Chapter Text
October, (year 3)
By then, everyone knew; child had disappeared from school.
It was already October, and no one had seen her since the end of the last semester. Her family did not withdraw her from school or transfer her to private education. She simply didn't show up. There wasn't a single person who hadn't heard about it; the French-Chinese student who had started there about two years ago, as she transferred for 10th grade. They could only guess. Some went so far as to claim that she had killed herself, since she never spoke to anyone and looked sad often. Some said she just dropped out. She didn't really have any friends, so perhaps her disappearance caused more of a stir than her presence ever had. She was reported absent from every class, missing every lesson.
But no one could explain the reason for her absence.
...
November, (year 3)
Jason began to dislike his siblings. Especially Dick. He couldn't read in peace with him around.
"Relax. Blueberry knows what she's doing," he repeated for the three hundredth time this month alone. Marinette left for some temple in Tibet at the beginning of August, three weeks after she turned 17. She said it would take a long time and that they wouldn't hear from her until then. Since then, Dick had to be calmed down continuously so he wouldn't board every flight to Tibet.
"It's been almost four months! What if she was kidnapped or fell off a cliff or something?!" Dick panicked beside him. Jason had no idea why he chose his room to panic in in the beginning, but here they were.
"You still don't know where to look. You can't just search the whole Tibet- you'd get lost in a day."
Dick slumped back onto the sofa next to Jason, with Kiki at his feet. The dog seemed gloomier too; she wasn't as playful anymore. They remained silent for the rest of the evening, the only sounds being the turning of pages and Dick's slight sniffling.
But Jason couldn't deny it; he was starting to worry about the little blueberry too.
...
December, (year 3)
Christmas was quiet.
Tim remembers the last time he had a crappy Christmas; after he forced Bruce to take him as Robin, he had to deal with the broken-Bruce. Somehow, he managed to get the old man back on his feet, helped him with his business, and Gotham was back in order. It took him a time, but he did it edventually.
This year was a different kind of shit. It wasn't grief, but doubt and absence among them. After all, Marinette wasn't dead (- or so they hoped).
No one really made an effort. The gifts, if there were any, were surprisingly poor. Not a single PowerPoint presentation this year. Marinette's absence was terrible.
Tim was surprised at how much he missed her actually. They were close, of course, after so many coffees and sleepless nights, but he wasn't her father, or her best-uncle (as Damian liked to call himself). He was just one of her many-many uncles. They were more like friends, than a close family. It wasn't an issue- he felt like this too with a bunch of people in this family.
Still, Tim didn't expected his chest to hurt like this. He didn't expect to have to use makeup to cover his red eyes.
That's why, when the bell rang just after nine o'clock, everyone had a heart attack.
"Did someone order pizza or something?" Steph stammered, but everyone just shook their heads silently.
Tim was the first to put it all together, as a slight chance. The first to react. He ran to the door in his lame mismatched socks, with a pounding heart. He almost ripped the door open.
In front of him was Marinette, exactly the same as she was when she left – well, maybe except for her strange monk's robes, large bag at her feet on the ground, and strangely braided hair.
She beamed at Tim with a broad smile, as if she wasn't away for five months.
"Merry Christmas!"
And Tim couldn't help himself— he embraced in his arms his surprised niece, burying his face in her shoulder deeply.
"I missed you too" she chuckled, hugging him back.
Quick footsteps came up behind them, and Tim let go of the girl, embarrassed. Dick and Damian simultaneously threw themselves at Marinette, just like in a movie scene, knocking her over.
The whole family appeared in a row. Kiki was the only one who joined their little pile, everyone else just watched them with happy smiles.
Dick and Damian got off her edventually which seemed to take forever (and only happened because she started complaining that her arms were getting numb). Jason helped her up, and seeing his little hesitation, Marinette quickly pulled him into a tight hug. Then, she hugged the rest of the family in turn, some of whom didn't have to be asked (like Steph) and some who were more reluctant (like Bruce).
"Finally, I'm home!"
And maybe, this Christmas wasn't so bad after all.
...
January, (year 4)
June had two friends before Marinette.
She knew them from school; Anthony from biology and Sean from history. Then it turned out that the two boys already knew each other, and the three of them quickly became inseparable. This happened back in their first year; ever since then it was just the three of them for her, as she hadn't made any other friends, even despite her bubbly personality.
