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mae-dwrites · 13 days ago

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Fighting Without Oxygen - Chapter 1

Masterlist | Ao3 | Next

The manner hadn’t been so quiet in such a long time, the thought was a blade that dug into Alfred’s chest with a twist. He had yet to look himself in the mirror for the first time since the news. He could feel his exhaust in his eyelids, his regrets rotating in his stomach, and his grief in his hands.

Everything he did, everything he touched, everything, he felt it in his hands. Hands that once held a grieving child as he too grieved, hands that once would shake from the feeling but he’d made firm for that boy. Now they were firm, the boy was gone, leaving him a line of children to be firm for.

He swallowed as he stared at his hands, still, steady, firm. Firm, but heavy in his lap.

He took one over the top of the sheets of the boy’s bed. He’d only made them the day before, right now they should have been unmade with the boy healing in it.

He choked on an erupting sob.

No.

Not now, now he needed to make arrangements. See the boys. Needed to call people.

He did not get up. Clutching the sheets as he used his other hand to hold his face. His hand slowly became wet.

Four. That was four now.

A sobbed shook him heavily.

“Oh Thomas,” he rasped out, “Martha, forgive me.”

When Alfred finally got up it wasn’t with steady hands.

—

Chloé Bourgeois sat at her desk, with a frown of distaste. How was she going to explain to her sister she was not going to make it premiere tomorrow if she didn’t get this figured out in time.

The woman groaned when her phone rang again.

She blinked when she read the caller ID. She took a deep breath before answering the line.

“Hello, this is Chloé,” she answered, wondering who would be on the other end.

“Madame Bourgeois, good evening. It is Alfred Pennyworth,” the older man's accent rang clear to the woman.

“Alfie,” Chloé all but squealed in excitement, “It’s been quite sometime since one of you Gotham boys called.” The woman ignored the feeling in her stomach as she asked, “What is the occasion?”

“I,” his voice wavered, “I call bearing horrible news, and worse request.”

Chloé swallowed as she turned from her desk, “What has happened Alfred?”

“Bruce, he,” his breathing hitched, “he has passed, in battle.”

Chloé opened her mouth, only to let out a breath. It was a secure line, she knew that he wouldn’t have been so blunt with it if it weren’t.

“You’re..sure,” her voice was quiet.

“Clark doesn’t hear him,” his voice becoming void with the statement.

Chloé looked to the ceiling as she blinked repeatedly. She nodded as she asked, words so familiar to her tounge, “What do I need to do?”

—

Alya stood on the rooftop of the TVi building, loose hair tickled her face as she looked out. She hadn’t done this in a very long time, years. Years ago she’d done it, and weeks before that out of fun. But the last time had been life or death, the world.

This time it was a matter of the heart.

She cleared her throat, “Kal.”

She waited patiently. It wasn't as nearly as late in Metropolis as it was in Paris but she knew he’d need a moment to even be able to get here.

A few minutes passed before a red-eyed, flanneled wearing man was in front of her. Alya swallowed, the pit in her stomach suddenly became a void, “Oh.”

She gently took the floating super’s hands, “You can’t hear him.”

His eyes weren’t looking at her as he shook his head. Not a word.

Alya squeezed his hands, “They’re staging the boat right now.”

Nothing.

“I break the news in the morning,” She continued. Her eyes watered, “Everyone is a mess to make it perfect. Adrien is sticking right next to girls, they’re taking it the hardest.” She nodded to herself, “Keep having to talk them out of booking flights to Gotham,” she laughed as tears ran down her cheeks.

Alya sniffed, “They’re great at hiding it though,” she looked out at the horizon, “They’re probably going on the water right now. Nothing people love reading more than rich people and their dumb boats.”

Clark hummed in agreement as he lowered himself.

“Lois asked if it was you,” he whispered.

Alya let out a wet laugh, “She knows me well.”

“She knows all of us well.” he said before pulling the woman into a hug. “She said to give you a hug, you’d need one.”

The reporter’s laughter turned into sobbing in the man’s arms. She held onto his shirt tightly, she shook her head.

“He can’t be gone,” Alya barely got out in her sobs. Clark rubbed circles on her back as she rambled on, “He helped me fix what I did during the first one. He funded relief for the second one.”

