#@novicevoice

[charlietheepic7]

Chapter 29 of Hey, Little Songbird is out, so here’s some memes

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[goggles-mcgee]

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I don't think I can add anymore tags, if people want they can subscribe to the A Little Birdy Told Me Masterpost! That would help a lot.

A Little Birdy Told Me 20

AO3

Beginning Last Chapter

Summary: Damian continues to try and get more information about the akuma class and Marinette while Dick is having an off day and just wants it to get better.

Only one brother gets what they want.

CH 20:

Damian may have jumped the gun on that one. 

He admitted that, willingly, in the privacy of his own mind. 

“To Dupain-Cheng? I mean sure but why would you like to know.” Chloe asked with narrowed sharp eyes.

Bourgeois was sharp, as were all his acquaintances so there was no point in lying, though he was confident he could do so flawlessly, his acquaintances had proved to be somewhat trustful. They all kept secrets if asked unless it was something trivial which confused him to no end. Allegra could ask they don’t tell anyone what she shared with them when it came to her having trouble mentally or her parents fighting but the group would tell almost everyone in the group how Claude had a crush on so-and-so from class-whatever. Richard said that is just how teenagers and friends are but it didn’t make sense to Damian and he tried many times to make it make sense. The only thing that made him feel better is the fact his father also didn’t understand. When he was in med school he told him how his study group kept his fear of bats to themselves but when he admitted to not being a fan of some musician that that information was shared and laughed at, but he stated clearly that the laughing wasn’t at him, just at the information as a study group member had explained. Again. It was strange, but Damian felt like this wasn’t one of those moments that they would share his information with others. 

“It goes without saying that what I tell you does not leave this table,” he began, “I know I said that if I knew something I wouldn’t tell, but given Bourgeois’s forthcoming, I too can be a little forthcoming. Dupain-Cheng is now a ward of my Father for the rest of the exchange.”

Vogel nodded and glared at everyone at the table as if to ward them off even thinking of telling anyone what Damian was saying. It was…nice and appreciated. Vogul reminded him of Cassandra sometimes and it always left him feeling warm yet wrongfooted. The blonde wasn’t his sister but sometimes she felt like it and that also confused him. Nonetheless he gave Vogel a small nod of appreciation. “After the events at Wayne Tower and what followed, it was decided that my father take care of Dupain-Cheng for the remainder of the trip and actual chaperones are being flown in. The original plan of having the class merge with ours has been effectively thrown out the window and negotiations are being made where to place everyone as they will be separated. Dupain-Cheng and her friends will join our class but it hasn’t been decided where Rossi and her sycophants will go.” 

Allaway pursed his lips together and looked deep in thought, it was like he was trying to organize everything that was said and unsaid. He was someone who liked puzzles and mysteries. “You guys are building a case?” It was posed as a question but Damian knew the other boy better. It was a statement. Damian simply leaned back in his chair to give Allaway his attention, it took the boy some time to voice his thoughts so Damian waited before responding. “The question is, who is the case against?” 

“I would think that obvious by now Allaway.” Damian scoffed. 

Allaway stared at Damian intensely until he let out a deep sigh, “Yeah, I know, I was saying it to be dramatic.”

“You’re always dramatic.” Damian countered.

“No. That’s Claude.” Allaway shot right back.

“Guilty!” Hardy sing-songed. Damian conceded. Hardy was always dramatic. Every announcement he made to the group or even the school was so rich in dramatics that Damian wondered if the boy practiced what he said every day to make sure it was the perfect amount of dramatic or if it was something instinctual. Damian felt like it was the latter. Sometimes Hardy’s dramatics confused him but Vogel was good at explaining what the dramatic boy was saying, she was basically the Hardy Translator.

“We are getting off topic.” Bourgeois sighed. “You really want to know everything that witch did to Dupain-Cheng, Wayne? Then you better buckle in and take notes.

Damian nodded and pressed the hidden button on his watch that Lucius Fox and his son Lucas upgraded at Bruce’s request, that would record the rest of the conversation. Though he did take out a notebook and pen, he never wrote in pencil, writing in pencil showed you were not confident in your writing or knowledge. He was trying to break out of the habit though as it was one Ra’s made sure ‘stuck’ with his heir. His grandfather would never settle for anything less than perfect and the one time Damian took a test in front of his grandfather and used a pencil, he was punished. Damian hid a wince at the memories of that particular lesson and instead stared at his watch, it was a replica of his Grandfather's watch , the one he wore when he was murdered. It was a bit morbid but it was the thought behind it that made it one of Damian’s most prized possessions. 

It had been a little after he had been…introduced to his father and a little before his father’s seeming demise at Darkseid’s hand that Bruce had taken Damian aside into his study to talk to him. Damian thought it would be another reprimand of his methods but had been surprised when Bruce handed him a small box with a bow on it. He had been so hesitant, so wary, so suspicious that his father had gently taken the box from him and opened it to show a watch. A rather nice watch though Damian had noted its somewhat dated design. Like someone had purposefully made it look vintage.  “ It’s made to look like my father’s watch, your grandfather, though I have no doubt you were…informed of my parents before you came here -”

“ I know everything about you, Father, and my grandparents .” Damian had interrupted, eager to prove his knowledge, his worth. 

“ I don’t doubt that, Damian, but you were told about them by people who did not know them. That makes all the difference. There is time for stories so you get to know them like I knew them but this is the first one I will tell you. ” Bruce had looked sincere yet a bit uncomfortable, Damian had chalked it up to his father’s weakness of not getting over his parent’s death. Such a weakness was not allowed in the League, but Damian had said nothing of the fact even if he could. Richard had been teaching him just because you could doesn’t mean you should. It was confusing but his father seemed to agree with the sentiment so Damian was doing his best to learn it. 

His father continued. “ When my father was ten, his father bought him his first watch. I never met my grandfather, but when I was young, my father told me grandfather wanted to start a new Wayne tradition. When the heir of the family turned ten, they would be gifted a watch. I’m afraid that the reason is lost in time and forgotten memories but my father wanted to continue this tradition. I got my watch on my birthday and 9 days later my parents died. My father had been wearing his birthday watch that night .”

Damian hadn’t wanted to interrupt but he did want to touch the watch and his father seemed to understand that so he passed back the gift and watched as Damian had caressed the face of the watch with his thumb. 

“ I admit that I have bought your brother's watches as well but I know you are struggling to accept them. I won’t lie and say I understand but I want to feel connected to them, to me, to this family. I wasn’t able to give you a watch on your birthday but I am giving it to you now. I had this made for you in the image of your grandfather’s watch because I want to show you how important you are to this family and me. I could have easily given you a new watch as I had your brother’s but you deserve a connection to your roots. I hope you like it. ”

Damian had only nodded but the small smile his father gave in return had filled him with such warmth he hadn’t known what to do other than let his father put the watch on him. Later, Alfred would explain that Bruce had the watch built with many hidden features to keep Damian safe and to make sure his son wouldn’t be without a way out of a situation. The watch was made to resemble the Rolex Submariner that Damian had seen in a case along with a broken pearl necklace and some loose grimy pearls. He knows they were keepsakes of his grandparents that Bruce kept in a protected case in the Cave. He didn’t really believe it would make him feel any more connected to the Wayne name than him already being Bruce Wayne’s biological son but wearing the watch and seeing the original in its case when he was down in the Cave actually did make him feel connected in a way he couldn’t explain. Thus it became one of his most prized possessions much like his first straight double edged sword his mother gave him for the earliest birthdays he could remember. 

Damian inhaled slowly then exhaled to bring himself out of his memory before he looked up at Bourgeois and gave her a short nod. “Proceed.” 

___________________

Dick was doing all he could to relax and show Marinette the company’s botanical gardens as it was something she had wanted to do. It was good to see her smile and flit from plant to plant like a little honey bee or something, but Dick couldn’t get rid of his tension completely. He was always like that after dealing with Two-Face even if it wasn’t the usual confrontation between the two, i.e mask to two faces but it still left him feeling the same. Angry, restless and most annoyingly, scared. He wasn’t the same little scared Robin but dealing with Two-Face always made him feel like he was. He thought he worked past all that! But seeing Marinette in his arms with a gun pressed to her head brought uncomfortable flashbacks of a different tiny black-haired blue-eyed child. A child who got cocky in his skills as Robin and helper of Batman. He could still feel the long-since healed injuries throb in phantom pain. Dick couldn’t help the flash of another black-haired blue-eyed child, older than the first when he learned that being Robin wasn’t magical or whimsical. Thinking of that never did him any good, if anything it brought about an enormous amount of guilt and anger that Dick didn’t know what to do with. 

“Mari-gold?” A very familiar voice pulled Dick out of his thoughts and he cursed himself for being so distracted. 

“Ivy!” Marinette shouted out in glee as she ran to hug the woman she had seen fairly recently. It made Dick smile though, this kid loved with her whole heart and it was something he admired. 

“Now what are you doing here, Sapling?” 

“I came here with Mister Dick and Mister Tim. Though we lost Tim pretty early on.” Oh yeah, they did. Though Dick was willing to bet Tim just went to the coffee shop nearby, he seemed to have a built in radar for knowing where they were no matter what part of town they were in. It was kind of funny though since Tim wasn’t even a big fan of coffee, he more so just needed the caffeine. The guy preferred tea but he was really particular about which places made the best tea, specifically a good ol’ Dirty Chai. 

“And what brings you to the Gardens today, Ive?” Dick asked, deciding to partake in the conversation. 

“Oh just making sure they are doing okay and to give the workers a restock of my special fertilizer.” That made sense, Ivy was, on-the-down low helping the Wayne Botanical Studies team. While Harley helped them more with their night time business, Ivy was content to help in the more official business. With the occasional helping hand stopping a threat if they “got in over their heads.” Her words. 

“You make your own fertilizer?” Marinette asked. Look, Dick was also curious about that but after finding Ivy and Jason talking one night with these big-ass smiles on their faces, all teeth, he was like 80% sure that fertilizer was some of Jason’s…problems. But there was no way in hell that Dick was going to try and confirm that, and he sure as hell would not be telling Bruce that little theory. 

“Yes! It takes time but it-”

“My Passion Lily! I got your Matcha Lemonade and look! I found a wild Wayne.” They were interrupted by Harley, which was not a surprise, and she was dragging a resigned looking Tim with her. 

Ivy merely huffed out a laugh at her wife before taking the offered drink with a kiss to Harley’s cheek. “Thank you, Peanut, I also found a wild Wayne and a little Sapling.”

“Mari-Doll!” Harley squeaked out before almost knocking the poor girl off her feet in her hurry to smother the girl in a hug. Surprisingly they didn’t fall over. 

“Hi Harley!”

“You guys saw each other the other night?” Tim said, confused. 

“And?” Marinette and Harley asked in unison. It made Dick giggle and helped relieve him of more of his pent up tension. 

“Well since we're all here, why don’t we walk around together?” Dick offered. “Bruce wanted Tim to get some fresh air so try not to let him sneak off again.”

Tim gave an offended squawk which had Marinette laughing once more. “I’m fine!”

“Yeah, okay Timmy-Boy.” Harley said with a scoff as she laced her arms together with Ivy and Marinette. “And I’m the Queen of England.”

