#glitterally

New Year’s Eve brought Marinette back to a fancy party, only this time she was attending as a guest rather than the planner. She had been invited by a client. It seemed like good business sense to go mingle. She worked hard on her dress to make it eye-catching with black lace and red leather. She wore some of her best accessories to go with it. She looked pretty great for a walking advertisement. She was still nervous. She didn’t know how to act around all the new people so she felt really stiff, but after a bit she decided they all seemed a bit stiff too.

Most of the people she met seemed really friendly so that was nice. The occasional shocked comment about her making her own clothes and accessories. Working for a living was not what most of the women here aspired to do. She managed to smile politely and change the topic. They did seem interested enough in what she was selling so they held their snobbery back to get the information.

She still was not really in the party mood. She almost didn’t go but when Eden found out she had been invited to Bruce Wayne’s New Year’s party she insisted that Marinette had to go. Marinette tried to get her to go with her but Eden was in new relationship bliss and they were going to the ball drop in New York. Marinette would have rather just stayed home and she almost did, even after all the work to make her dress. But Eden called her to make sure she left for the party. She sent a cab that was already paid for and Marinette went mostly to get her to stop pushing. She could always leave the party if she wasn’t having a good time.

Good wasn’t really the word she would use, but it wasn’t bad. She danced with several people and the food was outstanding. She did love to look at the styles everyone was wearing. She didn’t get much of an opportunity to see styles like this in Gotham. She would see some when she went to the fancier clubs or worked at Kathy’s shop but there were also a lot of regular people who just wanted some fancy accessories. Right now she wished she had a sketchbook with her. It made her want to draw. Someone was taking pictures as if it was a movie premiere so maybe it was a much fancier party than she realized. She could probably find the pictures online if she wanted to try drawing from any of them.

She really enjoyed the dancing even if she didn’t know her partners well. It was really easy small talk where her focus didn’t have to be how she presented herself to a group because the focus was on the dance. She had learned ballroom dancing because of the possibility of attending such functions as a designer but she hadn’t really had much opportunity. She accepted all offers even though many of the men were probably far too old for her. She wasn’t concerned as long as they were polite.

The current man was the picture of decorum. He kept his hands in the appropriate spots and didn’t once ask about her preferences on dating partners. It became clear at the end of the dance though when he moved her off the floor to introduce her to his son. He was trying to introduce her to someone else. The son didn't really seem as enthusiastic. His own thoughts about her the man had managed to keep off his face, but his son didn’t quite mask his features as quickly. She couldn’t tell what he thought but she chose to ignore it anyway. It was getting closer to midnight and she would rather be close to one who would prefer to be moving away from her when the clock chimed rather than one who would try to get closer.

“Ah, here he is Mlle Dupain-Cheng. My son, Tim Drake,” the man said.

She hadn’t caught the man's name. They had been too close to the band when he spoke but she would have felt bad making him repeat it. Now it felt really awkward as he had clearly remembered her name.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Marinette said. She turned back to the other man after shaking Tim’s hand. “Thank you so much for the lovely dance.”

“It was an honor. Now I must run off for some hosting responsibilities. Make sure the clocks hit midnight at the right time.”

He turned and walked away quickly and Marinette felt her face drain. She had been dancing with the host. The host was Bruce Wayne and he wanted her to dance with his son. She didn't actually know much about the Wayne family but they were very rich and owned a lot of businesses in Gotham and apparently helped out less fortunate people a lot.

She turned back to Tim for a moment. He held out his hand to lead her to the dance floor as his father expected. She smiled back at him, trying to hide her sudden feelings of inadequacy. She looked at the man before her. He was very attractive. He just wasn’t really her type and he had not seemed interested in her. She chose to just focus on the dance and worry about the rest later.

