This is for Maribat Pride June 2023. It was suppose to be posted yesterday.
THEME: I have a thing for blondes
Marinette looked around the gala and sighed. It had been three year since she moved to Gotham and she still wasn't a fan of the galas in Gotham. Jagged Stone always gave her his tickets, anyways.
'Why turn them down when you live there, Cupcake? Show off you designs. Be proud!'
She knew he was just trying to help her out. Both him and Penny were trying to convince her to open up her deisgns and go public. After Paris, she didn’t want anyone trying to claim anything about her. She had been hurt too many times before. It didn't matter that everyone now knew the truth. She had been too damaged to go back. She preferred animosity; Jagged and Penny gave that to her.
Marinette sighed as she dropped onto her bed. She wasn't sure why she was so upset. She had seen Stephanie's boyfriend sneak out of the gala, several times over the last couple months. Sometimes, Stephanie would leave instead. Mari couldn’t help but wonder if their relationship wasn't as great as it appeared. Stephanie Brown would just smile when people asked where the CEO had gone and said he had to step out or something urgent came up.
It hurt to see her alone. She had spoken to her before about fashion and sweets. Marinette hoped one day she'd be able to call Steph a friend. They had spoken briefly a couple times before about fashion and sweets. She laughed when she learned she had a giant sweet tooth. She knew her parents would have loved her.
Marinette closed her eyes when an image of Luka came to her mind. It had been awhile since she thought of him, of Paris.
'Marinette, I know you don't want to say anything, but maybe you should at least write it down. You might not notice something right away, but you will be able to look back and see changes. Feelings change; it's normal. You might even notice something new or something you never even imagined possible.'
Marinette sipped her drink as she watched Stephanie and Tim Drake argue silently again. It seemed like the blonde was trying to get him to stop from leaving, but he broke free and left anyways. Marinette shook her head and turned at a compliment about her dress. She still wasn't ready for the world to know her identity. She would just smile and say her uncle's designer made it for her.
Once home, Marinette opened her notebook and began to write her feelings down. Many people had complimented her latest design. It was rewarding to hear so many compliments about her designs. What stuck out the most to her that night was Stephanie again. She hated feeling angry. I quick shower was the best way to wash away the anger.
Once she was out of the shower, she picked her notebook back up and read through it: I can't believe Stephanie is still dating Tim Drake. She doesn't seem like the kind to stay with someone for money. She should leave him! Stephanie deserves someone better than him. Who cares if he's a CEO?
Marinette frowned at her thoughts. She turned the pages back and began to read from the start. She had a year woth of notes. When Marinette had started this, she thought it would be a notebook full of abuse. She would show it to Steph and tell her how much better she was without Tim. That wasn't what she was reading.
Mari blushed as she read page after page, further cementing her thoughts. When she reached the page she had written that night, she turned the page and picked up a pen. Mari closed her eyes and quickly wrote down her feelings. She opened her eyes and saw it staring back at her.
'I haven't been upset. I've been jealous! Thanks, Luka.'
Marinette walked into the studio and looked around. She hoped to speak to Jagged about something.
"Hey, Cupcake." Jagged called out, "You usually don't show up in person, unless it's for a fitting. What's up?"
Marinette blushed and admitted, "I….I wrote a song."
"You did?" Jagged asked, standing up excited.
"It's probably not very good, but-" she began to say.
"Can I see it?" he questioned.
Marinette opened her bookbag and held out her notebook. Jagged looked over the lyrics, curiously and smiled.
"Think we can put a beat to it in the studio?" the rock star asked, "Would you be able to sing it?"
"Actually I wanted you to sing it." Marinette declared, blushing, "Not-It does not have to be released. I-I was thinking about giving it to someone."
"I have to hear you sing this." Jagged stated, "Please!"
I can't believe we're finally alone
I can't believe I almost went home
What are the chances? Everyone's dancing
And he's not with you
The universe must have divined this
What am I gonna do? Not grab your wrist?
