#alya grayson

“Excellently made, as always, Angel,” Damian said, causing Mari to blush. Lana chuckled softly as she shook her head at the two in front of her.

Xan came out next and Mari nodded once more with a smile. His suit consisted of a deep gray, loose shirt that was styled like a karate gi. It’s lapel was deep blue with the collar mandarin style. The sleeves were short and big letting him move his arms more. Over it was a black cloak that stopped at his hips with a pin that had a stylized M, and a hood. Under the cloak but over the shirt was a red belt/strap that went from his shoulder to side holding pellets of knockout gas and smoke. Around his waist was a pale gold/yellow sash that held a couple of pouches holding zipties and throwing star-like items.

His shirt continued down on one side to mid-thigh, laying on top of another wrap-like item that was a deeper blue than the lining with gold lines running in arcs all over. On his right thigh was a blue pouch holding tools. Knee high combat boots covered his feet and tucked in the deep gray pants. Black gloves covered his hands, held in place by pale gold/yellow strings. Resting on his back was a red handled katana that was blunted and acted more like a staff. Covering his eyes was a red domino mask.

“Lookin good, Xan,” Lana said and Xan nodded back to her with a smile.

“That looks similar to-” Damian started but then cut off, but everyone knew what he was talking about. It was similar to the training outfits worn at the League of Shadows.

“They were a….big part of why I’m ready to fight crime. While I don’t like it, I’m more suited to fighting in this style of clothing,” he said and Damian nodded to that.

“Then make it your own.”

Xan smiled at those words and nodded. Mari beamed at the two of them and glanced outside. “Well, the sun is setting so you should be able to run around the rooftops and get used to them,” Mari suggested and the two nodded.

“What are you going to call yourselves?” Damian asked and the two shared a look.

“I’ll go by Huntress,” Lana said after a moment and the two nodded.

“Fitting.”

“I’m not sure,” Xan replied with a hum, thinking about what would fit. Lana had a smile as a gleam entered her eye.

“We’ll call you Kit until you figure out a name,” she said with a cackle, easily dodging Xan as the two started laughing as well.

“It’s something for the time being,” Mari replied between laughs and Xan looked at her betrayed.

“Come on, Kit! We’ve got to patrol!” she called out running to the balcony and jumping off it. He scowled but followed after her with a shake of his head.

“I’m not being called that!”

“Then pick a name before someone talks to us!”

Mari giggled as she transformed and followed after them herself. “You coming?” she asked and Damian soon nodded after a bit. After Mari left, he quickly changed into his Robin gear and ran after the three.

“There are some places you’ll want to avoid as they are frequented by Rogues. Not all Rogues need to be avoided, but, well,” Robin trailed off and the two nodded.

“It would be good to know anyways. Wouldn’t want to accidentally run into Two-Face or something,” Huntress said and Ladybug nodded.

“I can agree. It was not fun running into a Rogue when first starting out,” Ladybug said with a grimace.

“At least we don’t have to worry about Joker,” Kit muttered and the three nodded agreement. Screaming sounded out causing the four to stop running before turning to the sound. Hiding behind a ledge, they watched as a man entered the bank. The man was wearing a sleeveless black under armour, with a multi-colored knitted scarf, fingerless gloves, and sash. The sash had a few balls of yarn along with a couple knitting needles sticking out. On his back stuck out quite a few more knitting needles. On his feet were purple, knee-high combat boots and covering his face was a black domino mask. Strings went from his gloves to two monsters in front of him, they were knitted too. They had eerie white yarn over their mouths as if in a vain attempt to close it, but that didn’t stop the two from either smiling or frowning. Along their ‘hands’ and ‘feet’ three knitting needles stuck out along with some sticking out of their backs.

“Who is that?” Huntress muttered.

“I’m not sure. Do you want us to take care of it?” Robin asked and Huntress shook her head.

“No, we got this,” she replied standing up with Kit right behind her. “See you in a few,” giving a salute, she pulled out a grappling gun and pushed off the ledge. She shot the grapple back and swung down to the street and landed with a roll. Her right arm behind her, slipping the grappling gun back into place before grabbing an escrima from her back. Her left arm pulled a fan from her sash and flicked it open. Kit landed soon after she did and flicked his blunted katana out of its holder on his back. “New to town? Stealing from a bank isn’t the best way to make friends,” Huntress called out and the man turned startled.

“Who are you?” the man asked as his knitted creations turned to them.

“We’re the newest vigilantes to Gotham. Figured the big Bat could use some help so that he could focus on the big bads. Call me Huntress. But the better question is, who are you? And why did you think you’d succeed in Gotham of all places?” Huntress asked with a shake of her head as Kit snorted next to her.

“And him?” the man asked. Kit grumbled next to her, causing Huntress to cover her snort with a cough.

“Haven’t thought of a proper name….” he started.

“Call him Kit for the time being,” Huntress finished and the man stuck his chin up with a smirk.

“Well, you may have heard of me, they call me The Knitter!” he shouted and the two shared a look before shaking their heads.

“Never heard of ya before,” Huntress said while Kit tilted his head.

“Is ‘the’ part of your name? Or…?”

