#Platonic daminette
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mochinek0 · 11 months ago
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Family Secrets
Damian couldn't believe his eyes. He had seen pieces of that costume when he lived in the League, but never did he expect to see his mother, disguised, in Paris! He carefully kept an eye on her as she walked into a bakery. He felt his own breath hitch as a young girl came and hugged her.
"Nonna!" she cried.
'Grandmother?'
"Hello, My Leetle Fairy." his mother replied, hugging her back.
"Are you having fun on your travels?" the girl questioned, "Where did you go this time?"
"Egypt." his mother declared.
The girl smiled, "Did you see the pyramids?"
His mother brought out a keychain of a pyramid and handed it to the girl.
"It's great!" the girl smiled, "I'll keep it on my desk so when I see it, I can think of you."
"I wish you could come with me." the disguised Talia declared.
"Maybe when I'm older?" the young girl answered.
Talia tapped the young girl's nose, "Possibly, but we know very well how hard you work."
"Mom!" announced a man, who seemed the size of Bane, "How are you?"
Damian watched on in shock. He was aware that his mother was much older than she appeared. Hearing someone around his father's age, refer to his mother as a maternal figure was unsettling.
"I'm fine, Tom." she answered.
"Would you like to put your bag down and rest?" he asked.
"Nonsense." his mother replied, "I may look older, but I'm fine. I wanted to see if Marinetta would like to take a ride around the city with me."
"Yes!" the girl cried.
Damian watched as they both got on a motorcycle and drove off.
It took awhile, but Damian finally spotted them near the Seine, eating ice cream. The girl was looking down at something, in her lap. His mother's eyes connected with his and he knew he had made her.
"I'll be right back." Gina spoke, kissing Marinette on the head.
Gina walked in Damian's direction.
"What are you doing here?" she demanded.
"Do you plan to kidnap her, Mother?" Damian questioned.
"Of course not!" Gina snapped.
"Who is she?" he asked.
Talia sighed, "Your niece; she's your age."
"So the man who called you mother-"Damian began.
"Your grandfather wanted me out of the way. He was looking for a male successor to take over." Talia began to explain, "He kicked me out of the League, briefly, and I had some semblance of a normal life. I fell in love with a baker. Tom is our son, before I ever met your father. Essentially, he is your older brother."
She sighed, "Everyhting was fine and I was happy, until he sent someone to exterminate us. Before I killed him, I learned my death was a test. Kill me and become successor to the League. I returned with his head and threw it at your grandfather's feet. He looked at me and said he would allow me back on one condition."
"What was it?" Damian asked.
"I had to leave my family." she admitted, "I said I understood and would be back in three months. I knew he would never stop coming after us."
"Why three months?" her son questioned, "You were already there. Did they not know of the League?"
"Tom was getting married and no, my family knew nothing about the League. I returned and told my family I would be 'traveling in my old age'. A few years after he got married, I came back to a three year old granddaughter. Your grandfather found out and forbid my return."
"Grandfather is dead." Damian spoke.-changing subject
"I've been stopping in more." she declared, "They aren't like us. They're not like your father. They know nothing about my past, aside from divorcing a man, who made me happy. I tell them I'm traveling around the word. I wear a wig and makeup. At some point, I will have to stop visiting all together since anyone else will grow old and pass on. The League........you lose sense of time when there. Two years ago, I thought she was still three. She was turning fourteen."
"What about the man?" her son asked.
Talia smiled, "Reminds me of your grandfather, actually. He's all about 'traditions', so perhaps it was for the best."
"Nonna!" Marinette cried out.
"Please, Damian, leave them alone." his mother whispered.
Damian watched as his mother walked away. He had never known her to beg for something.
"My Leetle Fairy, are you ready to go back home?" Gina asked, "Do you have new inspiration for your designs? I can't wait to see the clothes you create this time."
Damian watched as the girl put her sketchbook away.
'Clothes? Designs?'
He smiled softly. She was an artist, like him. He watched as his mother got on the motorcycle with his niece. What surprised him was seeing his niece glare at him. Damian chuckled.
'Mother may not see it, but she is a lot like them. A little fairy.'
"Damian, a Fairy is someone who helps people who are lost in the dark. It's not always in a literal sense; it can be figurative."
The young Al-Ghul turned and walked in the opposite direction.
'Fairy is a suitable name for my niece. I wonder how Mother would feel learning her true nature? A Fae who lures in her prey.'
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blackroserelina · 2 months ago
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Once Lost Now Found
I'm not much of a writer I had to use AI to even get this done, but this is basically the story for the lost one out line I did. I'm not fully happy with it but it's what I can do.
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"Pfft, what a bust," Marinette exclaimed as she stomped into the dimly lit coffee shop. The hotel's coffee pot had decided to brew its last cup of sludge that morning, leaving her desperate for a decent caffeine fix before the big tour of Wayne Enterprise. She was in Gotham for a class trip, and the thought of facing the day without her usual buzz was as appealing as a soggy croissant.
Her eyes landed on the menu, and she felt a glimmer of hope as she spotted the "Death by Espresso" option. "Perfect," she murmured, stepping up to the counter. "One of those, please."
The barista, a young man with a slightly worried look, asked "You're sure you can handle it?"
Marinette's determination didn't waver. "Trust me, I need it."
As she waited for her drink, she heard the door chime, and in walked a figure that was both familiar and foreign to her. Tim Drake, in his casual yet expensive attire, strode in with the confidence of someone who was used to the chaos of Gotham. His eyes scanned the room, and when they met hers, he paused for a fraction of a second before ordering the same lethal concoction.
Their drinks arrived simultaneously, and they both went to grab them, "Well, I guess we have similar tastes in coffee," Tim said, noticing her bewilderment.
Marinette couldn't help but laugh nervously. "Yeah, I guess so."
Tim's eyes searched hers, and she felt a strange sense of comfort from his presence. "I'm Tim," he said, extending a hand. "Timothy Drake."
Marinette took his hand, her grip firm yet gentle. "Marinette Dupain-Cheng."
Tim's smile grew as he replied, "Nice to meet you, Marinette."
As they stepped out of the coffee shop, the harsh reality of Gotham's streets hit them like a cold wind. Marinette's eyes grew wide as she spotted the bus, her class's yellow beacon of safety, pulling away from the curb. Panic set in, and she looked around frantically for any sign of the teacher who was supposed to be looking out for her.
"You, okay?" Tim asked, his eyes narrowing at the bus's retreating figure.
Marinette nodded, trying to keep the tremor from her voice. "Yeah, I just… I can't believe they left without me."
Tim's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and concern. "That's unacceptable. You're not from around here, are you?"
Marinette nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed. "It's a class trip from Paris. I won the contest to come here."
Tim's eyes widened. "Paris? That's amazing! But it's also incredibly irresponsible of them to leave you behind."
Marinette felt a warmth spread through her chest at his genuine concern. "It's okay," she lied, trying to put on a brave face. "I'm sure they'll realize and come back for me."
Tim's expression was grim. "I wouldn't bet on it. Gotham's not the safest place to be stranded, especially if you're not from around here." He checked his watch. "Look, I'm heading to Wayne Enterprise myself for some work. You can come with me, and I'll make sure you get to the tour on time."
Marinette hesitated, eyeing him warily. Gotham was a city of shadows and secrets, and she wasn't about to trust a stranger, no matter how kind he seemed. But as she focused on his aura, she felt a gentle warmth, a sense of protection and sincerity that washed away her fears. "Okay," she agreed, taking a deep breath. "Thank you, Tim."
The ride to Wayne Enterprise was filled with nervous energy, their conversation bouncing between the mundane and the profound. Tim spoke of his love for Gotham, despite its dangers, and Marinette shared her excitement for the tour, her voice filled with hope and wonder. As they approached the towering building, Marinette's heart raced.
Upon their arrival, Dick Grayson was already waiting for them. His gaze swept over the group of students, and his eyes lingered on Marinette as she stepped into the lobby, clutching her purse tightly to herself. His stomach twisted in knots as he heard the whispers of her classmates, the cruel taunts that seemed to follow her wherever she went. He had been informed by Tim of the situation, and it was all he could do to keep from swooping in and putting an end to it right there.
As Marinette sees her class, she knows her time with him has ended so she waves goodbye to Tim.
"I'll be okay," she assured him with a forced smile. "Thank you again for the ride."
Tim nodded, his eyes lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary before he turned to leave. Dick stepped forward, a mask of professionalism sliding into place as he began the tour. Throughout the grand halls of Wayne Enterprise, Lila's voice echoed like a siren's call, weaving tall tales of her connections and the importance of her family name. The class hung on her every word, their eyes glazed over with adoration, while Dick felt his patience wearing thinner than a spider's web.
Marinette alone remained unshaken by Lila's deceitful charm, her eyes never leaving Dick as she listened to the real stories he shared about the company's history and its commitment to the city. Her gaze was a beacon of sanity in a sea of naivety. He found himself grateful for her silent support, her nods of understanding grounding him in the face of such blatant dishonesty.
As the tour dragged on, the rest of the class remained enraptured by Lila's fabrications, while Marinette discreetly sent glances Dick's way, her expressions a silent question. He returned her looks with a mix of exasperation and amusement, his respect for her growing with every step.
"Miss Bustier," Dick called out, his voice echoing in the vast lobby, "I think it's time we moved on."
Lila rolled her eyes dramatically. "Oh, come on, Mr. Grayson, we're having so much fun!"
The class giggled in unison, clearly on her side. Dick felt a headache coming on. "Miss Rossi," he said firmly, "let's not hold up the tour any longer."
Lila huffed, but complied, tossing her hair over her shoulder. Marinette couldn't help but feel a pang of pity for Dick. He had been trying so hard to give them a real insight into the company, and all they cared about were her classmates' petty gossip and exaggerated tales of wealth. She walked closer to him, her eyes scanning and hands fiddling with the locket that was her silent companion around her neck.
"Thank you for the tour," she said quietly, her voice sincere.
Dick nodded, his eyes scanning the locket around her neck. It was a subtle gesture, but Marinette caught it. "You're welcome, Marinette. It's not every day we get such an insightful visitor."
As the tour concluded, the students dispersed, eager to explore the rest of Gotham, but Marinette lingered, her eyes on the locket that had drawn Dick's attention. The rest of the class had ignored the actual tour, lost in Lila's fabricated tales of grandeur, but she had been the one to truly listen and appreciate the stories Dick had shared about the city and the company.
Dick noticed her lingering and approached her. "You seem like the only one who actually enjoyed the tour," he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
Marinette shrugged, her cheeks flushing. "I guess I just like to learn about new places."
Dick's smile grew, and he gave her a warm pat on the shoulder. "You're a breath of fresh air in this city," he said before turning to leave.
Marinette watched him go, her thoughts a jumble of confusion and excitement. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to him than met the eye. She knew he wasn't just any employee at Wayne Enterprise; she could feel it.
The class trip continued, and that evening they all went to a fancy restaurant for dinner. The chatter was loud, a cacophony of French and English blending together. Lila, as usual, held court, spinning tales of her fabulous life in Paris that made the other students' eyes widen with envy. Marinette tried to ignore the noise, focusing instead on her meal. The food was delicious, but the company was… less than ideal.
As the meal ended and the students began to leave, Marinette told Miss Bustier that she had to use the restroom really quick.
"Don't take too long," Miss Bustier called out, already halfway out the door.
Marinette nodded and hurried to the bathroom. When she emerged, the restaurant was empty except for a few lingering staff. She felt a cold hand of fear grips her heart—she had been left behind again. Panic rising, she fumbled for her phone in her pocket, only to find it as lifeless as a forgotten souvenir. The battery was dead.
With no way to call for help, she stepped out into the darkening streets of Gotham. The once vibrant and bustling metropolis now seemed like a labyrinth of shadows and danger. She had been warned about the city's notorious reputation, but she never thought she would be alone in it. As she wandered, trying to remember the way back to the hotel, she heard the distant sound of laughter and footsteps growing louder. Two men turned the corner, leering at her.