I could be a better boyfriend than him
I could do the shit that he never did
Up all night, I won't quit
Thinking I'm gonna steal you from him
I could be such a gentleman
Plus all my clothes would fit
"You sound wonderful, Cupcake!" the rock star announced.
"So, you'll sing it?" Marinette questioned, happily.
"No." he answered.
"What?" his designer asked.
"This is your song." Jagged declared, "You have to sing it."
"But I can't!" Mari replied, "I-"
Jagged pressed a button and let Marinette's voice flow over them.
"Cupcake, I can't give this song the emotions youre singing." he stated, calmly.
Marinette sat as she listened to her own voice.
"It could be a single?" Jagged spoke.
"But it's personal." she whispered.
"Most songs are. Musicians write about what inspires us. It's not always happy feelings, either. We write and sing so that people know they're not alone. Why else would there be so many break up songs?" the rock star spoke, "I'm sure there are other people who are feeling the way you are right now. No one has to know it's you. We can think of a rock and roll name. Anytime you think of songs and you decide to sing it, we can put it under that name."
Marinette tilted her head as she thought about her options. Jagged refused to sing it for her, but gave her the option to record it. Instead of personally handing her the song, it could be something they talked about in passing. She would never know it was her voice she was listening to. Animosity wasn't something new to her. No one knew she was Jagged Stone's personal designer. Besides, she usually only sang in the shower. No one hear her singing in passing.
"Okay." Mari sighed, "On two conditions. We create another alias; not my designer name."
"Not a problem." Jagged smiled, "What's the second?"
"No one but the recording studio knows who I am. Not even Luka or Juleka." she declared.
"What?" he asked, shocked, "But-"
"Not a word." Marinette pleaded, "I don't wanna be up on stage or end up doing duets. Nothing like that."
"Deal." he smiled.
It had been almost six months since the last gala when she walked back through those double doors. Almost instantly, she was able to spot Stephanie. She was alone again. Marinette took a deep breath and made her way over.
I could be a better boyfriend
I don't need to tell you twice
All the ways he can't suffice
If I could give you some advice
I would leave with me tonight
The universe must have divined this, mmm, mmm
Ladies first, baby, I insist
Marinette quickly noticed that Stephanie seemed shocked by her presence.
'Oh, God. Maybe she didn't want to talk to me. Maybe she was avoiding me. I look fine, right?'
She had worn a sweetheart, strapless lavender dress with a cape. Marinette had worked her hair into a bun and curled the loose hairs. Before Marinette could ask the blonde if she was okay, Tim appeared in front of them with a smile. The designer smiled back, but Tim and Steph quickly recognized it as the fake 'Brucie' smile.
Tim cleared his throat, "I don't think we've ever met before." and held out his hand.
Marinette kept her hand at her sides.
"No." she responded, "You usually run off, at some point in the middle of these things, over the last few years."
Tim paled. He never expected someone to notice him leaving to change into Red Robin.
I could be a better boyfriend than him
I could do the shit that he never did
Up all night, I won't quit
Thinking I'm gonna steal you from him
I could be such a gentleman
Plus all my clothes would fit
I could be a better boyfriend than him
I could be a better boyfriend
"Ha-Have you met Steph before?" Tim questioned, nervously.
Stephanie smiles, "A few times, actually, but you know how these things are. We barely get to say hi or hear a speech before anyone can introduce themselves."
Tim nodded, "So, are you learning the ropes to take over the family business?"
"I left the family business a long time ago." Marinette stated, "I'm here for my own business."
"You're own business?" Stephanie asked.
"Yes." The designer answered.
Tim began to panic. He couldn't remember inviting someone influential around his age. Obviously, she was because she had been here multiple times.
'Who is she?'
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed his blonde counterpart bobbing her head.
"Are you to that song again?" He asked.
"What song?" Mari questioned.
The blonde looked around and popped an earbud out from behind her ear. She handed it to the designer. Marinette placed it in her ear.
'It's my song!'