He was the picture perfect dancer. He definitely seemed to know exactly how to act. He made polite conversation although he seemed to change topics randomly and had a few odd questions mixed in. He did get a bit of information about Marinette’s business and that seemed much more normal. She didn’t actually know enough to know what was normal for rich people. All the ones she had known in Paris were a bit quirky so maybe that was expected. The end of the dance was timed perfectly to give people just enough time to find someone to kiss before the clock chimed.

She was shunted to the side by a few eager young ladies trying to be available. Tim didn't seem to want to be with them any more than her. Marinette was happy to slip away. She grabbed the toasting champagne and slipped off to the balcony just as she had done last year. The snow was falling down. She wished she had something to dust the snow off the bench. Sitting after standing in heels so long would be nice and she could get her feet further from the cold ground. She looked down over the gardens. She thought walking through them would be nice. It would be quiet and sheltered from the cold wind, still a jacket would have been a good option.

She stood and turned suddenly as she heard the door click behind her. She remembered how the door had closed last year and locked her out while the place was being robbed. Instead she could hear the countdown from inside as the door opened and a man in a suit walked out. She mentally prepared herself to refuse the kiss no matter how good the tailored suit looked on him. She took a breath and looked up into his eyes. Her heart caught in her throat; she must be dreaming.

“Jason?” she whispered.

He pulled her to him and cupped her cheek. She reached out to touch him and looked back at her flute of champagne. She worried that she was somehow hallucinating. The only time she had seen him in 2 months was in her dreams. His thumb glided along the bottom of her lip, urging her to believe he was real. It couldn't be him even if he was alive, he had not been at the party. She felt like crying. She didn't want to think of him right now.

"It's me, Doll. I'm back."

He tilted her face up by gently hooking a finger under her chin. She was still trying to wake herself but when she heard the chime of midnight, she decided she didn't care if it was a dream. She moved up to meet him as he leaned down to kiss her. His mouth slanted against hers and she opened her mouth to his. She pushed herself against him, relishing that the suit that let her feel far more of him than his typical armor.

She pulled him down, wrapping her arms around his neck. When he lifted her legs up and pushed her against the wall she decided that this had to be real or she would have landed in a heap on the snowy ground. They didn't break apart. They kissed desperately until they both were forced to pull back gasping for breath creating visible clouds in the cold night air.

She slid her hands against his face and shoulders. Then moved to his chest leaving kisses and visible puffs of air behind. She was still struggling to believe that any of this was real.

"How are you here?" She asked, "I thought--"

"I made it out. The news didn't show everything. But I couldn't risk approaching you right away."

"How did you know I was here? It doesn't seem like there is a crew inside relieving the rich people of all their valuables."

"I'm actually living here. I came down to see the end of the party. Then, I saw you. I have wanted to visit you since that night but this was my first opportunity without risking your safety."

"You live here? In the house of Bruce Wayne."

"It's a long story which I hope to tell you someday. But if you like the idea, I would very much like to keep kissing you."

Marinette shifted as his mouth moved to her neck leaving hot kisses on her skin. His hands went between the wall and her bare back. She moved back to kiss him but pulled away quickly and dropped her feet back down. She left her forehead pressed against his.

"This is amazing except for one thing." He frowned but she kept talking. "We are out in the snow when if I understand correctly you have a warm room inside this house."

"I do. It has a fire in the fireplace."

She nodded back at him and moved towards the door. She turned back to him so suddenly he bumped into her.

"It has a bed too, right?"

Rather than responding he groaned and pushed her inside. He put his arm around her shoulders and guided her to his bedroom.

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---

Marinette suspected that the shop paid protection money. It was Gotham and she knew it was a common practice. She had just never seen the evidence of it. Turns out that the manager, Kathy, just preferred to be alone when the money was collected for safety. Marinette ended up working late. They couldn’t get the customers out of the shop and there were things that had to be done before morning. But Marinette could tell the other woman was tense. She kept snapping and rushing Marinette to hurry but she was slowing things down by repeatedly checking the clock and dropping things. Marinette hadn’t figured out what the issue was until armed men walked in. Two came in the front and two from the back exit.

