Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Marinette was excited to be in Gotham. It was something new and different from what she was used to. She had just graduated college just over a month ago and she decided then that she needed a big change. Life in Paris was getting stale.

When she was about 18 her and her partner Chat Noir defeated Hawkmoth and that was the day she realized Chat Noir was Adrien Agreste, her long time crush. Marinette ended up having to comfort and console Adrien because as it turns out, Hawkmoth was his father. One thing led to another in those dark times and they both ended up dating.

The relationship only lasted about a year though. Though they were best friends and could tell each other everything, the spark they had faded. No one was to blame and they both knew that. People just grow apart sometimes.

After her relationship with Adrien ended, she dedicated all her efforts into her study. Though she was and still is the guardian of the Miraculous, she knew there was more to life than just that. She had a passion for fashion and design and she got accepted into one of the best universities in Paris to get her degree.

Shortly after graduating at the top of her class, she saw that there was a position open for Wayne Enterprises graphic design team. Though the fashion industry was her main passion, this was an opportunity she couldn’t turn away from. It was also a plus that this opportunity would take her out of Paris. The Miraculous spent enough time in that city.

Marinette knew that the biggest reason she got the position at Wayne Enterprises was because of who she put on her resume. Though she was fresh out of college, she wasn’t completely inexperienced. She designed multiple album covers of both Jagged Stone and Clara Nightingale. Apparently one of the CEO’s of the company, Timothy Drake, was a huge fan of Jagged and Jagged ended up vouching for her to the man.

Marinette’s parents were thrilled at the news but the young woman could tell they were sad she was leaving the country. Her parents have always been supportive though, and they wouldn’t dare try to keep her in the city when a once in a life time opportunity came to her like this.

Under normal circumstances, moving to such a strange and dangerous city all alone would be scary but Marinette wasn’t afraid. Marinette also wasn’t alone, despite what most people would think. She always has Tikki with her and all of the other kwami’s if she ever needs the company.

When she touched down in Gotham, Marinette smiled at the city. There in the distance was the Wayne Enterprises tower with its giant “W” shining bright above everything else. Before she came she had found an apartment online to rent and that was her first stop.

Apartments in Gotham were hard to come by and that was the reason why she decided to put down a deposit on the place without even seeing it. The apartment wasn’t on the lower end of Gotham but it certainly wasn’t on the higher end. She kept her expectations low though because she knew even the middle of the road in Gotham still wasn’t the best.

She flagged down a taxi and put both of her very large suitcases in the back before climbing in. She gave the address to the driver and they began to drive off in a hurry. Building after building flashed by the window and Marinette stared in wonder at how different this city was to Paris.

Everyone seemed to only wear dark and unassuming colors and as the citizens walked the streets, they kept their eyes forward like looking around was a crime. Every building she passed looked similar to the next, with their rusty steel fire escapes and red brown brick. The city felt very industrial to her.

The taxi ride lasted about 20 minutes and the driver came to a stop in front of a long row of old townhouse apartments that looked as though they were built in the early 1940s. Marinette liked the look of them. Though they were old, they had some charm to them.

She paid the cab fare and quickly got her luggage out of the car and the moment the trunk was closed, the taxi sped off. She turned back to the townhouse apartments and found apartment number 14a. She was happy to have gotten the top floor of the apartment and not the basement level. Those looked to only have one window that was by the front door down a set of steps.

Marinette pulled out her phone and called the number to her landlord because she was told to call when she arrived. After two rings, a rough sounding man answered.

“Yeah, what do you want?” He said.

“Uh, I’m Marinette Dupain-Cheng, the person renting apartment 14a. I’m outside.”

“Oh.” The man said before hanging up.

Marinette blinked down at her phone in confusion and she wondered if everyone in the city acted that way. She looks back up at the apartment and decides to climb the steps with her luggage to peek inside. She only gets to see a set of stairs before she hears someone approaching her from behind.

She turns around and sees a short, elderly man wearing a robe and slippers. He hobbles his way to the base of the steps and looks up at her.

“I’m Bill. You pay me on the first of every month, you got that?”

“Yes sir.” Marinette smiles. “It’s nice to meet you, Bill. You live close?”

Bill stares at her with a curious expression for a long moment. “Yeah. I live in apartment 4a.” He pulls out a key from his robe pocket. “Here. You only get the one so don’t lose it… or get robbed.” He holds it out.

Marinette walks down the steps and takes the key from his hand. “Thank you, sir.”

“Hey, do me a favor.” Bill looks up at her with a serious expression. “Don’t be so nice. People will take advantage of you.” He says before walking off.

Marinette stared after the old man until he finally turned into an apartment which she assumed was the one he lived in. She blinked a few times before turning back around to make her way to the door. She unlocked it without trouble and pushed the stiff door open.

After pulling her luggage inside and shutting the door, locking it behind her, she took the time to look around. The first thing she noticed was the smell. Whoever lived here before was an avid smoker. She would have to tear down the yellowed curtains over the windows and bleach them before hanging them back up.

She walked to the left of the stairs at the entrance and found a small living room. There were old floral couches which she would also have to clean and the wooden coffee table looked sturdy enough, the only flaw being rings from someone not using a coaster.

The TV stand seemed to match the wood color of the coffee table and an old boxy TV sat on top of it. Marinette wondered if that thing even worked, it looked so ancient. She found a hole in the wall by the archway where you walk back over to the stairs but otherwise the walls were just covered in an old looking checkered wallpaper.

Marinette walked over to the right side of the stairs and found the kitchen/dining area. The cabinets were a light wood color and the stove was an old gas burning one that looked like it was from the 70s. The fridge on the other hand looked like it was from the early 90s and the dining table was at the back of the room which was a small round thing that only had two mix match chairs pushed up to it. She found a door on the left wall and opened it to see that it was a small laundry room that was under the stairs.

She made her way upstairs and found herself on a small landing that had two doors, one to the left and one to the right. She opened the right first and found a full sized bathroom. There was an old claw foot tub that had a clear shower curtain that wrapped all the way around it. She quickly turned on the shower and was pleased when the hot water worked and the water pressure wasn’t too bad. The toilet and the sink were simple old porcelain ones that were about as common as they come. Just to the right of the sink was a small towel closet that was completely empty. Satisfied with this room, she made her way to the door across from the bathroom.

Marinette wasn’t surprised when she saw that this was the bedroom. In the center of the room, backed up against the farthest wall was a simple wrought iron bed frame with no pillows and no sheets, only a mattress. Across from that was an old dresser that was missing a few nobs but would otherwise work. The small closet was just next to the dresser and a mirror hung on the back of the door.

The bedroom smelled the most like smoke and Marinette wondered if she would ever get that smell out of the old mattress. She didn’t have that much money with her and she needed it to buy all of her necessities like food, cookware, towels and toiletries. In the end though, she was happy with the place. It could be much worse.

Marinette looked over to Tikki who had been following her and smiled. “We’ve got work to do, Tikki.”

“Yes we do.” The kwami nods.

Marinette spent some time unpacking all of her things before hitting the town for all of the stuff she needs. She finds out that there is a grocery store about two blocks out and she goes there first. She ends up buying all of her food and even the toiletries there. Walking home with all of those bags was a struggle but she eventually made it. She quickly put all of her cold food away and decided she would do the rest later.

There was a home goods store about six blocks south and that was her last destination for the day. Knowing she wouldn’t be able to carry all she needed home, she scheduled an Uber but decided to walk the six blocks there. This place ended up being her most expensive stop. She got pillows and bed sheets and a comforter. She also got pots and pans and utensils. She even bought a few nice smelling candles to try and make the place smell good.

The Uber driver was a little impatient while she was loading her things and she was even more impatient when she was unloading it. Marinette quickly began to realize that people in this city usually always had an attitude. It was quite different from what she was used to but she could manage this.

It was close to midnight by the time Marinette got done and instead of the apartment smelling like smoke, it smelled like bleach, cinnamon apple candles and smoke. She figured it was better than it was before and decided that it was time for bed. After all, she did have her first day of work in the morning.

Just as she was going to bed she got a call from her parents. She answered in a cheerful voice and ended up spending half an hour just relaying what she did today. She could tell her parents were worried but they were still happy for her and that made her smile.

Marinette decided last minute before she went to bed that she would call Alya, one of her best friends. She knew she would call anyways so it was better that Marinette called first. Alya was squealing with excitement as she asked all kinds of questions from what Gotham is like to if she saw the vigilantes of the city.

The attitude Marinette got from her parents and Alya reminded her that the people in this city were very different from those at home. She didn’t dwell on this though because Marinette knew how to look at the bright side of things. She was in a new place and that meant she would stumble into new things. That was her plan after all and there was a reason she wanted to leave Paris.
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Wayne Tower was in the center of the city in the middle of the business district and so Marinette decided that the city bus was her best form of transportation because walking would take far too long. She got dressed with a pep in her step that morning and ate a light breakfast before walking a few blocks over to the nearest bus stop.

Marinette checked the time and saw that she had about five minutes before the bus was scheduled to arrive so she took a seat on the bench. She looked around and found that there was one other person waiting with her but he was leaning against the bus stop sign instead of sitting even though the bench had plenty of space.

A few minutes passed and Marinette saw from down the street a vehicle approaching. She was excited for a moment before she realized that it was just an old minivan. As the minivan passed by, it rolled over a puddle in the road, causing dirty water to splash all over Marinette.