“I-” the man stopped with a confused look. “You haven’t heard of me? And yes it is!”

“Well, The Knitter, we have not heard of ya before. I doubt any Gothamite has,” Huntress said, twirling her escrima in hand.

“Prepare to be taken down,” Kit continued and The Knitter growled before throwing a hand out at them.

“Then prepare for your doom! My darling creations will knit you into an early grave!” the man shouted as the creatures then ran forward, with a swipe, knitting needles flew at them. Huntress ran forward and knocked aside the needles with her fan and gave a soft grunt as she then hit one of the creatures with her escima. Kit ran after the other one and slashed at it. The creature hit each stroke with a paw, the needles clanging against his sword each time. He jumped back with narrowed eyes before pulling out a small, black throwing knife. The handle was wrapped with a deep blue cord until the end were a hoop was, big enough for his finger to slip throu and twirl.

He threw the knife at the strings as The Knitter yelled out. As soon as the strings were cut, the creature fell to the ground lifelessly. Huntress smirked as she rushed forward and swung her fan, cutting throu the strings as well.

The Knitter yelled out when he saw his creatures fall lifelessly to the ground. He then pulled out a couple of knitting needles and ran at the two. Huntress ran forward and knocked aside the needles easily with her fans. She swung her leg in a sweeping motion, knocking him onto his back. Kit ran over pulling out zip ties and held them ready as Huntress pushed the man onto his stomach and let Kit zip tie him. “The GPD will be here soon and you will be booked,” Huntress said as she pulled The Knitter into a sitting position as the two stood to either side of the man.

The Knitter grumbled angrily next to them as they waited for the GPD. People all around them looked at them shocked, taking photos of them.

Alya soon arrived at the scene with Dick and some other officers. They paused shocked while Alya just moved forward and nodded, sending them a smile. “Thank you…?” she asked, since while she knew who they were UNDER the mask, she didn’t know the names they chose.

“Huntress,” she said and Alya nodded, looking over at Kit.

“For the time being, I’m going by Kit,” he said and Alya stifled a snort at seeing his face.

“Thank you, Huntress and Kit,” she managed with a straight face. She then took the man from them and marched him over to the cruiser.

“Come on, Kit!” Huntress called jumping up and off buildings back to the rooftops.

“You guys did well,” Robin admitted and the two shared a smile as Ladybug held a fist out for them to hit.

“Thanks. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing more of The Knitter,” Huntress said as they ran across the roofs.

“That may be true. But I have no doubt that you two will have it handled easily,” Ladybug replied with Robin nodding agreement.

“Now, let’s go see what places we should avoid!” Kit replied and the two nodded, continuing to lead them off.

Owl Blocked Again @owlforlife

LOOK AT THIS!!! NEW VIGILANTES!! And a new Rogue???? #weird #butawesome #newvigilantes #newbatfam??? *Huntress and Kit fighting the knitted creatures then another picture of them holding the man down waiting for police*

Damian woke to Alfred the cat jumping off his bed. Usually, that wouldn’t wake him. But tonight, the way he jumped off the bed woke Damian. Usually, Alfred’s jumps were relaxed and slow, moving at his own pace. But right then, it seemed more urgent. He looked around and found Xan awake.

Xan had his arms wrapped around his knees as he stared at the door. Looking closer as his eyes adjusted to the darkness, Damian noticed that Xan was tense, his fingers digging into his arms. Alfred was rubbing himself against Xan’s side and legs, a purr leaving him to help soothe Xan. As Damian watched, Xan moved a hand from his arm and started scratching Alfred’s head and chin.

Damian moved from his bed and sat down near Xan, giving him a moment before speaking finally. “What happened?” he asked, and Xan glanced over at Damian before looking at the door again.

“I saw them,” Xan started in a whispered, not needing to elaborate for Damian, he already knew who ‘they’ were. “We were at the League tho. I......I attacked them immediately when she asked me too. I didn’t hesitate. I couldn’t stop myself as-as I-” he stopped then, taking a deep, shuddering breath. He took a moment to concentrate on Alfred under his fingers before he continued speaking. “I killed them,” he spoke the words so softly that Damian almost didn’t hear it.

“But you didn’t. It was just a nightmare. Nothing about it is true,” Damian said, and Xan nodded slowly at that.

“Maybe, but.......it was so vivid...so clear. It felt like I was still in the league, following their orders blindly to survive. It was like I never left....like you never helped me out of that hell hole,” he admitted, and Damian reached over and squeezed Xan’s shoulder.

“I know. It can seem so real, make you think you never left even thou you do the one thing you know you would never do. I’ve had similar nightmares,” Damian admitted and Xan glanced over at him.

“Really? Do you still?” he asked softly as Damian reached a hand out to scratch Alfred’s chin.

“Occasionally, yes. It does get better, I promise. It just takes time. You can always come talk to me or Jason. Or Rae even. Do you remember her?” Damian asked and Xan pursed his lips before nodding slowly, he remembered the woman. She helped train him in League before disappearing years prior. “She will listen if you ask her too.”

“Where is she?” Xan asked turning a bit to look over at Damian easier.