“I do believe it is time to discuss your insurance options,” one said.

He set a gun down, facing the other woman and leaned on the counter. Marinette had been stocking the lower racks but she could see clearly. The other three fanned out through the shop and one stopped directly behind Marinette.

“You are with Black Mask. I have always worked with Red Hood.”

Marinette could tell Kathy was nervous but she was trying to be clear. She wanted to do this without putting either of them in danger.

“From now on, you will pay us.”

“What am I supposed to do when he comes by? You do you know he collects here today?”

“We are counting on it.”

“Perhaps you should work out your differences before showing up here.”

“All we need from you is cooperation and you will be fine.”

Marinette watched as the other woman was pushed to the back where the money and additional supplies were. She looked around at the other 3. There was not much she could do from her position. She could still hear voices from the back. Kathy was still negotiating with the man but suddenly she cried out. There was the sound of a hit and a thud. Marinette jumped up but the one behind her put the barrel of the gun against her back. His arm pulled her against him and he shifted the gun to the side of her head as the leader came back out with Kathy. She had a cut and bruise on one side of her face. Marinette suspected he had hit her with the gun. He shoved her down by the counter and the other 2 men started knocking over racks and smashing glass.

The leader smashed the display case by the counter. Kathy screamed and covered her head but she was no longer fighting him.

“You are the one who decides how you pay.”

He grabbed her by the hair and made her look at Marinette. Marinette forced her to relax in the man’s hold. She didn’t know how to handle this. She likely wouldn’t be able to escape without one of them being shot. Kathy looked resigned though. Marinette could tell she was giving in and honestly she didn’t blame her. It wasn’t her fight and didn’t much matter to the business who was paid, they were still losing money.

“Okay. I have the money. Please, just stop.”

He lifted her by her hair and started to drag her to the back to get the payment. Marinette cringed when she heard what sounded like another hit. The guy holding her turned and laughed but he stopped suddenly and slumped down. Marinette fell under the sudden weight of him. She scrambled away and looked back at him. There was a knife sticking out of his back. She looked over at the other 2 and their bodies were being dragged out by men she suspected worked for Red Hood. Everything happened quickly after that.

Kathy came back to the front and Marinette could see her talking to another from the new group of men. She was moving her arms around and pointing. Marinette guessed she was giving an account of what had happened. Marinette was considering just leaving. She didn't know what the protocol was but Kathy had clearly been trying to prevent her from being involved and she no longer appeared in danger.

She was heading towards the back to get her things when Red Hood walked in. He didn't appear to look her way even when she knocked over a basket of accessories. She crouched down to collect them, careful to avoid the little pieces of glass all around. She didn't notice the movement when she stood back up because she was looking the other way but Red Hood had approached.

"Marinette!" Kathy called out to her but was blocked by the other henchman.

She turned around at the sound of crunching glass under his boots. She looked over at Kathy but there was no way to reassure her that she wasn't in danger from the man. His chest was right in front of her when she turned. He guided her to turn away and walked her to the alley out back. Marinette could hear Kathy pleading behind her but she didn't turn back.

"She is loyal. She won't talk. She didn't even know about the arrangement."

---

Red Hood pulled her down the alley behind the building. He removed his helmet and checked Marinette over for injuries. He kissed her head and pulled her against him, running his fingers through her hair and then kissed her temple. He seemed content just to hold her against him but Marinette wanted more. She slid her arms around his neck and reached up to connect their lips. He pushed her into the wall behind her and molded his mouth to hers.

Marinette lifted herself against him and threaded her fingers through his hair. It wasn’t the first time she had cursed his armored suit for not allowing her hands access to feel him. Although, she could feel a few marred spots on the armor so maybe it wasn’t so bad if it allowed him to keep coming back to her. She moaned against him when he lifted her legs and ran his hands against the underside of her thighs.