I never would have left you alone
Here on your own glued to your phone
Never would have left you alone
For someone else to take you home
I could be a better boyfriend than him
I could do the shit that he never did
Up all night, I won't quit
I'm gonna steal you from him
I could be such a gentleman
Plus you know my clothes would fit
Marinette blushed as she watched Stephanie smile.
"Steph is obsessed with the song." Tim commented.
"It's amazing!" Stephanie declared, "I probably would have broken up him sooner if any girl had walked up to me and told me this."
Tim rolled his eyes, "It was a mutual break up."
"You-You're not together?" Marinette questioned.
"Nope." the blonde answered, "We're exes."
"Who are weirdly….adopted siblings or I guess you could say we fit better as siblings?" Tim tried to explain better, "Bruce has weird adoption habits."
Steph smirked and asked jokingly, "You wouldn't happen to have a tragic past or were possibly orphaned, were you?"
"Oh!" Marinette replied, shocked, "Um, bullied and emancipated. My parents bought my bullies bullshit."
Tim and Stephanie froze, before the side-eyed each other.
'Blue eyes. Black hair. Tragic past. She fits the Wayne bill, alright.'
Marinette giggled, "Don't worry. I've already been unofficially adopted by someone else. I'd like to see Bruce Wayne fight him, though."
"Fight who?" Bruce questioned, emerging from nowhere.
"Bruce!" his kids called him, shocked.
'They seem on edge.'
Bruce looked to the girl across from them. He had seen her at a couple galas, but could never place her.
'What did she do?'
"There ya are, Cupcake!" a voice cried.
"Jagged Stone!" Stephanie and Tim shouted.
"Uncle Jagged!" the girl cried as she hugged the rock legend.
"Bruce, this is my designer and neice." Jagged stated, "I've been giving her my tickets for the last couple ears since she lives in the city. M is an amazing bundle of talent and full of surprises."
"Wait!" Tim spoke, "You're a designer?"
Mari nodded.
Steph gasped, "Are you MDC?"
Marinette blushed and nodded.
"Can you design for me?" Tim asked.
"No, me!" Stephanie exclaimed.
"I asked her first!" Tim growled.
"She knows me better!" Steph declared.
Off to the side, Bruce and Marinette hid their embarrassment, while Jagged just laughed.
"Sorry, Stephanie, but you need to learn how to treat a lady." Tim spoke, putting his arm around Marinette's waist.
Marinette quickly grabbed Tim's arm, rotated it and threw him to the ground.
"I find it's better to keep a man on his toes." the designer declared.
Tim wavered under her glare. Bruce looked between them.
'Okay. Something definetly happened between these two. Is she one of Tim's exes?'
Mari shifted her attention back to the blonde, "I'd love to create something for you."
Stephanie quickly hugged her. Marinette quickly pushed her away and backed up towards Jagged Stone.
"Oh, um-" arinette began to mumble.
Jagged placed his hands on her shoulders, "Why don't you both go to the dance floor? Inspire yourselves."
Marinette slowly held out her hand for the blonde female to take. Stephanie smiled and took her hand, leading them both to the dance floor.
"Jagged?" Bruce questioned.
"Sorry about that, Mate." the musician spoke, "She isn't use to physical contact anymore. Cupcake can take care of herself, as your son found out."
Tim dusted off his clothes, as he looked at the girls questionably. He still knew nothing about MDC. He still didn’t have a name. Jagged called her Cupcake or M. He knew she was emancipated so her name could be completely different from what it once was, for all he knew.
Stephanie cautiously grabbed Marinette's waist as the reached the dance floor. Marinette tensed slightly, but forced herself to relax. Marinette took a step forward and began the dance.
"You know, I thought you and Tim were still dating." Marinette admitted.
Stephanie smiled, "We broke up about a year ago."
"Oh." Mari spoke, "It was…mutual; I think he said?"
"Yeah." the blonde stated, "We sorta mutually decided we wanted to explore the same sex, with out each other."
"Huh?" the designer asked, not understanding.
Steph giggled, "I was checking out girls and he was checking out guys."
"Oh!" Marinette spoke.
