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Even after the training sessions they had the few times Marinette had the entire team portal to the Bat Cave together Adrien was definitely not prepared to officially meet her family. It wasn’t a surprise that Marinette's family was somewhat well known based on how she behaved and the way she interacted with others, especially Chloe. Not to mention that Max had almost fainted the first time they trained at the Cave and he was able to have a private conversation with Red Robin and Oracle.
What Adrien wasn't expecting was the striking image they all presented together. Never let it be said that the Wayne family didn’t know how to make an entrance.
Conveniently enough their entrance was made to a business dinner at the Grand Pari formal dining room. Adrien's Father had accepted the impressively delivered invitation on the spot when it was delivered earlier that week. It seemed that Audre Bugious and Tomoe Tursurgi had similar thoughts about the invitation as they were also in attendance with their children. Adrien was certain that their presence had been included in the invitation.
Nonetheless he didn’t think any of them had been expecting to see the large group that walked in with Marinette in their midst.
Bruce Wayne was front and center as he led his family into the private dining area reserved for their meal. It seemed like every one of the Wayne’s had made the trip across the ocean. Including the butler, Agent A, whose real name Adrien had yet to find out.
Adrien didn't think they could look more intimidating if they posed in their vigilante armor.
“Thank you all for accepting my invitation.” Mr Wayne began. “I felt that since our children were spending so much time together it would be beneficial to get to know one another.”
All of the parents looked at their children in confusion and Adrien saw a look of exaggerated realization on Chloe’s face as she performed for her mother. He himself was careful to keep his face in a blank look of surprise before letting his eyes rest on Marinette obviously.
His father jolted in surprise when his own eyes found the young girl in the group.
Tomoe was the first to recover. “My apologies Mr Wayne for not greeting your children appropriately. I was unaware that any of them were residing in Paris.”
The quiet boy who must be Marinette's twin, Robin, spoke. “Madame Tursurgi there has been no hardship on our part as it was my sister's wish to remain anonymous for a time as to draw less attention from the hounds of the media. Though I must say how honored I am to meet you and your daughter at last.”
As the exchange continued Adrien was sure he was going to have to ask Marinette or Kagami for clarification later.
“Mister Wayne, it is my honor.” Tomoe’s formality was broken up by Chloe saving the day.
“Ridiculous, utterly Ridiculous.” Chloe interrupted. “Grayson, Sorry, Marinette. I realized you weren’t a peasant, but a Wayne is beyond ridiculous.”
Adrien was having trouble holding in his laughter at Chloe's unprepared interruption, and so were some of the Waynes from Adriens observations. Nightwing and Red Hood from the looks of it.
“Why don’t we sit down.” The younger man in a similar suit to Bruce stated. “I’m sure we can discuss this over dinner.”
“Of course Mr Drake.” Adrien's father stated.
“Actually Mr Agreste it's Drake-Wayne.” The newly identified Tim Drake-Wayne corrected.
“My apologies.” Gabriel stated.
The group sat down and Adrien spotted Audrey looking at Marinette thoughtfully. Apparently the rival designer was trying to figure out how to entice Marinette now that she knew that money and backing wasn’t going to do it.
The Waynes organized themselves rather efficiently as they sat. Marinette took the seat to her fathers right with Tim Drake to the man's left. Her twin who identified himself as Damian Wayne sat to Marinette's other side.
The rest of the family sat down together. Presenting a united front to the three socialite adults gathered there. Although Tomoe seemed more amused than threatened. Overall the picture they made was imposing. Each Wayne was intimidating as an individual, but together they were both sophisticated and terrifying. It was a family picture to terrify competitors, enemies and potential allies alike.
“Monsieur Wayne, I was unaware that you had a daughter in Paris.” Gabriel stated.
Bruce smirked a little. Adrien figured it was part persona and part personal satisfaction. He had to admit it was fun watching his father pick a battle with someone out of his league.
“Mr Agreste I assure you it was intended that way.” Bruce said. “I endeavor to give all my children the fullest life possible. Ideally away from the stress that the media may put on them.”
Adrien thought that was a fun take on Marinette’s self proclaimed exile. Though he did see that Mr Wayne had tried to make sure that Marinette had a good set up in Paris, disregarding the Hawkmoth situation. Bruce Wayne may not be a perfect father, but he tried.
“None the less I am pleased that our children were able to connect.” Gabriel tried to recover.
“As am I.” Audrey added.