“You do need some time outside the Manor Tim. It’s not healthy to stay cooped up.” Ivy said as she happily walked with Harley and Marinette. Though she did grab Tim by the scruff of his shirt and manhandled him toward Dick. He looked very much like a cranky kitten. 

“What is this? Pick on Tim day?” 

“I believe Damian has that scheduled for next month.” Dick wished he was joking.

Marinette obviously noticed he wasn’t if her raised brow was anything to go off. “Oh?”

“He stepped on Titus’s tail three months ago, on accident.” Dick explained. “But Damian is very good at keeping grudges and he’s very good on cashing in on favors.” 

Tim merely whined in response and Dick couldn’t help but pity his brother for a second before he remembered how Tim used him as a human meat shield when Condiment King randomly joined in on a fight against some robbers. Apparently he was also planning on robbing the jewelry store after keeping a low profile from his then-recent prison break. Needless to say it took Dick forever trying to get the mustard smell out of his costume once again and had to beg Alfred for help once again. Even though Alfred refused to help with cleaning anything CK contaminated, it spiked his blood pressure or something like that. Dick thinks it’s because of all the first times he helped clean them up when the rogue had been new on the scene. That had been a long month and Dick had seen how Alfred got more and more annoyed each time they came home covered in mustard, ketchup, you name it. It was awful. Truly. So Dick didn’t feel all that bad. Stephanie was already coming up with a list of things to tease Tim about. She specifically waits for the days Damian declares will be Pick-On Drake Days so she has lists on lists compiled for that very reason. She hoards them and never shares until the scheduled day. Duke surprisingly joined in too and started making his own list. 

“He’s very dedicated.” Marinette giggled out.

“That’s one word for it.” Tim grumbled. 

From there they had a good time touring the different gardens with Ivy acting as a somewhat tour guide and Dick could see it was really helping Marinette unwind as well. The interview with Jim and Harvey had really gotten her tense which was totally understandable, it would be intimidating for anyone. Tim tried to escape a couple times but after Dick teasingly asked if he should get Tim a child-leash and Ivy offered to make one out of vines he stopped. He even seemed to be relaxing a small bit. It was nice, really and it seemed to be something that Dick needed too without realizing it. Eventually they went out for lunch and after they went their separate ways. The drive back to the Manor had been nice too, normal traffic and a nice playlist helped. Tim and Marinette had even made some good conversation, though Dick got worried at the mention of PowerPoints. He hoped it was nothing serious, but the fact that Tim found someone as obsessed with planning and making PowerPoints was a little frightening. Maybe more than a little, Dick could only take so many Tim PowerPoints. He loved his brother, dearly, with his whole heart, but his PowerPoints were long and…thorough. He even tested people on the more important ones with a freaking Kahoot match. Cass and surprisingly Damian always won those. 

As they made their way into the manor Dick was pretty much planning on taking a good, lengthy nap to catch up on the sleep he hadn't gotten last night. His brain felt fried and scrambled, like it couldn’t decide whether to sink into the depressing thoughts from before or just remember the good time at the gardens they all had, even Tim surprisingly had a good time. As he sunk into the couch in the family living room his mind seemed to settle on both. His eyes closed and he saw Marinette laughing and smiling at their afternoon activities, then it would flash to her being held against Two-Face. He could hear the rogue’s laugh deep in his bones, then it changed to the Joker’s unique cackle. Marinette changed from her to him to Jason at blinding speeds. He could hear Marinette’s voice firm and confident in contrast to the fear in her eyes when she told him there was no time and that she would lead Scarecrow away. He could hear her yelling and telling Alfred she and they weren’t safe. He heard his own cries and shouts mixed with Two-Face’s voice. He could hear what he imagined Jason sounded like when the Joker beat him to death. He could hear the accusations of others about his jealousy of Jason being adopted. 

That unfortunately brought up memories of the talk he had had with Bruce once upon a time about Jason and adoption. It felt like he had had to fight not only tabloids but even Bruce about nonexistent hatred. Dick never hated Jason, but he had been so caught up in his anger with Bruce that he let it affect his and Jason’s relationship. He had just been so angry and it wasn’t an excuse but sometimes it seemed like he was even trying to justify his actions to himself. Though there was some jealousy and hurt there that he didn’t know what to do with, okay he did know what to do but the fact it would have to involve talking to Bruce and Jason was not something that sounded fun nor easy. He liked a good challenge but that idea sounded impossible. Like yes, he was Bruce’s son now but for so long he was just a ward, like Marinette was now, he called Bruce dad, they lived together, they fought crime together, they took care of each other, and yet it took years for Bruce to adopt him. But Jason? Dick knew Jason was Bruce’s son, his first son, his favorite son. Jason got the Bruce Dick had always wanted and it had hurt. Jason’s death had impacted Bruce more than his parents. That was a fact. 

And…And Dick had no idea where this was all coming from. He knew he didn’t know Marinette well as her class’s tour guide but seeing her held against Two-Face, mere centimeters from danger had thrown him. She reminded him too much of himself and too much like Jason before his death. She wasn’t a Robin, she would never be a Robin, but she had been a hero like one. She saved her people as fiercely as a Robin protected Gotham and its people. She took the weight of her world on her shoulders, much like a Robin. She was a child turned soldier due to circumstance just like a Robin. Marinette was a Robin in soul with no Batman to guide her and maybe that was for the best but looking at how lost she looked when she spoke about the ‘akumatizations’ in Paris, Dick wished she had had her version of Batman. A mentor who could aid in the fight, who shared the knowledge and responsibility. Yes, there were other heroes, they were like her version of Teen Titans, but that’s just it she was just barely a teen, a child, when she took up the mantle of hero. And from the pictures Tim showed the family of the other heroes, it wasn’t hard to guess that the other ‘Holders’ were teens themselves. Seeing as Adrien was also a teen and a former hero. 

Dick, in a weird, roundabout way, felt responsible for Marinette. As soon as she looked at him with hope, determination and fear in her eyes he was hit by a wave of protectiveness for her. She looked at him like Damian did when he first complimented and criticized his work as Robin, he and Marinette had also pulled off a plan as smooth and seamless as Dick and Damian had been when they were the Dynamic Duo. Or as Dick liked to call them, The More Dynamic Duo. He knew his family was kind of freaked out by how well Marinette and Damian seemed to get along, but not him, sure he teased a bit but he just had a feeling they would be friends. Damian had been trying to get himself out there and make friends and he did have some! He just called them acquaintances right now but Dick knew it wouldn’t be long till they were bumped up to friend status. Though Jon would always be Damian’s best friend even if they weren’t in the same school anymore. They still video or phone called every day and they played games with each other online. Which games? Dick could never remember but the point was, Damian had grown and was very capable of making friends, it just took him some time. 

Speaking of time , Dick thought as his gaze lazily glanced at the clock on the wall. If he slept now, he knew he would not go to bed after patrol tonight. So with much reluctance he pushed himself up and off the couch. He figured he could see if Marinette wanted some company and maybe the two of them could get some tea and snacks from Alfred and tour more of the manor when they were done. It would help in the long term of Marinette’s stay so it was productive! When he got to her room he saw that the door was slightly open but it was still he knocked, if he could dodge a Pennyworth Lecture he would even knock his own bedroom door. As he did so though, the door opened more and with it came an overwhelming energy that left him feeling suppressed yet energized. He wasn’t around magic a lot anymore, but it always left him with the same feeling so he ditched being a gentleman and waiting for an answer and just barreled into the room to see what looked like a closing portal. 

“Shit!” That would be a dollar in the Swear Jar, but that wasn’t important. What was important however was the fact Marinette was missing, a portal had seemingly opened in her room and closed, and…and there was a note on the bed? 

‘Dear Any Wayne That Finds This,

Actually, are you all Waynes? I never asked, I should have asked. Anyways, please don’t freak out if you come to my room and I’m not here. Ladybug needed my help back in Paris and opened a portal to get me there. I shouldn’t be too long and hey! Maybe I’ll be back before anyone reads this but if I’m not then just don’t worry. Ladybug will return me once the akuma is dealt with.

 -Marinette who is very sorry if someone does end up reading this and is pleading they don’t worry or get angry.’  

“Double shit.” Dick said as he read over the letter. 

That was another dollar for the Swear Jar. 

_________________

Dick “Flying” Grayson��@toflyistofall

Oops.

____

Bruce Wayne @therealbrucewayne

RE: Dick “Flying” Grayson @toflyistofall

       Oops.

Richard John Grayson-Wayne. What did you do?

_____

JBIrd @sidesteppeddeath

RE: Bruce Wayne @therealbrucewayne

       Richard John Grayson-Wayne. What did you do?

Ha! You got full government named Dickie! @toflyistofall

_____

Dick “Flying” Grayson @toflyistofall

RE: JBIrd @sidesteppeddeath

       Ha! You got full government named Dickie! @toflyistofall

Oh come on! I didn’t even add tags! How did he respond so fast?

#hahaimindanger

Next Chapter

[trashystar420]

CHAPTER 3!!! Babysitter Maribat AU AGE Reversed Chapter 3!

Well here’s chapter three, not sure how good it is. A bit OOC here so yeah.

Selina awoke from the annoying buzzing from her cellphone resting on the night stand. It was Bruce?!? Selina immediately answered.

“Wh-THE MANSION IS IN ONE PIECE SELINA!!!!! Do you know what this means!?!?” Before the older woman could respond, Bruce interrupted her, again.

“ I can take you out on dates, I can actually focus on work without having to stress over them, I can actually feel confident walking into my home to NOT find it in pieces!!!! Selina please you must give me that lady’s number!!! Selina Love!!!” Selina was too stunned to even respond. How were you supposed to respond when the BRUCE WAYNE, stotic man who feels nothing, shows more emotion then he has in the last thirty years. Not that this was a bad thing, for a happy Bruce meant a GRAND time in the bed.

The cat lady licked her lips, eager to have the man in her bed yet again. She really must thank that girl for doing this for her.

“Brucie Dear, could you please slow down, I can barely stay awake, especially from last night.” She purred. What she didn’t expect was the tone in his answer.

“Oh, I know and I can keep coming back, IF you give me that young lady’s number.” Shit, since when did he get this aggressive!??!? The poor lady was blushing a new shade of red. Bruce wasn’t the type to be this aggressive. Now she REALLY must thank Marinette.

“Ugh let me talk to her first, then we’ll see.” And she cut the call. Getting up from her bed, Selina’s nightgown slipped out of her shoulders. The proof of Bruce’s late night visit was all over her neck and upper chest area. Blushing at the reminder of what went down that night, Selina made up her mind and called Marinette quickly.

...

...

...

“Mari dear, I’m sorry, were you sleeping?” She asked wincing that she woke the poor girl up, she wasn’t much of a morning person, much like herself.

“Mmmm” the older lady chuckled.

“Hey Mari dear, you know the babysitting gig I set you up for?” Somehow that woke Marinette up.

“OH NO DID I DO A TERRIBLE JOB?!? What if he fires me?!? What if he blacklists me and I can never get my dream job!?? Am I going to jail I can’t go there Selin- Marinette calm down!!!” Selina finally calmed the now sobbing Bluenette over the phone.

After a few minutes of Selina calming the girl down, Marinette was now in a better state of mind to listen to what Selina had to say.

“So he actually wants me to be a permanent babysitter?” She clarified. Selina confirmed.

