Tumgik
#supremuswrites
judysupremus · 2 years
Text
Straight Through The Heart
Eddie Munson x reader
Not beta read or anything. Just written to get the feelings out.
SPOILERS
But Eddie gets to fucking live. And you get to save him.
**
Gareth had called you before you could hear it from someone else. Maybe not the sharpest but at least considerate enough to know you'd care. And to warn you.
The days had been long and the nights had been too short since then. Having to go through the motions and not react was taxing. Every whisper was 'freak' and 'murderer' and 'cult'. And while you didn't believe any of it for a moment, it made you reflect on moments you'd forgotten.
There had only been Gareth's call. No one seemed to think you'd care about an ex boyfriend, or knew that you kept in touch. Loosely, kept in touch. It was hard when your parents and friends would call him a deadbeat or tell you 'you dodged a bullet'.
But right now you'd rather hear he's a deadbeat than dead. Eddie wasn't the bravest, not everyone is heroic or able to stand up to scrutiny, but he still had a valiant streak. Down right noble - at least when it came to you.
What you're doing right now is not smart. It's late at night and you're parked in the trailer park. He's not been seen in days, more people have been murdered, and the whole town is tense. Even the air feels like it's moments away suffocating you rather than keeping you alive. You're about to come to your senses as you watch the shadow of someone, maybe his uncle, move about the living room.
The jumping and yelling gives you pause. A scream of frustration in the trailer launches you from your vehicle. The scream had been young and desperate and you charge the door without a second thought. It's locked tight. You hear cursing and someone says Eddie's name, and makes your heart lighten for a second. You bang harder on the door.
"Eddie! Eddie, it's me! Open the door!" You try the handle again. "Please! I know you're innocent and if you think I believe otherwise I'm fucking insulted." You want to say more, so much more, but to his face.
It's shocking to hear Dustin Henderson say your name. Not your real one but the one you used in the single campaign you played with the club.
Suddenly the doorknob is ripped from your grasp and Dustin is standing there in part of a ghillie suit and a look of awe.
"Belyn The Bewitching. What, uh, what brings you here?" He shakes his head and starts trying to push you out the door. "Nevermind, get out of here!" Dustin can't seem to make up his mind whether he wants you to leave or not. He keeps looking behind him and you follow his glance to the ceiling of the trailer.
"What the fucking hell is that?!" You might be shouting now and shoving him out of the way. He gives up and shuts and locks the door behind him.
"We don't have time for this. It's some kind of portal and Eddie's in there and it's dangerous, Belyn". He's dropped a chair underneath the portal thing and backs up to take a running start. You're shocked enough to just watch him do it and fall.
He shouts Eddie's name again and it cracks in desperation. It breaks your heart and chills your bones.
"OK. OK. Listen to me, Dustin." Your grab him by the shoulders. "I give you a boost up and you help me through after". He starts shaking his head again and tears are falling down his cheeks.
"It's dangerous! You've no fucking idea!"
"I don't care!" You let go and glance around the room. There's a mattress on its side but not much else. Dustin watches as you pull the mattress under the portal and stack the chair precariously on top. You figure a running jump will be enough the grab onto the side and pull yourself through.
"Wait! Gravity will switch as you through. Up becomes down and down becomes up in the, uh, the upside down. And I swear to fucking God you better help me through!"
If Eddie is in enough danger that Dustin looks at you like you're a savior then you're wasting time.
"Of course." You back up as far as you can go and run and launch yourself up off the chair. The chair falls but you got enough of a boost the edge is solidly under your arms. You pull your elbows in and use them as leverage to haul your chest and waist up and over. Dustin grabs your calves and gives you a further boost.
Gravity shifts and you fall to the floor flat on your back. The air is knocked out of you. It's hurts to breathe and the air here is strangely thick. You hear the shrieking of some animal and it freezes the blood in your veins.
"Belyn!" Dustin is staring down, or up, at you. Right. Help him through. There is a mattress on this side as well and you pull it under this side of the portal. You're looking for something to help when Dustin takes his own running leap and manages to get himself all the way through.
He's out the trailer door in a heartbeat yelling Eddie's name in that heart shattering way. There are more otherworldly shrieks. You head towards the door and find some kind of spear on your way out. What you could possibly do with it you're not sure but it's better than nothing.
Dustin is circling the trailer and you watch him freeze. There is a whirlwind of some flying creature circling the ground like vultures. He takes off running and you follow quickly. There's something thrashing on the ground - held down by the beasts tails. It's Eddie.
There is an abandoned trash can lid and spear within Dustin's reach and he takes them up. He's shouting but you can't hear anything other than the blood pounding in your ears. You watch him try to bat the monsters away with his shield. Some of them notice you both now.
You circle around Eddie's other side and start swinging. You might hit a few but it's hard to think about anything other than the amount of blood on the ground. In desperation you take to stabbing the creature that's choking him.
Something must've happened because the beasts all fall from the air. Drop dead. You stab the one a few more times just be sure. Dustin is pulling the others away from Eddie. You finally hear his chant of "shit, shit, shit. Holy fucking shit."
You drop the spear and turn away to retch violently. Dustin is fully crying now and you hear Eddie start to reassure him. "I'm OK, Henderson. I'm alright. Thanks to you."
The heaving has stopped and you steady yourself. You need to see him. The back of your hand to your mouth, other hand on your bent you knee, you turn to see his big brown eyes already on you. His gaze softens and the corners of his mouth turn upward. You've not seen that look in a while and it melts the terror clean out of your system.
"My guardian angels". He practically giggles. "Belyn The Bewitching you are a sight for sore eyes." You're crying and shaking now. Eddie has always been so steady and eager to make you smile. Even now.
The ground shudders violently and seems to sober him and Dustin up.
"You fucking did. Holy shit. C'mon mighty hero. We got the hell out. Now." Dustin commands.
Instead of standing around like an idiot you rush forward and grab Eddie's other arm. There is blood all over his ribs and abrasions on his neck and wrists. But once he's up he's able to walk on his own. Some blood seeps through his shirt and you push it up in a panic. It's only a small trickle but you apply pressure until Dustin hands you whatever he was wearing over his head and you both wrap it around Eddie's wounds.
Despite his protests neither of you let go of him. The walk back to the trailer is faster than the mad dash you had made before and no one speaks.
You have to regretfully let go of Eddie to help Dustin go through the portal first, lucky that the chair had fallen away and left the mattress clear. Once he's through he leaves your sight to grab blankets and cushions to make the mattress a softer landing.
For the first time in a while you're alone with Eddie and refuse to let go of him. There must be a way to help him through the portal.
"Still wearing it, huh?" His voice is right in your ear and makes you jump. Your mind having been elsewhere you can't think of what he means until he looks down at your hands. On one of your fingers sits a plain silver ring that you twist around frequently.
"Yeah, I um haven't really taken it off." You say after clearing your throat. His eyes are soft and searching. "Ever." His face breaks out in a grin and he leans in to kiss your cheek.
"Quite flirting and get the shit out of there." Dustin demands above you.
With burning cheeks you hide your face in Eddie's shoulder. His hand comes up to rest on the back of your head. "Y'know I'm a wanted man, right sweetheart?" You nod. "You can't be seen with me. For real this time. Not just because I'm a freak."
His words make your hands tighten in his jacket. "Don't push me away again. Not after that." You take the chance and look at his face. He looks so conflicted. "Please Eddie." He brings his other hand up to your cheek and wipes some of your tears away.
Pressing his forehead into yours he sighs heavily. "OK. We'll figure something out."
"Together?"
"Together." Eddie promises. After all, you followed him into danger to save him. He can't just let love like that go again.
87 notes · View notes
judysupremus · 9 months
Text
Simulacrum, Part 7
Sorry it has been so long. Life has been difficult. But fanfiction is forever ❤️
This is my daminette slight fantasy au
****
Marinette had spent some time in the office after he left. At first it was idly looking out the window and admiring the view. But her mind is never truly quiet. In the background she's noting the tall hedges that are followed by even taller walls. The whole place seems to sit atop a hill with a valley and tall mountains surrounding it.
The thought hits her, suddenly, that surely in this large estate there must be a library. And, surely, the library must hold some sort of history of the kingdom. And maps.
She hesitates in the hallway. The place is so large she will absolutely get lost. Does it matter?
Before she can choose a direction Alfred materializes at her elbow, making her jump.
"My apologies, Miss Marinette. I have been remiss in my duties. Please, let me show you where you are allowed to go in the castle."
The word 'castle' echoes in her brain. Castles are stone and suits of armor. Castles have displays and roped off corridors. He seems to read her mind.
"I'm sure you've realized by now that we live in a more recent addition to the grounds. The manor was built once the kingdom dissolved and is home to only a few of us now."
They walk, Alfred talks, and Marinette does her best to keep the layout of the manor in her mind. There are only three floors but the long hallways and spacious rooms make it feel larger. All the bedrooms appear to be on the top floor, though she only knows which one is hers. The second floor holds most of what might interest her: the library, a theater, an old fashioned game room, and so on. The ground level is mostly dining and parlor rooms for entertaining guests. It even boasts an indoor and an outdoor pool.
*
Dinner is surprisingly uneventful. Neither man seems to be interested in conversation and Marinette is grateful. All she can think of is her million questions, which she knows they won't answer.
She can feel them watching her, though, back and forth between them. Marinette feels like she's on display and being judged but for the life of her can't imagine what they are looking for.
The elder Wayne leaves first with a gentle goodnight to them both. The temperature at the table seems to drop twenty degrees as he walks away. Damian is staring at her openly now.
She steels her nerves and looks up at him. He looks much like he did as a statue and yet completely different.  There is no expression in his features but his eyes hold a whirlwind of emotions. Marinette is so focused on trying to pick out an emotion,  just one, that she doesn't feel the passing of time. If she was still a big hopeless romantic she'd find the whole thing enthralling; staring into each others eyes, trying to get into the others' mind. Eventually his eyes narrow and the fear she has of him returns full force. Her cheeks redden and she turns her face away quickly.
There is, again, a tsk before he leaves the table too.
*
Almost every single day is the same at first. Marinette finds something to do and the demon prince chases her out. Every dinner ends with a staring contest and a noise of disgust.
*
Damian has never cared much for other people and their feelings. For most of his life, people cared only about his title, his money, his connections, and usually all three. And the one time he thought otherwise, well... He had a lot of time to deal with those emotions.
One would think his life would be easier now. Neither his brothers nor his sisters are around to fight for the inheritance. His enemies are mostly long dead. But if Damian isn't fighting then who is he?
These thoughts plague him. At sunrise when he spars with invisible foes. In the morning when he paints. The afternoon when he reads. At night when he spars again.
At first he stares her down not because who she is but because she's the only one there. He may be looking for a fight but not from her - it would be pointless. Then it becomes a game, when she doesn't immediately look away. He can see that she tries to keep her face as impassive as his but at some point gives in to just glaring at him. And then to his delight, which he will not readily admit, all he has to do is make some small expression and watch as her face turns crimson and looks away.
It's easy, so very easy, after that, to find her throughout the day. To plant himself in the library and watch her freeze when she looks up from a book. He catches her in the gardens, throwing darts in the game room, even having tea with Alfred.
That should have been his first warning sign.
8 notes · View notes
judysupremus · 2 years
Text
Simulacrum, Part 6
Hello readers if you're still here!
I don't know if I've ever told you but I write exclusively from my phone. And, well, it finally died on me a few weeks ago. There are also several other life events that took up my attention.
But I have a new phone at last and can continue writing again. I've missed it so much and I never thought it'd be so hard not to write.
As always, thank you for reading ❤️
*****
It was really only a few quick strides until she made it to the garden gate. Marinette could see that it was kept more out of preference and enjoyment than necessity. A kitchen garden for a personal cook and not an elite chef.
Marinette was admiring the selection when the door into the kitchen swings open to reveal Alfred.
"Miss Dupain-cheng, please come in. Would you be so kind as to join me for some tea?"
-
Despite his adherence to formalities Alfred is an absolute delight. Over tea they discuss baking and gardening and while he won't answer any important questions, he is a magnificent conversationalist.
All good things come to an end.
Marinette follows Alfred through the manor as he carries a lunch tray. She's struck again by the pleasant atmosphere.
The gentleman's office is surprisingly sunsoaked and welcoming. Tall windows, similar to those in her rooms, face the front of the manor and Marinette can see the long driveway lined with trees.
