#ladyarrow

Jagged, it was his fault she was even here. After months, maybe even years, he caught her and she couldn’t say no. No excuse came to her and all her outs were busy. Just her luck, but at least it was a good reason to make something special for herself. That thought kept her from checking the time every two minutes. The words Penny told her as they were leaving the hotel room repeated in her head, just a few hours and you can leave I promise, placating smile and sigh stuck with Mari. she came for Jagged but would stay for Penny, even if it was a bore to do so. It was the least she could do for the woman who had enough to deal with. Jagged was Jagged after all, Penny didn’t need to watch over two adults tonight.

That is why one Marinette Dupain-Cheng was leaning on a wall with a glass of strawberry champagne that she might not be legally allowed to have in the States, but that was not her problem, got here. The music was nice but it was little more than white noise at this point to her, she was avoiding conversations and keeping to herself. She was quite content to ride out her night with a few glasses and simply observing the room. Between the architecture, décor and dresses she found herself  with more than enough to keep her mind occupied. New designs were already forming in her head, the choice to not bring a sketchbook feeling like a regret but before that thought could get much further she heard him from across the sea of people.

 “Isn’t it FANTASTIC! She’s one of the more rock-n-roll gals I know!”

 Marinette shook her head, it might be time to save the poor sap Jagged has in a conversation everyone can surely hear. A nearby waitress provided her with a new glass and with a grateful smile and a thank you she started to make her way to her honorary uncle. It was her come to him or he dragged the poor fellow with him to find her, she was sure.

 Pure elegance and beauty was what those around her saw. Floor length ball gown of a rose rippled behind her as she walked, the coral color faded at the bottom subtle enough to just seem like shadows. The more she walked the more the lights hit the dress just so, illuminating intricate lilac details of flowers, butterflies and other garden sights all across the dress.  Lavender ankle boots made gentle clacks against the polished tile, the silver buckles shining in the lights. Long midnight hair flowed down her back coving countless battle scars from the years, not that anyone would pay enough attention to notice. After all if one looked close you’d see the mark her arms as well along with calloused hands, but things like that often get overlooked by these crowds. Marinette continued with a graceful confidence blocking out the stares of the other guests. Finding Jagged was what she was focused on and it sounded like it would be a short search.

 It was not long before the familiar view of purple and black along with larger than needed hand movements made their way into her view. It brought a smile to Marinette’s face to see him so animated, she gently nudged his shoulder to let him know she was now there. The bone crushing hug was immediate, she was lucky to have great reflexes otherwise her drink and both their outfits could have been in trouble. After a few moments she patted his back, “Aren’t you going to introduce us?” The light chuckle in her voice came from his enthusiasm and the bewildered face of the man he seemed to be talking to before she arrived.

 Releasing her he gestured between them, “this is the lovely lady I was telling you about!” 

 Mari smiled in turn and stuck out her hand for a formal greeting, “Marinette, pleasure to meet you,” she trailed off to let him fill in his own name.

 “Oliver Queen,” he returned the shake in earnest and then not so subtly nudged the man next to him, “and this is my ward Roy,” his smile seemed forced. Both of the other males did while they looked at each other. 

 Mari didn’t miss a beat though, “Roy” seemed like the exact reason she tried to avoid these events, a grade a prick who thinks he is better than those around him, at least he seemed quiet. How long that stayed and if it was a good thing would be found out later in the night, but hopefully not at all. 

 When Oliver let go of her hand she noticed he had hand calluses too, but not quite the same as hers. Years of some kind of training if she had to guess but for what she didn’t know and knowing the rich scene might be better if it stayed that way. She was here on vacation after all and pushed down the urge to touch the earrings she’d worn far longer than not.

 It was not long before Jagged started to fill the conversation again. Many words of praise for his “rocking niece” and general pride for the work she has done for him. This caught the blonde businessman’s interest and lost the red-heads. They had gotten on the topic of who they were wearing that night as Mari assumed most rich people did at a certain point, maybe it was a way to brag. She couldn’t care less but it started Jagged to talk at length about how all three members of his party were wearing designs by one Marinette. Before she could brush it off like it was no big deal he began showing off his suit, showing how the lighting  could make an iridescent geometric pattern show or not. Now this got Oliver really interested.

 Oliver looked at Mari as she took another sip of her glass to hide her prideful smirk at her work being praised. No matter how many times it happened it still warmed her heart and gave a sense of satisfaction that hardly beat. 

“Did you really make both of your outfits,” Oliver asked, finding it hard to believe. They looked like they were of elegance only seen by some of the top designers and handcrafted to boot.

 Oliver could see he sparked something and the once relatively quite young woman, her blue bell eyes had begun to sparkle as she began to talk about fashion and designing. It was clear she was keeping herself from speaking too fast but she was now animated and full of life. Jagged looked on giving input everyone once in a while but over all just watched in pride as she talked about what she knew best. There was a reason she was who he trusted with his clothes when he could. 