“She’s opening a restaurant called Janat Al'Amal, but she’s working at Rose Petal’s Boutique until it’s ready for the grand opening,” Damian said and Xan smiled with a small smile on his lips.

“Paradise of Hope...that’s a nice name,” Xan said and Damian had the faintest of smiles as he nodded agreement.

“It is. She chose a great name for her future restaurant. I’ve been in touch with her along with Jon and Ember. You haven’t met Ember yet but she’s Jon’s friend and hangs with us. Rae likes to let people vent or talk about their problems to her,” Damian explained and Xan nodded understanding.

“I’ll go talk with her tom-today?” he said tilting his head to look at the clock and saw that it was past midnight, around 1 am.

“Good. I can bet you won’t go to sleep immediately, right?” Damian asked and Xan nodded. Getting the confirmation, Damian stood up and went over to his desk and pulled out a sketchbook and pencil, and walked over to Xan. “Mari said you drew to relax. Here,” he crouched down and held it out.

“Thanks,” Xan said giving Damian a small smile as he took the offered items and flipped the pages to a clear one and started sketching. Damian nodded as he then went back to his bed. Laying down, he looked over at Xan one last time, watching as he drew intently with Alfred going onto his shoulders to relax, before falling asleep once more, knowing he did what he could to help his friend.

~~~~~~~~~~~~(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧~~~~~~~~~~~~

Xan and Damian were one of the first people up in the morning. They got a quick bite to eat before going to the indoor gym the manor had to spar for a bit. Alfred worked on breakfast for everyone when the two left. Clark was up next followed by Kon and Jon. By 8, Dick, Xavier, Jason, and Tim came down to eat and work on some stuff. After some time, Alya came down walking beside Lana as she took slow steps.

Raising a hand, Lana greeted everyone sleepily as she slowly woke up. “How are you feeling, Lana?” Clark asked setting the newspaper down to look over at her. The rest of the family looked over as well as she gave a small smile.

“Better. Thank you for letting us stay the night,” she said and Clark returned the smile.

“It was nothing,” Clark said moving his hand to look at the time. “Well, I better get going. I promised Perry I’d send over my article before noon. Have a good day you guys. Also, Lana, I would like to talk to you about your future,” Clark said and Lana smiled at that and nodded. Getting the nod from Lana, Clark left to the office Bruce got him so that he could work.

“I’m glad your feeling better now, Lana,” Jason said and Lana glanced over at him with a faint smile.

“Ya, sorry about that,” she mumbled softly, glancing over at Alya who squeezed her shoulder.

“Don’t be. You couldn’t have known,” Jason said and Lana nodded, knowing he was right.

“Lana, would you be willing to accompany me to pick up Mari? She’d love to see that you’re doing better this morning,” Damian said and Lana nodded.

“Sure. But I won’t be able to stay long, I shouldn’t leave Cocoa alone much longer, especially since it’s time for breakfast,” Lana replied and Damian nodded.

“Understood. Let’s head over now and I can drop you off after Mari sees that you’re well,” Damian replied and Lana nodded, eating a slice of toast and some fruit before standing up with Damian to head out.

“I’ll talk to you later, Lana,” Alya called out before Lana left the room.

“Als, I’ll be heading out myself. Fresh air will do me some good. There’s also someone I want to visit,” Xan said and Alya nodded.

“Of course. Stay safe, Xan. And Don’t hesitate to call if you need help,” she replied and Xan nodded before getting up. “Dick?” she asked and Dick smiled.

“Yup, we should get going ourselves,” Dick agreed.

“Don’t die,” Tim called out.

“No promises, you’ve seen, Mr. Lingo,” Dick yelled back as the three left the room and Tim nodded agreement.

~~~~~~~~~~~~(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mari beamed when she saw Damian and Lana entering the hotel lobby. Jumping up from her seat at the table, she ran over to the two and hugged Lana while her friends smiled from the table. “I’m so sorry for what happened, Lana! I should have asked first before making them!” Mari said as Lana returned the hug before pushing Mari back a bit to look Mari in the eyes and give her a gentle smile.

“It’s ok, Mari. Nothing bad happened. And I should have also asked about it. It’s my problem to remember, not yours. As much as I’d like to stay and talk, I need to get home, Cocoa is waiting for me,” Lana said, squeezing Mari’s shoulders as she spoke. Mari returned the small smile as she nodded.

“Ok,” she said before perking up. “Wait!” she rushed over to their table and Chloe held out the bag of cookies to her. She grabbed the bag and ran back over to the two. “Here, I made these for you! Don’t worry, I made sure nothing pecan came near them!”

Lana smiled softly as she took the bag and put them carefully into her pocket and pulled Mari into another hug. “Thank you,” she whispered before pulling back once more.

“I’ll be back after I drop her off, angel,” Damian said, causing to Mari to blush lightly as she nodded understanding. As the two turned away to leave, Lana had a teasing smile after giggling softly at Mari’s blush.

“‘Angel’, huh?” she asked, sending him a look that had Damian blushing lightly. Before the door closed behind the two, Mari and her friends listened to Lana laugh. Mari walked over to the table and continued to eat her breakfast while her friends sent her looks.

