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chocoluckchipz · 5 years

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Dance with Me, Chaton - 5

Read it on A03, WattPad, FF.net

Written for @ladynoirjuly2019

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5. Lost

If by the end of day one Adrien was pretty sure that Kagami was Ladybug, then by the end of day two, he was almost convinced. She was a force to be reckoned with. Her colleagues admired her. Those who slacked at their job feared her. Adrien felt he had a long way to go to even think about reaching Kagami’s level of dedication and skill. Perfect description of his Ladybug. The only thing left was to match what little details she let slip online to the real person: Ladybug could draw well enough to agree to edit Gabriel’s sketches, and one of her best friends was a dance instructor. Neither one Adrien could confirm for Kagami yet. He didn't despair, though. With time he would succeed.

Chat Noir: I bet your day today was just as lovely as you are, my Lady.

Ladybug: LOL And what would you know about my beauty, Chat? For all you know, I can be that old, bearded dude from the accounting department.

Chat Noir: Le Gasp! My Lady, beards are sexy. I’ve been considering getting one myself.

Ladybug: Well-looked after and trimmed beards are sexy. The guy from the accounting department doesn’t know the meaning of either.

Chat Noir: Then you cannot be him. Even your words are fashionable, my Lady. I bet your beauty knows no bounds, and men drop by your feet with confessions of love on a daily basis.

Ladybug: And I bet you are a local Casanova whose sweet tongue and, possibly, easy on the eyes looks earned him a girl or two on his arms at any given time.

Chat Noir: You mocking me, aren’t you?

Ladybug: I’m making assumptions based on how you talk. Just like you do. What? I’m wrong?

Chat Noir: Yes. Severely. I’ve never been even kissed. Or dated. Or in love. Been too busy for that.

Ladybug: Accept my condolences.

Chat Noir: You’re still mocking me.

Ladybug: Not at all. I really am sorry. It must feel awful to have never fallen in love.

Chat Noir: Have you ever been in love?

Ladybug: Yes. But that’s all I’m telling you.

Chat Noir: Then maybe instead you can finally tell me how did your day go?

Ladybug: it was lovely. Thank you for asking. Yours?

Chat Noir: Pretty well. How is your baby? Taught him something new today?

Ladybug: XD Her and yes. She’s a quick learner.

Adrien frowned. Either he’s on the wrong track or Ladybug was trying to throw him off her trail. Which was a more plausible explanation because from all the conversations they’ve had so far, keeping her identity a secret was Ladybug’s top priority and she’d already let quite a lot slip. He wouldn’t put it past her at this point to throw him a few fake facts to prevent any possible reveals.

Ladybug: So, about our mission. I thought about it and I think that reworking designs and anonymously surveying Gabriel’s design department only should be the way to go. We won’t be leaking anything outside of the company since our designers had seen all the designs already at some stage. And we’ll show M Agreste that there are more people than just us who think his choices are ridiculous. This is the only way I can think of how to do this without risking losing our jobs.

Chat Noir: I like your plan, my Lady. So, all we need now are the actual designs?

Ladybug: Yeah. And there is no way I can get them.

Chat Noir: Leaving the dirty work to the keeper of misfortune?

Ladybug: You said you’re working in the Hawkmoth’s proximity, meaning, of the two of us, you have a higher chance of getting those files. But we can always forget it. I don’t want you to risk too much, and it’s not like we have to do anything in the first place. If Hawkmoth wants to get ridiculed, who are we to stop him?

Chat Noir: The warriors of truth and light who don’t want the company we love to suffer?

Ladybug: LOL Tbh, only if I’m not losing my job over it.

Chat Noir: Well, I don’t care if I lose mine. Been thinking of quitting actually, so I’ll get you the files. Do you want me to do the survey also? Let's get you involved as little as possible so you're not risking your job. Alright?

Ladybug: Only if you insist.

Chat Noir: I do.

Ladybug: Thank you, Chaton. I appreciate that.