 ---

 It was when Mari first joined that Roy gave the newcomer in the conversation a proper look. She was short and maybe a year younger than himself. The dress she wore was surly expensive, so she was one of those people. The kind of person who attaches themselves to someone famous or rich, dresses like they are more than they are and tries to climb the social ladder acting like they are hot shit, needless to say he didn’t stay long. When Oliver was distracted again by that Jagged guy and the girl he slipped away.

 It was not hard to blend into the shadows, he was a vigilante after all. Roy still couldn’t get over the fact he was tricked into coming to this stupid thing. Oliver hated him here, “could never behave” or some shit along those lines. He couldn’t even drink as he was sure the staff was told to not give him anything, lovely. 

 A door leading to a seldom used hallway was a small relief, he could hide in there until the night wound down and he could leave for real. A small room was open with the lights off not far from the hallway. Perfect spot to keep an eye on the “party” but be hidden. 

 Taking out his headphones he sneaked in and his phone Roy situated himself into a corner of the room. Might as well make himself comfortable and take a light nap.

 ---

 “I’ve taken up enough of your time,” Mari gave the two men a kind smile. She had been rambling for a while now and didn’t want to waste more of the night. Surely they had more interesting things to talk about. 

 Mari took her leave before either could protest and missed how Oliver had asked Jagged for a way to get some of her work. She dropped off her glass on a table that had other empty glasses and decided to not take another one with her. She didn’t want to push her luck too much after all. Checking the time it was still too early to leave but surely she could duck away for a while. 

 Assuming no one else was near the hallways based on the lack of lights she began to put up her hair as she lightly kicked open the door to the first room she saw. Mumbling to herself in French a reminder to look up who she was talking to as well as to pick better shoes she made her way into the room. It was only after sitting on a table her hair already in a high ponytail and mid taking off her shoe did she notice someone else was in the room with her. All she could see was a human shape staring at her mouth agape, a small string of curses in French and a hand ready to throw the shoe she stared back. 

 It was a few tense moments later that Roy processed what he was seeing fully taking out his headphones. A devilish smirk quickly grew on his face as he realized this was the social climber from earlier, maybe he could scare her and she’d leave him alone. Stepping out from his spot he was ready to deflect the shoe and give her a hard time. However when she just rolled her eyes at him and put down the shoe he hesitated.

 “Roy was it?” Mari didn’t look at him, it was the prick form earlier. This was not how she wanted to spend the rest of her night but maybe if she was uninterested he’d leave, sure he was there first but he also was the one to move to leave.

 “Yeah?”

 It came out more like a question and that got Mari to chuckle. Her laugh felt like it was an achievement for some reason, maybe he could at least pay attention to her this time. She raised an eyebrow at him, clearly he should be saying something, she cut him off before he could form a sentence.

 “You gonna stay or just stare at me-” Mari cut herself off and seemed to cuss out a kitty? Roy shook his head, a smile already forming, a real one. Maybe she would be a good conversation at the least. 

 Roy took a seat on the table next to hers, “guess I can stay for a pretty girl,” he wanted to see how she’d react. The scoff was unexpected but maybe it meant there was more to this girl then at first glance.

 Mari rolled her eyes at the boy sitting across from her. She took off her other boot and crossed her legs and turned to face him. There wasn’t a need to be overly polite she figured, if he was hiding from the event too means he might not be as stuck up as she assumed, maybe.

 “So what brings you back here,” resting her head in her hand she directed the question at him.

 “I could ask you the same thing.”

 “But I asked first.”

 “You have me there…?”

 “Forget my name already,” a light laugh left her lips, “call me Mari.”

 Her laugh was like bells this time and okay, maybe she was not what he thought she was. 

 “Well Mari,” he put emphasis on her name like it would make her swoon or something but it only got another chuckle from her.

 “You’re gonna have to try harder than then to fluster me pretty boy,” if you said he got flustered Roy would call you a liar.

 “What am I not your type?” 

 “How should I know that, all I know is your name after all?”

 Roy paused, she wasn’t lying. It was clear he was wrong about her being a social climber, they all know about the “wayward ward charity case of Oliver Queen,” and it appeared she wasn’t from here. 

 “I’ll give you that pixie,” she pouted at the nickname, so that was definitely gonna be used a lot.

 “Fine then, what do you want to know?”

 Mari opened her mouth to respond then paused, moving slightly so she could rest her head on her knee instead. Roy took the time to get more comfortable himself, now fully facing her and sitting relaxed. 

 “What about 20 questions, that way it is fair.”

 “Fine but I get to go first,” Mari simply rolled her eyes at him, interesting. Roy paused pretending to think, “Favorite color?”

 “Starting basic I see,” Mari thought about her answer, “if I had to pick one I’d say red is my favorite now. To keep in the same vain, what’s yours?”

 Putting a finger to his lips like he was in deep thought Roy responds, “well it looks like I’m in good company as red is mine,” he looked around the room to try to think of a better question. Something that wasn’t boring and basic but wasn’t too invasive. He settled fairly quickly, “how many languages do you speak?” 