She used the added support to pull herself higher. She whined when he pulled away but it changed to a gasp when he moved his mouth down her jaw. He buried his face in her neck and she turned her head to give him access to more skin. He left wet kisses down her neck and to the top of her shirt and then he trailed up the other side. He didn’t make it all the way up before Marinette pulled away to do the same to him. He was gentle and careful with her but she attacked his neck fiercely. His hands moved along her back and sides while she kissed and sucked at the skin available. She could feel the moan in his throat and then his chuckle when he made her gasp by finding her nipples through her top. She arched her back and he covered her mouth with his to cover her continued sounds at his attention. She could feel the pressure of the wall behind her as he pushed against her before he pulled back. He let her legs fall down so her feet would be on the ground.

"I wish I could stay all night, but I have work to do."

"I feel like we are lucky you are so dedicated right now. That could have gone much differently."

He leaned down and kissed her softly. When he pulled back he maintained eye contact. His voice was a whisper.

"I only want to be dedicated to you," he breathed. He pressed his lips to the skin by her ear. She could feel his next word against her skin. "Marinette."

She shivered. "I guess you will just have to keep my secret safe."

"I would do anything to keep you safe." He pulled her close and did the same whisper against her ear on the other side. "My name is Jason."

He put his helmet back on and brought her back inside. Kathy gave her a look but said nothing. The men left with Red Hood before the police arrived to take statements. Marinette glanced back one more time as they left. She was certain that they had made eye contact.

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As they swung away he updated Batman on what had happened and the only clear thing he made out that they were saying about the girl before he swung away was, “Red Hood’s girlfriend.” She was fading by the time he got her to safety. He checked her bag and found her ID but he didn’t know what to do with her. He didn’t know if she would be safe in a hospital. He left her for a moment to drop down to the alley. He found the vial they had used to drug her. It was a sedative typically used in surgical settings so she should wake after a while. It would probably be best if they could see what she knew before releasing her.

---

“Give her to me.”

Red Hood’s voice was tough and left no room for argument yet Robin still hesitated. Batman would probably show soon and he didn’t want to deal with that right now. He needed to take care of Marinette and get her somewhere safe. He would be dealing with Batman later and did not need to involve Marinette in any of his plans. He stepped towards Robin until he was against the wall, still holding Marinette. She shifted but she didn’t seem fully aware. He put his hand against Robin’s throat and pushed but without any real force behind it.

“I can’t just hand over a civilian, who was attacked, to a drug lord.”

Robin tilted his chin up, certain that he had the moral high ground.

“Your plans certainly involve interrogating her. I need to keep her safe.” He took another step forward and put pressure on Robin’s throat. “I prefer not to involve her in a fight but I have no concern for your safety if you force my hand.”

Red Hood dropped his hand from Robin’s throat and reached for Marinette. She almost came to for a moment and she smiled at him. Her eyes were glassy and her attempt to reach for him veered off course and her hand lifted halfway before flopping to the side. Robin tried to keep hold of her but Red Hood lifted her away from him. He settled Marinette against him and turned as Robin was approaching him. He didn’t know whether he planned to fight or try to get her back but Red Hood was only concerned about getting her somewhere safe. He reached out and slapped Robin away and dropped a smoke pellet so he could disappear.

He didn’t think she would be safe at her place anymore. If they knew who she was and where she worked they could have easily followed her home. He would have to have her place cleared out. He had several safe houses. For now he would leave that until she was awake and recovered. He took her to his personal safe house. He wouldn’t leave her alone in this condition and it was set up already with everything they would need because it was where he was living.

---

He placed her in the bed and went around collecting what she might want when she woke. He couldn’t be certain what she had been injected with but it appeared to just make her unconscious or semi-unconscious. Her breathing was calm and even and she was slightly responsive. No signs of any bad reactions. He brushed her hair out of her face and leaned over to kiss the spot. She hummed slightly and reached out for him. He allowed her to guide him. She moved him until he was in the bed with her. He tried to shift away but every time she would whine and follow him.

