Chapter Text
“I can’t believe we’re going to see the Waynes!” Alya beamed as they walked towards the entrance of the building.
Marinette nodded along, though she knew Alya was talking to Lila and not her. They didn’t really talk much nowadays.
“It was so nice of them to fund our projects!” Rose squealed, clinging to Juleka’s arm.
Chloe scoffed. “Of course it was. Why else would my Daddy throw this banquet for them?”
The Waynes had been rather generous to Paris, funding a lot of the medical and scientific research. Last week they even gave a small donation to the school’s art projects, which is when Mayor Bourgeois decided to throw a party and have the Waynes as the guests of honor.
“It must be exciting to be reunited with your childhood friend, Lila.” Max spoke up.
The brunette sighed wistfully. “Oh yes, but I doubt Damian remembers me. It’s been such a long time since we last hung out together.”
Marinette rolled her eyes. Right. Because despite Lila claiming she only traveled around Europe, she also has a “childhood friend” in America. Seriously, does no one see the inconsistencies?
Alya slung her arm around Lila’s shoulders, and winked. “Don’t worry, girl! I’m sure he remembers you just fine. We’ll make sure to get you up there.”
Lila pulled a tight smile, undoubtedly thinking up lies to prevent her from seeing the famous teen.
-
The banquet hall was crowded, to say the least. People surrounded them from all sides, pressed up against walls and each other just to fit. A large stage with a single microphone was at the front of the room, pushing the people to the back.
“That’s where the Waynes will be!” Kim shouted over the chattering people.
“Then that’s where we’re going!” Alya declared, shoving her way through the throng.
The class followed suit, but Marinette hesitated.
There were so many people. Too many people.
She covered her ears. Why was everything so loud?
“G-guys, wait up.” She whimpered, though her voice was easily drowned out.
Marinette tried slipping past people to get to her classmates, but they just pushed her back again.
Her breathing turned shallow when her back hit the wall, being forced all the way to the back. Everything was spinning. Her hands felt clammy as she gripped the sides of her shirt. Alya and Nino were nowhere in sight.
Her eyes darted around the room for an exit, heart racing. Too many people. Too loud. Too much. She needed to escape. She needed air.
A door. There was a door not far from her with a small, golden sign.
Without a second thought, she scrambled towards it, fumbling with the handle for a moment before ripping it open and stumbling inside.
The door closed behind her, and she sank to the ground, curling up in a ball.
Remember the breathing exercises. She told herself.
In.
2..
3..
Out.
2..
3..
In-
“Miss?”
Marinette yelped, her gaze snapping upwards.
Sharp, olive green eyes stared down at her with worry.
A boy, no older than herself.
“Are you alright?” He asked, kneeling to her level.
Marinette drew in a few extra deep breaths, half-heartedly stating, “Yeah, I just.. I don’t know..”
His uncannily refined eyebrows knitted together. “Do you need a nurse? I can find one for you.”
She shook her head. “N-no that’s not necessary. Thank you though.”
A frown tugged at the corner of the boy’s lips.
“Okay.” He looked around, as if he were checking for something, then his gaze flicked to his watch.
Finally, he moved to her left side and sat down. “Do you mind if I stay here for a bit?”
Marinette pursed her lips, feeling a blush creep across her cheeks. “I-I mean, if you want to..”
She hadn’t the slightest idea why a random stranger would take the time to sit with her, but it was comforting to know she wasn’t completely alone, even if it was just for the moment.
“I’m Marinette.” She shyly introduced.
He gave a small smile, opening his mouth to respond when-
“Damian!”
A man that looked to be in his late twenties abruptly entered the room, fixing- Damian, was it? -with a pointed look.
“Bruce told you not to wander off.”
Damian rolled his eyes. “I didn’t ‘wander off’. This is the VIP room.”
Marinette’s eyes widened. That must have been what the golden sign said. Oh, let’s hope she doesn’t get in trouble for this.
Then something else clicked in her mind.
“Wait, ‘Damian’? As in, ‘Damian Wayne’ Damian?”
The two turned to her, both looking somewhat surprised.
“You didn’t know?” The man was the first to ask.
A blush of embarrassment washed over her cheeks. Truth be told, she’d heard a lot about the Waynes, but never seen any pictures.
“I-uh- guess I’m not really up to date on some stuff.” She said lamely, her cheeks growing warmer with every word.
Again, the boys only stared.
“Huh.” The man finally shrugged, stepping forward and extending his hand to her. “Well, my name is Dick Greyson. It’s nice to meet you.”
His warm, blue eyes caused Marinette to relax, and she took his hand. “Marinette. It’s nice to meet you too.”
Dick nodded with a welcoming smile, before turning back to Damian, who still hadn’t said a word. “Anyway, we gotta go. It’s time to greet everyone.”
Damian quietly complied, getting to his feet. She couldn’t quite catch his expression, but he seemed.. relieved, like he just realized he made a right decision.
She wasn’t sure what prompted her to do such a thing, but she stood up as well.
“S-so, will I see you? Out in the- in the banquet hall, I mean.”
Damian glanced back at her, a thoughtful look on his face.
“If you want to.” He then answered, a smile clear in his tone despite his neutral expression.
She didn’t even have to contemplate the response.
“Yes.”
He smirked, partially giving in to the joy hiding behind his eyes.
“Then I’ll see you out there.”