 Mari counted on her hands as if double checking, “Currently I know 4 fluently but I’m working on Japanese from a friend, I wouldn’t way fluent yet though.”

 “I have you beat then, I got 5 under my belt,” Roy gave her a smug look but was taken aback when she just stifled a giggle behind her hand.

 “Okay now it is my turn Mr. Show-off-” Roy tried to cut her off with a hey! but she continued undeterred, “you asked me now it's my turn remember?” a pout was enough answer for her.

 “What do you do in your free time?”

 “Archery,” he answered it quickly without a second of hesitation catching Mari off guard. He leaned in to ask his next question like it had to be a secret, “What’s a girl like you doing ‘escaping’ a gala like that, he did finger quotes around escape and pointed over his shoulder with slight distaste about the gala in the other room. 

 “A girl like me?”

 “I get to ask the question this round-” she put her hands up in a placating manner.

 “Okay okay, no need to act conspiratorial.” Mari’s tone got softer as she looked at her hands rather than him. “This isn’t really my scene. I’m only here because he caught me when I couldn't say no.” a small sad laugh left her before she looked up but still not at him, “high society just isn’t for me I guess. I don’t hate the spotlight but I don’t search for it I guess, I don’t need it,” she stopped herself almost saying more but instead shaking her head as if to dismiss a thought. She looked at Roy again with a sad smile on her face, “what about you? I’m sure this totally must be your scene, why are you back here?”

 Roy couldn’t help himself and burst out laughing, having to wipe a tear away, “You clearly have no idea who I am do you?”

 “No? Why would I?” her confused face was honest.

 Roy sobered up, “the fuck up charity case isn’t usually welcome,” he was clenching his fists now. 

 Mari reached out to him, a gentle hand on his, no words just someone to assure him he wasn’t alone. She had no reason to but she did. After a few quiet moments Mari spoke up with her hand still rubbing gentle circles in his.

 “How about we blow this place and enjoy the rest of our night?”

 She stood up and gathered her things and slipped on her boots again, “pick me up in twenty? My hotel is just down the block,” and with that she left the room a small wave as the door closed behind her.

 Roy hesitated before following her out but by the time he was in the hallway she was gone. He took that as his que to bounce and left through a window nearby, Oliver could get pissed later. 

 ---

 Almost twenty minutes after leaving the ball Roy found himself looking at the hotel from across the street. Some grand overly expensive hotel for the rich and famous that was all about being the heights of luxury, it didn’t quite fit his style that was for sure. He remembered that Jagged guy, he seemed to fit the regular patron better and if she was with him it made sense. 

 Roy felt like an outsider waiting here for someone he just met. The lecture Oliver will give him keeps playing in the back of his mind, he ditched the ball and got stood up by a girl out of his league isn’t gonna hold water to him, clearly a lie cause he can’t do anything right. Why would a girl that can stay in a place like that go anywhere with him and his well worn clothes and bike that he’s had for longer than he can remember and-

 His thoughts are cut short when a girl leaves the bright lights of the lobby. Black jeans with rips in the knees, a bomber jacket that  might be older than her, combat boots with scrapes and repairs, her hair up in a ponytail much like Mari’s was. She looks around and waits by the side of the hotel, she stands out against the polish brick of the hotel but he saw her come out himself. 

  Roy watches her for what feels like hours but couldn’t have been more than a few minutes. She looks down at her phone and frowns. Her head looks around the area as if looking for something or maybe someone? Another few minutes pass and now she is sitting down out of the way. Resting her head on her knee she looks down the street and that reminds Roy of why he was here in the first place. How latte was he now? He doesn’t want to check his phone to see, surely Oliver has noticed him gone by now too. Instead he crosses the street.

 ---

 Mari has been waiting for Roy to show up for a while now, maybe she was wrong to leave and think he would come. She was about to cut her losses when someone finally came up to her.

 “Look-” she was cut off by a hand offering her a hand up before she could tell the stranger off.

 “Sorry about the wait. I didn’t make you wait long did I?”

 Roy had finally shown his face and the apologetic look real enough. He looked more comfortable in clothes that looked more like him. Mari took his hand and dusted herself off.

 “You owe me a good night to make up for it pretty boy.”

 “Of course princess.”

 They both rolled their eyes and something was different now but in a good way. No expectations, no fancy clothes, no visions, just two young adults in the night.

 And what  a night they had. Nothing that would make the news but he showed her all the lesser known spots worth visiting during her stay. Her arms wrapped around his waist as they drove around the city the only music their own laughter as they shared dumb stories. Hours passing like minutes.

 Before they knew it the sky was getting lighter, the stars receding into the background. The smell of the coast getting closer as Roy drove them to one of his favorite spots. The grassy cliff had a perfect view of a stretch of beach and the clear water, the sun starting to turn the midnight blue into purples and oranges. Parking the bike he took her hand and led her down a hidden path. The view was stunning, and there they watched the sun rise, her head rested on his shoulder. Content to just share the quiet moment. 