It didn’t last long. She was shifting more and then her eyes were open and on him. He couldn’t tell what she was thinking but she was probably confused.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

He pushed away a bit and reached for the water. She pushed up more slowly and then reached for her head. He moved to put a pillow behind her and also got the bottle of pain reliever.

“Did you kidnap me?”

“I guess I kinda did. But I am not the one who attacked and drugged you.”

“They know who I am.”

She took the water and drank slowly. Pausing to take some of the pain reliever too. He looked down, slightly ashamed. He had known it was a risk but he kept pushing it out of his mind because he liked seeing her too much.

“I don’t think it is safe for you now. You need to move. Possibly find a new job but that can wait. I can get you anything you need.”

She looked around instead of responding. He just let her take it all in. He didn’t want to push her. He expected she would probably end up angry at him. It was all his fault. He had known better but disregarded her safety for his own feelings. He looked over when he realized she was watching him. Her movements were shaky but she pushed herself suddenly and climbed into his lap. He adjusted so he could hold her better and wrapped his arms around her. She snuggled against him and sat quietly for a few minutes.

He thought she was asleep when he shifted. He kissed her head and moved her so he could lay her back in the bed. She turned and pulled him down to kiss him properly. Her movements were still a little clumsy but she held onto his shoulders.

“I really need to clean up.” She turned to face him fully and kissed him again before adding, “I assume you have a way to help me make that happen.”

“I’ll go start the water so it warms up. Then I’ll come back to help you in get there if you need it.”

“Take me with you.”

Marinette reached up for him and he lifted her and carried her to the bathroom. He sat her down gently while he went about setting up the shower for her. He turned back just in time to see her tipping over while trying to remove her clothes. He reached out and caught her. His hands only remained until she was steady on her feet again. He focused on helping her into the shower while trying not to look down at her. She turned into him just as she got under the water and pulled him down for a kiss.

His arm went around her to keep her from falling, the other planted against the shower wall to brace himself. She slid her arms around his neck and kissed him, holding onto his now wet shirt.

“We should probably get you out of these wet clothes,” she said.

She tugged at the bottom of the shirt to pull it off him. He helped her but then pulled her back under the water so she could wash off. He was avoiding looking at her. Instead he reached for the shampoo and offered it to her. She seemed to realize he was looking everywhere but at her.

“What’s wrong? Do you not like what you see?” she asked.

“I’m trying to be respectful, Darling. You were drugged.”

“Where is the fun in that? Be disrespectful.”

She reached up and pulled him down for a kiss. He held her in his arms and pulled her tightly against him. She lifted her legs and wrapped them around his waist. He slid his hands up as down her back without either of them pulling away from the kiss. When his hand moved to her her side, she cried out and jerked away. He dropped her back to her feet and examined her side. It was covered by a large bruise that he hadn’t noticed because he had been trying not to look.

“You are hurt,” he said.

“It wasn’t bothering me before. I knew I had been hit. I’m not sure how many there were, too many. But one of them kicked me when I turned to hit another one.”

Red Hood grunted rather than respond. He gritted his teeth in anger, but he wasn’t angry at her so he pushed it back. He tilted her face back up to kiss her.

“Let’s get you cleaned up and I’ll take a look to see what we can do to make that better.”

The flirty mood Marinette had a moment ago disappeared when Red Hood focused on the job at hand. He was careful to help her though. He didn’t want her moving too much so he put some shampoo in his own hands and lathered it into her hair. Her eyes were closed and she made adorable sounds that were making his water soaked pants feel tight. She coyly suggested that he should probably help her clean the rest of herself but he told her she could handle it. He stepped out before her and she finished up quickly. She saw just a glimpse of his side and back after he got out of his wet pants before he covered himself with a towel.