“I think you found yourself a ~boyfriend~,” Lila said in a sing-song voice. Mari’s blush deepened at that.

“I-no-!-He-!” Mari stuttered out, unable to form a single sentence while her friends laughed around her. “Oh!” she crossed her arms on the table and slammed her head down onto them. Adrien smiled softly as he patted her back while Lila covered her mouth with her hand to stifle giggles.

“Don’t worry Maribug, I’m sure he’d be delighted to be dating you,” Adrien said as Chloe nodded agreement next to him, leaning closer against him to look at her.

“Adrikins is right! He’d be a fool to not want to date you,” Chloe declared with a nod that the others shared.

“I agree. If he doesn’t ask you out today, then you need to do it yourself Mari,” Kim said with a serious look

“I-I wouldn’t even know how to!” Mari said with wide eyes and the table chuckled softly or shook their heads.

“Just be straight forward. Say how you feel then ask ‘would you go out on a date with me?’. Or, if that’s too scary ask him to hang out with you, alone,” Lila said and the group nodded agreement. Right then, the doors opened showing Damian entering with two people.

“Jon!” Chloe yelled out excited and the two got up quickly and ran over to Jon. Jon smiled as he hugged the two.

“I know it’s only been a couple of days, but that’s two days too long,” Jon whispered and the two nodded agreement.

“Definitely,” Chloe said pulling him to the table. Jon happily let them pull him to a table and sat between the two, holding their hands.

“Jon and Ember were walking by as I came back,” Damian said as Ember waved to them with a smile.

“Hi! It’s nice to meet Jon and Damian’s friends! Damian doesn’t admit it, but we’re friends,” Ember greeted, saying the last part in a mock whispered that had the group snorting while Damian rolled his eyes. “But call me Elle! Practically everyone does,” she said as the group smiled at her.

“How’d you meet him?” Kim asked leaning onto the table, wanting to know the story since when he first met Damian so long ago the dude was rather cold still.

“Jon. I was friends with Jon since he helped me in elementary school. And so then Jon and Damian became sorta friends. When that happened, I was introduced to Damian. It was hard but he likes me now,” she said and the group nodded.

“Is he still called ‘Ice Prince’?” Nino asked, pushing his cap back a bit.

“Oh ya. I have been warned against talking to him by like....everyone it seems at some point since I joined GA this year,” Ember said with a laugh and Damian had a smirk at that, a soft snort leaving him that only Mari heard.

“Really? Why’s that?” Max asked then, pausing in his typing on his phone.

“All the freshmen get warned about him. Even tho it was...what....years ago that you broke a kid’s arm?” Ember asked looking over at Damian who nodded.

“Yes. I broke a kids arm when I was in fifth grade. Give or take 8 years ago,” Damian replied and Ember nodded.

“Wait......freshmen? You were warned about him even thou you were there for that?” Kim asked confused and Ember shook her head.

“I wasn’t there for that exactly. I’m a freshman right now....well sophomore now while they’re seniors.”

“Oh, ok. You’re younger than them,” Nino replied and Ember nodded with a smile.

“H-hey, Mari?” a timid voice called. The group turned to see Alya standing there looking rather shy, which was weird for them. “I talked to Ms. Bustier and got us the day off. I thought you’d like to have a break from working and hang out with your friends,” Alya said and Mari gave the girl a small smile and nod.

“Thank you, Alya,” Mari said and Alya gave Mari one last timid smile before going back to the others that were sort of being shunned by Mari and her friends.

“That was nice of her,” Damian commented as he watched Alya sit down, looking down, he could only guess it was her phone.

“It was,” Mari agreed, she knew, or could guess that is, why Alya was doing it. But she wasn’t sure she’d be able to forgive Alya and the others yet, let alone become their friends again, after everything.

“Since we have the day off, why don’t we do something?” Lila asked with a tilt of her head. The group nodded excitedly in agreement.

“We should! Maybe a park?” Sabrina suggested and the group nodded as Mari looked over at Damian with a tilt of her head.

“Are there any parks you’d suggest for us to visit?” Mari asked and Damian’s head tilted just slightly as he thought about it before nodding.

“Yes. There’s a lovely park a few miles away. Not many people visit it due to it being owned by Poison Ivy, but that’s even better since there won’t be any ruckus to disturb the beauty,” Damian said, and that had Mari beaming.

“Really? Let’s go!” Mari said and the group laughed softly at her eagerness. They all stood up and left the hotel, following Damian as he led the way while Ember chatted with Lila about the two, and Jon was distracted by his girlfriend and boyfriend.

Damian had the softest look on his face as he watched Mari look around the park in awe. He watched as she flitted about sketching things and taking pictures. Jon had a small smile as he looked between his lovers and Damian. “You should ask her out,” Jon said softly as Mari talked excitedly with her friends.

“Maybe I will,” Damian said softly as he started making his way over to Mari. Mari glanced over curious when Lila pointed out he was coming over. “May I speak to you alone?” he asked and Mari nodded and followed him to a willow tree at the corner and pack of the park with lanterns hanging intermittently from its branches.