 They stayed there until their phones started to blow up. Roy sighing and Mari typing rapidly.

 “Guess the moment is over isn’t it,” Mari looked sheepish. She was enjoying it after all. It wasn’t often she got to just be herself with the weight of a city not on her shoulders.

 A sigh left Roy at the loss of warmth on his side, “I guess I should take you back shouldn’t I?”

 Giggling Mari agreed, he could get used to that.

 The ride back to her hotel felt short but her warmth on his back kept him going and if he took more back roads then he needed to who was to say.

 Roy chose to drop her off a block away just in case. Mari reluctantly let go of his waist, she opened her mouth to say something but stopped herself. She took not more than a few steps away before turning back and kissing his cheek, slipping something into his jacket pocket. 

 “I’ll see you around again right?” and left before his dumbstruck brain could process what happened.

 ---

 She turned the corner with a smile on her face. He left knowing whatever lecture he was gonna get was more than worth it.

///

Tags:

Roy/Mari:

@jayjayspixiepop @jjmjjktth  @gimpedmercy

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@icerosecrystal

Lê Chiến Kim: The Boy who swears Marinette’s related to the Boogieman

           If anyone asked Marinette now if she would ever date Kim, she’d have died of laughter. Kim was like a goofy cousin. They were great friends. Their moms were best friends. She just didn’t see him like that.

           However, it wouldn’t have been so funny to six-year-old Marinette who ran from school with a Daisy in her hair and a big smile her face.

“Daddy, Daddy,” She’d squeal to her Papa later that day. She barely noticed he was still wearing bat uniform, except the mask. Or all her brothers were with him.

“Hey Sunshine,” Bruce smiled lovingly at his youngest daughter. “You have a good day at school.”

“Give ‘em hell, firecracker,” Jason called from the background.

           Tim and Dick laughed. Bruce just shook his head amused.

“I got a boyfriend!”    

           Silence.

           That day would forever be known as the day all the smiles died. Seven-year-old Damian just blinked in confusion. He didn’t know what had happened but he knew it was bad. And that it involved his sister. Was she in danger? Did she need help?

           Before Bruce could process or respond to his precious, baby girl, who was way too young to date (And what the hell was Sabine thinking?). Dick literally pushed him out of his chair like it was nothing. “What’s his name? Who are his parents? Where does he live? And where can I find him right now?”

           Marinette, being too young didn’t notice the threat in her eldest brother’s voice and the look of murder in his eyes, had no problem telling Dick all about her best friend Kim, who was super nice, and gave her a Daisy, and kissed her cheek.

           When the call ended, Bruce brought up the picture of the boy in question. A nice-enough looking boy to most, but he knew the truth. He knew the evil in his heart.

I have been waiting for you, Bruce thought, not just to Kim but to all the boys who would day date his daughter, since before she was even born. Before you took your first steps, I was preparing to make it so you’d never walk again.

           However, Kim was still just a child. He needed a kinder touch. He looked back at his children: Dick, Jason, Cassandra, Tim, and Damian, and made his choice.

           When Dick showed up to walk her to the school the next day, Marinette didn’t think to question how her brother got from Gotham to Paris so quick. (Cough, misuse of Zeta beam). Or why he was dressed in all black with a scary biker jacket on. She just shrugged and let him help her tie her shoes and carry her bright pink, hello kitty, and backpack.

           He held her hand the entire way to school, where Kim and his dad were waiting by the doors. Kim had another daisy in his hand that he gave to Marinette.

“This is Dick,” Marinette introduced her brother. “My biggest brother. This is Kim, my boyfriend,” Kim preened. “Look, Dick, Kim got me another daisy.”

           Dick beamed at his sweet little sister, “I see. Hey! Isn’t that you’re friend Rose? Why don’t you go show her?”

“Okay!” And she ran off.

           As soon as she was gone, Dick’s smile quickly disappeared and he glared at the little Casanova, and his father, who felt like someone had just walked over his grave.

“My sister is a little young for a serious boyfriend,” Dick hissed. “Don’t you think? Don’t want her to grow up too fast, right?” The two could only nod in fear. “Good. Don’t hurt her. Don’t make her cry. Because I’d hate to have to have another talk with you, Chiến. It might not go as… nicely.” And with that, he left to go find his sister, leaving two terrified people in in wake.

           That conversation would be the reason Kim broke up with Marinette over recess but to the girl’s dismay and why the boy wouldn’t allowed to date for another ten years.

           Looking back Kim would swear darkness and shadows started to fill the schoolyard. That Marinette’s older brother’s voice got deeper and his eyes turned completely black. He had been a living nightmare, one that would haunt his dreams for years.

Marinette wouldn’t get another boyfriend for years.

 Chat Noir aka Adrien Agreste; The Boy who just didn’t want to Get Neutered

           Marinette never considered Adrien or Chat Noir her boyfriend. He had been her best friend, her partner, and for a long time, her crush. However, before Marinette found out who was behind the mask, and he earned the title of her best friend in the whole world.

