Clark Kent didnât often take days off. He enjoyed both of his jobs (being a journalist was something he liked almost as much as being a hero), and didnât really see a need to stay at home alone. And then, his niece was born. And suddenly, days off were important. Because days off meant time he got to spend with his adorable niece. Someone who was growing and learning more and more every time he saw her. Like now. His older brother and Sabine had a convention in DC, which meant Marinette was staying with him in Metropolis for a week. Which meant, he was supposed to be off duty for the week.
âBruce, I donât exactly have an Alfred. What was I supposed to do with her? Youâre the one who sent the emergency call even though you knew I had her this week.â He asks, trying not to let his tone suggest how frustrated he was. No need to upset Marinette (who was currently going back and forth between looking out the windows of the Watchtower and looking at him). Bruceâs jaw clenches slightly, his lips pursed.
âBringing a child here was-â Bruce starts, but Marinette cuts him off with a squeal.
âĂtoiles! Oncle Clark, Ă©toiles!â She says, grinning from ear to ear, pointing out the window. Clark nods, smiling back at her.
âYes they are. Can you say, star?â He asks, adjusting his hold to point back out the window.
âOui! Star!â She says, before clapping. Bruceâs face falls slack as he sighs.
âIâll have Robin stay here with her. But we need you.â He says. Clark nods. Robin was eleven, thatâs old enough to babysit, right?
Dick did not sign up for this when he put on the cape and became Robin. He wanted to avenge his parents and fight alongside Bruce. He didnât want to babysit a toddler! He was totally whelmed.
âBrille, brille petite Ă©toile dans la nuit qui se dĂ©voile. Tout lĂ -haut au firmament, tu scintilles comme un diamant. Brille, brille petite Ă©toile, veille sur ceux qui dorment en bas.â The little girl, Marinette, sings again. Sheâd been singing it pretty much nonstop. And while it was cute the first couple of times, there were only so many times he could listen to âtwinkle twinkleâ before he lost his mind.
âSo, your Uncle said youâve been working on English, too. Thatâs cool.â Dick says, because what else do you say to a random toddler that just so happens to be Supermanâs niece?
âCool!â She says, grinning. Dick grins back, unable to keep it in. Okay, maybe this wasnât so bad.
âWanna see a cool trick?â He asks. She nods. Dick jumps to his feet and does a couple of cartwheels before moving into a back handspring. Landing it, he looks over to the kid. He grins immediately when he sees the awed expression on her face as she claps excitedly.
âAgain! Encore!â She giggles. Dick does, adding in a couple more flourishes with it just to make the kid giggle more. âRobin teach?â She asks, eyebrows scrunched in concentration. Dick frowns, thinking of something he could teach her. She was really little-
âOkay, but we have to be very, very careful, okay?â He asks. She nods, grinning.
âOkay!â Somersaults were easy enough for toddlers, right? He couldnât remember what heâd learned by the time he was her age. He just knew he started learning tricks young. But how hard could it be to teach a two year old somersaults?
Walking back into the Watchtower, Clark immediately zeroes in his hearing for his niece. Ignoring Bruceâs calls (probably reminding him to fill out his reports), he follows the sound of Marinette giggling. Walking into one of the gyms, heâs slightly shocked to see Dick helping her do a cartwheel on one of the mats. It was rough, but the second she was on her feet again, she cheered.
âAgain, oiseau! Again!â She exclaims, clapping her hands. Dick laughs.
âWhy donât we try the somersault again instead?â He suggests. Marinette pouts.
âNon. Cartwheel please!â She says, moving into a position to attempt it again. Clark can see the moment she spots him. Her eyes widen and she runs to him, arms outstretched. Clark grins and picks her up, tossing her in the air gently. She giggles before landing back in his arms, hugging him tightly. Clark relaxes, letting out a breath he didnât realize he was holding as he hugs her close. Itâs not that he doubted Dickâs ability to babysit, but he had realized after leaving that the boy was an only child and had likely never spent time with such a young child before.
âDid you have fun with Robin?â He asks her, and she nods, grinning.
âOui. Robin is my friend.â She says matter-of-factly. Clark glances at Dick, grinning at the shocked look on the boyâs face.
âLooks like you have a new friend, Robin.â He says. The boy grins, snapping out of his shock.
âI guess so. If you ever wanna learn more tricks, kid, you know where I am.â He says, and Marinette grins.
âCool!â She says. Dick laughs and nods.
âOh yeah kid, the coolest.â He says. Clark grins.
âThank you for watching her, Robin.â He says. Dick grins.
âAny time. Sheâs a pretty cool kid.â He says. Clark laughs.
âThat she is. Ready to go home, Sunshine?â He asks. Marinette shakes her head.
âNo.â She says, turning around so that she can reach towards Dick. He reaches back towards her and she immediately latches onto him, giving him a tight hug. âLove you!â She says, hugging him close. Clark sneakily brings up his phone, snapping a quick picture of the two. Heâd make sure to send it to Bruce later.
âLove you too kiddo.â Dick says, his voice quiet. Marinette leans back and reaches for Clark again. Once sheâs settled in his arms, she waves at Dick.
âBye bye!â She says. Clark grins.
âBye Robin.â He says lightly, heading towards the Zeta tubes. Maybe he could arrange for Dick to babysit again. They both seemed to enjoy it. And if Marinette kept up with gymnastics, Dick would really be able to help her. Besides, it wouldnât hurt for either of them to spend time with actual kids. Maybe theyâd even grow up to be friends.
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