"Looks like we found ourselves a little tourist," one of them sneered, his teeth glinting in the dim streetlight.
Marinette took a deep breath, her hand instinctively moving to the locket around her neck. It was all she had left of home, of her father, and she wasn't about to let anyone take that from her. She had been trained in martial arts, thanks to her adopted mother's insistence and with her experience as Ladybug, she wasn't going to let fear dictate her actions.
The alley grew quieter as their footsteps grew closer. The moon cast eerie shadows that danced on the damp pavement. The smell of rotting trash mixed with the scent of rain that hung in the air. She knew she had to end this quickly. With a swift move, she grabbed one man's arm and twisted it behind his back, causing him to cry out in pain. The second man lunged at her, but she was ready. She ducked under his arm and delivered a powerful kick to his midsection, sending him reeling into the wall.
As she spun around to face the first attacker, she felt a hand on her shoulder, firm yet gentle. "Easy there, kitten," a gruff voice said. She whipped around, ready to fight, only to find a man dressed in red and black, a hood shadowing his face.
Marinette's heart raced as she took in the newcomer. The two men she had just fought were groaning on the ground, but the new figure didn't seem concerned with them. "Who are you?" she demanded, trying to keep her voice steady.
The man in red and black, known as Red Hood, chuckled softly. "Someone who doesn't like to see a pretty girl like you fighting in the streets."
Marinette's eyes narrowed, and she took a step back, her instincts telling her to be wary. "What do you want?" she asked, her voice laced with suspicion.
Red Hood's grip on her shoulder tightened for a moment before he realized his mistake and let go. "I'm not here to hurt you," he said, his voice calmer now. "I just want to make sure you're okay."
Marinette eyed him warily, her heart pounding in her chest. The locket felt heavy around her neck, a silent reminder of her father's love and protection. "Thanks," she managed to say, her voice still shaking slightly. "I can handle myself."
Red Hood studied her for a moment, his eyes piercing through the shadows of his hood. "I can see that," he said with a hint of admiration. "But it's not every day you find a tourist who can take down two thugs without breaking a sweat. What's your secret?"
Marinette swallowed hard, her thoughts racing. She couldn't tell him the truth, not here, not now. "Just a little self-defense," she lied, trying to keep her voice steady. "My mom taught me."
Red Hood's eyes searched hers as if looking for a glimpse of the truth behind her words. After a moment, he nodded. "Good for you," he said, his voice carrying a hint of a Southern drawl. "But you shouldn't be out here alone. It's not safe."
Marinette felt a shiver run down her spine, her earlier bravado fading in the face of his intense gaze. "I know," she murmured, her eyes darting to the unconscious men on the ground. "My class left me behind."
Red Hood's expression darkened. "Stay here," he instructed, his voice firm. He stepped over to the thugs and tied them up with a swiftness that spoke of experience. He pulled out a small communicator from his utility belt and spoke into it, arranging for their pickup.
Marinette watched him, feeling a strange sense of comfort in his presence. She knew he was dangerous, a vigilante of some kind, but he didn't feel threatening to her. Her eyes wandered to the locket again, the warm metal pressing against her skin.
"You okay?" Red Hood asked, his voice softer now.
Marinette nodded, still trembling slightly. "I think so," she whispered. "I just want to go back to the hotel."
Red Hood looked at her for a long moment before nodding. "I'll take you there," he said. "But you have to stay close."
Marinette nodded, her eyes never leaving his. She could feel his concern, his protective aura wrapping around her like a warm blanket. As they walked through the streets of Gotham, she couldn't help but feel a strange kinship with him. Despite his intimidating exterior, there was something comforting about the way he moved, the confidence in his steps.
"What's your name?" she asked, breaking the silence.
"Red Hood," he replied, his eyes never leaving the shadows. "How about you?"
Marinette took a deep breath, the air thick with the scent of rain. "Marinette Dupain-Cheng," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
Red Hood nodded. "Nice to meet you, Marinette," he said, his eyes scanning the street. "Now, let's get you out of here."
They moved swiftly through the alleyways, sticking to the shadows. Marinette could feel his eyes on her, checking if she was okay, if she needed help. She didn't. Her training as Ladybug had prepared her for moments like this, but she appreciated his concern.
As they neared the hotel, the streets grew quieter, the neon lights reflecting off the wet pavement. The rain had started to fall, a soft patter that grew louder with each step. Red Hood pulled his hood up further, shielding his face from the downpour.
Marinette felt a twinge of sadness as they approached the hotel's glowing entrance. She didn't want to leave him, didn't want to return to the cold reality of her classmates' indifference. But she knew she had to.
"Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the rain. "For everything."
Red Hood nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "You're welcome," he said, his grip on her shoulder reassuring. "And remember, Gotham can be a tough place. Stick with your group and stay safe."
Marinette stepped into the light of the hotel lobby, the warmth enveloping her as the rain continued to fall outside. She watched as Red Hood melted back into the shadows, his figure disappearing as if he had never been there. The encounter left her with more questions than answers, but she knew she had to keep moving forward.
The elevator ride to her room felt like an eternity. Each floor that passed brought back the memory of her father's eyes." The locket felt like a burning ember against her skin, a constant reminder of her lost past.
When the doors finally opened, Marinette rushed into her room and collapsed onto the bed, the locket still clutched in her hand. She stared at it, the inscription blurring through her tears. "My most beloved daughter M.W.," she whispered, tracing the letters with her thumb. "Daddy loves you always." as she cried herself to sleep.
The next day, she was paired with Damian Wayne for the visit to Gotham Academy. His cold demeanor was intimidating, but Marinette felt a strange pull towards him. Throughout the day, she saw glimpses of kindness beneath his tough exterior, especially when he defended her from a sneering comment by one of the other students. His sharp gaze was assessing, and she couldn't help but feel that he was searching for something in her, something she wasn't even sure she knew existed.
As they walked the halls, Marinette found herself opening up to Damian, sharing her love for art and her dreams of becoming a fashion designer. His initial skepticism gradually gave way to something resembling respect, and by the end of the day, she had earned a rare smile from the young heir to the Wayne legacy.
In the bustling cafeteria, they sat side by side, surrounded by the cacophony of chatter and clanging trays. Marinette picked at her food, lost in thought about the events of the past few days.
"You know," Damian began, his voice low and contemplative, "you're not like the others."
Marinette looked up from her tray, surprised by his sudden openness. "What do you mean?" she asked a hint of defensiveness in her tone.
Damian's gaze was fixed on her, his dark eyes unreadable. "You're… different," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "You have… a strength about you."
Marinette felt her cheeks flush. "Thanks," she murmured, unsure of how to respond.
Damian's gaze remained steadfast. "You remind me of someone," he said, his voice a mix of curiosity and something else she couldn't quite place.
Marinette's heart skipped a beat. Could it be? Could he somehow know about her secret life as Ladybug? She quickly dismissed the thought. No, it wasn't possible. "Really?" she asked, trying to keep her voice casual. "Who?"
Damian leaned closer, his eyes searching hers. "Someone important," he said, his voice dropping even lower. "Someone who has faced darkness and come out stronger for it."
Marinette's heart raced. Could he be referring to Ladybug? Her mind raced with possibilities, but she kept her expression neutral. "That's a nice compliment," she said, her voice a mere whisper.
Damian nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "It's more than that," he said, his voice intense. "It's a recognition of something… extraordinary."
Marinette felt a jolt of adrenaline. She had never met anyone who seemed to see through her so easily. Her heart pounded in her chest as she wondered if he could be talking about her heroic alter ego. "What do you mean?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Damian leaned back in his chair, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. "I've seen the way you handle yourself," he said, his eyes never leaving hers. "The way you stand up to bullies, even when you're scared. It's… inspiring."
Marinette felt a warmth spread through her, a feeling she hadn't experienced in a long time. Someone was finally seeing her, not just her classmates' version of her. "Thank you," she said, genuinely touched by his words.
Damian's smirk grew. "You're welcome," he said. "You know, if you ever need anything while you're in Gotham, just let me know."
Marinette's eyes widened slightly. Was he offering to help her, not just as a fellow student but as something more? "Thanks," she said, her voice a bit shaky. "But I'm sure I'll be fine."
Damian's smirk didn't falter. "I'm sure you will," he said, his tone sincere. "But sometimes, even the strongest heroes need a hand."
Marinette's thoughts swirled as she took in his words. Was he hinting at something? Did he know her secret? Impossible, she thought, pushing the doubt aside. Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that he saw more than he let on.
The rest of the day at Gotham Academy was a blur. The tension between her and Damian grew thicker with every shared glance and whispered conversation. She felt like she was walking on eggshells, not wanting to give anything away.
As the class boarded the bus back to the hotel, Marinette couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. She knew she had to keep her distance from the Wayne brothers, not just to protect her secret but also to protect them from the danger that followed her. Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that they were somehow connected, that they were all part of something much larger than themselves.
That night, she couldn't sleep. Her mind was racing with the day's events. The way Red Hood had moved, the way Tim and Dick had looked at her during the tour, and now Damian's cryptic words. It was all too much to process. Her heart felt like it was going to burst with excitement and fear.
The next day, the class was scheduled to visit the Gotham Museum of Art.
Marinette walked through the grand halls, feeling a strange mix of awe and anxiety. She had always loved art, but in Gotham, it felt different, as if each painting held a secret of the city's dark soul. She found solace in the quiet whispers of the brushstrokes, a stark contrast to the chaos outside.
As the tour group moved from one exhibit to the next, she noticed a peculiar painting that had been recently added. It was a portrait of a young girl with her mother, and the girl's eyes seemed to follow her, filled with a sense of longing that resonated deep within her. The plaque beside it read, "Marinette Wayne," and she felt a cold shiver run down her spine.
The first name was the same as hers, and the resemblance in the eyes was uncanny. The more she stared, the more she felt like she was looking into a mirror reflecting a past she couldn't remember. The rest of the class had moved on, but she remained, lost in the haunting beauty of the portrait.
It was then that she heard a soft footstep behind her, and she spun around to see Bruce Wayne standing there, his eyes fixed on the painting as well.
"It's a beautiful piece, isn't it?" he said, his voice low and measured.
Marinette nodded, unable to tear her gaze away from the painting. "It's… haunting," she murmured.
Bruce stepped closer, his eyes never leaving the painting. "It reminds me of someone," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Someone very important to me."
Marinette felt her heart clench in her chest for some reason.
Bruce continued, "Marinette was my daughter," he said, his voice barely a whisper. "She was… she was everything to me."
Marinette's breath caught in her throat. The locket grew heavier on her neck. "Your…daughter?" she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.
Bruce nodded his gaze still on the painting. "Yes," he said, his voice filled with a sadness that seemed to echo through the museum. "She was taken from me when she was very young. I've been searching for her ever since."
Marinette's eyes grew wide with shock and disbelief. "What…what happened?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Bruce took a deep breath, his eyes welling up with pain. "She was kidnapped," he said, his voice heavy with regret. "I've devoted my life to finding her, and to making sure no one else has to go through what she did."
Marinette's hand flew to her locket, her heart racing for some reason. She felt a strange kinship with this man, a bond that she couldn't explain. "Di… did you ever find any leads?" she asked.
Bruce's eyes searched hers, the pain in his gaze was palpable. "No," he said, his voice strained. "Every trail went cold. I never gave up hope, but… it's been so long."
Marinette felt a tear slip down her cheek. The story was all too familiar, but she didn't know why. "I'm sorry," she murmured, not knowing what else to say.
Bruce's gaze softened, and he reached out to gently wipe the tear away. "It's alright," he said, his voice filled with a warmth she hadn't heard in years. "Life is full of tragedies, but also moments of beauty, like this painting."
Marinette nodded, her eyes still glued to the portrait. "It's just… it's eerie how much she looks like me," she whispered.