“Why is this so hard for you to believe?” Selina asked annoyed. The young designer chuckled, as though the older woman knew no better.

“don’t you think it’s a bit weird how he hasn’t even had me for a week to SEE if I was good or not? What about a proper background check?!? For all he knows I could be a suspicious person who is in it for his fortune or something?” Selina rolled her eyes. Leave it to Marinette to start overanalyzing.

“That’s because I recommended you to him dearie, are you saying I have poor judge of character?” She teased.

“Yes” she retorts back then precedes to laugh, Selina gave a pout but let it slide. She really owed Marinette this.

“So Selina, how was it?” Mari asked in a mocking tone. Selina heaved a sigh.

“It was absolutely Devine Mari Darling. It was perfect, though I think the neighbors might complain over the noise.” The more experienced woman smirked. Marinette blushes on the other line and quickly chastised her.

“Selina!”

“You asked for it!”

“Ugh so should I call him?”

...

...

...

The Wayne’s were currently seated in the dining room, everyone eating the breakfast Alfred made for them. What was unusual about this morning was Bruce’s mood visibly brighten, which set everyone else other than Alfred off.

Tim reaches over to lil Dick.

“Why do you think he’s in such a good mood?” Dick asked. Tim being the know-it-all he is, gave an answer.

“Bruce got to go out with Selina, and came home to find the house not in shambles.” He whispered, fearing that the good mood his father has will dissolve.

“Father, are you ok?” Damien asked. His father smiling unnerved him. Something about it felt really unnatural.

“Never felt better.” He responded too quickly for Damien’s liking. Jason was just poking his pancake with a fork. Alfred looked concerned, usually Jason loved eating anything and everything.

“ What is the matter Master Jason? Are the pancakes not to your liking?” The butler asked. Jason shook his head, then looked at Bruce with fierce determination burning in his eyes.

“Hey Bruce.” The man looked at the young boy feeling slightly apprehensive.

“Did having sex with Aunt Selina really feel that good?” Bruce immediately spits his drink. Tim was on the floor bawling, while Damien did his best to look unaffected, but ultimately snickered. Dick, being the innocent bean that he is, wonders out loud what sex is.

A blushing Bruce told his clueless son it meant nothing, while Alfred gave a disapproving look to the troublesome brat.

“Master Jason was that appropriate?” Before Jason could answer, Tim gave a ‘yes’ in response to the question. More laughter persisted as Alfred gave a dejected sigh, Dick being clueless, and Bruce wanting the earth to swallow him whole.

The phone left on the counter buzzed. Quirking an eyebrow, Alfred retrieves the phone for Bruce.

“Unknown number?” Bruce took the phone and accepted the call. He waited on the other line with baited breathe thinking it would be another spam caller. Instead a familiar feminine voice spoke.

“A-Are you Mr.Bruce? The one who needed a last minute babysitter? Selina told me that you were planning on making me a permanent one...”

“Ah Ms.Dupain-Cheng, did Selina give you my number?”

“Yes, sorry to call you so early.”

“Ah I wouldn’t worry about that. Anyways this is good timing, I need to talk to you about being a babysitter. I made sure to deliver you your check in the mail. You should have gotten it by now.” Shuffling was heard from Bruce’s line. And some crashing noises. Bruce was close to wincing.

“Ah um... si-sir y-you didn’t”

“Oh yes I did”

“But sir this is $10,000!!! Isn’t that much for babysitting two kids, well behaved ones at that?!?” The entire mansion echoed the laughter that came from the businessman.

“It’s because they behaved so well that I gave you that much, but now that I think about it. Perhaps I should give you three extra zeroes.” He replied. Now everyone was listening in on the conversation.

“NO! I-I mean, Monsier Wayne, please this is considered too much for a babysitting job, and for a day. Please I can’t accept this.” Bruce wasn’t having any of it.

“Oh no I insist you have been a great help. You have no idea how hard it is to manage those troublemakers.”

“You must be joking, the boys have been nothing but angels”

“ either way no take backs” Bruce stubbornly stated. The boys couldn’t pick up what Marinette said over the phone that was muffled by Bruce.

“Can you come at least once a week?” He asked. More muffled digital voices in. The boys gaped as their well respected father, fist-bumped to himself like a little kid getting the best thing in the world. Alfred had merely begun cleaning up after the Waynes.

“Yes you can cancel in advance if something comes up.” He answers

“Yes you can take the boys out, but make sure it is not passed 7.” Jason and Dick perked up at that. Even Damien had to do a double take on that. Tim was listening intently to every little tid-bit.

“You want to start by the beginning of next week?” Bruce asked to confirm.

“I would be glad to Monsieur Bruce.” Marinette finished.

“Please Ms.Dupain-Cheng call me Bruce.”

“Only if you call me Marinette.”

“Then it is settled, Marinette.”

“See you next week Mon- er - i mean B-Bruce.” And the call ended. Bruce was half tempted to do a happy dance, but after looking at his boys, decided not too.

“Now everyone, I expect you all to be in the bat cave by 8, we have another serious meeting to discuss. But right now. ‘Looks at wristwatch’ looks like I have to get going.” And off Bruce went. His kids could only stare as he took off in his very expensive looking car.

“Miss.M-Marinette is going to babysit us!” Squealed Dick while Jason grinned from ear to ear.

“I’m so gonna beat pixie-bob at ultimate mecha strike three!!!” Jason spoke determinately. Tim just sipped more of his coffee, realizing he’s gonna need another mug and walks to the kitchen to make some more.

“That harlot is simply humoring you two.” Damien answered, while looking away. Dick and Jason were clearly offended by that statement.

“YOU TAKE THAT BACK!” Dick screeched as he racked his older brother who was completely caught off guard.

“Yeah lil Dickie teach Demon Spawn a lesson!!!! Jason cheered from the sidelines, and Damien struggles to get the flexible boy of him. Dick eventually kicks Damien in the family jewels.

“Ahhhhhhh oh you are so gonna- eat shit Bitch!” As Jason threw a chair at the incompacitated Damien. The two younger boys fled the scene as a rather pissed off Damien got up. Alfred offered him an ice-pack and he reluctantly took it.

“When I get my hands on those two.” As he stormed off after his idiotic brothers.

...

...

...

“Tikki!!!!!!!!” The super heroine pleaded. The small goddess just gave her a look.

“Just take it in strive Marinette”

“But it’s $10,000!!!!! Don’t you think it’s too much!?!?”

“I don’t know, sounds to me like those boys were not so nice to begin with Mari” Mari scoffed. How could anyone think anything bad of Jason and Dick. They were absolute angels and totally adorable.

“Please Tikki, your just jealous.” The kwami just gave her a look, before muttering ‘clueless holders’

“I heard that!”

“That’s kind of the point!” The kwami sighed. It’s going to be quite the adventure.

[imthepunchlord]

Where can I find glora rosa au? Is it in development or just little here and there asks?

Development and the most of it is just through asks for now. There are only two snippets of it written out. 

First take on the idea. 

The origins. 

[jayphoenic]

Tumblr MLB Lila (Salt) Bashing Prompts/Fics Recommendations 3

The Other Diplomat Kid by @musicfeedsmysoul12

Sam Williams goes to Paris when their dad temporarily takes over the title of diplomat to get away from their grandfather. They end up meeting a girl everyone in the diplomat circle knows is a liar.

Fake Lila Rossi AU by @ladyanput

So it was that night that Lila approached this girl, befriended her, and later offered her a deal;

Lila would pay her handsomely for her services. To act as her double. Lila promises to pay for the plastic surgery, anything she needs to look exactly like Lila. Besides, who wouldn’t want to be one of the biggest influencers in Paris? The girl does the charity work, get down and dirty, get Lila a good image, while Lila enjoys the high life. But they plan in carefully so that the two are never seem at the same time, even if they were in different places.

Fortune Reversal by @cornholio4

They put their paws together and in unison used the incantation that activated the magic of the Fortune Reversal. Plagg let Tikki take the reigns as she turned Marinette’s fortune positive and jsut because she decided to be a petty Kwami she also decided to reverse the fortune of Lila.

Rate this (Trust is Hard to Come By) by @unmaskedagain

Lila looked honestly confused. She had missed something, and it was big. “What’s going on?”

Nino glared at the girl; his eyes red, tear streaks his face. “Those numbers tell the world how much Ladybug trusts you. Or how much she doesn’t,” He said darkly, thinking about his own number and his actions against the girl he once called his best friend. “And why.”

“The lower the number,” Adrien added. “The less she trust you.”

Remember some chapters are longer than others

(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*.✧

Taglist:

@lazyeasyaddict @aludhazie @lonestarfangirl2014 @gingerdaile @virgil-is-a-cutie @ive-tumbled-down-a-rabbit-hole @erb23 @miraculous-ladybug-stufff @thefullmetalfairy @im-tired-101 @rubybee5 @mewwitch @fantasyfandommaiden @mariloki4 @novicevoice @graduatedmelon @cheyj05 @sparklyaxolotlstudent @tails-of-a-dragon-rider @caycay-lee @crazylittlemunchkin @smartlanceisreal @lostinday @dagnysdawn @i-cant-think-of-one-meh @sassakitty @alicesangelofmusic @the-navistar-carol @wrecker-radioactive @toftbmh @whimsicalsandmusings @lugluh @ml-miraculouslady @unabashedbookworm @akittycat24stuff @sillyandquest @madd-kwami @naturegreenr @irontimetravelflower @starstruckstarlightpenguin @255940g @dreamer2 @staren3rgy101 @spottedbug @weirdness2020 @chaoticmistake

[charlietheepicwriter7]

Hey, Little Songbird

Chapter 24 - AO3

Adrien’s bodyguard stood outside Felix’s bedroom.

He wasn’t allowed to wander around the mansion; the bodyguard—who’s name Felix didn’t know despite the man working for the Agrestes for years—was there to make sure he didn’t escape.

Felix closed the door and paced up and down the length of the room.

What was he supposed to do now? So close to his goal, and yet so far. Gabriel wasn’t an idiot; after Felix robbed him the first time, he wouldn’t let his ring disappear the same way. It was probably hidden in a safe somewhere, but how was he supposed to find it when there was a guard with him the entire time? Could Felix wait until tomorrow, when the bodyguard had to take Adrien to school?

No, Nathalie would likely lock the door on him. Every lock in the mansion could be controlled remotely, as part of his uncle’s desperate need to control everything. He would have to wait to know for certain, but the door would likely be locked at night as well, giving the bodyguard a break.

Felix paused. So why was the bodyguard there right now? They could just lock him in his room and be done with him until dinner, not… whatever this is.

Did Gabriel expect something from him?

Well, Felix thought, sitting primely on his bed. Now he wasn’t going to do anything.

Felix wasted time until dinner on his phone. M. Henry had finally gotten back to him regarding the translation, asking Felix if he was alright in the email, which Felix understood once he read the diary. It was… a little disturbing, reading Rossi’s analysis of their classmates and theorizing lies that would specifically cater to their flaws. Rossi’s M.O. seemed to be lying about one little thing they wanted to get them hooked, then build up with promises—that she’d introduce them to someone, that she’d help them make it big, that she’d teach them to be like rockstars and celebrities. She wanted them dependent on her, protective of her so they’d one day get their investment back.