Chat Noir had the title of Guy who can’t take a hint.

           They had been just thirteen at the time. Chat had been spending for more and more time flirting with Ladybug and joking around then actually taking the fight seriously. And when he wouldn’t get the response he wanted from his Lady, he’d pout or throw a tantrum and storm off. It had been getting to be a real hassle. And as much as she liked Chat, she had been seriously considering Master Fu’s offer of getting her a permanent partner to replace him.

           Then one day if all change. All the silly behavior, most of it anyway, and the constant flirting all stopped and never started back up. It would take Marinette months to find out why.

           Unbeknownst to Marinette, her Papa, Bruce had been keeping a watchful eye on the deteriorating situation. The flirting, his daughter’s frustration, the lack of care. It had to be stopped. Chat Noir had a few lessons to learn.

           Bruce glared harshly at the image of the cat-themed Superhero. He was proving to be a useless partner for Ladybug. And a prime example for a sexual harassment claim. “You’re sure you can handle this,” He asked son.

           Damian scoffed, “I will teach that alley cat the true meaning of fear.”

“Go.”

           When his son was gone and Bruce was once again alone in the Batcave, he smirked darkly at Chat Noir and all other boys who would come and go. “When you were still playing war in the school yard, I was perfecting headshots. You can’t catch up at this point.”

           One night, after a particularly hazardous fight with an Akuma, Chat Noir had been running home when suddenly everything went dark.

           He woke up, tied upside down, and gagged. For a few moments he thought Hawkmoth had finally gotten, wondered if this was the end.

           When a sword pressed against his throat, and a chilling voice whispered in his ear, “Care to find out just how many lives you really have, fleabag?”

           At the moment, Chat Noir no longer wondered if it was the end. He knew it was.

           A boy, Robin, he realized glared fiercely at him.

“I should kill you,” Robin sneered. “I should rip you limb from limb and leave your head mounted on a spike to show the next fool who thought he was worthy of my sister’s hand. Ladybug is too good for the likes of scum like you.”

           Chat Noir gulped. Sister? Ladybug was Robin’s sister. Adrien’s eyes widened, that meant Ladybug was Batman daughter. He was going to die. He was just going to disappear and his father, or most likely Nathalie, wouldn’t even notice until he failed to show up for his next appointment.

Gorilla would notice though, Adrien thought, he’d miss me.

           Robin pressed the tip of the sword to Adrien’s face until blood was drawn. “You will cease your incessant flirting with my sister. You will train harder for your battles. And you never, ever, leave Ladybug to fight alone again. Am I clear?”

           Adrien nodded his head earnestly. He’d never flirt with anyone again, he swore. He wouldn’t even celebrate Valentine’s Day. Or anything.

“And if for some miracle,” Robin hissed, “My sister deems you suitable to date, you will treat her will respect. You will never touch her without permission. And if you hurt her, Consider my genes a mark of Cain; you will suffer seven times whatever you do to her.”

           Chat Noir whimpered.

           A smoke bomb later. Chat Noir’s bonds were released and Robin was gone.

           It took a long time for him to stop shaking.

           He never flirted with Ladybug again. He worked harder and became the partner she deserved.

           And when Adrien discovered Marinette was behind Ladybug’s mask, he only managed to stumble a little.

           However, when Marinette told him that her brothers was coming for a visit; she couldn’t understand why he paled and stuttered out excuses for photoshoot he never mentioned before in far, far away countries. That same day, Adrien had his father taken them to Australia for vacation under the threat of Adrien dying his hair pink. He wouldn’t return for a month.

Jon Kent: The Boy who, in retrospect, really should’ve known better.

           Marinette’s first real boyfriend was the son of her father’s best friend, Clark Kent, otherwise known as Superman.  She had been only fourteen and it had been a summer romance while she stayed in Gotham. She had thought Jon was perfect; handsome, kind, funny…

           Invulnerable to most weapons and had amazing healing factor.

           Plus it’s not like her papa would kill the son of his best friend, right?

           Right.

           It had all been going great… until it wasn’t.

“I welcome you in my home,” Bruce hissed at the picture of Jon Kent on the bat computer. “I trained you. I trusted you. And you betrayed me.”

“Let me speak with him, father,” Damian demanded. “He is my friend. He will listen to me.”

           Bruce shook his head, “That’s why I can’t send you. You’re too close to the situation. He snuck past all our defense. Now I have no choice but to do same. J?”

           The Asian girl smirked, “Little Superboy will know dread.”

           Jon had been visiting the fortress of Solitude when… it happened.

           Before that day he had never dreamed the place would be anything less than safe, anything other than secure.

           His dad had just flown off to help someone in Brazil. Jon waited patiently for him to come back while he dreamed of his beautiful new girlfriend. Marinette was amazing, perfect, and the nicest, sweetest girl ever.

           When suddenly he felt a tickle in his throat, and he tried his best to clear it but it just got worse and worse. Until Jonathan Samuel Kent, Superboy (now that Connor was going as Krypton), fell to his knees as he struggled to breath.