"Tim's dating a red head, who thinks one of his older brothers is secretly Nightwing because of the whole 'The Butts Match' theory." Stephanie explained.
Marinette laughed, "Oh, no!"
"We can see Tim loves him." the blonde smiled.
"That's sweet." Mari smiled, softly.
"I hope that doesn't make this weird?" Steph suddenly questioned.
"Weird?" the designer asked, "What is weird?"
"Us dancing." Stephanie whispered.
"N-No!" Marinette blushed, "I-I'm actually in the same boat…..actually."
"Really?" Stephanie asked in shock.
"It was a recent discovery." Mari admitted, "I know I've had crushes on guys in the past and-"
"You realized you might not be into just guys?" Steph finished.
Marinette nodded in embarrassment, "It took me months to realize how I felt."
The two left the unspoken words hang in the air as they continued to sway to the music. Stephanie recognized the familiar tune to her new favorite song, as the tune began to play in the Raycons. Before she could hum along, she heard the song louder than ever. The blonde looked up to see her dance partner's lips repeat the lyrics.
I could be a better boyfriend than him
I could do the shit that he never did
Up all night, I won't quit
Thinking I'm gonna steal you from him
I could be such a gentleman
Plus all my clothes would fit
Stephanie moved on auto-pilot, but she could feel her cheeks were burning hot.
'The cute girl who kept talking to me- I can't believe it; she's the singer to my favorite song! I wonder if I can convince her to meet up and have lunch with me. She looks adorable tonight! She's even wearing my favorite color! She likes girls, too. I might have a chance…if only I knew her name!'
Marinette pulled away from Stephanie when someone cleared their throat loudly. She turned and glared, only to spot Jagged looking sheepish.
"Penny has an issue with Fang." he spoke.
Marinette sighed, "He got into the closet again, didn't he?"
"F-Fang?" Steph questioned, still reeling over Marinette's identity.
"Uncle Jagged's pet crocodile." Mari answered.
"Sorry, Cupcake." Jagged apologized.
"It was nice to see you again, Stephanie." Marinette declared and handed her back her Raycon, "I'm sure I'll see you at another gala. I…have to go wrangle a crocodile and save what is left of my deisgns."
Stephanie stood on the middle of the dance floor. She watched as people quickly stepped out of her way with Jagged Stone, apologizing. She didn't even notice Tim approach her.
"What's got you all twisted?" he asked, causing her to break contact.
"New crush on the designer." she whispered, looking back to where she had left.
"Already?" Tim questioned.
Stephanie nodded.
"Well, that should stop Bruce from adopting her." he chuckled.
"Sooooo?" Jagged teased, as Marinette looked over her design book, "You have a thing for blondes?"
Marinette could feel her cheeks heat up, but kept her eyes focused on her sketches.
"I don't know, yet." she replied.
"Does she have green eyes?" he questioned.
"Blue." Mari answered.
"The song was for her, wasn't it?" Jagged asked.
Marinette merely nodded.
"Think you have a chance with this one?" he prodded.
"Yes." Marinette answered with a smile, "She liked my song."
Jagged merely smiled as his designer continued to focus on her designs.
Gabriel knows Adrien has no fashion sense (he’s mentioned how much he loved bananoir too many times)
But he needs an heir to his fashion empire, and luckily he’s found none other than Marinette Dupain-Cheng. It’s just an added bonus that Adrien can’t seem to shut up about her anyways.
Enter Adrienette and it’s captain, Gabriel Agreste.
Jagged stone is aware he’s been a trash dad.
Buuutttt he has been a halfway decent uncle.
And he is certain he will be the best matchmaker.
If he can rectify the Lukanette ship, not only will he begin to make it up to his son, but he can finally call Marinette ACTUAL family!
It’s his dream come true and he will die before he lets his ship sink.
The two work subtly at first, casually arranging run-ins for their respective ships. Commissioning new kitty section outfits, 12 love centric akuma in one week.
Okay so maybe they aren’t subtle.
