Work Text:
“So I have this ex-”
“No.”
“You don’t even know what I’m going to say.”
“Fine. Go on.”
“So I have this ex. His name’s Dick, still a great friend of mine. He’s nice, charming, sweet, a performer at heart. Make jokes and puns like there is no tomorrow.”
Marinette laughed. “One of my exes, Adrien, made puns constantly,” she explained seeing the other’s confused expression.
“Don”t tell me it’s a deal breaker.”
“It’s not. And while I appreciate it, I don’t need you to try and set me up, Barbara. I’m content right now. If I find someone, I find someone, I find someone. I don’t need you or my exes constantly working to set me up on dates.”
Whatever Barbara was about to say got cut short to the sound of the front door opening and a man’s voice calling out.
“Babs! I brought the- Oh! Sorry, I didn’t realize you had company.”
He froze as he and Marinette spotted each other. Marinette glanced away, directing her focus towards Barbara instead.
“No worries. We were just talking about you actually. Marinette, this is the ex I was telling you about earlier. Dick this is my friend and new neighbor, Marinette.”
“Nice to meet you, Marinette. I hope Barbara hasn’t said anything bad about me.”
“Quite the contrary.”
“Do you want to join us?” Babs asked with a small grin.
“Can’t. As much as I’d love to, I'm just playing messenger for Tim, dropping off the file you said you need,” he replied, handing it off to Barbara who quickly tucked it away. “I have to run. I’ll talk to you tonight, Babs?”
“Of course.”
“It was nice to meet you, Marinette.”
“You too, Dick.”
The two women waved as he left, Marinette barely turned back around to face Babs before the other looked at her expectantly.
“Well?”
“You knew he was coming over today didn’t you?”
“I have no clue what you’re talking about.”
Marinette shot the redhead an unimpressed look while she laughed.
“You never answered my question.”
“He’s very attractive and seems nice.”
“And?”
“That’s all you get.”
—------------------------
New Group Chat Created: The Exes
Babs: You’re probably wondering why I’ve gathered all of you here today
Adrien Agreste: because we all are exes of marinette?
Babs: Close. Because we are all friends and exes with one Marinette Dupain-Cheng and/or one Dick Grayson. Two individuals who would be perfect for each other if we can wrangle them into a date.
Luka Couffaine: They would harmonize together nicely
Adrien Agreste changed his nickname to Adri
Adrien Agreste changed Luka Couffaine’s nickname to Luka
Babs: Marinette is hesitant
Adri: leave mari to me
Luka: We’ll spring on the idea of a blind date and convince him next time we see him.
Luka: Can you make sure Dick wears something fashionable?
Luka: In his style though.
Luka: Marinette will appreciate it
Babs: I’ll make sure he doesn’t show up in a sequined crop top. I make no promises beyond that
Luka: That’s all I ask.
Adri: where can I get one?
Luka: Adrien.
Adri: this is my teenage rebellion phase
Luka: You’re 28
Adri: you’re point?
Babs: https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/motel-tini-sequin-cropped-top?inventoryCountry=US&color=095&size=L&utm_kxconfid=vx6q4l3b6&gclsrc=ds&type=REGULAR&quantity=1
Adri: thank you!!!!
Adri: barbara supports me
Luka:........
Adri: love you too
—------------------------
“Hey Dick!”
“Hey Luka. Adrien.”
“Is there any way we could interest you in a blind date? Our ex just moved to Gotham recently and she’s amazing. She’s like a sister to us and you two would be perfect for each other,” Adrien asked, beaming.
“ Our ex?”
“We both dated her at separate times,” Luka explained. “She’s amazing, one of the sweetest melodies you’ll ever find.”
“You’ll love her. I promise. And I’ll owe you if you do. Anything you want. YOu wouldn’t have to do anything. Just show up and have a good time. Please.”
Dick laughed as he unlocked his apartment door. “You really want me too don’t you?”
“Can you tell?”
He laughed again, opening the door. “Sure. Why not? Text me the info and I’ll be there.”
“Thank you!”
—------------------------
The Exes
Adri: dick is in
Babs: Perfect
–
M’Lady
Chaton: dinner tomorrow?
M’Lady: What time?
Chaton: 7:45
M’Lady: See you then
Chaton: can’t wait
–
The Exes
Adri: mari will be there at 8
—------------------------
“I’m a part of the Agreste party?”
“Right this way,” The hostess smiled, leading her to a small table in the back of the restaurant. Marinette raised a brow at Adrien’s choice of restaurant. It was a bit nicer than what they usually chose for their fortnight dinners. She figured out why when the hostess left her at the table, leaving to ‘give them a minute.’
Marinette gave a soft laugh as she sat, looking at Dick with a brow raised.
“Who put you up to this?”
“Excuse me?”
“Which conniving critter put you up to this? Adrien or Luka?”
Dick laughed. “Both. Though I wouldn’t be surprised if Babs had some input since she called me to tell me what not to wear.”
“Ah. A team up. I should have expected that.”
“I can leave if you’d like-”
“No! Nono not at all. I’d be more than happy to have dinner with you. I just wanted to know who I had to thank for tricking me into a blind date.”
“This doesn’t have to be a date if you don’t want it to be.”
“I never said that I didn’t want it to be. I just haven’t been a blind date before, let alone tricked into one,” she said laughing. “Though I’m glad my first one is with you.”
“Oh?”
“Mhmm.”
Their conversation stalled as the waitress came by asking if they were ready to order, taking the orders before disappearing. The two talked before getting to know each other before the food arrived. Dick grinned when the cheese platter appetizer was delivered and looked over at her.
“Can I brie perfectly honest?” he asked. She laughed as she nodded.
“You may.”
“It hasn’t been long into this date, but I’d like to take you out on another one if you’re interested.”
“I would love to go on another date with you.”
A few tables away three exes grinned and high fived each other as they watched the couple.