The encounter was interrupted by the waiter showing up. He spoke briefly with the Waynes butler before taking the drink menus off of the table. It was a bold move. Letting the person with the least social standing at the table decide the drinks for everyone was quite the statement.
When the drinks showed up Adrien was very unsurprised to find the chosen wine to his liking. There were two bottles for the table, and the glasses were distributed perfectly to taste. Dry or sweet red for those it suited, there were no errors. Overall it was a perfect power play by the Waynes.
“Thank you Alfred.” Bruce stated once the wine was delivered and poured.
“Of course Master Bruce.” The newly named Alfred stated.
It was funny to watch the other adults restrain their incredulity. Considering that the richest guy at the table was just referred to in the same manner as a child would be, it was quite amusing.
“Miss Wayne,” Tomoe started. “How did you choose Paris for your sabbatical?”
Marinette laughed. “I wanted something a little more bright and cheerful than the places of my past. Gotham isn't exactly known for its atmosphere.” She smiled. “Considering the career I wish to pursue Paris seemed to be both cheerful, and full of opportunities and inspiration.”
“Quite a well thought out plan for a simple change of location.” Audrey stated.
“My children are quite skilled with regards to their career pursuits.” Bruce stated proudly.
Gabriel took a sip of wine as Adrien watched him hide his grimace. “Impressive for such a large number of offspring.”
Bruce laughed. “My kids are nothing if not impressive.” The man made a wide gesture at the table. “Please, everyone, do order your choice. My daughter tells me that the chef here is quite good.”
Adrien brightened up. “That's right.” He ‘remembers’ out loud. “Alya’s mother is the head chef here.”
“I bet you guys get the best food at sleepovers.” Chloe postured. “One of you lives with a Michelin star chef and the other is hosted in a high class bakery.”
Kagami threw more fuel on the fire. “It does seem like quite the setup.”
Adrien noticed that the fencer’s mother was more amused compared to the badly concealed irritation of his and Chloe’s parents.
“I wish you guys could have made it.” Marinette said innocently. “It isn't even that bad when we have to watch Alya’s sisters for a few hours.”
“How do you make even babysitting seem fun Marinette?” Chloe said in exasperation.
“That was the babysitting thing you mentioned?” Audrey questioned in a choked voice.
Tomoe took it more in stride. “Kagami also mentioned this invite.” She spoke with a raised brow. “Though she was less specific about the friends involved.”
“It was our boys and girls separate sleep overs a few weeks ago you are probably remembering.” Marinette said with a shrug. “Not sure what the boys did, they won't tell us because they were sick of hearing about the girls only sleep overs.” She turned to Adrien. “Did they tell you? I'm kinda curious.”
Adrien held in his smirk. “Max filled me in. Apparently they were going to try to stay on Luka’s boat but Jagged crashed the party. I guess they headed to Nino’s even though it resulted in Kim and Chris making a mess.”
“Jagged Stone?” Gabriel asked.
Adrien shrugged. “Yeah. He stops by for ‘reasons’.”
“Let's go with that.” Chloe laughed.
“Chloe.” Marinette scolded.
Before the conversation could devolve, the Waynes Butler cleared his throat. “Young Misses, please refrain from making a scene in a public place.”
Marinette chuckled lightly. “And that is where I get my babysitting skills from.”
The rest of the Waynes laughed along with their sister's comment.
The Waiter arrived a few moments later and took all of their orders. Adrien noticed that Marinette’s twin ordered a Vegetarian meal and it reminded him of how rarely he saw Marinette eat meat. The girl wasn’t vegetarian, but she didn't eat a large amount of meat.
After the server left the other Waynes took the opportunity to start up smaller quiet conversations with the various people around the table.
Damian talked to the Tursurgis in what Adrien was sure was some sort of veiled code. Tim and Bruce talked business with Gabriel. And the older two, Dick and Jason apparently, discussed the security requirements of fashion shows with Audrey.
As her family distracted the adults Marinette exchanged a look with all of them along with a smirk. Apparently there was more to this dinner than messing with the adults. And her family was in on it.
Just before the food was delivered Jason stood up to use the bathroom. “If everyone would excuse me.” The large man said politely before sneaking around his family bumping their chairs slightly in the process.