“Alya,” Clark struggled to come up with something. He just hugged her a little tighter, wishing he’d brought Lois with him when she’d offered. He flew his friend home as he whispered, “I’m sorry Alya.”

—

Kagami gripped the railing tightly, she hated this. She hated when they lost a warrior. A friend.

In Paris it’s revealed when the hero has fallen, and they are honored, all their secrets no more.

Bruce deserved more.

Kagami understood he could not. Not when it brought those he was close to in more danger. Looking out at the water her hand drifted up to her necklace, her fingers resting on the jewel.

Longg appeared next to her, didn’t say anything. Simply floating by her side watching the water.

They choose to ignore the footsteps that came up behind them. A pause. They were joined at the railing.

“It’s time,” Marinette whispered.

“Indeed it is,” Kagami sighed.

Neither woman moved. Longg lowered to the railing and sat on it, waiting.

“I don’t wish to do this,” the woman finally admitted. “It feels like I’ll be letting him go.”

Marinette smiled, “He’ll be back.”

Kagami huffed, “Alix?”

“No,” Marinette stated amused. “No one in their world stays dead for long.”

“No one in theirs, but in ours the dead stay that. Dead.” Kagami shook her head, “I know that but he’s never, it’s never been him. I am going to do this, but I fear when…ever he’s back then the next time I’ll expect his return.

“I feel like a bad person,” Kagami rubbed her face. “I don’t want him to come back just for that. I’ll expect it.”

Marinette looked at the sky, “I get what you mean. It’s one of the reasons I hated how Adrien handled Akumas. I was scared one day I couldn’t get him back.”

Kagami glanced at Marinette, she rubbed the gold of the Monkey Miraculi. It had been half a decade now, and the holder's sacrifice still hung over the Guardian like a cloud.

Kagami held her friend at her wrist and gave a reassuring squeeze, “We all did what we could. You did everything you could, and he did what he believed was needed. And now we do what we can and what is needed.”

Marinette nodded before putting the Miraculi back on, turning back into a pink headband. She took Kagami’s hand and squeezed it, “Bring the storm.”

Kagami nodded as Marinette walked off, “Longg.”

The Kwami raised up with a solemn smile.

“Bring the storm.”

—

Zoé had really hoped another decade would pass before she’d be here, under these circumstances that is. She gripped the steering wheel; just sat in the vehicle. She really hoped it wouldn’t be till much later, when his kids were all off doing their own things. Without the need of this house.

Slowly she rested her head against the steering wheel and let out a mild frustration. She loosened her grip and slowly straightened; unbuckling she almost considered turning back, but…the papers were signed. This was it, that was the feeling that seemed to vibrate in her chest as she shut the car door.

She held onto her key fob, on finger through the key ring, as she made her way up the old steps. Her steps were small taps on the stone to the front door. The woman took a deep breath and rung the bell. She was barely eye-level with the man, and her heart tightened seeing those tired eyes; she knew she should have flown here immediately.

“Oh Alfie,” Zoé let herself the rest of the way in. She closed the door with her foot as she pulled Alfred into a hug. It had been awhile, but he felt lighter in her arms.

She wanted to kick herself, should have flown straight here, even skip all the paperwork.

“Zoé my dear, please, you’ll scratch the door,” Alfred chidded, without his usual fire.

“That’s the least of this place’s worries,” Zoé held the man a little closer, tighter. When she pulled she let him help her get her coat off. Zoé slid her key into her purse and pulled back over her shoulder. She followed after the butler into the manor, not that she needed to but…it felt nice. Nice to follow again.

“So,” Zoé spoke slowly, “how are they doing?”

Alfred lost his pace, but fixed his mis-step without much trouble. He took a quiet breath before answering, “As well as they can I suppose. Distraught, confused, and, and lost really.”

Zoé nodded, of course that was to be expected. She swallowed, “I know I need to speak to the youngests about, about the circumstances but what about his daughter or Dick?”

“Miss Cass has taken to staying home most nights rather than going out to support her brothers,” Alfred informed, his voice becoming more gravely. “Master Dick came to manner soon following the, the event. He isn’t fairing better.

