#maribat selina

[mae-dwrites]

A Bundle of Heliotropes - Chapter 2 - Apprise

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Now Marinette hadn't been avoiding her parents, nope siree! She wasn't strictly talking about the bakery, her commissions, school work, and every other thing in between when she was with them. She wasn't avoiding them, nor was she avoiding the growing elephant in the house.

Wait. What elephant? There's certainly no elephant, because for there to be one in her home her house would need to be bigger! Unless you're talking about the metaphorical kind, which there was none. That would require tension, and avoiding something.

Marinette does not avoid things. No, never even! She handles things head-on!

Which is why this is a tactical maneuver! As her soulmark could possibly reveal who she was despite the magic, but by how much? That is unknown, so to show or not to show. To tell or not to tell. To lie or not to lie…

Marinette hated lairs…lies; everyone knew that. And being Ladybug kinda went against that, she’ll admit. The pure irony made her cry from laughing when she first started this whole Protect Paris thing. Tikki had tried to reassure her but it didn't really help most of the time, Marinette had gotten over it through the years.

“Marinette! Alya’s here,” Sabine called from the other side of the trap door.

“She can come up, thank you maman!”

“Hey Mars,” Alya said as she came up. Marinette looked over the documents Mlle. Bustier had sent her this morning. Mlle. Bustier was putting all the budgeting for the class on Marinette, much like she had been for the last few years.

Which she shouldn’t even have to be doing since all her friends and her should be in different classes for their career-based tracks, but with Akumas and the fear of causing more: students were forced to stay in their same classes. Which sucked for the most part, i.e. Lila and Chloé always being on her. Well, Lila more so than Chloé since last year.

“Hey Alya,” Marinette didn't look up at her friend, still looking at the notes.

“Girl you need to relax, let me help.” When Marinette didn't say or do anything Alya continued, “Better yet why haven't you told Mlle. Bustier to stop dumping this on you?”

Marinette finally huffed and pushed herself away from the desk space, “I did last year. She threw a fit at me. Remember that?”

“Mlle. Helper? That's what that was about,” Alya gapped at Marinette.

“I thought you knew that,” Marinette frowned, she had told Alya, hadn’t she?

“You were very irritated after that Akuma that you told Alya you would talk to her later,” Tikki popped up. “You might have forgotten to tell her if you didn't message her.”

“Okay,” Marinette mumbled to herself, almost a grumble of sorts even, as she turned back to the sheets in front of her.

Their class hosted two major dances this year and were going to host another one in the middle of May. They also had multiple fundraising events, their entire year had been doing events left and right to get enough money for them to go somewhere out of France. Marinette had come up with the idea that they spent this year raising money so that next year they could fundraise for some extra cash. They would go somewhere much cheaper and close by at the end of May.

Next year though? They still hadn’t decided, but the staff were supporting them thoroughly.

“Marinette,” Alya’s hand gently took the papers from the Eurasian. “You for one need to put your foot down, and hard this time. Even if it means we need to fight an Akumatized Bustier twenty times. You have so much already, I don’t want you to overwork yourself more than you already do.”

Marinette frowned back at her friend, who just frowned at her harder.

“Are you going to tell your parents?” Alya finally asked, her true reason for randomly popping by this time.

Marinette’s lips became a tight thin line, she wasn’t going to lie to Alya but she knew what she was going to say. Marinette’s head rolled back and squeezed her eyes shut. She didn’t want to think about it or deal with it for that matter. She didn’t want to deal with anything she was dumped with these last three years honestly.

If she had never become Ladybug would she be unfit for her soulmate? Would they still work? Or maybe if she wasn’t Ladybug, wasn’t the Guardian, was just Marinette, whoever was her match wouldn’t be hers. Maybe she’d be with Adrien or Luka, perhaps it would be platonic instead.

Marinette’s lips went from tight to droopy, she swallowed as she thought over possibilities. She got pulled from it with a light squeeze on her wrist, she opened her eyes. Her vision now blurry, she blinked away her tears before looking at her friend.

Alya had a small, reassuring smile on her face as she carefully stated, “I think it would be better for them to know you’re Ladybug..”

This admittance from Alya was not unfamiliar to Marinette, they’d had conversations surrounding identities many times before. Marinette didn’t tend to handle them well, that was a recurring theme that made her avoid it more so. When she had asked Alya for the Fox Miraculi back she had thought it had made it clear where she stood on identity sharing.

That request had later led to a fight between the girls, Alya pointing out all the ways Marinette picked and chose her rules, and how she saw the difference between Chat Noir's involvement to that of either of them. It had been tense, to say the least.

But eventually, Marinette came forward and explained her side more thoroughly, though was careful to still keep the secrets the Order wished her to. It only left apologies and tears, and perhaps a bracelet.

Marinette’s gaze shifted to the bracelet on her best friend’s wrist before looking back up to look her in the eyes. The previous times they’d talked about identities it had been much calmer, but with soulmates coming up more and more Alya had taken to approaching the topic more.

Alya listened more and didn’t push Marinette past what she said she couldn’t handle, she dropped it when she clearly was over it. Alya’s face still held that same smile, so full of patience she didn’t have before. There was already acceptance in her eyes, acceptance for whatever Marinette said now.

Marinette opened her mouth to speak but closed it to clear her throat, having become dry in her emotional moment and lack of speaking. Alya let a quiet laugh out, earning her a half-hearted glare from Marinette.

“It wouldn’t be the worst plan,” Marinette finally said with a laugh. She didn’t like it, not one bit, but what choice did she truly have? Her parents weren’t pushy by any means, they respected her space and privacy. That had been one of the few things that made being Ladybug really easy, but they would want to see. If they didn’t realize it immediately they would put it together eventually.

“It really wouldn’t be,” Alya grinned.

“Perhaps you should plan how to tell them,” Tikki spoke up again.

“I think that is a swell idea,” Wayzz expressed from Alya’s shoulder. Alya smiled down at the green Kwami before looking over at Marinette, “That sounds good? Maybe it’ll help keep you calm?”

Marinette nodded, “Yeah. Yeah, we can do this.” Marinette wiped her eyes with a sniff. “That sounds good, let’s do it.”

“That’s the spirit!” Pollen cried from above them, making the girls laugh.

-

“This isn’t going to end well,” Marinette mumbled to herself. “They’re gonna throw me out,” she whined.

“That’s completely irrational. What happened to the confidence we had earlier?” Alya asked from behind her.

“I know, I know,” Marinette groaned before taking a deep breath. “This isn’t going to be a disaster. If it will Bunnix come out now.” Marinette held her breath for a moment. Alya groaned behind her.

“Marinette,” Alya grabbed Marinette by her shoulders. “I know this is hard but I think this would be very beneficial for you. Your parents love you, and no matter what they will support you.”

Marinette’s face still held a frown, “What if they’re disappointed?”

“Dis-disa-” Alya howled at the thought, “Do you know how our parents reacted when they found out you let us be temporary heroes? They were kinda mad at you for a moment but it also gave them some perspective of who you were. And after the worry mostly subsided they were really proud of us. Anark doesn’t shut up about it to other parents! So your parents are definitely gonna worry but they’ll be proud and support you.” Alya paused, holding Marinette’s hands, “Just start with your mark.”

Alya smiled at Marinette, it made Marinette’s chest go tight. Why couldn’t she be so sure? Why was she so scared? She knew those things, yet she was still so very terrified to tell her parents.

Three years. Three years and they never knew, or at least they never came to her about it. Three years of hiding, of following a rule that even Marinette sometimes found stupid. Three years of imagining telling them, ranging from welcoming her and supporting her to making them move or being told it was too dangerous to have her around. From the most realistic of outcomes to the worst, even if they were very unlike her parents.

Her parents loved her, she knew that.

Marinette held her breath for a moment.

This would be fine…yeah. Yeah! Bunnix would have stopped her right here and now if it didn’t go mostly right.

Marinette straightened up and gave an affirmative nod for no one but herself. She finally opened her room door and made her way down the steps. Marinette could sense the other Kwami making their ways down phasing into hiding spots, she felt Tikki in her pigtail and she knew Wayzz was likely close to Alya.

“Marinette! Alya,” Sabine greeted before asking, “are you staying for dinner? Staying over tonight?” The woman looked up from her pot, she tapped her spoon on the pot before putting it on the dublé. “Of course you’re welcome to but please check with your mother, I really don’t want her to relive her panic that one time.”

“Oh I’m just staying for dinner, and I already messaged her a while ago,” Alya reassured the older woman. “Marinette actually asked me to.”

Marinette felt her poke her in the back, she probably would have shot her a glare if she hadn’t been so nervous. She took a deep breath, “Yep uh, yep. I actually wanted to, to talk to you two with Alya.”

Marinette’s insides roared with trepidation, and she’d only said she wanted to talk!

“Of course sweetie,” Tom said beside Sabine. “Dinner’s almost ready, you want to set the table?”

“Of course,” Marinette made her way to the cupboards the familiar actions helped to ground her emotions. Alya tried to help her but the Dupain-Cheng household refused to let her, instead she was forced into a seat by Sabine as Marinette placed her plate and Tom came dishing her up. Alya crossed her arms in (lighthearted) annoyance of the sweet family.

Under the annoyed look love came off her, which was enough for the family of three.

When everyone was seated on the island and they’d all had some to start Marinette took a deep breath. She sent Alya a look that made the older teen feel the need to straighten up, just to simply show she was there whenever she was needed.

“So Maman, Papa, as I said there is something I wanted to talk to you about,” Marinette started, gaining her parents' full attention. “I believe it would be best for you to have an empty mouth.”

This made her papa nervous, she could tell as he tried his quickest to finish the bite in his mouth. Sabine though slowly lowered her fork with confusion a small frown on her lips.

Marinette swallowed and opened her mouth to speak but had to close it to center herself. Alya what she assumed to be a reassuring nudge with their knees. Marinette looked up at her parents with resolve.

“You know my birthday happened this week,” she watched her father grow concerned while her mother seemed to unintentionally lean forward. “Well I got my mark,” she trailed off for a moment, “And the thing is that I want to show you, but I believe you need to know something before I do.” Her voice almost sounded like it was tailing again but wasn’t quite.

