I want to give credit to @stareyedmoonchild for their idea. I’ll try to make another part at least once a week but life is crazy so don’t force anything.
Soulmates are a complex thing, it is where your other half lies. It’s another person or persons that make you feel complete, as if you're whole again or you were like one. Some are platonic, familial, but most of these days they were considered romantic. However fate intervenes, not all soulmates meet, sometimes they’re not even together at all. Fate always has a plan, even for the impossible.
Meet ‘the impossible’ #1, Marinette Dupain-Cheng. Her soulmate mark appeared on her birthday, July 9th at age 16. However before delving into her soulmark you must know her history.
Marinette was the daughter of bakers, Sabrine Cheng, and Tom Dupain. She had a relatively normal life until she was 13, and on her first day of Collège Françoise Dupont in Paris. She was given the responsibility of handling the Ladybug miraculous. She began as a heroine with her partner in crime, Chat noir. Her life had her ups and downs, but she always made it through the day. (This follows the storyline in the show, you’ll see why.)
They sat sound her room counting down the time to midnight. Kim had set up a camera recording while bouncing a bit on the ground. They sat on the ground cross cross all in front of Marinette.
“Marinette, show the camera your wrists!” Alix said. Marinette smiled and showed the camera her blank wrists. “Once the words pop up we’re gonna fight them!”
“Please don’t.” Marinette groaned.
“You should know this by now Marinette. We are gonna fight for you.” Kim said. Nathaniel nodded along with Kim.
“It's true princess.” Adrien said.
The countdown to midnight began. They showed the camera her wrist just as a blinding white light shone from her wrists. It was a slight burning sensation but at the same time, ticklish. Once the words formed a saddening look Apparated on their faces. Marinette confused, looked in her wrists and frowned.
‘I’m sorry.’ Was seared into her wrists. Marinette help stange, almost as if she was going to cry and tell them it’s okay. She did however wonder what could they be sorry for? She shook her head lightly and motioned to cut the cameras.
Once the cameras were cut she put her wrist down. She didn’t want to see them right now, it just caused her sadness. Nathaniel moved over and rubbed her back as she stared numbly in the ground. Kim sent the video to Marinette’s parents before putting it away.
They all silently agreed to not mention her mark unless needed. Life continued on as usual after that day, akuma still happened, Ladybug and chat came to save the day, school came and went.
For years Marinette’s eyes would light up at someone who said those words, they were never the ones however. The words were repeated over and over again to no avail. It bothered her, she wanted to meet her other half, the person who made her feel whole.
She remembered when she went to school the next day people kept asking. She showed them the mark then changed the subject. She didn’t want to talk about it, so soon they all shut up about it.
However when Lila Rossi came back things changed. Lila was true to her threat, she striped most of her classmates' trust away leaving her almost friendless. She felt so alone however her closet friends had stayed.
Lila lied about lots of things, however the most harmful thing she lied about was her soulmate. She said that it was all an act for pity and she didn’t really have one. Marinette couldn’t find her soulmate because she doesn’t have one. She went as far as to say the phrase was written in pen and ink since she couldn’t get a tattoo.
Her four friends stuck by her even when the others turned their back onto her. There are times when they would come and confront her and try to get rid of the words. Alya came the most with Nino by her side. Kim was the one who would pick Marinette up and walk away with her so they couldn’t harass her while Adrien and Alix yelled.
She felt stuck in a new cycle. She wakes up, defeats Akuma if one appears, goes to school, finishes commissions, etc. She couldn’t complain though she felt happy with Nathaniel, Alix, Adrien and Kim by her side.
School was out for the day and Marinette woke up feeling energized which was unusually for her. She got out of bed and stretched, cracking her back.
Tikki’s enthusiasm always made her days a bit better, even if it’s only a smudge. She got out of bed and went to the shower to wash herself up. She had a dream last light about a boy with hair as dark as night and green eyes that looked like emeralds or jades. In the dream the boy looked around 12 and he looked severely hurt, and had tears in his eyes. He kept saying “I'm sorry.” right before she woke up.
After her shower she came out and put her hair into a single ponytail instead of her usual pigtails. She changed into a black t-shirt with dark shade of gray showing a light outline of the Batman logo. She paired it with a yellow skirt and black converse with yellow laces. She inspired the outfit after Batman obviously, she started to develop a love for comic books when she was friends with Alya. She still did after their friendship.
She headed down stairs to grab a chocolate croissant and some coffee, she didn’t bother her parents since a big order was due that day. She walked out the door with tikki in her new hand bag she made. It was a black bag similar to her old one with ladybugs near the top. After she left the bakery she walked around the city enjoying the sight and writing down ideas for clothes and taking pictures.
After about an hour of walking she stumbled upon a store she hasn’t been into in a while, . She stared into the sign for a little bit before opening the door. Once inside she was hit with nostalgia once she stepped in the bookshelves that were packed filled with comic books. She remembered the last time she and Alya were in here together.
Alya had dragged her to the shop talking non stop about the new Superman comic. Marinette was trying to understand Alya’s rapid sputtering as she explained the plot.