She gasped in shock as she stood up, immediately trying to shake the water off. She heard the man by the sign chuckle like he expected this but Marinette was too shocked at the state of her outfit to be upset about him. Her white blouse was stained brown from the dirty water and her dress pants were soaked.

Only seconds had passed and just as the minivan was a few yards away, a motorcycle came to a stop just before it hit the puddle as well. Marinette sighed in relief at the small win and looked up at the man driving the motorcycle. He was a muscular man wearing jeans and a red leather jacket. His hair was black but he had a strange white streak in it that Marinette felt oddly suited him. He had dark sunglasses on but he took them off to look over at Marinette.

Marinette wanted to gasp at how beautiful his striking grey/blue eyes were. They had no place on a face so angular and strong. They seemed far too soft for his hard exterior.

“You look like you’re having a bad day.” He smirked. “You know, that bench is known as the splash zone around these parts.”

“Uhh.” Marinette was lost in his smile for a moment. “No, I didn’t know that. I just moved here.” She looked down at herself and frowned. “And I don’t have enough time to go home and change to make it back before the bus comes. I can’t show up on my first day of work like this…”

“That is quite unfortunate.” He said as he leaned forward on his bike, seemingly getting comfortable in the conversation. “Where do you work anyways?”

“I’m starting my first day at Wayne Enterprises although maybe I shouldn’t show up today…” She looked up at him before looking back down to herself and pulling at her blouse, which seemed to want to cling to her skin now that it was wet.

“What if I take you home so you can get cleaned up and then I’ll drive you to WE? I promise that I’m much faster than the bus anyway.” He smiled at her.

“Oh, uhh.” Marinette fidgeted under his smile. “But I don’t know you.”

“I can fix that.” He extended his arm. “I’m Jason.”

Marinette couldn’t help but to smile as she shook his hand. “Hi, Jason. I’m Marinette.”

“Well, Marinette.” He sat up on his bike and patted behind him. “Let me drive you home.”

Marinette glanced at the bike and then down the road where the bus was finally approaching and she took a deep breath. Every logical bone in her body told her to not get onto a strangers bike but something else was screaming at her to do it. In the end, logic lost.

“Okay.” Marinette said suddenly as she stepped up to the man. In one fluid motion, she flung her leg over the bike to sit behind him.

“Where are we going, Marinette?” Jason smiled over his shoulder at her.

Marinette gave him her address with her own smile.

“Okay. Hold on tight.” He winked before kick starting the bike.

Marinette reflexively held on around his waist and her heart began to pound in her chest as they took off down the road. She wasn’t sure if her heart was pounding because of the speed or because of how close she was to this strange man. Either way, it was thrilling to her.

And then suddenly they came to a stop. Marinette looked over to see that she was in front of her apartment and she slowly got off the bike to stand.

“Thank you, Jason.” She said. “I’ll only be a few minutes. You can come in if you’d like if you don’t want to stay out here.” She offered. “I know it’s a little cold out.”

“We haven’t even gone on our first date yet and you are already inviting me inside?” Jason raised an eyebrow at her. “That’s a little scandalous, don’t you think?”

“Uhh…” Marinette blushed at the comment. The idea of going on a date with this man made her mind go in a million different directions.

“I’m just kidding.” Jason laughs. “Sure, I’d love to come inside.” He began to get off his bike.

“Okay…” Marinette turned around and made her way up the steps, suddenly very aware of him behind her. “I just moved in yesterday so don’t mind the lack of well… everything.” She said as she unlocked the door and pushed it open. As soon as she stepped inside she turned around and stepped aside to let him in after her and then shut the door.

Jason glances around the place before looking back at her. “This place doesn’t really match your vibe.”

“What do you mean?” Marinette asked.

“Look at you…” He grinned over at her. “You’re this small woman from I’m assuming France, if the accent is anything to go by. This place is old and basic where you seem a little more young and fun.”

“Fun?” Marinette looked questioningly at him.

“Well you have to have some bit of adventure in you if you are willing to hop on a bike with strange men.”

“So you’re telling me you’re strange, Jason?” She laughed.

“To some people I am.” He casually leaned his back against the door behind him. “But you better hurry up and change if you want to make it to work in time.”

“Oh, right!” Marinette suddenly looked down at herself. “I’ll be right back. Just… make yourself at home.” She said before running up the stairs.

As soon as she was in her room, she tore off her dirty clothes and dug around in her closet for the outfit she was going to wear tomorrow and quickly slipped it on. She silently cursed at herself when she looked in the mirror and realized it was a dress. She made the quick decision to slide on a pair of shorts underneath it and quickly fixed her hair. She then grabbed her purse and looked inside to see Tikki giving her an odd smile.

“Don’t give me that look.” She whispered before heading off downstairs.

Marinette made it to the base of the stairs and looked to her left to see that the kitchen was empty so she looked to the right and saw Jason casually sitting on her couch looking at his phone. She stared at him for a moment just admiring his striking features before stepping into the room. As she did this he immediately looked up at her with a smirk.

“Wearing a dress on the bike? Maybe you’re more fun than I thought.”

“It’s all I’ve got.” Marinette defended. “And besides, I have shorts on underneath.” She looked down at her feet, embarrassed.

Jason stood up and walked up to Marinette to stop a few inches away from her. He took his thumb and pointer finger and gently took her chin to tilt her face up to look him in the eyes. Marinette was surprised by this but didn’t pull away. She was too entranced with his smile and his closeness.

“A lady with class.” He winked. “I like it.”

Marinette’s heart skipped a beat and she was at a loss for words. “Uhh…”

And then he stepped away and walked to the door, putting his hand on the handle. “You ready to go, Pixie-Pop?”

“Uhh…” Marinette said again as she registered the nickname. It was something strangely cute for him to come up with. “Sure.”

Jason opened up the door and stepped out, leaving the door wide for her. “I would lock up behind us if you don’t want to get robbed.”

Marinette shuffled out behind him and locked the door like he said. By the time she turned around, Jason was already on the bike, starting it up. She almost tripped going down the steps but she managed to not make a fool of herself by the time she made it to the bike and got on.

She held onto his waist again as he began to drive off at blinding speeds. Marinette spent the whole ride trying to calm her out of control heart beat but it just didn’t seem to be working. Her heart was adamant on trying to leap out of her chest.

Marinette suddenly wanted to laugh in the middle of this ride. She had thought her life in Paris was boring and stale and now she was in Gotham riding on the back of a man’s motorcycle whom she has just met. Her parents and her friends back home would think she has gone crazy if they knew. But she didn’t think she was crazy. Maybe she was making rash decisions but she wasn’t crazy. Rational thoughts were still in her head.

When Jason came to a stop in front of the Wayne Tower, she couldn’t wipe the smile from her face as she got off. “Thanks, Jason.” She pulled out her phone and looked at the time, happy to see she was five minutes early. “You’re a life saver.”

“Glad you think so.” He said as he shut the bike off and got off.

“What are you doing?” Marinette asked.

“Walking the lady inside, duh.” He smiled. “Let’s go.” He jerked his head over to the large building.

“Okay…” Marinette nods as she begins to follow Jason inside. “But you don’t have to do this, you know.”

“I know.” He says. “But I have to talk to some people inside anyways.”

“You know more people who work at WE?” She asks.

“Sure I do.” Jason grins down at her as they walk through the buildings doors. “Everybody in Gotham at least knows one person who works here. I happen to know two… well three including you.” He suddenly stops and takes her shoulder to stop her too. “Hold on.”

Marinette looks up at him in confusion as he reaches up to pet her head and her heart beats wildly at this strange and sudden action. “What… are you doing?” She whispers as blush forms on her cheeks.

“Your hair.” He smiles as he lets his hands fall at his side. “It was a little windswept from the ride.”

“Oh.” Marinette reached up to feel her hair. “Thanks.”

“Jason?” Someone said from a few yards to the left of them.

They both look over to who it was and Marinette immediately recognizes him as one of the co-CEO’s, Timothy Drake. He and Bruce Wayne’s picture are on the front page of Wayne Enterprises website where she first applied for this job. He had pitch black hair and sky blue eyes. Though he was wearing a suit, Marinette could tell he was well built. She suddenly felt very nervous to be standing in front of him, seeing as he was her boss. Not the one she would specifically be taking orders from but still her boss nonetheless.

“Hey, Timmy.” Jason casually smiled over at him.

“What are you doing here?” Timothy asked as he stepped up to the two.

“I was just dropping off your new employee.” Jason pointed his thumb in Marinette’s direction.

Timothy looked over at her and recognition flashed in his eyes. “Our new graphic design hire. Marinette Dupain-Cheng, right? The one who knows Jagged Stone?”

“Yes sir.” Marinette nods with a grin.

“Timothy Drake.” He holds his hand out to shake and Marinette immediately obliges. “But you can call me Tim. No need for that sir stuff. It makes me feel old and I’m only 20.”

“You are two years younger than me? Crazy.” Marinette shakes her head. “You must be super smart.”

“Don’t tell him that.” Jason laughs. “You’ll give him a bigger head than he already has.”

Marinette tries to stifle her giggle but is unsuccessful.

“Jay, I will kick you out if I have to.” Tim frowns at him.

“It’s your fault I left the house anyways. Your girlfriend was getting on my nerves.”

“Are you two related or something?” Marinette suddenly asked, curious.