Her parents stared at her as she sat there, not doing anything. She’d already put the start out, she’d gotten their attention on the matter and that meant no going back.

“Maman, Papa, I’m,” she struggled, gripping her fork tightly, “I’m, I.” She grew irritated with herself. It’s not that hard to say it, two words. That’s it, two simple words. Two simple, extremely life-changing words.

“Marinette, dear, it’s okay if you’re not ready. We’ll wait however long you want, you don’t ever have to show us,” Sabine reached out for her daughter’s hand. She had barely even grazed her hand when Marinette pulled away and firmly stated, “I’m Ladybug.”

Marinette squeezed her eyes shut. Finally, she’d said it, but the silence following was deafening. Moreso than any Akuma she’d fought, worse than getting a recipe wrong, worse than having to restart a project, worse than-

“Oh baby,” Sabine’s voice cut through. “Oh my baby,” she said softly rushing to her daughter. Arms encompanced the girl making her draw a quick breath, no sooner her father was quick to follow suit. Marinette swallowed as she slowly opened her eyes, staring at the empty seats. Her heart raced and she felt a bit lightheaded.

Overwhelmed. That’s it, she’s just overwhelmed.

Not by her family though, no not them. Saying it, her panic had come that’s what.

Marinette focused on the feeling of her parents' arms around her, the pressure that came with their love, the smell of the meal they’d made, the bakery coming off of them in waves…

Her maman murmured words she couldn’t quite make out into her hair, one hand smoothing her hair as the other held her. Her father’s giant arms encompassed her as she felt light tears drop onto her head.

A hand slid into hers. Alya, her mind supplied. Her best friend gave a gentle squeeze which she gladly returned. Marinette let her eyes shut as her own tears slid down her face, tears of relief. She took a deep, happy breath.

“My strong baby,” she made out before her mother kissed her practically on the ear. Marinette didn’t mind, she’d take it all.

Sabine slowly pulled away making Tom to take it as a cue. Sabine held her daughter’s face in her hands looking over her face seeming to be searching, searching for the trick, for the prank, for the lie. There was none, and no all she saw was her little girl. Who’d turned into a strong woman, had become…a solider of her people.

“Maman?”

Sabine’s eyes became glassy.

“I’m fine dear. What about you? How are you?”

Marinette swallowed giving a weak smile, “A lot better right now.”

Sabine squinted at her, “Tell me the truth.”

“It is,” Marinette insisted laughing wetly. “I didn’t like it, lying to you.”

“Oh sweetie,” Sabine said so simply, so thick with words she couldn’t ever know how to say. She looked over to Alya and smiled, “I’m happy you had someone.”

Alya sat up with pride, but not without blinking rapidly. Tom bombarded her with a hug as he wailed, “Thank you for being there for her Alya.”

Alya laughed, “I wasn’t there the whole time.”

“It doesn’t matter, we mean it all the same,” Sabine said still smiling. The woman sighed looking back at her daughter, “I suppose you’re gonna show us missy?”

Marinette laughed, “Of course Maman.”

---

Damian had been very careful these first few days of having the mark, but sadly his brothers’ occasional nonchalant attitudes had infected him at some point. Now that meant something a little different for every family member, but for Damian that meant being sure; leaving him to slowly become truly careless.

Why? Because Jason was busy tracking someone in Crime Alley, the person had left him on quite the chase. Tim had holed himself in the cave the past two days, soon enough he’d pass out or Alfred would cause him to. Dick was currently in Blüdhaven for the next few weeks. And Father was busy with WE as to be expected.

Damian was safe for the time being, he smiled to himself as he decided what to wear for the day. He didn’t want to change as he had promised Titus that he would take him to the park today, and his friend knew what those words meant very well.

His neck prickled making him straighten up. It must be Alfred, he must have slipped in and he hadn’t noticed. It was fine, Alfred wouldn’t say anything. And he could keep it a secret, and-

Cassandra stood behind him with a wide smile. She’d seen, she knew, she’d tell Stephanie and then it would be over.

“Cain,” he said carefully. “Don’t tell anyone.” Her face became impish, Damian felt his stomach drop. His eyes glanced down to her hands, she was holding her phone.

“You didn’t,” Damian's voice became strained as he eyed the device. His panic seeped through more than he ever allowed, but that didn’t matter because Cass would know regardless.

His sister stood before him in a calm excitement. She didn’t need to answer, she knew she didn’t need to, Damian already knew she had. His brothers would pester him, Dick would be hurt he didn’t tell him, they wouldn’t stop talking about it…They wouldn’t stop talking about it. He hadn’t even told Jon, Jon would be upset he wasn’t told.

Damian stood staring at her in panic and shock, Cass stood staring back with an almost eerie calm.

“You didn’t share,” she said simply. Damian’s phone started ringing.

Oh. Oh Damian was in for it.

-

Damian glared at Cass from across the table.

He’d turned his phone off for the day so he wouldn’t answer Dick, but Tim had tried to chase him as he left with Titus. He thought he could stall but not even an hour of being at the park with Titus and Jason strolled in. Damian had barely made it out of the park without being spotted.

Damian suspects Tim had called Kon which led to Jon finding out. Jon had flown to Gotham and face planted on his car. Now Damian needed a new windshield and hood.

He could feel Jon glaring at him as he sat right next to him. Dick had driven right back to Gotham and was currently giving the saddest puppy dog eyes from across the table. Damian ignored him as he stabbed his brussels sprouts.

He was going to tell Jon, maybe even Cass, and his brothers could learn it when they became significantly insufferable. Damian tried to tell Jon that he was planning on telling him, but Jon was focused on the fact that he wasn’t told and learned from Kon.

“What’s it look like,” Brown whined, dramatically stretching her arms on the table. It’s all she would say it seemed, Damian was beginning to wonder if she was finally going insane.

“Stephanie he doesn’t have to show us,” Father said for what seemed like the twentieth time. His father while he was composed was obviously just as hurt as Dick was, Damian could’ve sworn he’d seen him sending heartbroken looks at him.

“We’ll see it eventually,” Todd said, looking smug at the thought. “It’s only a matter of time.”

Oh how Damian wanted to leap across the table with his fork.

“You didn’t have to show us, just tell us that you got it,” Grayson spoke up still looking forlorn.

“When did this happen?” Drake asked, sadly he hadn’t passed out yet like Damian hoped. Damian spent a moment trying to incapacitate him with his mind-will alone. Perhaps he could convince Raven or another hero to teach him spells without father finding out.

“Only this week, it hasn’t been very long,” Damian stated plainly.

“And you couldn’t tell me,” Jon’s voice woven with betrayal on par with Dick and with offense laced in. Damian certainly felt bad for not notifying his closest confidant, and was slowly feeling bad he didn’t say anything to Dick. The only thing stopping him from succumbing to the feeling was that he saw it as his brother moping.

“Dude you’re like second on the list who gets to know,” Brown stated with a mild glare.

Jon frowned as he snapped back, “That would make you third then.”

“Excuse me?” Stephanie squinted at him slowly moving her hand across the table to reach for a utensil.

“I’m his best friend, you’re a family friend,” Jon said, almost seeming to want to start a fight at the table. Damian felt a headache coming on, and by the look on Bruce's face so was he.

“That’s how you started out, and I was here first you’re a newborn,” Brown fumed with a predatory look.

“Stephanie,” Bruce strained from his seat.

“Best friend,” Jon said, his voice suddenly dropping his usually predominant Metropolis accent to encomancing his Kansas’s one thickly.

“Jon I will call your father,” Bruce hung his head not even wanting to take in the visual of his not-child and nephew arguing.

“He’d agree with me,” Jon mumbled just loud enough for Damian to hear.

“No he wouldn’t Jon,” Damian said bored. Being upset with Cass would not solve his problems and Dick and Jon would get over it eventually.

Splat.

Damian looked down at the table to see Duke wide awake with mashed potatoes, gravy, and mushroom sauce dripping down his face and onto his suit. Damian frowned serving his brother; Duke, as he always has, does the dayshifts but he also stayed up for night classes he took college classes. At least he tried to get sleep between his schoolwork and working to patrol during the day, unlike Tim.

When Summer Break came Damian would be sure to take day patrols, while they weren’t his favorite he didn’t want to leave Duke to handle all of it. Jason occasionally joined which made plenty of rouges and lowlives think twice when they saw him or heard from others. Damian could probably put a few hours on the weekends to help lighten the load now while school was still in session.

Dick had rushed to help Duke almost immediately, the only reason Damian hadn’t gotten up himself. Alfred was soon with them presenting proper towels for the mess.

“Duke, what did I say about getting rest?” Selina’s smooth voice announced her presence, along with the happy babbling of Helena in her arms.

“Sorry, I’m trying, just today was busy,” Duke yawned at the end of his sentence. His suit appeared fine and with Dick’s quick action to wipe up any goopy mixture of the food it was safe to assume nothing important had been ruined. Alfred took the messy towels to dispose of them, he nodded to Selina as he passed her.

Damian got up and went to his stepmother, “Allow me.” He said simply referring to his sister.

“You don’t have to Damian,” Selina still handed the baby to him with a fond smile at both of them.

“Of course I do. She is my sister, and you shouldn’t have to be the sole caretaker. You’ll become too drained to properly take care of her,” Damian stated with a firm nod to Selina before making sure the baby’s head was well supported.

Selina's smile was soft as she kissed the tops of both their heads, “Thank you Damian.”

Damian hummed back taking his sister to his seat, he was glad he had eaten most of what was on his plate so he wasn’t trying to eat while he held his sister. Jon looked at his sister with the same wonder he had seeing anyone just younger than a toddler. His father kissed Selina as she sat down, they briefly spoke of their daughter before moving on to other topics that Damian ignored to give his attention to his sister.

She babbled excitedly to him trying to move her hands. Damian smiled at her while nodding seriously, “Fascinating, anything else to look out for?”

Helena reached her hands up trying to reach his face, which he gladly aided in her attempt to reach up. She tapped his nose and dragged her hand down to his cheek.

“She’s so cute,” Jon cooed forgetting both his food and his betrayal from his best friend.