Bruce's hand froze, and he leaned in closer, examining her features. "You do share a resemblance," he said, his voice tight with restrained emotion. "Perhaps it's the eyes."
Marinette's heart raced as he took a step back, composing himself. "It's just a coincidence," she said, trying to convince herself as much as him. "I'm sure lots of people have similar eyes."
Bruce nodded slowly, his gaze lingering on the locket she unconsciously clutched. "Perhaps," he murmured, his voice thick with unspoken questions. "But it's more than that, isn't it?"
Marinette's hand tightened around the locket, the carving of 'M.W.' feeling like a brand on her skin. Her mind raced, trying to piece together the puzzle that was her life.
"Marinette," Bruce said gently, using her name for the first time. The sound of it on his lips sent a wave of longing through her. "Do you have a moment to talk in private?"
She nodded, and he led her to a secluded corner of the museum. The silence between them was deafening, filled with the weight of unspoken truths.
"I know this might sound strange," Bruce began, his voice gentle yet firm. "But I need to ask you something important." He took hold of the locket around her neck, the weight of its contents heavy. "Do you know what this means?"
Marinette's eyes grew wide with shock "It's… it's just a necklace," she lied, her voice trembling. "It's special to me, but I don't know what it means."
Bruce's eyes searched hers, and she could see the hope and fear mingling in the depths of his gaze. "Marinette," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Look inside."
With trembling hands, she opened the locket. The same words she had read countless times stared back at her, "My most beloved daughter M.W. Daddy loves you always." But this time, something clicked. The initials matched the name from the painting. Her heart skipped a beat. Could it be?
Bruce's eyes searched hers, holding the locket between them. "Do you know who this is?" he asked, his voice filled with a mix of hope and fear.
Marinette felt the room spin as she stared at the locket, the reality of the situation crashing down upon her. "It… it's me," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "It's… I'm M.W."
Bruce's hand trembled as he cupped her cheek, his eyes searching hers. "Marinette," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "Is it possible?"
Marinette's eyes filled with tears as she nodded slowly. "I… I think so," she choked out, the weight of the revelation too much to bear.
Bruce's own eyes glistened with unshed tears as he cradled her face in his hands. "Marinette," he breathed, her name like a prayer on his lips. "My baby girl."
The dam of emotions broke, and Marinette threw herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably. It was as if the universe had conspired to bring her to this moment, to this place where she could finally find the love she had been searching for her entire life. Bruce held her tightly, his own eyes filled with tears as he whispered soothing words into her ear, the warmth of his embrace bringing a sense of belonging she had never felt before.
Marinette pulled away, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. "Daddy," she whispered, testing the word she hadn't dared to speak in so long.
Their moment was interrupted by the concerned chatter of the approaching tour group. Bruce quickly composed himself, his eyes scanning the room. He knew they couldn't stay here, not like this. "Marinette," he said, urgency in his tone. "We need to talk. In private."
They found a quiet spot in the museum's garden, the chilly Gotham air a stark contrast to the warmth of their conversation. "What do we do now?" Marinette asked, her voice still shaking.
Bruce took a deep breath, the reality of the situation setting in. "First, we need to find out for sure," he said, his voice firm.
Marinette nodded, wiping her eyes. "How do we do that?" she asked, hope mingling with fear.
Bruce took a deep breath. "We need to get a DNA test," he said. "It's the only way to be certain."
Marinette's heart raced at the thought. "But…but what if it's true?" she stammered. "What if I am your daughter?"
Bruce's gaze softened as he took her hand in his. "Then we'll deal with it together," he assured her. "But we need to be certain."
Marinette nodded, her mind racing with the implications. "Okay," she said, her voice small. "But how do we explain this to everyone?"
Bruce's expression grew serious. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," he said. "For now, we need to keep this between us. The less people know, the better."
Marinette nodded, her mind reeling with the gravity of their situation. She knew that if it were true, it would change everything. Her life in Paris, her friends, her secret identity – all of it would be turned upside down.
"We'll figure this out together," he said, his voice a soothing balm to her racing thoughts. "But for now, we need to keep this between us. I'll arrange for a discreet DNA test tomorrow."
Marinette nodded, her mind racing with the implications of her potential lineage. Could she really be the lost daughter of Bruce Wayne? It was too much to comprehend.
The rest of the day was a blur as she went through the motions of the tour, her thoughts consumed by the revelation. She couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and dread intertwined. Her heart ached with the hope of finally finding her family, yet the fear of losing everything she knew was ever-present.
That night, she lay in her hotel bed, the locket clutched tightly in her hand. Her mind was a whirlwind of questions, and she couldn't shake the feeling that her entire life was about to change. The DNA test loomed over her like a storm cloud, and she found it hard to sleep.
The next day, Bruce arranged for a private meeting in his office at Wayne Enterprise. Under the guise of meeting the winner that won the class this trip. The gleaming skyscraper stood tall against the gloomy Gotham skyline, a symbol of hope amidst the city's darkness. Marinette's heart hammered in her chest as she stepped into the elevator, feeling the weight of the unknown pressing down on her.
When the elevator doors slid open, she was greeted by Alfred, Bruce's loyal butler. His kind eyes searched hers, and she wondered if he knew the truth they were about to uncover. He led her into a plush office, where Bruce was waiting, his expression a mask of calm she couldn't quite read.
The DNA test was quick and painless, but the wait was agonizing. They talked in hushed tones, avoiding the subject at hand, their eyes darting to the clock on the wall as the minutes ticked by. Marinette felt like she was in a dream, one that she didn't want to end but knew would bring a reality she wasn't prepared for.
Bruce excused himself to take a call, leaving Marinette alone with her thoughts. She gazed out the window at the sprawling cityscape, the stark contrast of the gleaming Wayne Tower against the grimy buildings of Gotham a stark reminder of the life she might have had.
When he returned, his eyes were heavy with a mix of anticipation and dread. "The results will be in tomorrow," he said, his voice tight.
Marinette nodded, trying to keep her emotions in check. "Thank you," she murmured, feeling a knot form in her stomach.
The next 24 hours were the longest of her life. She walked through the streets of Gotham, the weight of the locket and the potential truth it held pressing down on her like a leaden cloak. She couldn't focus on anything else, her thoughts a tornado of what-ifs and maybes. Her interactions with her classmates were forced, her mind elsewhere.
The night brought no rest. She tossed and turned in her hotel bed, the locket lying like a hot coal on her chest. The whispers of the wind outside seemed to carry the secrets of the city, secrets that could soon be her own. The room felt too small, the air too thick to breathe.
The next day dragged on like a mournful symphony, each second a painful crescendo towards the truth. The class continued with their Gotham adventures, but Marinette was lost in her thoughts, unable to fully engage with the world around her. She found solace in the quiet moments, the gentle hum of the city's pulse a lullaby that sang of a past she had long ago forgotten.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting Gotham in a cloak of twilight, Marinette waited anxiously in the hotel lobby. The grand clock ticked away the moments, each chime echoing through her soul like a countdown to destiny. And then, as if on cue, the elevator doors parted, and Bruce emerged, his eyes filled with a solemn intensity that told her the moment of truth had arrived.
He approached her, his footsteps muffled by the plush carpet. In his hand, he held a small envelope, the seal of the lab stark and official. Marinette's heart felt as if it were about to burst from her chest as he handed it to her, his own hand trembling slightly.
With trembling fingers, she took the envelope and slid out the single sheet of paper. The words she read sent a shockwave through her entire being. The DNA test results were conclusive: she was indeed Marinette Wayne, the long-lost daughter of Bruce Wayne. The truth hit her like a ton of bricks, and she felt her legs give out beneath her.
Bruce caught her before she could fall, his strong arms wrapping around her as she sobbed into his chest. "It's okay," he murmured over and over, his voice a comforting rumble that she hadn't heard since she was a child. "You're home now."
Marinette looked up at him, her eyes blurred with tears. "What do we do now?" she asked, her voice small and scared.
Bruce's gaze held hers, filled with a fierce determination. "We get to know each other," he said firmly. "You're not alone anymore."
Marinette nodded, her heart swelling with a mix of joy and fear. She had found her father, but what about her mother? The woman in the portrait, the woman she had never known?
Bruce seemed to read her thoughts. "Your mother was a wonderful person," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "She was… she was taken from us when you were very young. But I promise you, she would be proud of the strong, brave woman you've become."
Marinette felt a fresh wave of tears threaten to spill over. "I don't know how to be a Wayne," she whispered. "I don't know anything about this life."
Bruce's grip on her tightened. "You don't have to be anyone but yourself," he assured her. "I'll be here to guide you, to help you navigate this new chapter."
Marinette took a shaky breath, trying to process the monumental revelation. "What about my life in Paris? I have responsibility there."
Bruce nodded, understanding the gravity of her words. "We'll figure it out," he promised. "We'll take it one step at a time."
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soulmate-game · 1 year ago
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Work burned me out, middle management positions are draining. What was supposed to be an angsty oneshot is now… yeah I’m continuing it. Not a full series, just a two-parter… hopefully.
Edit: I DON’T KNOW WHAT THE FUCK THIS CLUSTERFUCK OF AN EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER IS, but BUCKLE IN BECAUSE IT PROBABLY DOESN’T PASS SAFETY REGULATIONS! HOOOOO BOY
Part 1
—*—*—*—*—*
“…” she stared at the being in front of her, face frighteningly blank. Next to her, Bruce fidgeted.
“I’m not going anywhere, so you either gotta learn to love me real quick or get lost quicker,” the child snarked from where he was sitting upside-down on the bat computer chair. “And don’t call me Richard, my name’s Dick.”
“I don’t remember you working with a fetus, Batman,” Marinette slowly drawled, emphasizing the vigilante’s name despite none of the three of them being suited up. Dick shot up with a cry of indignation.
“I am not a fetus! I’m fifteen! I’ve been Robin since I was twelve!”
“Nope,” Marinette countered, unmoved. “I started out as Ladybug when I was twelve, and I was never as small as you,” she blatantly lied. Dick was already taller than her, which wasn’t much of an achievement considering that she was five-foot-one-inch tall. “You are six years old, tops.”
Dick let out an almost inhuman screech of complaint. Even as he rambled on angrily about how wrong she was, Marinette only nodded as if he proved her right about something.
“That was a good squawk though. Definitely a birdie.”
It took another twenty minutes before Dick ran off to tell on Marinette to Alfred, giving her and Bruce some alone time. With which she used to whirl to him and immediately hiss in equal parts fury and worry;
“Please tell me he wasn’t—“
“The timeline is gone,” Bruce reminded her, bracing her by putting both his hands on her shoulders. “He doesn’t remember.”
“Still!”
He let out such a heavy sigh that he seemed to deflate with it, his dark circles growing more pronounced.
“He wasn’t supposed to be,” he admitted softly. “When he turned sixteen, last time, I allowed him to form his own team of teen heroes. Supervised from afar by myself of course, not that they knew that. I had given them the order to stay back and guard their city, but they disobeyed me and snuck onto the battlefield anyway.”
Marinette rubbed at her temples, nodding. “Teenagers have a habit of doing that. This time around, can we ask Bunnyx to supervise them? She has all the energy of a teenager, so she’ll fit in, but the maturity of someone trusted to guard all the timelines.”
Bruce paused, thinking of what little he knew of the pastel rabbit themed hero, and then reluctantly nodded. “That… might be for the best. And giving them more opportunities to train with…” he hummed, hand on his chin. “I might actually change things up, in that case. Instead of jumping to put teens on their own in a tower, the old Justice League headquarters is more protected. And if we started with the ‘sidekicks’,” he gave very purposeful air quotes, “of other Leaguers, it would create a better support system than letting teenagers run around with… really, not enough regulation.”
“Gotta love hindsight,” Marinette agreed with a nod. “The whole teenagers by themselves thing only worked for my team because we were overly traumatized and each saw different apocalypses before we turned sixteen. Bunnyx could fix them herself back then, but still.”