“Not biologically.” Jason answered. “Bruce adopted us.”

Marinette knew this already about Tim but it was hard to picture Jason as the kind of person who was taken in and raised by a billionaire. He seemed a little too free spirited and rough around the edges. “Huh…” Marinette nods.

“How did you even find Marinette anyways?” Tim asked.

“I was her knight in shining leather.” He jokingly popped the collar of his leather jacket. “I saved her from an unfortunate situation.”

“Was somebody trying to rob you or something?” Tim asked Marinette.

“No…” Marinette shook her head.

“No need to worry about what the situation was, Timmy. Just know that I helped her out.” Jason casually flung his arm around her shoulders. “She even called me a life saver.”

Marinette’s heart thumped hard in her chest again but she managed to stay composed at his casual touch. If he kept doing this at this rate though she might just spontaneously combust. She felt like that girl in high school again who had a ridiculous crush on the new boy at school.

“What a hero.” Tim joked. “Now would you mind unhanding my employee so she can start her first day of work?”

Marinette looked up at Jason to see him pout at his adopted brother.

“I don’t like it when you talk all professional like to me.” He eventually takes his arm back as he looks down to Marinette. “Have a good first day at work, Pixie-Pop. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around.” He winks before turning around back to Tim. “I’ve got to talk to Bruce. I’ll see myself up to his office.” Jason says and then walks off.

Marinette blinks after him before turning back around to Tim and smiling, trying to act as casual as possible even though she didn’t feel like it.

“I apologize for whatever Jason says or does.” Tim gestures for her to follow him. “Now let me show you where you will be working and then I’ll leave you to Miranda. She’s our chief executive graphic designer and you’ll be working under her.”

Marinette watched as Tim presses the button to call the elevator and the door opens for them to step inside. Tim then pressed the button for the 30th floor and the door closes.

“What’s Miranda like?” She asks to break the silence.

“I don’t speak to her often but she seems pleasant enough. Maybe that’s because I’m her boss though.” Tim shrugs. “People tend to be on their best behavior around me and Bruce.”

Marinette looks up to see the number above the elevator door slowly move up as they do. “How many people are on WE’s graphic design team?”

“Including you would be 8. It’s a small team but with advertisement spaces being more and more plentiful, our graphic design team has been very busy. Our website is also always changing and that’s a job on its own.”

The elevator stops on the 30th floor with a ding and the doors open to let them out. As Marinette follows Tim around the corner and down the hall, she looks over at all of the people in cubicles looking busy as they pass.

“Your team works in the office at the very end of the hall.” Tim points to a door plaque with the words ‘Graphic Design Office’ on it.

Tim opens the door and gesture for her to go inside and she steps in to see 8 tables in pairs of 2 pushed face to face with computers on each. The back wall had two industrial sized printers lined up with a fax machine in the middle of them. All over the room on the walls were cork boards with all kinds of things pinned to them, as if it was showing some in progress work.

At every desk except one was a person sitting at them, 5 women and 2 men. They all look over at her as she enters but when their eyes meet Tim who walks in behind her, they all stand up.

“Mr. Drake.” A woman in her mid-30s, who seemed to be the oldest one here, spoke up. “We didn’t expect that you would be the one to drop off the new hire. What a pleasant surprise.”

“Well, Miranda, I just so happened to run into her downstairs and I thought that escorting her here was only the right thing to do.”

“That’s very kind of you.” Miranda shuffled around her desk and made her way in front of the two of them. “Thank you for sending her our way.”

“It’s my pleasure.” Tim smiled a rather professional smile that Marinette notice was much different from the one he gave her earlier. “I’m sure you already know but this is Marinette Dupain-Cheng. Make sure she settles in nice here at Wayne Enterprises.” He nods once. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I must be getting back to doing other things.”

“Of course.” Miranda nods. “Have a good day Mr. Drake.”

“You too.” Tim says.

Marinette turns around and waves to him before he leaves. “Bye, Tim.” She says with a smile.

Tim’s smile turns genuine before giving a short wave back. “Bye, Marinette.”

Once the door is closed Marinette turns back to Miranda and she finds she’s looking at her like she had suddenly grown a second head. “Do you know Mr. Drake?” Miranda asked.

“Well I just met him today.”

“Oh, wow.” Miranda laughed. “How did you get him to be so… I don’t know… normal? He’s usually so professional.”

“Well I’ll admit I was a little nervous around him at first but then his bother said that he had a big head and their interaction was just so normal. It was funny and I realized that he’s just a person. You know he’s only 20?”

“Yeah.” Miranda shook her head. “Wait, which bother are you talking about? Was it the cop or the little scary one? Or is it the one with the leather jacket who looks like he’s secretly in some underground fight club.”

“What?” Marinette laughed. “Uhh, the last one I think. His name is Jason.”

“Wow.” Miranda looked at her in awe. “Well anyways… that’s your desk.” She point to the desk with absolutely nothing but a computer on it. “Right across from you is where I sit. Let me show you what we are working on at the moment and how you can help.”
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Marinette ended up getting to know her team of 7 others as they talked about their work on creating an eye catching ad that should be displayed in time square in about a months’ time. She found that all of her coworkers, even her boss Miranda, were pretty cool. They would all bounce ideas off of each other and work together in relaxed harmony.

Most of the time the office was quiet as people worked on their computers or tablets. Marinette enjoyed this space full of people that designed just like her. She felt as though she could relate to everyone here.

When lunch time came around all of her coworkers showed her to WE’s cafeteria. As they ate, Marinette learned more about the people she worked with. She found out that she was the youngest hire on the graphic design team with Gale being the second youngest at 26 and she was suddenly even more grateful to Jagged for helping her land this job.

By the time 5 O’clock came around and it was time to leave, Marinette had completely forgotten her bizarre experience about how she got here and the ungodly handsome man who made her heart go wild. It wasn’t until she found herself at the nearest bus stop to head home did she even begin to remember.

Her thoughts centered around him as she got into the bus when it pulled up. She wondered for a moment if she imagined him but then she remembered his eyes and she knew it wasn’t something she could think up. It was strange though because this wasn’t the kind of person she usually fell for but then again, she only really had been in one serious relationship. She stopped herself at that thought though. Was she falling for this man who was practically a stranger? Maybe falling wasn’t the right word but she certainly liked everything she’s seen from him so far, which isn’t much.

She knew he was a flirt from what she’s seen but she didn’t know if he was a flirt to every girl he met and that put a pit in her stomach. Those are the worst kinds of people to swoon over because it usually meant you had no real chance at anything solid and Marinette wasn’t the kind of person who did flings. Especially not flings with her boss’s brother.

And that was another problem all together though. Did she really have a crush on her boss’s bother who she had just met that day? She felt ridiculous for even thinking it and she knew she was getting way too ahead of herself. She probably wouldn’t even see him that often anyways.

Maybe it was just because she was in a new city but she felt as though her imagination was running a little too wild for her taste. Marinette looked out the bus window and saw that she was getting close to her stop so she instead decided to concentrate on where she was going.

When she got off the bus she wasted no time in heading straight home. After walking through her front door and locking it behind her, she kicked off her shoes and found her way to the kitchen to set her purse and keys down on the counter.

“You look lost in thought.” Tikki said as she flew out of her purse. “Do you want to share?”

Marinette sighed before walking over to her pantry and grabbing a pack of ramen to start cooking. “I feel like such an idiot, Tikki. I just met him!”

“Oh.” Tikki nods. “I see. This is about that Jason guy isn’t it?”

“Yes it’s about that Jason guy.” She said as she was filling a pot with water.

“He is quite handsome.” Tikki grins. “And it was very nice of him to help you out when he didn’t have to. It’s very different from everyone else I’ve seen in this city.”

“But I… got on his bike. I invited him in my house. Why did I do that? Maman would be so disappointed.”

Tikki giggled. “Maybe. But sometimes we do things we can’t explain because the universe wants you to. I think it was a good thing that you decided to let Jason help you.”

“Well… okay.” Marinette bit her lip. “But why am I feeling like a high school girl all over again with him? I’m afraid I’ll revert back into that awkward and clumsy girl I was back then. You know I almost fell down the stairs when I left with him today?”

“But you didn’t.” Tikki smiled. “I call that growth. And besides, he got very close to you there. He’s quite the flirt, isn’t he?”

“And that’s another thing!” Marinette threw her hands up. “What if he’s a flirt like that to everyone? What if I’m not special and he thinks of me as just the same as every other girl? I bet he thought it was funny when I started to blush and look all dumbfounded when he winked at me like that.”

“Well then maybe you should ask him.” Tikki said.

Marinette stopped what she was doing at the stove and turned to look at Tikki. “But… I might not even see him again.”

“Didn’t he say he would be seeing you around?”

“Well yeah but that might not be for weeks. I’m not getting my hopes up.” Marinette turned back to the stove to finish what she was doing.

“Well then ask when you get the chance.”

Marinette poured her now cooked ramen into a bowl and took a deep breath. “Okay, fine… There is a fire escape outside my bedroom window.” She began to walk upstairs. “I want to eat outside.”

“You mind if I rummage through the cookie jar?” Tikki asked when she was at the top of the stairs.

“Sure, Tikki.” Marinette smiled. “I’ll be sure to make some more cookies soon.”

Marinette entered her room and set her bowl on the windowsill before opening the window. She stepped over and onto the fire escape and turned around to grab her bowl and then sat down, letting her legs hang over the edge. She quietly ate her noodles as she looked at her view.