"Master Wayne, I present to you Miss Marinette Dupain-Cheng." The old man doesn't stand from his chair but does incline his head. "Miss, this is Master Wayne. He is the young prince's father and former king." It's all very surreal and she makes an attempt to curtsey.
Alfred leaves shortly there after and she tries not to let her manners fail her. They're seated in plush armchairs enjoying a light lunch and even lighter conversation.
The old king's voice is strong but quiet - his authority clear but mellowing in his extremely old age. For he is very old and does not try to hide it. But just like Alfred he his clear that she will only know so much.
"You have my deepest apologies for your current predicament, Miss Marinette. I may be old and my kingdom gone but there are still people that wish to take what little I have left from me." He takes several moments to stand and strolls towards the large windows, cane making almost no sound on the lush carpet.
Marinette only hesitates a moment before striding up next to him. From here she can see the breeze ruffling the tops of the trees and is struck with a silly thought. 'Who will water my flowers on the balcony?'
Sensing her melancholy, the king relaxes his shoulders and takes a deep breath.
"I have to admire your bravery, my dear. You've been taken from your friends and family, have no clear knowledge of where you are or who are with, and have had to deal with my son." She is surprised to hear genuine adoration in his voice. "I hope you trust that we are trying to keep you safe."
She takes the risk and decides to be candid with the old king. "I don't believe I have much choice, Sir. But you have been nothing but kind."
His eyes are on her and when she stops speaking Marinette finally feels brave enough to look directly at him.
The gaze she meets is searching, sharp blues eyes boring into her own. It hits her abruptly that he is so much older than he looks. There is whirlwind of sadness and determination that has only built over his lifetime. And maybe some guilt. Maybe a lot of guilt.
"I can only hope you can learn to be kind to one another."
He's turned away from her and left the room. Butnit before letting her see his tears.
@raeuberprinzessin
@timetravelassasin
@musicarose
@prettylittlebutterflie
@nullsleepy
@toodaloo-kangaroo
@jayjayspixiepop
@mic-is-dead
@finallyaniguana
@wolfy-kat
@thenillabean
Ledalasombra
44 notes · View notes
judysupremus · 2 years
Text
Simulacrum - Part 5 (working title)
Hello, beautiful readers. Here is the next part and I thank your for your patience! This story is also up on AO3 in a more polished form. However, I'm grouping parts 1-3 in chapter 1 and parts 4-6 in chapter 2 (and so on) so this will not be posted there yet.
Thank you for reading and commenting ❤️
*****
His father is old. His brothers are gone. His kingdom dismantled.
Strictly speaking, Damian never truly wanted to rule. But it was his birthright, his future, and he'd be damned if anyone else was going to take it from him.
Not that it matters now.
Tha mansion is large with sprawling gardens. From the balcony window he can see a hedge maze, a stocked fishing pond, and a small orchard. Knowing Alfred there is also a kitchen garden somewhere. There is so much greenery it makes him sick. He can't decide if he loves it or if he hates after all the years being trapped.
There are no other signs of life. With a dull ache in his chest, Damian remembers the dogs, chickens, ducks, and horses that used to occupy the king's estate. But there aren't any now.
Everything is so quiet and still. He holds his breath just to hear how silent it all is.
Footsteps on a gravel path below breaks the spell. He hadn't expected to see her so soon. She bent to his will so easily. There had been the brief moment when she stopped him from chocking her friend - but that was all. He had assumed she'd be too distraught - too scared - to leave her room for several days.
Yet here she was - examining the nearest fountain as if nothing happened. She looks like she belongs here. It feels like she belongs here.
*
Despite all her examinations her reflection doesn't look any different than it did yesterday. Yesterday - getting ready to leave with her friends to see the gardens of Castillon. Then this morning - waking up in the foreign poster bed with the heavy velvet curtains closed tightly.
Marinette had only remained under the covers a short while before she aggressively drew the curtains open. She would not cry anymore. She would not hide away like some weak willed prisoner. The demon prince may terrify her but she wouldn't cower at just the thought of him.
Her room was a set of rooms in reality. A parlour room, bathroom, dressing room, and the bedroom. Drapped across one of the loungers in the parlor was a garment bag with a note attached. Alfred, apparently more than a chauffeur, had left a change of clothes, toiletries, and a small breakfast for her.
But there was no indication of what she should do, or rather what she could do. After taking advantage of the amenities Marinette stood looking out over the impressive grounds and thought. It looked absolutely sublime outside.
Before she gave it much thought she left her suite. Outside her rooms was a wide hallway with very few doors and she trusted in her luck, fickle as it seemed, and strode down in the direction of the garden.
While she met no one and the mansion seemed open and inviting, Marinette was still relieved to reach the outside air but it was a surprise to her skin to feel a chill in the air. More like late winter than spring. At least her dress was sensible with long sleeves, a high collar, and warm stockings.
Sitting at the fountain and staring hard at her reflection she realized she has no idea where she is. They must've driven for many hours yesterday to get here after dark. But where are they?
There are chills along her arms and the fine hairs on her neck are standing on end. She feels like a bristling cat. Without a single thought other than fear she whips her head around.
He's standing above her on a balcony. Far enough away that she can't see his expression or his eyes. But his body says everything - tense and menacing - one arm resting on the railing and the other in his pants pocket. The demon prince appears the epitome of bored sophisticate.
Marinette can feel the fear clawing in her belly and it takes all her courage not to look away. But minutes stretch by like hours and she thinks he must've had a lot of practice standing and waiting and being absolutely bored.
When the air shifts and becomes hard to breathe she stands from her seat at the fountain. In a fluid motion she turns on her heel and heads towards the kitchen garden, out of his line of sight. It feels like the temperature plummets and when she thinks she is the clear she speeds up to a run.
He watches her flee with a sneer of superiority.
Taglist
@raeuberprinzessin
@timetravelassasin
@musicarose
@prettylittlebutterflie
@nullsleepy
@toodaloo-kangaroo
@jayjayspixiepop
@mic-is-dead
@finallyaniguana
@wolfy-kat
@thenillabean
@ledalasombra
36 notes · View notes
judysupremus · 2 years
Text
A new WIP
Please accept this very rough piece. I've looked at it for like the last week.
And I want to know what you think!
I've seen this prompts a few times around Tumblr and felt inspired.
Daminette, of course.
******
In Northern France, in the Gardens of Castillon, Marinette breathes in the smells of life and greenery. Every inhalation lifts her spirits higher until she feels like she is floating. It's the deepest part of spring and while the air is light it's also heavy with the scent of flowers.
Adrien had promised her this trip ages ago, when they had been green behind the ears and foolish.
But now they are older and she watches as he slips away from their tiny tour group with his fiance. She has stopped being surprised that it doesn't bother her. Alya, however, will always believe she sees pain in Marinette's face at moments like this.
"C'mon girl. Let's go see what we can find." Alya already has their arms looped together as she turns them in the other direction.
They've visited many of France's famous gardens. Marinette because she loves the abundance of flora and sunshine. Adrien because he can make his friends happy and escape his own busy life. Alya and Nino because of their own misguided need to protect their friends from one another.
Alya has released Marinette's arm in favor of Nino's. The spring sun is high overhead as they walk through one of the more secluded terraces. They'd been informed that there were many hidden spaces and curiosity could be rewarded with pleasant views and quiet benches.
But there was one hidden alcove they had been warned against.
Mid morning had quickly passed into early afternoon as they explore. Alya and Nino have been lured to their own bench of seclusion - leaving Marinette to wander on her own. The garden seemed to do that all on its own. Take them in and lead them all to their very own places of sanctuary.
She glides aimlessly through the lanes and around hedges. Bends to the alluring scent of flowers, brushes leaves and petals.
Marinette feels as if this is her own garden, as if it was planted and curated by herself for herself.
She's found an area that looks slightly more overgrown than the rest, as if it gets overlooked. This end of the terrace looks slightly wild and she's drawn to it. The air suddenly feels stifling and hot and she turns abruptly into the nearest alcove, somehow sensing a bench to rest at.
The secret bower is pleasantly cool and the sunlight filters down through some exotic smelling fruit tree. Marinette has sat for perhaps a minute before she is overcome with the distinct feeling of being watched. The recess is notable empty of all life. It is her and the statue behind her.
She jolts as she realizes this is the place she was warned against.
The statue is of a young man - tall and grim faced. Whoever had carved him had created a gorgeous but harsh face. He stands very stifly, one hand behind his back and the other outstretched with the palm facing the afternoon sky.
The woman that warned them away from the statue had stated that his story was sad and terrible. Said to be a prince, he was conceived in secret even from his father, and raised by his mother and grandfather to be a tyrannical ruler. He was highly intelligent but immensely bloodthirsty.
When his mother had finally revealed him to his father, the king, she hoped he could cut the murderous streak out of their son. Alas, the prince had tried to kill the other heirs to prove his worth and secure his status as the only bloodson.
They called him the demon prince.
He had also been in love. The woman was beautiful, intelligent, but just as bloodthirsty. And eventually broke his heart.
The tour guide said that it was this, a deep betrayal, that had turned him to stone. Some said it was curse put on him by his grandfather, cast in a rage at the softness still present in the boy's heart. Some said an enchantress turned him stone after he rebuffed her affections. Some said it was because he had become so heartless.
But no one knew how he had come to be here, in this garden. Apparently, he made his rounds from garden to garden all on his own and it was impossible to move once he was discovered.
Marinette turned away from her study of him. She had imagined she had seen sadness in his face before chastising herself. Statues had tricked her before.
She closed her eyes and tried to just enjoy the afternoon sun. It was almost time to meet up at the resting corner and she was feeling hungry.
Suddenly, Alya and Nino burst into her quiet space.
"There you are! It's almost time to go." Alya barely paused to breathe in. "Oh my god, girl, you found it!"
Alya approached the statue with a critical eye and snorted softly. "He's pretty enough, I guess."
"I overheard some of the other walkers exchange stories about it. Someone believes that he is cursed to stay a statue until being touched by his true love or soulmate or something. Someone that could melt his heart." Nino comments.
"Like Cinderella?" At the girls question he shrugs.
"They said people used to come to the statue in hopes that by touching his hand they could find their own soulmate. For a time people swore it worked - that the next person they met was the love of their lives.
"Eventually, though, their love would betray them. They would cheat, or abuse, or die tragically."
Marinette turned once more to examine the man's face. "That's so sad." She said in a whisper.
"Yeah, well, it's not like it's true." He scoffs.
"Should we test it?" Alya says teasingly - stretching her hand towards the statue's.
"Don't you dare!" Nino practically shouts as he grabs Alya's hand and intertwines their fingers.
"Oh, babe, I was just joking! Let's go get lunch. I'm sure Adrien is waiting for us"
They all turn away and leave the alcove. But as Marinette is about to step out from the shade of the tree she feels a profound sorrow fill her heart. It makes her eyes burn and her legs weak. She glances over her shoulder to look at the statue again.
The sun has shifted and now the rays filter down onto his face and shoulders. He face now appears sad and resigned. As if pulled by some force she turns to face him fully.
"Mari?"
She can hear Alya, she's right behind her, but her voice sounds far away.
She shouldn't touch his hand. She really shouldn't. But she can't stop her curiosity - or her hand. It hovers over his, centimeters away.
The myth of him and his sad story feels like a magnet. She's not under any delusion that she could change him in statue or demeanor. If. IF. If any of the stories are true he'd still be a demon of a man. A devil, even if he his gorgeous.
Marinette looks up into his eyes. They almost look back at her pleadingly. It's while looking up into his face that feels her fingertips touch his cold stone ones. She runs them up his palm slowly, until she reaches his wrist. And she holds her breathe. Her fingers press into the stone as if to prove, unconsciously, that there is no pulse.
When nothing happens, she draws in a sharp breathe and pulls her hand away. She can her Alya breathe in a sigh at the same time.
Her hand has just barely let go, still floating over his wrist, when she feels strong, warm fingers close around her wrist.
Marinette jumps and looks up sharply.
The demon prince's eyes are a deep, alluring green now.
******
Thanks for reading ❤️
115 notes · View notes
judysupremus · 2 years
Text
New WIP - part 2
****
Comments and ideas are always welcome!
Thank you for reading ❤️
*****
Marinette feels frozen as they stare at each other. He firmly holds her hand and brings his other up to examine it. Everyone watches him flex his fingers in the sunlight.