“Best to do better by the new generation,” Bruce agreed with her unspoken statement. “I can still put that old team together again when they’re older, support their development elsewhere in the meantime.”
“Oh, and now that we’re done on that topic,” Marinette snapped her fingers before pointing to the staircase that Dick had disappeared up. “He’s going to make my life a living hell, isn’t he?”
Bruce groaned, offering her a lopsided grimace of apology. “He’s a menace,” he agreed. “He’s scared away any woman I’ve brought to the house, even though most of them are completely platonic. I have to make the press believe the whole playboy thing somehow, and inviting my friends over to chat is the easiest way to do so without breaking hearts for real. Dick hasn’t caught on yet,” Bruce rubbed his forehead. “His antics to scare away Selina Kyle are legendary already, and she’s sapphic. She couldn’t be attracted to me if I was the last man on earth.”
“Could have fooled me,” Marinette teased, suddenly impish. “She’s catwoman, isn’t she?”
Bruce narrowed his eyes, saying only: “Chat Noir. Year one.”
It was Marinette’s turn to grimace. “Point taken. But in my defense, he took way too long to realize he’s gay and watched too much anime at the time.”
Bruce let out one of his unfairly charming chuckles, changing position so that his arm was around her shoulders and pulling her to his side. She fit there surprisingly well, for someone almost half his size. She leaned into him, and the both just soaked in the comfort of one another for a long moment.
“You know,” Bruce started for a while. “If you want to stay in Gotham, we can make you another alter ego so that you don’t accidentally lure Shadow Moth here. Tell that fox of yours to make it seem like you’re in Paris and take some of the weight off of your shoulders for a change. Blackmail Constantine into charming some jars to keep the butterflies in until you can purify them.”
“Hmmm.” She closed her eyes. “Ladybird sounds nice. Fits with the bird thing that Robin has going for him.”
Bruce laughed. “That’ll really annoy him,” he warned, amused. Marinette’s close-eyed smile was pure mischief.
“That’s the whole point. I’m not letting a fetus win against me, bat-boy.”
—*—*—*—*—*
Marinette wasn’t speaking to Bunnyx. Bruce didn’t know what they had said to one another, but he could guess it had to do with Jason.
With his baby, who he just buried. The boy Marinette had thought of a son ever since he first brought him home. She had even smoothed things over between Dick and Jason, which he had considered nothing short of a miracle at the time.
But that miracle was nowhere to be seen now, with Marinette every bit as despondent next to him as he was. He wanted to be angry with her, he did, but he couldn’t. He had seen her blow up at Bunnyx, seen her try to hold her status as Grand Guardian over the bunny holder.
Bunnyx had simply said that she wouldn’t answer to Ladybug until after the grief passed then, and ran away into her burrow.
“Is this the payment?” He heard her whisper, her voice hoarse and broken. “For the do-over? We passed the old timeline. We took down Shadow Moth. Is this the price?” Tears dripped down her face silently, she didn’t seem to notice them. “Was I not a good enough mother? Should I—“ she stopped herself, shaking her head. He didn’t ask what she was about to say. Maybe he should have.
—*—*—*—*—*
Tim was great. He was too much like Marinette at times, which made Bruce’s chest ache, but he was a great Robin. A great son. His experience with Marinette proved priceless when it came to helping curb Tim’s overworking habits and caffeine addiction.
But not even Tim could find where Marinette had disappeared to, even with his detective skills surpassing Bruce’s already.
Tim was the first son of his that didn’t get to grow up with Marinette at all.
—*—*—*—*—*
“It’s fine, Baobei,” she whispered, stepping to the side. Behind her was the waterfall that hid the tunnel to the Batcave. “He’s not the one to blame. He did his best, even now he’s doing his best.”
“Then why does—“
“Because other people need him, and he has too big of a heart to turn them away,” her mouth tilted a little, smile lopsided and sad. “Timothy didn’t replace you. He just forced Bruce to live again. Bruce didn’t kill Joker, because he didn’t want to taint another child with the sight of murder.”
“And you?” The voice was dark, deadly, gruff. Older, and yet… so achingly familiar. She smiled at him again, soft and sad and… proud.
“I don’t have one,” she lied. She had tried, tried so hard. Bruce had gotten in her way first, and then the very same desire to not taint more children with the image of death.
But her baby needed a scapegoat, and she was willing to throw herself on the fire for him.
“That’s why it’s fine,” she repeated. “If this is what you want. Just, please. Let it end with me.”
This time, Marinette made sure she had the Time miraculous safely in her pocket. Nobody would interfere with this.
The bullet sent her into the flow of the waterfall, red flowing behind her like the carpet she used to walk down with Bruce whenever she released a new collection. She felt no regret as she closed her eyes and fell.
—*—*—*—*—*
The shot hadn’t been fatal. Red Hood might have been mad with Pit Rage, but his fondness for his only true mother figure was ever present. He simply wanted to see if she was serious about taking that shot.
His regret was immediate when she didn’t even try to dodge. The bullet had only grazed her shoulder, but she didn’t seem to notice that. She had been so ready to die— to let him kill her— that she had passed out before hitting the water. He dragged her to the Batcave, knowing he had a lot to answer for.
Bruce wished he could have found her sooner, found both of them sooner. But at least they were back.
—*—*—*—*—*
“… I mean,” she rocked on her heels. “You are growing a bit old for Robin…”
Tim glared at her, not appreciating the insight.
“Bruce is stuck in the timestream, and you aren’t doing a thing about it. I don’t hold your opinion very highly right now,” he snipped back. She snorted, glancing away.
As if that little stunt to “kill Batman” could ever fool her. She’d been there for the real thing, thanks, she could spot a fake a mile away. “He’s got Bunnyx going to find him. She owes me big time, let her do the heavy lifting for a change.”
“How many years have you held that grudge?” Barbara asked, eyebrows raised as she wheeled herself towards the bat computer. “Even Jason thinks you should have let it go by now.”
Marinette scoffed at the exact same time as a certain someone tutted next to her, making them look for a moment like a perfect pair.
Crossed arms, a scoff, annoyed glare? If a DNA test hadn’t already proven otherwise, they might have thought Damian was hers.
“Fetuses don’t get to judge me,” was her only argument before she turned on her heel and walked away.
“I am not a fetus! Lady Marinette, I am ten years old!”
—*—*—*—*—*
Bonus:
Jason was curled up around Marinette, despite being told numerous times not to crowd her on the med-bay bed. He argued that he shot her, so he gets to nurse her back to health.
Did she use her blood, tainted by years of use of the Ladybug, to purify his pit madness? Yes. Had he figured that out yet? Nope.
“Love you, Mom,” he murmured in his sleep. Marinette, who had been awake for about an hour already, smiled to herself.
“Love you, Baobei.”
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lemondropsandsodapops · 2 years ago
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Following my Jonette + Damien Bakery AU:
Marinette, Jon, and Damien are around the same age. (20 somethings?)
I would say that Marinette’s bakery isn’t in a high traffic area. Since she’s also focusing on spreading good energy, she’d probably allow people who can’t necessarily afford the food to come in and stay. (Let’s say that most of her income comes from doing commissions).
As said before, of course, the baked goods are magic. Purifying Gotham (yaaay.)
Listen. I just have this very specific scene in my mind where an angry customer comes, and they’re about to hit Marinette, but Jon blocks/ catches their hand. Marinette could most definitely handle herself, but I just think the idea is neat.
 I don’t necessarily like Adrien (due to his behavior as Chat + his attitude/ actions in canon as a civie... the same going from some other characters), but I’m definitely not going down the heavy salt/ bashing route. So perhaps Marinette and the other’s don’t have as good of a relationship as before. Maybe she still talks to some of them more than others, but they're not as close as before
Let Marinette dabble with creation more!! Let her go outside of fashion, and let her just take up all creative studies. Inventions? Maybe. Cooking? Of course.
Damien + Marinette meeting? Part of me feels like it could go smoothly. Another part of me thinks that it’d be funnier if they couldn’t stand each other at first, and slowly they gain each other’s respect.
Why is Jon working there? I remember seeing a fic where Jon and Marinette are university students who are both trying to get away from bering heroes. So, to take inspiration from that, Jon may want a getaway from being a hero, but still wants to be… useful, in a way. He still wants to help others, but for his own (mental/ emotional) health, he wants to (temporarily) quite being Superboy. So, what’s better than applying to a normal bakery to help out the local community with baked goods? (He may work part-time, because I mean, it is in Gotham).
 This leads to Damien absolutely scruntinizing Marinette to the point where she feels like she’s being interrogated (to her annoyance). He wants to make sure Jon absolutely knows what he’s doing and that the bakery is trustworthy.
What if he checks out the bakery to see how safe it is? Is it durable? Does it have the proper safety exits? Are you windows even bulletproof? Are your doors??
(Marinette could eventually tell that he’s just quite… protective? of his friend.. or at least he just cares a lot, but come on, man!)
Listen. I crave Marinette + Damien + Jon chaotic friendship. What of it if it starts off with Marinette + Damien frenemyship? It’s a work in progress. They’ll get there!
He wouldn't. I think we both know Damien wouldn't work there. But imagine Jon enacting some revenge and Damien getting pulled into working there for the day. May be ooc, but it's funny. (Imagine how their could either go so great or so poorly. Would Damien be disguised? Would he be blatantly rude to customers or just to the disrespectful ones? Would Damien and Marinette end up competing to see who can "make the most money" or "do the best?" Damien swears that he's not competing, but he seems to be in deep concentration.. Is Jon going to regret doing this? Find out next time on)
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its-karma-bitches-00 · 2 years ago
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Marinette: You often use humor to deflect trauma Jason: Thank you Marinette: I didn't say that was a good thing Jason: What I'm hearing is, you think I'm funny
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thornalchemist23 · 2 years ago
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Marinette: Bye Damian! Bye Dick! Bye Tim! Bye Jason! Bye Damian! Dick: You said 'bye Damian' twice. Marinette: I like Damian.
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maribat-calendar-events · 10 months ago
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Maribat Awards 2023 Nominees
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Art: Favourite Artist Favourite FanArt
Authors: Favourite Author Most Underrated Author Best Maribat Author of All Time (Any year) Best New Author
Fics: Favourite Fic Most Underrated Fic Best Maribat Fic of All Time (Any year)
Ships: Best Daminette Best Jasonette Best Timari Best Dickinette Best Rare Pair Best Platonic (non-bio-family) Best Biological family AU (not just biodad!Bruce)
Overall: Best One-Shot Best Multi-Chapter Best Fluff Best Angst Best Hurt/Comfort Best Comedy
Vote Now Here!
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lily-drake · 1 year ago
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Master List Part 1
I finally have my own laptop so now I can officially do this!
Master List Part 2
Timari
BioSibling!Timari:
Siblings Don't Shake Hands...: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4
Stay With Me Now
Romantic!Timari:
Happy Birthday Tim!
Hiding in the Blue
Let's Play a Game
Red is My Favorite Color
Escapé
Hide and Seek: Part 1 Part 2 Bargain: Part 1 Part 2
Ditched and Hitched: Part 1 Part 2
Platonic!Timari
The Bird's Baby Bug: Part 1 Part 2
Mistake?
Jasonette
Biosibling!Jasonette:
Happy Birthday Jason!
You Think We're WHAT?!
Peter and His Pixie: Part 1 Part 2
Platonic!Jasonette:
Unexpected Discoveries Lead to...: Part 1 Part 2
It's a Learned Trait
Romantic!Jasonette:
Stars
One of Us Has to Die
Daminette
Romantic!Daminette:
The Floor is Out to Get Me
Kiss the gir-NO!
The Blessed and Cursed
Who Do You Think You Are?!