Chat Noir: :3 I like your choice of a nickname for mew.

Ladybug: LOL Well since you’ve been quick to give me one, why can't I do the same?

Chat Noir: Fair enough.

The next hour, they spent chatting about anything and everything in between. By the end of the conversation, Adrien couldn't help but wishfully grin at the screen. This girl was amazing. Witty, funny, smart, confident and creative, she even designed and texted him their secret squad logo: a black kitten, looking at a tiny ladybug on his nose. It was cute. Adrien saved it as his phone background. Risky, but they were slowly becoming friends and with her changed opinion of Adrien, hiding his identity wasn’t such a priority for Adrien anymore.

The next day, however, brought some surprises. More like confused stupor, because the last thing Adrien had expected from his sweet Ladybug was to cold-heartedly fire some poor soul for making a simple mistake.

“I'm sorry you had to witness that,” Kagami apologized to Adrien after the fired man escaped. “Take it as an example that unless you keep them in line, nothing will get done right. People have forgotten what responsibilities and respecting your superiors mean, so I have to remind them from time to time.”

Adrien hummed under his breath, leaning on a windowsill. His father’s philosophy was also to rule with fear, but it was his mother who showed him that honesty, kindness, support and hard work went much further in earning people’s respect and inspiring them to work with you. It forged connections impossible to break. It bore loyalty and success. It was the way Adrien wanted to go. His chest tightened. He missed her dearly and was so happy that, at least online, Ladybug was so much like his mom. He'd hate to think that in real life, the girl he was smitten with upheld his father's way of thinking. Rather disappointing.

“Would you like to grab lunch together?” Kagami intruded into his thoughts. “I’m almost done, and since today’s the last day you’ll be shadowing me, I thought we could share lunch?”

Adrien perked up. Lunch sounded like a good idea to ask more personal questions. More relaxed atmosphere and no pressure of a workplace. He needed answers and lunch sounded like the perfect place to get them.

“Absolutely,” he smiled. “I’d love nothing more.”

An hour later, they’d found a nice cafe and settled on the second floor. Conversation flowed almost effortlessly and soon Adrien braved a question lingering at the back of his mind. “Do you enjoy working at Gabriel, Kagami?”

"I do," she said. "I like the direction your father is heading, and his work ethic is one of the best in the industry."

Adrien quirked an eyebrow. The online Ladybug had a different idea. At least about the new collection. Maybe he needed to be more specific?

“What about his creative direction? The newest line that is about to be released. What do you think about it?”

“Hard to say.” Kagami shrugged. “I haven't really seen much of it since my work has nothing to do with designing or making the clothes.”

“Aren't you allowed access to unreleased items to create the advertisement?”

"Very limited. Usually, your father would send me pictures of what he'd like to be featured."

“I see,” Adrien sighed, resting his chin on his propped-up hand. “Well, I saw his latest line, and there were some questionable choices made. Sequins in formal wear, for example.”

Kagami didn't react much.

"I trust M Agreste to make it work." She shrugged. "His designs had made him into the fashion icon he is today, and that didn't happen because he was always careful and held back. Risks are inevitable if you want to take the top. That's what he's doing if you ask me."

Adrien leaned back into his chair. Kagami was either a fantastic actress or she wasn't the Ladybug he sought. His phone chimed.

Ladybug: I know we agreed not to chat during the day, but I need a third opinion. Help.

His breathing heavy, Adrien glanced at Kagami, eating her salad. There was no way she could’ve sent him this message. Her cell phone was still in her bag.

“Would you excuse me for a moment?” Adrien asked, standing up.

Kagami nodded.

Adrien walked behind a corner, stopping in a place he could still see Kagami.

Chat Noir: I’m at your service, my Lady.

Ladybug: Thank you! Tell me, what’s the best dessert ever: eclairs or macarons?

Chat Noir: Can I say croissants?

Ladybug: >:( Those aren't dessert. Choose from the two I’ve sent you.

