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Chapter Text

“Marinette, can you watch the twins and Chris this weekend? Nino and I want to go see that new movie and—”

“Actually, Alya, I can’t.”

“Why not, girl? It’s not like you have plans—”

“Actually, I do. I’m going away for the weekend.”

Alya crosses her arms and raises a brow, “to where?”

“I’m just going to see some relatives. I don’t get to see them very often.”

Alya looks unimpressed. “You can’t go some other time?”

“No. Why don’t you ask Lila?”

Alya looked at Marinette in disappointment but did turn towards where Lila was spinning a new story.

“Damian was so sweet about it, too. His promposal was amazing! But I had to turn him down because I’m not going to be able to get there in time. It’s a shame we don’t have a prom here. Then, Damiboo would fly over himself. He does have a private jet.”

Marinette snorted, texting her twin.

What’s up, Damiboo? I heard you had the most AMAZING promposal.

🗡️🗡️🗡️

Who taught you emojis?

I’m not incompetent.

It was Jason, wasn’t it.

I will neither confirm nor deny.

Okay, well, I’ll be home this weekend. Jon asked me to be his date to prom so you could take Adrien since his father thinks he’s dating Wayne-me and not the two of you.

What’s your cover for getting here?

I’m visiting my family. Gabriel only agreed to let Adrien come because he doesn’t want to upset dad.

Thank you, Marinette. I appreciate it.

Of course.

Marinette tuned back into the conversation as her name was called.

“What?”

Alya rolls her eyes fondly. “We should have a prom so Lila can invite her boyfriend! Can you imagine what an interview with Damian Wayne would do for my blog? Plus, it helps Lila feel better!”

Marinette is so glad that no one apart from Adrien and Chloé knows who her family is.

“I’m sorry, guys, but we don’t have the funds for that.”

Chloé snorts.

“I do, but I’m not interested.”

“You know that there’s a whole competition for Prom Queen, right, Chloé?” Lila says innocently. “Are you just scared you won’t win?”

Chloé scoffs. “Fine, I’ll fund your little ‘prom’ or whatever, but I’m not planning it.”

“Well, we have the funds now…so, Marinette?”

Marinette sighs, “I’ll have to come up with some ideas next week. I have plans this weekend and will be unavailable.”

Lila pouts, and Marinette internally rolls her eyes. “You can’t bring them tomorrow? Or even on Monday? I’m sure you can spare a little time. Your plans can’t take up the entire—”

“No, I cannot. If you want a prom, that takes time to plan, and I have had these plans for weeks now. If you want the plans sooner, someone else will have to do it.”

“But that’s your job as representative, isn’t it? Why would you make someone else do your work for you?”

“Alya is my deputy, and she could also spare some time for this. I am not the only one responsible for class plans, and I already do far more than any other representative in this school. I committed to seeing my family this weekend, and I’m devoting that time to them. Not planning a last-minute prom. Beyond that, a prom normally includes the entire grade, so I will have to meet with the other representatives, and that also takes time to arrange.”

“Girl, you can’t just volunteer me like that. You know I’m seeing that movie with Nino.”

Marinette ignores that statement and turns to Adrien, who is both annoyed about Lila’s lies about his boyfriend, and that Lila’s making Marinette look like the bad guy.

“I- I didn’t mean to be such a problem, Marinette…” Lila sniffs behind her.

As people turn to comfort her, Marinette speaks to Adrien loudly, on purpose.

“Didn’t you say you’re going away this weekend, Adrien?”

“Yeah, I’m going to see my girlfriend’s family in America, so I wouldn’t be here to talk about the prom anyways.”

“When did you get a girlfriend, dude?” Nino asks.

“Oh, uh…” Adrien laughs nervously. “It’s kind of a secret. We don’t want it getting out to the media.”

“She’s famous?” Alya jumps on the lead, abandoning her spot comforting Lila. Marinette shoots him an apologetic look.

“I can’t talk about it, Alya. Really.”

Marinette takes this moment to cut in. “See, it wouldn’t be fair if Adrien didn’t also get to discuss it, and he won’t even be here.”

Alya gets a calculating look on her face.

“Marinette, you said you’re going to visit family, too. Where’s your family from?”