His fingers tighten when she tries to pull out of his grasp. Marinette in all her stubborness resorts to giving her best glare. Instead of glaring back he simple raises a brow.
She tries again to wrench her arm away but it's no use. Instead Alya snaps out of the quiet spell that held them all.
"Let her go!" She grits out as she stomps over.
But she makes the mistake of putting her hand on his arm - intending to pull him away. In an instant he has his hand around her throat. Before he can apply pressure Marinette slams her heel down on his foot and brings her free hand down on his elbow - bringing him towards her and away from Alya.
Nino is there pulling Alya back and making sure she's alright as the demon prince, full of rage, pins Marinette to the nearest hedge. He has her arms pinned and leans his weight on her so she can't kick him again.
"What the hell did you do to me?" His voice is deep even though he's hissing through his teeth.
"I - I didn't d-d-do anything. Only touched your h-hand."
"Tch. Thousands have touched my hand with their grubby disgusting paws. Don't. Lie. To. Me."
Marinette is shaking too much to answer. She vacillates wildly between fear and rage. How can she get out of his grasp? How dare he?
"Look, dude, she telling the truth. Let's all just calm down." Ever the voice of reason, Nino manages to sound calm. Even if he is blocking his girlfriend from sight.
The demon prince doesn't turn away from Marinette. He's staring into her eyes with such intensity it's as if he's trying to read her mind. She stares right back.
Whatever he finds in her face, it makes him relax just a bit. His fingers are no longer digging into her arms but he still holds her tightly.
"Don't try anything." His commanding voice fills the alcove. Slowly, he releases one of her arms then turns so he can see Nino and Alya. But he's standing between them.
"Okay. Okay, um. Hey, demon prince, man. My name is Nino, you tried to choke my girlfriend, Alya. We'll, uh, get back to that. And that" he gestures lamely "is Marinette."
No one moves. No one speaks.
"Hey guys! Everything alright?"
It's Adrien's voice that breaks the silence. His tone is light and conversational, his body language relaxed. Nino is the only one who sees through the tension in his shoulders.
The alcove paints a strange picture. The demon prince, tall and dark, with his hand still holding Marinette's wrist like a vice. Marinette standing stifly, afraid but determined not to appear cowed, and straight backed. Adrien, bright and nonchalant, with his arm around his fiance, whose leaning into him. Nino and Alya with their arms around each other. Alya with a mutinous face and Nino looking nervous.
The demon prince flicks his eyes from person to person until landing on Adrien's placating smile - and makes a decision.
He starts making his way out of the alcove with Marinette in tow. When Adrien makes a move to stop him the prince punches him in the gut.
Marinette digs her heels into the gravel of the avenue.
"Stop! Let me go you maniac!"
"Tch. You are coming with me." He's in her face again. "You will cooperate and follow my commands."
"No. I won't." She doesn't know where this stubbornness is coming from - less out of fear and more out of determination.
She watches as the prince flicks his eyes over her shoulder and gives a small curl of his lips. When his eyes meet hers again she isn't ready. He grabs her chin like a vice and turns her face towards her friends.
Nino and Adrien's fiance are trying to help him off the ground while Alya is talking rapidly into her phone. Marinette can only assume she's calling the police.
"Do you have any idea of what I can do to your friends? To your family?" His voice makes her skin crawl. Her hands go cold and she can feel saliva gather in her mouth. She's going to vomit.
He is so confident and commanding and absolutely terrifying. He practically oozes cruelty and malicious intentions.
"You are nothing - a nobody. It will be pitifully easy to make you disappear."
"Then why take me with you? Why bother?"
The demon prince surely has no need of her. She freed him from his prison but what more could she possibly do. It's not like she's going to report this or even blab to someone else. Who would believe the four of them. And what would, what could, anyone do about it? He said he is going to make her disappear. How can he possibly do that?
But he can. She has no doubt. The look on his face says as much.
*****
People who asked to be tagged
@prettylittlebutterflie
@timetravelassasin
84 notes · View notes
judysupremus · 2 years
Text
Part 3 - Fantasy AU
This still needs a title but it's definitely in the fantasy genre.
Thank you so much for the comments and reblogs and likes!
As always, thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy ❤️
★★
Marinette has always heard about the fight or flight response but no one ever talks about the others - freeze or fawn.
She freezes first. His threat bounces around inside her head as she tries to grasp the scope of what he means. Standing there, mouth agape, she must look stupid.
But then his hand around her wrist tightens dangerously and she flips to fawn.
"Ok. Fine. Just don't hurt them." She's speaking so softly the demon prince almost misses the "Please."
After a moment he tucks her hand into his elbow but still grips it firmly. As they leave the garden it appears the only reason they draw attention is because of him. The demon prince walks the same way he talks - commanding and confident. And fatally handsome.
Marinette's steps falter outside the protection of the gardens. A sleek, black, expensive car pulls up to meet them and an older gentleman exits. He circles around to open the door for them.
"Welcome back, Master Damian. Your father is expecting you."
*****
Every part of him is cold. Not the excruciating bite but the subtle ache one feels in the end of the fingers. He's accustomed to discomfort, been trained to withstand worse conditions without so much as a twitch. The things he has been through means this is trivial.
But it's not. He cannot move or breathe. The urge to clench his fingers is almost overwhelming. They remain frozen, however. He can see one hand outstretched, ready to greet his mother, so the other must be behind him - poised to bow over her hand.
Time stretches and warps strangely. He can only see what is immediately in front of him, nothing beyond the reach of his hand.
The demon prince feels suspended in time, hanging over the void of oblivion.
Eventually, people start grasping his hand. Greedy paws and eager pleas. The words they say reach his ears as nothing more than static. Despite this barrier he can feel their intentions. Some are filled with desperate loneliness, others prideful assurance that they will get what they want.
All let go of his hand in disappointment.
There are, however, times when the hand touching his almost feels warm. They must feel it too. They linger and tend to stroke his palm.
He will admit it to none but these moments give him the smallest spark of hope. Even if hope is for fools.
Still, they let go in the end.
There's yet another hand reaching out for his. He watches in boredom as another pulls it away. The sounds of laughter sputter in the static.
And then he feels it - someone just outside of his vision radiating small tendrils of warmth. The small spark of hope traitorously flares again in his chest. If he could hold his breath he would.
His fingers are only just tingling with warmth when it suddenly recedes.
It can't be helped - his heart sinks. What has he become if the small heat of their presence melts the smallest part of him?
Their heat returns and he watches as the hand, her hand, hovers over his. It feels like he's holding his hand in the hottest part of a fire. Does it feel like she's bathing her hand in ice?
Whatever she may feel, it shocks him to feel her fingers stroke his palm and glide to gently grasp his wrist. When he doesn't move she lets put a breath and it ghosts over him.
It must be this that does it. When her exhale reaches his chest he sucks it in. His first inhale since hell knows how long.
The demon prince instantly wraps his fingers around her wrist. He can feel the delicate hand shiver as she realizes what's happened.
★★★★★★
@timetravelassasin
@toodaloo-kangaroo
@jayjayspixiepop
@musicarose
@prettylittlebutterflie
72 notes · View notes
judysupremus · 2 years
Text
Simulacrum (working title) Part 4 - Fantasy AU
*****
I've also posted the earlier parts on AO3, same name and title. The story is a bit more polished there. But you guys get first looks ☺️
Thank you so much for reading ❤️
Let me know what you think!
********
For the first time since this bonkers thing started, Marinette can see an emotion other than anger on the demon prince's - Damian's - face.
He's surprised to see the man holding the door open. Probably more surprised to hear his father is waiting. She knows she is shocked.
The surprise quickly disappears.
"Thank you, Alfred."
He ushers Marinette into the vehicle and swiftly closes the door behind them. She has no recollection of fastening her seatbelt nor the car carrying them away.
"I hope you will forgive our sudden departure, Mademoiselle, but it behooves us to move quickly." The driver has an accent, British she thinks. She finds she can only nod her head stupidily.
The trip is utterly silent. If Marinette held any hopes that either man would explain anything to her she would have been disappointed. It only gets worse when Alfred raises the privacy screen - plunging her into the frigid atmosphere of the back seat.
Before she can stop herself she looks at the demon prince out of the corner of her eye. He's sitting absolutely still. If not for the steady rise and fall of his chest she'd think he was still a statue. That and the fact that he is no longer stone.
Her mind starts to wander and speculate. Without her permission she turns her face to him slowly. She stares openly at his hands resting on his knees. Marinette would think they're the hands of an artist, a painter, but the small scars and memory of his hand around Alya's throat make her reconsider.
She follows the line of his arm - wrist to elbow, elbow to shoulder, shoulder to chin. And lets out a squeak of surprise. He's watching her. Well, evaluating her is more like it. Again, his face is mostly impassive with a small scowl.
Marinette tries to meet his eyes and not look away. But eventually the heat in her cheeks is overwhelming and she stares out her window instead.
He clicks his tongue. She has no idea what it means.
*
A car door closes and Marinette wakes with a start. She doesn't remember falling asleep. Her and her friends must've left the gardens pretty late since it's dark out and she's starving.
Reality slams back into her when the coat falls from her shoulders. It's a black wool jacket - merino and maybe even yak, it's so soft - with fine silver stitching. It's his coat. She's rubs the cuff between her fingers as she considers the fiber content and quality. Depending on how old his is it might even be a Vian-Tiran original. Her heads spins.
The driver is there opening her door suddenly, offering to help her out of the vehicle. Marinette goes to hand him the jacket but he's already handing the car keys to the another man. It's freezing out and her breath mists and disappears into the dense fog. She shaking and she doesn't know if it's the cold or if the shock is finally wearing off. But she refuses to put the jacket on.
"Please keep up, Miss."
She follows Alfred up a long walk way. There isn't much to see but the building in front of them is huge. Like Versailles huge. With one or two large windows lit high above them.
"Welcome to Wayne Manor, Miss Marinette."
-
Alfred had taken her straight to 'her room' and later brought her a tray with food and tea. And then left with only a nod and a goodnight.
Now Marinette sits on a chaise at the foot of the large curtained four-poster bed. She starts crying without even realizing it. The gentle tears fall and plop gently on the demon prince's jacket.
What is going to happen to her? Will they keep her here and isolated forever? Put her to work in the kitchen? Or a maid? What purpose could she serve here? Will she ever see her friends again? Her family?
Then a thought occurs that makes her stomach drop. Will they make her marry him?
Marinette catches her reflection and her imagination changes it. Instead of the jacket clutched to her chest it's a white bouquet. With a veil. And a white dress. White gloves, white ballet flats.
Jo Stockton certainly looked prettier. But the illusion shatters. Dick Avery loved Jo.
The prince, even if she wished, which she doesn't, would never love her. She unconsciously rubs her chin where he had gripped it. Demon.
She tosses the jacket onto a shelf in the stupidly large closet. Curse Adrien and his addiction to black and white American romance films.
Marinette flops face down on the bed and cries herself to sleep.
*
In the deepest part of the mansion, in his father's study, Damian is experiencing another shock.
Bruce Wayne is old - very old.
He had assumed that his father must have used the pits, in some capacity, to still be alive. It never occurred to him that he wouldn't use them to stay young as well.
★★★
Taglist - my apologies if I missed anyone.
@raeuberprinzessin
@timetravelassasin
@musicarose
@prettylittlebutterflie
@nullsleepy
@toodaloo-kangaroo
@jayjayspixiepop
@mic-is-dead
@finallyaniguana
@wolfy-kat
@thenillabean
Small confession: I'm a knitter and a spinner and I have to add my knowledge wherever I can. Sorry.
59 notes · View notes
judysupremus · 2 years
Text
Maybe Just For You
Lights on the horizon
Just a little piece that takes place the day before they meet.
Love you all ❤️
****
It's late at night, midnight long past, and Marinette can't sleep. She'd woken some time ago and tossed and turned until she noticed it - her fairy lights.
She's so used to them being bright little flutters of light. But now they're pink and red and white too. They wink at her with little promises and small bursts of hope.
He must be sleepless too, her soulmate. To be out at this time and wandering the streets of Paris. She turns to see the time, out of a small worry but quickly dismisses it. If he is who she suspects then he is safe.
Marinette watches the colors shift before sitting up abruptly.
The tower!