Chat Noir: Well, then macarons.

Ladybug: YES! Thank you!

Chat Noir: Do I get to know what this was all about?

Ladybug: LOL Okay. You deserved that much.

Ladybug: Don't laugh, but my friend and I are at the cafe and we were choosing a dessert and kind of started to argue which one was the best. Since we couldn't come to a conclusion we’ve decided to ask a complete stranger for a third opinion. I just won. Thank you, Chaton.

Chat Noir: A complete stranger, huh?

Ladybug: I can feel your pout through the screen, Chaton. Don’t be silly. You know what I mean. Btw, my friend says Hi.

Chat Noir: Hi to her too.

Ladybug: Him. Gtg now. Ttyl. Thank you again.

Him. His chest tightened. Someone was spending their lunch now with that amazing woman. Someone was having fun arguments with her. Someone who wasn't him because Kagami hadn't even looked at her cell phone this whole time. She wasn't his Ladybug. He wasn't her Chat Noir. Back to the square one. Match one lost.

Surprisingly, he felt relieved.

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#miraculous ladybug #ladynoir july #ladynoirjuly2019 #secret penpal au #searching for Ladybug

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caindoglover · 7 years

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Jail Visits

Yeah, so, Judas is pretty much my Batjokes theme song now. It fits so well, especially when it’s combined with hillywood’s version that is actually about Joker. Not that it has any bearing on this chapter, but I felt the need to say so anyway. XD

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12387858/7/The-Thin-Line

Enjoy!

Batman goes on about his business for about a week before it starts to get to him. Joker usually doesn’t break out this quick anyway, but he can’t help getting antsy over it. His mind whirs with all the worst case scenarios. What if Joker is having planner block, what if he likes being there over being free, or worst of all, what if he never intends on breaking out at all? These thoughts eat away at him with increasing frequency as the days go by.

Luckily he doesn’t have to make himself look like a fool by going to check on the clown. Only a day later Richard comes up to him with a deep frown set on his face. “Padre, where has Mr. Joker been?”

Batman chuckles. “I told you, Dick. He’s in prison. That’s where criminals belong.” His heart protests his words. It is the right thing to say for sure, yet he wants more than anything for Joker to be out and about once more, even if he will only have to put the clown’s sorry butt back in jail all over again. It’s the proper order after all.

“Well,” Richard stretches out the word and clasps his hands at his waist. “Can we go see him? Please?” He stares pleadingly.

“It’s late you know.” He looks hard at Richard. “Probably about time for you to get to bed don’t you think?” He raises a brow.

Richard puffs out his lips. “Nu-uh. It’s a Friday. I get to stay up later.” He gives a firm nod.

Batman snorts. “Yeah, yeah.” He put on his show, so now it is time to give in. “Get what you need and let’s go.”

Richard wriggles in place as he cheers. He leaps forward and throws his arms around Batman. “Thank you, padre.” He releases his dad within a second and pivots, sprinting up the stairs to his room.

Batman smiles after him. That kid is way too happy to go and see a criminal. Then again, he supposes Joker is not so easily defined, not to the two of them.

Richard is back within the space of a minute. “Alright!” He bounces where he stands. “Let’s go, let’s go.” He nabs Batman’s hand and tugs for all he’s worth.

Batman follows Robin’s lead. “I’m coming.” He chuckles.

They reach the prison in good time and Richard runs on by all the guards before they can even think to stop him for a scan. One look from Batman and they let it go as well as allow Batman to pass on through. It’s become something of an unspoken rule to just let him go unchecked. They all know why he is here and that he never, ever does anything but bicker like a child.

Richard races down the stairs and across the walkway to the far side. “Mr. Joker!” He slams his hands on the glass, blatantly ignoring the warning on the sign. He grins from ear to ear.

Joker starts and looks up, a smile softening his face. “Good to see you again.”

Richard beams. “It’s no fun with you in there.” He puffs out a lip.