“All over, really. One of them grew up in a traveling circus, one of them grew up in the Middle East, one’s from England.” She thinks specifically of the members who didn’t strictly come from America. Her oldest brother, Dick, grew up in Haly’s Circus, herself and her twin were in the Middle East until they were 10, and her pseudo-grandfather/butler, Alfred, is from England.

“Yeah, but where are you visiting them?”

Marinette sighs, knowing there’s no getting out of it. “America.”

“Girl, did you and Adrien get together?! And you didn’t tell us?!”

“No, Alya, I am not dating Adrien.” Marinette blushes deeply, knowing that Alya still believes Marinette has a crush on him. She doesn’t. Her boyfriends were plenty, and Adrien is very good for her brother.

The bell rings before the interrogation can continue, and Marinette is quick to speed out of there. She texts Adrien.

Sorry!

Not your fault. What time are they picking us up?

She checks the current time. Should be in about three hours, give or take?

Okay. Do you want to wait at my house, wait at the bakery, or get picked up separately?

I only have a small bag and my dress to take. Kagami has a tournament in Gotham this weekend, so Chlo is going with us. I’m going to wait with her and then we’ll pick you up.

Got it. See you in a bit, M’Lady.

She rolls her eyes fondly, gathering what she needs for the trip and heading downstairs to say goodbye to her adoptive parents. After some hugs and well wishes were exchanged, Marinette walked out of the bakery, intent on getting to Le Grand Paris, only to find a limousine in front of her. She stares deadpan until the window rolls down, causing her to squeal in excitement when she sees who’s inside. She quickly glances around and gets into the limo as the window rolls up, then turns to her boyfriends.

“What are you two doing here?!”

Félix smiles fondly at her, a look not many get to see. “We’re your tickets to Gotham.”

Marinette furrows her brows in confusion.

“Well, I transferred to Gotham Academy to be closer to you when you’re home. I’m staying with your family currently,” Felix blushes. She turns to Luka and raises a brow.

“I’m his prom date,” he smirks.

“Oh my god, this is why you two commissioned me for suits that match my dress.”

“Clever, Ms. Wayne.”

She rolls her eyes. “So, we’re grabbing everyone early?”

“Not quite. Damian is currently at the hotel with Chloé, knowing we wanted to surprise you. He also brought Jason as a ‘bodyguard.’”

“Oh my god, is he still playing dead?”

The looks she got in response were enough for her to roll her eyes.

“I shouldn’t be surprised. They would have called me home if he came back legally.”

“They were thinking about after your graduation, actually. So, you could be home permanently.”

She smiles at the thought as they pull up to the hotel. Chloé’s bags are placed in the trunk by Jean-Armand as Marinette throws herself at Jason.

“JayJay!”

“Pixie!” He spins her around as she laughs. Damian rolls his eyes but his lips twitch fondly. When she’s released, Marinette hugs him, too. She’s one of the only people able to do so.

“I am pleased to see you, ‘Ukht.”

“As am I, ‘Ahki.”

The two separate, and all of them climb into the vehicle, heading towards Agreste Mansion. Upon arrival, Félix stays in the car to avoid his uncle and keep Luka and Chloé company. Damian, Jason, and Marinette climb out, Marinette shedding her Dupain-Cheng mask and slipping into the one expected of a Wayne. The three climb the stairs and are welcomed in by Nathalie. Adrien and Gabriel are waiting for them, even Gabriel knowing to greet them in-person and not through a screen.

“Ms. Wayne, Mr. Wayne,” he shakes their hands, nodding at Jason, who’s playing bodyguard. “Adrien has been eager for this weekend. All of his things are ready to go.”

“Todd, take them to the trunk.” Jason grunts at Damian, but does as he says, knowing he has to play the part so they can leave.

“Adrien, be on your best behavior.”

“Yes, Father.”

Marinette takes Adrien’s hand.

“Goodbye, Father, Nathalie. See you next week!”

“Goodbye, Adrien.”

The door closes heavily behind them, but they don’t drop the masks until they’re all back in the car. The three breathe a collective sigh of relief, Damian pulling Adrien into a sweet kiss as Marinette’s boyfriends hold her between them. Chloé and Jason scoff, and the limo heads toward the airport.

“Thank you for the ride, Jean-Armand,” Marinette says gratefully.

“Of course, Ms. Marinette.”

