Chapter Text
Marinette didn’t know that there was any group on earth that could bring more chaos into her life than her friends, but the Wayne family was coming in at a close second. Just getting to her house without losing anyone was bad enough, especially whenever they passed anywhere that sold toys or children’s clothes. At one point she had to physically drag Bruce with the stroller in tow away from one of the most expensive boutiques in all of Paris.
“They look like the perfect size,” Bruce argued. “Jules and Mila would look adorable in those matching outfits.”
“With all respect, Monsieur Wayne, step away from the shop. Jules and Mila have plenty of clothes, including those same outfits because I made them,” Marinette said, steering the billionaire away.
“I’m impressed,” Selina said, offering a sly smile. “You ability to control this family is almost comparable to Alfred.”
“That can’t be true,” Marinette said, looking at where Jason was trying to wrestle the stroller from Bruce’s grasp. “But it’s kind of you to say. My house is just through here.”
“Yeah, yeah, you’ve missed out on being a grandpa for two years, but I’ve missed out on being a father,” Jason was arguing. “You’ve had ample chances for that, it’s my turn.”
“But I found most of you when you were sulky teenagers. These are the first toddlers I get to spoil,” Bruce said with an iron grip on the stroller. “And you’ve obviously known about them longer than me, so I get dibs.”
“It’s only been like two days!” Jason protested.
“Unforgivable,” Bruce stated before racing ahead, making car noises as he went along, which the twins squealed in delight at.
“I’ve never seen the family like this,” Selina commented. “The Bruce Wayne is taking your children on a joy ride in the stroller, and the kids are bickering over who gets to play with Jules and Mila next, not over business decisions or family drama.”
“You family has certainly been fun for the twins and me to get to know,” Marinette said, surveying the motley group.
“I don’t think you fully understand. Bruce has always wanted to be a family man in his heart of hearts, but there’s always been some tension between him and his kids. They all have… troubled pasts, so it can be hard for them to trust completely. But they’re here, being what I assume a normal family is like. And it’s all because of you.”
“I don’t—”
“Don’t stress about it, darling. You do it simply by being you. Even if it’s for a short while, you’ve been a gift to our family, especially Jason. You’ve brought new life to him, and we can never repay you for that,” Selina said, patting Marinette’s shoulder. “I don’t know what your future holds, but I’ve never seen Jason smile like that before. I hope I get to see it again.”
The older woman slipped away while Marinette turned her attention to Jason. He had directed the others to where Marinette’s house was, and they’d freed the kids onto the sidewalk. He was beaming with a toddler swinging from each bicep while Bruce begged for a turn.
“You had your turn, old man!” Jason called, dancing just out of his father’s reach.
“Old man,” Mila echoed.
The sight was enough to bring tears to Marinette’s eyes. Blinking them away, Marinette wove through the Waynes to unlock the door. “Come on in, I’ll start making lunch.”
“You don’t have to, I can pay—” Bruce started, but Marinette cut him off.
“Nonsense, you’re guests in my home. Besides, you all helped watch the twins for me.”
“That’s simply what family does,” Alfred said gravely. “Might I at least assist in the lunch preparations?”
“It’s going to be fast to throw together, but it would be faster with two,” Marinette said graciously. The older man followed her into the kitchen where she began to pull food from the fridge.
“If I may take the liberty of saying so, you’ve done an admirable job in raising the twins alone. It can’t have been easy.”
“Children never are, but I’m sure you know that,” Marinette said. “I’ve had a lot of support from friends and family. I wouldn’t change anything for the world.”
“It must set your mind at ease that the Hawkmoth fellow has been defeated. Surely that was a harrowing experience.”
Marinette eyed the butler, getting the feeling that he knew more than he should have. “It was stressful to deal with,” she hesitantly agreed, “but we always had our heroes to help us, just like you do in Gotham.”
“Just what is Ladybug Day celebrating, Miss Marinette? We heard a bit, but I’m afraid I don’t wholly understand.”
“It’s the anniversary of the day Ladybug and Chat Noir defeated Hawkmoth,” Marinette said, glancing sideways at the man as he sliced cheese.
“And it’s been five years today, correct? Master Bruce was watching a news broadcast this morning, and I was especially curious about Hawkmoth’s accomplice, the woman called Mayura?”
Swallowing heavily, Marinette said, “Oh? What about her?”
“It’s just that she reminded me of an old friend – he went by the name Duusu.”
Alfred had been watching Marinette closely, so he didn’t miss her flinch at the use of the kwami’s name. Smiling to himself, Alfred said, “Don’t worry, Miss Marinette, your secret is safe with me. I am merely gratified to know that Duusu and his friends rest in good hands.”
“I don’t – wow, this was not what I expected from getting to know the Wayne family. I’d love to speak further about all of this some day.”
“And I’m sure we shall, Miss Marinette. But never fear, I think you’ll find that the family can empathize with you more than you can imagine.”
“Somehow I believe you,” Marinette said with a smile. “It’s an honor to meet one of Duusu’s birds.”
“The honor is all mine, Ladybug,” Alfred replied. “Now I believe we should get the food on the table, lest we have a riot on our hands.”