and hexes on them. Would have been a nasty surprise for you. Goodbye Dick,” she said, shutting the door in his face.
The click of the lock was decisive enough that he wasn’t going to get anything else out of her today.
—-------------------------
Dick sat in the library, turning the book he had pulled out of the skirt over in his hands as he tried to decipher, or at least find any character in the book that look remotely related to something he’d seen before.
“Why do you have that?” Damian spoke up from behind him.
“This book?”
“Yes. The Grimoire, Grayson. Where did you get it?”
“It’s been in our library. I caught Noire trying to steal it during the gala.”
“There is no name I know of for that language. It isn't spoken often or even heard often enough for outsiders to know of it. Only a few know of it’s existence outside of the Order.”
“So the heroes in Paris, they can read this-”
“No. That would be idiotic. The Miraculi get loaned out and, occasionally, lost by foolish Guardians. If anyone who had handled one could read it, the purpose of the language would be useless. It’s a grimoire,” he replied, looking at him as if he had just asked him what his own name was. “Spells, enchantments, rituals, steps, it’s a guide for Guardians to best protect and strengthen the Miraculi. Not to give additional power to reckless heroes.”
“So if she was to understand and know the language. She’s in charge of caring for the Miraculi.”
“One of the last to do so,” Damian confirmed, with a soft Tt as he shook his head and left the room.
—-------------------------
Marinette looked over at the soft tap tap on her window. She let out a deep breath as she found Nightwing on her fire escape, crossing her arms after opening the window and leaning out.
“What can I do for you tonight? Try to pry some more answers from me? Or keep me from getting my first good night’s sleep in a week?”
“I plan on making your day.”
“Oh? And how do you plan on doing that?”
“Found out you have a pretty big job on your shoulders. Figured you could use the boost a grimoire might give you,” he replied, holding the book out to her. She snatched it out of his hands, flipping through it quickly, before looking at him again, eyes narrowed slightly.
“How’d you figure that out?”
“Robin has some… in-depth knowledge about old shadow groups. Recognized the grimoire.”
“And so you're just giving it to me? No bugs attached.”
“Free of charge.”
“I- Thank you,” she said softly, pulling her torso out of the window. “I just put the kettle on. Come on in. Have a cup.”
He climbed in through the window as she disappeared down the hall, pulling the kettle off as it whistled in her absence. She came back with a small smile and a quick ‘thank you’ before pulling out a couple mugs and tea bags, bringing the drinks out to the living room, where a small plate of snacks already lay next to a small embroidery hoop.
“Help yourself,” she said, setting the cups down. “You know, I think I like you better when you're not in a suit.”
“What?”
“When you came by yesterday in regular clothes. Seemed more,” she gestured at him vaguely with one hand as she took a sip of her tea, “you. Don’t get me wrong, you look good in anything, but I like the regular look the best.”
“Thank you. You know, I could say the same for you. You look so cozy and cuddly right now.”
He smiled as her cheeks grew red.
“Is that an offer?”
“If you want it to be.”
She laughed, pulling the throw blanket off the back of the couch and gesturing for him to join her before throwing the blanket over the two of them, curling up next to him, and gently drifting off to sleep.
“No! I am tired of waking up in the middle of the night alone. Gods, Dick. I know we both have our secrets, but it would have been nice to at least have an explanation instead of these half-assed explanations you are always giving me.”
“Mari-”
“Are you going to tell me the truth or a half-baked excuse?”
“I- I don’t know,” he said quietly. She crossed her arms as she pursed her lips.
“I am giving you one last chance, Dick. Why do you leave me with no warning and no explanation almost every night?”
The silence was suffocating as she stared him down, heart pounding in her ears. Dick let out a slow breath before he shook his head.
“It’s a secret. My family. I don’t know how much I can say without putting you in danger.”
“Wayne Enterprises has dark secrets that call for you to leave at all hours of the night? Make a lot of enemies?”
“It’s not that.”
“Then what? What can you say that will put me in danger to the point where you don’t think I can defend myself? What is bigger and worse than your family's name causing you and your loved ones to be kidnapped all the time. I know by some miracle I haven’t been kidnapped yet, but don’t think I haven’t heard or seen the newspapers refer to you as the boy hostage in the past. So. What is more dangerous than that if it’s not having to do with the balck market?”
“Mar-”
“Get out,” she said softly.