The seven travelers gather their luggage and board the private jet, Marinette running to the cockpit to give Alfred a hug before she goes to sit down. She settles between her two boyfriends, giving each of them a kiss, and dozing off. Adrien shakes his head fondly at the sight and leans into Damian’s hold. Jason and Chloé get into a discussion about how they’ve been since the last time they saw each other, something surprising if you hadn’t seen them together before. They’re practically siblings, only Chloé hasn’t been adopted.

One long plane ride later, and the group is finally in Gotham.

The ride to the manor is quiet, each of the travelers lost in their own thoughts, though the silence doesn’t last long.

Marinette has barely made it out of the car before her oldest brother has scooped her up and thrown her over his shoulder.

“Dick! Dick, put me down!”

“No! If I let you go, you’ll just fly back to Paris and leave us here all on our lonesome,” he gives puppy dog eyes, despite her being unable to see them.

She debates whether or not it’s worth it to fight the hold and decides against it, her boyfriends watching in amusement. She flips them both off, gaining a proud, “That’s my girl!” from Jason.

A clearing of her throat is her only warning before she’s back on her feet, face to face with her father.

“Welcome home, Marinette,” the normally stoic man gives her a soft smile.

Marinette hadn’t realized how much she missed her family until now. Throwing herself into her father’s arms, she does her best to hide the tears sneaking up on her.

“It’s good to be home, dad.”

As much as she longs to savor the time with her family, prom is that night, and Chloé refuses to waste even a minute of time that could be used for prep.

“I may not be going to the prom, but I’m sure as hell not letting you go like that.”

She’s dragged to her bedroom in the manor and everyone else is promptly kicked out, save for Cass and Steph, who are just as enthusiastic to assist. Marinette finds herself forced into her ensuite to shower, only to step out into what seems like an alternate dimension. If she didn’t know this was her bedroom, she could swear she somehow managed to teleport to a salon.

Chloé, despite the airs she puts on, is not afraid to get her hands dirty, and actually loves giving spa treatments to her friends. Marinette finds herself waxed and plucked within an inch of her life, only to be forced into a massage chair while her best friend gives her a pedicure. Her sisters, meanwhile, are applying a face mask and drying her hair.

“What color is your dress, Mar?”

“It should be in the bag Alfred brought up.”

Cass opens the bag, bringing it over to the blond Parisian, who has an industrial-size makeup kit open on the floor to color match polish and palettes before going back to work on Marinette.

Steph and Cass each paint one hand under Chloé’s guidance as she takes Marinette’s toes.

With her nails drying, the girls remove her face mask and begin debating makeup styles, working together to apply it once they’ve decided. From there, it’s onto hair a la Princess Diaries style where Marinette gets to pick from what they present her with. Quite frankly, she doesn’t really care as long as she looks good, she trusts their judgement, but they did do the moose hairstyle just for fun, so. Maybe she should pay a bit more attention.

With the perfect hairstyle decided on, the girls help her into her shoes, ensuring her toes don’t smudge, then they help her into her dress.

“Ladies, I think we’ve outdone ourselves,” Chloé smirks. “Those boys aren’t going to know what hit them.

Jon, Damian, and Adrien are busy posing for their throuple photographs, Luka and Félix taking their solo shots as they all waited for the girls to finish with Marinette. Just as they finish, a clearing of the throat draws their attention to the top of the stairs where Steph, Cass, and Chloé are all standing.

“Presenting, possibly my finest work yet, Marinette Dupain-Cheng Wayne.”

They all step aside as the delicate click of heels is heard on the floor until Damian’s twin comes into view. All five jaws drop, Damian in awe of how wonderful his sister looks. Jon and Adrien are amazed by their best friend, her inner beauty only enhanced by the work the other girls put into styling her. Félix and Luka can’t believe their luck to have won the love of such a goddess.

Marinette giggles at the gaping mouths below, slowly making her way down the stairs and gently nudging her boyfriends’ mouths closed. “Don’t want to catch flies,” she winks.

Bruce, watching from the shadows, will deny he teared up, but his sons took some photographs of their own, evidence if he ever tries to say otherwise. Alfred has no such qualms, his eyes watery as he gazes upon his youngest granddaughter.

“You look beautiful, Miss Marinette.”

“Thank you, Alfred,” she curtsies, ever the lady.