She quietly climbs up to her balcony to see it. The tower lights sparkle softly at her in greeting. The Eiffel Tower will light up every hour for 5 minutes from dusk to one. But at one the illumination effect is switched off, so it's just the sparkles.
This is one of those small moments in which she feels truly lucky. Her soulmate is close enough so that the sparkles are golden against the dark sky. And it takes her breath away, how simple and stunning the display is.
She sits and enjoys the full five minutes. Feels the love she has for her city and her people. Feels the collective joy and hope and happiness to just be alive.
As Marinette cuddles back into her bed she squints her eyes at her fairy lights. She'd read once that at a certain light level people stop seeing color. There isn't enough light to see the wavelengths. The color has long gone from her sight but she takes one last moment to imagine it could work the other way. That she could see golden lights sparkling her way back to sleep.
Her last thought is wondering if he saw the lights too. Wonders if he felt that same hope.
****
Classes begin tomorrow for Damian. Everything is already neatly organized and completely planned. Well, as completely as one can plan with heroes, akuma, and soulmates.
Damian had laid in bed with a book in expectation that reading would help him fall asleep. But the book is finished and he is no closer to sleep than when he retired.
A soft knock fell on his door and at his responding 'tch' it swings open. Grayson pops his head in.
"Can't sleep?"
"Obviously."
"C'mon then." Grayson's smile is soft and he retreats.
Damian doesn't move as he considers whether or not to follow his brother. He wants to sleep. He wants to be ready for tomorrow. But his brother's smile was small - not a smirk of mischief or a pleading grin. Not even his over joyed beam. But the type of smile only Grayson gives him.
The Paris night air is slightly chilly as they walk quickly through the streets. Eventually Grayson finds whatever it is he was looking for and they scale a large building to it's roof.
They stand there for several minutes enjoying the city skyline. It's nice enough, only a bit nicer because he can see some of the colors. But eventually Damian gets impatient. Sensing this Grayson preemptively shushes him. After a moment they hear a bell toll one o'clock.
Dick had been holding eye contact so he sees Damian's face the exact moment it happens. His back is to the tower but this view is much better.
Damian's eyes shift to over his brother's shoulder and he watches the Eiffel Tower light up in golden sparkles.
He'd seen it light up other nights. But those displays felt so flashy and obnoxious compared to this. The lights are like golden stars dancing along the tower.
Grayson's soft smile is back as he turns to watch the light show too.
And Damian feels it in himself. Little bubbles hope popping and expanding in his chest with each glimmer of light. Each bubble a tiny promise that feels fulfilled when it pops. Like wishes coming true.
Is this what it's supposed to feel like? Is this what happiness feels like? Or contentment? Or gratitude?
Damian doesn't know. But he leans his shoulder into Grayson's and let's himself enjoy the hug when it's given.
The lights wink out and they stand there for a few moments before turning away.
But the little bubbles of hope stay in his chest.
He hopes she feels them too.
❤️
51 notes · View notes
judysupremus · 3 years
Text
Maybe Just For You
~~~
Daminette Soulmate AU in which there are many different bonds. Marinette and Damian are born unable to see color. The closer they get to one another the brighter and more vivid the colors become but there will always be a color missing until they meet.
Title from Metric's No Lights On the Horizon as it was a big inspiration and I recommend giving it a listen.
This is my first attempt at a soulmate fic.
I really hope the summary makes sense.
Thank you for reading ❤️
~~~~~
Soulmates are funny things. The bonds differ from pair to pair and there are so many possibilities.
Marinette's soulmate bond hadn't bothered her until she was seven years old. She was visiting family in China with her Maman when she saw color for the first time. Maman had been combing through racks of dresses in hopes of finding one for her.
She's used to using touch to help her decide on what garments she likes. The feel of different fabrics and watching the ways skirts swoosh when she glides her hands along hems.
Her Maman is holding up two different qipao for her to choose between. She knows they're different colors and she's learned to choose between greys.
The shop slowly fills with color. It starts with soft pastels that gradually sharpens into deep rich visions. Marinette stands in awe as all the pretty dresses come to life around her. Maman is holding up a blue qipao with silver and white stitching and Marinette realizes that her eyes are the same color. It's absolutely stunning and Maman seems to be leaning towards that one.
But it's the other one that has Marinette in absolute fascination. It's a deep ruby red with gold accents and stitching and black trim. She decides red is her favorite color. It's vibrant and daring and shocking.
There are still a few garments that are grey. Later, she'll realize she couldn't see the color green.
Marinette points to the dress and boldly states that she wants the red one. Her Maman looks surprised but happy. She follows Marinette around the shop and answers her questions. She decides she likes pink as well - it's soft and sweet.
But Marinette tears up as the colors rapidly fades. Her soulmate is moving away quickly, faster than when they approached, until the shop is filled with colorless dresses again.
Seeing the sadness in her daughter's eyes, Sabine's heart melts with understanding. She buys the gorgeous red qipao that dazzled her daughter and does her best to help.
At the end of the trip Marinette is sad to leave but determined. She does not get to choose when and how she meets her soulmate and until now she was happy to wait. Dreaming of finding the one who would complete her was always her favorite pastime.
But now - now she craves the colors. She wants to see the pastel pink dress her parents bought her for her birthday instead of just feeling the smooth cotton. She wants to see the yellow of Chloe's new merino sweater - even if the girl is mean. Marinette wants to admire the new purple highlights in Juleka's hair and the vivid orange of Nathaniel's.
More than anything Marinette wants to create something as gorgeous as the red qipao. Marinette wants to design. And her soulmate bond is keeping her from that dream.
****************
Damian's soulmate bond had appeared when he was eight years old. The bonds and their meaning were not something openly discussed in the league. He had heard hushed conversations and curt explanations from his mother. Damian had not given much thought outside of being grateful that it wasn't a weakness he exhibited.
A mission with his mother to China shocked him. Slinking along behind Talia his mind had only been on the job at hand and not disappointing his grandfather.
The street slowly floods with color. Damian becomes distracted and careless as he watches the colors deepen around him. Where once there were clothes and lights and signs with subtle differences there are now shocking colors. Between the soft blue of the sky and the dark green of his jacket Damian can't keep his head in the game.
He pays for this as someone jostles him and he ends up getting a knife to shoulder after blocking it at the last moment. Damian does not ask his mother what color blood is supposed to be.
*******
Marinette didn't think she could be more upset with her soulmate bond but then Lila Rossi came to school. When the girl found out that Marinette designed things without being able to see color she knew exactly how to make her miserable.
Why did no one tell Marinette that the colors of her new shirt clashed horribly? How did she expect to impress Gabriel and Style Queen if she couldn't tell the difference between blue and purple? That red romper makes you look sickly, Marinette. Pink makes you look childish. Blue is a really depressing color for me - why would you wear it?
Lila made all these comments under the guise and concern of a friend, of course.
But the thing that stung greatly were Lila's comments about Ladybug's suit. Marinette had made the mistake of confiding in Alya that she loved the fact that Ladybug's suit was red.
"Oh Marinette! Red is such a tacky color and Ladybug looks so out of place."
"Her outfit is just as ridiculous as Queen Bee's."
"How does Ladybug expect to be effective if she draws attention to herself with that color."
It went on and on. Marinette tried to ignore it as best she could. But then it got worse. Because Adrien's are eyes are green and she'll never really be able to see them. She knows she has a soulmate and she knows Adrien has a soulmate. But he's sweet and encouraging and agrees that Ladybug's suit it really pretty.
********
His brothers are irritating. Grayson is such a romantic and never shuts up about the music he hears from his soulmate. Drake gets embarrassingly dreamy when he looks at his half of his soulmate tattoo. Even Bruce, his father, gets red around the ears when Selina talks about their bond. Damian is adept at tuning this one out.
Todd seems to be the only one that shares his distaste for openly discussing the bonds. He doesn't know what Todd's bond is or if it was broken when he died. Damian tries not to think about it himself.
Is he sad at the idea that his soulmate bond might be broken after his death and resurrection?
If he's being honest, yes.
The idea that the one person in the universe that is meant to be on his side might no longer be his at all is depressing. He feels guilty that his soulmate has probably suffered because of him. Someone out there is likely doomed to never see color again and it's his fault.
Damian has secretly held onto the memory of seeing the world come to life. He has tried to hold the exact shade of his mother's eyes in his mind. For all her faults, she tried to do what she thought was best. And while he tries to recall the vibrant shade of green from the trees he also tries to forget how wrong it looked - to see the grey of his blood spill out onto the warm tan color of his skin.
******
Ladybug is relieved when Wonder Woman agrees to discuss the situation in Paris with her. Marinette is so overwhelmed and Chat Noir's civilian life is practically strangling him. Master Fu is gone and they need help.
Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman are eager to assist and Ladybug has to talk them down from immediately entering Paris. Akumas and amoks are hard enough without them being powerful beforehand.
They all agree that someone from Batman's team is their best option.
Marinette did not expect Nightwing and Robin to cause so many problems.
*******
The first problem happens when Robin and Nightwing arrive in Paris. Marinette does not imagine it's coincidence that the colors return in the same week the vigilantes are supposed to arrive.
They fluctuate throughout the week and Marinette is torn between tracking the time and place for the changes or ignoring it. The fact they Ladybug has only met Nightwing is telling her a lot.
She mostly succeeds in not thinking about until the next akuma.
Ladybug and Chat Noir had made it clear that the vigilantes should not get involved unless absolutely necessary and they are surprisingly ready to comply.
They chase the akuma all over Paris and Ladybug slips up when she can suddenly see the akuma in all it's glory. The color scheme is absolutely atrocious. People tend not to openly criticize a victims akumatized form. But good God this one is an eyesore.
She crashes to the street and scrambles to return to the rooftop as the colors intensify. They say the closer you get to your soulmate the colors will become so overwhelming that the world will go white - like staring at the sun - until they manage to make physical contact with one another.
Ladybug cannot afford to be blinded while fighting an akuma.
Chat Noir and her barely succeed and it forces Ladybug to confide in him about her bond. They have only discussed this kind of thing in the broadest of terms. True to his nature, Chat Noir is excited for her. He'd already seen her awe when she examined her suit in color for the first time.
She does not mention her suspicion that Robin could be her soulmate and he doesn't mention that he agrees.
*****
Dick is very suspicion of Damian's behavior since arriving in Paris. He has refused to go out much and abruptly abandoned the first meeting with Ladybug before they even got to the location. He's tempted to say Damian is scared but he can't remember a single instance of him exhibiting fear.
Until their first akuma. Dick had managed to chase Damian out of the apartment with threats of duck taping him to the couch to watch a Disney movie.
They had been looking for a place to eat when the akuma comes barreling down the street - chasing Ladybug and Chat Noir. Damian curses and stumbles blindly into the nearest alley. Dick is torn between following his brother and being concerned when Ladybug crashes down into the street. She takes off quickly in the opposite direction appearing to shield her eyes from the sun - making his decision for him.
Dick is not surprised by Damian's anger and curt replies but by his brothers shaking hands. His concern only grows when he gets a good look at Damian's face - wide eyes darting around in fear. His questions are only met with his brothers eyes fixing on his own and a surprised exclamation that Dick's eyes are blue.
****"
Having ducked out of their meeting with Ladybug and Chat Noir, Damian has no idea what Ladybug is like. He has too much pride to ask Grayson about her and is still unsure if she is the one or not.
It's plausible that Ladybug and his soulmate happen to be in the area any time the bond becomes active. But it's not very likely.
He wonders if she's sharp enough to connect the arrival of Nightwing and Robin with the active state in their bond. Damian doesn't know if he hopes she is or not.
There are a whole lot of maybes and hopefullys rolling around in his head, and it hurts. Does he want her to have it figured out already? Or does he want time to adjust to the idea of his soulmate being here in Paris? And what if it isn't Ladybug? Is she strong enough for his past?
**
Marinette expects this Monday morning to be the same as any other. She gets to school early and spends time with he friends. She leaves to go to class early when Lila starts her games. And she enjoys a few moments of sketching in her seat at the back of the room before classes starts. Easy, right?
And for the most part it is. But the bell rings for all classes to start and when she looks up from her sketchbook she gasps. Marinette had missed the colors appearing while she was in the zone - the white pages and grey graphite lines keeping her focused.
In front of her is Kim in his red sweater and then Alix with her cool pink hair. And wow, yellow really is Chloe's color but why does Sabrina's colors look so off.