“But he and Miss Cass appear to be helping Master Damian through this…originally distant time.” Alfred stopped his pace, waited for Zoé to join him in the spot. Zoé waited patiently for him to speak. “As for Master Tim, prior to, Master Bruce’s passing, he had lost a few teammates, friends, I- “

Alfred took a breath and closed his eyes for a moment, he cleared his throat, “I am worried for him in this state, it has barely been even two years his father has passed. He is a resilient boy, but I don’t know how much more he can lose.”

Zoé took the man’s hands, “I promise, you aren’t losing another one. I will help them as much as they’ll allow me to.”

Alfred did his best to fight tears, “That won’t be easy, those two will fight you on that.”

“I can start with Dick, I can fight him all week into taking care of himself,” Zoé joked, knowing she wouldn’t get anything from the man. “Dick knows me, if they see him opening up to me and trusting me maybe it’ll help,” she was quick to continue when his mouth opened once more, “Maybe. I don’t expect for them to 180, and,” she rubbed his hands, “it’s grief. It isn’t easy to get through that.”

Zoé paused, mulling over potential comforts for the man. Perhaps she should have reached out to Julia, well no, Zoé knew better. Julia would not be a solution, Chloé was closer to a solution than pulling the Englishwoman into this.

Zoé closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

“And you need the help through this as much as them,” Zoé finally stated. She sighed, “I didn’t just come here for them, because of Bruce. I came here for you. You’re one good reason to be here, and,” she shook her head, “I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to go through this again, alone. I remember last time, Dad was worried about you and Bruce.

“This time it’s me, and I’m worried about you and these kids. Dad wouldn’t drop everything to help you,” she shrugged, “he thought he couldn’t, but I can. Bruce knew that, so here I am.”

Alfred did his best to blink back the tears, oh, he didn’t know if he could go into that room now. He couldn’t help thinking back to when she’d visit regularly after…

After Jason.

“Oh Alfie,” Zoé pulled him into another hug. Quietly she patted his shoulder, “How about you guide me the rest of the way and after I’ve spoken to the kids I’ll come find you.”

Alfred spook his head, “No.” He cleared his throat, “No, I will stay. I’d rather be there for them and you. This will be hard,” He pulled away from the woman, “but we must all face this together.”

Zoé didn’t hide her uncertainty, but she knew better. There would be no changing Alfred’s decision.

“Fine then,” she was just above a whisper, “if you insist.”

“I do,” Alfred raised himself straighter. Pulling himself back together, but there was no hiding the red of his eyes. Never would he be able to hide the pain they held.

“Then let’s go.” Zoé nodded, more to herself. The nerves only felt more fried as they made their way down the halls, glancing at each door feeling more and more unprepared.

When Alfred finally stopped and put his hand to the door she knew.

“Are you ready,” Alfred asked quietly.

She wasn’t.

“Yes,” she nodded. So he opened the door, and her heart tripled in pace. Then it plumped when she saw the kids. Taking each of them in, she would do her best. She wasn’t Bruce, but then again, she wouldn’t try to be if she could help it.

“Hello,” she took a deep breath. She could barely keep herself together as she carefully stated, “I’m Zoé Lee. Bruce made me your guardian in the event of his passing, and owner of Wayne Manor until my own passing. I hope we can make this arrangement work not just for him, but for yourselves and Gotham.”

She couldn’t look Dick in the eye when he stood up, and found herself bewildered when he hugged her.

“Thank you Zo,” he whispered to her in the hug.

She swallowed and returned the hug, and sighed. She’d been scared he’d try to run her off, now she felt ridiculous, and she almost laughed. She should have known better.

Dick wasn’t quite Bruce, she didn’t have to worry about him demanding control.

She could only hope his siblings would be able to open up to her being here too.

#maribat #dc x mlb #mlb x dc #maribat zoé lee #maribat zoé #maribat fic #maribat fanfic #maribat tim drake #maribat damian wayne #maribat alfred pennyworth #maribat alya #maribat clark kent #maribat chloé bourgeois #maribat marinette dupain cheng #maribat kagami

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its-maemain · 3 months ago

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Childhood Friends Tim and Zoé my ravishingly beloved and beloathed.