She was only one story up but she could still see the city skyline pretty well just over the building behind her apartment quite a few yards away. The alley between her apartment and the building behind it was rather large and she can see that this was where most people parked their cars.

It was getting late and the sun was setting but there was still enough light to where the street lights haven’t come on yet. Marinette thought about her day as she slowly ate. She always found that being outside calmed her down and allowed her to think clearly.

Marinette realized that she was overthinking things before. She had thought she’d gotten over her overthinking stage but it still shines through here and there. After finishing all her food and taking a deep breath, Marinette decided that she wouldn’t worry anymore and that she would just let things play out. She was here for a wanted change and she got it. Setting her empty bowl beside her, Marinette looked up at the now dark sky. She was out here longer than she though.

She was about to get up to head inside when a sudden movement from above her caught her attention. She craned her head to look up at her roof and was surprised to see a man up there. She tensed, ready for a fight but then recognition hit her when she saw he had on a red helmet and she relaxed. It was Red Hood, one of Gotham’s vigilantes.

“Didn’t mean to startle you.” He spoke and his voice was a bit muffled by the hood.

“It’s okay.” Marinette stood up and picked up her bowl, setting it just inside her window before looking back up at him. “Red Hood, right?”

“That’s right.” Red Hood hopped down off the roof and landed on the fire escape about a foot away from her. “It’s getting late and the temperature is dropping. You might catch a cold if you don’t cover up.”

“Oh.” Marinette looked down at her work dress she was still wearing and found herself barefoot. “I guess you’re probably right.” She looked back up at him. “What are you doing here anyways? Was there trouble nearby?”

“I’m on patrol.” He casually leaned against the railing of the fire escape. “So far I see no trouble here. Well besides the troubling fact that you may catch a cold.”

Marinette giggled. “Well wouldn’t Batman be upset if he knew you were talking with a civilian and not out patrolling?”

Red Hood visibly shrugged. “He’ll get over it. Besides, there are five other people out patrolling right now. The city is not helpless.”

“But wouldn’t it be more interesting to be out there stopping bad guys instead of talking with me?”

“Maybe. But the bad guys are never as cute as you.”

Marinette went red at the blatant complement. “Oh well… thanks, I guess.”

“Anytime.” Red Hood said and she could tell by the sound of his voice that he was smiling at her. “Although if the bad guys did look like you that would be very disappointing. I wouldn’t want to fight a face like yours.”

“Why?” Marinette grinned, trying to fight back her blush. “Too afraid a face like mine might beat you?”

“Oh?” Red Hood said and Marinette could hear the playfulness in his voice as he inched a bit closer to her. “Do you think you can beat me, beautiful?”

“Maybe.” She smirked, although her heart was pounding erratically at his words. “I have a few tricks up my sleeve.”

“I’d like to see that sometime.”

Before Marinette could answer, another figure appeared on the roof and she looked up to see who it was. Nightwing peered his head over the side of the building to look down at the two of them.

“There you are.” Nightwing said.

Red Hood took a half step back from Marinette and rested his arm on the railing as he looked up at the man. “You found me. What’s up?” He asked.

“Batman wants you to turn your coms back on.” Nightwing then sat at the edge of the roof with one leg dangling off the side while the other was still firmly on the roof. “Robin is throwing some very colorful words at you.”

“That’s unsurprising.” Red Hood said flatly.

“Oh, well I don’t want to get anyone in trouble.” Marinette spoke up. “I should be going inside anyways.”

“That’s very kind of you.” Nightwing grinned down at her. “But no one can get Hood here in trouble except for himself.”

“Still.” Marinette said. “I have to get ready for bed. You two be safe out there.”

“Of course.” Red Hood gently reaches out to touch her shoulder. “You have a good night, okay? Don’t forget to lock your windows and close the curtains when you get in.”

Marinette was suddenly touched by his concern and smiled up at him. “Okay…” She whispered.

Red Hood then turned away from her to climb up the fire escape to the roof to meet back up with Nightwing. She gave them both a quick wave before climbing back inside and shutting the window, locking it before closing the curtains. Marinette turned to face the rest of the room and saw Tikki staring at her.

“Wow.” Marinette whispered. “Who knew Gotham’s vigilantes were so…”

“Friendly?” Tikki said.

“I guess that’s one way to put it.” Marinette walked up to her dresser and started to pull some clothes out. “I think I’m ready for a shower and bed.”

“Yeah.” Tikki laughed. “That might be a good idea.”
---------
Marinette woke up in the morning and felt refreshed. She got ready at an easy pace and was excited for her new day of work. For some reason, she felt like today was going to be a good day but she had no real reason to think so. It was only a random Tuesday after all.

She was reminding herself to not sit in the splash zone when she was exiting her apartment, locking it up behind her. Marinette turned around and made it down two steps before she realized there was a motorcycle parked right in front of her apartment with none other than Jason sitting on top.

When their eyes met he gave her a smile that took her breath away.

“Good morning, Pixie-Pop.” Jason said.

“Jason… What are you doing here?”

“Offering you a ride, obviously.” He patted behind him on the bike. “A beautiful woman such as yourself shouldn’t have to ride the bus if there is another option.”

“But...” Marinette blinked a few times, trying to figure out if this was real or not. “How long have you been waiting outside my apartment?”

“Only about 2 minutes.” He shrugged. “So what do you say? You want a ride?” Jason smiled.

“Sure…” Marinette said without thinking as she walked over to him automatically. “Thanks.”

Marinette knew she should be alarmed by her complete willingness to blindly follow him but she wasn’t. All she could do was look at his beautiful eyes and his dazzling smile and gravitate towards him. She hopped onto the back of the bike and held into him without a second thought.

“This is my pleasure, Pixie-Pop.” He said before starting up the bike and driving off.

Yet again, Marinette’s heart was going wild. She peered over Jason’s shoulder as he drove and she finally began to wonder what he was really thinking. She wished she could see his face but she couldn’t so she settles with looking forward to where they were heading.

As they drove she got more and more comfortable though her heart never steadied and she rested her chin on his shoulder. It felt natural to do this and be so close to him even though she had only just met him the day before. It might have been her imagination but she swears she feels his head lean into hers for a brief moment as they drive but it’s too quick for her to be sure.

After a moment they come to a stop in WE’s parking lot and Marinette is just about to get off but Jason stops her.

“We are a little early.” He says even though he gets off the bike himself. “We have some time to just chat.” Jason then gets back on the bike but this time he faces towards Marinette, taking her legs and resting them over his own. “I hope you don’t mind but I just wanted to sit and face you when we talk.” He keeps his hand on her knees and smiles.

“Uhh…” Marinette looks down at his hands on her knees and then looks up at his smiling face to see that there is only about half a foot between them. “You’re very close.”

Jason frowns and Marinette suddenly wishes she never said that. “So you do mind? You want me to move?”

“No, no! I didn’t say that.” Marinette puts her hands up to his chest to stop him from leaving. “I was just… stating a fact.”

“Oh.” Jason smiles again and Marinette relaxes. “So you don’t mind is what you are saying?”

“I… guess I am saying that.” She smiles as blush tints her cheeks. She reluctantly takes her hands back and rests them in her lap. “You are very forward, Jason. Do you do this to every girl you meet?”

“You think I’m some perpetual flirt, huh?” Jason grins.

“I don’t know.” Marinette said honestly. “That’s why I’m asking.”

“I don’t really… find myself speaking to women very often.” He looked very seriously into her eyes. “Usually I have better things to do. Or I find something to distract myself with.” Jason then smiles. “You can even ask my family about that and they’ll tell you the same thing.”

“Oh.” Marinette blushes with a nod. “Well then what changed your mind with me? I mean you only just met me.”

“And that’s wild, isn’t it?” Jason leans in an inch with a grin. “Maybe it was the way your face looked when you were covered in mud… or maybe it was the way that shirt clung to you when it was wet.” He reached up and began fixing her hair. “Or maybe it was the way you looked at me when our eyes met. I’ve never seen someone look at me the way you do. Why did you look at me like that by the way?” He finished with her hair and rested his hands back on her knees again.

“Uhh.” Marinette looked into his eyes and saw genuine curiosity but she was too shocked by his words to form an answer.

So he liked her? Marinette couldn’t believe her ears. She was happy by the news that he wasn’t walking around flirting with every girl he saw. She was special somehow to him and that made her stupidly happy.

“Yes. That look right there.” Jason said. “Why do you look at me like that?”

“Because… you‘re so handsome and…” She was trying really hard to keep her thoughts straight. “And you make me feel special somehow.”

Jason’s smile was suddenly the biggest Marinette has ever seen him give. “I see… Hey, are you busy after work?”

“No.” Marinette said breathlessly.

“Can I take you out to dinner?”

“Like a date?” She smiled.

“Absolutely.”

“Sure.” Marinette nods. “I would love to, Jason.”

“Great.” Jason suddenly sat up straighter. “I’ll be here to pick you up after work then.” He then dug into his pocket to pull out his phone. “Can you put your number in for me?”

“Okay.” She took his phone and quickly typed in her number before handing it back.

Jason tapped in his phone for a moment and then Marinette felt her own phone vibrate from her purse. She pulled it out to see that a strange number had texted her “Hello beautiful.”

“Looks like you got my message.” Jason grinned. “Text me anytime, okay?”