She's going to be useless today as she can't keep her eyes still. All of these colors make her feel so inspired she's practically vibrating with excitement. Tikki's quiet giggles reach her ears and Marinette can't resist staring at the beautiful red kwami.
Marinette does her best to stay focused on school. Miss Bustier would probably be understanding but Lila would not and she doesn't want this spoiled.
Eventually lunchtime arrives and Marinette is suddenly nervous. Everyone will see the moment they meet. What if he doesn't like her? What if she makes a fool of herself? What if - akuma.
Hawkmoth ruins everything.
*
It's a good thing Damian already knows most of what his teacher is lecturing on. He knew it was likely that the colors would manifest again at school. He expected it but is still affected by them.
It's almost too much - seeing the people around him in full color. Well, almost full color.
He had barely made it through all of Grayson's interrogation. The man was relentless and ecstatic at the confirmation of Damian's soulmate bond. He is also of the opinion that his soulmate is Ladybug. The luck and the rightness of it makes Grayson unbearably giddy.
As classes break for lunch Damian begins to feel apprehensive. He doesn't want to meet her, his soulmate, in front of all these people. Relief floods his mind as the colors begin to fade, it means he gets more time.
Relief turns to dread, however, when the school's akuma alarm rings through the halls. He manages to find a ground floor window before anyone tries to 'protect the new kid'. The colors have completely disappeared and Damian takes that a sign he has time to find a good vantage point.
Near the school there is a bakery and at the top he can see a small balcony with plants. Before too long he's scaled the building and is scanning the skyline for any indication of the fight.
When the swarm of ladybugs sweep across Paris he knows he missed it. Damian scales back down the building to head inside - it's still lunchtime.
*
Marinette just barley remembers to go through the front door and not head straight to her balcony. The colors had been getting stronger the closer she got to home and now they're almost blinding. She stops just outside to see if they'll fade any time soon.
The park near her home is dotted with bright pops of flowers but the grass and trees are still grey. This doesn't stop her from admiring it though.
There are people in the park, including her classmates, and Marinette can't tear her eyes away from them. Some in skirts, others in jeans and slacks, sweaters and button ups and all in (mostly) beautiful hues.
But the colors intensify and right when the world goes blindingly white she hears the tinkling of the shop bell. She almost trips in an attempt to move out of the way but a warm hand steadies her.
*
Damian had been watching the display case of sweets come to life with color. He never thought cookies could be so many different colors. Some of the trays are lined with small bright macarons in every hue and flavor. Others trays hold warm brown croissants, pain au chocolat, and brioche.
The woman behind the counter mercifully helps him out. Damian has never had a problem deciding what he wants, he's never hesitated like this. She starts filling a small pink box with different items and Damian takes the opportunity to look around.
Outside the window he can see a girl looking around, seemingly just as lost as him. Her short dark pigtails give her away and his hands start to sweat.
He watches her watch the people in the park but the light is too bright to be able to see her face clearly.
Before he can lose his nerve he goes through the door with his box of pastries. The light is blinding outside and he senses her trip but he catches her wrist before she can fall.
Her eyes are impossibly blue. Grayson's had been light like the sky but hers are deep. Damian wonders if it's the same color as the ocean. It feels like he's like sinking into deep water, pulling him into their depths.
The longer they stare at each other the pinker her cheeks become. And then they turn rosy red and make her freckles disappear. The vision of her leaves him breathless.
**
Marinette can feel her cheeks continue to heat and thinks she might combust. His eyes are a deep dark green and she can't look away. His gaze was sharp at first and it quickly softened before changing again.
After what feels like a lifetime she realizes he almost looks scared. So she gives him a gentle smile and slides her hand into his. Her smile widens when he threads his fingers through hers and gives her a small smile in return.
Wordlessly they find a quiet spot in the park to sit and Damian offers up the box of pastries to share.
They have so much to talk about but everything is warm and bright and perfect.
*****
In the grass sits the mostly empty box of treats, long forgotten. Ever the chatterbox, Marinette can't stop her excitement over every thing she sees and feels. How the grass isn't just green but a gently shifting tide of yellow and green as the clouds drift high over their heads. She's overcome with giddiness to feel the smooth clasp of her purse and watch the gold shimmer in the light.
Marinette is transfixed when she catches the maroon of his shirt. Damian had unzipped his sweater as the spring sun shone upon their patch of grass. Her gaze had zeroed in on the color. The hue is so deep and rich it makes her fingers itch with the need to create.
She decided she loves the color and blushes when she realizes the collar of his shirt is between her fingers. Damian is distinctly uncomfortable with the sudden contact and Marinette apologizes profusely - snatching her hand away and holding it to her chest. He learns that she is single-minded in satisfying her curiosity and she learns that he is adverse to physical touch unless it's explicitly given.
There are unshed tears in her eyes and he can see the anxiety growing by the second. Damian picks up the hand that had been fondling his shirt and squeezes her fingers gently. Marinette is so soft and sincere and he never wants to give her any reason to be unsure of herself - or of him.
Damian admits that he likes her touch but the stimulation is too much right now. He's taking everything in, taking her in, and feeling their bond thrum pleasantly. At his words she stops to feel it too. It's very subtly but hums in the back of her mind and brings her peace.
Eventually, Marinette lays back on the grass. Her Maman knew exactly where she was and had her excused from afternoon classes. Damian seems unconcerned about missing school and she doesn't pry.
She can feel Damian studying her openly and she observes him from under her lashes. His expression is impassive with a small frown as an afterthought, a reflex. Does he always look this way? Why?
Marinette thought he was mad at her at first but she can feel his fingers stroking hers, he has yet to let go of her hand. He's been running his calloused fingertips up and down her knuckles as he follows the natural dips and curves. When his fingers still she turns her hand over and offers up her palm for the same treatment.
She blushes deeply as he continues these tiny intimate touches.
Damian catches her watching him and feels his cheeks heat. His frown turns into a scowl but he doesn't pull away. She's smiling at him and biting her lip - she's happy. He did that. He made her happy.
They're existing in a small bubble of tranquility. It will pop at any moment. There will be tough secrets to share and hard truths to swallow. But they are holding out as long as possible. It's over too soon.
Classes are let out and Marinette freezes at the sound of familiar voices. Damian watches her take a deep stabling breath - the kind he takes each time someone approaches him for attention. She sits up slowly but stiffly and he can tell the movement is meant to be nonchalant.
Whatever she's expecting it is not the offer to be introduced to his brother.
~~~~~~
❤️ You guys are the best ❤️
357 notes · View notes
judysupremus · 3 years
Text
Coffee Is Ready
Hi guys! I wanted to share with you what I've been working on and hopefully get some feedback. This piece is Daminette with intentionally vague plot lines. The title is temporary.
I'm still working on this, so it won't be on ao3 yet.
And it's long enough to be in 2 or 3 posts.
Oh, and the ending is mushy and bittersweet!
**********
There are very few things in Alex's life that don't make sense. Being a holder of the rabbit miraculous she's grown to accept that there are things she cannot change, things she absolutely must change, and, ultimately, to make peace with the unknowable.
The cafe does not make sense. She has not made peace with this cursed anomaly.
Alex, Bunnyx, is currently pulling a reluctant Pegasus into the burrow. Intelligent boy that he is, he does not question the bowl when it's immediately dropped on his head and is only mildly put out when they exit into a dingy alley.
The air is cold and a slight drizzle patters down on the filthy pavement. As the rain pings off of the bowl on his head, Pegasus shuffles his feet - waiting for her to speak.
"Position the portal directly here." She says, pointing at the ground directly in front her - five feet from the busy street.
"And where does it need to go?" Pegasus asks as he tucks the bowl under his arm.
Bunnyx gives a shrug and makes a disgusted face. "Nowhere."
"I can't make a portal to nowhere."
"Fine. Anywhere."
He studies her for a moment. "So, it doesn't matter where it goes?"
"Exactly! Now chop chop, we only have a few seconds before they run in here."
Bunnyx steps aside and, as she opens her burrow in the exact place she instructed Pegasus to place his own, someone comes barreling into the alleyway.
The boy is about to collide with Pegasus and the hero panics when he sees what looks like a knife in his hands. He lifts his arms infront of himself and the bowl goes clattering to pavement.
He opens the portal, thoughts wildly galloping away from him. The boy goes through the portal and, as Pegasus drops his arms, it closes.
"What have I done?" Pegasus asks in a panicked whisper. He doesn't hear the bowl roll to a stop or the shouts that are quickly approaching their alley.
He stands there dumbfounded and doesn't register Bunnyx placing the bowl back on his head and wheeling him back into the burrow. He only startles when the echos of shouting are abruptly cut off.
"What the hell just happened? Where did I send him? Bunnyx I have no idea where he went!"
"Me neither!"
He sputters in shock at her apparent lack of concern. He's still gaping at her as she leaves him exactly where she found him.
The Parisian sun is bright and warm on the rooftop. Pegasus blinks numbly behind his glasses as Ladybug shakes him by his shoulders.
"-ght? Pegasus! What happened?"
"I have no idea."
*
There were two people following him and doing a very bad job at it. He had snuck out of the manor for some much needed personal space, only to catch the eye of some petty criminals.
As he picked up the pace he removed a dagger from his coat. He ducks into the nearest alley in hopes of losing them, or more prefferably, not stabbing them out in the open.
Rounding the corner at such a speed meant he had no time to completely dodge the man in the alleyway. He was prepared for a fight.
Instead of running headlong into the stranger and gutting him he found himself in an empty, open street.
Instead of standing in one of Gotham's many disgusting alleyways, he found himself in a clean and tasteful cobblestone street. It was late afternoon when he left the manor but now it was late at night.
The moon floats full and high in the sky and the stars remarkably bright with it. The buildings, though equally clean and tasteful, are all dark and empty - no signs of life.
He did a few turns in the middle of the lane before stopping dead in his tracks. The lights in one of the buildings had turned on, flooding the street with a gorgeous golden glow. As he approaches he could hear music and the indistinct hush of conversations.
Damian ventures into the cafe for the first time at age 12.
***
Fluff had explained it once, if explained is the right word. Whenever the miraculous were grossly misused the universe tried to correct it. Plagg's destruction was used to murder select individuals- in return the resurrection pits were created.
Whatever happened to Fluff had created the cafe.
And Alex hated it. She didn't know where or when it was and she wasn't allowed inside.
She doesn't care who the boy is. She only cares about the consequences of him never making it to the cafe. Heretic had thrown him off course and while his resurrection should have made things right, he still hadn't been to the cafe.
But he made it there now thanks to her 'careful calculations' and that should be enough.
****
The cafe is beautiful. The main room is rather large and has several small intimate tables along the walls, sectioned off with movable partitions. Some of them are surrounded by luxurious pillows and ottomans. Others are simply a pair of armchairs or even a single loveseat.
There are more small tables dotting the rest of the open area, each with their own mixture of dining chairs, wooden stools, and armchairs.
Some tables have clothes, some have flowers or candles, and others have nothing at all but each seem inviting and pleasant. Potted plants line shallow shelves or hang dangerously low over people's heads. Ivy trails along exposed ceiling beams and down the walls in small charming clusters. Flowers such as lantanas and petite bushes of laurustine are dotted throughout as well.
The lights are a plethora of hanging lamps - none of them the same. Over one table with two tall upholstered dining chairs hangs a delicate piece with wrought iron swirls and circles. A vintage Tiffany's poppy lamp hangs elegantly over two plush purple velvet loveseats. At one of the larger tables sways a modern paper chandelier. Each glows benevolently over those seated beneath them.
The people seated in the cafe are the real attraction. They blend in so seamlessly it's easy not to notice at first. But eventually people do notice. However, to be in the cafe makes a person just like the rest.
*
Damian has the decency to pocket his dagger before entering the cafe, but it's still within his grasp.
About half the tables inside are occupied and he's relieved when no on seems to notice his entrance. The light level is low enough that he should be uneasy but instead makes him feel calm and welcome - two things he's not accustomed to.
In one of the corners is an open table with two faux leather lounge chairs and a hanging lamp with colorful paper lanterns. He makes a beeline for it but pulls up short at the coffee bar.
It looks like any other cafe bar he's been in with Drake. There are two espresso machines, both Astorias, framed by grinders and blenders and syrup stands. The menu hangs directly above these, chalkboards filled with perfect handwritten items. Damian is not disappointed when a mug of hot chocolate appears on the counter in front of him.