Robin Hood and His Treasure
Found Family
Forced
Fear Me: Part 1 Part 2
Betrothed: Part 1 Part 2 (What-if ending [non-canon])
The Demon's Queen: Prologue Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20 Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25
BioDad!Daminette:
Mommy, Daddy Look! BioFamily!Daminette:
Cousin
Grumpy Cat/Fairytale
Stab or be Stabbed
Photograph
Why Can't Bats Rest in Peace? Part 1 Part 2 Surface Pressure: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
Trust Must be Earned: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 LettersPart 8 Part 9
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hamsteriffic · 11 months ago
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Miraculous Fandom Stats 2023
A Visit to Gotham
…and beyond
As promised here are my stats for Miraculous Ladybug fics on Ao3 with crossovers only. To see a snapshot for Miraculous Ladybug without crossovers click here.
📈 The data presented here is a snapshot of the Fandom on 06 Jan 2024
Don't be mad! I'm just a stats hamster.
🖤 Proportion of Crossover fics
At the time of posting, Crossover Fics accounted for 13% of the total fanfics on Ao3 (9177 works) (Fig 1A). They were predominantly featured in Batman All Media Types (5097 works) or DCU (1034 works), accounting for 68% of all crossover fics (Fig 1D). The majority of the works were rated for General (39%) or Teen Audiences (39%) (Fig 1B).
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Fig 1. Proportion of Miraculous Ladybug works posted on Ao3 in 2023 [A] featuring crossovers (grey) and without crossovers (black); [B] and the proportion of all works posted on Ao3 as of January 06, 2024 (9177 works). [C] The proportion of cross-overs outside of the MariBat fandom as well as [D] the growth of the top ten fandoms in crossovers in 2023 (red) are also presented.
Excluding works from the MariBat fandom, the second highest number of works to be crossovered with ML was Boko No Hero Academia with 348 works (3%) and is also the fastest growing crossover fandom, almost doubling in works in 2023 (141 new works) (Fig 1C-D).
🖤 Top 10 Fandom Crossovers
Here are the crossovers in a Table format.
Table 1. Top 10 Fandoms in 2023 and percentage change compared to 2022.
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Popular Tags used in 2023 (number of works) and percent change compared to 2022:
Fluff (246): -2%
Angst (161): -1%
Badass Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug (130): -1%
Lila Rossi Bashing (127): +1%
Alternate Universe (100): -7%
Hurt/Comfort (94): -2%
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🖤 Top 5 Relationships
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Fig 2. Top 5 relationships in ML crossover fics in 2023 and percentage change when compared to the year prior.
While works tagged with Adrien/Marinette has increased by 3% in 2023 when compared to the year before (Fig 2) the top 5 relationship pairings have not changed with Daminette taking first place.
Relationship Tags with Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug across all time (from Highest to Lowest):
Damien Wayne (1870 fics)
Adrien Agreste (1237 fics)
Jason Todd (806 fics)
Tim Drake (580 fics)
Dick Grayson (321 fics)
Hope this entertained you! Until 2024, same stats time, same stats channel.
Sodium Content and Methodology below the cut:
🖤 Top 5 Salt Categories
Look, Marinette is in Gotham for a reason. Usually it’s because of some sort of common table condiment/seasoning. Here is a breakdown:
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Fig 3. Frequently tagged salt and character bashing tags across all crossover works prior to 2023 (green) and new works posted/updated subsequent to Jan 01, 2023 (dark blue). The change in numbers to the previous year (where present) are indicated.
Methods
Partitioning
To see changes in crossover fics in the ML fandom over time, I have tracked the number of crossovers posted to Ao3 per year.
Data was filtered by the date the fic was last posted, between 01 Jan - 31 Dec for each year.
Note that older fics may get updated, this data is only a reflection of the fandom at one moment in time. This analysis was performed 06 Jan 2024.
Filtering
Note that I have followed the Ao3 definition of a slash representing romantic relationships and & indicates platonic relationships.
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apileofashandember · 2 years ago
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Writing Prompt - MLB x DC
This was an idea I had wanted to put in my current work, but couldn't fit in:
Marinette wanting to make a website that is protected (old one could have been damaged by Lila), but doesn't have the experience or time to figure it out on her own, so
a) she asks Penny if she knows anyone who could help her out.
or
b) she posts an ad on a forum
The first response she gets ends up being from Barbara, and the two of them become good friends fast. Marinette designs something for Barbara as a thank you, and the bat boys are trying to figure out how she managed to get a custom MDC.
(this could also be either daminette or platonic maribat).
idk if i'll write this, but if someone wants to, please tag me?
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ali-annals · 7 months ago
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Main Masterlist
Happy endings (or the option for one, in the case of CYOE fics) are the norm here.
Most fics are one-shots. Two-shots or miniseries have their prequel/sequel/chapters posted beside the name. Series are free from summary but have a status (completed/in progress/hiatus) posted beside their name.
Most Akuma Class fics are salty. I write Adrien and/or Chloe salt/sugar 50/50
Filed by: DATE ☄ SHIP ☄ MULTICHAP/SERIES ☄ COLLECTION ☄ AO3 ☄ ART
Format: - Date [title] | ship | rating | wc | - summary*
*series will have no summary; it will be at the top of the series masterlist instead
Summer 2021
☄ Chaotic Coffee Zombies | Timari | T | (in progress)
☄ How You Get The Girl | Jasonette | G | 1k
“Hi, Marinette.” She laughed sharply to hide her hurt. “‘Hi, Marinette?’ Jason, it’s been six months.”
☄ Enchanted | Jasonette | G | 1k
Jason laughed. “...Do you have a name or shall I call you M?” “You haven’t earned my name yet, monsieur, so M will have to do.” “What does earning it involve?” “Mmm, normally you’d have to be family or a close friend, or a loyal patron for over two years.” “Would a waltz make us close enough friends?” He extended his hand with a flourish, which she took. “Perhaps. No stepping on my toes, though,” she warned. “I’ll have you know I never step on people’s toes unless they deserve it,” he said in mock offence as they move onto the dancefloor.
☄ my tears ricochet | Daminette | T | 4.5k
It was over. Everything was done. Hawkmoth and Mayura were defeated. Ladybug was dead. Marinette Dupain-Cheng’s “friends”/classmates were crying around the fresh grave. She’d been revealed as Ladybug in her death, her transformation dropping one final time. The city mourned their fallen heroine. Chat Noir gave the final Miraculous Team’s press conference, stating that Marinette was dead, attacked by Hawkmoth; though she had defeated the villain and his partner, she had succumbed soon after to irreversible injuries. He would be retiring now as well. ... The next day, a lone figure made its way back to Ladybug’s flower-covered grave. He was the class’s foreign-exchange student, Damian Grayson. He set a single white rose on the headstone and stepped back to pay his respects. The dirt began to move, and a hand poked through.
☄ invisible string | Daminette | G | 13k (completed)
☄ Call it what you Want | Jasonette | G | (see February 2024)
Autumn 2021
☄ Marinette “Valkyrie” Wayne | Marijon, Platonic Maribat | G | 10k (completed)
☄ knock knock/who's th-/-interrupting bats | Daminette | M | 1k
Damian is kidnapped and the Bats try to find him. Rewind: Damian wants to spend time with his girlfriend and the Bats have really bad timing | SEQUEL
☄ Stars Around My Scars | Jasonette | T | 13k + drabbles (completed)
☄ Unexpected Visitors | Daminette | G | 1k
An unknown woman shows up on Wayne Manor's doorstep asking for Damian Wayne...
☄ Mazel Tov | Daminette | G | 0.5k
Talia attempts to arrange a marriage between her son, the Heir to the Demon, and the League of Assassins' rival order's head, the Grand Guardian. The Bats are insistent on stopping the wedding, but the couple don't seem that opposed to it...
☄ gold rush | Timari | G | 1k
Marinette has plans to meet her online gamer boyfriend on her class trip to Gotham, but gets distracted watching Lila flirt with their host, Tim Drake.
Winter 2021-2022
☄ Is this Hope just a Mystical Dream? | Jasonette | T | 5k
Did you know that some soulmates' souls are literally connected, meaning that when one half dies, the other follows them soon after to a personalized deathscape? Marinette and Jason sure did. | PART 2 (FINAL)
☄ clover blooms in the field/spring breaks loose, time is near | NetteWorth | T | 0.5k
☄ Renagerie | Jasonette | T | 1k
Red Hood and Menagerie hate each others' guts; everyone knows that. The Bats just want to know when they'll move from the Enemies phase of their relationship to the Lovers stage.
☄ It’s a Small World | Jasonette | G | 2k
Jason brings his fiancee home to meet his family. She gets along great with everyone! There's just one problem… They've met her before.
☄ I Wanted a Date, Not a Spouse! | Jasonette | G | 1k
Marinette bemoans her dry love life to her aunt. Jason is done with dating and tells his mom if she wants a daughter-in-law to find one herself. He should've known she would take him seriously.
March 2022
☄ The Terrifying Trio | Daminette | G | 1k | DCxDPxMLB
Everyone knew about the T3, as they called themselves. No one imagined they were real until they met them, and then they wished they hadn’t; the trio were far more terrifying than their tales.
April 2023
☄ sugar & bikes & everything nice | Jasonette | G | 0.5k
Biker meet car passenger...only Marinette's the biker.
☄ Outflirting an Outlaw | Roynette | G | 0.1k
Roynette meetcute, what more needs to be said?
☄ Ice to Meet You | Daminette | G | 1k
Marinette mistakes her new partner for her coach and a meet ugly meet cute ensues.
☄ sweet denials make for even sweeter victories | Konette | T | 0.3k
Conner is back from his trip with the JL, but his girlfriend isn't welcoming him as warmly as he would like.
☄ Pixie Reviews: Nightwing vs Red Hood | Jasonette | T | 0.5k
On patrol, Hood overhears a very interesting phone call from a very interesting woman.
☄ You don’t need to save me...but would you run away with me? | Jasonette | T | 2.5k
"What if Jason is hunted/captured by someone trying to remake the Lazarus Pit" but a meetcute.
☄ The Very First Night | Jasonette | T | 3k
Marinette’s phone rang, breaking her attention from her friends’ conversation. She checked the caller ID and excused herself. “MDC speaking,” she answered professionally, knowing her friends were half eavesdropping before she moved out of overhearing range. “Pixie, do you know how much I miss you?” whispered Jason. “These annoyances are driving me to do stupid things like call you in front of them just so I don’t blow us all up and alert the people we’re watching to our location!” “Aw, poor Jay,” she commiserated. “You need some reminders to keep you from eliminating your siblings?” “Please.” His exasperated tone in that one word told her volumes. “You’ll be in your family’s bad books if you do that, which means they’ll keep an even closer eye on you, which means you can’t see me without alerting them to my existence in your life.” Jason exhaled sharply. “Thank you, Pix. I shall restrain myself. Two more weeks.”
☄ Pretty petty pranks | Brucinette | G | 1.5k
“Damn right I'm pretty.” “I said petty.”
☄ All’s fair in love and Prank Wars | Jasonette | G | 2k
"Damn right I'm pretty." "I said petty."
☄ maroon | Dickinette | M | CYOE | 3k
“Can you hold my hand? My ex just walked in with her new boyfriend.” … "I see no one around besides us."
☄ Reputation 'Verse | Jasonette | E | 4k+ (hiatus)
May 2023
☄ Interrupting Bats Sequel | Daminette | M | 1k -prequel-
1+3 times Damian and Marinette interrupted their interrupters.
☄ look at those flowers that look like you | Jasonette | T | 3k
Hanahaki AU of my Reputation AU.
☄ Rival Mob Boss AU | Jasonette | M | 5k+ (hiatus)
☄ high tide came and brought you in | Jasonette, one-sided Daminette | T | 6.5k
Reverse Robins Little Mermaid AU where Jason is Ariel and Marinette is Eric.
☄ only bought this dress so you could take it off | Jasonette | M | 3k
Marinette finds her patrol rival/crush at the Wayne's party. They take things in a new direction.