And then there was her lies about Ladybug and Marinette. Felix grouped the two together because Rossi did—in some passages it was like Rossi mistook one for the other. The hatred Rossi had for them disgusted Felix, it truly did. Felix didn’t really know Ladybug, but she seemed… alright, for someone who punched him in the face. To be far, he’d expected it, considering how he was trying to ruin Adrien’s reputation at the time. But the hero was perceptive and a generally good person by all accounts… if you didn’t count Rossi’s.

If you believed Rossi’s words, Ladybug was just a jealous showoff with a crush on Adrien, and Marinette was no better.

Felix closed the PDF before he got too angry, then forwarded the email to Cesaire. Hopefully she hadn’t blocked him yet, and was still willing to take down Rossi, even after he’d framed her. He hadn’t heard anything from Cesaire, which could be good and bad. But at least she hadn’t leaked his phone number to their classmates, so he didn’t have to deal with cyber harassment on top of everything else.

After a quick text to Marinette, informing her that he was okay, Nathalie fetched him for a family dinner. Gabriel seemed excessively angry at Felix, glaring and playing with his cravat, which Felix understood. He did punch his uncle’s cash cow in the face, after all. Dinner passed in stony silence, and when Felix was returned to his room, the locks clicked in place behind him.

With the knowledge that there was no one in the hall to check if he was still in his room, Felix turned to the windows. Despite Uncle’s numerous security measures, windows were his weak spot, as Felix and Adrien learned when they were children.

Gabriel would regret keeping Felix in his mansion, especially since Felix learned the position of all Gabriel’s security cameras years ago. Tonight, he’d find the safe. Lay low for a few days. And on the last night… Gabriel wouldn’t know what hit him.

Taglist: @graduatedmelon @novicevoice @dur55 @kris-pines04 @18-fandoms-unite-08 @moonlightstar64 @bee-a-garbage-shipper @sol-o-shade @kittyotakunoir666 @tinyterror333 @allieoftheenemy @marichat00 @xgxmxtx @two-faced-biatch @feliciakainzofspades @evil-cricket @emilytopaz @spicybelladonna @chocolateherringtacofan @user00000003 @wannajointhecrabcult @happymonster-pants @duquesapincarrasca  @throneoffirebreathingbitchqueen  @sxltinette @kittydemon9000 @thetrashypanda423 @unoriginalmess @toodaloo-kangaroo

[difx-writes]

Wildest Dreams - In the Death of the Night

Masterlist

After turning 10 and losing her soulmate, Marinette would imagine how Damian Wayne would be.

Would he be tall or short? Did he have blond hair or brown or did he dyed it? Would he be shy or have a bold personality? Perhaps he was an artistic soul, a poet, a writer? Or would he be a baker like her parents? Why did his last name change?

The wonders and questions took over her mind for days with no end.

On good days, she imagined how he would interact with her friends, how her parents would take him in as their own son, how he would fit into her life.

She liked to talk to him, pretending there, alive, with her. She asked his opinion on what to wear, how she should do her hair, what colors with go well with the design. He was her voice of reason. Talking to "Damian" brought a smile to her face, even when she knew she was deluding herself.

On bad days, she pretended he was right there with her, comforting her, encouraging her, whispering that everything would be alright... Sometimes it worked and she felt better the next days but most times she felt bitter, she felt robbed of a future where he was in her life.

The realization that the person she was supposed to share her soul with was no longer alive, that his death was painful, gruesome, and... lonely... It always ended with her taking a few days to prevent a breakdown...

When she turned 13, Hawkmoth appeared and Marinette became Ladybug, the hero of Paris.

Soon after, Marinette stopped talking with "Damian", she couldn't afford to wonder about him anymore. She couldn't afford the bliss of her own delusions. She couldn't afford to let herself grief and fall pray to Hawkmoth's manipulation.

As she couldn't fail Paris and its citizens, Damian Wayne mostly disappeared from her life.

But there were days when her “friends” demanded a lot from her, akumas were too violent and draining and everything was just too much, those the godawful days.

On godawful days she wished Damian was there to take her away to a place she could feel she belonged. Away from everything to a place she could call a home.

_______

Most nights Damian recalls a voice talking to him during the time he was dead.

His soulmate, he supposed, talked to him regularly, she started her day asking his opinion on her outfit for the day, when at home she would tell him how her day went, what she did with her friends, what she learned in class, etc...

At first, Damian was pretty much annoyed that he couldn't "rest in peace" with all the noise pollution but after a few weeks, he slowly started to tolerate her talking to him.

Unfortunately, he couldn't talk to her nor see her very clearly so it was a pleasant surprise when Marinette would ask his opinion to make a decision, she always picked what he chooses.

Perhaps it was their bond that allowed her to know what he was thinking without actually hearing each other's thoughts. Or maybe they were more in sync with one another. Most likely it was pure luck on her part. (Him being dead is enough proof of how bad his luck was.)

In the months he was dead, Damian learned a grand lot Marinette. He liked how she made him feel he wasn't alone, like how her voice calmed him when he remembered the family he left behind in his death. Marinette was his only lighthouse in the vast void of the afterlife

_______

Impotent, despair, and hopeless.

That's how Damian felt every time Marinette had to relive his death. He hated it so much. She didn't deserve that and it broke his heart every damn time.

Why did he have to die? Why did it have to be in such a painful way? Why did she have to feel it on repeat over and over and over again? Was it a twisted way the universe tried to make them reunited? If they can't find each other in life, then they can be together in death? That isn't right!

But it always hurts more when she wakes up and talks to him. Wondering if he was happy and in peace, in wherever place he ended up.

He was there but she didn't know.

He felt sick.

After being revived, Damian felt an immense sense of loss. Sure, he was kinda happy to reunite with his family and grateful for being alive again, but he missed her.

It was difficult to readjust to being alive again, it was crystal clear that Damian Wayne wasn't okay. What hurts him the most was how her name turned into a scar on his wrist.

During the day paranoia settled in making him always on high alert, lashing out when it got too much for him.

In the night, he couldn't sleep properly as a feeling of unease latched onto his every nerve and when he did sleep, nightmares plagued him.

Damian tried to calm down in various ways, but ultimately it was Marinette's voice that soothed him and lulled him to sleep.

It quickly became a habit to replay their one-sided conversations as he tries to fall asleep.

He went over what Marinette Dupain-Cheng spoke to him time and time again as to engrave her voice in his mind. Unfortunately, her voice was fading away, every time he recalled it, he hear his own voice.

At least some memories remained, which was relieving for Damian, even when important ones like what language she spoke or the name of her school were completely wiped out.

He never told his family his experience while he was dead, he guesses Jason was the most likely to know about it but he never brought it up to anyone, so Damian did the same.

Now he was lying in bed, remembering about the time Marinette tried embroidery for the first time.

She started by searching up what she wanted it to be and after much talking, she chose a Robin, Damian smile at the eagerness he felt for her to chose it. It was a fun day, with her making comments here and there about the work, he wishes he could see it.

A knock woke him up of his thoughts, Alfred emerging from the door.

"Master Damian, I'm here to inform you a guest will be joining us for tomorrow's dinner."

"Whose guest?" He didn't really feel like dealing with new people.

"It's Master Jason's guest."

Damian groans, perhaps he could go visit Kent.

"It would be in your best interest to participate, Master Damian." Alfred gave him a look.

He sighed, definitely can't miss tomorrow or he'll have to face Pennyworth.

So, I've written another chapter while listening to a sad song on repeat :') I know it doesn’t really connect to the last chapter but I wasn’t feeling okay and didn’t know how to continue from where I left off.

I hope y’all enjoyed this and have a nice day!

P.S.: The taglist is temporarily closed as some tags aren't working. Again, I'm very sorry if I missed anyone. If you no longer want to be tagged please hit me up.

Taglist:

@thestressmademedoit @moonlightstar64 @dast218 @moonystars14 @buticaaba @urbanpineapplefarmer @thedragonbug  @little-lady-bird @an-actual-changeling @ladybug-182 @ash-amg @g-arya @nnon-it-up @hateswifi @maribat-is-lifeblood @kikooaaaaaa @jessigurl-design @vixen-uchiha @acoursedprophetwithasmothie @snow-leopard-777 @theatreandcomicfreak @zalladane @fusser90 @finallyaniguana @danielslilangel @dreamykitty25 @corabeth11 @ellymae21 @books-and-left-behind-journals @hetalia-lover-is-here @dorkus-minimus @magic-miraculous @waywardpeachgardenshark @darkthunder1589 @jaggedheart11 @daminettes @todaylillypads @schrodingers25 @pheonixashtree @mikantsume @eliza-bich @miraculous-simmer7 @goblinwhoships @fidget-eep @rosalineandrosemary @lunarwolfspn @more-or-less-human-i-guess @aestheticnpoetic @amayakans @abrx2002 @karategirl119 @agentofscifi @flower-and-drawing @itsmeevie01 @suddenly-i-kin-oikawa @ii-fox-demon @thatonecroc @dawnwave16 @bigpicklebananatree @violentbisexualprophecywriter @scribblinggraveyard @heaven428 @toodaloo-kangaroo @ravennightingaleandavatempus @chylou34 @silvergold-swirl @magictragic-world @snowstar1016 @heldtogetherbysafetypins @awkwardoneout @novicevoice @thenillabean @bookishdork13 @laurcad123 @thezestywalru @k-poplunardreams @coloursforyourportrait @fandomsaremylifeline @goddessofthewestwind @captainmac6 @chocolatecatstheron @princessanimeangel11 @throneoffirebreathingbitchqueen @ur-beautiful-when-u-smile @batlover1303 @softlysobbingpostendgame @justconfusedperiod @clumsy-owl-4178 @bluesimani @iwritelikeimrunningoutoftime @kokotaru @totalyasexual @professionalfangirl1738 @nitholites @zestyzealot @pawsitivelymiraculous @autiegirlshit @raz-b-rose @thanks-captain-obvious @emilytopaz @nightstarblue @2confused-2doanything @niknak-3 @blackroserelina @fortunatelyoptimisticdeer @ira-sairain @pepelachanel @naimena @iloveitwhen @disneyfoxuniverse @ur-average-reader @lylshyt @jerusalemandolives @anonymously-odd @southamericanghotamite @a-star-with-a-human-name @we-want-mini-mini @literallytryingmybestbutok @alenee13 @animegirlweeb @our-preciousss @prudencerika @byronsacademics @ivymala07 @shamefullove @susiej1118 @technicallyburninggarden @sentimentalcrap @ertyzeta @tomanyfandomsonmymind @starmist19 @synnesstra @nokia75 @swiftie-miraculer13 @solideogloria172 @a-door-into-my-mind @road-work-ahead123 @madking-warqueen @caseoftheblues @buginetye @ihavehomeworkbutistillhere @i-wanna-go-to-outerspace @insane-fangirl-of-everything @ultimatetornshipper @chaoticstarworld @adrestar @wolf-for-life @blacktea-ba @pinkk-sheep @autiegirlshit @chocolateherringtacofan @blackroserelina @samopotahto @blur-of-colours @stainedglassm @redbullgivescaswings @khneltea @amigotasbien @sdg-demachera @alyssadeliv @greatcatblaze @raesofmoonlight @galla02006 @sunflowers-and-mooncakes @novaloptr @qualitypeacepainter @solangelo252 @unnamed2357 @thespianlesb @mildlydeadly @yuriyuhitsu @hewantedbeefintheparkinglot @literaryhiraeth @luna025 @henie04 @trashesa @castle-bookworms-world

[rosesgonerogue]

Finding You (Again)

Chapter Three

Masterlist

Marinette

Marinette bounced in and out of consciousness, but nothing about consciousness made her want to lengthen her stay. Wherever she was it was dark, and everything around her rattled and shook, the constant drone of an engine too oppressive for Marinette to even form a thought. She was tied up, and her muscles screamed from the unnatural position she was in, but she couldn’t do anything but fall into yet another fit of dreamless sleep. 