Foxy @actingfordays

OMG!!! Look what’s happening!!! Is it what I think!?!? #omg #isit? #opt *picture of Damian and Mari under the willow tree*

      A Blocked Owl @owlforlife

      Oh my god. THE OTP IS HAPPENING!!! #otp #iceprincesunshine #sunshinechild

“Can I ask you a question about GU?” Chloe asked as she leaned against Adrien. Lana gave a soft him as she nodded.

“Sure. But I don’t know how much help I’ll be,” she replied honestly.

“You’ll be lots of help. Our boyfriend Jon wants to be a reporter like his parents. He knows how the program is in Metropolis but, I was wondering, could you tell us about GU’s journalism program? He wants to stay with his dad and friends here,” Chloe asked and Lana gave a small smile as she nodded.

As Lana talked, Mari sent a wary glance when she saw Bustier making her way over to them with Sabrina, Kim, and Max trying to get her to stop. Her glance turned into a glare, that had her hesitating but Bustier continued forward. The rest of the class was behind her looking wary.

“Marinette! Why don’t you introduce us to your friends?” Bustier asked with a sweet but demanding smile. Lana tensed a bit as she looked at the group.

“I already said no. Leave,” Mari said with a glare but Bustier didn’t care and moved to stand next to Lana.

“Hello, I’m Ms. Bustier, Marinette’s teacher. I couldn’t help but overhear, you’re in the journalism track here? Could you tell us about the programs?” she asked and Lana swallowed the lump in her throat. She started shaking her head as she squeezed Bee’s hand.

“She doesn’t want to,” Bee said softly, a hint of anger tainting her voice. She wasn’t about to let some woman tell her friend what to do.

“What’s the big deal? She should be more than willing to talk about her school!” Bustier said, slapping at Kim and Ivan’s hands as they tried to steer her away. Lana’s lips parted a bit as shallow breaths left her. She dropped Bee’s hand and wrapped her arms around herself, hunching in.

Seeing that, everyone at the table moved to glare at the teacher. All the work they’ve done to help Lana get past Steve’s abuse is being undone. Mari pushed out of her share and slammed a hand on the table. Whatever little conversations remained stopped as everyone turned to watch the foreigners.

“What about the word ‘no’ do you not get!? I have said no, Lana has said no! No means no! So leave her alone!” Mari yelled into Bustier’s face, the woman looked outraged as she then grabbed Mari’s wrist.

“That is no way to speak to me, young lady! I understand the word no perfectly fine. It is Lana that doesn’t know it seems. Nor you. She hasn’t said anything yet,” Bustier said pulling her back toward the group of shocked teens.

“I do, it’s you that doesn’t!” Mari yelled pulling her arm back. By then, a few college students got up to do something when a loud bang resounded. Lana was standing, her chair knocked backward behind her. Her hands were gripping her arms painfully, her fingers dug in, the tips of her fingers were white from the pressure. She was shaking a bit as she looked up at the teacher.

“Just leave me alone!” she shouted before booking it out of the cafeteria. Tears rimmed her eyes as Steve’s harsh words rang throu her head. Bee and L glared before grabbing their things and Lana’s and hurrying after her, knowing Xander and the others would deal with Bustier. Xander stalked toward the teacher, a deadly glare in his eyes pointed at Bustier.

“What is wrong with you!? Are you so fucking blind that you couldn’t see how badly she wanted you to leave her alone!?” Xan yelled angrily at his ex-teachers face. “I don’t know where it got into your head that you can ignore someone’s response but you can’t! Mari has told you no! You could see Lana shaking her head not wanting to do this, but you didn’t care! I hope you get fired for being a terrible teacher!” he shouted, poking her shoulder harshly as he yelled, actually forcing her back as she stumbled. He then picked up his bag and ran after the three.

