"How was Metropolis?" Jason asked while reading.

"Fine. Alya spent a lot of time fangirling when we were at the Daily Planet. I can't get irritated or annoyed since Nino did the same thing when we were on the movie set. Plus I did recommend the Daily Planet because of her. We aren't friends by any mean, but I thought she'd enjoy it," I replied running my fingers through his hair.

"You went all the way to another city to make someone who continuously insults you and your friends happy?"

"Not entirely. I wanted to see what Metropolis is like compared to Gotham, and I have to say it is so bright over there. I think I'm too used to the doom and gloom that surrounds Gotham."

"It's not always this way. I think people have just forgotten what Gotham can be."

"I have no doubt about that. That's why what you and the Bats do is so important. You guys are providing people with hope."

"Speaking of the Bats how'd everything go with them? I heard Babs decided to tag along with Steph and Cass."

"Well Barbra is pretty upset with you over turning your coms off and putting yourself in so much danger. Can't say I disagree."

"She knows you know?"

"So do Cass and Steph. After my conversation about how you are with Babs, we went back to the others and somehow Cass just knew. I didn't get a word in before she smirked and said 'You know'. Took Steph a quick moment to realize what she meant, but she wrapped her arm around my shoulders and smiled glad to have another girl on the team."

"Dick, Tim, and Bruce are the only ones who don't know for sure you know. So much for being the world's greatest detectives."

"They'll know by Sunday evening. Until then we'll see if they can put everything together and have the guts to ask me."

"Do you see any of them before Sunday?"

"We'll see Dick this Friday for sure. He'll be Dan Danger though. I'm pretty excited that Haly's Circus came to town when we are here."

"Good Old Danny Boy. I'm glad they're here. Dick needs a moment to relax and do one of the things he loves most."

"Aww you do care about your family."

"Oh shush."

"I told you that you're a big softy."

"No I'm not. I'm actually a crime lord who controls the drug trade in Crime Ally."

"While making sure that the kids there are safe and prevent them from getting their hands on drugs."

"You're going to ruin my reputation..." Jason replied with a groan.

"Don't worry. I won't tell another person you are a softy. You're the big bad Red Hood."

"I don't get why the savior of Paris would want to even be with a crime lord in what's considered the worlds most crime ridden city."

"You don't see you the same way I do, and I'm no saint either. I constantly keep secrets from the people I love. You also know how I feel about Hawkmoth."

"Which is completely valid. How's the case going?"

"Cat Noir and I made progress last night. At the moment, all we can do is wait. Besides getting shot, how's your case going?"

"Last night was supposed to be a recon mission, but things didn't go according to plan. I was able to get a bit of information. I just have to wait."

"In the meantime, you need to get your injury looked at. Babs told me Mr. Wayne will be out for sometime. It gives us plenty of time to see Alfred."

"Pixie..."

"Don't Pixie me. You need to put a shirt on, while I open a portal to the manor. I was told Alfred will meet us in front of the grandfather clock. You don't want to keep him waiting do you?"

"Using my love for Alfred against me? You're evil."

"I know, but you still love me."

"Of course I do."

"I hate going through your portals..." Jason said wincing.

"It's not uncomfortable if you aren't injured," I said walking beside him.

"Nice to see you two," Alfred said looking at his watch. "And you aren't even late."

"Can't believe you doubted my ability to be on time," I replied detransforming.

"Your attendance records shows otherwise."

"No need to bring up to past. Afterall, we do have an injured patient."

"And what exactly did Master Todd do to himself."

"Tis but a flesh wound. No need to worry," Jason said.

"I think getting shot is hardly a flesh wound. Let's get you to the cave."

While Alfred opened the entrance to the cave, quick footsteps were coming behind us. By the sound of them, it was Mr. Wayne.

"I thought he wasn't supposed to be here for another couple hours," Jason said looking ready to bolt out of the room.

"You guys go to the cave. I'll distract him. Text me when you're done," I instructed hurrying them in.

Only moments after the grandfather clock was put back, Bruce walked in.

"Miss Dupain-Cheng?" Mr. Wayne asked confused.

"Hello Mr. Wayne," I replied studying the clock.

"What are you doing here? Not that it's not great to see you again."

"Jason needed to talk to Alfred. It seemed private, so I left them to it. I was on my way to the family room when I saw the clock. It is beautiful."

"Is Jason ok?"

"Nothing to worry about."

"What is so interesting about the clock that you had to stop and look at it?"

"You can't laugh, but I feel like it holds secrets. How long has it been here?"

"Secrets?"

"I can't say for sure, but it appears to have been here for sometime. It must have seem some interesting things. Secrets even."

"It has been here for as long as I can remember, but I don't think it holds secrets."

"You can't judge a book by its cover, but I guess you are right. The clock is only a clock. If you don't mind me asking, why were you in such a hurry?"

"I was looking for important paperwork and thought it might be in here."