With his prize in hand Damian deposits himself in one of the lounge chairs and prepares to observe the other patrons.
***
After the first visit to the cafe Damian spends much of his free time analyzing the experience.
He did not get a good look at the men following him or the people in the alley. He had found no clues to the location either. The next chance he got, Damian returned to the alley to comb it over. To his dismay he found absolutely nothing worthwhile.
This lack of information left him angrier than usual which only led to more fights with his adoptive brothers.
Damian would spend the next three years secretly obsessing over the cafe.
Alex had also spent those three years, figuratively speaking, obsessing over the cafe as well. This boy was the first and, so far, only person she had to personally ferry to the cafe. She had hopes that maybe she could follow him to it. Maybe this boy could be her beacon to finally uncovering this anomaly.
She had haunted his steps and had nothing to show for it. So, for at least one day, Alex forgoes following him in favor of pulling pranks on Kim - her favorite pastime.
Alex missed her chance that day.
*
It's things like this that makes Damian absolutely hate his brothers. He has grown to...tolerate them over the years - maybe even like them. But doing things together, when it's not crime fighting, is abysmal and torturous.
Everyone was supposed to meet outside the zoo in the early hours. Dick had hoped that getting there early would draw less attention but it would never be that easy.
Somewhere along the way they had lost Tim. So then they had split up and now Damian was going from one of Tim's haunts to another.
He forcefully pulls open a door on the next cafe only to stop dead in his tracks as the door closed behind him.
The cafe was just as he remembered it - perfect. As Damian approaches the coffee bar he's surprised to see a barista this time. Before he could order or even look at the menu, they place two mugs in front of him and shoo him away.
He is so shocked that he stands there dumbly, a mug in each hand, looking around the tables without really seeing them. Damian absently catalogued the occupants - who he had seen before, who he hadn't, and who they could possibly be. He sees her then, in one of the armchairs close to the door. She lookes as if she had stumbled in, sat down, and hasn't moved since.
Damian looks between her and the two mugs of hot chocolate in his hands - she surely needs a pick me up. He could place it on the table and walk away without her even noticing. The mug makes the barest click against the dark oak table before he starts walking away and then stops again.
She had placed her hand gently on his arm but then pulls it away abruptly at the scowl on his face.
"I'm sorry. I just wanted to thank you before you walked away. So. Thank you." Damian is surprised to hear French and even more so to hear sadness. Her brilliant blue eyes are rimmed with tears and her face is flushed.
She had reeled him in and before Damian knew it he was comforting one Marinette over hot chocolate.
**
It felt as if Marinette has just lived through the longest month of her life. Tikki said it would get better with time but she's starting to think that is just one of those things people say - one of those things Tikki says.
She can still see his electric blue eyes - she can still see his tears.
Marinette had shuffled into the nearest cafe after school and had not budged until someone approached her table. Now she's trying to thank this gorgeous stranger without bursting into tears. He sits down, despite his scowl, and they sit in silence for a bit.
They make halting conversation, both mildly pleased to find common ground with a stranger. Marinette lights up like the sun when she talks about designing and this is so much better than her tears, so Damian indulges her. She returns the favor when it comes to questions about his pets. The affection is clear in his voice and even if he doesn't smile, she does enough for the both of them.
Making Marinette laugh feels amazing, especially when the stories are at the expense of his brothers. He tells her about the weirdest places Tim has fallen asleep, about Dick performing gymnastics all over the house, and Jason starting arguments about which novel is the best by Jane Austen.
While she doesn't have siblings, Marinette has more than enough friends. She shares Alex and Kim's stupidest competitions, Mylene's nature and community endeavors, and everyone else's hopes and dreams.
This is a breath of fresh air for the both of them.
"So, what brings you to Paris?" She asks, only slightly giggling at his anecdotes about his brothers.
Damian isn't sure how to answer. He may not now where that cafe is but he's reasonably sure it's not 21st century Paris. He doesn't know her all that well and he's afraid to scare her - which surprises him.
"Marinette, do you see that man?" He asks instead, discreetly pointing to an individual a few tables away.
She's opens her mouth, about to say 'yeah, what about him?' then pauses. He's not much older than herself and wears a doublet with roughspun pants. His boots are just as care worn as the rest of his attire but the short sword at his side glimmers in it's scabbard. She want to write him off as a LARPer, especially with his Shakespearean English, but can't quite believe it.
Damian watches her face turn from passive interest to intense observation. He follows her eyes from person to person, believing he sees more than she does - but he's wrong. They catalogue each one, young and old, human and not quite human. When her gaze returns to Damian, intent on analyzing him, she finds him scrutinizing her.
Marinette already knows what makes her 'special' but she can't pin him down. There are people in the cafe who look just as normal as they do but there must be something. Sure he talks formally, he doesn't really smile, and she's pretty sure he has a knife of some sort hidden in his jacket front, but is that all?
"So, where are we Damian?"
"I don't really know, as much as it pains me to admit." And it must pain him with how angry he looks.
Just as they are beginning to exchange theories, Marinette's phone urgently chimes.
"Merde. I really have to go, Damian. I'll come back as soon as I can, promise!"
She's up in a flash and rushes out the door, but not before kissing him on the cheek. Damian tries to dash out the door and catch her but when he steps out it's only the weak Gotham sun that greets him.
*
Passed out underneath the batcomputer is where they found Tim, many hours later. It could technically be considered Jason's fault, it being his job to check the cave, but nothing is that straightforward with siblings.
Each one had retreated to their respective spaces, Cass and Duke were already long gone before then. Damian had barricaded himself in his room with Titus. As he stares up at his ceiling his mind is a jumbled mess. He scratched one of Titus's ears - why did the cafe appear again? He scratched the other ear - would he be able to go back? He stroked along the dog's neck and shoulders - would Marinette be there?
At this thought his hand stilled. What was she to him if he desperately wanted to see her again? At first, she was someone in the cafe that talked to him and was open. Then she was funny and smart and pretty. And she had kissed his cheek.
Assuming everyone in the cafe has a vital reason to be there, what is Marinette's reason?
Titus pushed his wet nose into Damian's elbow in complaint.
The only real thing to do was find the cafe again. He just hoped it wouldn't take another three years.
*
Marinette had returned to where she thought the cafe was. But looking up and down the street she could only see apartments and a small park on one corner. Of course an akuma would interrupt the one thing that had lifted her spirits.
Not for the last time, she lamented the fact that she had run off. But how was she to know that it would just disappear? Maybe she just had the wrong street.
Try as she might, over the next several patrol nights, Marinette could not find the cafe. She finally turned to interrogating Tikki, much good that it did her. The kwami talked mystically about the different types of magic and how there instances of kwami magic in the world.
So, not helpful.
*
For several days after the trip to the cafe Damian would get caught staring at his phone or, more frequently, at the batcomputer.
His first instinct is to search for Marinette. It would be so easy. How many Marinettes can there be in Paris? How many are his age and have dark hair and blue eyes? He has far better chances of finding than her finding him.
And this is where he would pause - does he want her to find him? Marinette is understanding and forgiving but would a friendship last when he would keep so many secrets? He's getting ahead of himself - he has to find her, and the cafe, first.
Damian has his fingers on the keys, above to type in her name and Paris, but then Dick walks in and asks what he's up to. Damian stomps out of the cave - he'll try again later.
*
In a huff, Marinette gets up from her computer. She didn't expect to find anything when all she has is his name and that he's American. But she had hoped that a little Ladybug luck would help. Tikki has the audacity to giggle at her and say it doesn't work that way.
Ladybug had brought up kwami magic with Chat Noir but when they met again he said Plagg told him to leave it alone. Plagg had proceeded to sulk in his cheese stash.
She had been stopped by Tikki when she went to ask the kwamis in the miracle box.
So, kwamis are sensitive to whatever bits of magic they've left in the world.
*
It's been 10 months and two days, not that they're counting, before Damian walks into the cafe again.
He had been in Metropolis with Jon when the super got both of them lost. And then they got separated. And then it started to rain heavily.
Now he stands just inside the door at the cafe, only slightly dripping water on the welcome mat. He had fled to the nearest covered area and found someone holding the door open for him.
Another person has gently bumped into him from behind, knocking him out of his stupor. He turns to frown at them and freezes.
Marinette stares at him with those heavenly blue eyes and breaks into a huge smile when she recognizes him.
"Damian!" She's hugging him like her life depends on it. When he doesn't reciprocate she pulls away. "I'm sorry! I'm just so happy to see you again!"
That much is apparent as she's bouncing on her feet and still smiling at him. This makes him smile back.
"Don't apologize. I'm pleased to see you as well." If she was sad the last time they met she looks utterly tired this time.
The surprise on her face is endearing when he pulls out a chair for her but she gratefully sits down. A barista brings their drinks, despite not ordering, and they tuck into the warm teas.
Now that they're here neither knows what to say. Marinette seems continent to stare at him dreamily and this proves to an apt conclusion.
"I was starting to think it was a dream - you, the cafe. I couldn't find anything at all."
*****
101 notes · View notes
judysupremus · 3 years
Text
Magical Girl, short one-shot
I'm working on an outline for Use Your Brain but my brain got stuck on this.
Still silly!
❤️
*
Marinette has spent several months in Gotham, doing her very best to stay safe and under anyone's radar. Luckily, the new environment and the onslaught of college in a foreign country has helped her stay out of trouble.
Until now.
She had transformed with Kaalki so she could stretch her legs and have the hope of a quick get away. Marinette had hopped into Paris for a small pick me up with the help of her maman and papas macarons. She was able to sneak in the back and grab a box without any issue.
She stood in the alley, the box to her nose, enjoying the wonderful smell of home. Alya and Nino walk past her and in a panic Marinette opens a portal, the only clear thought being 'Gotham' and 'safe place' and 'secret'.
*
The bats had finished patrol and debriefing and as they were removing their various capes, boots, and weapons a circle of green light appears in the middle of the cave.
Out of it pops a petite woman, bent over with one hand on her knee, the other holding a large pink box.
"That was way too close!" She's covered in a bright flash of light and her appearance changes. Where there was once a suspicious uniform is now a set of black boots, dark skinny jeans, a red tee, and a short black leather jacket. Her dark hair falls in a curtain around her face. Next to her floats a tiny creature that is giggling.
"What's so funny?"
-
Marinette looks up at Kaalki when she doesn't answer and is met with the realization that she has no idea where she is or if it was safe to drop the transformation. She's getting sloppy.
When she turns around she's looking at a group of very angry vigilantes. Her blue eyes grow as big as planets.
"Umm..hi?" She ventures with a small wave.
"Who the hell are you and how the fuck did you get in here?"
Marinette face flushes as she looks at everyone in the room. Batman. Mon deiu, it's Batman. So that meant the one approaching her is Robin. And the one pointing a gun at her knees is Red Hood. At least Nightwing, Red Robin, and Black Bat look relatively calm. Maybe not calm, just not murderous.
"I did not come here on purpose! I don't even know where exactly here is!" She starts in a panicked voice then turns to the floating creature. "This is not home! Why are we in the batcave?!"
"You didn't ask for home, Guardian. You asked for Gotham, safe, and, secret. I wanted to meet someone famous. The batcave is all four!"
"I don't mean to interrupt, but are you a magical girl?" Nightwing practically squeals.
"Uh.."
"What does that matter dickface?"
"It's so cool! I want to be a magical girl, too!"
"What's in the box?"
"Macarons?"
"Ooo! Will you share?"
"Stop it you imbeciles!"
"Where are your parents young lady?"
"Paris!"
"So you're not open to adoption?"
"What? No!"
"What about joining our team?"
"I'm not sure that's the best idea..."
"I will not stand for this!"
"But she's so cute! Small and magical, like a pixie!"
Robin makes a move to subdue her. She springs away and hands the pastry box to Nightwing, he seems the most trustworthy.
Robin is quick to follow her and what happens next is strange and hilarious.
Marinette flits and dances about, Robin chases her full of threats. She starts to laugh when people clap for her backflips and parkour. When Robin gets close enough she ducks underneath him and tries to flip his cape over his head.
But Robin is fast and after a short struggle he has pinned her to the ground. Marinette is giggling, face red, and eyes sparkling.