That friend you don't see too often but can't help but gravitate to every time. That one friend that when they pull away it hurts incomprehensibly. That one friend that you can find no matter what yet know nothing of them once you have. That one friend that feels like it all went the wrong way…

#is it platonic? is it romantic? who fucking knows!#maemories #maribat #maribat tim drake #maribat zoé lee #vesperake #red wasp #maribat vesperake #maribat red wasp #childhood friends tim/zoé

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its-maemain · 4 months ago

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Snippet from WIP 2, from a series edition :D

“Cardinal,” her voice echoed in his mind. “I, Ophelia, wish to grant you the power to help your team in this battle.”

“I don’t need your magic, I need to get to my friends,” Cardinal growled to the Butterfly holder.

“Please, let me help,” she pleaded. “You have to listen to me.”

“Ladybug and I made the perfect plan,” he snapped, his voice low and angry in the telepathic link. “So don’t disrupt it.”

Ophelia flinched from the aggressive strain the man put on her connection to him. The panic seeped into her bones, feeling as though her muscles were trying to break them, her eyes prickling with tears. She couldn’t. She…

She pulled the barrier that masked her when having a telepathic connection. She swallowed, her voice thick, “Tim,” that made his stomach drop. He knew that voice, nausea washed over him, it couldn’t be her. Zoé was normal, she had a regular life, she, she, she couldn’t.

“Please, I- please. I can’t see you die, not again.” Tim’s body felt heavy hearing that, again. When could he have died? He’d know, wouldn’t he? “I’ve seen it too many times. Tim let me help, let me save you just once,” her voice ricocheted in his mind with her sorrow. Tim’s breaths were deep as she spoke, “Please, trust me.”

#m(ae)y fics #maribat #maribat zoé lee #maribat tim drake #maribat red wasp #maribag vesperake #red wasp #vesperake #snippet #wip

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mae-dwrites · 9 months ago

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Scratchy

For Malachite Milestones and Shutterbug Scoops | [Ao3] [Wattpad - MM] [Wattpad - SS]

Malachite Milestones:

Group: Rhodonite Ravagers

Ship: Red Wasp ; Vesperake ; Tim Drake/Zoé Lee

Shutterbug Scoops:

Additions • Add Sprinkles; Add Fluff

Flavors; Prompts • Orange Sherbert; Hands

Scoops; Characters • 1 Scoop; 2 Characters

Toppings; Tropes • Banana; No Tropes

Sauces; AUs • Fudge; No AUs

Zoé tapped her fingers on the wheel as she watched the light. She blew out a breath and stretched so she was pressed against her seat.

She was now wishing she’d just stayed home, or better yet been on the subway. But Tim had insisted she take the car, because he wasn't using it today. Even though he knows that taking the subway is faster, and you're less likely to end up with this.

You know what, maybe they should have moved to California for her job, maybe she should have moved to Gotham full-time.

But no. No. They both agreed on New York, so he’d stop focusing on vigilante things better, and so she could take a break from filming for a bit.

Zoé pulled ahead when finally the people ahead of her started going. She let out a soft huff as she kept having to stop and go. Next time, she was not letting Tim talk her into using the car again. She’ll just go and get on the subway, like she usually did.

Half an hour later she was pulling into the parking complex. Which made her think of another thing! If they didn't have the car in the first place they wouldn't have the parking fee on their monthly bills.

She tried to tell Tim that they didn't need a car, but he wouldn't listen. It’s not her fault he grew up in a quicker-to-navigate city. Truly that was possibly a blessing, living in a densely populated area that could still be easily transported around.

Zoé rubbed her hands down her face and let out an exhausted breath.

She’s home; work’s good; Tim is making dinner; she could relax.

She grabbed her purse and locked the car up before heading to their apartment. Zoé glanced between the staircase and the elevator, she knew the obvious answer. She had already made the decision before even making here, but she was considering taking the stairs to maybe help wake her up a bit more.

She pursed her lips before rolling her eyes, having made up her mind. Soon enough she was in the elevator, slouching against the cool metal transport box.

She really hoped Tim wasn’t finished with dinner, meaning she could just lie down for a hot second before eating. She couldn’t even remember what they agreed on…or what Tim chose. Whatever it was, she knew it would be good.

The elevator dinged and Zoé brought herself up, grabbing her keys out of her purse. She as quickly as she could for as tired as she felt unlocked the door, being sure to lock it behind her.

