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Marinette Dupain-Cheng was an enigma to Tim.
The Parisian had transferred to Gotham University mid-year and there was not only no explanation as to why but she was also suspiciously nice.
Like way too nice for Gotham.
He watched her knit warm clothes for the kids in poverty ridden areas of the city, make warm baked goods and donate them to the local shelter, volunteer at the shelter, and to top it all off she'd happily help anyone.
She was arguably the most insane person in Gotham.
Tim had only learned her name because she was in a few of his classes and one of his teachers had a penchant for the students learning each other's names.
The more he had watched her in school, the more interested he became and soon enough he had a file for her in the batcomputer.
He was certain something was up with her.
Dick said he was losing it.
Jason said he had a crush, which he did not thank you very much!
And Damian?
Damian actually liked her!
The brat had mentioned to Tim upon seeing the file that she stopped by the animal shelter he volunteered at to drop off homemade dog treats.
She made no sense whatsoever and was a complete and utter mystery.
Tim had to get closer to her.
So, after one of their shared classes he approached her.
“Hey Marinette, I was wondering if you wanted to get some coffee together? I figure we could study for the upcoming exam.” He said, giving her his best smile.
The petite girl blushed, “Sure, I'd like that a lot!”
Tim smiled, she was nervous, all but confirming his suspicion that she was hiding something.
They walked to the nearest café, finding a booth in the back to sit at.
Leaving their bags at the booth, both of them went and ordered some coffee.
Tim was pleasantly surprised to see she had good taste.
If the numerous espresso shots were anything to go by, Tim had a feeling she also was a night owl like him and preferred to work on things other than wasting time on things like sleeping.
A voice that sounded suspiciously like Alfred scolded him at the thought.
Which he subsequently ignored.
He zoned back into what Marinette was talking about. Something about- the fashion industry?
Tim held up a hand, “What do you mean?”
Marinette practically lit up, “Well, I was just saying how the industry despite having every opportunity to, has decided that-”
Tim grinned, seeing her this passionate about something was kind of cute.
Eventually they steered the conversation back to their class.
After a while, their hard work petered off into just casual conversation, Tim found he didn't mind too much.
“So,” Tim started, “What brings you to Gotham? It's not exactly a tourist attraction.”
Anyone else may have missed the upset that his classmate hid so well, but Tim was a bat and he had been working with Cass to get better at reading people.
Regardless, Marinette answered anyway.
“Paris just wasn't the same for me anymore, I needed to get away for a while and I know Gotham has its flaws but I think I can handle it after everything that happened back home.”
Tim knew better than to ask, but he'd definitely be looking into whatever may have chased Marinette out of her country.
Despite knowing that, it didn't settle the weird feeling in his chest.
There still had to be something wrong.
He just couldn't figure out what.
Seeing as it was now late enough that the sky had darkened substantially, Tim stood.
“Would you mind if I walked you home? It's pretty late out and I'd rather know you made it home safely.” He said.
Marinette simply smiled, “No thank you, I'll be alright I promise. If it's really that worrying for you then we could exchange numbers and text you when I'm home?”
Tim nodded, accepting it as the closest he'd get to peace.
They traded numbers and went their separate ways.
However while Marinette made a beeline for her home, Tim left for the nearest safe house.
Upon entering he threw his bag on the couch and suited up, his domino masking his face.
Like a favorite hoodie, his mask left him feeling secure.
Leaping from rooftop to rooftop he made his way in the direction of where the french girl went.
It only took a few minutes before spotting her and he kept himself hidden as he tailed her.
After a few blocks of walking, Tim got the impression that she wasn't going straight home.
His gut was telling him something was off.
She turned into an alleyway up ahead of him and Red Robin leapt from rooftops to see where she had gone.
He peered over the edge of the roof, upon not seeing her, he jumped down.
Landing with a huff, he scanned the alley.
Only to be hit with a very heavy bag.
“Ow! What was that for?”
Marinette, still holding her weapon, glared at him.
“You're the one who's been following me! It's only fair that I defend myself!”
Red Robin scoffed, “Well I wouldn't think that one of Gotham's vigilantes is a threat but sure, attack me with your bag. How many bricks did you get in there anyways?”
Marinette rolled her eyes, “I'm not helpless you know, and besides, who are you even supposed to be? Robin?”
Tim gasped in offense, “I'm nothing like that brat!”
The girl laughed, “Sure, keep telling yourself that Red. Anyways, now that I know you're not trying to kill me, I'm going home.”
Red Robin nodded and grappled back to the rooftops.
He watched her from afar, and left after he was sure she was home safely.
Tim was positive something was up with her.
He could feel it in his chest.
Jason's teasing words echoed in his head and he shook his head.
He didn't have a crush on this random girl. He barely even knew her!
She was too kind and caring for her own good and was too friendly and funny and it was suspicious!
No one was that amazing!
Tim was certain that she wasn't all she seemed.
Yet…
There was a nagging part of him that said Jason was right.
A horrible feeling really, but Tim had to admit, everything he'd found on her was clear.
She was just a normal girl, with an exceptionally kind lifestyle.
And maybe, just maybe it did appeal to him how caring she was. How she gave her love so freely.
Tim made up his mind after debating it all through patrol. Tomorrow he'd ask her out to coffee again, and get to know her outside of researching her.
Get to know the sweet girl from the city of love.
He'd like that.
The next day came soon and after their last class, a shared one, he asked her.
“Would you wanna go out for coffee again?”
She stuttered through a yes, which he found endearing.
They went back to their coffee shop and found their booth.
This time though, Tim offered to get her order for her.
They sipped their caffeinated abominations as Damian called them while they chatted amicably.
Tim looked up from his cup thoughtfully, “So you're from Paris right? Since you're not native, what're our vigilantes like to someone new?”
Part of him was curious as to what she would say given the previous night.
Marinette thought for a minute before answering, “Well, to be perfectly honest, they're kind of dorky? I mean the Red Robin one is sort of cute, but how cute can a man in a bird themed suit be?”
Tim choked on his coffee, laughter bubbling up as he coughed up the drink.
“That,” he started, “Is a very unique opinion.”
She laughed at him as he wiped his chin of some coffee, “You asked!”
He nodded, “That is true, I did ask.”
They calmed down and bit and Marinette got a bit serious.
“Do you ever wonder if they're okay?”
Tim's brows furrowed, “What do you mean?”
Marinette hummed and looked out the window, giving Tim the impression that she had some previous history with the topic at hand.
“In Paris we had heros once… our villain used the citizens' negative emotions to turn them into monsters. If our heros showed any sign of their true feelings… there would be no stopping them.”
Tim nodded making a mental note to follow that piece of information up later, “That sounds incredibly taxing”
She gave a soft smile, “It was. So I just wondered if the heros here had support. I think all heros should.”
The sentiment left Tim smiling, because while he couldn't tell her with certainty that his family was doing okay, it was nice that she was worried for them.
They chatted some more before it was finally time to get home.
Before Marinette could walk home, Tim stopped her.
“Would you be willing to get dinner with me?” He asked tentatively.
She raised an eyebrow, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
“Like a date or?”
Tim thought about the wonderful time he'd spent with her so far and how her blue eyes drew him in.
“Yeah, a date, if you would like that is.”
She nodded and smiled before turning and walking home.
Tim felt a light blush creeping up as he moved to the nearest safe house.
He had a date! Mission success!