It’s not until they are pulling at either one of Marinette’s arms at a fashion show that they realize they’ve got competition.
You know how in lila salt fics her saving Jagged's kitten is one of her lies that talked about alot?
What if: after Lila's lies are exposed Jagged actually adopts a cat. Oh not for him: but for Marinette. He gives her her new cat right in front of Lila, as a celebration that Lila won't be able to bother Marinette anymore. And, because Marinette is just as petty and spiteful as her uncle, she names the cat "Hero", or something that has to do with planes.
Not a very well put togeather thought, but it was just a random idea. Do as you'd like with this.
This is my first fanfic. Please let me know how bad it is. Any criticism will be welcome. No matter how harsh.
uploaded on 01/16/21
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Ao3 // Wattpad
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Chapter 1
Marinette was just standing around, enjoying the music that Kitty Section was playing when she noticed XY sulking in the corner. Marinette couldn’t help but feel her face soften as she remembered the words his father, Bob Roth, said about him.
His talentless son. That's what Bob Roth called him. Talentless. Marinette might not like XY or his music. And she definitely did not agree with the method he used to obtain his music. But Marinette knows how he feels. She knows what it feels like to be humiliated in front of everyone, feeling like no one is on your side.
After all, this was the first year that Marinette actually had friends next to her. And it was all thanks to Alya. Marinette remembered how horrible and crushed she felt whenever Chloe did something against her. And she would hate it if other people felt the way she did. Even if that person did something horrible towards her.
Of course, the only exceptions were Hawkmoth and Lila.
So without even thinking about it, Marinette summoned her inner Ladybug and made her way towards XY.
Marinette smiled as she sat down in the seat next to him. "Hi, I'm Marinette." She paused before asking. Are you alright?"
Xy looked at her, surprised. He opened his mouth, about to say that he was fine. But stopped. He knew that he needed to talk to someone. So he muttered, "Not really." He faced the blue-haired girl, "I just can't believe my dad said. I know that he didn't know that he was on live TV, but he called me talentless. Do you know how much it hurts to be a musician, then be called talentless?"
Marinette slowly nodded. "I'm not a musician but I do want to be a fashion designer. It's a really competitive business and some people are brutal." Marinette frowned, wondering whether she should continue or not.
"You don't have to continue if you don't want to, you know," XY said, "I did steal your guy's song and costumes."
"Yeah, I know," Marinette frowned, her blue eyes studying him. "But I have a pretty good feeling that your dad made you do that." Marinette folded her arms and glared at him "Even though that's not a good enough excuse to take credit for something that other people worked hard on."
XY didn't say anything for a couple of seconds before playing with his hands nerveously. "For what it's worth, I really am sorry."
Marinette stopped glaring at him "I know." She said softly, "Plus, people do crazy things to get their parent's approval." Marinette heard Kitty Section playing their last song. "I better go soon," she said, grabbing her purse and standing up. "It was really nice talking to you."
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XY was laying down on the hotel bed. It's been a few days since he talked to the blue-nette. With nothing else to do, he decided to take a walk.
Paris was a busy city. Even with the akuma attacks, tourism was better than ever. He walked around the city for a few minutes when he noticed Marinette go inside a bakery.
XY was bored so he did what every teenager would do when they see a pretty girl go inside a bakery.
He followed her.
XY smelt the baked pastries right when he entered the bakery. He looked around for Marinette and noticed her on the counter. He began walking towards her when she noticed him, she made a squeaky noise.
It only made her even cuter.
"XY" she muttered, "What are you doing here?"
He playfully looked at her, "To order something, duh".
Marinette gave him a small smile, "Okay, then. What would you like to order?"
He pointed at what he wanted and talked to her for a while.
Okay, maybe “a while” was an understatement.
XY waited until her shift was over and asked her if she wanted to take a walk around Paris.
With him.
She agreed and they hung out for hours before her parents texted her and told him that she had to get home. XY told her goodbye, before quickly blurting out "Can I have your number?" Marinette’s cheeks were red, "I mean because I like hanging out with you and stuff."