She was awake when the engine finally stopped, giving her hazy mind enough room to decide that it was probably safer to pretend she was still asleep. It sounded like there were only two men, and metal screeched on metal when they opened the door to whatever they were holding her in. They spoke in a language Marinette couldn’t even identify at the moment, and then rough, meaty hands yanked her away, slinging her over a shoulder. 

Taking a risk, Marinette barely opened a single eye, taking in where she was. The angle was atrocious, Marinette couldn’t see anything. The ground was concrete, and with a sinking heart she could identify the landing gear of a plane - she knew nothing aside from the fact that she was probably incredibly far from home. 

Reaching up slowly, Marinette gently touched her earrings. They were still there, which meant that even if Tikki weren’t there right then, she would find Marinette one way or another. 

Again laying completely still, she allowed herself to be carried to wherever the destination was. The longer she was carried, the more Marinette’s mind cleared from whatever drug they’d used. 

After a lengthy walk, they were able to enter into a building. She didn’t dare open her eyes again, but based on the sound of the men’s footsteps it was a wooden floor. She was especially jostled as they went down a flight of stairs. 

It took every ounce of Marinette’s self control not to react when  door opened and she was unceremoniously dumped onto the cold concrete floor. 

She fought to keep her breathing even when unfamiliar footsteps approached. “She’s still asleep?” 

“Yes, of course.” 

Marinette focused on breathing normally despite the fact that Talia al Ghul was definitely now in the room with her. Using her breathing to distract herself and keep her body limp, Marientte nearly yelped when an icy hand grasped her lower face. 

The hand tilted her head this way and that, Marinette’s neck crying out at the injustice of being abused in this way. 

“Pathetic, this is who my son has chosen? I would have hoped that I raised him well enough to choose more wisely than a frail little girl.” 

“What is our plan for her, Ma’am?” 

Talia was silent for a tense moment. “It’s time for my son to come reclaim his birthright. If this is what it takes to bring him home, so be it.” 

“But will he know it’s you that took the girl?” 

“If he doesn’t I would be sorely disappointed. After all, I’m being more than generous - a month is more than enough time for him to find her. If he can’t then all that will be left for him to find will be her head.” 

A shiver ran down Marinette’s spine, and she could’ve cried from relief when Talia stepped away. The nearly imperceptible sound of her retreating was an immense relief to Marinette, but when Talia spoke again everything in her tensed. 

“I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to tell you my secondary motive - you couldn’t hurt me if you tried,” she said, every syllable somehow deadly. “My son has been working closely with the wielder of the Ladybug Miraculous. With all of the teamwork his father has doubtlessly used to indoctrinate him, he’s likely going to bring her along. Taking the jewel will be child’s play - they’ll bring it to us. From there, getting the Black Cat Miraculous will be almost effortless. He’s a reckless one, especially without his Lady to temper him.” 

Marinette could feel her fingernails digging into her palms - she was fairly sure she drew blood. Even after Talia had completely gone, Marinette laid there, hands clenched and virtually motionless. She laid there for what felt like years until Tikki’s tiny voice said, “It’s safe now, Marinette.” 

Slowly Marinette sat up, every muscle in her body aching. Voice hoarse, she whispered, “Where are we, Tikki?” 

“I don’t know, Marinette. I knew I needed to stay with you and stay hidden, and that meant I couldn’t see anything. We were on that plane for a long time, though.” 

Marinette tried to swallow, but she didn’t have enough saliva for the action to accomplish anything. “What do we do?” 

“I’d love to tell you to transform and break out of here, but-”

“We can’t expose my identity, especially since they want the Miraculous,” Marinette finished. It was an issue Marinette had faced since she’d relocated to Gotham. It wouldn’t have taken Tim to connect the dots between Ladybug, the Parisian superheroine, and MDC, Parisian fashion designer. So, with the help of Kaalki and the Justice League, Ladybug went global. It was well known that she had an especially close working relationship with Batman and company, but she frequently worked with others as well. 

“It’s worse than that, Marinette,” Tikki said gravely. “Do you remember when Damian told you about the Lazarus Pits?” 

Marinette froze. “No, Tikki. Please tell me it isn’t what I think.” 

“They’re old enough that my memory is hazy - being used with Plagg to grant wishes does that - but the Lazarus Pits are the result of a Miraculous wish. The al Ghul family knows what the Miraculous are and what they can do, and they’re dangerous enough on their own.” 

“Did you get any impression that they suspect me?” Marinette asked, almost unwillingly. 

“No, they don’t suspect you’re a wielder, and definitely not the Guardian. But they know that Damian goes on almost every mission Ladybug goes on. Talia hopes that Damian will join then, like you heard, but Ra’as doubts it. Ra’as wants to use Damian to get information out of Ladybug if he doesn’t join the League of Assassins.” 

Snippets of the things Damian had told her about Ra’as al Ghul filtered through her mind, and the seriousness of her situation finally sank in. She barely registered she was shaking until Tikki patted her hand, eyes filled with concern. Marinette smiled the worst smile of her life, and she knew Tikki could see right through it. 

With a voice trembling just as much as her smile, Marinette said, “It’ll be okay, Tikki. Damian will come.”

“Of course Marinette. Nothing would stop Damian.” 

“Nothing,” she repeated, almost in an effort to convince herself.

Taglist: @tbehartoo @kris-pines04 @thesunanditsangel @constancetruggle @thequeenofpotatoeunicornss @rosalineandrosemary @novicevoice @momothefemur  @theymakeupfairies @maskedpainter @mystery5-5 @dast218 @tip-tap-tired @zerotosiki @rebecarojas07 @bookgirl14 @certainmuffinbagelcalzone @lookatthestars1 @swiftie-miraculer13 @qualitypeacepainter

Note:  Surprise! I'm not dead! And if you're invested in my other stories, don't worry! They're not being abandoned, I'm just in the middle of grad school. They will be updated eventually.

[dandelionflower]

Felinette Month Day 14

Shakespeare

“Hey there, Romeo.” She didn’t even look up from her sewing.

“It tore again.” Felix said, setting a jacket on her desk.

Marinette froze, looking up at him. “You tore it again. For the third time this week alone.” Her eyes were cloudy with rage.

“I told you, I didn’t tear it. I left it in my locker and it tore on its own. Probably your shoddy craftsmanship.” It was odd, actually expressing the cutting comments he usually bit down to maintain his composed demeanor. But Marinette… she brought something out in him, and he hated it.

They were partners in their drama class. Assigned partners, heaven knows he wouldn’t choose that bleeding heart even if she was Shakespeare himself. They agreed that Felix would do Romeo’s famous monologue, and Marinette would make his costume. This way they would have as little interaction as necessary.

At least, that was the idea.

His jacket kept tearing, time and time again. He would leave it alone for two minutes and when he came back the seams unraveled.

He couldn’t believe “fashion prodigy” Marinette Dupain-Cheng couldn’t sew a simple jacket. He tried to approach the subject delicately, but after the third time he was just annoyed.

“Maybe if you put a little care into something that wasn’t yourself, this wouldn’t keep happening.” She bit back, returning to her sewing. “Leave it here, I’ll have it done in a bit.”

“The show is tomorrow.”

“Yeah. I’m aware.” She glared at him. “Which is why you should have taken better care of it.”

“I did. It was in a bag, in another bag, in my locked locker.”

“Well, it wasn’t enough. I’ll keep ahold of it until tomorrow.”

“I don’t need to be treated like a child.”

“Then stop breaking things like one.”

He didn’t growl. Not at all.

-

Marinette scurried around backstage, looking for Felix. Of course he’d be so self absorbed and distracted that he forgot the jacket he’d been complaining about all week. Sure, it wasn’t her best work, but it wasn’t her fault by any means that he kept ripping the seams.

And he had the gall to blame her for it! Her seams were perfect; Felix didn’t know what he was talking about.

Speaking of Felix, where was he?

He was meant to go on in ten minutes, he should at least be backstage.

“Alya. Where is he?”

Her eyes widened and she pointed a trembling finger at Felix who was brushing off his impeccable costume and checking over his lines.

“Felix!” He jolted. “Jacket. Come here.”

He must have seen her barely contained rage written across her face, because he obediently walked over and accepted the jacket.

She walked around him, observing every part of his outfit, when her eye snagged on his shirt. The fit was all wrong, and there was no chance Marinette would let anyone, even Felix, walking out in something so atrocious.

She stepped forwards, and immediately went to work.

“W-what are you doing?” He looked down from where she was scrutinizing his shirt, but she payed him little mind.

“Fixing it. Keep reading.” She grunted, pulling out a tiny sewing kit from her bag. “Hold this.”

Nine minutes later, he looked perfect and Marinette shoved him onstage with a grin and a “don’t mess this up for us!”

He almost stumbled when she shoved him, she was a little guilty about that, but he turned it into an easy stride, a lovelorn expression turning his features from “angry substitute teacher” into something more... attractive.

No. No, check that. Marinette would never find Felix attractive. Ever.

His voice drifted from the stage to the audience with ease, every word clear and filled with emotion.

Marinette found herself taken with the scene, leaning against the wall and picturing Felix in a garden of sorts, on his knees, taking her hands in his with a shining smile...

Nope. No. Nuh-uh. Not attractive.

But she had to admit, he was a good actor.

-

Felix laced anxiously beside the curtain. It was ten minutes until he went on stage, where was Marinette with that jacket?

Of course, she would be tardy on top of being clumsy.

He huffed. The show must go on, one way or another. He didn’t have time to worry about her. Felix had to practice his lines one last time.

“Felix!” And there she was, with her usual disregard for any social cues.

She handed him the jacket without many words other than “Jacket. Come here.” How eloquent.

She paced around him as he continued to read his lines, though most of his effort was going towards ignoring her.

Suddenly, she leaned close to his chest, grabbing at his shirt and sticking a few pins into it.

“W- what are you doing?” Too close. Too close.

“Fixing it. Keep reading.” A hand rifled through her bag and she handed him a small case. “Hold this.”

Am I supposed to hold this, or keep reading? You can’t just give two contradicting commands like that. He bit down the reply; Marinette was in a state he was certain would become terrifying if he was to shock her out of it.

Finally, just as he needed to go onstage, she finished and shoved him into the spotlight.

He just barely stumbled, but he resolved to yell at her for that afterwards. For now, he let a dreamy smile take over his face and threw himself into the monologue.

Marinette really was infuriating, but he had to admit, seeing her so focused, so dedicated to fixing his shirt before his performance, it was admirable, and the concentrated expression she had was almost cute.