It was Jason’s arrival at the same time as their meal a few minutes later that truely caused a commotion. If Adrien hadn't seen the large man move with an absurd amount of grace despite his size he would think nothing of it. But the way he collided with the back of Tim and Dicks chairs was absurd and most likely coordinated. Dick was able to save his wine from spilling across his dinner, but Tim was a little too late and a splash of the red liquid made it's way through the air to land perfectly on Gabriels face and neck, staining the man's scarf.
“Jason.” Bruce said in exasperation.
“Sorry Bruce, I don't know my own strength sometimes.” The large man stated. “Mr Agreste, please accept my sincerest apologies.”
Adrien didn't think he could remember the last time his father fumed so silently.
“Please accept mine as well Gabriel.” Tim stated as he accepted the towels from the wait staff and passed one to the man before setting the others on the table to collect the remaining liquid that had made it out of the glass.
“Monsieur Agreste.” Marinette interrupted lightly. “I believe I can provide a solution to your stained scarf.”
Gabriel took a breath as he wiped his face. “And what would that be, Miss Wayne?”
“Marinette, please sir.” Marinette replied sweetly. “And my solution is two parts. Alfred is exceptionally skilled at removing stains from delicate articles of clothing for one.” She turned to the man who nodded with an easy smile in confirmation. “I was also feeling rather inspired earlier this week and brought some gifts with me to dinner tonight.” Marinette started pulling a rather nice silver scarf with blue detailing out of her bag. “I made this for you if you would like to use it at least until your current scarf is cleaned.”
Gabriels face cleared of expression. “May I ask what inspired this Miss Wayne?”
Marinette smiled. “The sky was my inspiration for this one. Specifically the difference between the sky in Paris and the sky in Gotham.”
“It is impressive work.” Gabriel noted. As he exchanged the scarfs Adrien noted that not only Marinette was paying close attention, the rest of her family was as well. And when he removed his ever present scarf Adrien could see why. On Gabriel Agreste's collar was a button very different than any Adrien had seen in his fathers wardrobe before. And though there were no noticeable reactions around the table Adrien was sure that both his friends and the family of detectives could note the unusual mundane nature of the button, or the broach as it were.
Before Adrian could panic he felt a hand on his leg. Chloe’s hand next to him gives him something to hold onto. And hold he did. If Chloe still had circulation after he was done Adrian would be surprised.
“Yes yes Mari, everyone knows you’re talented and I am sure we will all have wonderful presents from you because you are way too nice.” Chloe interrupted. “But can we eat this expensive dinner before it gets cold.”
The table laughed as Chloe drew the attention to herself. No one noticed that the blonds ate with one hand each under the table. No one except Marinette and Kagami at least. Though Marinette's family probably picked up on it before they were finished with their meal.
Once they finished with their meals Marinette did indeed pass around gifts for the rest of them, minus her family. Adrien got a nice jacket in charcoal gray with green stitching and liner. Apparently Marinette was serious about changing their images in and out of the suits. Chloe got a new belt that Adrien was sure hid a few Bat certified surprises under it's stylish leather exterior. The embossed honeycomb and bees were a nice touch though. Kagami also got a belt that matched the Backpack Marinette had surely made the other girl for her birthday. It had elemental images on it and was a nice black rather than the honey brown of Chloe’s.
For the two other adults Marinette had made a hat for Audrey. A beret that looked to be a plain black but glittered beautifly when the light hit it right, it also had the woman's signature flower on it in a subtle metallic gold fabric.
For Tomoe Tursurgi Marinette gave the woman a lovely flowing silk scarf with loads of embroidery that the woman ran her hands over in surprise and glee. Probably another one of the things Adrien would have to ask about later. He was sure he saw some sort of written characters in the embroidery, though he couldn't make out the language.
Marinette's family looked satisfied and proud when the dinner ended. Most likely because they were one step closer to solving Paris’s pest problem, and they got to drop a bomb on some of the most influential people in Paris. Adrien was pretty sure that without Alfred that family would gladly succumb to the chaos Plagg was always laughing about. It explained so much about Marinette's personality.
Adrien was sure that he would break down when they met up later for patrol and training. But as each of the Waynes gave him a hug or a handshake as he said farewell Adrien knew no mater what happened Marinette and her family wouldn't leave him behind.
“No matter what Chaton, welcome to the family.” Marinette whispered in his ear before they parted ways.
And even as they walked away the Wayne’s made a striking picture. Walking into the Paris night like the creatures of darkness they were. He was sure if it was Gotham they would just vanish into the air, but in the city of light he could watch them walk away. It was comforting in a way that he had the confidence that they would be back.