Chapter Text
Tim had already started his research on Damian’s wife by the time they got home from the Gala. Everyone had been shaken to learn from Doc Midnight about the poor shape Damian had been in when he arrived, and how if not for his companion he would be dead. They all felt incredibly useless to know that they were at the scene of the crime but were unhelpful in every way by following Damian’s orders.
He pulled up her image privately on his computer, not trying to get the attention of the entire family by pulling it up on the Bat Computer. A quick reverse image search and he found her.
Marinette Dupain-Cheng, daughter of bakers and college educated in fashion design. No listed occupation but… She had studio space rented out in her name and it was always paid in full by the end of the month. So she wasn’t struggling financially or dependent on her parents.
A number of tabloids populated about her famous break up with Adrien Agreste, model of the now rebranded Gabriel fashion house. Looks like it was amicable enough, just a lot of photos of Adrien looking sad while she became too allusive for the press to get her thoughts and feelings on a deeply personal matter.
Her instagram prolife was private. Her other socials were set to the same setting. He sent bot follow requests to attempt to garner insight from social media but wasn’t feeling particularly lucky about it considering each of her accounts had less than 200 people. He tried with his personal accounts as well, hoping that maybe she would see the last name and accept him for nothing other than his relationship to Damian.
Tim set his phone upside down and got to work building out a case profile for the night before, recalling all the information they had on the now tested syringe of Luthor’s and the qualitative data Oracle gave them about Marinette’s own movements and commentary. He began to grind into the details of where exactly this poison might have been created and how a CADMUS lab has suddenly been set up under the gala location.
Tim nearly lept in excitement when his phone suddenly buzzed.
StabbyBird: Family meeting in the dining room at 12. Non-negotiable.
Looking at his watch, it was nearly time. Tim decided it wasn’t worth his little brother attempting to hunt him down for being late. He grabbed his cup of coffee, saved and closed out of his work and began to ascend the staircase.
When he arrived, he found that everyone was already present, even Jason.
“Hey replacement, know what this is about?” Jason asked him, his tough guy older brother act coming out of the woodwork like it always did in matters surrounding Damian.
“My guess is something to do with him nearly dying last night and what he remembers from the lab.”
“Hm, why choose that over him talking about his wife?”
“You think he’s going to tell us about her? After months of keeping her a secret?” Tim rationalized.
“Maybe he wants us all to behave because he’s going to bring her to family dinner?” Dick approached and helpfully offered.
“You think he’s going to give that to Bruce? If anything he’s going to ask us to keep our distance from her even more.” Steph argued as she now also approached.
“Official ceremony?” Cass quipped, her meaning surrounding Damian and Marinette actually getting married not lost on the group despite her not vocalizing the full thought.
“My money is that they eventually elope.” Jason added.
“Oh totally, but my money is on them eloping in a few years.” Steph contributed.
“Summer wedding?” Tim inquired.
“Damian might like a summer wedding.” Duke agreed with him.
“She strikes me as a spring girl.” Dick nodded thoughtfully. They all nodded their heads in agreement to that.
Bruce entered the dining room and looked like shit.
“What are you all discussing?” He asked, his tone weary as any father who hadn’t slept a wink might sound.
“Damian’s wife.” Jason replied but alluded to nothing more.
“She… She called me ‘pops’ last night. Should I assume that was a good thing or something very bad?” Bruce hesitated before asking.
But he never got an answer because very soon after asking it, Damian arrived and looked absolutely pissed. His glare was deep and cutting, and his body language screamed that he was ready to fulfill a threat.
“Family.” He announced, and took his seat at the table. A few glances were shared around the room but it wasn’t long before they all took their seats.
“I’ve brought you all here to request your assistance.” Damian began.
Tim’s phone chimed and he quickly shot a guilty look to Damian and the rest of the family who now focused their glares on him. He gave them an apology and began to silence his phone, he saw that he had a new acceptance from Marinette’s profile and a message from her.
“As you all are now well aware, my wife Marinette has learned of our identities and has shared her own out of necessity to save my life last night.” Damian began.
Marinette: Hi Tim! I was just wondering if you knew if Alfred was going to be home today? <3 Damian said he wanted to meet me! :)
Tim replied ‘Yes, he is. :) ’ quickly to his sister in law and then placed his phone away, assuming it was harmless that she know that Alfred hardly ever left the manor.
“In part of our soul bonding, it is possible for us to have a limited reach in understanding each other's insights or feelings. It is not uncommon for symptoms of emptiness or loneliness to appear if we are apart for long lengths of time or far stretches of distance.” Damian continued to admit.