           No matter what he did, the more breaths he took, the worse he felt. It was like his lungs were on fire.

“Do not struggle,” A voice said. Jon looked up see Blackbat, Cassandra, standing above him. How did she get into the fortress? Not only could only a Kryptonian open the doors but only a member of El could be let in. It was impossible. “Struggling makes it worse.”

           Jon coughed, “What?”

“The air,” Cassandra waved her hand around. “It is filled with dust. Green dust of Kryptonite. It has disable you and your powers. It’s concentrated. You will not die. The alerts of the fortress were disabled. No one is coming to help you, villain.”

           Jon shook his head frantically. He wasn’t a villain. He wasn’t a bad guy. This had to be some mistake.

“No, not villain,” Cassandra corrected. “Not yet. A thief who thought he could earn my family’s trust and then steal away our most precious jewel; our princess. And do it without consequences. I am here to teach you better.”

           Superboy flinched at her words.

“You will not pressure my sister,” Cassandra hissed. “You will be the gentleman we believed you to be. If you cheat on her, I will ensure you never have children. If you strike her, I will know. She will not keep your secret. You can’t make fire feel afraid. And I will come for you. Do you understand?”

Jon nodded, fear in clear in his eyes.

“Good.” She leaned forward, right into the young superhero’s face. “Some say you and your father, your cousin Kara, and Connor, are invincible. That you can’t be stopped. That you are gods among us.” She scoffed. “Let me make this, if you break my sisters’ heart, you will learn, boy of steel, that even gods bleed.”

           And then she was gone, and with her all traces of kryptonite. It didn’t stop the chill that filled Jon to the core.

           It was to no one’s surprise when Superman showed up at the Batcave not long after. “Bruce,” Clark asked with his arms out. “What the fuck?”

           Marinette’s relationship soured when suddenly Jon was too scared to hold her hand, her be alone with her, or kiss her. She got the hint that he just wanted to be friends and broke it.

           She found out a year later what really happened.

Luka Couffaine: The Boy who decided he didn’t want to sing his tune yet.

           Luka had been Marinette’s first serious boyfriend. She was sixteen. They had been together for months and were getting to the ‘I love you’ stage.

           He was cool. He was funny. He was a budding Rock star. He had dyed green hair, tattoos and earrings. Luka went onto tour with his band every summer. He was older than Marinette by two years. He had quite a few previous girlfriends. And he hadn’t been scared off by the normal attempts by his other kids.

           In other words, he was Bruce Wayne’s worst nightmare.

           And the nightmare got worse, when for the first time ever, Marinette was bringing a boyfriend home for Christmas. It was all the confirmation he needed that the things were serious.

           It was why he knew he had to send the greatest soldier he had. Luka Couffaine would rue the day he decided it was good idea to ask his princess out. “Are you ready?”

           Tim nodded. “I’ve done my research,” he declared. “I know what makes him to tick. I. Will. Break. Him.”

“Excellent,” He drawled out the word like it he tasting fine wine. Not caring at all that he sounded like a superman.

“You really think he’s a threat, dad?” Tim asked. “Because I can take care of it. I can have him eliminated. Ra's al ghul owes me a favor. It’ll look like an accident,” He promised. “It’ll look like he just… disappeared.”

A sense of pride filled Bruce. Tim was his most capable and resourceful soldier. He would make a great batman. Any of his kids would.

Batman stared the picture of the boy on his phone as he fought the urge to crush it in his hands. “No,” he finally answered. “I’ve known plenty of rock stars and so called bad boys in my day.  Angel’s smart,” he said using Marinette’s codename. “I have been routing out indifference apathy from her life, her childhood was filled with love and affection. There are no daddy issue for his teenage talons to latch upon. Just… make sure he understands who he is dealing with.”

“Understood.” And then call ended.

           He looked up and saw all the other Justice League members staring at him with expressions of awe, fear, and confusion.

“…Marinette’s got a new boyfriend, huh?” Diana asked when the call disconnected. Amusement in her tone, she knew Bruce would never seriously hurt a kid.

“Poor guy,” Barry said with a shake of his head.

           Clark pinched his nose, “You can’t keep scaring guys away from her forever. Eventually, she’s going to find one who isn’t afraid of you.”

“And then she’ll marry him out of spite,” Dinah added.

           There were snorts from the other league members.

“Like that’ll ever happen,” Oliver said with a shake of his head. “That kid would have to be the biggest moron in the universe. I’ll pity his family.”

           Marinette had constantly warned Luka about how overprotective her family was. Luka hadn’t thought much of it. He dealt with overprotective fathers and brothers before. Eventually they grudging begin to like him. Or realize that if they actively hated him, it would just make the girl get attached.

           He was excited for Christmas, excited to prove himself to the girl of his dreams, and impress her by dealing with her entire family. Luka didn’t understand why Adrien looked so afraid when he told him. Or why he asked what type of flowers he liked.