After her own round of photos, including her own throuple and group shots of all six prom attendees, they’re ushered out to their limo to avoid being late.

What follows is a night of dancing and laughter, some decent food, and official photographs with their “dates”, as well as with their actual dates. The twins take some shots together as well. Jon’s tux was designed to match Marinette’s dress enough to look cohesive, but it’s obvious that it’s meant to go with Adrien and Damian’s, just as Félix and Luka’s are obviously meant to go with Marinette’s.

While the Gotham Academy students watch on, the six pay them no mind, happy to spend time with their significant others, friends, and family. Everyone attending and working the event knows better than to let anything about them get to the press, so the six can spend their night as normal teens, safe from anything unwanted getting back to people who aren’t meant to know yet.

It comes as no surprise when Jon wins Prom King, the most friendly of the bunch. Prom Queen goes to one of the nicer students, one who, thankfully, has her own girlfriend and wouldn’t take the chance to make a move on Jon during their obligatory dance. They part amicably and the King returns to his group to continue their evening.

Kagami wins her tournament and arrives at Wayne Manor while they’re out, which serves her purposes even better, allowing her more one-on-one time with her girlfriend, moments stolen away until they’re all free from their parents’ restrictions. She’s regaled with all of the primping Marinette underwent and shown the extensive collection of photos just from the manor. The ones from the school are expected to be delivered next week, and while they can’t deny their interest, they’re even more interested in the ones they’ll take together at their own prom back in Paris. There’s no grand promposal, just a whispered invitation, which ends up meaning more to the two than anything public ever could.

Chapter Text

After the prom, the six returned to the manor, Damian, Adrien, and Jon separating into Damian’s room while Luka and Félix join Marinette in hers. And though many people would associate Prom Night with some more adult activities, neither throuple felt them necessary. They chose to relax, just cuddling together and enjoying the freedom to be together in a way that they can’t back in Paris.

Unfortunately, the peace doesn’t last long enough and they’re soon on their way back to Paris. Marinette barely steps foot inside the school when she’s accosted by her classmates demanding details on the prom, despite her having said she wouldn’t be doing anything about it this past weekend.

“Oh my god, shut up!”

Everyone freezes as their Everyday Ladybug snaps.

“I told you last week that I would not be handling anything regarding the prom over the weekend. I don’t give a damn if you thought that was an exaggeration, it wasn’t. My family deserved to have my undivided attention, and I will not allow any of you to make me feel guilty for that.”

Some of them backed off in shame, but Alya doubled down.

“I told you that you could see your family some other time, didn’t I? What, you couldn’t even spare 5 minutes? Lila’s terrified you’re going to cancel.”

“Alya, if it’s such an issue, why didn’t you spare 5 minutes? You’re the deputy, it’s partly your responsibility, too. Oh? Don’t like that being pointed out? Don’t be such a hypocrite. You can see Nino any time. He lives in Paris. My family doesn’t even live in Europe. I will not cater to the demands of a last minute prom when my family has been owed my attention for months.”

“I’m so sorry, Marinette,” Lila simpers, playing the victim. “I didn’t realize it would be such an issue…I just wanted to see my boyfriend…” The crocodile tears draw the attention of everyone in the vicinity, causing Marinette to roll her eyes.

“We talked about this last week, Lila. I’m sorry that your memory issues seem to be acting up again, but I remember informing you that I would need to meet with every other representative, and that Adrien wouldn’t be around to discuss it either, which wasn’t fair to him. As much as everyone loves to cater to your disabilities, I can’t revolve an entire event around you. I’ve already agreed to plan it. But demanding I drop my commitments, as well as doing the same to the other representatives isn’t acceptable.” Before anyone can begin to protest, Marinette raises her hand to stop them, “I understand that may not have been your intention, Lila, but that is the way it is coming across. I will not apologize for my perception of events, nor will I apologize for putting my plans first. But if you would like to apologize for expecting me to give up my own social life to plan an event that wasn’t even in our budget to begin with, then I’m all ears.”

Lila’s face burns red and Alya looks ready to blow a gasket.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have class. I can contact the other representatives later today.”

With the end of the year approaching, a bit more of her Wayne Princess is showing, but she can’t be bothered.

The day passes quickly and the other representatives seem just as annoyed as she is, but they all agree to pull it together.