“How can we help?” Bruce asked.
“Tt. It’s not about what you can do, it’s about what you need to not do. I need you all to completely avoid her until I tell you to do otherwise. I cannot have her winning our competition.”
“Competition?” Steph asked, a bit too enthusiastic to inquire.
“Yes. Unfortunately, she is now determined to prove that we are not a burden to one another by competing to be the better spouse. This is unacceptable, as I shall claim the title for my own. What I need, is for none of you to arm her with ammunition about me or my personal likes or dislikes.” Damian explained and the table erupted in screaming, Tim included, nearly immediately.
“OMG HOW CUTE!” Dick was loudest as he announced his thoughts.
Jason and Steph all immediately launched into the fact that they might get to go to a wedding after all and Tim was quick to let out a teasing “Aww” as Duke and Cass also coo’d at the baby of the family.
Damian looked more homicidal than ever, but focused his glare at the table.
“Well, so long as you all understand the assignment-” Damian began to grit out.
“Master Damian?” Alfred called out and the room quieted to snickers and Damian stopped his next thought to look up to his grandfather figure.
“Alfred?”
“Your wife just brought me the loveliest bouquet and a case of her family’s favorite wine, along with a few treats. Would you like for me to bring them out for your family meeting?”
“WHO AT THIS TABLE TOLD HER THAT ALFRED WAS HOME?” Damian erupted in rage. Alfred tutted and excused himself, happy to ‘have met such a lovely young lady’ he explained as he left. Damian flushed bright red.
Tim shrunk back into his chair, and once again the family stared him down.
“How did you already make contact with her?” Steph asked, mostly out of jealousy.
“Insta.”
“Treachery aside, none of you are to engage with her or answer her questions- do I make myself clear?” Damian reaffirmed, the anger in his voice immediately evident.
“Nah.” Jason replied with a smirk on his face.
“Excuse me?”
“I’m rooting for your missus.” Jason explained, his competitive glare now on full display.
“Are you positive you want to take that stance?” Damian had a warning to his tone.
“Why? What’re you going to do about it? Divorce?” He laughed, but Damian pulled out his phone. Clicked a few buttons here or there and then passed the phone over to his brother.
“Wh- Did you just send the press a photo of me and Roy?!?” Jason felt his eyes bulge out of his skull.
“Know that for each of you, I have a fitting punishment to the crime. Tim, you are on the thinnest ice but I will be merciful just this once as you communicated with her before I could explain the penalties.”
“Why shouldn’t I be a repeat offender?” Jason now challenged, panic no longer overwhelming him as it did at first.
“Do you think that’s the only compromising photo of you? Or do you not recall that my best friend is a photojournalist?” Damian smirked.
“You piece of shit- Fine. I’ll cooperate.” Jason all but threw the phone at his little brother.
“Damian, perhaps we should discuss this without resorting to blackmailing your siblings.” Bruce tried to reason.
“No! I will not allow her any advantage because of their dissent! She saved my life last night, which means she is already ahead of me-”
“Is there a scoreboard?”
“Not yet but I wouldn’t be surprised if she was working on one. My Wife has better organizational skills than any of you buffoons.”
“So we just leave Ladybug alone and you leave us alone, right?” Duke clarified.
“Yes. Provide her with no information and I will provide you with no trouble.”
“Could we circle back to her having the upperhand for having saved your life-” Bruce began but the family groaned.
“Holy shit. She knows you love Alfred and so she just got his approval under all of our noses.” Dick came to the realization.
“My wife is incredibly capable and works at a lethal level of precision. None of you are to underestimate her. While our family may be more multifaceted in talent than most, I assure you that my wife is beyond any of your expectations. She is creative, and she is too good for all of us.”
“...Cute.” Cass replied, a smug look on her face. Damian was immediately red again.
“I have a clarifying question before I agree to your terms surrounding my only Daughter in Law.” Bruce announced.
“Go ahead.” Damian glared as he replied, unsure of where this might be going. Was he fully prepared to blackmail his own father for cooperation? Absolutely, but he had hoped it wouldn’t come to that.
“When she called me Pops last night, was that a positive nickname or disparaging and does she intend on using it again?”
“... I requested that she call you ‘Old Man’ in the future. For your cooperation, I can negotiate back to either your Name or to … Pops… if you preferred that for whatever reason.” Damian was wondering where his emotionally constipated father was standing on the matter and the rest of the family was just as confused.