June 2023
☄ from all the memories stored in my heart | Timari | G | CYOE | 1k
"Don't forget who you belong to" but SFW
☄ rude interruptions | Dickinette | M | 1k
Marinette is trying to make out with Dick but someone decided to disturb them. Also, why does she want to make out with Dick? He is such a dork.
☄ cracket | Timari | G | 1k
Cricket. Crnch!
☄ RavenBug Hanahaki trilogy | MaRave, Konette | T | 1k | (complete)
-one- -two- -three-
July 2023
☄ long live all the magic we made | Jasonette | T | 9.5k | minor DCxDPxMLB
In Gotham, Jason Todd is looking for Damian's dragonbat, Goliath, when he notices a strange thing in the sky. In Paris, Ladybug is fighting an akuma when a strange creature literally appears out of the blue. It might not be too big of a deal (they've both dealt with weirder things) if it wasn't A DIFFERENT UNIVERSE!
September 2023
☄ you're the hero flying around, savin' face | platonic Maribat, Adrinette | T | 1.5k | (angsty, unhappy ending)
He tasted salt. He cracked open his eyelids again. Oh. Her hot tears dropped past his reddened teeth, open in a half-smile, half-grimace. She was always so painfully optimistic. He hated to be the one to break it to her, but this would be more than a miracle. Optimism only got you so far. Look at him. Actually, don’t; you’d throw up like the person who had just followed her in here.
☄ there was one prize i'd cheat to win | Daminette | G | 1k
Marinette can only be roused from her daydreams by one word: Damian Damian will only respond to one word: Marinette They're so cute, right? Well... They secretly think the other dislikes them, being rivals and all.
October 2023
☄ "here, go stalk" (aka the coffee phenomenon) | Timari | G | 2k
Nightwing knocked on Red Robin’s mysterious rescuer’s window. She opened it with a stern look. “Really? And a blue and black vigilante outside my window isn’t as obvious as simply knocking on my door?” He shrugged, entering when she stepped back for him.
☄ tomorrow's a flower | Cassette | G | 1k
Cassinette meet cute at a fall fair turns to flowery romance.
☄ october request trilogy | T+ | 1.5k
February 2024
☄ the eras tour (jasonette's version) | Jasonette | T | 14k (completed)
March 2024
☄ stupid in love | Timari | T | 2.5k
Tim meets a competent new companion in his fight to make Ra's al Ghul's life hell. They just might be a match made in heaven (after all, Timari heaven is Ra's hell).
April 2024
☄ angel, don't fly so close to me (i'll pull you down eventually) | Jasonette | T | 0.5k
Jason's not the best at flirting; luckily the girl he's interested in thinks his attempts are cute.
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mochinek0 · 11 months ago
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Wrong Wayne
Marinette was shocked when she got to work that day, at Wayne Enterprise. Someone had set up a desk and laptop, outside of Damian's office. Some random girl was sitting there, smiling.
Marinette walked over to the office and the girl jumped up from her desk.
"Mr. Wayne, isn't in." she smiled, "Do you have an appointment? I can let him know who you are when he arrives."
"And you are?" Marinette questioned.
"I'm Damian Wayne's newest secretary." she answered.
Marinette turned around and pulled her cell phone out. She immediately began to text Tim.
Coffee Buddy: We have a sitch in front of Damian's office. Bring up CCTV.
Espresso King: Who is that?
Coffee Buddy: Claims new secretary. Send security up and look thru footage. Must have moved someone's desk cuz I can still see my desk in the office.
Espresso King: Got it
Not a minute later, Damian stepped out of the elevator.
"Mr. Wayne, I-" the new secretary began.
"Who the fuck is this?" Damian asked.
The secretary panicked, "I-I didn't get her name! I'm very sorry! I-"
Damian glared at her, "Did I ask you? Marinette, who the fuck is this?"
"She claims to be your new secretary." Marinette answered, "Damian, you didn't tell me you were firing me."
The girl paled, further.
"You-You're stuff was cleared out!" she shouted, "It should be obvious now that you're no longer needed here!"
Marinette sighed, "My stuff is in Mr. Wayne's office."
Damian opened the door, allowing the girl to peer inside. As Marinette stated, there were two desks. One by the door, which she could tell belonged to his actual secretary. The other desk by the windows, must belong to Damian.
"Why?" she questioned.
"I'm barely here." Damian stated, "Marinette does most of the work to keep me updated. I'm here only when I need to be and only then."
Mari smiled, "You have a meeting in ten minutes. I left the details on your desk last night. It's with the board of directors for the new animal clinics on 5th and Main. There's a list on top of important bullet points for you to scan over on the first page."
Damian nodded as he headed to his desk. He picked up the packet and quickly started to read it over.
The lady looked around when security got on the floor. Marinette stood by as they put her in handcuffs.
"Why are you doing this?" she screamed, "I work for Mr. Wayne."
"No, you don't." stated Damian, "I do not know who you are. I tell every secretary, I fire, when it is their last two weeks. Miss Dupain-Cheng is by far, the best person to do the job assigned to her. I have no intention of letting her go."
"You bitch! You can't separate us now! We were meant to be!" the lady shouted, "You helped me that day at the Gala.. You picked up my bracelet after that jerk threw it!
"I rarely attend those annoying things." Damian spoke, "When I do, I tend to stay away from people. The last thing I would do is go out of my way for some trinket."
"We were ten." she smiled, "It was like a dream come true."
"I never stepped foot in Gotham until I was ten." the Wayne heir replied, "My first gala was at age thirteen."
"N-No!" she screamed, stomping her foot, " We met when we were ten!"
"You are likely thinking of one of the children my father adopted; liekly Drake." Damian announced, "He was the youngest Wayne before me."
"Drake?" the girl questioned.
"Timothy Drake-Wayne is the current Co-CEO with Mr. Bruce Wayne." Mari declared, "Timothy Drake became a Wayne at age twelve. Before that, he was heir to the Drake Industries. Mr. Wayne took him in after his parents past away and his step-mother was admitted to a facility in Bludhaven."
"Sharing my life story, Coffee Buddy?" Tim questioned, announcing himself, "We found out who the mystery secretary is. Her name is Maybel Evergreen. Her brother is a night guard. We're having GCPD heading to pick him up now."
"No!" Maybel screamed, "He didn't know about this! I told him I had a lot of work to do and wasn't given my badge, yet! He really thinks I work here! He's a single dad of a two year old. Please, I'll-I'll tell you everything just don't involve him!"
"We'll see if that's true." he spoke, walking away.
He made a call to GCPD to pick up the girl and leave the brother for leverage.
As he walked back to the sobbing lady, he looked her over, closely.
'She seems familiar.'
He snapped his fingers, gaining everyone's attention.
"Gold bracelet with opals." He called out.
"Told you." Damian muttered.
The lady looked at him shocked and nodded.
"Why did you harass my younger brother?" Tim questioned.
"Actually, she mixed you two up." Marinette explained.
"Us?" Tim asked, "Me?"
Damian sighed, annoyed, "She claims to have a crush on you since you helped her that day with her trinket. She wanted to 'help' you, too."
Tim blushed, "Oh, um, that's nice, but I'm afraid I'm seeing someone. His name is Bernard."
"Oh." she spoke, looking down at the floor.
"If you still....want to help, you can always apply." Tim offered.
"Really?" Maybel asked.
"You're dedicated; that's for sure." Tim chuckled, "You do still have to go to the GCPD and they can figure out what the damage is. Next time, just apply. I cannot guarantee that you will work with me, though."
Maybel smiled, "Thank you."
"Damian, you have a meeting in three." Marinette announced.
Damian locked the office and left with Marinette at his heels, reading over the packet.
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maribat-media · 10 months ago
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Maribat Media Poll Sunday: #0
This is the official start of a new standard for this blog. Weekly polls!
These polls will be just about anything you can think of.
They will be centered around Maribat, if that was not already clear, but feel free to leave some polls you would like to see either in the replies, reblog, or an ask!
Note: If you leave it in an ask, please specify that it is a poll request.
Here's a 'mini' poll to start us off! (check below line)
If you have any pairing that is a rare pair, poly ship or bio parent that got you into the fandom, shoot that relationship out! Do so however you feel comfortable (in tags or reblog)
Extra Special Challenge: If you happen to remember the exact piece (fic, artwork, drabble, incorrect quote) or the author/creator of the piece, give them a shootout in a reblog of this!
Alternative to Special Challenge: If you can't remember who/what you got you into the fandom, shootout the creators or friends that have helped instead!
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soulmate-game · 1 year ago
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Another day, another chappy
Prev First Next
—*—*—*—*—*
The Heroes’ Game
Chapter 3
“So, did you kids figure it out?” Nightwing asked when the two soon-to-be lovebirds opened their eyes. As if reading his mind, Robin turned to glare darkly at the older hero. Ignoring the silent warning, Nightwing just continued to talk. “Because it’s been forty-ish minutes since you guys started meditating. If we wanna make it to the museum on time, we should leave soon.”
“Forty-ish?” Robin repeated incredulously, standing up. “Honestly. You can’t even keep proper track of time?”
“It’s fine, we figured everything out Monsieur Nightwing,” Marinette interrupted before an argument could spark up. “Our vision is back to normal for now. Oh, but,” she pulled her phone out of her purse, handing it to Robin. “Do you have a secure number you can give me? I can’t exactly wander around Gotham at night every time I want to meet up with you.”
Robin winced at the visual. “Yes, please don’t do that. I don’t need my job made even harder than it already is,” he grumbled before taking her phone from her casually, and creating a new contact for himself. Unbeknownst to him, she changed his contact name in her phone from ‘Robin’ to a simple green heart emoji the second he gave her the device back.
If he asks, I’ll just say it’s because a green heart is way more subtle than his superhero name, she decided silently.
“Alright, let’s get the smaller lovebird home,” Nightwing teases, successfully making Marinette’s entire face flush bright red.
“H-h-hey! W-w-we just met and I’m sure Robin doesn’t like me like that yet. I mean, sure our soul bond is romantic and everything, but the actual emotions take time to form and I’m pretty sure Robin doesn’t want to go too fast so really calling us lovebirds is just not accurate yet and really, really embarrassing so if you could not do that, I would really really appreciate it monsieur Nightwing, sir!” Luckily, Marinette’s flailing Arms of Denial provided the perfect opening for Robin to slide his arm around her waist and toss her over his back halfway through her ramble. Apparently being slung over the shoulder of her soulmate wasn’t enough to get her to stop though, since she didn’t even miss a beat and continued until she was done.
Nightwing only laughed, making Marinette’s blush deepen several shades.
“I’m never going to get silence again,” Robin groaned as they traveled over the rooftop.
“Hey, at least she isn’t scared of heights,” Nightwing offered, seeing as Marinette had barely reacted at all even during the steeper jumps and falls they had made. Robin briefly paused at that, turning his head to look back at the French girl as well as he could, given her angle in his fireman carry.
“That’s a surprisingly astute observation, Nightwing,” Robin begrudgingly complimented. “How are you so calm about this? Does Ladybug randomly take you freerunning, too?”
It took a solid five seconds of uncontrollable stutter before coherent language seemed to come back to the petite girl. “W-w-What?” Well, mostly. “N-n-no way! I mean, Ladybug would never compromise a c-civilian like that! I just have, a-a passion! Yep. A passion for parkour. Nobody expects it from me, really, but—“
“Okay, calm down,” Robin interrupted, rolling his eyes behind his domino mask as he and Nightwing resumed running. “You don’t have to tell me if you really don’t want to. It isn’t like it’s a bad thing. In fact considering who I am, you being afraid of heights at all would be really inconvenient for both of us.”
“Ha, ha, yeah,” Marinette agreed, her nervous laughter doing nothing to soothe the suspicion both vigilantes had now. Sure, she was Robin’s soulmate, but that didn’t suddenly make her trustworthy. In fact, some people (Jason and Tim) would argue that it made her extremely suspicious, because there was no way someone innocent could be soulmates with Demon Spawn. Robin himself, being the only one to see what exactly inhabited Marinette’s half of their mindspace, was of an entirely different mindset. Everything he saw there indicated she was completely innocent, and nobody had control over the first things to appear in their mindspace if they had one. The things that appeared always reflected the truest aspects of that individual.