“My only condition is that it’s the day after graduation. I know we could do it sooner, but if anyone asks, no we couldn’t. I’ve got something in the works, and it requires it being after, if you guys are okay with that?”

“After all you’ve done for us and for them? They can deal with it being a day after,” Aurore grins.

Plans in motion, Marinette reaches out to her brother.

They’ve agreed. Day after. Adrien will be free and we can finally expose her.

Perfect.

The representatives spend the next few weeks pulling it together, getting the venue (le Grand Paris), the DJ, the catering, the decorations, the theme, and such all sorted out.

Lila and Chloé begin campaigning for Prom Queen early on, Adrien getting nominated despite not having any interest. He does think it will be funny if he wins. Two Kings and the Ice Prince in a relationship? What a headline.

Claude Montaire from Mme. Mendeleiv’s class is the other candidate for King, and Adrien wouldn’t mind if he won.

As the prom gets closer, everyone starts worrying about dresses, tuxes, corsages, and more. The amount of people from Mme. Bustier’s class that tried to demand Marinette make their outfits was laughable. The offense they had when she gave them a reasonable quote was even more laughable. She focused on designing new outfits for her actual friends, ones that pay her for her time and talent. Chloé, Kagami, Adrien, Jon, Damian, Luka, Félix and herself all get new outfits. She refused to allow herself to reuse her previous prom outfit when she knows she could shine even brighter. If this is her last hurrah, she’s going out with a bang.

The night of the prom, Lila lingers by the voting boxes, shoving extra in for herself. But she’s not the only one rigging things in her favor.

“I just really want to be Prom Queen, Alya. Damiboo was Prom King in America, and he’s not able to make it tonight, so I just want to be able to feel connected to him, you know?”

Taking pity (and refusing to have Chloé win), Alya also submits extra votes.

Marinette walks in right on time, a Wayne is always prompt after all, Félix on one arm and Luka on the other, drawing eyes their way. Lila is busy telling her classmates a sob story about how Damian couldn’t make it, and Alya marches her way over indignantly, ready to confront her. She stops in her tracks when three more men walk in, one of them being Damian Wayne.

“Lila, your boyfriend showed up!” Alya says, dragging her over.

“But…why is he with Marinette?” she pouts her lips, hiding her terror.

“Marinette! What is this? We’ve spent years trying to get you with Adrien and now you show up with not just him, but four other men, including Lila’s boyfriend?”

Marinette stares at her blankly, unnerving the heated redhead.

“Actually, my dates are Luka and Félix, my boyfriends.”

“Are you kidding me right now? Are you trying to make Adrien jealous? Girl, that’s so low,” she shakes her head in disappointment. Marinette rolls her eyes.

Alya turns to the next subject of her ire: Damian himself.

“And you. How can you stand there and ignore your girlfriend like she doesn’t matter?”

Marinette bursts out laughing, turning to hide her face in Luka’s shoulder.

“Ms. Cesaire, let me correct you. I’ve never met Ms. Rossi in my life, and I am openly gay. You may know my boyfriend, Adrien? Or our other boyfriend, Jonathan Lane Kent?”

Alya gapes. “That’s impossible. Adrien has a girlfriend.”

“A cover. My sister posed as his girlfriend until he could get out from under his father’s thumb.”

Rose speaks up, “But…Lila said she was your girlfriend. That she’s super close with the Waynes.”

“Lila has, in fact, met a Wayne. As have all of you. But it wasn’t me.”

“Yeah, and I’m super close with them.”

“Actually, you are not.”

“If that’s true, then who’s the Wayne?” Alya cocks her head, hands on her hips.

“You won’t find out until tomorrow.”

The six walk away to their assigned table, deciding to sit for their meal prior to dancing.

“Lila, why did you lie?”

“I just wanted to impress you guys. But I swear, I’m like this with the secret Wayne,” she smiles, crossing her fingers to demonstrate. “I just can’t say who it is for their own safety, but you’ll see,” she grins. They won’t be able to catch her in this lie because the Wayne won’t be here to call her out, unlike Damian. Lila scowls internally, but keeps it off her face, playing innocent.

Alya approaches the group of six with her phone. “So, can I get an interview?”

“No.”

“But-”

“No.”

“Alya, they’ve said no. And they have the lawyers to back them if you ignore their wishes.”