“Feel free to negotiate for Bruce but I will cooperate with you as best I can.” Bruce replied neutrally, giving away nothing about how he really felt beyond them all understanding that he felt old.
“Tt. You all have been warned. Now, I suggest you go acquire some of the treats she delivered. My wife is an incredibly skilled baker.”
They all very shortly received Instagram follow requests from Marinette, and despite the warnings, they all accepted. Damian wasn’t on instagram so this couldn’t harm them, could it?
Marinette was working in her studio, actually and finally making progress on her winter line when her mom called. A bit surprising since it was still during their busy cafe hours, but nothing so alarming that she considered there might be a problem.
“Good morning maman!” She greeted jovially.
“Morning Mari! I have to get back to the cafe soon but I just wanted to call and ask… Are you seeing someone?” Her mom tried desperately not to pry.
“I… Erm. I kind of am.” Marinette admitted, scared to think what gave her away or why her mom would suddenly call to ask.
“I knew it! The most beautiful bouquet was just delivered to the cafe! We didn’t know who it was for but it makes so much more sense that it’s for you!”
“Oh! Uh, was there a card?”
“There was but it’s in english- is he an American? You said you were doing more international business these days.”
“He’s kind of… Well, he grew up in Pakistan I think and then moved to America when he was ten. So he’s pretty americanized.”
“Here, I sent a photo of the card to you- translate it for me! We are both dying to know!” Her maman exclaimed.
TO: My Darling
If there was a flower for each time I thought of you, the world would be a garden.
This small gesture is for your treasured family and the love I know you have for them.
Marinette did the silly thing of reading the message out loud as she translated, which meant her mother quickly squealed and expressed her excitement to meet her mystery man. Marinette couldn’t exactly back track from there.
“Bye Maman, we both have to get back to work. I promise I’ll tell you more once I can.” Marinette explained and the second she hung up a photo of the Bouquet itself appeared on her phone. Holy shit.
Bright pink carnations mixed with tea roses and baby’s breath, a mix of eucalyptus and different greens and so many dark purple peonies that she could hardly contain her excitement to go collect them tonight.
Quickly dialing him, not caring how early in the morning it might be in Gotham right now, she needed answers. He didn’t pick up, but before she could dial him again, a ring came from her Studio’s doorbell.
Walking away from her desk, she opened the door to three different delivery people.
“Mme. Robin?” The delivery man asked, his eyebrow raised as he pronounced her ‘last name’ from the delivery sheet he read it from.
“That would be me.” She sighed.
It became apparent that the random silks Damian had sent her was him holding back. Bolts of fabrics appeared, plenty of sewing supplies as well, and enough ribbons to strangle Darkseid’s entire army.
The last delivery person handed over a second bouquet, the magnitude of this one was even larger than what had been delivered to her parents. Dark moody red roses, with pink lilies and azaleas, a mix of dark greens and dark reds abundant, the ivy it contained flowing over the sides.
She found the note after placing it into the biggest bowl she had, not knowing where else to put it where it might fit. Marinette wasn’t about to put it in the small bathroom sink but she did think about it for a moment. The envelope was made of thick cardstock and her heart skipped a beat as she flipped it open and extracted the small note.
TO: My Darling Wife
Please enjoy some flowers of your own, but know that your beauty far outshines them.
My soul has never been more fulfilled, even with how terribly empty it feels to be apart from your grace.
Marinette felt as though she had passed her normal stages of being red with embarrassment to being an entire tomato with how flustered she felt.
Was he… Was he going to win this competition by doing the one thing they’d never once discussed? Was he going to… Romance her? She nearly screamed at the thought.
Another doorbell ring and Marinette could hardly compose herself.
“Uh, here’s the vase that came with the flowers… You okay?” The delivery person inquired.
“FINE!” Marinette loudly projected, taking the gorgeous crystal vase and then closing the door back.
Marinette got the flowers out of her bowl and situated into the stunning crystal. Of course he had thought to order it with a vase, and a vase that she would like. He was so practical and knew her so well… And suddenly so romantic? Sending her flowers but also flowers to her parents? Being clever to not include her title as his wife on the one that went to her parents but still referring to her as his darling?
Her phone started to ring and she didn’t look at the caller ID before answering.
“You’ve got some nerve to send flowers to my parents-”
“He sent flowers to your parents?” Alya’s voice laughed on the other side of the line.
“Oh fuck! Alya! I thought it was, er, you know who I thought it was.”
“Yeah I know. Didn’t realize you guys were finally getting to the ‘meet the in laws’ stage.”