“For the funeral,” Adrien shrugged. “I need to know what to buy.”

           Luka had laughed, thinking the blond was joking. He had already met a two of her brothers; Dick and Damian. They had been growls and threats but nothing he couldn’t handle. But Adrien didn’t laugh. He just shook his head and promised he’d be there for Juleka. Luka thought he was overreacting.

           However, nothing. NOTHING. Could have prepared Luka for the first time he met Tim.

           Luka had been walking home with Kagami, his long-time friend and one-time rival for Marinette’s affection. It was board daylight, there were tons of people around, and then they had made the apparent mistake of walking by an alley, when suddenly they were pulled into the back of a van, hoods thrown over their heads, and their hands bounds.

           He didn’t know how much time had passed. Or where they were being taken. All he saw was darkness. All he felt was fear. Was this how died?

           When the hoods were finally removed, the two teenagers found themselves in what looked to be a deserted warehouse, bound to their chairs, with a teenage boy not much older than they sitting across from them, looking absurdly comfortable given the situation.

My name is Timothy Drake-Wayne. I am Marinette’s older brother,” He said. “Let me make something clear before we begin. The last hour never happened. This conversation never happened. We never met. And if you say otherwise,” Tim’s eyes narrowed.  “No one will believe you. I was just by dozens of witnesses in Mexico with my boyfriend less than two hours ago. But if you do tell anyone, there will be consequences. Do you understand?”

           They nodded not daring to say a word.

“Luka, Luka, Luka.” Tim smiled an eerie grin that should look more at home on the monsters from Horror movies, and not on such a handsome face. “I hear you’ll be visiting us over the holidays. Must be so exciting for you, meeting your girlfriend’s family. Are you excited, Luka?”

           Luka swallowed hard. He never thought he’d hate the way his own name sounded. “I was- I mean I am. I am.”

“Good,” Tim said. “I just wanted to offer you a bit of advice. So you can know to expect. You see it call all be a bit… daunting to newcomers. Some people don’t understand the Wayne family’s unique tastes. Okay?”

           He nodded.

           Tim still smiled. In fact he never lost his smile the entire time. Yet his eyes were empty like there was no real life in them. “When you first come to my home, you will see the bone carving over the doorway. It will be hard, but try not to imagine your own femurs so expertly carved.”

           At this Kagami’s eyes widened. She had done her best to remain calm but somethings were too much.

           Tim smile widened, “There are one or two rooms you will not be allowed in. However, accidents happen and we understand. But we do ask that you pay no attention to our… ample crawl space. Or the smells that can sometime come from it.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Luka stuttered. “Sure, no problem. Man.”

“Try not to go into Father’s playroom,” Tim continued on. “It will be easy to spot. It’s mostly empty, apart from a rubber mat and a drain. He gets so testy when stranger go in there. You’ll hear strange noise from time to time but just ignore them. That is just father… playing.”

           The green-haired boy just stared. Because what the fuck.

“Just follow that advice, and you should be fine,” Tim promised. “Though you are a pretty one.  You both are. And we like pretty ones. Oh the things we do to pretty ones”

Luka whimpered. Kagami felt tears build in her eyes.

           Tim laughed, “Now, now, none of that,” He said channeling his inner Brucie. “We’re not going to hurt. We’d never hurt Marinette’s friends.” He promised. “We would hurt people who hurt Marinette because people who hurt Marinette are not her friends.”

           Red Robin looked over the two, “What I’m trying to say is. Break my sister’s heart, and we will kill you. I will kill you. You won’t see if coming. You won’t know we’re there. And if you’re lucky, you might not even feel it. Clear?” They nodded. “Excellent. Now you’re going to leave the same way you came. Remember not a word.” He smiled got even bigger.

           They felt hands on their shoulders.

“Oh and Kagami,” Tim’s voice rang. “Should romantic feelings spring to life between you and Marinette again, just know our sister Cassandra is much scarier than I. And a much better shot.”

           Then the black hoods and complete darkness came gain.

           When they were finally let go, in the exact same place they had been taken, neither Luka nor Kagami spoke for what seemed like forever. Their minds still wrapping around what had just taken place. However, it was Kagami who finally broke the quiet.

“Well, it appears I dodge a bullet, huh,” She shrugged, her face not betraying the fear she still felt. “Sucks for you. I’m going to go propose to Chloe. I know can I take her mom in a fight. And that she’s not a serial killer.” Kagami then gave him a grave look. “Happy holiday, Luka. I’ll send best flowers to your funeral.” And the she was gone, literally fleeing down the crowded street, leaving Luka alone with his thoughts and sense of his impending doom.

           He broke up with Marinette an hour later.

           It would take weeks before he would willingly be in a room with her again.

Kaldur'ahm: The Boy who regretted ever walking on land.

           Marinette had met her next boyfriend through her brother Tim. Ironic, considering she had just found out what he did to Luka. She had gone in for some extra training with the Black Canary when she spotted him. Kaldur; aqualad. Marinette had never talked too much with him before but found he was a very calm person and level-headed. A good leader, no matter how much Tim complained.