I looked over to see Mr. Wayne looking at his watch as if he was on a time crunch. Since I hadn't received a text yet, I could only assume Jason and Alfred were still down there, but I have no clue how much longer I needed to distract him.

"That's a beautiful watch," I said trying anything I could to stall him.

"Thank you. It was my father's."

"And it still works after all this time."

"I have Jason to thank for that."

"Really?"

"He fixed it for me as a birthday gift. In all my years, it was the best gift I've gotten. You know I always thought of him as the love and care that was stolen from me once my parents passed."

"He has the effect on people, bringing joy into other's lives."

"I'm really glad you two found each other. I haven't seen Jason this happy in quite some time."

"I'm glad I found him as well. It's all thanks to you. After all, you were the one who chose my application."

"It was your talent that made you the winner."

My phone vibrated signaling Alfred had finished looking at Jason. I was relieved as I didn't know what else to say.

"Speaking of Jason, he is done talking to Alfred. We'll be heading out."

"Before you go Miss Dupain-Cheng, Alfred mentioned you wanted to set up a meeting with me. What were you wanting to talk about?"

"It can wait until Sunday."

"Is everything alright? If something is wrong, I can fit you in my schedule sooner."

"Everything is fine Mr. Wayne. It's nothing urgent either. I'll see you Sunday," I said turning towards the doorway.

"One last thing, how did you know about Jason?"

"You have to be more specific Mr. Wayne."

"That he is my son. The son who was thought to be deceased. His name wasn't even said in the introductions with your class."

"Oh that. In Gotham, people don't always stay dead. Batman was thought to be dead with Nightwing taking up the mantle. It's not Gotham, but Superman came back."

"Those are heroes though. They must have access to technology and maybe even magic."

"Who says that regular citizens can't be brought back? The world gives and takes. Why is something none of us will truly understand and that is for the best. Now I have a question for you. Why is Jason still legally dead? You have the resources and could make a cover story. So why?"

"Is it something Jason even wants?"

"Don't ask me. Ask him. Until next time Mr. Wayne."

I walked out of the room heading towards the kitchen where the two told me to meet them.

"Thanks for stalling him Pixie," Jason said pulling me into a hug.

"I'm just glad you got an actual check up. How is your injury?"

"It appears to be healing faster than it normally would. I believe it may have to do with your friend," Alfred answered.

"Her good luck is rubbing off on him? Maybe next time he goes out Jason won't come back with a bullet in him."

"That would be preferable. Do you need a ride back? You two didn't exactly travel here normally."

"If you don't mind. I need to finish Jason's suit."

"See you Sunday Alfred," I said while getting out.

"Have a great rest of your day Miss Dupain-Cheng and Master Todd."

"Same goes for you," Jason replied before closing the door.

"Your friends in the suite?"

"Probably but since they know I'm working we'll get a little bit of space."

"Really? Here I thought they couldn't live without you."

"Oh sush. They're only a little overbearing."

"Marinette could I talk to you?" I heard Miss Bustier say as we walked in.

"Have you been there the whole time waiting for me to come in?"

"That's not important. We need to discuss some of your behavior you displayed on this trip. Alone," she said directly the last part at Jason.

"I actually don't feel comfortable talking to you alone. I would prefer to have this conversation with Mr. Wayne present."

"We don't want to disturb Bruce. He is a very busy man."

"You pushing for this conversation to be alone is making me more uncomfortable and unsafe. With your recent behavior such as leaving me behind makes me question whether I am safe in your care. If you want to talk with me, please make an appointment with Mr. Wayne, so we can have this conversation together. I'll see you then."

I started walking off before she could get another word in.

"Does she really make you feel unsafe?" Jason asked once the elevators were closed.

"No. I just didn't want to talk to her. I don't have the mental energy to do so," I laughed.

"Do you need to rest before you start working? You hardly got any sleep last night."

"I'll take a nap after I fix one of the sleeves," I replied getting out of the elevator.

"My suit can wait Pix. You can't over work yourself."

"I'm too tense to sleep. Working will help me relax."

It wasn't a lie. My conversation with Mr. Wayne stressed me out a little. I hope it gave him something to think about.

"There you are. What took you so long?" Chloe asked once we entered the room.

"Had to make a pit stop to grab something. What are you guys doing?"

"Some are playing video games, others are taking a nap, and I'm about to do my nails."

"I'm going to work on his suit before I take a nap myself."

"Don't work yourself to death. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Be single."

"Shut up."

"You were single until we became friends and I helped you ask Nino out," I said walking towards my room.

"They actually got together?" Jason asked.

"Yeah. Now shirt off. I want to see if the little work I did get done Saturday night made a difference," I ordered.

For the next couple minutes, Jason was my living mannequin and did whatever I told him.

"Marinette!" I heard Adrien yell flinging the door open.

"Hmm?"

"My shoulder hurts. Oh hey Jason."

"Have you been poking it?" I asked still focused on Jason and his shirt. "Do a turn around for me."