“We haven’t. We’re not- I mean I- NO. Er-”
“Mari, it’s fine. Adorable even. Plus I just sent him over all of your pinterest boards, I’m excited to see how this goes.”
“Alya please tell me you didn’t sent him the-”
“The one of all your dream wedding rings? Oh, but I did.” Her friend replied smugly.
“How the fuck is it, that I can’t get any of his team to actually tell me what he likes or dislikes but yet, he gets entire pinterest boards from my second in command.” Marinette gritted out.
“Uh, Cause you don’t have us on a gag order. Pretty sure Nino is helping him to make you a playlist right now.” Alya replied.
“He put his - No. I’m not surprised by that.”
“So… what's your next plan?”
“I’m contemplating playing dirty and adopting him a new puppy.” Marinette replied.
“Okay so we can back up a few steps. Maybe surprise him with a coffee or something, he looked dead on his feet when I saw him a minute ago.”
“He’s on the Watchtower?” Marinette was surprised to learn.
“Yeah, and beyond telling me that he was hoping to surprise you with something nice, he was being more prickly than normal.”
“Alya, I need you to tell the team to keep me updated on his whereabouts. I’ll be on the tower in 15.”
“Want to grab me a double espresso?” Alya teasingly asked.
“Will do. See you soon.”
Marinette ran out of her house to the nearest coffee shop, got her order fulfilled and was transformed into Lady Mare before she could think about the fact that she was maybe doing a bit much.
Still, she got to the tower, delivered Alya’s drink, ignored her laughter, and then hunted him down.
She found him in the hallways talking to Superboy and Superman. Fuck it, we ball. Was her only thought.
“Lady Mare?” He called out as she approached, confusion clearly written on his face.
“Special delivery for my doting husband, the flowers were very kind. Maybe answer your phone next time?” She asked as she placed the cup in his hand, kissed his cheek and then teleported back to Paris.
Detransforming, Marinette screamed at her boldness.
Sitting down at her desk, she knew she had to design this out of her system. Graphite and ink hitting paper, Marinette was in her zone, pushing all of her emotions out into curved lines and bold romantic structures. Bird motifs became obvious the more she worked, and it was clear that the color palet of the flowers he had sent her and her family were being used alongside rich gold metallics.
Jon and Clark were now enemy’s one and two on his list. With his wife’s quick appearance, delivery and disappearance, Damian wasn’t given a second to process before they were teasing him and generally flying around him like poltergeists.
She kissed his cheek… and he hadn’t even gotten to enjoy it for the tomfoolery that followed.
“So you got her flowers?!” Jon asked excitedly.
“I sent flowers to both her and her parents.” Damian replied, unsure of why he was arming his best friend with emotional ammunition.
“Good move, Always important to express interest in the family dynamic. Have you already been introduced?” Clark nodded as though he might have some sagely advice.
“He hasn’t but she’s met the family and most importantly- She’s met Agent A.” Jon replied for him.
“Agent A? Wow! That’s huge Robin!” Superman exclaimed, giving him a ‘fatherly’ pat on the back. Damian needed this to come to an end.
“So flowers and fabrics, what's your next plan?”
“I am collaborating to create a playlist of music for her with one of her teammates.” Damian explained.
“Hm. I mean that's like cliche cute or whatever, but it’s not really you. Plus, that might be more fun for you to do once you guys listen to more music together on dates.” Superboy dismissed the idea and Damian felt deflated.
“Does she like your art? Perhaps you could send her one of your sceneries? I know Lois always loved when I wrote to her or shared my stories.” Superman sighed jovially as he reminisced on romancing his own wife.
“...I had not considered that. I might deploy that idea.” Damian blinked after considering it for a few moments.
Marinette got to work making him a new suit which was lined with one of the silks he had sent her, happy that Jon had replied back and somehow retrieved his measurements.
It was a hot day in Paris, and like any good old european building, she lacked any AC. Never one to be uncomfortable in her own home, she was wearing a sensible bralette and shorts as she got to work cutting fabrics and patterning.
She had made suits in less time than she was currently spending on patterning this particular design but she was going to make it absolutely perfect. Her designs had come to her so quickly and so clearly and she knew in the future that he would be her muse again. Marinette knew that Damian would appreciate the finer details, he always had an eye for perfect things.
It was still getting later and later in the day, and Marinette knew that she was going to have to stop sometime soon in order to eat and rest her hands. Not to mention, other than the personal embellishments she wanted to add, the suit was completely constructed.
Pulling the jacket off of the sewing machine, the liner now seamlessly attached to the outer fabric, Marinette pulled it over her.