No, Damian Wayne had a much different suspicion. A suspicion that came from the fact that Marinette knew far more intimate details about the villain situation in Paris than she should, from the fact that she had displayed such confidence fighting men twice her size, from the fact that their only shared object in their mindspace besides the TV was a sparring mat, of all things. From the fact that her body language had relaxed for a moment when she found out her soulmate was a vigilante.
Damian Wayne had a suspicion that his soulmate was a hero.
He only had to look through all of Paris’s heroes to find out which one.
All too soon, they arrived across the street from the Gotham Museum of History. Suddenly glad that she wore pants instead of the skirt she had been contemplating when they relaxed in the hotel, Marinette slid off of Robin’s shoulder and dusted herself off.
It had been nice, feeling the wind in her hair and the familiar adrenaline of leaping across buildings, of seeing the world flash by in a mesh of indistinguishable color. Even if she wasn’t the one doing the moving, it was still nice. She knew she wouldn’t be able to swing around as Ladybug while she was here, and she knew the month of reprieve of freerunning was going to take a mental toll on her.
Maybe I can convince Robin to take me with him sometime. Just a short run, that’s all. No crime fighting involved.
Yeah, fat chance in Gotham City, but a girl could hope.
It wasn’t long before a group of fourteen kids and one adult crossed the street, stopping right in front of where Marinette stood with her arms crossed. Having Robin and Nightwing at her side helped her confidence, but the anger and betrayal she felt didn’t hurt it either.
“Marinette!” Mlle. Bustier exclaimed, eyes wide. She continued rapidly speaking in French, “But— weren’t you with the class—“ she turned, only for a certain pink haired teen to skate forward with her hands on her hips.
“Uh, no Mlle. Bustier. Adrien and I tried to tell you that Marinette never made it on the bus!”
“But, Alya told me you three were lying because you didn’t want to go to a boring museum!” The teacher said in dismay. Then a frown overcame her face. “Well, regardless. We have departure time set for a reason, Marinette. I expect you, as the class president, to set a good example and arrive on time. Being late is very unbecoming of you, especially considering you weren’t responsible enough to even meet up for the tour. As the person who recommended the museum in the first place, Marinette, I expected more integrity out of you.”
“Excusez-moi?” Robin spoke up, hands clenched into fists at his side. The teacher jumped, clearly not having anticipating the Gotham hero to understand everything she said. The young Robin continued in perfectly fluent French; “It is not Marinette’s responsibility to take care of your class or to be flawless. It is your own failing as a teacher, neglecting your responsibility to ensure that all of the children under your care are safe and accounted for. While in Gotham, you are supposed to act as their caretaker and their parents are relying on you to do at least a halfway decent job. Instead, you allow your own class President, the only reason any of you are even here and able to visit anywhere, to get left behind and almost kidnapped in the most crime ridden city in the country!” The vigilante never raised his voice, the iciness of his tone easily carrying and showing how deadly serious every last word was. Caline Bustier could only freeze under Robin’s wrathful glare.
Nightwing’s hand on Robin’s shoulder stopped the tirade, though the older hero’s gaze never left the teacher either. “We will be keeping an ear out, madam,” he said in deceptively cheerful French. Bustier twitched again in surprise. There was still a threat under that cheerful tone. “Any kid left behind in this city, especially if they don’t know the city, is in a lot of danger. I suggest you do your job unless you want the police having a talk with you too, instead of us friendly vigilantes,” he warned. “Now then, try to have a good rest of your night Marinette. Stay safe. Hopefully you won’t have to see us anytime soon, yeah?” He switched back to English, earning a wry smile and small nod from Marinette.
Neither Gotham hero missed the way Marinette shrunk in on herself as soon as she realized they were leaving. Two sets of masked eyes narrowed, but otherwise they gave no sign of noticing. A brief wave from the friendlier of the two heroes later, and they were gone.
Marinette couldn’t help but feel like a sheep left in a pack of wolves.
Thankfully, her class at least had the decency to wait until they were all sat down and had finished ordering before pouncing.
“Honestly, Marinette?” Alya snapped, eyebrow raised and scowl on her lips. “I can’t believe you would waste the time of Gotham’s heroes just for attention. Look at how sad Mlle. Bustier is now!” She waved a hand to the teacher, who was still in obvious shock. “I can’t even imagine what you did to make them think you were about to get kidnapped. Probably some poor innocent guy in prison now because of your whining, and what if wasting time with you made Nightwing and Robin miss out on saving someone in actual trouble, huh, girl?”
Lila broke into tears. “I-I’m just so g-glad you’re safe, Marinette! When you told m-me you felt s-sick and wanted us to g-go without you, I h-hoped you wouldn’t c-c-cause any trouble,” a giant fake sob ripped itself from Lila’s lying throat. “But this is what I g-g-get for having faith in y-you!” Everyone quickly rushed to assure Lila that she had to reason to feel bad about Marinette’s behavior, it wasn’t her fault Marinette was an attention hog.
It was all the pigtailed girl could do, to sink down in her seat and thank every power in the universe that she hadn’t suggested moving onto Audio Only Mode with Robin yet. She had an odd suspicion that anger management wasn’t exactly one of his strengths.
Just take deep breaths, she thought, doing the best she could to keep herself calm while she ate. Alix leaned into her arm, offering comforting weight and silent support. Marinette just smiled at her gratefully. Speaking up would do nothing right now, not while everyone was so solidly against her and Adrien was stuck as Lila’s human teddy bear. He sent her an apologetic glance, but Marinette could only shrug. As much as she still liked having him around as Chat, she had long since gotten used to not getting help in class from Adrien.
Marinette sunk into her bed once they got back to the hotel, the silence of the room weighing on her. She was the odd student out, so she didn’t have a roommate.
“Maybe tomorrow will be better, Marinette,” Tikki tried to cheer her up, the tiny Kwami flying over and nestling next to Marinette’s face in a pseudo hug. The teen just hummed in halfhearted agreement, closing her eyes. It took a while, but she was eventually able to sink off into slumber.
—*—*—*—*—*
“You seem tired,” Robin remarked blandly, raising an eyebrow at Marinette’s dejected form just slumped half-on half-off of her loft bed. Her head was part of the half actually on the bed, and thus her expression was hidden from Robin as she let out a loud groan of despair. “Are you dying?”
“Noooo,” Marinette paused. “Maybe.”
“And why are you maybe dying?” Robin walked over to his weapons rack, where a brand new section of green wall was revealed over it boasting domino masks. Considering he had went to sleep, he obviously hadn’t been in uniform. Which, therefore, meant he wasn’t in uniform in the dreamspace. Quickly pulling on one of the masks, he turned back to the loft bed.
Marinette still hadn’t lifted her head.
“... is your identity safe now?”
“Yes, I have my mask on.”
Marinette wasted no time sitting up after that, exposing Robin to the absolutely dejected look on her face. Immediately his eyebrows shot up, the way her hair fell loose around her head instead of being held in pigtails only emphasizing the sorry state she was in.
It had really been a gamble, talking to himself when he reached his room to ask Marinette if she would do her best not to look at him when he first entered the mindspace. A gamble that apparently paid off. Apparently if one of them was asleep or meditating, they could still see through the other person’s eyes if they watched TV in the mindspace.
But now he couldn’t really care about his identity as much as usual, considering his stalling meant she had been left alone to wallow in whatever misery left her in this state.
“What happened?” That came out harsher than he intended it to, but Marinette Luckily didn’t seem to care. She just heaved a heavy sigh and slipped off her bed. She didn’t even use the ladder, just letting herself slide off and land surprisingly nimbly on her feet. Robin narrowed his eyes.
Parkour, he thought with a mental scoff. Sure. Wait, that doesn’t matter right now.
“It’s just my class,” Marinette confided, fiddling with the long sleeve of her pajama top. “It’s really stupid, and I know I should be strong enough to ignore the things they say, but it still hurts. A lot.”
A very unfamiliar feeling caused Robin to bristle and stand up straighter. “Things? What things do they say?” He watched as Marinette fidgeted nervously, and then went to his couch. She looked between it and him for a second, silently asking permission to sit on it considering it was a Green Item and therefore his by default. He simply nodded, moving over to sit next to her.
“It’s dumb, and you really don’t have to worry about it,” she started, but she also couldn’t fight the urge to confide in him. Maybe it was the mindspace, the aura of it heavily persuading the two inhabitants to speak nothing but the truth while there. Maybe it was the bond itself, trying to convince her that she could trust him. Whatever it was, she had never wanted to tell someone about her issues this badly before.
“I didn’t ask for reasons to not worry, I asked for what they said,” Robin retorted firmly. Marinette actually chuckled at that, the bluntness reassuring her.
I guess Chloe was right, huh?
So she explained. She stared down at the green floor under her feet or the couch cushions or the TV or the vast white expanse of their mindspace, but never Robin. She never looked at him as she recounted everything that happened after Lila Rossi joined the class, how she took her friends away and lied every chance she got to make Marinette look bad. How she had even managed to spin a lie that got the whole class believing that Marinette got left behind and almost kidnapped on purpose, for attention, despite Marinette having social anxiety and not liking having large amounts of attention on her to begin with.
She explained every harsh detail of Alya, her previous best friend, betraying her and turning into her second worst bully because of Lila. How only Alix remained by her side and her class as a whole ridiculed, isolated, and bullied her. If they didn’t bully her, they ignored that anything was happening. She explained how Adrien, also her friend, was given the ultimatum that if he didn’t keep Lila happy he would be withdrawn from school and effectively isolated at home again. She explained that he tried to help, but was often stopped from doing more than offering a warm glance by Lila’s grip around one of his arms (almost always his left arm nowadays, since even Lila knew better than to touch or obstruct someone’s soul mark without permission).
“And it’s really just dumb school drama,” Marinette was wrapping up, the sleeve of her nightshirt sporting several holes in it from how she had been worrying at it throughout her whole story. Normally she wouldn’t dare hurt her clothes in such a way, but here it didn’t matter. In the mindspace, nothing but their own consciousness actually existed. She could destroy her clothes all she wanted here, and they would be perfectly fine when she woke up. “I just need to suck it up and not let Lila’s words affec—“
Marinette almost bit her tongue when she was flicked on the forehead, her eyes crossing as she tried to spot the offending hand. Slowly coming out of her shock, she followed the hand to the wrist, then arm, then the face of a very frustrated Robin. His eyebrows were pulled down low over his masked eyes, the hand that hadn't just flicked her was clenched in a fist and shaking. Marinette was pretty sure that he would have been making his palm bleed if they had been in the physical world right then.
“No,” Robin’s voice was strained, as if he was doing his best not to raise his voice. It still trembled with anger. “The way they are treating you is incredibly uncalled for, unjustified and dishonorable. You should not be forced to manage your emotions even on the level that Hawkmoth forces all of Paris to do every day, let alone force yourself to cope with what is clearly serious harassment. They are taking advantage of you, Marinette. They are using you because they know you will provide things they favor— clothes, baked goods, and whatever else you might give them. They are not entitled to that, though. They are not entitled to your kindness or forgiveness, and they are not entitled to your patience. If they do not want to or are too dumb to acknowledge the truth of what is happening, that is their fault and the way they are treating you because of it is unacceptable. And your teacher! Nightwing and I were not bluffing when we threatened to get her investigated. I tried to research you after patrol today, but Red Robin pointed out that it may be seen as insensitive or intrusive of me. Perhaps you should allow me to do so anyway, so that we can take proper action if there is proof of your school being negligent.”
“Robin, that really isn’t necessary,” it said a lot that Marinette no longer had the energy to wave her hands in denial. She just spoke in a defeated tone.
Robin flicked her again.