“I thought it was a little odd you left early.” A man suddenly spoke up from beside them.

Startled, Marinette looked over and immediately recognized the man as Bruce Wayne and she saw that Tim was standing beside him. She was suddenly very aware about how she looked right now with her and Jason facing each other with her legs draped over his and his hands resting on her knees.

“Hey, Bruce.” Jason didn’t even flinch at his sudden appearance. He didn’t seem to care about how this looked. “I was just being friendly and driving Marinette here to work.” He gently patted one of her knees.

“Friendly isn’t the word I would use.” Tim smirked. “Seems like a bit of an understatement.”

Marinette notice Bruce’s eyes linger onto hers for a moment but his face read no emotion. “Miss Dupain-Cheng.” He held his hand out and Marinette awkwardly shook it from her place on the motorcycle. “It’s nice to finally meet WE’s newest employee. Miranda wrote up a report yesterday and said that you were fitting in nicely here.”

“Oh, she did?” Marinette asked as she was secretly freaking out about this odd situation. “That’s great to hear, Mr. Wayne.”

Bruce nods once before looking over to Jason. “Would you mind following us inside? We have something we need to discuss.”

“Sure.” Jason says before looking over at Marinette. “Can you hop up, Pixie-Pop?”

“Oh, yeah.” Marinette scrambles her way off the bike and Jason follows after her.

“So, Marinette.” Tim spoke as the whole group made their way inside the building. “How are you settling into Gotham?”

“It’s been pretty good.” Marinette grinned as she felt everyone’s eyes on her. “The people of Gotham are very different from the people of Paris though.”

“I’m sure.” Tim chuckles. “The people of Gotham are very… abrasive.”

“Yeah. My landlord told me not to be nice to people.” Marinette shook her head.

“That’s probably not bad advice, Pixie-Pop.” Jason grinned as he held the door open for her.

“Are you saying you want me to be mean to you?” Marinette asked with a smirk.

“No.” Jason wrapped his arm around her shoulders the moment they were both inside. “But I am curious. Have you ever been mean to someone? Even once?”

“I’m not a very mean person. I may have put people in their place and some may think that’s mean but I don’t.”

“Really?” Jason asked as they approached the elevator and he pressed the button to call it down. “That would be an interesting thing to witness.”

“Stick around long enough and you just might.” Marinette giggled.

The elevator door opened and they both piled in with Bruce and Tim following after them. Marinette had almost forgotten they were still with her and she felt odd for talking so casually with Jason as the two of them listened. Marinette quickly pressed the button for the 30th floor and Jason pressed the one for the top floor.

“I might just do that.” Jason winked down at her.

Marinette couldn’t help but to smile up at him. A moment later the elevator stopped on the 30th floor and she reluctantly started to move her feet to get off but Jason grabbed her by the wrist to stop her at the last moment.

“I’ll see you after work, okay?”

“Okay.” She whispered as she looked into his eyes with a smile.

He then let go of her and backed into the elevator, waving as the door shut between them. Marinette stood there staring at her reflection in the elevator doors for a long while before she was able to move her feet again. When she entered her office, Marinette noticed that only two people were here, Miranda and Gale.

“Hey.” Miranda looked over at her when she entered.

Marinette smiled as she tried to come back down to reality. “Hey, Miranda. I’m ready for day two.”
---------
Work for Marinette seemed to crawl by. She tried very hard to concentrate on her work but the anticipation for her sudden date with Jason continuously creeped into her mind, especially come lunch time and her coworkers seemed to have noticed.

“You look like there is something on your mind.” Janet, one of her fellow graphic designers, said.

“Is it that obvious?” Marinette asked.

“I wasn’t going to say anything,” Another coworker named Amanda said. “But yes. Is Gotham stressing you out or something?”

“No.” Marinette laughed. “I just have a date after work.”

“A date?” Miranda asked. “But you have only been in the city for like three days. How did you manage that? Give me your secrets.”

Marinette giggled nervously. “I don’t even know so I have no secrets to share.”

“Who is this person you are going on a date with?” Janet asked.

“It’s Tim’s brother Jason.” She shrugged.

Multiple people at her table gasped. “You mean Jason Todd?” Amanda asked. “One of the Wayne boys?”

“I guess so.” Marinette nods. “He asked me out this morning on a date just before Tim and Mr. Wayne found us.”

Miranda stared at her in shock. “You are brave. I would be so intimidated to date any member of the Wayne family. That family seems so… I don’t know. Unattainable?”

“What?” Marinette questions.

“It’s like… dating a celebrity except they have more money than a celebrity.” Janet said. “And more power.”

“That’s an interesting way to look at it.” Marinette chuckled. “But I really don’t see Jason that way.”

“I guess he is the least Wayne like.” Gale said.

“Yeah.” Janet agrees. “I think it’s his ruggedness but also his nonchalantness as well.”

“He looks like the kind of guy who would sit at a bar and wait for someone to pick a fight with him just so he can knock them out with one punch.” Amanda added.

“You make him sound so violent. Has he ever done something like that before?” Marinette asked.

“Well no.” Miranda spoke up. “But the youngest Wayne boy? He’s a bit violent.”

“Oh, the Ice Prince.” Gale nodded. “My niece goes to school with him and she says he’s terrifying. He broke a few kids’ arms a couple of times.”

“Wow. Why would he do that?” Marinette said.

“Nobody knows.” Gale shrugged. “Everyone just kinda keeps their distance from that kid. He’s like 13 but super scary.”
---------
Work continued on shortly after lunch and Marinette couldn’t stop herself from periodically looking at the clock, waiting for work to be over. Her conversation with her coworkers only made her more anxious and excited for this date. She hoped to learn more about him because he was becoming more and more intriguing to her.

The second the clock turned to 5, she clocked out as fast as she could. As she was walking to the door to leave the office, Miranda called after her.

“Hope you have a good time on your date tonight, Marinette.” She waved.

“Thanks.” Marinette opened the door. “I’ll see you all tomorrow.”

Marinette had to force herself to walk at a normal pace as she made her way to the elevator and pressed the button to call it up. When the doors opened she stepped on with a group of people and another man pressed the button for the ground floor for everyone.

As the elevator was going down, Marinette began to wonder where she would find Jason. He said that he would pick her up after work but he didn’t specify where and how. Would she have to text him or call him? That felt sort of over eager to her and she hoped she wouldn’t have to.

When the elevator opened, Marinette was one of the last ones to get off. She was just about to head for the exit when someone grabbed ahold of her wrist and pulled her in the opposite direction. She ended up stumbling into the man due to the sudden direction change and she looked up at him to see Jason smiling down at her.

“You weren’t going to leave without me, were you?” He asked as he finally let go of her wrist.

“No. Of course not.” Marinette smiled up at him. “I didn’t expect you to be right by the elevator.”

“Well surprise, I guess.” He grinned. “You ready to go?”

“Sure.” She said. “Where are we going anyways?”

“Nowhere fancy.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and started to guide her to the doors. “It’s just this rooftop bar slash restaurant place. It’s mostly pub food but the view is nice. They have a live band playing every Tuesday and Thursday night.”

“Tonight’s Tuesday.”

“It is, isn’t it?” He chuckled as they walked outside. “You would have thought I planned ahead.”

“Oh, but you’re more spontaneous, aren’t you?” Marinette asked with a grin.

“Spontaneity makes life fun, Pixie-Pop.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” She laughed.

Marinette found herself at Jason’s bike and when he got on, she didn’t hesitate to get on after him. She watched over Jason’s shoulder at where they were headed and she found herself in a part of the city she has never been before. This was a more downtown area where people shopped and ate at restaurants.

When they came to a stop about ten minutes after the ride started, Marinette looked around and found that this area wasn’t fancy, like Jason said, but it certainly wasn’t run down. The nearby restaurants were very middle of the road in terms of their atmosphere.

When Jason shut the bike off, Marinette got off and he followed suit before finding his way beside her to wrap his arm around her again, guiding her in a direction down the street.

“It’s not too far of a walk from here.” Jason said. “It’s the building at the end of this street.”

Marinette looked down the street at the building there and found only one sign for it that read, “Randy’s Rooftop Restaurant” and she found it odd because the building was so tall compared to all of the others.

“If the restaurant is on the rooftop then what is the rest of the building used for?” Marinette asked.

“I don’t know.” Jason shrugged. “I’ve never been inside. The only way to the top is by the fire escape.”

“Then I would imagine that not many elderly people go here. It sounds like quite a bit of effort just to get up there.”

“It’s only about 15 stories. The building just looks so tall because of all the other short ones surrounding it.” Jason cut into the alley by Randy’s Restaurant to make his way to the fire escape.

This fire escape was originally meant to be accessible by a latter that drops down but someone built a set of stairs that was pushed up to the fire escape making the latter the less viable option. Jason stopped at the foot of the steps and turned to face Marinette.

“Ladies first.” He gesture for her to go first.

Marinette glanced at the stairs and then looked up to the top of the building before beginning to climb. As she did this, Marinette took notice of the steel fire escape. Most of the ones around the city were a bit rusted but this one wasn’t and she assumed it was because it was used more often than the others. She looked behind her and saw that Jason was right behind her climbing as well.

“So do you come here often?” She asked when she was about a quarter of the way up.

“Sure.” Jason shrugged. “I think it’s a nice place to drink and think. Like I said, the view is nice. I know the owner too and he’s pretty cool.”