It looked good, despite it swallowing her and not exactly complimenting her pale complexion. She knew that wrapped around his shoulders his deep skin tones would shine and bring his eyes out like the emeralds they were. Marinette sighed dreamily just thinking about him.
And then it was like a slap, or a bucket of cold water or seeing a purple butterfly- Marinette was shocked into realizing that at some point, she had certainly fallen in love with Damian. Marinette felt herself fully flush but quickly found that it was more exciting than it was daunting. Unlike her previous failed relationships… Her infatuation hadn’t turned into obsession and her mind wasn’t occupied with self doubts of her worth or what she brought to the table.
Marinette settled into the couch, the suit jacket still wrapping around her, and had a moment of stillness to enjoy her recognition. Part of her felt compelled to stay quiet about this moment and part of her wanted to call everyone she had ever known and proclaim her feelings. A loud voice in her mind suddenly spoke up and said that she needed to tell him. Damian should know how she feels.
But… Putting that into words felt… Wrong.
Not to mention it would completely fuck up the game they had going. Knowing him, he might spiral into thinking she had taken her competitive edge too far and simply said this to win. It could be a hiccup for them to actually be more open about… Having an actual relationship in addition to their marriage.
Well… If he was pursuing the romantic angle already… Hmm… Marinette contemplated.
“What is it, little guardian?” Tikki finally voiced, floating around the studio with a half eaten cookie that had just been stolen from the snack cupboard.
“I’m just not sure how to move forward... I’m pretty sure I’m in love with him.” Marinette replied, assuming that Tikki had otherwise understood what was going on.
“Hm… You should send him a photo of you in the jacket.” Tikki replied, a cryptic response matched with a large mischievous grin.
“And ruin the surprise that I made him something?”
“It might spoil the surprise but I think he would be excited.” Tikki’s smile only grew.
Rolling her eyes but taking out her phone, Marinette pulled the camera open and started to understand Tikki’s meaning.
“I’m only in a bra under the suit!” Marinette laughed, “Tikki! Since when are you telling me to send such saucy pictures?!”
“What? It’s only going to your husband!” The sprite laughed and flew in little happy circles.
Marinette kept laughing as she now contemplated the opportunity that stood before her. Shit, it was going to her husband who she was in love with ( or very close to being in love with she mentally added).
Darling W: Hey, are you alone right now? Like, no one looking over your shoulder?
Doting H: I am.
Doting H: For what reason do you ask?
Darling W: *Photo inserted*
Darling W: Surprise I made you a new suit! Recognize the silk I used for the lining?
Damian was pretty sure his brain was malfunctioning as his eyes remained glued to his phone screen.
The top corner was filled by his wife’s brilliant smile, the only hint of shame being the small flush across her cheeks. Beyond that top corner was the reason why Damian might be flying to Paris right now. Immediately.
She was wearing a jacket, sure, and he might appreciate it in person later. But Damian mentally traced every curve of her body hundreds of times as he analyzed the details of the skin surrounding the small bralette. The room was a million degrees, or perhaps that was just him.
His screen went dark and it was like a hypnotist ending a trance. Damian sat and blinked a few times. Oh .
Damian was going to have to start being more honest with himself. He was entirely mind, heart and soul, transfixed by and enamored with Marinette.
He knew that he was… In love with her. It felt so strange to admit to himself, having never felt this sensation to be so raw, and so completely honest. Did she send this to him because she felt something similar?
Damian’s phone beeped, and he was hit with the recognition that he never replied to her.
Darling W: Soooo i’m not sure how to interpret silence? Is this a good thing or a very bad thing?
Panic consumed him. Damian knew how she could spiral without feedback and this had been a risk for her to take. A very welcome risk but he needed to tell her that. How could he possibly explain that he short circuited while ogling her? How did he possibly explain that without sounding like a pervert? Damian felt like putting his head through a few framed pieces and into a wall when he thought of his reply.
Doting H: I was simply taking my time to appreciate art.
Darling W: What color is the silk? : )
Doting H: I have the strangest recollection of silk being somewhere in that photo but I haven’t the faintest idea where.
Doting H: Will there be a remedial assignment for me failing your pop quiz?
Darling W: I suppose I could be creative and come up with something.
Damian felt a bold wave of confidence over take him. After all, he was all about equivalent exchange and fair treatment.
Doting H: Now might be a good time to mention that I have been working on a new still life. Give me one moment.