“Very,” Damian agreed as the infant continued to tap his face. He gave a kiss on the top of his sister’s soft head, she made noises as though she was trying to speak again.

Damian’s smile softened, maybe he was thinking too pessimistic about it in the name of being a realist.

[donut-doodles-doodles]

More miraculous batman doodles, marinette gets adopted by Bruce and Adrien comes along as the emotional support cat (boyfriend)

[dessarious]

What Makes a Family? Pt27

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Marinette walked down the stairs to find Cass scowling at Bruce and signing rapidly. Selina was whispering with her Maman, who looked far too amused, so Cass had to be laying into him pretty hard. Damian was looking on in confusion, but the other boys were nodding along with whatever her twin was saying. She really needed to have Cass teach her to sign. Chloe appeared next to her.

"I'm actually learning new terms. You sister is extremely creative with swearing." Of course, that would be what impressed Chloe. Mari had to wonder how much of it was just not knowing common terms, so she made up her own.

"I don't want to mess up her relationship with him." Chloe scoffed.

"Given the way the others are reacting, this isn't the first, or worst, of his overstepping. I'm thinking this is a long overdue rant."

"You did what when I was with Babs?" Dick's indignant shout startled most of the room. "Yeah, I'm never bringing anyone home ever again. Not unless I've been married for two years." Mari sent Chloe a questioning glance.

"Trust me, you don't want to know." Yeah, if Chloe was saying that... she really didn't want to know.

"You've never known when to butt out, old man. The difference this time is that you don't have any right to butt in in the first place." Jason's tone was downright hostile.

"She's my daughter."

"A biological connection doesn't mean you own me. I'll be eighteen in three months anyway and I'm completely financially independent, so if you want any type of relationship with me, it's going to be on my terms, Mr. Wayne. Those terms will include not interfering in my relationships with others, romantic or otherwise, and not telling me how I'm allowed to live my life." He looked like he was going to argue, but Cass signed at him before standing beside Mari. He looked at the boys for help, but the only one not glaring at him was Damian.

"Marinette, you're young. You have no idea the danger-"

"Do not pretend you know anything about me or my life, let alone what I do and do not know. I assure you, I know what I'm doing, and Luka and Kagami are not a threat or a problem. If you can't accept that, then you can leave." She hadn't wanted to get to this point so soon, especially since it put Cass's ability to stay in question. Unfortunately, she also wasn't willing to set a precedent with him by letting him think he could act this way with her. She'd been around enough powerful people to know that if she didn't set boundaries now, she'd never be able to enforce them. Jagged was proof of that.

"Perhaps we should discuss this privately." No way was that happening. She could almost see the hero lecture waiting to burst out of him.

"After what you just tried to pull, and your apparent history of browbeating your kids into things, we're not about to let that happen." Tom's voice was harder than she'd ever heard it. "If you won't respect my daughter's boundaries, you'll be asked to leave." The emphasis he put on 'my daughter' caused Bruce to flinch. She would feel worse about it if not for the fact that all her siblings, besides Damian, seemed to approve of it.

"I think we should separate for the time being, and try this again later. Tempers are high, so we all need space to calm down." Sabine sounded cheerful enough, but there was a hard edge to her words that everyone caught. As much as Mari thought it was a good idea, they were in a bit of a time crunch.

"Given that they're only going to be here for a week, it might be best to get things settled. But, if Bruce isn't willing to compromise, there's not much point in continuing this discussion." She could hear how tired she sounded and given the concerned looks at her and glares at Bruce, everyone else could, too.

"By compromise you mean letting you decide everything." The sulkiness in Bruce's voice made her roll her eyes. Yes, this had to suck for him, but he couldn't honestly expect her to let him just take over her life.

"No, but there are going to be things that aren't negotiable. I'm not going to tell you how to live your life, and I'd appreciate the same courtesy. We know next to nothing about eachother, and until we do it's not really fair to have an opinion on each other's lives." He didn't seem to know what to do with that. She was sure that, for a man used to being in charge, it wasn't something he had experience with. "I want to get to know you, all of you, but I'm not going to change who I am or how I live my life to do it. If you can't accept that, you can leave."

Cass hugged her from behind, and Mari could feel her twin glaring at Bruce. As much as she had hoped it wouldn't be necessary, it was obvious who Cass would side with in this. Of the boys, Jason seemed firmly entrenched on her side, Dick and Tim were more of a neutral, and Damian just seemed confused, but he'd most likely side with Bruce for the time being. Hopefully, it wouldn't destroy her chance of getting to know him permanently. When it became obvious Bruce either couldn't or wouldn't back down, Selina went over to start whispering in his ear. Alfred had been scarily silent through everything, and Mari really wasn't certain what to make of it.

"You need my help." Selina rolled her eyes, and Alfred just shook his head. The man really needed to learn when to back down.

"I need Cass. That's it." He flinched, and even the boys were trading looks. Bruce was closing off. She could see it. "I need to show Cass her new school. Why don't you take the evening to think things over? We can try this again tomorrow when everyone is calmer." Bruce looked about ready to explode.

"That sounds like a good idea. Master Bruce, we should head back to the hotel." The glare Bruce sent Alfred didn't phase the man at all. The stern look he sent back had the boys looking like they were ready to wet themselves.

"Fine." Bruce signed something at Cass and she felt her twin stiffen up behind her. Chloe looked like she was about to start screaming at him, too.

"Miss Cassandra will be staying with Miss Marinette. Indefinately." Alfred's tone was frigid and just about everyone seemed to be cowering or eyeing the man like he was going to explode. Even Bruce hunched in on himself a tiny bit. "Now we really should be on our way."

Mari had a feeling Alfred was going to be having a long conversation with Bruce. She just hoped it had the desired outcome. The man obviously had control issues, and she couldn't afford to have him try to take over her life. She had a feeling she was already going to have a major issue with Batman trying to step on her toes once he actually went through an Akuma attack. She couldn't count on there not being one before he and the others went home. Not to mention, if she'd heard right, he could just use some tech the Justice League had to teleport back at any time. She'd have to ask Cass about that, too.

Selina practically pushed Bruce out the door, while the boys followed under Alfred's gaze. Before going joining the rest, Jason shoved a piece of paper in her hand with a wink. She had a feeling he was one brother she could count on not to run to Bruce with information.

Once they were all out of the door, Mari felt herself relax. She felt terrible that things had gone downhill so quickly, but there really wasn't another option at this point. She couldn't afford to show weakness. There was far too much at stake, both in her personal life and as a hero. Cass tightened her hold on Mari.

"He needs time. He'll calm down."

"Unfortunately, time isn't something we have right now. If this doesn't get better, I'm going to have to force him to leave Paris before Hawkmoth is back in fighting form." She didn't even want to think about how much that would piss him off. She had a feeling Batman's ego wouldn't take too well to being thrown out of a city by another hero. Alfred and Selina would take her side... at least she thought so.

"Alfred will make things right." She wasn't quite sure what Cass meant by that, but she hoped she was right. She opened the paper that Jason handed her and heard Cass giggle behind her.

If you need someone to help you hassle B, give me a shout. ~Jason

It had five phone numbers on it. If she didn't know his 'occupation', it would seem excessive. It did mean she had at least one of her brothers on her side when it came to Bruce though. Whether that was a good thing or not was yet to be determined.

"Why don't we head over to the school? There are a few clubs meeting, so I know the building is open. That way, you can get a feel for the layout before tomorrow." She knew it would stress Cass out if they didn't scope out the building. It was going to be bad enough being around so many new people.

"You don't want to eat first?" Given the looks her Maman was shooting at the door, she was more worried about them running into Bruce than the actual food, but it was a good idea anyway.

"Of course, Maman. We wouldn't want it to go to waste." Especially since she made enough to feed the whole city again. Maybe she should text Jason and see if he wanted to meet them at the school and they could bring him some. "Maybe we could take some to go as well. I wanted to show Cass the houseboat, and if it's late enough, we might stay there." It wasn't a lie, just not the whole truth.

"Probably a good idea. It'll give your father and I time to talk to Bruce should he decide to come looking for you." She really hoped he didn't. Her Maman might actually kill him. She would text Selina or Alfred to make sure he didn't come over, but she had a feeling that would have the opposite effect she was looking for. After they ate and while her Maman was boxing up food, her Papa motioned her out into the hallway.

"What's wrong?" She heard the panic in her own voice and her Papa winced.

"Nothing's wrong. I didn't mean to worry you. I just wanted to make sure you were handling everything alright. I know things have been tense, and you tend to overthink everything without letting anyone know." She leaned forward slightly, and that's all it took for him to envelop her in a hug. Her Papa gave the best hugs.

"What if he makes her go back?" She knew it was an irrational thought, but it wouldn't go away. Her Papa hugged her tighter.

"That's not going to happen. We won't let it, and more importantly, Cass won't let it. I truly don't believe there's a force strong enough to separate the two of you. And if there is, Plagg will get rid of it." Marinette started giggling and couldn't stop. It was a little disturbing that she found the image of Plagg getting rid or Bruce amusing, but she was willing to chalk it up to stress.

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[ja50nt0ddwa5h3r3]

Do you have any AlleyCat headcanons??

Yes, yes I do. Thank you SO much for asking!!! *realizes I don't remember any off the top of my head* Hold on one sec while I gather my thoughts

They. Are. Cat dads. A tabby here, a tux there, they have lots of cats in their apartment, and a few of them probably aren't even theirs. Jason's not sure if he's a fan, but he can live with a few cats if it pleases his favourite person. On the topic of cats, Adrien is Selina's favourite child, and Jason just absolutely looses it every time she brings him up. She's their Number 1 fan, but Adrien is canonically oblivious to EVERYTHING, and Jason straight up thinks this dude don't like him. Selina shakes her head because she's got dozens of cat friends, she knows their body language. They're head over heels.

Jason hates Gabriel (usually more angst if written in a bad dad Bruce fic), as he should. Has he tried to kill him multiple times? You can't prove anything. Has he had to lie to him to keep him away from Adri? Absolutely he has. Gabriel Agreste can go die in a hole for all he cares. Bring back good mom Emilie.

