Chapter Text
Marinette stepped off the Agreste’s private plane at Gotham International Airport, her heart hammered in her chest. Not only was this her first international trip as Adrien’s fiancée, but her soon-to-be father-in-law was debuting herdesigns. All the flashbulbs going off in her face blinded her, how did her Chaton do this on a regular basis? She couldn’t even see to make out where she was going.
Her foot caught in a crack in the pavement. No, no, no this can’t happen now! She pitched forward, just hoping to get the humiliation over. But strong arms caught her before she faceplanted.
“Falling for me again, my lady?” Adrien winked as he slid his arm around her waist.
A collective “aww” rose from the crowd of reporters, which sparked even more flashbulbs, if that were possible.
“What can I say, you make me go weak in the knees.” She flicked his nose.
“Mr. Agreste, what can you tell us about the show tomorrow?” A brave reporter broke from the ranks and shoved a recorder in the fashion icon’s face.
Instead of simply ignoring them or getting the gorilla to move them aside, Gabriel paused. “We will showcase my future daughter-in-law’s work this evening. Clothes designed by women for women. I’m pleased that Wayne Enterprises has joined with us to make this a reality.”
“I didn’t think your dad talked to reporters.” Marinette leaned into her fiancé’s embrace.
“He will occasionally, he’s usually not that open though.” Adrien whispered in her ear.
She glanced up at his face, his blond eyebrows knit together. “Are you worried, Chaton?”
A squeak sounded from her handbag where Tikki hid.
He kissed her cheek. “No, though it does make me wonder what he’s up to. And if that squeak and the claw in my side are any indication, we should put that pet name to rest until we get home.”
“No one knows us here, but I suppose you’re right.” Marinette squeezed his hand. She was glad she could actually talk to him now, rather than mutter out unintelligible half sentences which had been typical of their early teenage years.
They had been saving Paris for two years before they found out who the other was. And even then, that had been a fluke. Marinette had dawdled just a bit too long after the city was safe, and she’d changed back before she could completely disappear into the dark.
The next day at school, she found a note in her locker saying the sender knew her secret and to meet them after school at the Ladybug statue in the park. Her insides had squirmed all day, but she worked up the courage to face her mysterious note sender. She showed up as Ladybug, only to find Cat Noir leaning on the statue. He called her by her real name and then dragged her off to a secluded area and let his transformation fall. Her jaw had just about hit the ground when she realized that her partner was none other than her long-term crush. They’d been dating ever since, or until a year ago when he’d asked her to marry him.
They were still no closer to unveiling Hawkmoth than they had been when the villain started terrorizing Paris. And when Gabriel announced that they’d be coming to the States for a show, both of them had blanched. Who would protect their city if Hawkmoth attacked? But after going to Master Fu, they’d selected Nino and Alya to stand in for them while they were gone. While Paris wasn’t as used to seeing Rena Rouge and Carapace, the city was in good hands.
*~*
Dick Grayson straightened his bowtie for what seemed like the hundredth time. No matter how many times he tied the dumb thing it wouldn’t stay straight.
“Master Richard, Master Bruce has informed me that if we do not leave right away, we’ll be late for the gala.” A British voice announced from the intercom in Dick’s bedroom wall.
“Be right down, Alfred.”
He ran a hand through his still damp hair and headed down the main staircase of Wayne Manor. His adoptive father tapped a foot on the marble floor of the entry way, a full-blown bat-glare on his face.
Bruce looked at his watch. “I told you we were leaving at 4:30 sharp.”
Selina Kyle-Wayne slipped her hand into Bruce’s, giving it a squeeze. “It’s only 4:32, Bruce. I’m sure that we’ll make it in plenty of time, even with Alfred’s cautious driving.”
Dick bit back a laugh. He could almost hear the former villain purring. “You vetoed my suggestion to drive the Batmobile.”
Barbara Gordon brushed a lock of hair out of her eyes. “I’m sure that Bruce Wayne stepping out of Batman’s vehicle would be a field day for the press. But given that we want to support fashion designers who actually think about how women would like clothes, that’s probably not a good idea.”
“Can we go now?” Bruce turned to the door. “I’m supposed to kick this event off.”
With a grin, Dick held his arm out for his fiancée. She made these PR events much more enjoyable. The rest of the Batclan would be out on patrol soon, not that any of them really wanted to attend yet another Wayne Enterprises function. Damian, Bruce’s only biological son and the youngest of the bunch, had just about melted in relief. Tim, the second youngest, was likely on his 73rd hour awake and couldn’t be trusted near cameras. Jason, a pang squeezed Dick’s chest at the thought of the brother close to him in age…he just hoped Jason wouldn’t blow the city up before daybreak.
The four adults slid into the back of the limo as Alfred started the engine.
“So what’s the plan for tonight, B?” Dick stretched out his long limbs.
“We go, look like we’re having fun, make an announcement about the fashion show, and settle in for the most uneventful night any of us has had in a long time.” Bruce didn’t even look up from what he typed on his phone. No doubt doing recon on all those scheduled to attend.
“I don’t know this could be interesting. Maybe some of the dresses will have pockets.” Selina fished a compact mirror out of her clutch.
“Heaven knows it would be nice to have someplace to stick all of this paraphernalia without the fear of a lost purse.” Barbara held up a similar handbag.
“Is that really a concern?” Dick turned to the redhead beside him.
She quirked up an eyebrow. “Yeah it is. Hashtag pants pockets equality 2019.” She picked at his tie. “You need help boy wonder.”
“Or maybe I just did it so you could fix it.” He leaned in to capture her lips in a kiss.
She moved to one side and whispered in his ear. “Need I remind you that we’re not alone?”
“I’ll be counting down the hours until we are.” He pulled her closer.
“Much later, if you’re good.”