The smell of pepper, eggs, and bacon was what first registered to her senses. Zoé couldn’t help herself, she closed her eyes inhaling the smell of food in their home with a pleased hum. She had slipped off her shoes before she even reopened her eyes, a rather large smile on her face as she hung up her purse and coat.

The blond was a little more than eager making her down the short hallway to the rest of their home, hanging her keys despite her fast steps. She had to stop abruptly at what greeted her over the countertops to the kitchen.

Her boyfriend in his favorite pair of Batman-themed pajama bottoms, her daffodil diagram crop top, and headphones that also acted to help hold his hair back from his face.

Zoé’s mouth had been slightly parted in confusion at the scene before her, but she slowly leaned against the wall as a small, soft, and extremely amused smile graced her lips. She held herself at her elbows and let her head rest against the wall, watching her boyfriend nod his head side to side to whatever music may be playing. She had no doubt he already knew she was there. He was simply enjoying himself in the kitchen.

Tim turned to her and gave a wide smile, “Dinner’s almost ready.”

Zoé pressed her lips together in a tight smile, one that made her eyes squint at him. She didn’t want to move, just watch this moment, this moment of her adorable boyfriend walking around the kitchen with a stolen shirt.

Wasn’t that her job? To steal his clothes? There’s rules weren’t there?

It only made sense for Tim to break even the silliest of rules.

“Welcome home,” the shirt thief said lovingly as he made his way to her, “Dinner’s done.”

“I see that,” Zoé spoke as she stopped leaning against the wall.

“Really? You look close to passing out,” he teased.

Zoé locked her fingers on the nape of his neck and leaned her head back, “Promise I’m not quite there Rob.”

“You sure Honey,” he leaned closer to her, and reached his hands around her to hold his wrists.

“I’m quite sure,” she insisted in an almost whisper. She leaned up, both of them smiling as they kissed, but Zoé had to pull away. A soft laugh came from her lips and she brought one her hands to cover her mouth.

“What,” Tim’s brows came down in confusion, and his mouth practically a pout.

“You’re scratchy,” Zoé giddily snickered behind her hand.

Tim frowned and reached for his face, rubbing the light stubble that had started making itself known. His voice was a little disheartened, “Guess I forgot the past few nights. I’ll shave tonight.”

“No,” Zoé grabbed his face. She grinned, “I like it.” Almost as though to prove it she kissed him again. With a bright smile she said, “You should grow it out a little. You’ve never had much facial hair.”

“I have,” Tim argued, but Zoé shook her head.

“Fake ones don’t count,” she stated firmly. She looked between his eyes and the stubble, she ran her thumb over it, “Just try it out.”

Tim sighed, “Because you asked.”

“Thank you,” she extended the second word before kissing the man again.

#maribat #maribat fic #maribat fanfic #dc x mlb #mlb x dc #maribat tim drake #maribat zoé lee #red wasp #maribat red wasp #vesperake #maribat vesperake #tim drake/zoé lee #shutterbug scoops #malachite milestones #2024 #event participation

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mae-dwrites · 10 months ago

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Ring

For Malachite Milestones and Shutterbug Scoops | [Ao3] [Wattpad - MM] [Wattpad - SS]

Malachite Milestones:

Group: Rhodonite Ravagers

Ship: Red Wasp ; Vesperake ; Tim Drake/Zoé Lee

Shutterbug Scoops:

Flavors; Prompts • Chocolate Therapy; No Prompt

Scoops; Characters • 1 Scoop; 2 Characters

Toppings; Tropes • Banana; No Tropes

Sauces; AUs • Fudge; No AUs

Tim really hadn’t expected to be tired at this event, at least not until he left; usually he could push the exhaustion away enough to be his usual socialite-self. It appears that he might have too much on his plate again.

His eyes took everyone on the dance floor, surrounding it, and those like him: sitting at their assigned table. Truthfully he couldn’t even remember who had even invited them at this point, maybe tomorrow he’d remember.

He blinked hard a few times trying to stay awake. Tim lazily swirled his drink, hoping the motion would keep him from passing out at this event. He wished Bruce had been able to make it, or better yet, go and he could skip the whole thing.

Maybe next time he could get Damian to come instead…

Actually nevermind, it would be odd for a teenager to come without a parent or guardian of sorts.