No. No, not that. Anything but that. Marinette Dupain-Cheng was many things, but she was not cute.

He turned his thoughts to something more appropriate for the monologue he was delivering. His Juliet.

They would be in a garden, having walked and joked for a long period of time, before he turned to face her. He would murmur the words to her, replacing Juliets name for hers, cradling her face in his hands as he stared into those sparkling bluebell eyes.

No. No. Negative. He did not find Marinette cute.

But he had to admit, she was a good seamstress.

@felinettenovember @novicevoice

[black-streak]

Little Pistol - The Investigation

Chapter 14

First Previous Next

I'm really trying to continue this, I promise. I know the updates are rare and spaced, but I promise this isn't being abandoned. Please let me know of any changed usernames so I can update the taglist, assuming you still want to be tagged. Song by Sugarcult.

Highly recommend listening to the song, it's so fitting for the inner turmoil here.

Permanent list

@naoryllis @throneoffirebreathingbitchqueen @my-name-is-michell @maribat-is-lifeblood @dast218 @novicevoice @shizukiryuu @princess-of-fangirls @bigpicklebananatree @pirats-pizzacanninibles @abrx2002 @breemeister @darkthunder1589 @thestressmademedoit @severelyenchantedwonderland @isabellemasen @multi-fandom-freak0221 @fantasyloversblog @bzz75 @cloudiedraws @orbitsvt @gingerdaile @sotheresthatthought @kadmeread @novaloptr @unabashedlyswimmingtimemachine @crazylittlemunchkin @18-fandoms-unite-08 @tiny-goddess-of-chaos @ladybug-182 @toodaloo-kangaroo @the-alice-of-hearts @vixen-uchiha @changelinggarden @unrepentantgeek

LP Taglist

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~---~

Jason's hesitance in the doorway was noticeable as Tim led the silent lady into the living room of their safehouse in the Coventry. This particular location chosen for its proximity not only to their base of operations, but the rooftop he'd originally pinned their guest to. Their guest truly was silent too, not only from lack of speaking, but the movement of her clothing, her steps, her shifting weight all completely muted into nothingness. Had he not felt her solid wrist within his grip, Tim could easily pass her off as a ghost. Even still, the life form trailing him felt haunting. A sense of foreboding laying like a thick blanket over the room.

Coming to a stop in front of an armchair, he pressed down on her shoulder, watching as she complied, body lowering into the chair while maintaining perfect eye contact. The whisper of what wanted to be a smile stayed on her lips as she settled, as though they were old friends meeting over afternoon tea. It put him on edge. 

She shouldn't feel so comfortable with both of them closed in on her, anonymity on the verge of collapse as they scrutinized her every move. 

Tim waved Jason off as the other reached for a set of ropes.

"Don't bother, she can escape them."

He seemed to mull the words over before narrowing them down to their based meaning, "You're saying she chose to be captured."

"Yes."

Their guest's eyes flashed in mild amusement before settling back into the blank void of almost smiling. It was creepy, like a porcelain doll come to life for a flicker of a second only to make you second guess if it ever happened at all the next. 

"Why isn't she talking? She seemed to have plenty to say before," Jason squinted at her, keeping a reasonable distance, one hand hovering over his left holster.

Tim shook his head, "She responded to one question, then ignored the rest."

"Huh. So like a puzzle then."

"What." Tim deadpanned.

"No no, hear me out," Jason waved his hands about, seemingly catching the lady's attention as she followed the motion, "she answered one question, right?"

"Yes?" He folded his arms, waiting to see where Jay was going with this.

"So it's not that she won't respond to anything. Only to things she decides are worth answering. Whether that means things she sees as important or just too noteworthy to pass up, I'm not sure, but she seemed pretty quick to jump on Bat-wannabe and demon spawn's case, so I'm hedging towards the latter here."

A startled giggle makes both men snap their head towards the cause.

"Demon Spawn," she mumbles, earning a grin from Jason and an eye roll from Tim. Jason was just grateful he'd forgone the helmet tonight so she could see the positive reaction.

"Definitely the latter then," Tim sighed, reaching to rub his eyes, only to drop his hand back down at the reminder of the mask pressed to his fingers.

"Easy peasy then," Jason sat on a crate normally used as a makeshift table in the barren apartment, unbothered by the way it made his knees knock into the lady's.

"Sure. Easy."

"Yeah, all we gotta do is intrigue her enough to want to talk to us. And that can't be too difficult, otherwise she wouldn'ta bothered talking to begin with, isn't that right, sweetheart?" He leaned towards her with a friendly smile. One that wasn't returned.

"Yeah, seems to be working wonders," Tim mocked.

"Just give me a sec, I haven't even tried," he waved Tim off, focusing on the figure before him, "so, you seem pretty calm considering the circumstances. That got more to do with your confidence in your abilities to escape or more an interest in being captured?"

Silence.

"Were you hoping we'd use the ropes? I could bring them back if you're into that kind of thing."

More silence.

"What's got you tongue tied anyhow? See something you like?"

Dead silence only this one came with a delicately raised eyebrow and a glance in Tim's direction, as if to say, 'He always this cocksure?'

Jason lept on the action even still.

"Oh, he got your interest back there? I guess that makes sense since you talked to him first. That reminds me, how'd you react so fast when that lowlife got that lucky swipe in, anyhow? Unless you were already there?"

Her eyes slowly drifted back over to him at the lack of speech from the other, not reacting even to the callout.

"Feel free to dazzle us at any time," Tim called over.

Her lips twitched up.

"Oh, I see. Only willing to interact with little red then?"

A head tilt.

"What about demon spawn? Anything to say about him? Or what about big brother pretender?"

Her eyes snapped up to his, narrowed and... calculating?

"Think I struck a chord?" He turned towards Tim who only shrugged only to be wrenched back to focus as a tiny hand gripped his arm tightly, the previously complacent figure now tilted forward and staring him down with a hard look, flickering over his face as though the mask wasn't even there. Before he could even twist her arm away, she murmured out, "You're the second Robin, aren't you?"

Oh. Maybe calling Dick their big brother even jokingly was a mistake. Oh well, too late now,  and what did it really matter if she knew? Not as though it connected back to his civilian form.

"Yeah. You figured that out pretty quickly."

"Faked your death? To get away?" She asked, voice gruff and heavily accented.

"Died and brought back. Weird magic shit. Almost lost a bit of me on the way back."

"Should you be telling her that?" Tim bit out.

"What's it matter if I do? What's she going to do with that? She's not even from this country. Besides, you want her to trust us enough to talk, might as well instill a little trust in return, ya know? Not like we're interrogating her, otherwise you woulda taken over by now," Jason eased Tim again, his own words sparking his own thoughts back into motion, "Which reminds me, you travel here the normal way? Cause it'll be pretty easy to look up young women who've traveled here from France."

"Weird magic shit," was the deadened response.

"Touché."

"Why's your voice so hoarse?" Tim asked, finally moving forward to rejoin the conversation fully, only to watch her rub her throat.

"Not much of a talker?" Tim continued, meeting her eyes, "how long since you held a full conversation with someone then? Days? Weeks? Months?" Her eyes flickered, "Months then? Why? Why not talk? Why talk to us now?"

Her entire figure seemed to droop, caving into itself and finally she responded to him directly, "I'm alone."

While Jason seemed confused, it's like she struck something deep within Tim. Something that understood. That wanted to reach out and contradict her just so they could both be wrong.

And right as he reached out to do just that, the seat beneath her opened up in a pool of black ink that dragged her under only to close back up, leaving his hand outstretched towards an empty chair.

"Fuck, now I'm even more confused," Jason groused, standing up and kicking away the crate as he went.

"Yeah…"

[goddessofspunk]

Catfamily

Thanks to {•.•} on Ao3 we have a title for part 2 of Paris meets Selina Kyle!

<<Previous Masterpost Next>>

-So Selina now has her 2 wonderful children she adopted

- She decides to stay in Paris for a bit and teach them how to fight because honestly these were kids

- Of course she insisted on the whole you need to support each other as civilians to be a better team so identity reveal!

- That kind of killed their crushes on another because Adrien is Chat and Ladybug was Marinette

- So know that they know they have fully embraced their chaos child personalities and are living life well

- Of course then Lila decides to start her whole smear campaign of Marinette and Adrien is like nope not my sister

- Selina also gets another Kitten when Chloe joins in the Catfamily (because Chloe deserves a redemption arc)

- Queen Bee is also back in commission after heroes day due to a lot of miraculous magic and using the name Abeille

-Luka and Kagami are inducted to the Cat family shortly after

- The Catfamily is also considering Nino, Alix, Kim, and Max for possible membership due to them having seen the light

- And part time miraculous users Kagami and Luka are also being considered

- All in all the heroes of Paris are now Selina's kids and she now has a magical artifact that turns her into a cat hero

-She loves being the holder of the Tiger miraculous!

- Selina decides it's time for Bruce to meet his new step children

Selina- Brucie guess what? I took in a couple of strays!

Bruce- That's nice Selina, what type of cat are they?

Selina- Only one of them is a cat. A nice black cat to be precise.

A bewildered Bruce- Wait did you adopt a dog?

A delighted Selina who is acting like she is an offended Victorian maiden- Heavens no! I adopted children Bruce! To think you thought I would adopt a dog of all things! I thought you knew me!

Dick who just fell out of the celling- You adopted what!

Jason and Tim who fell out of the clock- She what!

Barbra, Stephanie, and Duke who are in the now open doorway- Children!

Cass signing- Congratulations!

Damian as he steps over Jason and Tim who are on the floor- Honestly Father you really thought she would adopt a dog?

-Cue a bunch of shenanigans as Adrien, Marinette, and Chloe meet their step-bat-family

-Marinette and Chloe totally drag their fashion choices with Adrien adding in occassionaly

-Bruce is appalled to find out Selina know has a magical cat artifact along with a hero identity that is protected by magic! And apparently she has magical powers now? Who thought that was a good idea? And why is she a magic cat hero!?!

-As you can see Bruce is not taking this new development well but his children are exited about the whole magical powers bit

-Damian likes all three of his new step siblings since they have their own city and hero legacies and won't take his

-Also Marinette makes amazing pastries and appreciates his drawings, he and Chloe have a mutual respect, and he can appreciate Agreste's fondness for felines and can you talk to them?

-The rest of the Batfamily  love their new French step siblings too

Anyway I am so sorry it has taken me so long to update. Everything has been so crazy since Covid started, but now it has calmed down a lot soo. Anyway I hoped you enjoyed part 2 of Selina in Paris! Happy Valentine’s Day guys!

Aella <3

Edit I totally forgot to add the tag list when I first posted this

Tag List

@g-arya @maribat-is-lifeblood @trashystar420 @novicevoice @dreamykitty25 @loveswifi @zotinha456

[jayphoenic]

Maribat Masterlist of Masterlists

Masterlist by @arty-shadow-morningstar

Contents are Daminette's, Bio Dad! John Constantine, Bridgette switching, Platonic Jasonette, Platonic Brucinette, and a Stephanie x Marinette.

Waiting for the Worms Masterpost by @black-streak

This is one big fic about soulmate Jasonette where they can switch bodies. Guess who was in Jason's body when the Joker killed 'him'.