He went over to his easel and though he felt completely ridiculous for doing it, took off his shirt and threw it across the room without a thought. It took him a second to get a flattering angle, as though he were sitting and painting shirtless, both showing off the piece and well… himself. Damian could at least be realistic in understanding how his Justice League status has meant keeping his physique in peak condition.
Doting H: *Photo Inserted*
And now he felt ice through his veins as he waited for her reply. How had she sat through his silence for so long? This felt torturous and exhilarating and foolish and bold and…
Darling W: Stunning.
Was her immediate reply and Damian couldn’t help but feel himself flush with pride.
Darling W: Ten out of Ten.
Darling W: Remind me to give you pop quizzes more often.
Doting H: If I should prompt you as often as I’d like, I am afraid we would start to fail other responsibilities for passing these quizzes.
Doting H: I’ll see you tomorrow for the 4 o’clock debrief, yes?
Marinette sighed in relief with him moving their conversation to neutral territory. Some part of her wasn’t done with the excitement of this new adventure they were taking but… No. She was going to lean into that. Just for a second more.
Darling W: Not to be dramatic but I’d love for you to see a lot of me.
Marinette was glad her office complex was always empty at night, she was screaming as she sent her reply. He didn’t respond right away and Marinette felt compelled to walk them back to neutral territory as soon as possible.
Darling W: By the way, did you see that shit ass report KF sent out? I swear, someone needs to at least get him to download Grammarly. I’m not even a native speaker.
She was now running laps around her apartment.
Damian was sure that his eyebrows were fused into his hairline permanently at this point.
He knew that this was new for them. He knew that they were still getting sorted, and that clearly feelings were getting involved. At least they were on his end. Damian tried hard not to dwell on the small thought in the back of his mind that said she was attracted to him physically but nothing else. His wife wouldn’t use him and he knew that to be as true as applied laws of physics.
Doting H: The thought of even blinking in your presence feels like wasted time.
Doting H: And yes, KF choosing to type at his normal abnormal speed should be considered a hate crime.
Damian snorted as he took their conversation in it’s final direction of the night. They chatted for a bit beyond that but ultimately said goodnight not long after.
Pulling out his notes for their meeting, he realized that the debrief was going to mean interacting with Chat Noir. After his last exchange… What a buzz kill. Damian knew that their shared animosity was going to mean trouble the longer it went on.
His wife as Ladybug had been very clear that Chat Noir was critical to her team and wouldn’t be going anywhere even if he could occasionally be antagonistic towards Robin. It was mostly innocuous, but it was annoying for both of them to deal with. He knew how much it weighed on her to have balance within her team and the league. Well, balance in all things really, but specifically with her team.
A thought occurred to Damian after a moment. This most recent exchange of theirs had resulted in neutral points. Neither of them walked away as a clear victor or as having scored additional points in their increasingly competitive game for the title of best spouse.
With Marinette’s first attack being to win over Alfred, he hated to admit it, the older gentleman had been much kinder to him. Damian was no longer receiving his grandfather's small protests at being left out, and had been very vocal about his support of Damian and Marinette forming their marriage as they saw fit. It had resolved so much of his own annoyances on a daily basis…
Groaning, he knew what he needed to do.
Robin: Good Evening. I anticipate no formal response to this message as it is inherently informal. I simply thought you might enjoy this image of my cat.
Robin: *Photo Inserted*
Damian smiled to himself at the image of Alfred the Cat flipped upside down with a shocked expression as feathers were scattered about in every single direction.
Chat Noir: You’re sending me cat photos now? Sus.
Robin: I understand you can appreciate a good meme. If you cannot, you do not need to anticipate any.
Chat Noir: …Is it a cat meme? I’m quite the connoisseur.
Robin: * Meme Inserted*
Chat Noir: BWAHAHAHA 20/10
Chat Noir: Okay but I found this one earlier
Chat Noir: *Meme Inserted*
Robin: Classic. 10/10.
Robin: *Meme Inserted*
Chat Noir: HAHAHAHA LMAO
Chat Noir: You know, I really thought you were a humorless prick.
Chat Noir: Here’s the thing dude- I get you’re offering me an olive branch here. I know I’ve been an asshole but… I really thought Ladybug and I were a duo til the end of days.
Robin: Thought? She still speaks of you as such. I have no intention to change your team dynamic.
Robin: Ladybug has a great respect for you and has shared that she loves you like her own family. That your team is a family. I have no desire to ever derail or take that from her.
Chat Noir: It’s good to hear that.
Chat Noir: Fuck man, It’s way easier to just hate you than it is to admit that the future being unpredictable scares me.