By then a couple of college students went over to them and glared at the teacher. The two knew Lana from class and didn’t like seeing her being disrespected by a foreigner. Mari’s classmates were near the door already, having moved their as the confrontation happened, already wanting to be back at the hotel. “I think you should leave now,” the taller of the two said and Bustier harrumphed before spinning on the heel of her shoe and leaving. They all watched Bustier storm from the cafeteria with Mari’s classmates following. Mari and her friends followed behind since they did need to go back to the hotel.

~~~~~~~~~~~~(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I just! Oooh!” Mari grunted out as she fell into the chair next to Tim’s desk after dropping the papers she held.

“She really did that?” Tim asked and Mari nodded as she crossed her arms. “Man, I can’t believe she did that. Do you want me to start a case against her for the French Board of Education?” She groaned in response as she nodded.

“Yes, please.”

“Ok, I’ll start that up. How about you head home. I’m sure Alfred would be more than willing to bake with you,” Tim said and Mari smiled softly as she squeezed Tim’s hand and rushed out of his office and to the elevator. She was bouncing in the elevator, causing some of the occupants to chuckle. As soon as they reached the lobby, she was out of the elevator and out the swirling door in seconds. Adrien laughed from his spot next to the front desk lady at watching her book it.

That’s how Damian and the others found her hours later when they got home. Mari bustling about the kitchen making cheesecake and macaroons while Alfred started prepping dinner. “Everything ok, Mari?” Damian asked and Mari sighed. Dick already knew from Xan calling Alya and Alya telling him.

“Not really. Bustier was......a jerk when we visited GU. She uh....she got Lana to panic and rush from the cafeteria crying. Xan yelled her off before rushing after Lana. I haven’t heard anything since,” Mari explained with a sigh while Jason grumbled under his breath at hearing that.

“How did she even get her license?” Jason asked angrily and Mari shrugged.

“I have no idea.”

“Don’t worry, Alya got a message saying that Lana’s doing better,” Dick said and Mari sighed, relaxing slightly.

“What got to her exactly?” Mari asked softly and Dick scowled.

“The part of Bustier ignoring her wishes. Reminded her of, you know who,” Dick replied which had everyone scowling.

“Ah yes, that fucker,” Mari said causing everyone to look at her shocked. “What? Am I wrong?” she asked and they shook their heads.

“How about we invite them to dinner tonight? Make their days a bit better,” Dick offered, and that had Mari smiling.

“Way ahead of you, Master Dick. Ms. Lana and Alya along with Masters Xavier and Xander have been contacted,” Alfred said and Dick blushed at the look Alfred gave him.

“Wha-! I just meant Lana, Alya, and Xan!” Dick said hastily, especially at Alfred’s look.

“Of course, Master Dick. But Ms. Alya and Master Xavier already had something planned but were willing to change their plans if they could come together,” Alfred explained.

“What can’t handle both of them at the same time?” Jason said teasingly with a smirk as Dick scowled at him.

“Excited to see Lana now that she knows it was you who got her that necklace?” Dick countered, smirking at seeing the blush dusting Jason’s cheek.

“Fuck off,” Jason said walking out of the kitchen up to his room to change. Mari giggled at the exchange with a small smile.

“Well, all that’s left is the cheesecake, but that has to cool and set. So I should get back to the hotel and change,” she said looking down at her flour-covered clothes.

“I’ll take you back to your hotel,” Damian said and Mari beamed at him while Dick and Tim sent him looks. “Tt. You two should prepare yourselves for this dinner. Especially make sure there isn’t anything out to out us. Lana doesn’t know about our nightly activities. Xan knows about mine but no one else,” Damian warned and the two went to work to make sure nothing was out to expose them before they were ready.

While they were busy, Damian sent a smirk over to Mari as they walked to the garage. Mari giggled softly as she slipped thru the open car door that Damian held. After she got in, he closed the door and walked around the black car to the driver’s side and got in himself. The ride back to the hotel was a quiet affair and was quick. Mari was quick to clean up and change into a fresh dress and leggings, hopping on one foot as she tied her combat boots and heading to the door while Lila laughed from her seat on the bed.

“Mari, take a moment, you’re going to hurt yourself in your rush to get back to your boyfriend,” Lila said between laughs, laughs that grew with a teasing smirk at seeing Mari’s blush decorate her skin.

“H-he’s not my boyfriend!” Mari protested and Lila hummed.

“Sure. But you want him to,” she countered and Mari pouted as she nodded, her heart fluttering at the thought of it being real.

“Maybe,” Mari mumbled before looking at the time and yelping. She finished tying her shoes and rushed from the room. “Gotta go bye!” Lila could only shake her head and laugh as she watched Mari book it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧~~~~~~~~~~~~

A frown decorated Xavier’s lips as he leaned against the wall in Alya’s bedroom. Alya was leaning into a mirror as she put in new earrings and put on lipstick. They could hear Xan in the other room moving around. Alya had taken a break from talking so that she didn’t miss putting her earring in. she looked over at him thru the mirror. “I get it, I do. He’s hurting, he officially broke up with Babs. But....why is he pulling away from us? I was there for him every time when they broke up before! Why does he feel the need now?” Alya asked turning around to look at Xavier, her eyes tearing up at the thought that she couldn’t help Dick this time.

“Hey now, don’t you go thinking that. Dick just broke up with her. Perhaps he needs some alone time. I’m sure he’ll talk to us when he’s ready. I mean, their butler invited us to dinner. That has to mean he’s willing to talk to us,” Xavier said rubbing his hands along Alya’s upper arms. She nodded slowly in understanding, knowing he was right.