Marinette nodded. Not trusting her mouth. What were you supposed to say when a hot musician asked for your number? Marinette gave it to him, before running home.
XY Couldn't believe his luck. She actually gave him her number. He couldn’t help but smile before walking back to the hotel.
He couldn’t wait to text her.
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"Tikki!" Marinette whispered as soon as she got to her room. "Did that just happen?"
Marinette screamed into her pillow. "Chloe would be so jealous of me right now." Marinette scrunched her eyebrows before looking at the red kwami questioningly. "Do you think I should tell my friends about this?"
Marinette might not like Chloe but she has to admit that if Chloe was right about one thing, it was that XY was hot. Like really hot.
Plus, Marinette really liked the sweet and caring side he showed her. They opened up to each other today.
They could relate to each other with a lot of their problems.
Tikki looked at her chosen, "Maybe you should keep it a secret for now. We don't want the tabloids to hear about this."
Marinette winced, "Yeah, your right." She remembered the adventure she had with Adrien in her pajamas.
The media believed that they were dating and Marinette still got a ton of hate comments from it. It only got a little better when both Adrien and Gabriel Agreste denied the fact that both Adrien and Marinette were in a romantic relationship.
XY was easily one of the most well-known musicians right now. Not to mention, one of the most popular. Girls would faint if he so much even glanced at their direction. If the media somehow got the idea that both of them were dating, Marinette would probably get twice the hate she got on social media. And she could not handle that right now.
Especially not with Lila and Adrien around.
This is kinda like the prologue of the story. I don’t really like how this turned out but let me know if you want me to continue it.
It was happened one day, in a late afternoon a little accident stirred up a butterfly effect.
Jagged had had the day off and was playing with Fang, his pet crocodile he teased him a bit too much and in response the croc decided to jump on him. Neither expect the force in which the crash occurred but jaggeds arms were bruised and was unable to continue trying to make music.
So he decided to post an apology to his fans by posting a song that didn’t fit in with any of his new albums. No one had any idea that this song had been inspired by his personal designer and the struggles she faced.
The song was called “Grateful” (by Neffex).
He had been inspired by the way Marinette was always demanded of things with no one ever helping her and how she seemed to always smile through everything. This included her teacher who deemed her the star student who’s job was basically the same as a teachers, friends who demanded clothing and banners and what not for free, and getting things pushed on her with no warning like babysitting.
He had remembered asking her if she had wanted him to outright dismiss the ladyblog and Lila but she had said no and replied that if she did that that it was possible for an alumna to come for one of the two girls or even cause a mass akumaization. She said she would figure something out but that everything will be fine because she will find a way to love what she is doing and she will never give up and will continue to believe in herself and those she can still call friends. She won’t let them break her, she’ll keep her head held high and not look back because she has nothing to be ashamed of.
Jagged knows that she is strong but that doesn’t mean she’s invincible. He sees her push herself to be the best and beyond that he sees that she tiring herself out. He sees that things are different from the past that she’s lonely because the Lila girl took mostly everyone away with the honey coated words. But her way of coping or her medicine with it was to be busy and with that she was always doing something like baking, designing/ making new clothes, babysitting and more.
Jagged wanted her to see that not everyone can be saved and that she shouldn’t hurt herself to please others. That sometime all the good that you do out of the kindness of your heart is all for not because some people buy into the fools gold and leave the actual treasure to be forgotten. That now she knows who she can call her friends because through everything they believe her and have sided with her and have let her into their hearts.
He wants her to show the world what she can do. He knows that she can take the world by storm because she is akind girl who has exordinary talent in the artistic world be it for clothes to food to even traps and that she deserves real friends who want her in their lives just because and not for what she can do for them. Her hard work should not be used to give them fame if they don’t want to put any effort in. Instead they would rather take the easy way out with nothing to back them up. For example Alya did this she wanted fame yet didn’t put in any of the hard work for what made her famous. Aka no research to prove for any of lilas stories that she keeps posting on her blog.