“Randy, I’m assuming?”

“That’s the guy.” Jason chuckled.

Marinette finally reached the top and when she put her feet on the rooftop ground, she looked around. On the far left was a bar with multiple bar-stools pushed up against it and to the left of it was some sort of newly built room built on top of the roof with the word “Restroom” written on the two doors there. On the far right was the set up for the band and just next to them was the door that led down into the building. She couldn’t find anywhere for people to cook so she assumed that at least the kitchen was inside the building. Spaced evenly throughout the rest of the roof were tables for people to dine at.

The view from up here was amazing to Marinette. In every direction you looked you saw the pretty view of Gotham’s city skyline. To the west though you can actually see a bit of the Gotham bay and the Gotham Bridge off in the distance. She looked back over to Jason who stepped up beside her.

“You were right. The view is nice.”

Before Jason could answer, a woman walked up to the two of them. “Hello.” She said. “Welcome to Randy’s Rooftop Restaurant. Take a seat anywhere and a server will right with you.”

“Thank you.” Marinette said before walking with Jason over to a table at the far middle of the roof.

Jason held out the seat for her and she smiled at him as she sat down. Jason then casually walked over to the seat across from her and sat as well. Menus were already on the table and so Marinette picked it up to look it over. Just as Jason said, it was mostly pub food but there was a wide variety of drinks from wines to mixed drinks to beers.

“So.” Jason spoke up as he casually leaned on the table to be closer to her. “Anything catch your eye?”

Marinette put her menu down and was surprised for a moment at his closeness. She didn’t back away though and only smiled, slightly lost in thought by his eyes. “You.” She accidentally spoke her mind.

“I didn’t realize I was on the menu.” Jason smirked. “Am I the main course or am I dessert?” He winked.

“Oh, uhh.” Marinette blushed. “I didn’t mean to say that out loud.”

“Speak your mind, Pixie-Pop. Your private thoughts seem like more fun.”

Marinette smiled at that. “I’m sure you think so. And I grew up in a bakery so I’m more of a sweet’s kind of person. I’m sure you’d be saved for dessert.”

“Sounds fun.” Jason said and then glanced over at someone approaching their table and sat up.

“I’m Paula.” The woman spoke with a smile but she kept her eyes on Jason as she spoke. “And I’ll be your server tonight. Can I start you off with something to drink?”

“I’ll have a beer.” Jason said before looking over to Marinette. “What about you, beautiful?”

Marinette noticed Paula visibly frown at the nickname Jason used for her and she felt a little smug. “I’ll have the same.” She said with a smile as she looked over to the woman.

“I’ll bring that right out for you.” Paula said before walking off towards the bar.

“I don’t think she liked you calling me beautiful.” Marinette laughed.

“Well it’s a good thing I don’t care about her opinion.” Jason smirked.

Marinette giggled. “Well who’s opinions do you care about?”

“Not many. It’s a short list.”

“Am I on that list?” She asked.

“I wouldn’t be here on a date with you if you weren’t.” Jason gave her a genuine smile.

“I guess I should feel special.” Marinette giggled.

“Yes.” Jason nods. “You should.”

Paula then came back and set a beer in front of both of them. “Are you two ready to order or do you need few minutes?”

Jason looked over at Marinette with questioning eyes. “Have you decided on something?”

“Uhh.” Marinette looked back at the menu for a second. “I’ll have the chicken fingers and fries.” She smiled up at Paula.

“And for you?” Paula looked over at Jason with a smile.

“Is Randy here?” Jason asked.

“He’s down in the kitchen.” Paula answered.

“Tell him that Jason is here and that I want that burger he gave me the last time I was here that isn’t on the menu.”

“Okay?” Paula smiled. “I’ll put that in for you.” She walked off.

“You know secret menu items?” Marinette asked.

“Randy likes to experiment new foods with me and I tell him if its menu worthy or not.” Jason shrugged. “He hasn’t had the opportunity to put this burger on the menu yet.” He took a drink of his beer.

“How did you even end up meeting Randy anyway?” Marinette asked before taking a sip of her own drink.

“We went to high school together.”

“Oh.” Marinette nods. “What is it like growing up in Gotham?”

“Probably very different from growing up in Paris.” Jason grins. “I grew up on the streets before Bruce took me in. I went from scrounging and stealing just to survive to suddenly living the life of luxury. It was an odd adjustment. And what about you? What was life in Paris like?”

“Well…” Marinette thought about that for a moment. “Like I said earlier, I grew up in a bakery. My parents own the place and I lived there my whole life. Even all throughout college. Technically this is my first time living on my own. Paris is a beautiful city though and growing up was pretty normal up until high school.”

“What happened in high school?” Jason asked in complete interest.

“That was when Paris had its Hawkmoth problem. He was a super villain who terrorized Paris all throughout my high school years.”

“Oh, right.” Jason nods. “I remember hearing something about that a few years ago when he was caught. Wasn’t he some reclusive fashion designer or something?”

“Gabriel Agreste.” Marinette nods. “You know, I ended up dating his son for about a year after his arrest.”

“Really?” Jason’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Isn’t he a model?”

“He was.”

“So you had a thing for the pretty boy?” He chuckles.

“Had being the key word here.” Marinette smiled. “We grew apart. Nothing against him but…” She shrugged. “After him I dedicated my time to school and I moved at the soonest opportunity. Paris was getting… I don’t know. Boring?”

“Well then I think you chose the right place to move to. Gotham is hardly ever boring.”

“So I’ve seen.” Marinette grinned. “I mean, look what happened? I meet some strange man and for some idiotic reason, after being drenched in muddy water, I decide to hop on his motorcycle so he can drive me home. And I invite him inside? My mother would think I’ve gone crazy.” She shakes her head. “And then it turns out that this man is actually the adopted son of Bruce Wayne? The only thing stranger is the fact the Red Hood visited me on my fire escape last night.”

“Really?” Jason grinned. “Tell me about that.”

“Well I don’t know what to say… He sort of just came out of nowhere and started talking to me. Well flirting is more like it.” Marinette shook her head at the thought. “Nightwing had to come find him because he apparently turned off his com. I didn’t want to get him in trouble for talking to me so I went inside.”

“Red Hood was flirting with you?” Jason smiled. “Do I have some competition?”

Marinette laughed at that. “Why? Are you jealous?”

“I wouldn’t say that. I am curious though. What are your thoughts on the guy?”

“I don’t really know him very well but it is admirable that he takes time out of his nights to protect this city. I guess I could say that about all of the vigilantes though. He did seem to have a bit of a carefree attitude. It reminded me of you in a way but maybe it was because I was thinking about you before he showed up.”

Jason smirked as if what she said was funny somehow. “You were thinking about me?”

Marinette took another drink before she answered. “Yeah.”

“Well what were you thinking about?”

“I was just thinking about how we met and when or if I would see you again.”

“I’m happy I made such an impact.” Jason winked before sitting up straight. “Food’s coming.”

Marinette looked over her shoulder to where Jason was looking and she saw a man in his early to mid-20s walking his way over to their table with two plates, one in each hand. He stopped at their table and put a plate of food in front of each of them.

“Hey, Jason. I didn’t expect to see you today.” The man then looked over to Marinette. “And I definitely didn’t expect you to bring someone with you. Who is this?”

“Hey, Randy.” Jason said casually. “Yeah this is Marinette. I decided to take her on a date to this place.”

“A date?” Randy looked surprised at Jason. “Well I’ll leave you to it.” He then looked over at Marinette with a smile. “Enjoy your meal, Marinette.”

“Thank you.” Marinette smiled at the man.

Randy then turned to where Marinette could no longer see his face but she could tell he was looking at Jason. She decided to watch Jason’s expression and Jason gave him a smirk and a nod before Randy finally walked away.

“What was that about?” Marinette asked as soon as Randy was out of hearing distance.

“Randy think’s you’re a bit of a looker.” Jason picked up his burger but before he took a bite, he said. “And I agreed.”

Marinette blushed as she took a bite of her own food and then swallowed. “And he told you that without speaking?”

“Well when he mouths the words ‘She’s cute’ it’s not hard to understand.”

“All of these guys telling me I’m cute is going to give me some sort of complex.” Marinette mumbled as she took another bite of food.

“Who’s been calling you cute besides me and Randy?” Jason asked.

“Red Hood.”

“Oh, of course.” Jason laughs. “You think three people saying you are cute is a lot?”

“It’s more people saying it about me than back in Paris.”

“Says the woman who landed herself a model.”

“Ex-model.” Marinette corrected.

“Oh, right.” Jason grinned. “My bad. My point still stands though. You can land practically anyone you want with just one smile. That’s why I had to hop into this opportunity as fast as I could or I might have missed my chance.”

Marinette blushed as she smiled down at her food. “I don’t think so.”

Jason reached across the table and gently grabbed her by the chin to tilt her face up so he could look her in the eyes. “I think so. I don’t miss the way people look at you when you walk by. You are like this beautiful and radiant ray of sunshine that people have a hard time looking away from.”

Marinette’s blush deepened at his words. “You’re exaggerating.”

Jason huffed like he was slightly annoyed as he took his hand back, only to set it on the table. “You really don’t see it, do you?”

“No. I really have no idea what you mean.”

Jason sighed before suddenly standing up, resting both of his hands on the table as he leaned close to Marinette, stopping only a few inches away from her face. Marinette looked up at him in awe, mesmerized by the seriousness in his eyes.