There were two reasons for this: her appearance and Sean.
It all started when she was about fourteen years old. Her skin began to change due to a fucked-up incident in chemistry lab back in middle school, and June had vitiligo since. It took her a while to get used to it while talking things through with a mental health professional.
Today, almost four years later, it doesn't bother her anymore, she feels pretty comfortable with it. Unfortunately, however, her initial reticence made it extremely difficult for her to fit in. (And secretly, she still hates the way other kids look at her.) Not to mention that her family did not really belong to the upper class either, they just barely weren't struggling. In short, she was at the bottom of the popularity list.
Sean and Anthony were the only ones who didn't stare at her right in the beginning, and so, they became her first friends in high school.
Sean, on the other hand, is a completly different story. When June first met him in history class, he was just an average nerd (like Anthony) with somewhat messy brown hair and slight Hispanic features. However, in the summer before Junior's year, he suddenly grew taller and tanned, which, combined with his personality, swept all the girls off their feet. According to June, he hasn't really changed, but her reputation did. Suddenly everyone wanted to befriend June, who had been forgotten until then, because she was the key to the famous Sean's life.
Needless to say, she quickly stopped trying to make friends. It was almost a rule for her that she would have no more friends. She got used enough.
Anthony hadn't changed much though. He was still the same smiling guy who brought her coffee whenever they studied together. Pale skin, freckles, fluffy blonde hair. The guy with whom she could talk about anything. Her best friend in life.
(Interestingly, Sean was the first to notice the spark between them, but he never told June or Anthony.)
However, June would've never expected the famous Marinette to be her exception in the field of friends.
The girl returned after winter break. (Everybody has heard about her by then; the girl who dropped out of school, god knows why, for the first half of her senior year. For her, there was no chance of her getting her high school diploma without repeating a year.) When one of her teachers, because some teachers like to be assholes, asked Marinette in front of everyone at the beginning of class if she was going to repeat the year or just drop out for good, she calmly replied,
"I'm going to finish this year because my dad wants me to, and who knows, maybe you'll teach me something useful finally. Then I'll take my GED and go to collage while I run my own business."
Well, you heard her.
And that was the moment June decided that come hell or high water, she would be this baddie's first friend.
She tried for weeks to strike up a conversation with Marinette. At first, she offered to help her whenever someone reffered to the first semester, in case she didn't know something (which was annoyingly rare, because holy shit, this girl was smart). Then she started to sit next to her in classes what they shared. Still, no progress was made; she could try all she wanted, but nothing.
And June respeced that, really. After all they went to the same (arguably little) school for years, and still haven't talked a word. Marinette was just as quiet as she had been in her first year here, except that her clothes were more colorful and she was walking with a straight back now. A real antisocial behavior. (It didn't help that June's social skills were extremely rusty either.)
The breaking point, however, was Sean.
One day, when June left school late because of a hangout with Anthony, she caught Sean and Marinette walking down the main staircase side by side - and what's even stranger - talking.
After they reached the bottom, Marinette started walking in the other direction, casually saying goodbye to Sean and leaving the boy behind.
June quickly caught up with him, tapping him on the shoulder, as the boy hadn't noticed her approaching.
He turned to her with a rather dumb grin, and-
Oh.
Oh.
June had never seen Sean blush before.
"How do you know her?" she asked, with a shit-eating smile.
Oh my God, when Anthony finds out about this!
He cleared his throat, "Library. She often studies there, and seemed a little behind in history. I uh, offered to help a little."
"Uh-huh," June replied, with the same smile and all-knowing eyes.
If possible, he blushed even more, "oh, shut up June."
Her smile just grew wider.
"You know, you could invite her to have lunch with us sometime- I heard she eats in the library."
"Really? I mean- I, uhm. Yeah I will. I guess," he mumbled, all read-faced.
And June definitely has to tell Anthony about this.
...
February, (year 4)
"Jason?"
"Yeah, Blueberry?"
"Did you die?"
The question catched him off guard. "How-"
"I can see it. It's so green. Angry."
Jason swallowed nervously. If there was one thing he didn't want Marinette to know about, it was this.
"Magic stuff, huh?"
Marinette nodded seriously. A moment of scilence, then,
"How did you end up in the Lazarus Pit, Jase?