Sometimes Jason will have panic attacks in the bathroom, looking in the mirror, days where the Lazarus rage is boiling inside him, threatening to break through. Days where it's bad enough for it to show in his eyes. Those days, Adrien sits him down, tells stories about running across rooftops, bantering with his friends, helping people. Those days, Jason has to remind himself that it'll be okay, because Adrien has green eyes, and he's the kindest person Jason knows.

If you want more, feel free to hit me up :>

[lily-drake]

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

[kawaii-queen-kaiju]

Robbery, Chaos, Femme Fatale

Maribat March - Prompts 16, 22, 23

~

"Are you ready?"

Marinette looked up at Selina, decked out in her Catwoman outfit, and nodded. They were on the roof of a museum, looking down through the skylight. Marinette flicked her wrist, unsheathing the claws in her gloves. She drew a large circle in the glass, removing the pane and looking down through the opening. "Three guards. Why are there only three? I thought there were four?"

Selina narrowed her eyes, peering down at the three men surrounding their target. "I don't know. You alright playing lookout? Just in case?"

Marinette nodded. "You first?"

The older woman smirked, backing up. "Please, after you."

Marinette grinned, her cat-like eyes wide with excitement as she eyed one of the security guards and pounced. She landed on the man's back, swiftly sending a high kick to the second's head. Selina came down a moment later, knocking out the third and setting to work on the jewel case. Marinette looked around the gallery trying to find the fourth guard. Her leather ears twitched at the sound of a toilet flushing down the hall. "They're in the bathroom." She whispered to Selina, already prowling toward the noise. The seasoned cat burglar nodded, opening the case carefully.

Marinette peeked around the corner, seeing the silhouette of the guard drawing closer. She jumped around the corner, hitting a pressure point on the woman's neck and knocking her out cold.

She turned back to Selina, who already had the jewels and was starting back up her rope. They had about thirty seconds before the security system started back up and the alarms went off. Marinette leapt back up to the skylight and hauled the rope up, the other woman still attached to it.

Selina grinned widely at her, winding the rope back up. "That super-strength really comes in handy, huh?"

Marinette smiled back, twisting the Miraculous on her finger. "It does."

Below them, the shrill alarm bells sounded, echoing throughout the gallery. Selina winked at Marinette and pulled out her whip. "That's our cue."

Marinette chased after her mentor, an exhilarated smile on her face. The necklace was insured. The museum got money, Selina got a new shiny, and Marinette got to scratch her chaos itch. It was a win-win-win, really.

[jonmyblaze]

MAMAN LE CHAT AU

Or how Adrien found out his bio!parents were American furries., And his mother was a famous cat girl.

MLB and DC Bat fam batcat, Adrienette and ladynoir,

" imagine as a subversion of the Marinette bio daughter of Bruce. We have Adrien being BATCATS biological child.

Born before Helena, and before Bruce and Selena were ready to tie the knot for realsies.

Selina was young, Bruce wasn't in the right mindset after Jason's death. Boundaries were drawn and lines were crossed.

She thought she was fine. Until she started puking in the morning during her Trip to France

It was positive

She was pregnant.

During her trip she stumbled across a loving family. At a swingers party (this was during the early stages before she decided)

At one point she wasn't going to keep the pregnancy but then while her trip around France found a lovely couple named Emile and Gabriel.

They were so loving and kind to her. Emilie even joked that they could be twins.

)she had decided to grow her hair out and stop dying her hair black. Nobody would recognize her and on the plus side Selina had absolutely ravishing blonde hair. )

She wasn't planning on keeping the pregnancy but then she heard the couples plight.

Emile was infertile. And Gabriel too. But they really wanted a child

they were so loving and kind and supportive that Selena felt it would be best she gave her child the life of a child that was wanted.

Both were deeplly loving. But they didn't want to be intrusive , They argued against the idea but Selina made up her mind.

she would keep the pregnancy, give the couple a chance to raise a bouncing baby child that they would love and adore.

Selina never felt like she was cut out to be a mother butShe still visits.

At least once a year for his birthday.

She even was Even labeled godmother of her son should both the parents be unfit for her sons. She was still a part of her child's life.

All was going well until the incident

------years later----

Now imagine, Selina Kyle finds out her son was in a worse position, his father is emotionally neglectful now and is in a downward spiral trying to find a way to save his wife at the cost of his own son's happiness.

and get the bat family to help , (save Adrien, fight Gabriel advocate for him to be taken to either home or emancipation. )

imagine him being the Only blonde in the family other then Steph and Bette. (Who I will keep in the family)And they all thinks he's the normal one."

Imagine what dick (who is fully grown and married to Starfire) would think about his mentor having a blonde bio child

And she only takes him away after he hires her to steal the miraculous.

Welcome to "MAMAN LE CHAT AU"

[intotherabithole]

Maribat 1920s speakeasy au

I was originally wanting to find some miraculous ladybug mafia 1920s AUs but I couldn't find anything. Then I figured I would make my own and instead I came up with a maribat one.

This is the mess I have thought of so far:

[ ] Anarka runs a speak easy called the liberty with help of gang leader Jason todd

[ ] Jason and Roy help run alcohol for the liberty and kick out trouble makers

[ ] Luka plays in the band for the liberty and helps out Jason with odd jobs

[ ] Juleka is the singer for the liberty but wants to help more

[ ] Juleka is dating Rose and she tries to keep her out of the dangerous part of her life

[ ] Nino also plays in the band for the liberty

[ ] Alya works as a reporter

[ ] Dick Grayson is a dective investigating a string of murders with the help of his partner Tim

[ ] Tim has only recently joined the police force having always looked up to Dick

[ ] The murders they are investigating are getting written off as gang violence but they think there is something more to it

[ ] There is a new mysterious club that has opened up called Papillion owned by Gabriel Agreste

[ ] A strange drug is showing up called Akuma

[ ] Marinette makes clothing under alias to high-profile clients. Some of these clients have connections to criminal organizations

[ ] Talia is a ballet instructor to both Cass and kagami. She is also friends with Anarka and Emilie.

[ ] Emilie has gone missing

This is what I've thought of so far. I'm not sure what the ships should be or the murderer. If you have any idea, feel free to share them. Also, if you want to make your own works inspired by this concept, please tag me. I would love to see what everyone comes up with.

I also made some sketches already for concept designs.

I was thinking Juleka would uncover her eye when she sings.

[justrandomfanfictionskh]

"Was Selina cloned?" Was all Dick could think when he first met Lady Noire on the roof of the Gotham Museum of History. Little did he know that the truth would be even more incredible, and more aggravating than he ever could have imagined. He just did not know what to do with the woman in front of him, since she seemed to take such obvious delight in torturing him! Meanwhile, Marinette was having her own problems. After five years with the Ladybug Miraculous and five years with the Cat, Marinette's energies are finally balanced. Now she can start living a life of her own choosing. But with so many personas and identities, does she even know who she is anymore?

Taglist @tails-and-scales @the-ghost-trader @kanamexzeroyaoifangirl @the-dumber-scaramouche @yoonjae20 @robyalix @seraphichana @iglowinggemma28 @taewinterbear95 @heretopasstimebi @littleblue5mcdork @quotesandanime @komatsuna-yuki @attractivemyfoot @deathssilentapproach-blog @vel-vee @vixen-uchiha @lady-bee-fechin @qualityhistorygamingwinner @its-maemain   @meira-3919 @raven-ette @doglover82 @plz-excuse-my-inner-gay @laurcad123 @crazylittlemunchkin @iamablinkmarvelarmy 

[adeva-eira]

Have been inaktive for a while now but yay...I'm back!

Now, I want to Start writing Fan fictions again and I have 4 ideas already but I can't decide what to write first...so you can decide! Here are four Prompts and even some art to show you what you can expect uwu please tell me your favorite so that I can see what to write first!

1. Death in the family (ya I took that title from the Batman Movie lol). Basically Reverse Robins with Marinette in there. The family dynamic with Marinette already is established too. Bruce is dead, Damian is Batman, Tim, who died instead of Jason, is Wren, Marinette is Cardinal, Jason is Red Bird and Dick will become Robin later on.

Shortly after Bruce Died, Marinette wanted to help her Brother, Damian, relax. Knowing that he loves animals she takes him to a Circus. There they witness the death of the flying Graysons. They don't hesitate and take in their son, Dick Grayson. Family shenanigans, drama and Lots of fun in this fic!

2.Gotham Sirens. Marinette is a Rouge (just to Mess with good ol' Batsy) and meets and Joins the Sirens. Selina adopts Mari and just enjoys annoying her Ex, Bruce, with her new Daughter. Harley and Ivy have fun too, doing the same thing only with the Joker....hehe...

3. The life(death) of Marin(ette). Marin Cheng is a very deadly Rouge and fought the Bats ever since he could hold a knife. He gets mortally wounded though and as he dies, the last thing he Sees is Red Hood, who refuses to leave his side as he dies.

Tikki takes pity on him though and throws his soul in the body of Marinette Dupain-Cheng, another self of him from another universe, who Fell into a coma due to her real soul giving up on her.

Now Marin has to Deal with being a girl, a Super hero and a teenager while also trying to get to Gotham to protect this universes Red Hood, as a way to thank him for not leaving him on his death bed.

4.Miraculous Lanterns. Marinette HATES Green Lantern(Hal Jordan) with a Passion. One day she wakes up, only to find a Blue Ring floating in front of her. As in trance she speaks the oath and becomes a Blue Lantern. Now she has TWO Hero personas, has to stay close to Green Lantern to use her rings full Potential and has to Deal with the longing to just smash Jordans head into the ground...

[hellishere7980]

Begin Again Chapter 7 (sequel to IMW)

Marinette/Isabella's POV

Marinette got up and turned to see the curtain glowing due to the faint sunlight streaming in from the window. She turned her head to the other side to see the kwamis sleeping peacefully except Tikki, who was so used to her sleep patterns that she always immediately knew when she was awake or asleep (the little tyke).

Smiling at Tikki, Marinette got up. She walked towards her desk wiping away the remaining sleep to take a good look at the small desk calendar sitting on her desk. She turned the page to the current date. The number 16 stared back at her.