Joker laughs. “Yeah, well, comes with the territory.” He pushes himself to his feet and walks over to the glass.

“Hurry up and break out.” Richard bounces on the balls of his feet.

Batman comes up behind his son. “Don’t encourage the maniac.” He smirks.

Richard giggles. “Dad misses you too,” he pipes.

Batman sputters. “I do not.” He crosses his arms in a huff.

Richard’s smile only grows. “He sulks all the time cause he wants you to break out just like me.”

Does he now?” Joker flashes a full toothed smile. “Maybe I can move my escape date up if he admits it.” He locks eyes with Batman.

Batman scoffs. “Not on your life. I do have other reasons to visit this place you know.”

Joker shrugs. “If you say so. I guess I’ll just make myself comfortable then.” He turns away.

Batman grumbles beneath his breath.

“Mr. Joker!” Richard shifts from one foot to the other.

Joker pauses and peers over his shoulder. “Yeah, kid?”

“I have something for you.” Richard presses a piece of paper against the glass.

Joker’s smile softens. “I’m afraid us inmates aren’t allowed to have-”

Richard pivots and grabs a handful of Batman’s cape. “Hey, hey, I wanna give him the thing.” His eyes widen. “Can’t I? Please?”

Batman chews on the inside of his cheek. His gaze flits from his son to the level high above them, where he can see Barbara watching from afar. Because of course she is. “Hey!” He yells to her.

Barbara peers down at him and raises a brow.

“Let him in will ya?” Batman levels her with a stern look.

Barbara looks just as hard back at him. “Are you crazy? No way. Who knows what that maniac could do.”

Batman snorts and rolls his eyes. “Trust me, Joker won’t do a thing. Really.” I trust him. The words linger on his parted lips, but he can’t find it in him to say it out loud. That…would be too much, too vulnerable…open.

Barbara folds her hands together and presses her knuckles to her mouth. Her eyes swim with heavy doubt. And yet… “Unlock the gate!” She shouts over her shoulder.

The door slides open just enough for Richard to slip through and then it shuts behind him. “Mr. Joker.” He holds the piece of paper up. “For you.” His eyes are like shining stars.

Joker shifts, slowly, and takes the paper in his hands. He stares long and hard at the drawing scrawled and colored in with the hurried hand unique to a child. It is a picture of Richard between Joker and Batman with painstakingly perfect hearts all over the page.

Richard clasps his hands behind him and sways on his feet. His smile is shy. “So you don’t feel lonely in here.”

Joker sighs. “Why do you have to be so cute?” His smile is tired as he bends down to Richard’s level.

Richard bounces forward and throws his arms around Joker’s neck. “Come see me soon,” he whispers.

Joker hugs him in return. “Just a little longer, kid.”

Richard pulls away and puffs out his lip. “Why?”

Joker’s lips twist into a smile and he clenches his fist. “Gotta have the right amount of flair to suit the Joker.” He unclenches his fist in a mock explosion as he sweeps his hand in a semicircle.

Richard’s face lights up and he laughs.

Batman doesn’t feel the need to watch, but he makes sure to listen intently. “Nope. No flair. There will be no escaping.”

Richard shakes his head. “He says it, but he doesn’t mean it.” He grabs Joker’s sleeves. “So be sure to get out as soon as possible with your ‘Joker flair’.” He giggles.

Joker chuckles. “We’ll see.” He ruffles the kid’s hair. “Either way, I’m definitely keeping this.” He waves the paper gently to indicate it.

Richard beams. “Thanks, Mr. Joker.” He spins to face the glass. “Okay! I’m done. Padre?” He tilts his head. “You sure you don’t want to see him too?”

Batman’s face flushes beneath the mask. “What? No. I can see him just fine from here. Little miscreant. I don’t need to breathe the same air or anything.”

Joker grins from ear to ear. “Come on, Batsy, you know you miss me.”

Batman looks the opposite direction. “You wish.” It takes him back to the night on the cliff and he shakes his head fervently. “Babs! Unlock it! Let’s go!”