Alya’s cut off by Aurore calling all candidates to the stage for King and Queen.

“Our Prom King is…Adrien Agreste! He won by literally one vote, so Claude, if you try to look down on yourself, we’re going to dog pile you until you accept your awesomeness.”

The crowd laughs as Claude blushes. He shakes Adrien’s hand good naturedly as Adrien is crowned.

“Now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for…Your Prom Queen is, by astounding majority, write-in candidate Marinette Dupain-Cheng!”

Her jaw drops, her boyfriends pushing her forward.

“Oh, wow. I uh- didn’t expect this,” she laughs. “I didn’t even vote.”

“That’s impossible!” Lila stomps her foot.

“Lila, even if you weren’t disqualified for having falsified votes, and yes, we have that on camera, Marinette still had more than you.”

Lila flushes in anger as Marinette blinks in surprise, “Wait, seriously? She tried to rig votes, and I still won?”

The screen behind the stage shows both Lila and Alya stuffing their extra votes into the box, and then all of the votes being fed into the machine, tallying up to Marinette winning by 10 votes.

“Holy shit,” she laughs. “Thanks, guys!”

She ducks into a curtsy as the crown is delicately placed to avoid messing up her hair.

“The King and Queen shall now have their traditional dance before we let them go back to their dates.”

“Shall we, M’lady?” Adrien bows, holding out his hand.

“We shall, my knight,” she takes his hand with another curtsy.

The two partners dance, whispering about their plans to fly to Gotham tonight, their defeat of Hawkmoth being revealed tomorrow once they’re far away from the fallout, and the plans to reveal herself. When it comes to an end, there’s another curtsy and bow, and they separate.

They all begin to leave, halting when Alya approaches yet again.

“Where are you going?”

“We have plans.”

“Well, can I get an interview before you go?”

They don’t even dignify her with a response. She ignored the first two, there’s no need to waste breath repeating it again.

The following morning, all of Paris is greeted with a pre-recorded video from their heroes.

“Hello, Parisians. We have some good news and some bittersweet news. The good news is that Hawkmoth has officially been defeated!”

A city-wide roar could be heard in celebration.

“Gabriel Agreste and his assistant Nathalie Sancoeur have been arrested. Adrien Agreste has been cleared of all associations, having been instrumental in the takedown. We never could have done it without him. He’s a true hero, with and without a mask.”

Chat Noir takes over, “Now, our bittersweet news: M’lady and I will be fading into the shadows. Our work here is complete. We’ll come back should we ever be needed, but for now, we want to live normal lives. If we are honest, we were children when the war started. It’s been four years of juggling school, part-time jobs, and fighting Hawkmoth. We deserve our rest. We understand that this might be hard for you, but please, respect our wishes.”

“We love you, Paris. Thank you for all your support these past few years. For now, for the last time, Bug out!”

The video ends, leaving Paris having mixed feelings about their departure. Some people feel abandoned, while others can’t believe they allowed children to fight a war for them. Regardless, all agree that they deserve a break.

Lila was seething about the news at home, but at least she hadn’t been revealed as an accomplice.

It was only a few hours later that everything turned upside down. Her phone was bombarded with articles and accusations as everyone in Mme. Bustier’s class realize just how bad they fucked up.

“Jason Todd back from the dead! Marinette Wayne returns to celebrate her brother’s return!”

Lila shut off her phone in panic, only for there to be a knock on the door. Opening it, she’s greeted by the police. Simultaneously, there’s another video from the heroes.

“Sorry for giving you false hope of our return, but we had one last person to arrest. Lila Rossi, as shown in the following video, was found to be willingly aiding Hawkmoth. We needed her guard down to make the last arrest. Now that our job is officially done, we want to thank you again.

“Truly, thank you for all that you’ve done. I’ll miss the freedom being Chat gave me, but I’ll be happy to not have to worry about flaking out on my friends and boyfriends anymore.”

“Yeah, me too, Chaton.” Ladybug agrees.

“We love you, Paris!”

The video ends, the true goodbye of the heroes.

Marinette and Adrien are across the ocean when the news hits, and they refuse to answer any of their former classmates. That chapter is over. Now, it’s time to enjoy their peace with their boyfriends. And, if a certain bug and black cat are occasionally seen in Gotham, well, no one can prove that, can they?