Tim took a sharp intake of breath but was able to register who was touching his forehead before opening his eyes. He let out a deep breath as he opened his eyes. Tim smiled up at Zoé as she ran her fingers through his hair.

“Hey,” his voice came out a little more exhaunted than he’d like.

“Hey,” she replied in a teasing tone.

“What,” Tim laughed quietly.

Zoé hummed with raised eyebrows, “I wonder.”

“Wonder what,” Tim inquired whilst fighting laughter.

“Why you’re a few minutes away from passing out at this reception.” Zoé held his hair back as she said, “This wedding reception.”

Tim pursed his lips and shrugged.

“Told you to have Babs do last night,” Zoé said with a tug of his hair.

“Aye,” Tim protested, pulling himself from the blond. He ignored those at tables surrounding them, watching, instead he focused on Zoé, “I’m sorry, we already had it scheduled and didn’t want to drop it at the last minute for sleep.”

“This wedding was also scheduled,” Zoé stated, using her arms to keep her up with his seat.

“What are you doing here anyway? I thought you had prior engagements,” Tim raised an eyebrow accusingly. His smile though was soft and his eyes showed it to be a genuine question.

“Marinette got the fitting and adjustments done faster than anticipated, so I decided to take a flight back early,” she shrugged. “Besides I’d rather be at home with you a day early than be on a flight back before that shoot on Sunday.”

“I feel very special honey,” Tim nodded over at the couple on the dance floor, “The newlyweds know you came late?”

“I messaged her maid of honor,” Zoé nodded to the woman crying at the food table. “She said she didn’t mind that much. Just glad I could show up to celebrate.”

“That’s nice,” he said. She nodded before a french accent sounded off on some attendee of the party. Tim watched amused as the young woman closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Chloé?”

“Chloé,” she softly repeated.

“Shouldn’t we be running to save a server? It’s been awhile.”

“Actually Marinette and I got her to truly learn not to be so harsh on them,” she smiled, looking triumphant.

“Really? How’d you do it?”

“Got her to work in customer service,” Zoé grinned.

“No,” Tim’s smile widened. “When? How didn’t I know?”

“Few years ago, when we weren’t on good terms,” she glanced at the table for a second. Tim let out a sound of understanding before she continued, “Adrien and Kagami joined in, making it much easier.”

“How’d that go for Adrien,” Tim squined at her.

“It was certainly harder to get him one without the customers recognizing him. Decided the U.S. would be better for less recognizability,” she nodded with a small smile.

Tim looked behind her, “Should we at least help whoever's at the receiving end?”

“Come on,” Zoé raised her eyebrows again, she reached for his hands. “She doesn’t need babysitting. I came here to celebrate a wedding and to be with you.” she gave them a squeeze, “Want a dance?”

Tim smiled, “You sure I won’t pass out on the dancefloor?”

Zoé rolled her eyes as she drugged him to his feet, “Then I’d be reconsidering our relationship.”

“So don’t fall asleep?” Tim leaned into her face, teasing some more as she led them to the dance floor.

“Don’t fall asleep,” she said as they made it to the dancefloor.

They swayed, foreheads touching, and sweet content smiles. Zoé opened her eyes to glance at the bride and groom walking off the dancefloor; giving a quick kiss as they scurried off. Her smile grew a little wider, and almost sad.

“What is it,” Tim asked, eyes still closed.

“Just thinking about our wedding,” the woman’s voice was soft, wishful in a way.

Tim’s smile broke into a grin, “What about it?”

“I just, I just want it to be as calm as this. No villains, no timelines to hold off so they can get fixed, no one in the shadows– No threats,” Zoé sounded more heartbroken as she went on.

Tim opened his eyes and pulled his face back a little to see her properly, “Is that why you haven't picked a date?”

“I–” she sighed. “What if we pick a day and that's the day the world ends for the sixtieth time?”

“Honey,” his serious tone quiet, “There’s going to be Supers, highly trained vigilantes, and people who can tip the balance of the universe at our wedding.” He brought his hand up and moved some loose strands, “I’m sure no matter what date we decide everything will happen without some organization crashing the important parts.

“And we know exactly who’s coming, so there’s no surprise assassins attending,” he joked.