‘So,’ she thought. ‘Today I am meeting Wayne, Dick, Jason and Cass’s girlfriends/boyfriends.’

She stretched and went to the bathroom for a nice long shower. After coming out well-cleaned and awake she went to her wardrobe deciding on what to wear. She finally picked out a soft gray track pants and a pink turtleneck which had a few geometrical designs embroidered on it with white thread. Ahh… a classic but stylish look. After getting dressed she walked out of her room to see Damian walking out of his room too. They nodded to each other as a greeting and proceeded to the dining room and were (honest enough to admit that there was) chaos, just waiting to happen.

As Marinette stepped into the room with her eyes closed, all chattering stopped.

She said (keeping her eyes closed), "I'll be meeting everyone based on seniority so first and foremost Wayne's counterpart."

Selina shot Bruce a look saying ‘How much have you screwed up with this child of yours?’

She opened her eyes and so Selina gave a sly but soft smile. Though she was trying to hide her anxiety, nothing really remains hidden from the one who senses all emotions. Marinette felt the swirling anxiety within her.

"Only one question," Marinette said, giving a knowing smile of her own. "Can you cook?"

Selina shrugged. "basic acceptable food. I do know how to make burgers from scratch though."

"Acceptable enough." said Marinette, moving on to Dick's girlfriend.

She came face to face with Barbara. She squealed and hugged her well as much as she could seeing that Barbara was in a wheelchair.

"It's been so long!" she said.

"I missed you too kiddo," Barbara responded. "They really haven't been that in control since you left."

"OK you have the same question too," Marinette said. "Can you cook?"

"More than that dork can."Barbara said, pointing towards Dick who was watching intently, his aura dominant with anticipation seeing his girlfriend and sister interact.

"Ding-ding-ding," said Marinette. "That is the correct answer. Next!"

Roy came forward. Jason placed a comforting hand on his shoulder which clearly said ‘Don't be afraid of her’.

Marinette gave him a searching look. "Look, it doesn't matter if you can cook, Jason can cook very well. However, one thing that you must answer is which Shakespeare play is the greatest?"

Some tension left Roy's shoulders. "Othello," he answered simply with a relieved smile. "Romeo and Juliet is clearly overrated since it is the most romantic play Shakespeare has written. However, it is stupid to ignore the in-depth betrayal that is depicted in Othello."

Marinette made finger guns at him and replied chirpily. "And that IS the correct answer. OK, who's next?"

Cass stepped forward with a girl behind her and gently pushed forward. The girl's eyes were averted, clearly too nervous to even look at her. Marinette's eyes on the other hand blew wide in recognition.

"Fei!" Marinette blurted out.

The girl looked at her to reveal Fei whose eyes looked up in surprise. "Marinette?"

Now everyone was looking at them clearly recognizing Isabella's undercover name which she used in Paris.

Marinette lurched forward and grasped Fei in a hug. "Oh, my kwami! I missed you so much."

Fei, who had been sort of scared of expression since Marinette had said her name, relaxed. she pulled her hand from Marinette’s next binding hug and returned it with equal emotion.

She began rambling. "I'm so sorry I t-tried contacting you after I heard about the Court suit. But I didn't know how and I thought you wouldn't want to h-hear from me and I'm sorry I thought you hated m-me. I would have understood-- I'll still understand if you still feel that way and--"

Marinette squeezed her upper arm and Fei stopped at once.

"I understand," Marinette said with an assuring smile. "Trust me, I really do. but enough about the past so…" she had a mischievous look in her eye. "you and Cass huh?" she wriggled her eyebrows.

A look of realization dawned upon Fei. "So you're her sister? Isabella?"

"In the flesh." Marinette said, gesturing towards herself.

"Umm… not to interrupt anything." The girls looked over to see Tim with a questioning look in his eyes. "But how exactly do you know each other?"

The girls looked at each other. Fei had a guilty look. but Marinette burst out laughing and Fei soon followed.

"I would really tell you, Tim." Marinette managed to wheeze out between all her giggling. "but for that, I'll have to catch my breath."

It took some time for the girls to regain control of themselves because as soon as they stopped laughing for a bit they would look at each other and the whole giggling cycle began again.

"OK…OK," Marinette said, shaking herself back into seriousness.

"Me and Fei" she gestured towards the said person with jazz hands. "Met a year and a half back when I went to China to meet Sabine's father/uncle. There I thought I'd go exploring and I walked out with my phone, mind you I did not know Mandarin back then."

Marinette continued, her eyes giving nothing away.

"I happened to get my purse, which had my phone, the only device I could use to navigate my way around and communicate with the people around me, stolen. Fei was the one to steal it. but the pawnbroker, who was also the guy blackmailing her with the information about her father's murderer, said that the objects would be of value to the person they were stolen from, otherwise those items wouldn't fetch much of a price.” Marinette stopped to catch her breath.

“So, she found me and took me to the pawnbroker. While I did know what ¥100,000 equals to" she flashed Fei a smile, "growing up in this rich household made me feel that it wasn't that big of a price for something I held so dear. Fei on the other hand didn't realize that and she stole the stuff again but this time from the pawnbroker and we both ran out trying to escape the pawnbroker’s goons and then she revealed that she was the one who actually stole it and apologized. We ate at the restaurant with Sabine's father/uncle, and departed calling each other sisters."

A look of total disbelief flashed from all the eyes on them excluding Cassandra and Alfred.

Marinette gave a greatly exaggerated sigh. "Now that all this matchmaking approval is done I would like to eat and would totally appreciate you not gaping."

Everyone shut their mouths as though they had been hammered back into their regular position and… turned out still in too deep of a shock to function more than to eat and proceeded to eat the breakfast peacefully.

‘Huh, who knew?’ Marinette thought. ‘And it only took a near-normal incident in her life full of extremes to eat a peaceful breakfast. Sad that won't last. Her friends we're gonna come in a week.’ Sigh. ‘She'll deal with that when they get here. Right now? She was gonna enjoy evading their questions about her powers which were gonna start as soon as their brain started functioning at full capacity again. but you know what they say, enjoy the calm while it stands between chaos.’

"So" Jason began. "not that I don't mind it but aren't these matchmaking tests a little too easy? I mean come on you can do better than asking if they know how to cook!"

Marinette looked up. "First of all, they are in a relationship with you people, meaning they already have had their past and current lives come through with a 1-nanometer wide com. Also to be noted is the fact that I already read their auras so I know they have no ill intent."

Yeah everybody was staring at her.

"And not to be forgotten," she continued. "is the fact that I trust you all in your judgments. You wouldn't be in a relationship with them if you weren't happy and yes I don't need to read all of us to see the love that you feel for them. And the only reasonable question was the one I asked if they could cook because there is a reason why Wayne and Dick are banned from the kitchen. You cannot really live on burnt food and cereals? For Jason, I knew that they had to be competent enough to keep up with his literary knowledge. And Cass? Come on Fei is… no other word for it, great. but if you want," she said with a mischievous look in her eyes (that sent shivers down Jason's spine ) "I can always battle them to see what they're made of although I find it prudent to remind you that I am trained by Lady Miracle."

"no thanks," Roy said, giving a weak thumbs up. "I'm good, I don't want my ass to be handed back to me on a silver platter again. I'll never underestimate her after what I went through yesterday."

Marinette laughed. "You're not the first arrow boy nor the last."

Saying this her plate began to float towards the sink and she magically poofed… again.

"Shit," Tim said, banging his head on the table. "How the hell am I supposed to ask her about her powers now?! I can't talk to thin air." he sighed. "Come on, I better get a move on researching her friends coming in a week."

[the-coffee-fandom]

Rose Gold Eyes

By: the-coffee-fandom

Warnings: Major Character Death, Blood, Negative Thoughts

There was a little beep, almost silent. To the normal ear, it would be. But not to her.

“We have to leave. Now,” she whispered harshly, ears pinning down to her head as she stuffed some last jewels in her bag, expertly wrapping a rope around the top and tying it in a few swift movements, too quick to keep up with.

“One more second Cariño,” was the response she got, a laugh in her voice as the other woman flickered across the room, throwing a few more treasures into her own sack, “don’t be so paranoid.”

“The alarms went off,” she hissed as she yanked the grappling hook secured to the roof, ensuring it was still stable enough for them to scale up it.

“It just adds to the danger.”

Her green eyes sparkled in the moonlight as a smile twisted on her lips, a joy in her eyes pairing with the thrill of the game. Her shoulders came to her chin as a little chuckle left her lips before she sauntered over, hooking a finger beneath her jaw, forcing her chin up to keep peering into her eyes.

“Loosen up Tata, we’re just having a little fun,” her claw scraped down her throat and suddenly she couldn’t breathe as she was drawn in by those devilish green eyes.

They sparked with too much. She would be the death of her. Too much mischief wrapped in a gorgeous package.

“Come along then,” she smirked, pearly white teeth showing, two pointed like fangs. It suited her well.

She watched dumbly for a moment as her partner climbed up before it hit her that she had to follow and she quickly scurried up after her, meeting the cool breeze of fresh air the rooftop provided her.

At least, as fresh as someplace like Gotham could offer.

She grabbed the edge, looking up to meet the hand of her partner extended out, the same grin that dances on her mind daily painted on her face, an adoration in her eyes directed at her that made her insides jumble.

“I’m disappointed.”

But she wasn’t stupid enough to believe she’d love her.

“Disappointed? In little ol’ me?” Her partner pulled her up, placing a hand to her chest but her eyes now focused on him.

“We’ve been over this Selina.”

A growl rumbled in the back of her throat; low, threatening, dangerous. The dark knights eyes found her bright blue ones, the white covering them concealing the colour narrowed at her threateningly.

“I certainly don’t remember having such a conversation,” she quipped back smugly, stepping forward just once so one leg was in front of the other, one hip slightly out, chin held high while one hand was resting on her hip. A step slightly in front of her, blocking a full view of her. Her other hand traced her arm soothingly.

“You and your little pet need to return all the stolen artifacts and maybe I’ll let you go with a warning.”

It was always the same with Batman. He’d let her get away. He always did.

Her ears pricked back anyway, her lips coming up in a snarl, showcasing sharp fangs, larger than Selina’s. She hated him.