Red Hood wolf whistles and Robin removes himself quickly. Marinette stands up and Kaalki floats over, finishing a macaron.
"Ready when you are, Guardian."
Marinette transforms in a burst of light.
"Until next time!" She gives a wink and a two finger salute. Then she opens a portal to the roof next to her apartment building. And she's gone.
"Magical girls are so magical." Dick says on sigh, now holding a mostly empty pastry box.
Red Robin has already examined the logo and found Tom and Sabine's Bakery in Paris. Then their daughter enrolled in Gotham University on a scholarship. Then her ex boyfriend, Adrien Agreste, his father a convicted terrorist, and the disappearance of a superhero named Ladybug.
Marinette Dupain-Cheng, winner of the Wayne Foundation Scholarship, receives an invitation to have lunch with Bruce Wayne himself.
297 notes · View notes
judysupremus · 3 years
Text
This is a short drabble I wrote early on in Use Your Brain, though I consider it more of a stand alone.
Daminette.
Fluffy with thoughts on miraculous effecting personalities.
Identities have not been revealed.
*************
The bats had seen Ladybug and Chat Noir multiple times outside of akuma battles. There had been strategy meetings, spars, and small competitions to let off steam.
But they had not seen them quite like this.
Apparently, Mister Bug and Lady Noire were a regular occurrence. The bats knew that sometimes the two had to combine various miraculous but they had not seen the two swap their own.
Nightwing, naturally, had oohed and awed appreciatively. Red Robin was asking Mister Bug questions about how much the switch altered their powers. Red Hood was filming Robin and Lady Noire.
Lady Noire was teasing and flirting relentlessly with Robin. The flirting was nothing new. If the circumstances of them being around one another was not serious then they flirted like two young people do.
But Lady Noire was more lively and less embarrassed by being caught saying something suggestive. She'd wiggled her eyebrows, she stroked his hair, and she openly asked him to scratch her next to the cat ears on top of her head.
Lady Noire purred, cuddled, sassed, and laughed with great enthusiasm.
Mister Bug was more serious than what they were used to. He answered Red Robin's questions thoughtfully and thoroughly. He laughed good naturedly with everyone and did his best to keep Lady Noire from embarrassing herself.
This proved to be difficult, however. Lady Noire had deposited herself in Robin's lap and refused to budge. She sat sideways, one arm draped around his shoulders and the other stroking his cheek. If Mister Bug expected help from the poor guy himself, he was sorely mistaken.
Despite looking the perfect picture of a bird with thoroughly ruffled feathers and rosy cheeks, he wouldn't let anyone close to them. Robin kept his arms anchored around her waist and would only hold on tighter if someone called her attention away.
*
When the group met again, with Ladybug and Chat Noir, it felt a bit like whiplash.
Chat Noir was back to dramatics, jokes, and exchanging dares with Red Hood.
Ladybug was back to her considerate self. She radiated calm enthusiasm, thoughtful insight, and resumed talking tactics with Red Robin.
After sometime Batman breached the subject all the bats were dying to know more about.
"Does the miraculous really change a personality that much?"
Ladybug looked confused and tilted her head slightly to the side. Chat Noir chuffed and shook his head as he drapped himself over Ladybug's shoulders.
"Non. I can see how people would see it that way. You know us strictly as Ladybug and Chat Noir and while you know a great deal more than most, that view is limited. The miraculous can enhance certain personality traits.
Cats are playful and mischievous. Ladybugs are harder to know. But they are bright, unhurried, and dedicated."
"Every person is a different balance between these two specifically, as they are yin and yang. Civilian Ladybug and Chat Noir are the same. Without the miraculous it is a more subtle, recognizable balance.
The miraculous enhances the traits that are already fairly dominate in a person. It's what helps a guardian chose a holder. The black cat holder is already someone who is playful, optimistic, and is good at directing attention to themselves."
"And what about the Ladybug holder?"
"She is someone who is creative, a planner, and kind. When we swap miraculous the difference is strong because we are already deeply bonded to our own. But we are still ourselves."
"So, ok. Let's see if I got this. Ladybug is calm and collected, Lady Noire is playful and fun, and as a civilian she is a mix?"
"Correct. Chat Noir is playful and fun, Mister Bug is calm and collected, as a civilian he is playful and studious."
"Does that mean you weren't as genuine with all the things you said as Lady Noire?"
"Oh no! I meant every word, cherie." Ladybug wiggled her eyebrows at Robin.
*****
107 notes · View notes
judysupremus · 3 years
Text
Coffee Is Ready -2- Wip
***
"Tt. I can see how you might come to that solution. If I had not been here before I probably would have thought the same thing."
"You've been here before?" She sits up straighter. "Before we met?"
"Only once and I wasn't here for very long."
Marinette tilts her head, thinking, but is quickly distracted by the pot of lobelia on the table next to them.
They both intended to discuss more important things but her enthusiasm for the plants is too endearing to ignore.
Marinette is so animated and Damian watches her body language as much as he listens to her words. Her black hair is getting longer - soon it'll be too long for pigtails. As exhausted as she looks her appearance is still meticulous coordinated. Everything matches and compliments each other, from her earrings to her shoes.
As he studies her, she studies him as well. She has to wonder if he ever deviates from black or colors as deep as black. He still wears it well and while she can't see any labels the pieces are still high end.
It's only as they both feel the impulse to leave does Marinette try to circle back to something important. She fiddles with the strap of her purse before calling on her courage.
"I'd really like to have your number, Damian. I don't want to rely on the cafe to appear again." She starts to panic and goes pink in the face. It's a good few seconds before Damian replies.
"I think that is a wonderful idea."
They quickly type in their numbers.
Damian lets Marinette go through the door first and after it closes soundly he waits a moment before exiting the cafe.
Marinette is disappointed, but not surprised, that there are no new contacts in her phone. Magic is predictably unpredictable.
Damian is furious not see Marinette's number in his phone. He really hates magic.
Days turn to weeks and weeks turn to months without the appearance of the cafe. Damian has tried to search for Marinette without the use of the batcomputer. Tim has been obsessed with translating the cicada 3301 text and will only deviate for bat related investigations.
But at long last, four months later, Tim has been called away for Wayne Enterprises yearly budget meetings.
Damian begins his search and manages to find her social media accounts but they are all inactive. As of eight months ago she stopped updating. He tries to look up her school and her classmates but is abruptly cut off with error messages. At his loud curse he hears Alfred cough politely behind him.
The elder gentleman chooses not comment on Marinette's picture, large on the screen, but focuses on the errors and restrictions. They quickly find that most information on Paris is blocked or outdated.
Eventually the family is returning home one by one and they close the open tabs for dinner.
After this Damian approaches his father privately to bring up the issue and they return to it once everyone is in the cave.
Tim immediate ensconses himself at the computer and starts typing furiously only to get slightly more information than Damian did.
Bruce reaches out to Dianna and she cuts him off to say the situation is being handled but that they stay away from Paris.
No one takes this well.
*
At five months Marinette finds the cafe again but is disheartened that Damian never shows. She takes the time to observe the cafe and even goes so far to sketch some of the people. As she works she can't find any discerning pattern to the people or who they sit with.
Some move from one table to another but the movement seems natural, like the calm flow of a river. She can see the individuals who are not human but her mind does not fixate on that fact. Instead, it feels necessary that they are here - they help balance the cafe.
If the stories her grand-pére told her are true, then a lamia is seated at a table across the room. She's absolutely stunning but Marinette can see her duck-like feet. Her hair flows down in a glossy curtain and she stokes it gently with her golden comb.
Marinette cannot deny the need to sketch and draw inspiration from the environment. This is exactly what she needed. The serene ambiance allows her mind to think without overheating. It gives her permission to feel the hope of being close to finding Hawkmoth - and the permission to grieve what will be the dismantling of her miraculous team.
She is over joyed the next day to find her sketches are mostly intact - only a few are missing.
**
Ladybug was running for her life, or more accurately her secret identity. Battles have been running longer and the akumas have been more aggressive. She dodges into a dead end alley and and leans against the wall.
Taking big gulps of air as her transformation drops, Marinette is thankful for a purse full of cookies - poor Tikki is exhausted.
The wall drops away from her and she starts falling backwards. Letting out an indecent squeal she mentally prepared herself to fall flat on her butt.
Strong arms stop her descent and hold her up beneath her arms. Marinette tilts her head back to see who her savior is and finds a satisfied smirk on Damian's face.
He had been about to leave the cafe and when he pulled the door open Marinette fell into his arms.
She goes deeply red in the face and starts stuttering her thanks.
The last two years have been very kind to Damian, now 18. Gone is the awkwardness of adolescence and the insecurity of childhood. No, now he's even more confident, charming, and gorgeous. Marinette says goodbye to her heart in an instant.
For the first time, they order their drinks from the barista and then find a table. They always seem to gravitate to the same table. Not the same actual table - they sit at any table - but they move in the same direction at the same time.
Damian's presence feels like a balm to her weary soul. To do something so ordinary with someone like him is such a delight.
They've exchanged the traditional, but enjoyable, pleasantries - how is brothers and pets are, how her designing is going, and her friends. She's not as fortch coming with news about her friends.
He doesn't need to use any detective skills to see how tired she is. It's the exhaustion that looks bone deep and she's trying so hard to keep it from showing. Marinette is stunning regardless. Damian watches as she tucks a stray lock of hair behind her ear and when she blushes he realizes he's been staring.
After a moment she averts her eyes and turns to her coffee - some atrocious concoction of sugar and espresso - but he doesn't look away. Damian would like to pursue a relationship with her, but there are more important things right now.
"Marinette, what's going on in Paris?"
Her shoulders visibly tense before she starts straightens. "Well, Hawkmoth has become more agressive but that's not really new. Oh! The Notre Dame reconstruction designs have finally been approved!"
Damian doesn't know which to adress first, none of those make sense. "The Notre Dame reconstruction?" So, not the most articulate question.
"Yes! It's nice to know it'll be returned to it's original design and not some of the contemporary redesigns."
"It needs to be reconstructed?" He is struggling for clarification but his question makes her shrink on herself.
"Yes" she says very sadly. "This is something Ladybug can't fix and I know a lot of people are disappointed in her. But they'll be able to start soon."
Looking at her now, Damian is torn between dropping the subject to cheer her up or pursuing his only real form of investigation. His hard learned skill of pushing away his feelings wins out in the end.
"Who is Ladybug?"
*
"Who is Ladybug?" Tim asks Damian - looking over his shoulder at the batcomputer.
*
"Who is Ladybug?" Batman questions Wonder Woman.
*
Sometimes she really has the best luck - the most wonderful luck in the world.
Marinette gently runs her fingertips over the handle of the cafe. It has been so long, so many years, since she was last here. Before she would have barreled straight inside.
There is no telling what or who she will find inside. But she'd learned all about hesitation and she gripped the handle tightly before pushing it open.
Everything still looks like she remembers. The plants, the lights, the chairs, and she's so happy to be here.
Her eyes well with tears. Sitting in her favorite loveseat, Marinette leans back and closes her eyes only to nearly fall out of it immediately.
"Hello, sweetheart." Damian leans over her to kiss her cheek. As is his way, he scoops her up and settles her sideways on his lap. She still hasn't said a word so he simples gets comfortable.
"Damian?" Her voice is shaky and she can't seem to say more.
"It's alright, love." He has swept her bangs out of her eyes, grey with age, and tucks the ends in behind her ear.
"So, it's over now." He nods to her empty earlobes. "I'm so proud of you - training a new Guardian all on your own."
At this she starts silently crying. "Dames, honey... I miss you so much. It's been so long." Marinette hides her face in his neck.
"But you're not alone, right?" He sounds so severe it makes her laugh, just a bit.
"Of course not. The kids know better." After a sniffle and watery smile she continues. "No, I'm not alone. But it's not the same. I'm 127."
Damian doesn't know what to say. They both knew she'd live longer and had planned the best they could. But sixty years is a long time. As she strokes his arm he chooses not to dwell on his guilt at having to leave her - of dying.
"It's not the same." He concedes.
"I'm so happy to see you. I love you so much."
"I love you too."
****
I'd really appreciate some feedback on this one. I won't post this to ao3 until I've fully edited it.
Love you guys ❤️ and thanks for reading!
88 notes · View notes
judysupremus · 3 years
Text
There is a weird buzzing in Marinette's ear. In an attempt to quiet it she shakes her head, only to stop when she feels a sharp pain at her temple. After a moment everything is still and blissfully silent.