Chat Noir: But… We’re cool. A couple more cat memes and I might actually try to be nice to you.
Robin: Like any respectable animal owner, I have an unending collection of memes of my cat.
Chat Noir: Aww yissssssss
Ladybug rolled her head on her shoulders as she prepared to walk into her meeting. She knew that Alya had her back, but… Ugh. It was always such a long day when her team had to meet with Robin. Regardless of who else was in the room, Chat always had some snide remark or tried something to get under her husband's skin.
For all of her frustration, even just the mental mention of her Husband’s skin led her mind back to their photo exchange and she… was completely red. Maybe she could pass it off as having run to the meeting?
Walking in, her team was already mostly present. Chat Noir was snickering at something on his phone but looked up and waved to her in greeting. Marinette didn’t think much of it, grateful that he was in a good mood, and started talking to Carapace about his upcoming set.
Chat Noir burst out belly laughing.
“Okay Bud, we gotta know who you’re texting with.” Carapace laughed.
“Yeah! You’ve been over there laughing for the last what, twenty minutes?” Rena pointed out.
“Nah don’t worry about it.” Chat Noir replied in an attempt to deflect but was still chuckling.
Curious and happy to see her friend so silly, Ladybug walked over to get a glance at his phone. The very small glimpse that she got as she chased him around the small meeting room stunned her into falling over the table.
“Wait- Is that Alfred the Cat?” She asked, completely aghast at the recognition.
“Is that like a celebrity cat?” Carapace asked. Alya gasped, having now taken the phone from Chat’s grasp when the man froze with Ladybug’s outburst.
“You’re… texting with Robin?” Rena was completely bewildered, as was everyone else in the room.
“What! It’s not a crime!” Chat Noir pouted, grabbing his communicator back.
“You’re, uh, getting along with him then?” Ladybug processed as she asked.
“I’m not so dumb that I can’t accept an olive branch waving in my face in the form of cat meme’s.” Chat rolled his eyes.
“So you’re going to stop being an asshole to him then?” Queen bee prompted, her tone bored as she walked into the room looking down at her own communicator.
“We’re not besties or anything.” Chat Noir replied but was back to being his smiling self.
Marinette was going to combust. Robin extended him an olive branch? And it worked? There is no way he would have done that for himself. Robin had admonished to her the number of league members with whom there was mutual animosity that he had no intention of fixing. Robin didn’t always care about team dynamics as much as he cared about respect and duty.
It hit her like a suckerpunch that Robin had just gone out of his way to fix this relationship… and win himself a point in their game. Fuck it, he earned a million points.
Her team continued to needle Chat and when Robin and the rest of the members of the meeting showed up, Ladybug did her best to hold back from the hug she desperately wanted to pull him into.
The meeting went on without a single annoying disruption.
Marinette knew she was risking it with her timing. Alfred had guaranteed her only a few minutes before Damian would return.
His new suit was placed in his closet, sitting flat upon the other clothes he had hanging. Which… She was going to have to work on bringing color into his wardrobe. Kwamis did he wear a lot of dark grays and blacks.
Alfred had dropped Titus off with her and the happy dog had sat at her feet and watched as she moved about his closet. Titus was less than thrilled with her next step, though he was a very good boy and complied.
Adorned with a matching collar to the suit, Titus and Alfred the cat now sported adorable new bows and she had even sewn a few squeak toys and felt mice respectively. Did she get a little carried away as she now played with the two domesticated animals in their cuteness? Maybe. But she had already gotten photos of Bat Cow and Damian’s other pasture animals in their outfits, so she might as well enjoy the company of his indoor pets.
Marinette could recall a few times where he had told her that his pets were open access to her whenever she needed their comforts, and dang it, she was utilizing that today.
“Mari?” He asked as he now stepped into the room.
“Well shit, you caught me!” She exclaimed, a bit deflated that he was able to return before she could leave the surprise in her wake.
“You were able to get a tie on Alfred the Cat?” He looked just past her to his cat dozing happily on the bed while dressed as a little gentleman.
“He was compliant after a few swats at the mouse toys I made him.” Marinette grinned.
Damian now walked forward into his room, the door swinging closed behind him, resting at a position just a small push away from being sealed. He knelt down to Titus to admire her craftwork and scratch behind his ears.
“...This is incredibly adorable.” Damian replied. A bright smile on his face as he stood back up and walked his way into her orbit.
“I got photos of the other animals all dressed up as well.” Marinette knew she sounded eager as she said it but, damn, she was so happy with how happy he was. She took the additional step, knowing that he was going to remain in her proximity without really doing much, and wrapped an arm around his waist. Damian returned the gesture.