“I am your soulmate, not your therapist. But it is wholly unacceptable for the person who is supposed to be by my side for the rest of my life to be mistreated or emotionally abused in such a way. The fact that you have not even been akumatized by that villain in Paris yet despite going through all of this is clear testimony that you have a strong mind and will, but everyone has their limits. When you feel yourself approaching said limits, you can meditate and turn on Audio Only Mode, so that I know you need to vent.”
“But I can’t let my emotions get out of control when I am back in Paris,” Marinette started to say, but was cut off by Robin already shaking his head.
“That does not count here. Very few magics can penetrate a soulbond mindspace, and I severely doubt an Akuma is one of them. You can go to sleep or meditate, and release all of your frustrations here where it is safe. Letting them build up will only cause more damage in the long run.”
The Asian girl shifted, looking first at the green floor beneath her and then up to Robin’s face. Her posture said that she was relaxed, at least a lot more than she had been during her entire confession, but her eyes held worry. He could see it swimming in those sapphire depths.
“Are you sure it’s okay?” She asked weakly in French. The slip back to her most commonly used language made Robin frown. He really was far from the best person to comfort anyone, even his own soulmate. He was flying blind here, and could only do what he saw as logical. Surely his soulmate, of all people, would accept that.
“I do not make it a habit of expressing many of my emotions very often,” he admitted slowly. “But I understand that you do not come from my circumstances. I will not be bothered.”
Insecurity wormed its way into her blue eyes l, pushing the normal worry away. “Even if we’re soulmates…” she started hesitantly, squirming in her seat. “You shouldn’t have to put up with me. I mean, I overreact a l—“
“No.”
Marinette was startled, eyes wide and uncomprehending. “Excusez moi?”
“No,” Robin repeated. “You are not overreacting. I will not allow you or anyone else to think that about yourself. If nothing else, everyone is entitled to their emotions,” he stubbornly pushed away unpleasant memories. This wasn’t about him. He could not have his soulmate in an unstable state of mind. It was not acceptable, even if he did not know or fully trust her yet. “You are my soulmate,” he said slowly, leaning forward and staring into her eyes to try and hammer in the words he spoke. “As such, I will not allow anyone to treat you as anything less than royalty. Not even yourself.”
Marinette was certain she would have passed out from forgetting to breathe, had they not been in a mental world separate from physical reality.
Oh, this is so much worse than fawning over Adrien.
—*—*—*—*—*
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stareyedmoonchildworks · 1 year ago
Text
Daminette Corpse Bride AU
Well AU-ish
Original Post
So we left off in the land of the living and learned that Marinette's groom is hoping She's not found so he doesn't have to get his hands dirty.
In comes in either Luka or Felix (whichever fits your preference) as they have known the Dupain-Cheng's for some time.
For drama purposes, they could have romantic feelings for Marinette or you go the platonic love route where they are there to see if her groom is worthy of their friend. (He's definitely not worthy.)
When they arrive, they hear the news bellower shouting out the most recent news while ringing the bell.
"EXTRA! EXTRA! The only daughter of the Dupain-chengs goes missing after disastrous rehearsal!"
That has them booking it to the bakery where both families are sitting together trying to figure out how to find Marinette.
However, they notice that it her groom seems to have no interest in finding her as he seems to be zoning everything out. That pisses them off.
After introductions are made, they ask the groom to walk with them, in the guise of finding and clues as to where Marinette could have gone.
They reach the church and go around back to see if there's anything there, and that when Luka/Felix pin her groom to the wall.
"What the hell is your problem?! Your bride is missing, and you don't seem the least bit worried! Don't you love her?! Marinette is an amazing girl, and anyone would be lucky to have her as their partner!"
"If I didn't know any better I would say you love my bride. If she's such an amazing girl as you say then why don't you marry her?" - The groom
This pisses off Luka/Felix more, resulting in the groom getting a black eye.
Now this seem entertaining to the groom, and now wants to marry Marinette out of spite. Just to rub it in their faces.
Perhaps marriage does has its benefits.
When they get back to bakery, they fawned over Marinette's groom. Which he resumed them the black eye was caused by his own clumsiness.
Luka/Felix really don't like him.
In the land of the dead:
Marinette is honestly kinda terrified, but at the same time living her best life
Ever since spending time with the Wayne family she's seen a change with herself.
She's more outgoing and relaxed around them. Especially with Damian.
She honestly thinks that perhaps if she met Damian when he was alive, she would choose to marry him instead.
Damian and Marinette spend a lot of time together. He discovers her interests, the things that make her laugh, her fears, and the fire that hides within her heart.
When he told of her of his family's demise. She didn't show sympathy but rather angled that someone would do such a thing to them. Especially after learning all the good they did for their community.
It almost looked like she was about to commit murder.
Just when he thought he couldn't fall for her anymore.
Meanwhile his family are spying from a reasonable distance. Some are even hiding in some of the coffins lying around the area.
They are so invested in this relationship. More than they should be.
"I never seen baby bird fall this hard for someone before" - Dick
"Tell me about it. He didn't even show half of the emotion he's showing her to his ex-fiance" - tim
"She could do better." - Jason
"Shut up, Jason" practically everyone in the batfam
"Fuck you!" - jason
Don't get Jason wrong her loves the "demon spawn," and loves Marinette, bit he's a realist.
He's read the vows, and come on, Damian's a dead dude.
"Till death do us part." Dpnes anyone else remember that line? No? Just him? OK then.
He really hates the fact that they are setting themselves for heartache.
One day, Marinette asks Damian why they haven't moved on yet.
He tells her it is because he knew his family was so excited to see him get married, and when it was about to happen, they all died. He wanted to make them proud, and show them that they didn't need to worry about him no more.
"Eell, if you want I could marry you." - Marinette
"I couldn't ask that of you Marinette," - Damian
"But I want to." - Marinette
Damian swears his long since dead heart skipped a beat .
They announce the wedding and Marinette says it will be upstairs.
Everyone is excited.
Cue the scean where everyone is getting ready for the wedding here.
In the land of the living
Everyone is freaking out the dead is brought back to life.
Then, realise they mean no harm. Live relatives get to spend some time with those who have long since passed.
Luka/Felix see Marinette in her wedding dress in the crowd of the dead and can't help but feel a sense of dread wash over them
Her original groom sees the Wayne family with Marinette and can't help but feel fear and anger.
At the church, the ceremony is being held when Luka/Felix come in when they said speek now or forever hold your peace woth her original groom in tow
* insert shocked wedding guests here*
A dual breaks out between luka/Felix between Damian.
Marinette's original groom hold her back to keep her from interfering. He's high-key hoping that Luka/Felix die
Some how they talk it out during the dual and Damian realizes that luka/Felix what the same thing as him; for Marinette to be happy.
He turns to Marinette, and getting a good look at her original groom, he says their name.
"Hello, Damian. It's funny seeing you and your family here when you should all be 6 feet under." - Marinette's original groom, he says, pulling out a knife and holding it up against Marinette's throat.
It is here we find out the Original Groom and his family worked for the Wayne's and where the ones to poison them.
Turns out the original groom was greedy, always wanting what he couldn't have. Thus, he manipulated his family to help him commit murder and steal the Wayne family fortune.
He fights with the Wayne's + Luka/Felix and is able to hold his own.
He tires and gives Marinette up,
congratulating her on having such great mates.
They all glare at him and watch as he drinks from the chalice that Damian told Marinette only he would drink from.
*insert dying noises here*
Everyone dead minus the the Wayne's and Alfred go to give Marinette's original groom a "warm welcome"
Spoiler: it was not welcoming at all.
Marinette hugs luka/felix as Damian watches.
Damian sees she's in good hands and can't help but feel at peace knowing that.
Turing to him, Marinette asks if he still wants to continue the wedding, but he says no.
Little my little he and his family start to turn into butterfly.
Damian then tells her that he no longer wishes to be married bow that he is happy and at peace. It is then revealed that that is why the rest of his family stayed behind.
All they wanted was to finally see him happy.
Marinette gave him a bone crushing hug which he reciprocated, and one by one the rest of his family joined in.
Marinette cries when they all disappeared, and all that was left between her arms was air.
Luka/Felix held her until she felt better.
After the event her original groom's family was held accountable as accomplices to murder.
The Dupain-Cheng bakery saw an influx of customers and were able to expand their business, with the help of Luka/Felix
Marinette happily stays single, and lives out her wildest dreams.
Maybe even adopts in the future
Alternative ending 1:
Marinette and luka/Felix spend more time together after the event
Slowly fall I'm love
Marinette is still able to live out her dreams with a supportive partner.
They get married
Alternative Ending 2:
Rather than moving on Damian and his family come back to live, able to once more walk amongst the living.
"If I had a nick for every time I died and was brought back to life, I'd have two Nicole. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it's happened twice," Jason
"The first time doesn't count as it was faked," tim
"I'm alive! How many years has it been? Do you think Barbara and Wally are older than me now or..., " Dick, just happy to be alive and able to contact friends.
Duke and Cass are smiling, happy to be alive, and for Marinette and Damian, finally able to be together.
Damian is hugging Marinette happy he is able to hold her in his arms. Happy that he can be with her
Alfred and Bruce have to interupt them, so they can formally meet Marinette's family, and press charges against her original grooms family.
A year later Marinette is walking aboung the aisle with her father.
Luka/Felix is her best man
Damian feels like he's the luckiest man in the world.
Alternative Ending 3:
The boys don't make it on time to object.
Marinette decides she'd rather be with someone eho makes her happy.
He drinks from the Chalice even though Damian tried to talk her out if it.
" I'd rather be with you in death rather than later marry someone who I can not bring myself to feel the way I do when I am with you." - Marinette
"Are you sure this is what you want?" - Damian
Marinette smiles and drinks from the chalice.
When the boys arrive, those of the dead are long gone, and so is Marinette
She and the Wayne's live happily ever after in the afterlife.
The end.
Tags:
@zalladane @draco-kasai @heldtogetherbysafetypins @emilykeys
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fleursroses · 2 years ago
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I posted 141 times in 2022
That's 16 more posts than 2021!
40 posts created (28%)
101 posts reblogged (72%)
Blogs I reblogged the most:
@fleursroses
@pomsicles
@littleinkling64
@hamsternamedmarinette
@scarlixy
I tagged 59 of my posts in 2022
#maribat - 32 posts
#mlb x dc - 29 posts
#dc x mlb - 29 posts
#maridami - 17 posts
#daminette - 16 posts
#marinette x damian - 16 posts
#platonic jasonette - 7 posts
#jasonette - 6 posts
#maridick - 6 posts
#dickinette - 5 posts
Longest Tag: 121 characters
#anyway fun fact! this is actually the work i'll post when i hit 200 followers! it's not quite ready but i'm getting there
My Top Posts in 2022:
#5
Marinette: Excuse me sir, have you ever been arrested?
Damian: Yes.
Marinette:
Marinette: I was going to say "because it’s illegal to be that cute" but now I’m curious.
Damian: Aggravated assault.
348 notes - Posted January 9, 2022
#4
Damian, on the phone with Marinette: He’s in the kitchen again…
Tim, reading a recipe: “Beat three eggs.” At what? Hand to hand combat?
Marinette: GET. HIM. OUT.
503 notes - Posted February 23, 2022
#3
Marinette: We all have our demons
Marinette, grabbing Damian: This one's mine
540 notes - Posted January 19, 2022
#2
Marinette: So.
Marinette: I'm in love.
Marinette: With Damian.
Marinette: I'm in love with Damian.
Jason:
Jason: Our Damian?
Marinette: Yes?
Marinette: ...thoughts?
Jason: And prayers.
840 notes - Posted January 2, 2022
My #1 post of 2022
Dick: Let's play a game. I call it "Mari or Titus'. I tell you something I've heard Damian say, and you have to guess whether he said it to his wife or his dog
Jason: Okay, that's easy
Dick: First up: "I would die for you"
Jason, under his breath: Fuck
899 notes - Posted February 20, 2022
Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →
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