...
The next day, she gave him some strange cookies. She said it will help him. They didn't taste special, but Jason ate them anyway.
He never saw the green again.
...
March, (year 4)
"So, Mainette, I've been thinking," June said around a week ago. "It's my birthday soon, and I'd love to have you over. The boys and I usually just go to the movies or something, but if you want to do something else, that's fine with me, I just want to have you there."
And that's how Marinette ended up at the cinema one sunday afternoon. She couldn't even remember the last time she had been to the movies, let alone gone with friends.
Friends. Dick was totally thrilled when Marinette told him she made friends. To be precise, her friends just adopted her into the friendgroup – one day, about two months ago, Sean asked her to sit with them, and since then Marinette hasn't left their side. They study, go to class and eat together every day. She doesn't want to admit it, but she loves it. Sean, with his crooked smile and caring nature, June, with her laughter and kindness, and Anthony, who is a little quiet but pays attention to everything.
(She had her distance with Anthony at first. The blonde hair... caused a lot of flashbacks. But edventually, she began to see the brown eyes instead of green, and finally now, whenever she sees blonde hair she thinks of Anthony and not him.)
They met in front of the cinema. Marinette was the second to arrive, clutching a gift bag decorated with flowers, right after Sean. A few minutes later, Anthony and June arrived, holding hands, smiling widely.
It was about time, Marinette thought, strangely proudly. She'd been watching their mutual pining for a while now, after all.
(What she couldn't see though, was the longing look in the other boy's eyes behind her.)
Since there was still plenty of time before the movie's start, they decieded to give June the gifts now. Anthony has already given his (obviously he wanted to do it in private, and it may have something to do with the fact that they finally got together), and Sean gallantly let Marinette go first.
But nothing could have prepared them for the way June lighted up.
"Is this what I think it is?" she asked, almost whispering into the silence.
Hesitantly, she unfolded the contents of the bag, pulling out a folded dress. Holding it up in the air, she examined the beautiful dress. It came down to her feet, with slightly puffed shoulders and a pretty neckline. A beautiful floral pattern was embroidered on the dark red, flowing fabric, and it could be tied at the waist with a corset-like tie. Exactly the kind of dress June would call her dream dress, whenever she talked about prom or balls.
"Oh my God, Marinette, you shouldn't have! It must've costed a fortune- this is too much," June shook her head, returning the dress immidiately.
"It's okay, June," she laughed. "I sewed it."
Her statement is followed by sheer shock; there is no other way to describe it. The boys looked at her like she was some kind of genius, while June as if she just hung the stars for her.
"Still, it's a lot... I can't-" she shook her head.
"June, read the note, please."
Hesitantly, but she does it.
'To the prom. Go, live your dreams.
– And let us laugh at Anthony's drooling face.'
That's the only thing that convinced her to accept the gift.
(June only later discovered the small embroidered signature at the bottom of the dress. She thought it was a nice gesture from Marinette, having no idea that the girl had added her own brand to the dress. The signature that would be worth gold in a few years' time.)
She quickly throwed her arms around Marinette's neck and pulled her into a tight hug. "Thank you. Thank you so much!"
Marinette happily, though somewhat surprised, hugged her back. Sean catched her gaze and smiled at her, with something in his eyes that wasn't there before. Perhaps admiration, or gratitude, Marinette couldn't name that deepness.
But she smiled back.
...
April, (year 4)
Three teenagers stood in front of a somewhat run-down apartment somewhere in the middle of town. They wanted to surprise Marinette. She had once given them her address, telling them to come here if they were in trouble. This would've been strange anywhere else, but in Gotham, no one really questions these things. Anthony and June convinced Sean that it would be a good idea, but he wasn't really sure anymore. He fidgeted nervously, clutching a sign and some flowers.
The flowers weren't roses, as Sean remembered that Marinette didn't really like them- instead he put wildflowers in the bouquet. On the board, written in fancy letters, was just a simple question,
'Will you go to prom with me?'
And listen, Sean was prepared for anything. Rejection, embarrassment, and maybe even a yes.
What he wasn't prepared for, however, was Damian Wayne opening the door.
Everyone in Gotham knows his face. After all, he is Bruce Wayne's only biological son, the heir to it all. He is only about a year and a half older than them.