“So then Clark Kent is back in Kansas with his mom as they talk about what’s going on in metropolis, and all of a sudden-“ Alya said.
Marinette was happy her friend was enjoying herself but, she didn’t know why she picked Superman of all people. Marinette had some big costume changes to make for the blue Boy Scout. His cape was a drawback, it could easily be used against him in the heat of battle. He also had a horrible collar scheme and his red underwear phase was horrid.
Marinette container letting Alya talk though she didn’t understand a word what she was saying. For most of that day they stayed there together browsing the shop. Marinette looked around the shop before seeing a comic book that caught her eye. The cover art was much darker compared to Alya’s Superman comics. They read the title ‘Batman Vol. 1.’ Before picking up more of the same series. She sat next to her friend before reading the series she would soon love.
That voice snapped her out of her flashback into the cold reality. She saw an older boy with curly back hair, dark skin and dark gray eyes. She smiled as she recognized the boy, Ronnie, the owner’s son. He smiled brightly at her before wobbling a bit.
Marinette laughed and helped him with the comics he was carrying. Ronnie poured at her but she ignored it and helped put them away with him.
“How are you so strong?” Ronnie said. “You so tiny.”
“I work at out from time to time,”
“Well, sign me up for your fitness regiment.”
“Ha. Ha. Now help me but say these books.”
"You know, you're supposed to be relaxing and reading here, not working. Dad's been getting reviews about you and how you've helped customers out while you're here. Little lady, they think you work here," the boy said, only stretching when he had to stretch to put one of the comics onto one of the higher shelves, "You won't believe the reactions of some of the customers when they find out that you're just a valued regular."
"Well, it's the least I can do, especially when all I do is read and never really buy anything. Think of this as my way of showing my appreciation for not kicking me out," she said, as she finished putting the last of her stack away.
"How about instead you just bring us that sweet smile of yours and a caramel pecan pie. Dad and I loved it," she said as she leaned against the self, before his expression turned serious.
"Anyways, have they done anything lately to bother you? Dad and I have been worried ever since you were almost expelled."
"Nothing lately as the boys and Alix have been by my side most of the time or intervening before anything can escalate," she said with a sigh.
"I still can't believe the school nor your parents haven't noticed it or that you haven't reported any of the harassment that's been going on. Do you need Dad and me to step in? We can. We have some contacts that owe us some favors to get evidence, if that's the problem," Ronnie said, as his stormy eyes seemed to turn a shade darker.
"No. I just want to graduate and close this chapter of my life without dealing with the courts or the board of education. Who knows how Lila will twist things around with just a few crocodile tears," she responded tiredly.
"Fine, but if you need anything just let me or Dad know. Anyways, I know what might get your mind off of things! I kept a surprise behind the counter just for you! However, you just need to give me your monthly soulmate update, and how you've been feeling as we promised," he said as he went behind the counter, and pulled out the latest Batman issue.
He didn't miss the twinkle of excitement dance in her eyes as she held up the comic. Apparently, in this issue Robin would be revealing his soulmate's phrase, and everyone was anxious to know what it said.
With a chuckle she made her way to the counter and said, "Still no luck with the soulmate department. Honestly, it feels it's like they're a fictional character within this reality. A person who will never know I exist or ever get to meet. In a way you could say we're forever starcrossed."
There was a look in Ronnie’s eyes that Marinette couldn't describe. He gave a small nod and a bittersweet smile before talking.
"Sorry you feel that way, and I can relate. As you know mine says 'goodbye.' It's honestly got me stressed out, because of the endless scenarios that can lead up to that phrase. Anyways, here's your comic and you can keep that one. It's on me today and before you say anything; I consider it a gift as I get the feeling you might want to keep this one."
Smiling, Marinette thanked Ronnie and sat in a sunny corner that she claimed as her spot. She sat there the most while, taking her time appreciating the art work and enjoying the story before the big reveal. With each page that she turned, her anticipation grew and then her eyes landed on the last panel of the page, and in a speech bubble that said, "I'm sorry."
'No, it's just a coincidence,' she thought. There waa no possible way that her soulmate was literally a fictional character. That would just be too cruel.
With a shake of her head, Marinette turned the page. With wide bluebell eyes, she allowed the comic to slip from grasp and land onto her lap. Life had just given the cruelest fate to Marinette Dupain-Cheng', and there was nothing she could do to change it.
The last picture was of Damian on the edge of a building and his sleeves pulled down to show his words. A small panel showed the cruel words scarred onto his skin.
"Honestly, it feels it's like they're a fictional character within this reality. A person who will never know I exist or ever get to meet. In way you could say we're forever starcrossed."
Marinette's heart broke and she stared up to look at Ronnie with a teary glaze. He gave a slow nod, now she knew why he insisted she keep it, she can be closer to her soulmate. Marinette with a sad look left the shop before putting it into her bag, as she was walking home an akuma came, just the thing to get it off her mind.
...and the perfect spot for a kids cartoon somewhere else.