It was later that same week when he went and got interviewed by Nadia. He told them that he was inspired by his main designer and that she had changed his life in many way and that he considered her family. He started to brag about them and their deeds looking so much like a father or uncle who is talking about family. It was then they questioned jagged by using comments from the q&a section. It was then seen that multiple accounts were spamming what about lilas song and recounting why she should have a song. Jagged then goes to discredit both the ladyblog and Lila by saying he has a pet croc who was the one that bruised his arms and that whoever this Lila is she is a lier and gives her the nickname lie- la.
Soon before the show was over Nadia asked one question “Is your designer who I think it is? She’s the one that made your special glasses and the cover for one of your albums.” He replies “Yup, it my honorary niece Marinette Dupain-Cheng. She a rocking girl whose too kind for this world.”
Later that same day the ladyblog lost its reputation and Lila was official seen as a lier by all of Paris. She was soon expelled from school due to her missed days and the bulling she insited.
That was what it took for on e Marinette Dupain-Cheng on three hours of sleep to wake up in time for her “Chineese lessons” with Mr. Wang. Chinese lessons…. Marinette giggled, Wang Fu is what’s known as the Grand Guardian of the Miraculous. While they did practice Chinese, their main purpose for the lessons was to train Marinette to become the successor of his title.
She sat up. Master Fu said there was something important to cover today. As the teen rose from under her covers once again, she realised her mother had lain out a dress today rather than her typical blazer-jeggings combo. She felt for the stitching at the edge of the hem, it was her favorite knitted sweater dress. The material was soft and stretchy for maximum comfort and the color was described as the feeling of hot chocolate on a fall afternoon. I should thank Maman later, she knew I had to get up early today. Her morning routine was shorter by fifteen minutes thanks to her mother, Sabine Cheng, therefore she actually had time to eat a decent breakfast that morning.
“Careful!” Maman called out. “We moved the couch a bit, let me show you where it is.”
“Thanks Maman! But I have to hurry. Remember, Mr. Wang said he wanted to start a bit early today.”
“Don’t forget your cane like last time.” It sounded, on the surface, like a scolding remark, however, Marinette easily recognnised an undercurrent of amusement in her mother’s voice.
“Yes, Maman.” She chuckled.
“Have fun!” And with her favorite cane, it had a butterflies carved all over it, she left for Master Fu’s massage parlor.
“Welcome! Marinette, quick. Come here.” Master Fu waited for me to approach, staying silent. The lack of sound forcing me to rely on the strong aura of protection that always surrounds Master Fu as a true turtle. He is not alone. The strong aura next to him, inspiration? Confidence?
“Marinette, this is Nooroo, the kwami of transmission and inspiration. You are now his weilder.” The rest of the lesson is spent becoming acquainted with Nooroo and his abilities.
As i lef for school with Nooroo, the day began to feel…. odd. Tapping up the stairs was easier today thanks to Nooroo warning me about the last step from his hiding spot in my pigtail. Making my way down the hall feeling the numbers for Ms. Bustier’s classroom was when she happened. Chloé Bourgeois. The daughter of the Mayor and resident pain in the neck. Chloé rammed into Mari’s shoulder.
“Out of the way, Dupain-Cheng.” was all the “queen” said, however, that is not what had shocked her the most. How did she not notice. She’d known Chloé for years! Without a doubt, Chloé “brat” Bourgeois was a true bee weilder!
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Hey guys! Finally got my crap together to post chapter one! I hope you like it. I’ve had this written for like a month and a half and immediately procrastinated. Lots of love, jjmjjktth <3
that was all they gave her to pack up and leave them
She was thankful that she called Jagged and asked to go on tour with him for a while, even more thankful that he agreed with little to no questioning
"So, Mari, Nette, I think it's about time I get you as my personal designer don't ya think?" Jagged grinned, he had been thinking of this for quite a while, ever since she made him those eiffel tower glasses actually, it was about time he did it
Marinette raised an eyebrow, there were a lot of pros of this and a few cons, but the pros greatly outweighed the cons
"Alright"
--
The first tour was to a large city in Michigan, Marinette didn't bother remembering the name but thousands of people showed up for the concert
The second tour was to Seattle, more people showed up but there were a lot of people who seemed to dislike him and his music, they were booing for him but he did nothing but continue
the booing people made Marinette's blood boil and she was yet again considering murder
But, as she considered, it might ruin or at least damage Jagged's reputation so she held back but that didn't mean she didn't keep tabs on them and wait until they fucked up to turn them in and make their just a bit harder.