He turned back with a twinkle in his eyes. His towel was tucked low and his chest was bare and not fully dry. Marinette couldn’t help but appreciate the view. He helped her out of the tub and into a fluffy towel. She sank against him and then squealed as he lifted her. He laughed and carried her back to his bed. He turned and tossed her one of his tee shirts that she put on to get away from the cold. He covered her legs with the sheet and lifted her shirt enough to see the injured side. His hands slid against her skin and pressed gently. He thought it was just bruised and with no broken skin they couldn’t do more than put ice on it and take anti inflammatories.

“I will find out who did this to you,” he promised.

“Do you have to do it tonight?” she asked.

“I’m not leaving you alone right now.”

He leaned down and kissed her and then he pulled the covers over her and headed for the door.

“Where are you going then?”

“I have a couch out here, so you can have the bed.”

“But then I’m all alone,” she pouted. “I feel okay now. I remember everything from before. There is a patchy area there but I know what I want.”

“Is it sleep, Doll? That is all I can offer.”

“I want to sleep with your arms around me.”

He climbed into the bed with her and pulled her close. She sighed next to him as he kissed her head. It made her feel safe after everything that had happened.

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@theymakeupfairies | @emjrabbitwolf | @vixen-uchiha | @trythisagainlove | @adrestar | @tbehartoo | @zynna | @technicallyburninggarden | @certainmuffinbagelcalzone | @jayjayspixiepop | @moon5608 | @rianoel

She finished getting dressed and took her phone with her to find a place where she could get wifi. It wasn’t fully dark yet but the nearest cafe to her apartment was closed. She had realized that it was Halloween but not that it would affect business hours. She sighed and walked on. It was several blocks away to a coffee shop. She couldn’t remember if they were usually open this time of day. She thought that she might start seeing people out with their younger kids. May they all went to better neighborhoods for candy. She just then realized she hadn’t seen any cars either. Even at the last street that usually had at least steady traffic.

Suddenly the quiet seemed wrong. It was too quiet. There was no movement anywhere. Her phone still didn’t have signal. The wind blew and it felt sinister. It was cold but not biting. Still she wanted to be away from it. She was too exposed. She instead headed for the nearest alley. It wasn’t fully dark in the alley. She would take this path sometimes and it seemed acceptable. The area around her new apartment was in Red Hood’s territory so she always felt a bit safer. She didn’t think she was widely known to be associated with him so that wasn't a help to her. But in general crime did seem to be streamlined and had less effect on regular people in certain areas.

She sped up when she heard footsteps though. She might feel mostly safe walking around but she wouldn’t tempt fate by ignoring her gut feelings. Everything already felt strange. She didn’t want to find out why. She glanced down at her phone again. Still no signal. She wasn’t sure who she could call anyway. She knew that Eve was travelling until Christmas and Kathy had recommended she not contact anyone she knew from the shop just in case they were looking for her still. She had been pretty shaken up after her shop was trashed and even more nervous after she found out that they had tried to grab Marinette.

Marinette turned quickly down another alley and then slipped into a gap to wait for the footsteps to fade. They were slow and steady. There was no other sound. She turned her face to hide better but gave up her chance to see who was there. She wasn’t certain that she was being followed. It could just be a coincidence, but she refused to take that chance. The steps paused just as she shifted. She wasn't sure if she had made a noise but with a pivot, Red Hood stood blocking the entrance to the alcove she had hidden in. She relaxed slightly upon seeing it was him but her heartbeat still felt erratic. He reached over and pulled her to him. His armor was different but he wasn't wearing his helmet today, just the mask.

“What on earth are you doing here? Why didn't you evacuate?” he asked.

“Evacuate? Is my new apartment not safe? I really haven’t been anywhere to be seen,” she said.

“All of Gotham has been evacuated. Why did you stay? It isn’t safe.”

“I don’t know anything about it. My internet wasn’t working so I was trying to get a signal on my phone.”

“It’s too late to get out now. You will have to find a safe place to go.”