She thinks maybe she'll fall back asleep. That's what she was doing right? Laying facedown and exhausted is not outside the realm of normal.
The buzzing is back and much louder until it suddenly becomes a voice.
"Get up. Right. Now."
The voice is harsh and but familiar. Marinette can recognize the urgency in it and decides to heed it. In a colossal show of effort she gets her arms underneath her and raises to a forearm. She keeps her forehead pressed to the ground even as she brings herself to her knees. The world is spinning and every part of her body hurts.
"Move faster." The voice is next to her ear now.
" 'm trying, Dick."
"Tt. Do not insult the person trying to save your life." With that a hand wraps around her bicep like a vice but helps her stand up very slowly.
Marinette shields her eyes with one hand and grips the man's jacket with the other. Everything feels very wrong. She slumps against a wall, suddenly dizzy - she's going to be sick.
"You will not empty your stomach on my shoes!" The voice hisses. She is trying very hard not to, she really is, but the world feels wrong. The hand still hasn't left her arm and Marinette is so grateful for the support. As much as it hurts it is also a comfort, until he gives her arm a harsh shake. She must've stopped walking.
"If you don't keep moving I will leave you here to die."
They must be in serious trouble if he resorts to being such an asshole. He is never this hard on her.
So, she does everything she can to keep moving. She doesn't know where they are but he must. They're stealthily making their way up the building. There are unlit hallways and dark staircases. When they have to hunker down and wait Marinette loses consciousness a few times. Somewhere, in the functioning part of her brain, she realizes she must have a concussion.
"We're almost out."
She hums in answer. The world is dark and the air is stale around them. She can only just make out his figure in front of her.
At long last they exit a door to the outside. It's night time but by the light of the full moon Marinette can see that they are I'm the middle of a forest. No, maybe a jungle - the air is thick with humidity.
Behind them the door looks like it leads to a tiny shack, not unlike a maintenance closet. It's almost hidden amongst the trees and vegetation around them.
"This is not the place to rest. Go back to your accomodations and do not speak to me ever again." His voice is sharp and commanding, almost condescending, and it feels like slap in the face. Dick is never like this, never.
Marinette finally faces him, intending to give Richard Grayson a piece of her mind. She takes a step back in shock. He is not Dick. Their cadences are similar and he's just as stealthy as him, maybe more, but they look at her very differently.
After a disappointed click of his tongue he stalks away and quickly disappears in the night. She has only seen his pictures before, Damian Wayne, and it's a face that's hard to forget.
She understands now why some would rather leave him to the terrors of the island - of the tournament. But she also hears Dick talk about how much he loves his brother. And Damian did save her.
So she'll do what she came to do. Marinette will return Damian to his home and his family. And she will learn more about the Lazarus League.
39 notes · View notes
judysupremus · 3 years
Text
C'mon Man, Roller Derby Is Not A Crime. Chapter 10
*Thank you for reading ❤️*
-
The dinner table is tense the next night. The agreement seems to be that they will talk about things after the meal. Trying to make conversation when everyone has one thing on their minds is hard.
Dick is the one who manages to distract them, though, at Damian and Marinette's expense.
"So, Sunshine, is Damian a good kisser?"
"Tt. Why would you want to know that?"
"It's part of my responsibilities as your older brother. I don't want you disappointing our girl!"
Marinette's face is on fire. "You have nothing to worry about Dick!"
"That means I have a whole lot to worry about!" Jason exclaims and it looks like he's just realized what that might entail. He whips his around to look at Bruce. "Have you given him the talk, B?"
Several people cough or try to keep from spitting their food out.
"How do you manage to be so idiotic and uncouth!" Damian can feel the heat in his cheeks but knows it's not easy to see. Small mercies.
"This is not a discussion to have at the table or in front of a guest, Jason." Bruce says and he looks so uncomfortable but mostly in regards to the subject, not the company. Marinette doesn't see how that could be, though. He raised, more or less, four boys.
-
Eventually, dinner does end and Damian takes Marinette's hand to guide her down to the batcave. Tim sits at the large console and begins opening files that may be relevant. Just looking at the computer makes her glad that magic is on her side.
She and Wayzz has talked well into the early morning. After their conversation Marinette needed to talk to Tikki and Plagg. Tikki was her best friend for so many years and she still is - but they can't talk everyday.
Marinette starts and she'll be sharing information they all agreed on.
"I will tell you what I know about the miraculous first as I imagine that will answer most of your questions." Marinette says and when she starts the next part she knows she's using her Guardian voice.
"The miraculous were made from concepts or ideas that exist in the universe when they become tethered to the material world. When the concept was made a small god, a kwami, appeared. In their gratitude to being made corporeal they grant a human their powers through the miraculous." She holds up her hand to stop Tim. "I will show you later.
"What I found out later was that the ladybug and black cat miraculous are the most powerful. The ladybug is creation and good fortune while the black cat is destruction and misfortune. They are yin and yang and represent the ultimate balance of the universe.
"Therefore they can only be wielded in tandem or else chaos ensues. The reason Hawkmoth sought them was because they can be used to make a wish. Any wish. But it comes at a price."
Marinette pauses here and is startled to hear someone speak. "What is the cost of making a wish?" Bruce asks.
She takes a deep breath and starts again. "I can't say exactly. The miraculous will always strive to maintain balance. If someone wishes to cure a loved one of an illness a epidemic may be created. If a wish is made to bring someone back from the dead it could restore their body but corrupt the mind."
Marinette shrugs and misses the shiver that goes around the room. They're all reminded of the Lazarus Pit. "I have been informed, from a dubious source (Plagg), that Atlantis sank because the king wished to keep his people safe from war and drought."
"These are all examples of wishes that seem good and beneficial and by proxy there must be destruction to keep the scales even. What would happen if the wish was nefarious?" Tim asks, ever the puzzler.
"I don't know." She answers honestly. The room is silent except for the echoes of Tim's typing. Marinette is grateful Damian is still holding her hand, his thumb gently stroking her knuckles.
"Why would someone expose those two miraculous if they're so powerful? Why not have other miraculous take care of Hawkmoth? Jason asks.
"Ladybug is the only one with the power to purify an akuma. A ladybug holder must be present to heal the damage." She answers as this was the one thing that never made complete sense. Why have a lesser miraculous that can only be aided or defeated by the ladybug?
"So, what happened to the heroes and Hawkmoth?" Bruise prompts. This part will be harder to explain as she'll be trying to keep her role as Ladybug and the Guardian a secret. Marinette would rather tell them everything.
"I was allowed to keep the mouse miraculous as my identity was only known to Ladybug and Chat Noir. I wasn't called to an akuma battle very often and when I was I didn't usually fight." She really did hate lying like this.
"Ladybug came to see me one day... She said she had strong evidence and that they were going to confront Hawkmoth.They wanted to do it before another akuma appeared."
The cave is quiet now. Master Fu had always stressed that keeping her identity secret was the most important thing. Chloe knows because she was instrumental in retrieving the peacock and the grimoire. And now she keeps an eye on Gabriel and Adrien.
Still, Marinette would prefer to tell them everything.
She takes a deep breath. "And then they were gone. I've always assumed that at least Hawkmoth didn't get the miraculous. I think we'd notice."
Marinette looks around the room. Everyone appears deep in thought and the only one really looking at her is Jason. He's glaring at her.
"What?"
"I can't believe you thought it would be ok to go out in a costume while we were chasing an escapee from Arkham."
She glares back at him. "I admitted it was a mistake and getting mad now won't change anything."
"I have one more question." Bruce cuts in. "If Ladybug won why do you still have the mouse miraculous?"
That's the million dollar question isn't it.
"I don't really know." A lie. "It's part of the reason I took a gap year." Kind of. "I waited to see if someone would come back but eventually I had to move on." True. "Ladybug will be able to find me."
Dick sighs heavily. "I suppose there wasn't much else for you to do."
Tim stops typing and turns to look at her. "So, to summarize, there are two powerful objects somewhere in the world, presumably still in the hands of the heroes, we don't know Hawkmoth's identity or if he was actually defeated, we don't know Ladybug or Chat Noir's identity, and don't know where they are."
Marinette wrinkles are nose in thought. "That about sums it up."
Everyone was hoping that she would have more tangible information. A lead or a feeling or something. And while they know more now the information just makes it more apparent something must be done.
"So, what kind of powers do you have?" Dick breaks the silence and she's relieved that they can move into less dangerous territory.
Marinette grins and let's go of Damian's hand. As she opens her denim jacket she says "I would like to introduce you all to Mullo. Mullo is the kwami of multiplication!" A small floating mouse emerges from a hidden pocket.
"Hello everyone! I'm glad the Guar- I mean Marinette has such wonderful news friends!" The kwami floats around them and is not at all surprised by their shocked faces.
"Mullo, are you ready?"
"Yes, Marinette!"
"Mullo! Get Squeaky!" Their shock compounds as she is covered in a bright flash of light. When it fades they see Multimouse just how Damian described her.
"I didn't think you get get any cuter?" Dick says into the stunned silence.
"What are your capabilities?" Tim wonders.
"In general I have enhanced strength, speed, and agility. I'm invulnerable to most things though I'd rather not test that!" She laughs and it feels so good to be transformed without being in danger. Marinette would still prefer to be Ladybug, though.
"The other heroes had special powers, like Ladybug's lucky charm? What is yours?" Jason asks.
"I can multiply myself, so I can create small clones of myself. Now that I'm over 18 I can keep my transformation for longer after using it."
"Do you have a weapon at all?" Damian finally brings himself to ask.
"My jump rope?"
"Your...jump rope?" It's clear Jason is already considering teaching how to use a gun.
"Yes, I use it like a whip. Though I've not had a whole lot of practice with it." She says thoughtfully. Marinette has only been Multimouse a handful of times and most of those have been combined with other miraculous. She depends on Multitude more than the jump rope and that's probably not good.
"I think that's it! What now?" She asks.
"Now we get you a real weapon." Jason says.
"Now we teach how to actually fight." Damian argues.
"Now we comb through people living in Paris during those years. Assuming Hawkmoth was someone with time and resources." Tim argues.
"Now we go on patrol." Bruce says, cutting off all chatter.
"I'd like to go with you. I mean just to get home. It's not wise for me to be out for very long but...I miss it. Please?" Marinette is using all the tricks she knows and no one is surprise when Bruce relents. She said please.
Nightwing, Robin, and Black Bat go on patrol tonight while Tim and Bruce work on compiling the information Marinette had given them. Jason has already disappeared
Before long they're racing across the rooftops. Multimouse loves how expressive Nightwing is with his movements. The sheer amount of momentum he gains impresses her and she knows who she wants to learn from first.
Multimouse hardly sees Black Bat as she's so quiet and fast. This is really no surprise knowing it's Cass.
In contrast, Robin almost seems explosive. Every movement is precise but it's like he's using the maximum amount of.... brutality. His movements are expressive and they're communicating retrained fury.
Black Bat and Nightwing are kind enough to give Robin and Multimouse some privacy. She unlocks her balcony door, Robin is always relieved to see the sturdy locks she's has, and she guides him inside passed the curtains.
They are greeted by the sight of Red Hood lounging on her couch. Marinette pouts and her transformation drops with a huff.
"Get your boots off my couch!"
"Tt. So this is where you snuck of to."
"I'm just checking in." He says jovially as he stands up and walks over to them.
Marinette starts pushing him out the door. "Well now you can check out."
"Fine. I'll leave but make sure you turn off your comm before making out." He shuts the balcony door behind him and they can hear him leave.
They're both awkwardly quiet for possibly the first time since they met.
Robin clears his throat it sounds obscenely loud. "Have you packed for New York yet?" Why is this so hard?
"Mostly. I'm just trying to decide which derby outfit to wear." Why is this so awkward? "Which one do you think?"
Thank goodness she can't see him stare and blink rapidly at her. His brain freezes on the sheer sparkling tights with fishnets over them. Or the mandatory yellow and black Sirens shirt that's a sleeveless crop top and she pairs with red shorts.
"I like all of them." Suddenly, Red Hood sniggers in his ear and Nightwing comments "Not what she meant baby bird."
He forgot all about the comm and quickly removes it. At least Marinette doesn't look uncomfortable.
----
62 notes · View notes