--
"Hey Mari, my little rock star, we need to work on your English," Jagged started one morning
his tone was every bit of bouncy and joyful, much like hoe she's used to but his face was serious, an expression very unlike him
She considered his words for a moment before agreeing, she did need to improve her English, she only really understand insults and basic questions and answers, barely enough to hold a conversation.
She looked up at him from where she was sitting with Fang on the couch, "What do you suggest?"
Jagged brightly smiled and said, "Penpal!"
Marinette raised an eyebrow, "Penpal?"
"Yea! penpal, I already set you up with one"
Marinette blanked, he already set her up with one? without her permission? without her knowledge?
"Uncle Jagged," Marinettes tone was a tad too cold as she continued, "Couldn't you have at least informed me of this beforehand?"
Jagged rubbed the back of his neck nervously, "I thought you would've refused so I went ahead and did it so you couldn't"
Marinette sighed, "Alright"
--
Dear Penpal,
Hello, tis noice to meet you, my name is Marinette, I hope to get aling
Sincerely,
your penpal
--
Dear Marinette,
Your spelling errors are atrocious, so allow me to start off by correcting you, it's "nice" not "noice" as you can see there is no o in nice, secondly, it's "along" not "aling" if I was any other person I would've believed you were trying to spell align.
P.S. While tis is correct I believe you meant "it is" or "it's"
Sincerely,
Your penpal
--
Dear Penpal,
Thank you for correkting me but did you haf to be so meen? Also, thank you for axsepting to becum my penpal, I fourgot to menshion it in my last email
P.S. what is your name?
Sincerely, Marinette
--
If you had asked Damian why he had accepted the penpal program started by Jagged, he would've told you he was forced to by his brothers, but in all reality, he wanted to know who the person was and what kind of person they were to be close to Jagged.
He expected someone easygoing, someone who was smart but goofy. So he was surprised to see the spelling errors in their first email, and appalled at the ones in their second.
Thus he took it upon himself to educate the- Marinette.
--
Marinette didn't know what to expect from her penpal, but she knew she certainly didn't expect for them to essentially become her teacher. A strict one at that.
--
Dear Marinette,
I have decided that your spelling errors should no longer exist, thus, I shall be your English teacher, lessons start tomorrow, 8 am sharp, you better reply to my first email within 30 minutes or you will be counted as tardy.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Chapters: 7/?
Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Lila Rossi, Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug, Alya Césaire, Nino Lahiffe, Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir, Bustier's Class - Character, Jagged Stone (Miraculous Ladybug)
Additional Tags: lila centric, Lila Rossi Bashing, Lila Rossi Lies, Marinette Dupain-Cheng Is a Sweetheart, Marinette Equals Success, Alya Césaire Bashing, class salt, Lila Rossi's Lies Are Exposed, eventually, Tag As I Go, I Wrote This Instead of Sleeping, Clara Nightingale - Freeform, Prince Ali - Freeform, Nadja Chamack - Freeform, Mentioned Bruce Wayne, Mentioned Dick Grayson, Mentioned Jason Todd, Mentioned Damian Wayne, implied Damianette, not really a crossover, I'm just obsessed with Damianette, I need help
Summary:
Lila Rossi is a social climber. She lies, cheats, and bribes her way into the community’s good graces even if it means she has to tear someone down. To Lila, Paris was just another stage with an audience of fools. She would lie her way to the top of the hierarchy and destroy anyone that threatened her ascension.
If only she could have seen the diamond in the rough that was Marinette Dupain-Cheng.