“Now now Cariño, calm down,” Cat Woman told her. She looked back, just a moment their eyes met again, searching for something within her blue ones, before it was over and all she could focus on again was Batman, “Now Bruce, that is no way to talk to my partner.”

She walked towards him, every step coming with a gift of an exaggerated sway of her hips, her tail swishing behind her, her eyes focused on him, her clawed hands coming to cup under his jaw, pulling him down to her height as she whispered something for only his ears. She backed away and his eyes followed her. Miray watched as Cat Woman distracted him flawlessly, effortlessly.

“I’ll catch you around Bruce,” she winked at him, throwing a sack of loot over her shoulder and scurrying off.

Batman was quick to follow.

Miray was left forgotten on the rooftops once again.

She knew she asked, but this is not what she meant. Always being left behind. But that was the plan, wasn’t it? That was always the plan, right?

She watched Selina chase him, wondering what she saw in him that she couldn’t find in her. Selina had to know he wasn’t good enough for her, right? But maybe that’s what made him all the more appealing. Wanting someone you know you’ll never have but they’re just within arms reach and reciprocate in a way that cures the need in your heart. That’s what she wanted.

Miray sighed, picking up the bags of treasures. The one Selina had taken didn’t actually have anything worthwhile, it was a decoy. Miray had prepared it knowing what the outcome of the outing would be again.

She returned home, hefting herself through the window and depositing the jewels and trinkets in the safe behind the bookshelf they had.

“Cirrus, stars rest,” Miray said quietly.

A bright flash of light and her suit disappeared, a little ball of light flying around her before coming to rest at her shoulder, a bat appearing from it.

“That bat is a disgrace! We’d never let that slip from our wings. Of course it works in our favour, but he didn’t even look back at you!” Cirrus complained, swooping around agitated before noticing their holder wasn’t in the spot they were previously.

They looked around and found Marinette at the window, opening it and climbing out onto the fire escape to head up to the roof. They followed behind and once they got to the top, Marinette dropped down to sit on the edge of the roof. Cirrus set themselves down near her.

Marinette didn’t really feel like talking. Her legs dangled off the roof, swinging back and forth as she kept her eyes focused on the moon. The smog covered the sky, hiding the stars from her view but she could imagine them there. Just like she could imagine Selina there besides her. She’d have one knee pulled up to her chest, leaning back with a large smirk plastered on her stupid face, she’d have broughten a blanket in case it got too cold, and she would have eyes only for her.

Marinette couldn’t bear to look in the direction they had gone, her chasing him again. He thought he was chasing her, but it was never that way. Selina has always been after his heart far more than any jewels they’d collect.

Marinette coughed, choking on the lump in her throat.

He’s emotionally constipated. He’d never love her the way she deserves.

She hacked, bending forward with her eyes squeezing shut as she attempted to breath again through the pain, the pricks in her throat, stabbing into her esophagus, cutting into her lungs.

He’d never hold her tenderly through the night. He’d never kiss her passionately against the rough brick chimneys but even it out with tender kisses on window panes, one leg hanging out as the cool breeze travels in. He’d never dance against the moon with her without a care in the world. He’d never hold her like she’s the only precious thing in this existence to him.

She felt a light pressure on her cheek and followed the instructions she was given to move properly on the roof. She turned around, moving to her knees but the coughs soon wracked her body enough to have her bending forward and catching herself on her palms, coughing and coughing, feeling a liquid trickle down her chin.

He’d never wake her up and greet her with kisses pressed lightly to her face, watch her eyes flutter open, a smile on her lips before his met them in a morning kiss, a breakfast made from scratch already prepared for her. He’d never lay on rooftops stargazing, sharing an earbud each, sides pressed together just bathing in each others company. He’d never sit at her feet as she read, back against her chair between her legs as her hands run through his hair. He’d never sit with her just to sit with her.

No matter what, they’ll always be something more important than her.

Why couldn’t she see that?!?

Duty bears a heavy weight on his chest, and it’ll always take more priority then her. But Mari knew she would always put her first, lay her life down for her, if it was between the world and Selina, it would be her every time. She may have been a hero, but even then she’d prioritized her heart. It didn’t make her a great hero, but it’s made her the perfect villain.

Her body gave out beneath her. Marinette lay crumpled on the rooftop of her apartment shared with someone who’d never love her the way she wanted, the way she needed, coughing golden yellow roses splattered with crimson.

Tears fell from her eyes, the pressure of her kwami against her shoulder nuzzling her in an attempt of comfort almost an invisible feeling as everything went numb.

The chill of the night bit her fingers, she knew with the way her cheek had scrapped the roof there’d be a scratch but she couldn’t even feel it, her body felt weighed down. She was numb. She was nothing.

Her eyes eventually drifted closed without her permission as the bombardment of roses ceased. Her heavy breathing, desperate for some air now stuttering and light. Her body went slack and the last thing she saw was a single silhouette against the moon.

══✿══╡°˖✧✿✧˖°╞══✿══

Marinette leaned into a pleasant warmth. Every part of her hurt. She couldn’t remember what happened or where she was. She attempted to crack an eye open but found she couldn’t so she did the next best thing. She cuddled into the warmth of whatever she was laying on.

She hummed in content as a light press of something touched her forehead, lingering, before disappearing. Then the small of her back was being gently caressed. She melted into it, enjoying it.

She had drifted off again pretty quickly after that, the next time she’d awoken she managed to open her eyes; squinting against the bright rays of the sun.

She didn’t move other then that, just gazing silently out the window. There wasn’t much to see baring a few lingering clouds in the sky, the top of a broken down building covering part of the view. She was trying to reboot her brain though, remember what had happened beforehand.

“Awake now sleepyhead?” Came a voice behind her. No. Underneath her. She felt the vibrations of her voice soothingly on her side.

She tilted her head up, meeting the vibrant green eyes of Selina who was gently running her fingers through her hair. She gave her a soft smile, her eyes crinkling at the edges, a look she’d only ever seen directed at her. A look reserved only for her.

“Would you like some breakfast?”

It was then that Marinette realized she’d been staring for longer than socially acceptable. She bounded off of her partner, the blanket laying atop her twisting around her, falling face flat on the floor with a groan.

Selina chuckled at her partner, easily extracting herself from her chair with an illegal amount of grace.

“Excited just for breakfast, huh?”

Marinette blushed and got up, dusting herself off and following Selina as she walked into the kitchen.

Marinette’s eyes trailed over the counter as he mouth dropped, “that’s… a lot of chocolate don’t you think?”

Marinette raised her eyes to Selina’s who was gazing at her with a fondness that made her chest ache.

“I don’t think so. Special people deserve special things in abundance.”

Marinette swallowed thickly, “is that all for me?”

Selina’s eyes softened, “I said special people didn’t I?”

She pushed down the doubts that she was in no way special, that she didn’t deserve this kind of attention, that maybe this was Selina telling her she felt the same. All of them were worthless thoughts not to be taken to heart or mind.

She carefully looked over the barrage of treats, picking out a box of chocolate croissants carefully. She opened them and was very pleased to find they were still hot. She handed one to her partner who gave her a grateful smile as she reached past her hand, her fingers gently touching her wrist and slowly trailed up. Marinette felt travel shiver harsh through her body to the point where she was sure the other woman would be able to tell. She grabbed the croissant and bit into it, her eyes staying on Marinette the entire time even as her tongue darted out to clean the chocolate off her lips.

Marinette's throat felt dry and she quickly found herself turning around and stuffing the entire croissant into her face hole. Her chest screamed, her heart ached, her lungs cried, vines yanked at her insides begging her to act.

But she couldn’t.

What if she rejected her? What if it ruined their partnership? What if she left her forever for that stupid fake bat who didn’t deserve her attention?

“Hey,” a feather light touch brought her hand away from her arm where she didn’t realize she had been pressing her nails deep into, “Don’t injure that beautiful skin of yours. It would be such a shame.”

Marinette whipped around, ignoring the croissant that fell to the floor. She wanted to scream, she wanted to say… to say… to say something! But her brain was too slow and she didn’t actually know what her heart wanted her to say. She just ended up staring into those beautiful eyes.

‘Can I kiss you?’ Are the words that wanted to leave her lips. They pressed against her throat and caused her heart to speed up like a motorbike through the freeway, the way Selina drove it though like a maniac. Or like a woman with no leash who was free to do whatever she pleases whenever she wanted to and would never be alone, always be supported in everything she did because she had… her.

Marinette swallowed, “Taking out the trash, then?”

The other woman tilted her head in question.

Marinette didn’t respond. She wasn’t sure she could even get more words out. She felt something sharp in her throat but refused to make a noise. She deserved the pain, right? She knew this beautiful woman’s heart belonged to another and still she took advantage of her, doing anything she could to be close and let her thoughts wonder where they shouldn’t.

She grazed past her and removed the bag from the trash, heading out the door to the bin at the back of the building. Selina didn’t make a move to follow.

Good. Marinette needed the time alone.

She got halfway down the stairs when she couldn’t hold it in any longer. Her knees buckled beneath her, her hands shooting out to the railing to grab on for dear life. Her body shook pathetically just like last night on the rooftop. She wheezed weakly as full roses slipped from her pale lips, one by one fluttering down to the stairs. When she fell into the railing as her legs grew weaker she watched as red roses fell down through the middle, falling to the base floor where she was to be. Her vision blurred more and more and her ears rang. She thought she had felt her dear Cirrus on her shoulder but she must have been mistaken because now she could feel nothing but the sting in her throat and the cuts on her hands as she gripped the metal that hadn’t ever been sanded down so hard her knuckles turned white.

She coughed for what felt like hours but could only have been mere minutes before her body gave out. She’d tumble down the stairs, following the forgotten garbage bag that she was to be disposing of. She really was good for nothing wasn’t she?

She felt herself fall and then… something on her arm? She couldn’t figure out what it was as her eyes slipped closed and she was lost to the world.

══✿══╡°˖✧✿✧˖°╞══✿══

When she awoke she was surrounded by white sheets. She debated with herself for just a second on whether or not she was in heaven. She was quick to brush that thought off though and rolled over, snuggling into the pillow. It smelt like her. This was Selina’s bed. How did she get here?