“You are beautiful Marinette and I’ve told you that before. You are a head turner that everyone on this roof has taken notice of. I’m not exaggerating when I say that.” He lifted one of his hands off the table to take her chin again and his voice dropped low so she could barely hear him. “No woman has ever caught my attention like you have. Don’t you understand? I haven’t stopped thinking about you since I first laid my eyes on you.”

Marinette was at a loss for words. “I…” She whispered, but she couldn’t think. She looked deep into his eyes and she could tell he was being genuine and serious. She heard her heart beat in her ears but she couldn’t find it in herself to care about the rapidness of its beating. “Jason.” She managed to whisper again.

He suddenly stroked her cheek once before sitting back down again. Jason broke eye contact to look to his right over at the city’s skyline and it gave Marinette the opportunity to blink a few times and gather her thoughts.

“Jason.” Marinette finally said again with a smile and he immediately looked back over at her. “I’m not that used to people being that forward with me. You made me lose my train of thought.” Marinette smiled brighter when Jason smiled at that. “Your eyes are something I can easily get lost in so remember that next time you get that close.”

“Sorry.” Jason chuckled. “I’m not the kind of person who tends to hold back for anything and I struggle holding back with you. That might have been a bit much on my part.”

“This has been you holding back?” Marinette asked. “What would you not holding back be like?”

Jason smiled mischievously at that. “I think you might want to work your way up to that.”

Marinette’s heart thuddered erratically at the look he gave and she was suddenly very eager to know more. “Now you have me curious.”

“Haven’t you heard the saying? Curiosity killed the cat.”

“And satisfaction brought it back.” Marinette grinned.

Jason looked at her like he was contemplating something and then he looked around to all the people around them, causing Marinette to look as well. It made her very aware of how public this place was.

“I’m afraid you’ll have to be curious a little while longer, Pixie-Pop.” Jason ginned at her. “Your satisfaction will have to wait.”

“Damn.” Marinette frowned.

Jason took a bite of his burger and that reminded Marinette of her own food so she ate some as well.

“I have a question.” Jason said. “You see, I know you are a graphic designer and that you grew up in a bakery in Paris but I know that there is more to you than that. Can you tell me more about yourself? I’m curious about you.”

Marinette grinned. “Well my biggest passion in life is fashion. I love designing and making clothes and I have ever since I was young. Baking is a hobby of mine too but that’s a given considering where I grew up. Is there anything more specific than that that you want to know?”

“Yeah.” Jason smiled. “What’s your family like?”

“I’m an only child. My dad is quite a big man but he’s a softie at heart. My mom on the other hand is quite fearsome. She’s nice, don’t get me wrong, but she is the one who kicks people out of the bakery when they are being unruly. When people look at them they think that my dad is the one to look out for but no. It’s my mom.”

“Would you say you take after your dad more or your mom?” Jason asked.

“My mom.” Marinette says. “Both look’s wise and temperament wise. Although I did pick up my dad’s skill for gaming.”

“A gamer girl?” Jason asked, surprised.

“I won a few competitions back in my day.” Marinette chuckled. “But I haven’t done anything competitive in years. I mainly play for fun although I didn’t bring anything to play here in Gotham. I only packed the necessities.”

“That’s a shame. I would have liked to see you in action.”

“And what about you?” Marinette asked. “Tell me about yourself.”

“Hmm…” Jason thought about that for a moment. “Well you already know I was taken in by Bruce. I’ve got three brothers. You already met Tim but there is also Dick and Damian.”

“Which one is the little one who my coworkers call the Ice Prince?” Marinette laughed.

“That’s Damian, the little shit. I call him Demon Spawn. He is as bad as people say.” Jason shook his head. “I was the bad one before he came around. I guess he has his perks though.”

“He can’t be that bad. He’s only like 13, right?”

“Well… I can’t really explain that kid. It’s something you have to see for yourself to understand.”

“Okay.” Marinette giggles. “But what is Dick like?”

“He’s cool. He’s a detective down at GCPD and his fiancé is Barbara. Her dad is Jim Gordon, the police commissioner at GCPD. Babs is a real nice girl. Very smart.”

“When you dropped me off of work yesterday you told Tim you left the house because his girlfriend was annoying you?”

“Stephanie.” Jason nods. “She’s very talkative and isn’t afraid to speak her mind.”

“Sounds like a friend of mine.” Marinette grins. “I know the type.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Jason jokes before continuing. “But then there is Alfred. He’s our family’s butler but he’s more of a grandfather to all of us. He’s the one who took care of Bruce all of those years ago when he lost his parents.”

“You have such a big family. It sounds nice.” Marinette smiles softly.

“Nice isn’t the word I would use.” Jason laughs. “It’s more crazy and hectic. There are always so many people in that house at all times.”

“You are telling me that the Wayne Manor is crazy and hectic? But Bruce seems so serious and I feel like he would have everything always under control.”

“Everything is under control… but it’s a controlled chaos.”

“I’d love to see that.” Marinette laughed.

“Well Tim told Dick I was taking you out on a date today and he’s been begging me to bring you around so he can meet you and the same thing has been happening with Steph. If I don’t bring you around by at least the third date then they are going to throw a fit so you’ll probably see it by then.”

“Does that mean you want to go on another date?” Marinette grinned.

“Sure.” Jason smirked. “I’ll show you around the city this weekend if you want.”

“I’ve got nothing planned. I think I’ll take you up on that offer.”

The two of them ate and chatted a little bit more and all too soon, Paula came back with the check. Before Marinette could even say anything, Jason pulled out his wallet and handed over a single bill to Paula.

“Keep the change.” Jason said.

“Thank you!” Paula said enthusiastically before walking off.

“How much money did you give her?” Marinette asked.

“Don’t worry about it.” Jason grinned. “Are you ready to go?”

Marinette took her beer and chugged the remainder of it before smiling at Jason. “Yep. I’m ready.”

Jason gave a sort laugh before standing up. “Alright. Let’s go.”

Marinette stood up after him and they walked side by side over to the fire escape. As they got closer to it, Jason pulled Marinette close so they could walk down together instead of one behind the other. Instead of Jason wrapping his arm around her shoulders though, he rested his hand on her hip and she enjoyed his touch to no end.

“Why are you smiling like that?” Jason asked.

Marinette looked up at him to see that he was smirking down at her. “I don’t know.” She pulled her arm up to rest her hand around his waist. “I guess I’m just happy.”

Jason then gently squeezes her hip. “Good to hear, beautiful.” He winks.

They reach the ground floor and as they make their way to Jason’s motorcycle, Marinette can see out of the corner of her eye that he keeps looking down at her with a smile. He made her feel ridiculously beautiful and she loved the feeling of being so confidant around him. It reminded her of how she feels when she is transformed and this surprised her because she never thought she could ever feel even close to that out of costume.

The two of them make their way onto the bike and Marinette savers the moment of the drive knowing that he would be dropping her off at her apartment soon and he would have to leave. Maybe it was a little stupid to feel so strongly about a man who she just met. Marinette couldn’t find it in herself to care either way. After all, how bad could it be if it made her feel this happy?

Marinette wondered if this relationship would be something fast and fleeting. She hoped not but that made her want to enjoy every moment even more. Jason was a man like no other and she felt lucky to have even caught his attention. He was different from what she was used to but that’s what made him so great. He is fun and speaks his mind. He is also very flirtatious. Even more flirtations than Adrien used to be when she was Ladybug and that’s saying something.

Her train of thought was cut off when she noticed Jason come to a stop. She looked over to see her apartment and she reluctantly let go of Jason to get off. Jason then shut off his bike and also got off, seemingly wanting to walk her to her door. Slowly, she made her way up the steps and stopped at her door, unlocking it before turning around to look at Jason.

Jason was a step below her and this allowed them to be eye to eye. Looking head on like this made Marinette realize how striking his features actually were. His eyes found hers and they held an intensity that made her want to gravitate closer to him.

“I’ll be here to pick you up in the morning. I’ll drive you to work.”

“You know you don’t have to do that. I would hate to inconvenience you in the mornings if you have something better to do.”

“Mornings are usually slow for me, Pixie-Pop. Besides, seeing your face in the mornings brightens my mood.”

“As long as I’m not an inconvenience.” Marinette grinned. “So I’ll see you in the morning?”

“You bet.” He then suddenly grabbed her by the waist and pulled her close. “But before you go, can I ask for one thing?”

Marinette was surprised for a moment at their closeness. His face was only an inch away from hers and his eyes seemed to invite her in, asking her to come even closer. Her brain was screaming at her to close the distance between them but she resisted, not wanting to seem over eager.

“Anything.” She whispered.

“Can I kiss you?” He said in a barely audible whisper of his own.

“Yes.” She answered without skipping a beat.

When Jason’s lips met hers it was the most intense thing Marinette as ever experience and intense in the best way. This wasn’t a timid first kiss like the ones she has experienced before. This was a kiss that hungered for more at every second. It was a kiss that sent an electric shock throughout her whole body and made her weak in the knees.

Automatically, she reached up and rested her arms on his shoulders, linking her hands behind his neck as one of his hands found her face. He ended up tilting his head for a better angle, deepening the kiss even more and allowing him to slip his tongue in her mouth.