“Yes, you’re right. I know you’re right. He just needs time,” she mumbled with a sigh.

“And you’re right to worry. This hasn’t happened before for you, it’s understandable,” Xavier replied and Alya gave him a small smile as they left her room.

“Come on, we gotta pick Lana up,” she said and the two nodded. Xavier slipped into the passenger seat next to Alya while Xan went into the backseat. When they reached the apartment complex that let students from GU dorm there, Lana was in the lobby already, her leg bouncing. “Hey.”

“Hey, Als, Xan, Xavier,” Lana greeted and Xavier gave her a smile while Xan greeted her with a hug.

“Ready to see everyone?” Alya asked and Lana nodded.

“Ya, I’m glad to finally tell Jason thanks for giving me the necklace all that time ago,” she said, fiddling with said necklace.

“Good,” Alya replied, sending Lana a smile thru the review mirror.

Alster @Bi_Arrow

Change of plans! Heading out to eat dinner with Dick and his family with Lana, Xan, and Xavier! #thiswillbefun #dinnertime #hangout #changeofplans 

“Eh, possibly, Xavier. I do have eyes you know,” she said and Xavier snorted as he straightened his stack of papers. “Once maybe, until you realize he’ll only have eyes for Babs,” she continued and Xavier nodded.

“You’ll find love, I’m sure of it. If Shrek can find love as an Ogre, so can you,” Xavier said and Alya made a fake offended sound in response.

“Are you saying I look like an Ogre?” she asked and Xavier raised his hands in defense. “Not at all!” he said and some people hummed at that.

“It really sounded like it~!” the precincts secretary, Mira, hummed out with a smirk and Xavier glared over at her.

“Don’t anger the Goddess! She’ll rain down on you the wrath of almighty Zeus himself!” a different cop, Sarah she thought, shouted causing Alya to snort.

“I ain’t no Goddess, silly!” she shouted over to them. The cop in question, it was Sarah she can recognize that golden blonde ponytail anywhere, stuck her head out the break room with a look.

“No, you are a Goddess. Especially in that flowing dress, you wore for the Halloween party Dick threw,” she called and Alya rolled her eyes as some nodded agreement.

“You guys are ridiculous, get back to work,” she called and that had everyone nodding agreement while Alya chuckled to herself as she went to her desk. Xavier followed and leaned against the desk with his hip.

“Sticking a pin in that ‘Is Alya Grayson a Goddess or Not’ conversation,” he said chuckling softly, “I do hope whatever it is Dick’s brother has planned for you is nice,” he said and Alya smiled at him while nodding slowly.

“So do I. Now, isn’t Agent Fornell waiting for those documents your holding?” she asked and Xavier nodded with a smile.

“That he is. Talk to you later then. Goodbye!” he said beaming as he walked backward, waving to everyone who returned it before he left the precinct.

Alya shook her head as she pulled her phone out and texted Lana: Als: Heads up, Damian apparently wants you and I to stay put where we r

Eagle-eye: whys that???? We rnt the closest

Als: who knows. Dick was just sending the message. idk, maybe Mari wants to hug us when she arrives?

Eagle-eye: maybe. I dont got time to theorize, got a test to do

Als: GL!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mari was bouncing between Damian and Xander as they boarded the plane finally after waiting for so long. They had to deal with morning traffic which took forever it felt like before they arrived an hour and a half arrive before their flight left making sure they didn’t have to worry about security taking forever. And the whole time Mari stared at the desk with her leg bouncing.

With 30 minutes to spare, Ms. Bustier arrived, the last one too. The other students had converged in the gate slowly at different times but with enough time to not worry. But Ms. Bustier arrived with less than 30 minutes to spare causing her class to worry.

Which to say the least?

Was awkward.

Alya and the others that didn’t know sat at one side of the gate looking at Mari and the people that knew awkwardly. They felt bad but knew they messed up.

BIG time.

Like MEGA BIG TIME that a simple apology wouldn’t work. It didn’t help that Mari’s friends didn’t let them thru. Kim, Nino, Chloe, Sabrina, Max, Lila, Xan, and Adrien all glared at them while Damian focused on Mari. Meanwhile, Alya, Alix, Mylene, Ivan, and Rose all tried figuring out what they could do to earn favor back from Mari. Juleka was the only one in the pure neutral middle ground. She skimmed the email and knew a movie was being filmed.

But didn’t know Lila was lying for sure.

She could guess. When Mari tried saying that and the disagreed she figured she’d stay quiet. She didn’t need anyone else trying to make her life hell. So Mari was neutral toward the girl as she hasn’t been present at that moment. So she was silently supporting the group and offering tidbits to help them realize that they need to change themselves before trying to regain Mari’s trust and friendship.

Only Time Will Tell.

They boarded the plane and sat back for the long flight. Most of them slept during the trip. Mari and Lila included. The two leaned against each other while Xan and Damian talked. Well, Damian talked. Which was odd. But it distracted Xan from the anxiety pooling in his gut as they flew.

After some time, and some crackers, the dread settled down. Damian told him everything that’s happened in Gotham since he left. Some he didn’t like hearing. But as Damian reminded him, everything was ok. No one is hurt.

Soon after Damian finished, Mari and Lila woke up. Lila smiled as she and Damian switched seats and she took Xan’s hand into hers. “It’ll be fine. They’re going to be so happy to see you,” she said quietly and Xan nodded.

“Even knowing what happened?” he asked and Lila hummed, tracing a finger along the back of his hand in nonsensical patterns.

“Ya, I think so. I think that they’re just going to be so happy that you survived everything and came back to them. From what it sounds like, if you didn’t, you wouldn’t be here today,” Lila whispered leaning her head against his shoulder. In return, Xan lightly leaned his head against her head with a sigh.