The door unlocks and Richard skips out as easily as he entered. “Bye, Mr. Joker.” He waves over his shoulder. See you soon.”

Batman snorts. “No, not soon,” he insists despite the futility.

“See ya kid.” Joker grins like a maniac. “And you too Bats.” He waves his fingers.

…

Another week goes by and this time Batman doesn’t bother with using Richard as an excuse. He goes to the jail on his own, tromps down to the lowest level, and plants himself in front of the room containing Joker. He waits to be noticed.

Joker sits crisscross at the back of his cell. He peeks from one eye as the sound of footsteps stops directly in front of him. “Batsy!” He perks and a smile lights his face. “Back for more?”

Batman narrows his eyes and crosses his arms. “What the heck are you doing?”

Joker blinks. “Doing?” He shrugs. “Yoga. At least I was, before a certain someone showed up.”

“That’s not what I mean and you know it.” Batman jabs a finger at the glass. “Why are you still here? You know Dick wants to see you again.”

Joker barks out a laugh. “Yeah, the kid misses me. Sure.” He smirks. “I’m sure it has nothing to do with you.” He leans forward on his stomach and props himself on his elbows.

Batman snorts. “You’re darn right it doesn’t.”

Joker snickers. “Right. Look, I’m still waiting for the right moment. Can’t rush these things you know.” He grins.

Batman fumes. “Well I suggest you hurry up your silly scheming. Don’t make me drag you kicking and screaming out of there.”

Joker flinches and a flash of fear surfaces in his eyes. He blinks and it vanishes. He snorts. “I’d like to see you try.”

Batman raises a brow as he notices the momentary shift in Joker, but he does not comment on it. “Just hurry it up,” he huffs.

“We’ll see.” Joker curls into a ball on the floor, facing away from Batman.

Batman blows out a breath and turns on his heel. Whatever. He doesn’t care what Joker does. He can stay in here forever for all he cares. This is where he belongs anyway.

…

Batman forces himself to hold off for a whole month this time. He refuses to sink so low as show up every week or to be the one that needs Joker more than the criminal needs him. Of course he doesn’t have it in him to wait any longer. Pathetic. The thought floats through his head, but he barely cares. He blazes a trail to the prison and the cell that he knows all too well. “Hey.” He disregards the fact that Joker is curled up on his bunk. He doesn’t have time to wait around. “JOKER.”

Joker grumbles and rolls over. It takes a minute, but his groggy mind clears and he realizes who it is barging in on him in the middle of the night. “Oh, Bats.” He sits up. “What’re you doing here? It’s the middle of the night you know.” He slumps his head onto his knuckle. “Some of us are trying to sleep.”

Batman frowns. Joker is nowhere near excited enough to see him. There is no grin or even the slightest twinkle of amusement in his eyes. It very nearly makes him forget the point of his visit entirely. It takes a long moment for him to recover and shake off the daze. “I need you to break out.” There. He said it. It must be what the clown wanted all along. That’s the only reason he can fathom for his continued refusal to escape anyway.

Joker snorts and a flicker of a smile surfaces. “I told you already. I’m working on it. You can’t just break out of prison all willy nilly. That’d be disastrous and-”

“Stop. Just stop.” Batman glares. “I am done with this game. Or whatever you’re trying to pull, I don’t care. It’s been nearly two months. Two. Months. I can’t take it anymore. Dick was right. I need to fight you.”

Joker grins. “That’s not what the kid said. He said you missed me. So say it.”

Batman squirms in place. As if. “Just break out already.”

Joker jumps slightly. He averts his eyes, trying to hide the shame. His next words are much too soft to suit him, “I’ll break out when I’m good and ready. Not yet.” He rolls over.

Batman blinks. What the heck? It’s like the life was sapped dry from Joker in a breath. And for no apparent reason. His mind whirs. Was it really because he yelled? He yells all the time. Why would that suddenly bother Joker? “What’s wrong with you?” After coming up with nothing, he has to ask.