           They had spared together one day. And another. And Another. Then he asked her out. It was sweet… While it lasted. And it didn’t last long.

           Batman had looked at Kaldur’s picture, scoffed, and said, “Jason?”

           The sound of a gun clocking was heard, “Little Mermaids going down.”

           Unlike his brothers, Redhood had no time for mind games. He went for the quickest route.

           Aquaman burst into room where the justice league meeting was, “He shot Kaldur,” He roared to Batman. “The Red Hood shot Aqualad!”

           Bruce didn’t bat an eye, “Is he alive?”

“Yes,” The King of the seas said quickly. “But that’s not point.”

“Seems like it is,” Bruce said and went on with the meeting leaving a stuttering, red-faced Aquaman still standing there.

It was to one’s surprise when Kaldur dumped Marinette and was gone. Disappeared to the safety of Atlantis. And when he came back, Marinette was barred from Young Justice Headquarters.

It was on that day, that Marinette Dupain-Cheng-Wayne decided enough was enough.

 Roy Harper-Queen: The Boy who should start making better life choices

           It was weird to say but Marinette met the boy who would turn out to be the love of her life when she was ten-years-old. And then sometime after her eighteenth birthday, she would team up with his clone to go rescue him. They became friends, went on missions together. It was a year later that he asked her out.

           Roy was pissed at the world, ready to die for anything if it meant he’d went fight, had a rude mouth, feared nothing and no one, and didn’t play by anyone’s rule but his own. In other words, he was perfect.

           Marinette just never meant to fall in love. She certainly didn’t expect to say yes when proposed.

           They had been keeping their relationship a secret from both their families for over two years. They were happy together. They loved each other.

           But more importantly, they could plot revenge together.

           And revenge was sweet.

           It all played out during a Justice League meeting. Roy, Red Arrow, and Ladybug had been full members for quite some time. The meeting was just about to close, when Roy stood up, “I have an announcement to make,” He said. “Red Arrow will be withdrawing from missions for the perceivable future. As will Ladybug,” He looked at Marinette who nodded firmly.

“What’s going on, Roy?” Oliver asked his once wayward son, with a frown.

           Batman eyed them suspiciously. As did the other members of the batfamily, all were present. Apart from Alfred because Marinette liked Alfred.

           Wonder Woman frowned, “Are you going solo again, I thought you were happy.”

“We’re fine. We’re very happy,” Roy said slowly before taking a deep breath and doing the bravest thing he ever would in his entire life. “Ladybug’s pregnant and I’m the father.”

           A few seconds passed before the words were processed in the Superheroes mind.

           Bruce’s eyes widened, his mind stopped working, and then a snarl ripped form his throat as he moved to attack. The batkids joining him.

“Alpha Code Angelbug” Flash shouted.

           That was all the other league need to go into defensive positions around Roy, against the batfamily. Marinette remained where she was with glee in her eyes. Superman stood in front of Roy, blocking him from view and potential danger.

           The Flash, Cyborg, Black Canary, Wonder Woman, and the Green Arrow stood in front of them. Oliver aimed at arrow at Batman, “Don’t move!” He yelled. “Don’t you dare move, Bruce. I’ll do it. Roy’s my son. And I won’t let you hurt him.”

           Batman growled, “He. I. My daughter!”

“Get Roy out of here, Superman,” Wonder Woman ordered. “We’ll hold him off but we can’t do it for long.” She stepped towards Bruce. “Marinette’s a grown woman. She makes her own choices.”

           Dick shook his head, anger clear on his face, “Dude, you were my friend.”

           Damian snarled, “Harper’s a sneak and a coward.”

“No honor,” Cassandra agreed.

           Jason just looked at his best friend, “I love you…. But you’re dead.”

           Tim just growled.

“No one’s dead or dying,” Marinette said as got up. “Because I’m not pregnant,” She said loudly, drawing everyone’s attention. She walked to her boyfriend and pulled him out from behind his shield. “But Roy and I have been dating for almost three years. And we’re getting married. You can be happy for us. Or I can never talk to you again.”

           Roy grinned, “Pops,” he said to Oliver, whose face was torn between relief and fury at it was prank. “We thought you and Bruce could be the main wedding planners. With the rest of the Queens and Waynes helping out; you know now that we’re going to be family. ”

           With that the two lovebird left the room, leaving the chaos they had created.

           Silence filled the room as Batman and Green Arrow stared at the other.

           Oliver gulped. He let out a breathy chuckle, “So I think a wedding in Star City would be great. Lots of Lilies. The Queen family loves lilies.”

           Batman’s eyes narrowed, “Gotham, roses.”

           Black Canary crossed her arms, “Star City would be safer.”

“Gotham is far more beautiful,” Tim snapped back.

           And just like that, battle lines were drawn. Justice League members’ face turned weary.

           Whether they knew it or not, that was Marinette and Roy’s last act of revenge.

           Forget Batman vs Superman.