So what the hell was he doing at Marinette's apartment?
Damian glanced somewhat confusedly at the board and the flower, then said somewhat awkwardly,
"Sorry, but proms aren't really my thing."
What? No-
"Damian? Who is it?" they heard Marinette's voice from inside the apartment.
The three shocked teenagers watched silently as events unfolded, that were completely overwhelming for them.
Damian Wayne knew Marinette. Damian Wayne spent a weekend at Marinette's apartment.
God, were they dating?!
That's it. That's where Sean lost all his chance. He has no way of competing with the Damian Wayne. And Marinette really deserves a guy as great as Damian Wayne. He must be a great guy. Marinette deserves him, she really does. It's just that Sean started to...
June seemed to realize this too, because she put her hand on Sean's shoulder in a slightly comforting gesture. So this really was the end for him.
At that moment, another figure appeared in the doorway; Tim Drake. What the hell is going on really? The older boy shouted over his shoulder, "Jason, come see this! Some guy asked Damian to prom!"
"WHAT?"
"No, no, I didn't-"
"Hey, what's going on here?" Richard Grayson appeared too.
The fuck?
"I said no to it! I am not going to prom!"
Richard Grayson's eyes scanned them while his brother spoke, then after a moment his eyes widened.
"I know you guys! You're Marinette's friends, aren't ya?"
Silence.
The other two stare at them too. "Now that you mention it, they do look familiar..."
And finally, Marinette appeared, with Jason Todd hot on her heels.
"Guys? What are you-"
Her eyes scanned them carefully, and Sean felt himself blush when she saw the flowers and the sign.
"Sean, why are you asking Damian to prom?"
...
After a lot of explaining, everyone sat down at the dinner table. As they learned, it was a family tradition (because Marinette belonged to the WAYNE family, holy shit) to try to eat together once a week.
They said they planned to officially introduce Marinette on her 18th birthday in July, at a ball. She quickly explained, that she wasn't doing it to be famous or anything; she was just tired of keeping secrets and of the media being flooded with dating rumors every time they went out together. And that they agreed to wait until she was of legal age so that she could take care of her own legal matters.
As the night went by, the three of them got to know the four boys and a side of Marinette that they hadn't really had the chance to see before. Besides, it was a little awkward to realize that none of them had connected the surname Grayson with Richard Grayson (who almost immediately asked them to call him Dick, what the hell). They promised not to tell anyone. And Anthony fell in love with her dog, that's for sure, as he was petting 'Kiki' almost the whole evening.
It was even more awkward when Sean had to deal with a bunch of overprotective relatives when they finally realized he had, in fact, invited Marinette to the prom.
(She said yes.)
...
May, (year 4)
Marinette didn't spend much time at the Justice League base, but there were a few cases where she had to help out. And although her identity was kept strictly secret, the members quickly came to trust her. Sometimes even with their personal life.
Pet-babysitting was one of them.
Interestingly, it all started with Superman. He heard that she sometimes looked after Robin's dog, and since he didn't know that they knew each other outside of their masks, he asked if she could take Krypto for the weekend, while he had to be away in an another planet.
Marinette agreed.
Since Krypto isn't exactly the best-behaved dog, Superman halfly expected to find the new member to be furious (or maybe even mutilated) when he returned. But when he did, he was surprised to see that Ladybug was actually quite happy and completly unharmed.
As it turned out, there was something about the girl that calmed the animals around her. "Magic," she claimed.
Then, one after another, came a squirrel (from Green Lantern), a turtle (thanks, Flash), and a pig (Wonder Woman). Add to that the bats' dogs appearing here and there (like Haley, whom Dick rescued), with Damian's own animal collection, the whole thing started to look absolutely ridiculous.
But Kiki just loved it.
Being a sheperd-dog, it was almost like her life-purpose was to look after those pets. She still got along best with Damian's animals, since she had known them longer, but you get it. A super-dog? Kiki can handle it.
When asked, Marinette refused to let her become a superhero dog, even though Kiki clearly had magical abilities. She was afraid for her puppy, sue her.
(She does dress her up in costumes sometimes, though, just so Kiki doesn't feel left out.)
And, little by little, the Justice League owed their new hero more favors than anyone was willing to admit.
...