“That's not funny,” she leaned away with a frown.

“It is,” he grinned.

“You know I can just call it off if that's how this gonna be,” Zoé raised her eyebrows, unimpressed.

“You won’t,” he said before kissing her forehead.

Zoé put her hand in view and smiled at the ring, “I know.”

#malachite milestones #shutterbug scoops #event participation #maribat #maribat fic #maribat fanfic #maribat zoé lee #maribat tim drake #red wasp #vesperake #maribat red wasp #maribat vesperake #mlb x dc #dc x mlb

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mae-dwrites · 8 months ago

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Coffee Stains and Leaky Pens

Chloé Bourgeois has found the perfect town to disappear to and has finally established herself away from her previous life, most importantly away from masks and money.

Jon Kent is figuring out where he wants to go and keeps coming back home. Superman is a big role to fill, he doesn't know how his older sisters handle taking up Supergirl and investigative journalist so well.

Chloé’s met an adorable well known up-and-coming reporter; Jon’s met a sweet and fiery French barista. Now who’s gonna tell the capes and companies to stay out of the way?

Join the author as they struggle to mesh Smallville and comics lore 🫶

Note: there is Jonathan Samuel Kent, son of Clark and Lois, their most recognized child, and Jonathan Sullivan-Queen, son of Chloe Sullivan and Oliver Queen from the show “Smallville”, name dropped in it’s continuing comic “Season 11.” and I changed his names spelling to “Johnathan/John” to help differentiate them better.

Links: | Ao3 | Wattpad | Pinterest Board |

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

#maribat #maribat fic #maribat fanfic #dc x mlb #mlb x dc #maribat chloé bourgeois #maribat chloé #maribat jon kent #maribat jon #maribat jonathan sullivan-queen #chloé bourgeois/jon kent #maribat damian wayne #maribat zoé lee #coffee shop au #coffee shop #note: still heroes but were in Smallville and i like the Talon

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mae-dwrites · 1 year ago

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I’m Not Her (and I’ll Never Be) - Ao3

Chloé knew she was late, she was always late, you say whatever you want about Marinette but she wasn’t late in the ways that mattered. Chloé had been emotionally stunted and immature for years, she didn’t catch social cues till it’s been two too many beats, had things go over her head even. It wasn’t her fault, she knew that, but sometimes it sure felt like she had poisoned herself.

She’d ruined her own future and messed up a lot, but this felt like the Universe shoving it down her face. Telling her, “Look. This could’ve been you.”

Chloé swallowed, looking between the two, “I’m so happy for you.” Chloé smiled at Zoé, “You deserve nothing but happiness.”

Her sister smiled, too entrapped in her own euphoria to notice how forced Chloé’s own was, “Thank you Chloé,” she hugged her sister tightly.

“Yes, congratulations are in order,” Damian stated with a bright smile at his best friend. Jon seemed to shine with pride, Chloé watched as Damian brought Jon into a hug. Jon gave Chloé his big beautiful smile, her gut twisted with guilt.

He was happy.

Her sister was happy.

Chloé looked back to her sister, her smile more easy when she saw her rosy cheeks. Chloé raised her eyebrows and yanked her hand up, “Let me take a look at this. It better be good.”

It was pretty, a silver band with small stones around the band. Chloé’s face softened; simple and not too flashy. Perfect for her sister. Jon really knew her.

“Well?” Jon asked with a nervous smile. Chloé rolled her eyes, “I guess it’ll do.”

Jon smiled so big and Chloé tensed in his sudden hug but made herself relax. Jon whispered, “Thank you Chloé.”

“Of course Boy Scout,” Chloé said back. She gave a stern look and pointed in the journalist’s face, “Same thing as last time. Hurt her and I’m buying Kryptonite.”

“Right, right,” Jon said with a seemingly unimpressed look. Zoé pointed a light-hearted glare at her sister, “You can threaten him at the wedding.”

“Like that’s any better,” Jon exclaimed with poorly contained laughter. He pulled Zoé by the waist and kissed her temple.

“Who else knows,” Damian asked, uncomfortable by the display. He didn’t mind, but he didn’t quite feel comfortable with tons of it obliviously. Chloé could almost laugh about it.

“Mom, and her dads,” Jon said, “and now you two.”