ML x DC Masterlist by @artxyra

Containing Mari/Adribat, Mominette, Klepto! Mari, Psychologist Mari, Sibling Brucinette, Daminette and many more.

Maribat Master List by @astrynyx

Containing Timari/Timinette, Daminette, and art.

Masterpost by @soulmate-game

There are Bio Dad! Stephen Strange, Bio Dad! Bruce Wayne, Bio! Dad John Constantine, Adopted by the Kents, Bio Dad & Mom! Joker and Harley, and many more.

Remember some chapters are longer than others

(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*.✧

Taglist:

@multplelifes @maribatcrossoveronly @elijahcrevan @soros14vox @anime-rae @kamenrider10123 @fic-holder @alexizlazy @miniaturealmonddreamzine @creampuff-mlbfics-finished @jayjayspixiepop @doll246 @thanos-rules @moonreaper25 @lexx-ee @ghostmaster83 @mysticprofessoralienhumanoid @megawhitleycalderonpaganus @kking13 @ritacrow-blog @lostinday @thewackest @pepelachanel @hemeraandnyxx @sureagain @novicevoice

[charlietheepicwriter7]

Hey, Little Songbird

Chapter 25 - AO3

An objective observer would call the security of the Agreste Manor flawless. The alarms, the sensors, the guard dogs, the cameras: all preciously poised to keep people out as well as in. in theory, Felix was a rat in a trap.

In theory.

Jimmying the window open with a knife he stole from dinner, he smushed a chewed piece of gum over the sensor as it was revealed, nestled against the side of the frame, never giving it time to set the alarm off. The sensor was designed to be unobtrusive at the cost of efficacy; Gabriel was paranoid, but he didn’t want anyone to know he was paranoid, so the sensor only triggered the alarm if it was fully uncovered.

Felix crept out onto the window ledge, years of gymnastics keeping him light on his feet. Tucked under the eaves of the house, out of sight of the security cameras pointed out at the grounds, he eased past darkened windows and balconies. Gabriel’s office was a floor above and around a corner, with a trellis covered in flowering vines between the two. Normally, a trellis wouldn’t support your weight, but Felix knew, from his childhood spent in and out of the manor, that it was anchored into the wall so that cleaners had access to the roof without the need for unsightly ladders.

He climbed the trellis, crushing ivy and flowers underfoot even though he could avoid hurting them, taking a perverse pleasure in killing them. They were only alive to keep up the perfect appearance of the manor. Eventually, they would die because of him, and then Gabriel would have to fork out thousands to replace plants.

Gabriel’s office window was more elaborate than Felix’s own guest window, with violet stained-glass butterflies all over. But Gabriel skimped on the security. There were no sensors, no cameras pointed at the glass. But there was an alarm. Gabriel had explained to him and Adrien when they were children that it was merely to alert him if the window was opened, so that no one could fall out. And while Felix thought it was strange, to only have an alarm on it, it was convenient. It only went off if he opened the window.

So Felix broke the glass instead.

Felix dropped in, shattered glass glinting in the moonlight from the broken window. The office looked no different from his memories when he and Adrien would stand side by side, bonded together in whatever mischief Gabriel was lecturing them over. Those years were long gone, and Felix ignored those lingering feelings in favor of the safe hidden behind his aunt’s painting.

The combination was their wedding anniversary. Felix gagged at the sappiness—as if his uncle didn’t have something to do with Aunt Emilie’s disappearance, as if he actually cared—but at least in meant Gabriel was consistent. The safe swung open.

A medley of treasures filled the safe. Felix recognized a few, like the pretty brooch Auntie used to wear, but others were more… eccentric. Like the salt encrusting the bottom of the safe. Felix snooped through several empty vials, crusted with an old, long-evaporated liquid, and crystals the size of his fist. An old book with a maroon cover leaned against the side, it’s title gibberish to Felix, with a Celtic knot on its front. There was a long black box, locked even inside the safe, and a lock of long, blonde hair inside a velvet bag.

He’d expected more. Corporate documents, evidence of secret dealings, something he could use to blackmail Gabriel. Not… weird cult stuff.

Finally, in the back, there was a telltale glint of silver.

He grabbed it, and slid his aunt’s wedding band onto his pointer finger, the diamond inset shining in the dim light.

“What do you think you’re doing here?”

Taglist: @graduatedmelon @novicevoice @dur55 @kris-pines04 @18-fandoms-unite-08 @moonlightstar64 @bee-a-garbage-shipper @sol-o-shade @kittyotakunoir666 @tinyterror333 @allieoftheenemy @marichat00 @xgxmxtx @two-faced-biatch @feliciakainzofspades @evil-cricket @emilytopaz @spicybelladonna @chocolateherringtacofan @user00000003 @wannajointhecrabcult @happymonster-pants @duquesapincarrasca  @throneoffirebreathingbitchqueen  @sxltinette @kittydemon9000 @thetrashypanda423 @unoriginalmess  @toodaloo-kangaroo        

[rosesgonerogue]

Finding You (Again)

Chapter Four

Masterlist

Damian

After the first three days, Damian didn’t go home again. Every time he walked in and she wasn’t there felt like he was being stabbed, so he just stopped going. He still had the security system synced with his phone, and he couldn’t stop himself from checking it immediately whenever it gave any sort of update. 

Instead, Damian sulked around Wayne Manor, doing anything he could contrive to stop thinking about Marinette. He trained a lot - in fact, training took up the bulk of his time, leaving him to systematically rip various training dummies limb from limb. After a week of this, he felt…  feral. His family gave him a healthy amount of space, as evidenced by the fifteen foot radius they were giving him as they watched him dispatch yet another dummy, this time with his katana. 

When the practice dummy had been sufficiently reduced to scraps, he breathed deeply. Irked by the feeling of being scrutinized, he growled, “I can tell you all have something to say. What is it?”

They all traded glances before Babs finally said, “We’re worried about you, Damian.” 

“Shocking,” Damian said, punctuating the work with a sharp kick to the dismembered dummy laying on the ground. 

“Little D, you’re not okay,” Dick said from where he was perched. “You haven’t been this moody and angry since you were a teenager.” 

Before Damian could give an appropriately caustic reply, Jason spoke up. “Come on, Dick, let’s stop pussyfooting around the issue. You screwed up, Demon Spawn, and while you’re throwing a temper tantrum we haven’t heard from Marinette.” 

Hurt and anger flared in Damian’s chest, and the bottled up emotions from every day Marinette didn’t return broke free in the form of a wild punch thrown at his older brother’s face. It was a crazed, desperate punch that Jason caught without difficulty. Using the grip on Damian’s hand, Jason hauled him forward. “Listen here, you little -” 

“Let him go, Master Jason,” Alfred said, inserting himself between the two. “The situation will not be improved with violence, as Master Damian has demonstrated with these dummies.” 

“Thank you, Alfred,” Damian said, sharply pulling his hand away from Jason. “Now you can all kindly stay out of my marriage.” 

“With all due respect, Master Damian, we have been staying out of your marriage, but we have some serious concerns that you will listen to.” 

“I don’t know where Marinette is, so you can all save your breath,” Damian spat.

“We don’t know where she is either,” Babs said seriously. “We didn’t want to overstep our bounds, but Marinette hasn’t picked up her phone since she left, we found it being sold in a back alley.” 

“Her tracking chip isn’t showing up at all, and that sucker was embedded in her arm,” Drake added. “It should be able to track her anywhere in the world, and a little ways beyond it.” 

“Tom and Sabine haven’t seen or heard from her, and neither have her friends,” Bruce said seriously.

“Th-they haven’t?” Damian asked, his anger slowly being replaced by fear.

“She hasn’t finished a single commission,” Babs added. “I had to hack her website to send refunds and explanations to each of her customers.” 

“Ladybug also hasn’t been seen anywhere in the world that we can find. Besides, Marinette has never been the kind to just leave without saying a word to anyone. We don’t want to pry into your marriage, but we love you and we love Marinette. Something is wrong.” 

With every word his family spoke, Damian felt reality crashing down on him. All the worry and loneliness he’d been smothering with anger felt suffocating. He couldn’t hear anything above the sound on his heartbeat drumming in his ears. A million different possibilities swam through his mind - Marinette, cold and alone. Marinette, trapped and desperate. 

Marinette dead.

That image brought everything to a screeching halt. As much as he wanted to give into his emotions, Damian needed to act. Breathing deeply, he attempted to organize his chaotic thoughts.

“Tim, Babs, I need you two to look at all of the security footage of the night she disappeared. When she needs to think, she usually takes Fifth Street home so she has a longer walk. Jason and Stephanie, you two go search possible routes to my house for any kind of evidence. Dick… Dick, will you come look in my house for any evidence?”

He hated the way his voice shook when he said the last part, but his oldest brother simply put a hand on his shoulder. “We’re here to help, Little D. I’ll do whatever you need me to do.” 

With that, everyone sprang into action, worry etched into their faces. Damian didn’t speak a single word on the way over to his house, despite his brother’s best efforts. A million more possibilities swam through his head, torturing him with all of the possibilities of what might have happened to her. 

His heart twisted in his chest when they got to his house. Again, Damian found that he couldn’t name the emotions racing through him. If he were going to attempt describing what he was feeling while looking at his house, he would liken it to being in a funeral home - it was somewhere designed to be warm and inviting, but it was just cold and oppressively silent. 

The house was still, undisturbed. It smelled slightly musty, but it looked exactly as it had been the last time he’d walked in. 

“She didn’t make it home that night,” Damian said almost immediately. 

“How do you know?”

“The morning of she forgot that fabric - she was going to come home for it during her lunch break, but an emergency repair came in for her and she didn’t have time. She had big plans for that fabric, and she never would have left it unfolded on the floor like that.” 

“She is neurotic about her fabric,” Dick said, nodding sagely. 

Seeing the fabric strewn across the floor bothered Damian more than it probably should have. While his brother started to search the house, Damian couldn’t help but snatch the fabric and carefully fold it. He’d barely placed it on the couch when the door crashed open, a huge form bustling in. 

“Bad news, Damian,” Jason said, thrusting something towards Damian’s face. 

It was so close to his eyes that it took a second to adjust so he could see what it was, but when he did take it in, the blood drained from his face. It was a dart, a dart that he and Jason recognized immediately. 

“Mother.” 

Note:  So it's been a minute, but I only have two weeks left of the semester and then I should have exponentially more time to write. Thank you all for your support and patience, I really appreciate it!

Taglist: 

@tbehartoo @kris-pines04 @thesunanditsangel @constancetruggle @thequeenofpotatoeunicornss @rosalineandrosemary @novicevoice @momothefemur  @theymakeupfairies @maskedpainter @mystery-5-5 @dast218 @tip-tap-tired @zerotosiki @rebecarojas07 @bookgirl14 @certainmuffinbagelcalzone @lookatthestars1 @swiftie-miraculer13 @qualitypeacepainter @redbullgivescaswings @toodaloo-kangaroo @kking13 @buginetye

[dessarious]

Misconceptions, Miscommunication, and Misinformation Pt97

AO3   Beginning   Previous   Next

Ladybug watched Mme. Agreste’s expression carefully. It went from confusion, to recognition, to anger. Well that wasn’t a good sign.

“Where’s Gabriel?” The absolute fury in her tone actually made Ladybug take a step back and she was a little relieved when Discorde stepped between them. This was not the reaction she expected.