Come to think of it, she couldn’t remember anything after Selina had asked her if she wanted breakfast. She pushed herself up on her hands and frowned, looking around the room. It was clearly early evening and she was alone in the room. She shuffled to the side of the big bed and let her feet dangle to just above the floor. She sat there for a moment to collect her thoughts.

Just then, Cirrus phased through the door. Marinette tilted her head in silent question but the kwami just shook their head and hid.

That was odd.

She let her feet touch the cool wood and trotted over to the vase. She was about to peak in when she heard it. A deep masculine voice. Her eyes widened and she quickly darted for the door. She opened it to find Batman in their living room, Selina in front of him. Her back was facing her so she couldn’t see that she was awake now. But Batman certainly saw her. His eyes narrowed at her over the other woman’s head.

“So, who’s your… friend?” He gruffed, causing Selina to whip around towards her, “Miray I assume?”

Marinette stayed silent, narrowing her eyes at him. A full pain felt like it covered her entire body like a burrito blanket but she ignored it.

“This is my partner,” Selina informed him, her voice harsher than usual, “and for the last time I will ask, get out of my house.”

He lost attention from her and he almost looked… sad?

“Selina?”

“Out.”

It wasn’t asking. It was an order.

Marinette was surprised when he complied. Selina’s attention returned to Marinette then. She rushed over, her arms sweeping open but then the oddest thing happened. She hesitated then seemed to think better of it and dropped her arms so she ended up standing before her. Marinette tilted her head slightly, a mimic of Selina she had picked up, she was sure, and surveyed her. Her shoulders were tense, her jaw was clenched, and her eyes were blazing but when they met her baby blue ones they seemed to be put out and they softened considerably like a marshmallow.

“Are you ok?” It was a whisper. As if she was afraid that if she spoke too loud she’d run off like a stray cat.

“What was he doing here,” she croaked out, wincing at her voice.

Selina held up her hand, a silent gesture of ‘stay there’ and darted to the sink where she grabbed a clean glass and filled it with water, returning to give to her. Marinette accepted it gratefully and drank the blessed coolness. It soothed her throat. Marinette’s eyes fluttered closed for a moment and when she opened them again, she found her partner staring back at her in concern.

“What’s wrong?” Marinette asked softly.

Her eyebrows shifted down, confusion filled her features, “what’s wrong? I’m the one who should be asking you that!”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Bullshit.”

“Language.”

“Fuck you.”

“I wish.”

They both froze at that. Neither dared to breathe, awaiting the other to react first. Their eyes stayed locked and after a few moments Selina finally made the first move.

She giggled. She covered her mouth with the back of her hand and she giggled.

Marinette couldn’t help the upturn of her lips and felt a laugh bubble up in her. They laughed together until tears pricked Marinette’s eyes and she realized she had no clue why she was laughing.

She looked up to find her partner staring at her, a sad smile adorning her face.

“It’s ok.”

“Is it?”

Selina had tears prick in her eyes, she laughed again but it was watery this time. She shook her head, “no, no it’s not at all.”

“Why was he here?”

Selina’s face dropped. In fact, her entire body seemed to. She sucked in a breath through her teeth and turned her body away from her slightly, arms coming up to cross over her chest.

“Does it matter?” It was a whisper.

“Yes.”

Selina closed her eyes and breathed deeply, “Yes I suppose it does.”

Marinette waited for her to continue. The longer she went just staring off in the distance though, the more disheartened she got. A tear rolled down her cheek. She let her head fall to her chest, her bangs covering her closed eyes. She didn’t dare do anything when she felt the soft fingertips of the menace of Gotham wipe away her tear.

“He was worried.”

Marinette stayed silent, prompting her to continue.

“He saw the roses on the staircase.”

Marinette’s head shot up. Roses? Her throat closed up and she saw it. The regret and remorse filled Selina’s eyes like water in a ditch after a hurricane. He thought they were Selina’s. But she knew better.

“I know Cariño.”

Marinette said nothing. She felt… numb. Was this the part where she confessed her everlasting love for the woman before her? Where she promised her soul and life to her? Where she’d finally cure the garden growing in full bloom within her body just with a simple confession?

She couldn’t do it.

“I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to apologize for.”

“I have everything to apologize for.”

Selina shook her head and finally, finally, moved forward and wrapped her arms around her. Embracing her with all the care and gentleness of a kitten.

“Marinette…”

Whatever she was going to say was cut off by a cough of her own. Her body trembled as it took over. It wouldn’t stop. Marinette panicked and began patting her back.

“It’s ok, it’s going to be ok, we’re gonna be fine.”

Sweet nothings left her lips and a plea left her heart. She didn’t know what was happening but she could feel it… whatever it was it was bad.

And then it caught her eye.

A rose. Strewn on the floor.

Hers were red.

This was pink.

A rose gold rose sat beautifully, a full bloom full of life.

It caused Marinette’s heart to shatter and her eyes to widen. She looked to the woman beside her, pulling her chin up - maybe a bit too roughly but she couldn’t help it as the panic became one with her bones - so she could see her face and…

Selina smiled at her. She smiled at her, her mouth partly agape. Her eyes they were so filled with pain. And it made sense. Marinette’s eyes were drawn to the other woman’s lips that were always plump and red but this was not a good red. This red dripped from her lips to the floor in splotches of crimson.

Blood.

“Selina…” She couldn’t breathe . SHE COULDN’T BREATHE.

Marinette wheezed, not able to get anymore words out as she watched Selina fall to her knees. She easily followed her down, holding on to her arms tight.

She wanted to beg her to be alright, to stay with her, to spill every thought that sang of her and tell her how much she meant to her. But she couldn’t find her voice.

“Stay…… Cariño…”

Her eyes rolled back into her head and she slumped, her weight becoming too much for Marinette to brace. Marinette screamed. She screamed for her to wake up, bellowed for her to be alright, holared for her to just breathe.

Marinette’s hand stayed on her pulse point. She couldn’t move.

There was nothing.

”I love you Selina…”

[somereaderinblue]

"Give me Adribat but have him be adopted by Catwoman."

Me: Whoa, this is a great idea for a fic! I should write it.

What I end up creating:

Adrien being adopted by Selina allows him to embrace his inner cat 24/7. Plus, with all the strays she takes in, Adrien is already surrounded by emotional support animals.

Selina & her strays recognize him as their kin. Thus, he is properly loved as such.

This is me, once again, asking for more Cat Woman/Selina Kyle and Chat Noir/Adrien Agreste mentorship/family posts/fanfics.

Give me Adribat but have him be adopted by Cat Woman.

Give me Adribat where he bonds with Dick/Nightwing and finds out all about how he changed the English vocabulary to add words because, "if someone is overwhelmed and another person is underwhelmed, why can't someone just feel whelmed?"

Give me Adribat where he runs away from Paris, never expecting to see his old friends again, only to be surprised when his class shows up in Gotham for whatever reason.

Give me Adribat where Adrien finds more happiness in Gotham than he ever did in Paris.

[dessarious]

Old Scars and New Beginnings Pt105

Beginning   Previous  

Selina looked around the room in amusement. The sheer number of people rivaled a meeting with most of the Justice League. This group, however, was far more diverse. And far less likely to back down to Batman.

"I don't see why we can't just stay here. We'll go home, so anyone who's watching will see. Then Mari can transport us back here." Gina was exceptionally unhappy about leaving. Her idea wasn't a bad one either. Mari was frowning in thought, but Bruce just looked annoyed.

"If it were any other threat, I'd agree with you. But Talia, or whoever she sends, is as likely to attack us here as anywhere else. I can't risk you being caught in the crossfire."

"I can handle myself, and honestly, I have a few words to say to that woman myself after the last time we crossed paths." Bruce looked like his head was about to explode.

"You know Talia?"

"I do, and seeing the way she raised her son after what her father did to her, I'm more than happy to make sure she doesn't get near him again." Now Damian was studying the woman. His cheeks were a bit flushed and Selina wasn't certain if it was embarrassment that she thought he couldn't handle himself, or just because someone he didn't know at all was willing to protect him.

"Marinette, what do you think?" She couldn't tell if Bruce was stalling to get his thoughts in order, or if he thought Mari would back him up. She'd been whispering with Tikki and Kaalki since the argument started.

"I don't see why everyone thinks it has to be one or the other. If Kaalki has a constant food supply, they can simply keep a portal open between the two houses so everyone can come and go as they please. It would be a good option as an escape route if it's needed as well." Gina and Bruce both just stared at her and Selina had to fight back a laugh. They'd been arguing for over an hour and Mari made the entire thing defunct. "I would still feel better if Syd and Trixx stayed at the house so they can shield it though." Syd just shrugged her acceptance. Selina wasn't certain what was going on with that girl, but she was even more closed off than usual. But Chloe and Mari didn't seem worried about it, so she was willing to overlook it for the moment.

"In that case, we're going to need to add more security. Especially to the rooms where the portal is. The last thing we need is Talia finding and using it." The fact that Bruce didn't argue, or even resist changing directions, showed just how much of an impact Mari had on him. Before, he would have dug in and insisted that his plan was best. Especially since Damian's safety was involved. Her flexibility was wearing off on him. Bruce started hashing out security plans with the others, but Mari immediately went back to whispering with the Kwami. The grave looks on the Kwami and the worry on Mari's face made Selina edgy.

"What's wrong, kitten?" Selina kept her voice soft so the others wouldn't pay attention. She didn't want to take the focus away from the planning if she could avoid it. Mari startled a bit and hesitated.

"It's just... Whatever is after Damian is getting closer and..."

"And?"

"I think whoever it is spent time in Paris within the last few years." Well, that was oddly specific.

"What makes you say that?" She kept her tone calm and soothing.

"I said before that they hate the Miraculous, and they do, but..." Selina just waited. "Most of that hatred is for Ladybug specifically." Selina blinked at her for a moment before pulling the girl into a hug. Mari burrowed into her.

"It's not your fault, Kitten. You did the best you could with what you had. Whatever their reason, and given they are almost certainly part of the League, you are not to blame."