Chloé did laugh at that, “Son of Steel can’t face the mere-mortal Audrey Bourgeois?”

“She’s…scary,” Jon admitted softly. Zoé patted him, “She’s not that bad.”

“You were able to see her every other day for years,” Chloé laminated. “I believe his fear is warranted, but,” she looked back to Jon, “he is being ridiculous. You’re practically invincible.”

“Emotional abuse is very effective,” Jon frowned.

“Well you better get to informing everyone else,” Damian said pointedly. “You won’t be able to keep it low for long. Not with everyone we’re surrounded by.”

“True that,” Chloé said, she immediately sucked in a breath, “Hope I never say that again.”

“Again, the people we surround ourselves with, Bourgeois,” Damian grimaced in sympathy.

Jon had nodded to himself, “You’re right. It won’t be much of a surprise if it isn’t shared soon.”

“Guess we can plan how to tell everyone else,” Zoé stated unsure.

“Oh most definitely, you should,” Damian nodded. Chloé squinted at him with a face that read, “What the hell are you doing?”

Jon lit up and looked down at Zoé, “We can make it fun. Something to make them think.”

Zoé raised an eyebrow, Jon took her hands gently and tugged her along, “It’ll be fun, I promise.”

“Last time you said that I almost died,” Zoé reminded him dryly as she followed him out of the room.

“Let’s forget that,” Jon’s voice would have cracked a few years ago.

Chloé sighed once they were out of the room, her gaze slid to Damian, “What was that about?”

“You obviously couldn’t handle being around them. You need time to digest the information,” Damian said as though it was so obvious.

“I was doing just fine,” Chloé sneered, taking a step in his face. “Besides, shouldn’t you be off celebrating with him? You seemed very pleased.”

Damian frowned, “Chloé, I am happy for Jon. He’s happy and that’s all I ever want for him. It’s everything I want for him, and for you; even if you believe you don’t deserve it.” Chloé opened her mouth but nothing came out, and Damian continued, “I have told you time and again to take the time to learn who you are, and what you want. Kagami has given the same advice as she has given your dear friend Dupain-Cheng, to not hesitate. Yet that appears to be the only thing you do, even when you were riding your high horse, wearing your wealth with pride.”

Damian leaned down, “I tried to tell you to take your chance, I am sorry you are distressed but I won’t let that ruin this for my best friend and your sister. I don’t like seeing you pained, so I took the cause out of the room.

“But I guess my consideration is never appreciated,” Damian took a step back. He sighed, “I hope your wits about you the next time you see them because I believe you will be the Maid of Honor, and I simply postponed Lee from asking that.”

Chloé looked away her face red with embarrassment. She hated he was right, he was usually right. He was like Marinette in that facet but far more brazen.

“I will be going now,” Damian stated, he placed a hesitant hand on her shoulder. He gave a small, unusual sight directed at her, smile, “I’d like you to know, I am here if you need a friend Chloé.”

Chloé mustered a smile, “Thank you, Damian. For, for everything.”

Damian squeezed her shoulder before leaving her in the room.

Chloé let out a long sigh, she faced the ceiling blinking back tears. She pursed her lips, she was happy for them. She was happy for Zoé. She was happy for Jon.

How could she not?

Chloé swallowed, she knew that answer.

She wanted it to be her. She was just as angry as she was happy. She was still selfish, she still wanted the sweetest guy, and especially wanted to keep him from the sweetest girl.

No amount of blinking stopped the tears today. Chloé made a very unflattering snort, she laughed through the tears.

“I shouldn’t have invited her,” Chloé sobbed to herself. She shook her head to herself, “I should have gone alone.”

Would that have made a difference? They would have met eventually. Chloé would have been too late still, wouldn’t she? Too late to know what she wanted. Jon would still meet Zoé and find everything he wanted.

Zoé was kind, and funny. The girl was a bleeding heart, compassionate to a fault. She could charm the walls down of anyone if she wanted to. Zoé wasn’t raised to be some passive-aggressive rabid dog.

Chloé collapsed onto the couch, she humorlessly laughed, “I’m not her. I’ll never be, I can’t be that.”

Chloé bit her lip and pulled her legs to her chest.

She was too late, and she’d long grown out of ruining others' lives for her own gain.

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