“Marinette.”
“Get. Out. Dick. I can’t deal with this. Not tonight. Just- just leave. Give me a few days. You can come back when you’re ready to give me a solid answer.”
“Pleas-”
She shook her head as she turned away, not willing or able to listen to any more excuses, hiding the tears streaming down her face as she disappeared down the dark hallway, closing the bedroom door behind her with a decisive click and locking it before she crumbled, curling up on the bed as she cried, her fingers curling around on of his shirts. She hugged it close, crying herself to sleep as her heart broke over and over again as she replayed their conversation over on repeat in her mind.
—---------------------------
The sounds of a fight caught Nightwing’s attention as he patrolled, trying desperately to take his mind off of Marinette and the events of last night.
His heart stopped as he saw Marinette in the alley way with two thugs. It looked as if they’d been through a small scuffle and were playing with their target now. He jumped down to help, landing in the entrance of the alley way when he froze, watching Marinette quickly duck under a punch, catching the fist and using that to swing him into his partner, letting go and causing both of them to go flying into the dumpster, the lid slamming shut on them.
She’d been the one toying with them. That much was clear now. He blinked as he processed what he just witnessed. He knew she was strong but to that decree shocked him. His sweet, kind, caring, girlfriend just took out two thugs as easily as if she were breathing was the last thing he’d ever expected.
Nightwing stood there reevaluating everything he knew about her, as she picked up her purse, slinging it across her body before leaving the alley way, freezing when she finally noticed him.
“You can fight.”
“Very keen observation. I see you prefer to watch,” she snapped as she straightened herself up and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you. I may have broken up with my boyfriend last night and am very stressed, tired, and upset at the moment. I shouldn’t take out my frustrations on the local hero. So excuse me. Have a good night.”
He opened his mouth to say something but she was already gone, hurrying away towards their- her? Apartment. Leaving him to take care of the two thugs before trying to straighten things over with her.
He left them on the curb, tied up for GCPD to pick up at some point, confident they weren’t going anywhere as they were still fairly out of it and seemed more likely to pass out than escape.
Instead of waiting he buried back to the Cave, changning out of his suit, showering and changing before going to see Marinette. He stood outside of the door for a good five minutes before knocking gently.
She opened the door, her eyes bloodshot as she looked at him for a second before slamming the door in his face.
“Go away,” she called through the door.
“One more chance Marinette. Please. That’s all I’m asking.”
“You had one and blew it last night.”
“Two words. That’s all I’m asking for you to listen to. Two words. You don’t even need to open the door if you want. Just, give me one final chance.”
“Two words.”
Dick swallowed as she said that.
“I’m Nightwing.”
He stood there for a minute, waiting for any response from her. There was nothing but silence from the other side of the door. It dragged on for what felt like an eternity. He took a breath as he rested his forehead on the door, coming with terms that he had screwed everything up.
“I’m so sorry, Marinette,” he whispered before pushing away from the door, starting to walk away as it swung open.
“Come in,” was all she said, before walking away, leaving the door open as she put the kettle on the stove. She kept her back to him the entire time she made tea, not facing him until she slid a mug across the island at him before hopping up to sit on the counter across from him, her own mug in hand as she took a sip.
“Are you finally ready to give me something solid instead of vague answers?”
He nodded.
She didn’t say anything, just sat there waiting for him to continue.
“Like I said. I’m Nightwing. That’s where I disappear to at night. Patrolling Gotham or Bludhaven, helping the teams, acting as backup for my family.”
“Your whole family are the BatClan?”
He nodded. “That’s why I didn’t want to tell you where I was going. I didn’t want to put that target on your back.”
“I can handle myself.”
“I know that now. But even then. Jason- He can handle himself and the Joker killed him. It doesn’t matter how well you can handle yourself”
“I have some advantages.”
“You do?”
“Maybe you’ll find out someday.”
“Someday.”
“I’m still upset, butI can’t be mad at you because you have a good reason. It’ll take me a few days to sort everything out, but I don’t want to lose you over vigilantism.”
“Mari-” she shook her head, putting her mug down.
“I’ve had enough revelations today. Let’s just go to bed.”
“Let’s?”
“Would you rather I snuggle your tear stained shirt?” she asked.
He pulled her into a hug resting his forehead on hers. “I’m so sorry, Marinette.”