“Nothing’s wrong with me,” Joker grumbles. “I’m just tired.” He places his pillow over his head. “So just go.”

Batman stares long and hard at Joker, but nothing comes of it. Joker doesn’t say anymore and he doesn’t even move an inch. Batman sighs. “Fine.” He walks away. He doesn’t need the Joker and he’ll prove it.

…

Unfortunately that idea doesn’t quite go to plan. It’s only a matter of time before Richard grows restless over Joker’s continued incarceration and Batman more than gladly uses the kid as an excuse to go and see Joker once more. It doesn’t even matter that tonight is a school night, Batman takes Richard anyway.

This time they don’t even have to ask either, the door to Joker’s cell opens right as Richard gets there. He slips through and skips to where Joker sits on the back. “Hey, Mr. Joker.” He grins.

Joker lifts his gaze up and puts on a smile. “Hey, kid.”

Richard frowns. He plops down in front of Joker. “What’s wrong?”

Joker shakes his head. “I just haven’t been sleeping well is all.” He rubs at his eyes.

Richard watches him with deepening sadness. “Sorry I didn’t bring anything to make you feel better.”

Joker chuckles. “It’s fine.”

“Hey,” Richard chirps. “Come say hi to dad.” He grabs Joker’s hand and pulls.

Joker gasps and jerks his hand away before he thinks to stop himself. Then he freezes.

Richard snaps his hand to his chest. He stares with wide eyes, too shocked to find words.

Joker can’t bear the kid’s gaze and he averts his eyes. He draws his hand closer and rubs it tenderly. “I think you should go…”

Richard’s brows knit together and a deep frown mars his face. “Mr. Joker…”

Batman can’t ignore this. He directs them to open the door and he hurries in. “Okay. Who did it?” He crosses his arms as he stands over the pair.

Joker scowls up at Batman. “No one did anything.” He shoves his hands between his legs and cringes despite himself.

Batman scoffs. “Please. I’ve been in enough fights to know an injury when I see one.” He kneels by Joker’s side. “Let me see.” He reaches for it.

Joker smacks his hand away and his lips curl back in a snarl. “Don’t touch me.”

Batman starts. Alarms go off in his head.

Richard ducks his head. “Please don’t fight,” he mumbles.

Joker sighs and looks away. “It was just a scuffle, alright? I’ll be fine.”

Batman narrows his eyes and regards Joker with heavy suspicion. This is all kinds of wrong. He has no idea what to do about it though. He was never good with being sensitive. He just wants to look dang it.

Joker reaches up and runs a hand over Richard’s head. “I just want to be alone. To plan.” He tacks on the las sentence as an afterthought.

Richard resists the urge to hug Joker. He doesn’t want to cause him any more distress. “Okay…” He stands. “You will be back soon though…right?” He holds his breath, but as hard as he tries he can’t get himself to feel very hopeful.

Joker smiles for Richard. “Yeah, of course. I’m the crown prince of crime. Can’t be stuck in here forever.” His smile quivers despite his efforts.

Richard smiles, but the sentiment doesn’t reach his eyes. “Okay.” He looks to Batman. “Let’s go, padre.”

Batman rises slowly. He wraps an arm around Richard and guides them to the door. He never once takes his eyes off Joker, not until they round the corner and he loses sight of the clown completely.

Joker groans and runs his hands over his face and through his hair. He crawls to his bunk and disappears into the covers. Only then does he allow his emotions to well up and the tears to roll down his face.

It is the first of many nights he cries himself to sleep.

Yes, this is clearly going somewhere. Still, I think it can stand alone as a good one-shot as well. This was also partially inspired by some of gayforbatjokes's comics. It went its own way, but I definitely was thinking about their comics when I came up with this. lol I hope you liked it and look forward to what's next.

#the lego batman movie #batjokes #robin #joker #batman #two dads #my fanfics #my posts

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