He took her by the hand and led her a few blocks away and down some stairs. She hadn’t even seen the entrance. Once inside he opened a door and a tunnel led to another door. He brought her inside. It was clearly a bunker but it had been set up as a safe house. She thought it might be his back up to the apartment she had been at before. It looked as if it had been used very recently. There were dishes out as if he had cooked here and the couch cushions had been disturbed recently. She was still confused at his behavior and looking around when he pulled her to him and kissed her.

She recovered quickly and returned the kiss. His suit was different and looked far more armored than his usual one. She was beginning to think that the evacuation might have something to do with him. He turned slightly and undid something allowing him to pull off the chest piece with ease, she could get used to that. He kissed her again as she moved her hands against his chest. He guided them over to the couch and pushed himself onto it and pulled her down to him.

She pushed him back and She straddled his lap. He pulled her close but pulled back long before Marinette was done. He shifted her around so her back was against his chest. His kisses tickled along the back of her neck. Marinette tried to lift herself so she could reach him too, but he took her hand and put soft kisses down her arm. When he reached her fingertips, he moved back up the arm slowly. She groaned as he took his time at her neck. She was desperate to turn back to him but she allowed him to keep going as he moved to her shoulder and down her other arm.

When he reached her fingertips Marinette threaded their fingers together and pulled his hand up to her mouth. She kissed his knuckles and his palm before moving up to his wrist. He moved his arm as she shifted to give her better access. But she moved before she reached the end of his forearm and instead kissed just above his hip bone, moving his shirt aside to reach skin. She pushed the shirt up, leaving it to him to remove it as she continued moving up to his chest inch by inch. She traced her fingers along his chest, stopping to feel his scars and give them an extra kiss.

As she moved up he wrapped his arms around her. He leaned in to capture her lips. She was still having fun with her game but she couldn’t resist returning his kiss before moving back to his neck. He moaned when she found the sweet spot so she moved away and kissed every bit nearby before returning to the spot again. He gasped next to her ear and then shifted to kiss the skin there bringing a gasp from her in return.

Not to be outdone, Marinette pulled him back to her and kissed him deeply on the mouth. He held her face and kissed her desperately. She wrapped her fingers into his hair tightly. She could still feel him slipping away. She always seemed to sense when he needed to go. He shifted away a moment later. She held onto him. She slid one hand along his jaw and up to his cheekbone. She traced her fingers along the bottom edge of his mask.

He moved to capture her hand but she didn't push further. They stood still for a moment, eyes locked when he shifted. He released her hand and removed his mask. Her hand returned to his face in awe. She hadn't really expected him to show her. She pulled him back and kissed him hard before pulling back again. He pushed her hair back and cupped her cheek. His eyes fluttered closed as her fingers traced around his eyes.

"I need you to stay here. It is not safe out there tonight."

"Are you going to be safe?"

"I should be back but it will not be soon. I need to know you are safe."

Marinette tried to ignore the fact that he hadn't really answered her question.

"Are you the reason Gotham was evacuated?"

"This has been the planned for a long time."

"That isn't really an answer."

"It will be over tonight no matter how it goes," he paused and watched her face for any reaction. "I hope I will have more to offer you after. I want more than I have any right to want from someone like you."

"Should I tell you to stay? Is that what you want?"

Her eyes searched his. She knew his answer before he spoke. His jaw set firmly.

"Everything is already in motion. I can't give up what I have been working so hard for."

He turned and put his armor back on. He walked towards the door. Marinette rushed to him as he put his hand on the handle. She placed a hand against his armored chest.

"I have always known who you were, what you do. You don't need to change for me. I want more too."

His response was to lean down and kiss her. He pulled away reluctantly hovering with their lips a breath apart before he pulled himself away.

"Stay safe," he said. He walked out the door putting his helmet on.

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@theymakeupfairies | @emjrabbitwolf | @vixen-uchiha | @trythisagainlove | @adrestar | @tbehartoo | @zynna | @technicallyburninggarden | @certainmuffinbagelcalzone | @jayjayspixiepop | @moon5608 | @rianoel | @queenz-z