Instead of Marinette being surprised at this, she crushed her body closer to his, surprised that she was even able to get closer than she already was. They stay that way for a long while, just kissing each other hungrily. Jason is the one to pull away first but he keeps his forehead touching hers as he catches his breath.

“I told you that I struggle holding back with you. Look what you made me do.” He grinned.

“I’m not upset about it.” Marinette sighed.

“I can tell.” Jason pulled back to gently stroke her face. “Look at you. And I thought you couldn’t get any more appealing. I was wrong.” He then laughed. “You are going to make me do something stupid.”

“Yeah.” Marinette grins. “I can see that.”

“And you wouldn’t stop me, would you?” Jason grins too.

“Nope.” Marinette looks into his eyes with a smile. “You’ve got me hooked.”

“Yeah but at least I was trying. You got me hooked without even realizing.”

“Lucky me.” Marinette giggles.

“Let’s just hope I don’t mess this up.” He kissed her once more before taking a step down, giving the two of them some distance. “I’ve already rushed into things. I should do this right but like I’ve said, it’s hard for me to hold back.”

“I guess you’re right.” Marinette smiles, happy that he likes her enough to want to do this right. “But I’ll be waiting in baited breath for you to finally let loose. You have me eager for more, Jay.”

Jason smiles up at her. “You aren’t going to make it easy, are you? You’re going to tempt me every step of the way.”

“I’ve never tried to be tempting.” Marinette grins. “It might be fun.”

Jason shakes his head with a grin before looking up at her. “Well then I better send you inside before you start trying, Pixie-Pop.”

“Okay.” Marinette sighs. “I’ll see you soon.”

“See you soon, beautiful.”

Marinette reluctantly opens her door and steps inside. She gives Jason one last smile before shutting the door and locking it. She barely makes it to the couch before she flops down, kicking her legs in the air and squealing happily.

“You look happy.” Tikki grins down at her as she flies above her head.

“That was amazing, Tikki! Oh my God… that man! I wanted to… ugh!” She slaps her hands over her face. “Why did he choose me of all people to hold back with?”

“I think it’s nice of him to do that. You two just met and it’s good to see that he cares enough to slow down at least a little.”

“I know.” Marinette drops her hands to her side and sighs. “But isn’t there some universally accepted rule about the third date? Do you think he is going by those standards?”

“I don’t know.” Tikki laughs. “I’ve never seen you so eager before, Marinette.”

“I know.” Marinette sat up. “Do you think there is something wrong with me?”

“No.” Tikki grins. “It’s okay that you like him this much even if the relationship is very new. You are young and so is he. Besides, you like him more than just his body, right?”

“Well yeah. He’s funny and nice and cool. He makes me feel special and the way he looks at me makes me feel so confident. I feel like I can do anything when he smiles at me like the way he does.”

“See?” Tikki smiles. “There is nothing wrong with you. If he makes you feel like that then of course you like him. And he gives you a sense of adventure that you have been missing in your life for a while now.”

“Yeah.” Marinette sighs. “But I’ve known him for two days.”

“That’s not too crazy.” Tikki lightly shakes her head. “You live in the age of technology where people find each other online just by swiping on a picture. People do crazier and much more fast pace things than you are doing now. Quit worrying about how it looks on the outside and worry about how you feel on the inside. If it feels right to you and both of you are happy then does it matter when the two of you met? I mean all you have only done is kiss.”

“I see your point, Tikki.” Marinette grins before standing up. “I think I’m going to call Alya and tell her about this. I’m sure she’ll be excited to hear about this.”

Marinette made her way upstairs and took a quick shower before calling Alya on FaceTime. It took a couple of rings but she eventually answered.

“Hey, girl! I was wondering when you were going to call me again.”

“Hey, Alya.” Marinette smiled. “I have something big to tell you.”

Alya gasped. “Did you see some of the vigilantes?”

“Well yes but that’s not what I was going to talk about.”

“What?! You have something more important to tell me other than meeting some of Gotham’s vigilantes?”

“Yes.” Marinette laughed. “I went on a date today.”

Alya squealed very loudly before shouting to Nino off screen. “Babe! Mari went on a date today!”

“What?!” Nino said before suddenly coming on screen. “With who?”

“His name is Jason Todd. He’s one of the boys that was adopted by Bruce Wayne.”

“No way!” Alya gasped. “Hold on, let me look him up.”

Alya’s picture cut out for a moment as she seems to look him up on her phone.

“Oh my God, have you seen his Instagram, girl?”

“No. Why?”

“Just… do yourself a favor and look it up right now. You can thank me later.”

“Okay?” Marinette giggled before pulling up the Instagram app on her phone and typing in Jason’s name.

He had a verified account and the first picture she saw of him was one where he was washing his motorcycle shirtless. According to Instagram it was uploaded 9 days ago. Marinette was mesmerized by his body. She knew he was well built but the jacket he always wore did a good job of hiding what was really there.

“Oh.” Marinette said as she kept scrolling.

The next most resent picture was about three weeks ago. Jason was smiling as he had Tim in a playful headlock as they sat on a couch. Marinette kept scrolling and more and more pictures stood out to her. One where he was in a large pool with his three brothers and she now knew what Dick and Damian looked like. Another with Jason casually wrapping his arm around Bruce and an older gentleman who Marinette assumed was Alfred.

Marinette passed picture after picture but in the end she scrolled back up to the most resent. This picture had more likes than anything else he’s posted and she can see why. He’s beautiful.

“Earth to Marinette!” Alya said. “Let me see your face again, girl! We have to talk.”

“Oh, right.” Marinette laughed before going back to the FaceTime app.

“I’m assuming I looked up the right Jason Todd, right? He’s got abs for days!”

“I know.” Marinette giggled. “That was the first time I’ve ever seen him shirtless.”

“Nino over here is even swooning over him.” Alya laughed. “So tell me. How did you meet? And how was the date?”

“Well I was waiting at the bus on my first day of work when this minivan ran over a puddle in the road and water splashed all over me, ruining my clothes. Jason was on his motorcycle and stopped just before he hit the puddle as well. He saw me and offered to take me home to let me change and then he said he would drive me to work. I don’t know why I did it but I hopped onto his bike and gave him my address to take me home. Anyways, I invited him inside…”

“Wait, wait, wait!” Alya interrupted. “You hopped on his bike and invited him in your house? You? Sweet little Marinette?”

“I knew you would think I lost my mind.” Marinette laughed. “But yes. And Alya… Jason is a flirt. Like a hardcore flirt. I swear he short circuited my brain. He would get all close and grab me by my chin and call me beautiful as he winks at me.”

“Oh, girl!” Alya grinned from ear to ear. “And did he ask you on a date then?”

“No.” Marinette shook her head. “This morning when I was leaving for work he was waiting outside my apartment. He offered to drive me again and I said yes. When we made it to Wayne Enterprises we were a little early so he turned himself around on his bike to face me so we could chat. Anyways, he eventually asked me if I was free after work and I said I was. It was kind of awkward though when Mr. Wayne showed up and we were like six inches apart from each other. I mean I was practically sitting on him.”

“It totally slipped my mind that you are dating your boss’s son. That’s crazy!”

“And my other boss’s brother.” Marinette chuckled. “But they didn’t make it even weirder than it already was so that’s cool.”

“Wow. When you said this was better than meeting one of Gotham’s vigilantes you weren’t kidding. So tell me about this date? Where did he take you? What did you do?”

“He took me to a rooftop restaurant. It was super pretty up there and we ate and talked for the longest time. He told me about his family and about growing up in Gotham and I told him about my family and growing up in Paris. He ended up saying all of these ridiculously nice things about how beautiful I am and how he has a hard time holding back around me which surprised me because he’s already very forward with me. I want to know what he’s like when he’s not holding back, you know?”

“I’m honestly so surprised. My sweet little Mari bagged herself an assertive flirt who is holding back just for her. It’s romantic, really but also kind of hot.” Alya grinned. “You will tell me what he’s like when he doesn’t hold back, right?”

“Well the thing is…” Marinette smirked. “He kissed me at the end of the date after he walked me to my door. And this wasn’t like a sweet little peck on the lips, you know.”

“Tongue?” Alya raised her eyebrow in shock.

“Yes!” Marinette sighs. “It was… intense. I was a little upset when he pulled away. He stopped because he said I was appealing and I was going to make him do something stupid. He then went on to say that he didn’t want to mess this up and that he’s already rushed into things.”

“Damn.” Alya shook her head in surprise. “But do you want to rush into things? Sounds to me like you REALLY like him.”

“Well I already told him I was going to tempt him every step of the way.” Marinette laughed. “I don’t know if I’ll be any good at it but we will see.”

“Wow.” Alya grinned. “You go, girl! I’m so proud.”

“So you don’t think I’m crazy for falling for this guy I’ve only known for two days?”

“No. I mean, I’ve seen the guy. And with what you are telling me about him? Girl I would be right there with you if I was in your shoes.”

“I would be too.” Nino speaks up.

“See?” Alya laughed. “I know you are a logical person and all that but just go with the flow. Have fun. Who knows? You may have just found Mr. Right and you don’t even realize it.”

“That would be nice.” Marinette grins. “But we will have to wait and see I guess.”

“Exactly. But hey, me and Nino have to go, okay? I’ll talk to you soon, girl.”

“Talk to you later, Alya.”

Marinette hangs up the phone and lies back on her bed to look up at the ceiling. Moments later she drifts off to sleep with thoughts of Jason on her mind.