“He’s in jail awaiting trial.” The woman’s eyes narrowed.

“He’d better pray they convict him and keep him there. If I ever see him without bars between us he’ll be missing body parts.” Ladybug shared a look with Discorde but her partner looked just as confused as she was. Adrien looked shell-shocked.

“He spent the last three years trying to save you.” The glared she turned on her son was terrifying and he actually took a step back. She blinked at him for a moment and her gaze softened.

“Adrien?” The boy nodded hesitantly. She opened her arms for him and he all but collapsed into her. She looked up and saw Nathalie and her expression tightened. “Has it really been three years?”

“It has. M. Agreste has been working tirelessly to set things right.” Mme. Agreste let out a derisive snort.

“He’s been trying to turn me and the world into what he wants. He’s the reason I needed saving in the first place.” Nathalie’s face went completely blank and Ladybug was fairly certain she was in shock. “Whatever he told you was a lie. Gabriel forced Nooroo to try and contain Duusu in their Miraculous and the backlash is what caused all this in the first place.”

“He did what?” Everyone jumped and Ladybug blushed. She really hadn’t meant to yell but the audacity of such an action pissed her off to no end. It also explained why Nooroo wouldn’t talk about what happened and why Tikki hadn’t been able to figure out what caused the damage. It hadn’t occurred to either of them that the actual Kwami were pitted against each other. Poor Nooroo.

“He’s lucky I only shot him twice.” Discorde’s growled words caused Adrien to glare at her but Mme. Agreste actually laughed.

“I don’t know who you are, but I like you.” Discorde could only give the woman a weak smile at that and Ladybug filed it away to ask about later. Adrien scoffed.

“She’s nothing but a fraud.” Ladybug grabbed her partner as she started growling. Mme. Agreste was frowning at her son.

“We’ve done what we came here to do and I won’t stick around to listen to your insults. Mme. Agreste, I’m glad we could help, and I wish you a speedy recovery.” She wished she was only concerned about what her partner might do, but if Adrien didn’t shut up Ladybug wasn’t certain she wouldn’t go after him herself.

“Wait. Nathalie, could you take Adrien so I can talk to them alone?” Adrien’s face screwed up into an ugly pout but his mother just gave him an encouraging smile. “Everything will be fine. It will only be for a minute then I want to hear about everything I’ve missed from you.” He gave her another tight hug before turning to glare at them.

“Don’t tire her out.” Ladybug couldn’t help the eyeroll as Nathalie led him from the room. Mme. Agreste just sighed.

“I don’t even want to think about the damage his father did that I’m going to have to fix. Not to mention that friend of his.” Discord flinched beside her and Ladybug took her hand to give it a reassuring squeeze. “Not that she’s at fault given her parents but it doesn’t change the fact that her behavior always gave Adrien ideas.”

“What did you want to talk about?” Ladybug wasn’t going to stand there and let her partner listen to this. Mme. Agreste just blinked at her for a moment before seeming to focus again.

“Well, first to thank you. But I also want to know why you two dislike my son so much.” She shared a look with Discorde. Yeah that wasn’t a good topic of conversation.

“You should discuss that with him. And watch the news coverage of the Akuma attacks after.” There was no way Adrien would keep his identity a secret from his mother, and she’s rather the woman form her own conclusions.

“Oh I plan to. I just want to know why he only hates one of you while you both can't stand being in the same room with him.” Ladybug could only frown at the woman in confusion at first. “I’m an empath. It’s what drew me to the Miraculous in the first place.” Oh that wasn’t good.

“I still think you need to talk to your son. If you have more questions after that, perhaps we can talk again. As things stand I’d rather not influence your opinion on the matter.” The woman was just frowning at them in thought and Ladybug could feel her partner getting more nervous.

“I suppose I can understand that. But I will want to speak with you again.” Well that didn’t sound ominous at all. “I would also like to speak to the Guardian.”

“Why would you need to do that?” Discorde’s tone was borderline hostel and Ladybug squeezed her hand again in warning. If the woman really was an empath she didn’t want to give her too much to work with. The Miraculous magic should protect their identities regardless but she didn’t want to take more risks than necessary.

“You need to learn to relax, not everyone is a threat.” Discord just gave the woman a level look.

“Perhaps not but if I assume they are, people are far less likely to get hurt by my carelessness.” Discorde winced as soon as the words came out and Ladybug couldn’t help but side eye her partner. Looks like they had one more thing to talk about. Mme. Agreste’s look actually softened.

“I suppose that’s true. In that case I look forward to earning your trust.”

AO3   Beginning   Previous    Next

Ko-Fi

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[starshine583]

Crossing a Line (Epilogue)

(A small epilogue because I love happy endings)

Part 1 / Part 20

Marinette hopped up the front steps to the Agreste mansion, a bright grin on her lips. She didn’t bother knocking on the large, wooden doors before pushing them open. That formality had been thrown out the window a while ago. 

“Good afternoon, Mlle. Marinette.” A woman at the front desk greeted her as she walked inside.

“Hello, Mlle. Marie.” Marinette smiled at the brunette. “How are you today?”

Marie returned her smile. “Oh, busy as usual. I’ve informed Felix that you arrived.”

Marinette nodded. “Thank you, I appreciate it.”

Soon after Nathalie and Gabriel’s arrest, they hired a new secretary to help sort through the Agreste business. She was a young woman in her twenties and extremely sweet. Marinette liked to consider her a friend.

“Marinette.”

The call of her name brought Marinette’s attention to the library across the main floor, where Felix was just now exiting. 

“Sorry for the wait.” He apologized as he closed the gap between them. “I was finishing a chapter from my book.”

Marinette chuckled. “So your book is more important than my company?”

“Of course not.” Felix laughed. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her flush against him. “You’re my top priority.”

Marinette hummed. “Is that so? I’m not sure I believe you.”

Felix snorted and leaned forward, placing a soft kiss on her lips. Marinette, of course, sank into it and wrapped her arms around his neck. No matter how often they kissed now-a-days, it still felt like the first time, skipping her heart and melting her insides.

They broke apart, if only for the sake of Marie, but Felix stayed close enough that she could still feel his breath on her lips as he said, “Do you believe me now?” 

Marinette giggled, touching her forehead to his. She hoped that this warmth flooding her chest never went away. “I don’t know.. You might have to try harder to convince me.”

A soft laugh passed Felix’s lips, but before he could pull her into another kiss, another voice rang across the mansion.

“Hey, Bugaboo! I didn’t know you were coming today.”

Marinette leaned back to give Adrien a smile. “Felix invited me. He says that we haven’t spent enough time together lately.”

“Didn’t he say that when you visited two days ago?” Adrien replied, a knowing grin on his lips.

Marinette nodded. “And the evening after he visited my house the night before that.”

“It’s still true.” Felix defended, lacing his fingers behind Marinette’s back to keep her close to him. “Anytime spent without you is a waste.”

A blush bloomed across Marinette’s cheeks, and she wondered if her smile could get any bigger.

“Is that my future daughter-in-law I hear?”

The boys perked up, immediately whirling around to see Emilie standing at the top of the stairway. She gave them all a warm smile and started her descent to meet them on the main floor.

“Mom!”

“Mother.”

Adrien jumped to help Emilie make her way down the steps, and Felix followed behind him, taking Marinette’s hand to drag her along as well. She would have walked with them anyway, but she wasn’t going to complain about Felix holding her hand.

Emilie waved Adrien away with a laugh. “Oh, don’t fuss over me. The doctor said that I need to work on moving alone anyway.”

“I just don’t want you to fall.” Adrien said, stopping next to her.

Emilie wrapped an arm around him in a side hug. “I know, dear, and I appreciate the sentiment. I still need to practice by myself, though.”

Felix stepped forward as well, and Emilie gave him a chaste kiss on the forehead before turning to Marinette and holding out her hand.

Marinette gladly obliged the silent request and moved forward to receive a side hug of her own. “How are you getting along? Does anything hurt?”

Emilie shook her head. “I’m doing wonderfully thanks to you, sweetheart. I just got the ‘okay’ to walk around without my crutches yesterday too. The doctor thinks I’ll be in perfect condition in about a month or so’s time.”

“That’s good to hear, Mlle. Agreste.” Marinette smiled. “I’m glad you’re doing well.”

They’d gotten quite a scare when Emilie didn’t wake up after Marinette’s attempts to heal her. Marinette had thought that she failed, that she went through all the trouble of getting her miraculous back for a lost cause. 

Thankfully, however, that didn’t turn out to be the case, as Emilie woke up a few minutes later. Her reaction to the magic hadn’t been immediate, but it still worked. That was all Marinette could have hoped for. 

Emilie shot her a playfully stern look. “Now, now, we’ve talked about this. Just because I’m your employer doesn’t mean you have to address me formally. Call me ‘Emilie’.”

Marinette chuckled. “I’m glad you’re doing well, Emilie.”

Emilie nodded, a satisfied smile gracing her lips. “Speaking of which, does my top designer have any new sketches for me?”

Due to Gabriel’s forced retirement, Emilie became the new CEO of the Gabriel brand. She started off by throwing away the strict guidelines that Gabriel had been wrapping around his staff and hired a handful of new people to stretch out the creativity. One of those people included Marinette.

“I’ve been experimenting with a few things.” Marinette admitted. 

“Good, good! Let’s all talk over a cup of tea.” Emilie beamed. She paused at the bottom of the stairs and turned to Marie. “Marie, darling, would you be so kind as to get us some Ruby Oolong tea?”

Marie stood from her desk chair. “Of course, Mademoiselle. Shall I bring it to the living room?” 

“Yes, please.”

The group moved to the living room, while Marie left for the kitchen. Marinette and Felix took the love seat, naturally, and Felix made sure there was little space between them as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Adrien and Emilie sat down on the three-cushion couch, both throwing a teasing smile to the couple.

“You two have no shame, do you?” Adrien joked.

Marinette giggled and leaned into Felix’s shoulder. “Should we?”

“No, not at all.” Emilie replied hastily. “It’s good to see Felix so happy.”

Marie joined them in the living room a few minutes later, holding a tray that had three cups and a small kettle on it. She set it down on the coffee table and began filling the cups with tea. Then, upon their requests, she put a certain amount of sugar or honey into each of the cups. 

“Please enjoy.” Marie said after handing out the drinks.

“Thank you very much.”

With her job finished, the secretary scurried out of the room so she could return to her paperwork, and Emilie continued the conversation.

“She’s such a lovely lady.” Emilie remarked, taking a sip of her tea. “Always willing to help.”

Marinette nodded in agreement. “It’s always a pleasure to talk with her.”

Emilie hummed and reached forward to grab the tv remote. She clicked a round button on the corner of the device, and the tv in front of them flickered on. A woman appeared on the screen, flashing the camera a bright smile as she talked. 

~Yes, two months has passed since big-time fashion icon Gabriel Agreste was taken into custody and charged with terrorism for being the infamous villain known as ‘Hawkmokth’. Unfortunately, his assailant known as ‘Le Paon’ is yet to be found.~

A smile found its way onto Marinette’s lips, and she glanced up at Felix.

“That’s quite a shame.” Emilie commented, holding the same smile. She threw Felix a mischievous look. “Don’t you think?”

Felix smirked. 

“Quite.”

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