“Ya, that’s what Damian said too. I know it’s true, but my head just keeps pushing all these doubts,” he mumbled.

“That’s fair. It’s been 8 years since you’ve seen them. Lana watched you get hit. And then, seemingly right before her eyes, you disappear. People change with time. But, those bonds? They don’t typically change. I bet they still miss you as if it was just yesterday,” she replied and Xan nodded slowly, placing his other hand over their hands, squeezing her hands.

“Thank you,” he whispered as they relaxed in their seats and played a movie for the rest of the flight.

“I hope they enjoy the surprise,” Mari whispered and Damian gave a small nod at that.

“I have no doubt that they’ll love it,” he said and Mari smiled softly at that.

“Ya, and they have you to thank for that,” she said and Damian gave a shrug.

“You did most of the work and helped him get better,” he pointed out and Mari smiled as she pressed a kiss to his cheek, a faint blush on her cheeks from doing that, not seeing Damian’s faint blush either.

“Well, I wouldn’t have been able to help if you hadn’t helped him escape. You may not have stayed, but you certainly did help,” she said softly and Damian nodded slowly at that. He remembered it clearly. Even tho it happened over a year ago, it was clear to him.

Damian had turned the GPS off the batjet and flew to Nanda Parbat. He remembered the boy that his mother kidnapped and brought back to life. He remembered training with him a couple of times to let him know he wouldn’t tolerate anything but perfection. He didn’t know what happened to the boy older than him when he left. But then he learned and regretted everything.

Xander was the little brother to Dick’s partner Alya who disappeared. He learned from Issi that Xan, or better known as Whisper in the League, was alive still and there. She had wanted to help get him out since she helped care for him, but she couldn’t without getting caught or killed for real. But now he’d fix the mistake he made.

It was quite easy to sneak into the building. He made his way to where he remembered his bedroom was. He knocked out any guard he saw and pounded on the door. Xan was wearing his training gear when he opened the door. He didn’t recognize Damian as the angry 9-year-old that beat him up when he first arrived. He was wearing all black with a hood and mask on to hide his identity. “W-who are you?” Xan asked suspiciously as he picked up the sword he kept next to the door.

“Do you want to stay here?” Damian asked and Xan looked at him confused.

“Wha-?”

“Do you want to stay here or escape? I can get you out,” he said and Xan glanced around before nodding slowly.

“I want to go back home,” he said and Damian nodded as he then started tugging Xan out. Damian was shocked he was still able to recognize Xan after all this time and all the changes. He wasn’t the same short, scrawny 11-year-old. He had filled out and was taller than Damian by quite a few inches.

“I’ll get you home then,” he said leading them out. As they ran out in the snow, Damian was behind Xan making sure he didn’t get hit. Which was a miracle in the storm, slipping on hidden ice as they ran. But he had been. So the best bet was to get him to Mari and Fu who would help him heal. So when he reached the outskirts of Paris, he cloaked and flew to an alley near the fight and helped Xan out. “This is as far as I can get you. I’m sorry,” he whispered as Xan gripped his head falling to the ground with his backed pressed to the wall.

“I just wish I could have brought him home all the way,” he whispered and Mari took his hand in hers and gave it a squeeze.

“You did what you could, Dami. He was hurt and needed help. If he had been taken directly to Gotham, who knows what would have happened,” she argued and Damian nodded slowly.

“Yes, I know. I just....when he recognized me when I saw the tat on his back. I....I wasn’t prepared to see the tat on his back and I forgot he was there still. So much happened since I got him out, I forgot he was with you. And he didn’t remember me helping him out. And I told him and he was happy. Even thou I didn’t get him out safely, he was happy,” he said at length and Mari once more squeezed his hand. “Well, that’s probably because he knew you did your best. You went back to get him out of that place unprompted. You could have left him there, but you didn’t. You got him out with only a head injury that made everything fuzzy. Give yourself credit, Dami,” Mari said and Damian gave her a small smile at the end of her little speech.

“Thank you,” he whispered and Mari beamed at him.

After some time, the plane landed and they went thru the sequence to leave. Mari smiled as she watched Dick hug Damian with his brothers behind him smirking at his mock displeasure. When Xan appeared talking to Lila, the entire Wayne Family froze in shock. “Y-you-!” Jason started shocked.

“Xander?” Dick asked, a heartbroken tone in his voice. Xan froze where he was and looked up at the family. He didn’t seem to be breathing as he nodded slowly. “Your alive,” he breathed out before making his way over and setting his hands on Xan’s shoulders. Dick started looking him over while the other two made their way over. He then pulled Xan in for a bone-crushing hug causing a surprise sound to leave Xan. “I’m so glad your alive,” he continued.

“Man, this is your surprise, Pixiepop?” Jason asked and Mari nodded with a smile. “They’re going to love it,” he said messing up both Xan’s and Mari’s hair.

“I hope so,” Mari said and Tim gave Mari a reassuring look.

“Mari, they are going to love this. Dont doubt yourself, you’ll see,” Tim said as the rest of the class left the plane.

“You got him?” Mari asked and the boys nodded as they followed everyone to baggage claim.

“Ya, just meet us at the precinct in 20 minutes. I wouldn’t want you to miss the surprise,” Dick replied and Mari smiled with a nod.

Mari-aculous @MDC_Designs The BIG SURPRISE is in 20 minutes~!! Cant wait to see their faces!!! #soexcited #sosoon #almostthere #surprises Dick @ FlyingGrayson Theyre going to LOVE it! Be prepared for lots of hugs Mari!!!