“I suppose with this… You’ve won our game. I mean, I did actually paint the one still life for you but you clearly have me beat.” Damian seemed all to happy to have lost.
“You sure? I was certainly debating that this was my prize to you. You know, not trying to be a sore loser, or anything.”
“I’m certain. You’re the best wife. Even Chat Noir is agreeing with me on that now.”
“Ugh, which makes you the best husband for restoring peace to my team!” She laughed after she fake groaned at his success.
“Only after you were able to negotiate Alfred’s cease fire!” He laughed back at her and his other arm snaked around her waist, if not for their distance as they talked it would have been a hug.
“My parents are dying to meet you now, so I suppose I have to deduct points from that.”
“Jon is beside himself trying to think of another favor to do for you. He’s been incredibly annoying about it. Point loss for you as well.” Damian smirked.
“Well, I guess we can go back to the fact that I made you a new jacket?”
“So long as you leave with my art, I will accept yours.”
“So what, we’re both losers in this?” She tightened her grasp around him and stood on her tip toes, her face inching closer as she spoke.
“I wouldn’t classify either of us as losers.” Damian admitted, feeling her lashes flutter on his cheek as she tilted her head to the side.
“Lovers then.” Marinette declared boldly, though her voice wasn’t loud. Damian took her cue and closed their distance. Their lips met in an instant of excitement, and comfort, and a depth of trust… and a flash of light filled the room.
Startled, the pair pulled apart from the kiss but didn’t untangle themselves from one another.
“Do we want to do anything about that?” Marinette asked, though her eyes were lingering on his lips as she asked, only briefly making eye contact after asking.
“We didn’t the first time and things turned out just fine.” Damain reassured her, and as soon as he finished speaking her lips captured his once more.
Marinette released her hold on his waist and brought her arms up to wrap around his neck, her fingers weaving themselves within his thick black hair. She pulled him closer, pressing her body to him all while knowing he was solid enough to balance them.
Their kisses deepened and his hands wandered to the small of her back and to the point of her ribcage just below her chest.
“Master Damian, I shall be placing a table setting for your wife to join us for dinner.” Alfred’s cheery voice from the hallway had them separated by several feet within an instant.
Marinette was bright red and she pulled at her shirt from where it had ridden up when she pressed against him. Clearing her throat, she shot him a pair of puppy eyes.
“Thank you Alfred, I’m sure she would love to join.” Damian did his best not to express any frustration in his tone. Boldly, he stepped forward, happily returning into her space.
“Right-o” And the sound of footsteps in the hallway very loudly disappearing let them sigh in relief.
“Sounds like I’m meeting the family outside of masks then.”
“Technically you already have.” He replied before dipping his head lower to kiss the corner of her mouth, not quite sure if she had anything more to say. It wasn’t that he wanted to cut her off, and he certainly wanted to let her know that he was ready to resume the boundary breaking they had just been working on.
“Damian… I really like you.” Marinette admitted, a seriousness in her tone as she held his eye contact.
“Marinette, I fully and completely adore you.” Damian spoke with the same sincerity before capturing her lips once more. Marinette met him this time, kissing back with a hunger and a fire under her feet.
“My doting husband.” She sighed when he took his kisses to her jaw and then down her neck. His hand cradling the back of her head while the other grabbed hers and intertwined their fingers.
“My darling wife.” He replied back when he broke apart, having just enough time to say as much before his lips were captured by her once more.
“I can’t help but think we skipped a few steps?” She laughed, breaking their kiss as she unbuttoned his collar and a few more down his shirt.
“What step do you want me on? I assure you, I will meet you there.” Damian spoke between the kisses he pressed down her neck and into her decolletage before pressing them back up to just below her ear, where he then bit down.
“Well, I imagine that as this good of a husband, you’re an unbelievably great boyfriend.” Marinette shared her thoughts, likewise taking the opportunity to kiss his pulse point.
“So long as I can be both of those things at once.” He declared and she caught his mouth before he could go any further. She hummed her agreement to his terms.
When they finally unwrapped themselves and made it down to dinner, all awkward conversations were avoided when Alfred suddenly brought out a box of old Wayne Heirloom rings for them to choose from. It was Bruce’s request that they at least consider it, and it was to everyone’s surprise when they both happily accepted a pair of matching bands.
Well, and sue her. When he grabbed an emerald ring and asked to place it on her hand… How could she have possibly told her husband no?