"Maybe." It was the best she could hope for. Mari still seemed to think that her friends were going to leave once they really thought through what her being Ladybug meant. Nothing they could say would help, and this would be no different. Bruce raised an eyebrow at her, and Selina just shook her head. Mari didn't need them to make a big deal of this right now. The only other one who had noticed the interaction was Luka. While Selina could understand why the boy made Bruce uneasy, it was obvious he was completely devoted to Marinette. And where her other friends would push and prod her to do what they thought she needed, Luka just supported her. Even now, he just made sure no one else caught on to Mari's distress.

"It is a clue, though. Can you think of anyone you ran across as Ladybug that might feel that way?" Mari didn't respond and Selina regretted asking. It was entirely possible it was just someone who had something happen while they were there and blamed the heroes for it. The last thing she wanted was Mari going through the list of people who she thought had a reason to hate her. "We'll figure it out."

"A lot of people blamed us for how long everything went on. For everything they had to go through."

"You know that wasn't your fault, right? Gabriel was the one who caused all that, and if you hadn't been there to stop him, it would have been worse." The girl just shrugged. "You didn't have a choice. You were put in a terrible position and you did the best you could. All of you did. You don't blame the others for what happened, do you?" She shook her head.

"Other than Adrien, I picked them. I was the one who made the plans. I was the one who couldn't catch him." Selina pulled back and lifted Mari's chin to force eye contact.

"You were and still are a child. You were forced into a responsibility that no one should have expected you to take. You and Adrien both were put into an impossible situation with zero knowledge and zero training. The others, you gave a choice. Perhaps it wasn't wise of you or them, but you all did what you had to do. And you did it well enough that the Kwami decided to give you even more responsibility. I'll say it again. Nothing that happened was your fault."

Mari wanted to argue, Selina could see it. She wasn't certain if the fact that Mari couldn't come up with anything was proof that they were getting through to her, or just proof of how exhausted she was. She just pulled the girl back into a tighter hug.

"I just wish it didn't feel like my mistakes were coming back to haunt me." She sounded so tired.

"Whatever this is, isn't your fault. And if you weren't here to warn us that someone was after Damian, who knows what would have happened? At least now we can prepare."

"I'm sure you would have been fine without me." Selina couldn't help the annoyed sigh that left her.

"Given that they funded a cult for this opportunity, whatever they have planned is big. It's entirely likely we would have walked straight into an ambush." They probably wouldn't have found out who the cult's money backers were without the information Mari gave them. She shuddered to think what going into that confrontation would have been like if they weren't prepared for Talia's tricks. "You don't give yourself enough credit."

"I still don't understand why Damian's mother would send someone who hates him to retrieve him." Selina rolled her eyes at the subject change and debated on how honest she should be. In the end, Mari and the others needed to know how this was likely to play out, so they didn't let their guard down.

"While Talia wants Damian back in the fold, he's a liability if he stays outside the league. The person she sent likely has orders to kill him if he refuses to return." Mari gave her a skeptical look.

"She'd really have her own son killed?"

"She'd do it herself if she was here." Selina wasn't certain what to do with the thoughtful frown on Marinette's face. She'd expected horror or disbelief.

"So even if we catch this person, Damian will still be in danger." Selina just nodded. "That's not acceptable." She said it in such a matter-of-fact tone that Selina didn't know how to respond. She agreed with Mari, but there wasn't much they could do about it. Mari startled her when she stood abruptly and walked over to Damian. The girl didn't say anything, just held out her hand to him, and when he took it, marched him out of the room. Everyone paused for a moment before resuming planning. All Selina could do was shake her head.

"She's blaming herself for things again." Selina jumped as Luka materialized next to her. She hadn't even seen him move.

"It does seem to be her natural state." The boy's expression settled into the closest thing she'd seen to a scowl on him. "Whatever is coming after Damian hates Ladybug, and she thinks it's her fault."

"If it's a native Parisian, that's a very short list. It shouldn't be too hard to research. It will be harder for anyone who came and went since you'll have to rely on travel records and they can be spotty. It's far more likely to be someone not from Paris originally, in my opinion."

"Really? Marinette seems to think a lot of people were upset with Ladybug for how long things went on."

"She what?" The genuine surprise in his tone was unexpected. Apparently, Marinette still wasn't talking about her fears with her friends. One more thing to worry about. "Yes, right after Hawkmoth was defeated, everyone was letting out all the emotions they'd had to repress, and a lot of that was anger. Some of it was even directed at the Heroes. But in the end, everyone knew who was at fault. Granted, I wasn't in Paris, but I didn't get the impression from anyone I talked to back home that there was real animosity towards the heroes. Adrien and Chloe haven't mentioned it either, and Chloe would have."

"What about the police force? Chloe said they actively worked against them." Luka's expression tightened.

"Maybe while the heroes were active, but I doubt those feelings lasted long without a target. Not to mention, from what I remember, it was resentment more than anything else." Luka hesitated. "Other than Gabriel, I can only think of one person who truly hated Ladybug."

"That's great! It gives us someone to look into."

"You already are." He sounded grim, and Selina just raised an eyebrow at him. "Lila Rossi."

"You're kidding." He shook his head. Selina was getting tired of this girl and they hadn't even met her yet. "I suppose it makes sense with the way she disappeared. We know they want the Miraculous, so taking her for information isn't out of the realm of possibility. At the same time, I don't know that Talia would send someone so knew to the League to take out Damian, of all people. It could be a test, though."

The more she thought about it, the more it seemed like something Talia would do. It could be a test of loyalty, or just of training. She wouldn't be counting on Bruce to kill her, so there would be a backup plan. There would be more than just one assassin. Granted, they were already planning on that. But this brought competing factions into play. One more problem to complicate things.

"If it is Lila, and she finds out Mari is here, there's a very good chance she'll come after her. Especially since Mr. Wayne took her in." She didn't like Luka's tone.

"Because he's Damian's father?"

"Because he's famous. Lila always hated that Mari had better connections than her. I can't even image the rage she'll feel at this development."

"Depending on what Talia's done to her, she might not even remember Mari." Luka was shaking his head before she finished.

"If she remembers Ladybug, she remembers Marinette. I met her when I was Viperion with Ladybug and Mari on separate occasions. She hates Mari more."

Beginning   Previous

[marinettesaltprompts]

May I offer another deconstruction of a Maribat trope? More specifically the one where a Batboy comes to Dupont, immediately hits it off with Mari & helps expose/ruin everyone and they live happily ever after!

You can't tell me they wouldn't take (1) look at Gabe & immediately have him as a prime suspect. Thus, maybe Tim, Jason, Dick or Damian goes for 'study overseas' & Gabriel graciously offer to let them stay with him for the business connections.

Cue them also immediately picking up on the rancid vibes of Lila, Bustier, Damocles BUT ALSO Marinette bcz surprise! They know how to spot a stalker! They also know how to remain objective & actually investigate. They point out to Adrien that the high road approach is wrong but still take into account that (1) his upbringing conditioned him to be passive & (2) Mari didn't tell him abt the threats and from what they've seen, Adrien definitely would've have let that slide.

And no, they don't bring Mari into the fold bcz they overheard her complaining to Alya abt Adrien's sudden divergence from the private schedule she somehow got her hands on? How she was going to sabotage a random girl for winking at Adrien teasingly?? How they're gonna have a family & hamsters??? And how she expects everyone to listen to her bcz she's their 'Everyday LB'???

Yeah, no. And if they find out she's the actual LB, still NO.

Bcz they see how much of a mess everything is. How she keeps CN out of the loop, expecting him to be the distraction, the goofy sidekick & meatshield. How that applies to the rest of her 'team' who aren't given consistent training. How she makes herself the lynchpin for everything.

More importantly, they see how underutilized CN is. So they take him under their wing in & out of the mask. Experimenting with his Cataclysm & enhanced senses, showing him the darker nitty-gritty places where the downtrodden go to be forgotten, how to act instead of react & assert himself in ways that matter. CN gains popularity as others note how proactive he is in stopping pettier crimes outside of akumas, how he takes the trouble to visit past victims & lend them an ear, etc.

How he & the other vigilante work even better than him & LB.

Naturally, she throws a fit, thinking they're trying to 'undermine' her. Nevermind that they've made more progress in the past month than she ever did in almost 2 years. When she tries to demand CN hand over his miraculous, he refuses, done with her bossiness, & she declares him a 'traitor'.

Cue Mari getting a restraining order & more blogs pointing out the unfair power dynamic of the hero duo. In the end, HM isn't even defeated with a bang but a whimper as CN & the Batboy knock Gabe out before he transforms, send evidence to the police and leave. LB is now left alone to explain to Paris what happened & deal with the fact that they now think she's either incompetent or a glory hound who purposely didn't do her job to milk the attention while Marinette is ALSO blamed for the fallout at Dupont bcz she's as complicit as the rest of them.

CN & Adrien disappear from Paris and maybe the Teen Titans gain a new member. One who's treated as an equal, a friend & after a while, family.

(Idk, for some reason, him joining the Titans sounds more plausible than the Batfam. Thoughts?)

I definetely think the Titans would be a better group for Adrien in terms of social growth because of the variety of people in that group, but the Batfamily is definetely a close second. It doesn't hurt that he's the closest thing to a Batfamily character outside of the costume (we'll just say that he's Selina's nephew ;) )

Lovely post btw!

[lily-drake]

Master List Part 2

Master List Part 1

Dickinette

Biosibling!Dickinette: Birds of a Feather Flock Together: Part 1 Part 2

BioDad!Dickinette:

Of Broken Hearts and Shattered Minds

Ric Rolled: Part 1 Part 2

Casinette: Sibling!Cassientte: Stop in the Name of Your Sister: Part 1 Part 2

Bruce:

BioDad!Bruce:

Where is She?!

You've Got to be Kitten Me: Part 1 Part 2

He Stole My Heart So I Stole His (Felinette) Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9

BioDad!Month (2021): Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Everything after Part 11 was posted exclusively on my Ao3.

Found Family:

Watch What You Say: Part 1 Part 2

Adopted Into a Better Life

Drabbles/Story Ideas

Batman Specific:

Why are you here Batman?

In a Different League: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

6 Times Tim Suffered Alon + One Time He Doesn't