By mid-May, a rather heated debate (which was going on for weeks now) threatened to spark another civil war. Because of a new meta-law in the country, including Gotham. Just the usual 'legalize metas' stuff, Marinette isn't sure.
What is certain, however, is that this May cannot be ruined by a Batman-Superman fight.
"All right, everyone." She snapped finally at one of the latest meetings. "I know you guys love to jump each other's throats, but this is really awkward timing for me, so I'll tell you what's gonna happen."
Only silent blinks and silence followed the girl, either out of disbelief or fear.
"You," she pointed at Batman, "need to go to sleep. I don't want to see you here until you slept 24 hours."
Before the man could say anything, Mrainette was already pointing at the hero on the other side of the room.
"And you," Superman swallowed hard, "have to stop with your bullshit. Legalizing metas in Gotham? Are you out of your mind? It would be like giving everyone access to nuclear weapons!"
The man tried to protest, but the girl interrupted him before he could utter a sound.
"Nope, you will speak when I'm done, got it? You just cannot legalize them. Gotham is not ready for that, not the justice system, not the prisons, not the crime-rates."
"Maybe if you gave them a chance at a normal life, they wouldn't turn to crime," he argued, in that sarcasticly annoying voice of his, but it sounded weak now.
"Would you risk the lives of civilians for that statement? They have a chance at life, damn it Superman, that's why Meta City exists! I wield magic too, and I know exactly what happens when it falls into the wrong hands!"
She was almost screaming now, but when she finally realized it, she stopped to take a deep breath before continuing.
"Look. We must compromise. I say that meta-humans who don't use their powers can keep their lives, but if they are caught using them illegally, even for a second, they will be sent to Meta City or to prison. If they just want a normal life, they will have to act like it. It's not perfect, but the world isn't ready for them to blend in, not yet. In a few years, perhaps, but that's all what I will accept for now."
"And why exactly would I agree to that?"
"Because, Clarke, I am right and if you can't see that I recommend using your glasses more often. Plus I take care of your dog every damn weekend, so you owe me more favors than anyone else!"
Superman just sat frozen in his seat as she spoke, quietly.
"And prom is this Friday – it would be really really good if some civil war wouldn't ruin it, you know? Now, if you'll excuse me," She ran her hand through her bangs, and after a moment of hesitation, she walked out leaving them there, shocked.
(A few minutes had passed, but the League was still sitting there in silence, deciding which fact to fear more: that Ladybug has figured out Superman's identity on her own, or that she is seemingly a high-school student, who just told two of their most feared heroes to pipe down.)
On Friday morning, Dick showed up with bouquets of flowers in his hand. He claimed that the League had sent them, but they didn't know where she lives, so they just gave it to him. It must be an apology, she figured finally.
After all, no one wants to get on Ladybug's bad side.
...
June, (year 4)
"Hey, Marinette, I was wondering if you still want to go to the same fashion college?"
"What do you mean, Dad?"
"I just... by September, everyone will know who you are, that you are a Wayne— wouldn't it be better to go to a private college?"
"Don't worry, it'll be fine. June will be there too, so I won't be alone.
"Yeah, I know..."
"I've dealt with worse."
...
July, (year 4)
Tim and Marinette were out in the city on a quiet afternoon when her life was turned upside down again.
She took her GEDs last week. Even if Marinette didn't get her high school diploma, she still studied like hell, even after school. And a few weeks after the end of the year, all of her GEDs were perfect. Regardless, thanks to June and her friends, she still went to a bunch of graduation parties. It was difficult for her to find some free time for herself between his many social activities, work, and studies until now.
And while in the last few weeks Tim dragged her out for breakes, it turned vica versa. Tim needed a break, from the business and the upcoming ball for her birthday, and Marinette took matters into her hands.
Tim had the whole Wayne Enterprises now. Damian was accepted into medical school in February, on cross-semester, after she retured from Tibet. He left the family business, leaving everything officially to Tim. It came as a surprise to almost everyone, but not to Marinette. She saw it in his eyes, that sparkle shining brighter, whenever she talked about her adventures as a Tibetan healer. The same sparkle that never left his eyes after Marinette brought him back to life last year. And Damian had always been like that; he wanted to help.
Of course, that doesn't mean he's barricading himself away; Marinette wouldn't allow it. Damian was still Robin. He was still involved in his and Marinette's fashion business. He still went on family outings.
"I'm still the best uncle," he said.
Tim was surprised, more than everyone. He didn't believe that it was all his, or that the results of his work would be this big. He was surprised and also happy, even though he still doesn't believe it. His job didn't change much though, but he began to delve deeper into it, not as Bruce's right-hand man, but as heir and future CEO.
At the same time his coffee addiction grew (if that was even possible), and the sleeplessness worsened.
That's how he ended up with his niece in the middle of town.
They were walking casually side by side when Marinette suddenly stopped.
As if she saw a ghost or something.
A tall boy with blue hair also stopped in front of them in the small crowd, almost at the same moment. Their eyes locked, unable to look away. His voice was raspy, and it cracked mid-speaking;
"...Marinette?"
...
Luka.
Years have passed and yet...
She doesn't even have bad memories of Luka. The boy was always nice. He was the one who broke his heart, she never deserved him.
The boy didn't hurt her.
(My name is Marinette. I am 17 years old. The past doesn't matter. I'm-)
Yet she froze.
In, out.
It's not the boy who's the problem, a voice in the back of her mind shouted. He just belongs to Paris, but there's nothing wrong with him.
Luka. Luka. Luka. Luka.
(My name is Marinette. Dick Grayson is my father. I am a superhero. I'm-)
She closed her eyes.
In, out. Inhale, exhale.
Slowly.
(My name is Marinette Grayson. I'm strong.)
"Are you okay?" she felt Tim's hand on her arm.
In, out.
Inhale, exhale.
She smiled a little back at him, "yeah."
Strangely, the realization that she wasn't having a panic attack reached her brain just now. She was shocked, but she didn't panic.
Her demons no longer haunted her.
Marinette was okay.
And she couldn't help it— a broad smile creeped across her face.
She fixed her eyes on the boy in front of her. He wasn't a ghost or a hallucination, he didn't disappear from her sight. He looked the same as when she last saw him, except that his hair now touched his shoulders in places, and he had grown much taller, as he was almost twenty years old now.
But blue hair, deep eyes, and the same eyeliner remained.
"Hi, Luka."
The boy's eyes widened even more. His pupils trembled slightly.
Tim looked at them anxiously. His hand remained on Marinette's arm, protectively.
"You were here..." he shook his head a little, denyingly, "all along."
It didn't sound like a simple statement. There was something sad and hopeful in his voice; he whispered this to himself, perhaps to God. Luka's hand was shaking just as much as hers.
She just nodded. She didn't know how to respond. She didn't know what that meant.
(Was Luka looking for her?)
He hesitated slightly, but took a step forward. Then he stopped and gave a little chuckle. "Fuck, how are you?"
Marinette chuckled too.
The whole situation was absurd. Surreal.
She looked at the other person for a moment before answering. Gathering her words, overcoming the urge to run.
"Good. I feel good."
It felt strange to say it out loud.
It was strange, how true it was.
And it was strange, how three weeks can fuck up someone's life that hard.
She smiled at Luka, with a bright smile that he used to see on her 14 years old self.
Her demons no longer followed her.
Tim relaxed a little beside her. Marinette appreciated it, honestly. If anyone had defended her like that back then... Then she would've never met Dick. Nor the whole family. This is how it was supposed to be - Marinette was happy that her life had turned out this way, and for a long time now, she couldn't imagine it any other way.
And maybe, just maybe, it was okay to talk to Luka.
Tim coughed beside her.
"Oh right! Tim, this is Luka, from Paris. Luka, this is Tim."
Luka extended his hand, "Nice to meet you."
Tim sized Luka up for a moment. Marinette couldn't decide if it was because he was simply overprotective or because he believed anyone connected to Paris deserved to be burned at the stake.
Marinette smiled encouragingly at him, sincerely, and that was probably the only thing that prevented the murder.
"You too," Tim shook the other man's hand after a few seconds.
Marinette couldn't let the conversation get awkward, "so, Luka, what are you doing here in Gotham?"
The boy turned back towards her.
"I'm participating in some kind of last class program as an escort. Juleka convinced me, and—"
He stopped for a moment, his eyes wide, as if he had just discovered the secret of the universe. A secret that would lead to disaster.
"Oh Marinette... Lila's here."