"Umm... No."

"And why were you poking it? Ok now unbutton the shirt," I said juggling two conversations at once.

"It's not my fault. I was changing and was curious if putting pressure on the fading bruise would hurt. It did."

"Was that the only time you poked it?"

"Of course..."

"How many times after have you poked it?"

"Totally not every time I saw it because I wanted to see if the pain was going down."

"First Jason gets shot. Then Adrien pokes his stupid injury. Can't I get a break," I mumbled.

"Ok let's take a look."

Adrien sat down and revealed what should have been a small scar but instead was a bruise.

"Just the other day it looked like nothing happened. Now it black and blue!"

"What did you even do to get that bruise?" Jason asked looking at it as well.

"So there I was minding my own business when I'm thrown across the room. Then next thing I know boom there's a bandage on my shoulder," Adrien replied. "What did you do to get that?"

"Oh I got shot," Jason casually replied.

"Damn. I did not think you were gonna flat out say that."

"You knew so why lie?"

"And I'm the clumsy one. Adrien, take off your shirt, so I can apply some cream. I'll also get you a couple pain killers."

"Yes Doctor Marinette."

"Marinette why are there two shirtless guys in your room?" Chloe asked walking into my room.

"I'm playing doctor while designing a suit. How can I help you?"

"I wanted to see what you thought of my nails."

"On sec. Jason, could you get the red thread? Adrien, go get the cream and pain killers from the bathroom. They're under the sink. Now, let me see those nails... I like the colors a lot. Would you like me to sketch you a design for them?"

"Yes but take a nap after patching Adrien up. What the hell happened to you?" Chloe asked Jason when he handed me the red thread.

"Tis a flesh wound."

"Yeah, and Marinette isn't doing twenty things at once."

"Got the stuff!" Adrien yelled running in.

"You both will put a shirt on when Adrien is done."

"I technically do have a shirt on. It's just unbuttoned," Jason laughed.

"What's going on in here?" Kim asked stepping.

"Everybody decided to annoy me all at once. Ok, Adrien you're all set. Don't poke it or remove the bandage. I'll take a look tonight. Chloe, write down ideas on what you are wanting. Jason, give me a moment before I take a final look at the shirt. We can work on the pants later. Now, anything I can help you with Kim?"

"Well... I have a splinter and a paper cut that I need help with."

"What is up with everyone getting hurt? Take Adrien's spot and I'll get it out," I replied.

"No, I will take care of it. Finish with Jason then relax. I'll make sure no one comes in," Chloe said.

"You heard the woman. Everyone out," Adrien said pushing everyone out before closing the door.

"You are such the mom friend," Jason laughed.

"Just because I am prepared and the best with problem solving doesn't... Oh shit I am."

"As Ladybug, you are a leader. They come to you. Just don't strain yourself and put up boundaries if needed."

"I can't do that. If they need help, I will put everything down to help them."

"So I saw, but ask for help when needed. What Chloe did was exactly what needed to be done. Now, do your final look and we'll take a nap."

"Fine..."

~Jason's POV~

Getting kicked in the side was not how I imagined waking up. Marinette quite snores? Definitely. But a full on kick you'd use in battle was a no. Not to mention it was the side that had a bullet in it less than twenty four hours ago.

"Oh Pix... Is this how it's going to be almost every night now?" I whispered.

As a response, I got a groan, but Marinette was still asleep. Knowing she'd freak if I didn't look at it, I went to the bathroom to make sure her kick did no damage.

Maybe it's her luck rubbing off on me, but I was completely fine besides a very dull pain. Since I was unable to fall asleep again, I decided to make some food for her to eat in bed.

I walked out to see all her friends sitting around the counters talking about who knows what. I wasn't noticed until I opened the fridge.

"Whatca doing there buddy?" Adrien asked.

"Seeing if you have the ingredients to make Marinette's favorite. She mentioned you guys have gone food shopping before, but I didn't expect this," I replied now looking through the cupboards.

"Bug just wants to be prepared for anything."

"As I can see. Do you guys want some? I can double even triple the recipe."

"Yes please. I am starving and feel like I haven't had a homemade meal in forever."

"Marinette experimented with a new recipe on Sunday before going to the Wayne's," Nino said.

"Speaking of them. How'd you meet them?" Chloe asked me.

"Oh, I was stealing tires from Bruce's car," I replied cracking eggs into the bowl.

"No way you did that."

"Nah I'm just messing. My parents passed away, so he gave me a place to stay and a job."

"You lived in the manor?" Kim asked jaw dropped.

"Just for a while. I just needed to get back on my feet."

"And how old were you?"

"Why do I feel like I'm being interrogated by the police?"

"How do you know what that's like?"

"I'm just basing this off of movies. Anyway, I was there for a bit, but I left to further my education. Sure Gotham has great education systems if you're rich, but that's not my style."

"Where'd you go?" someone new asked. I was too busy cooking to really remember who's who at the moment.

"Europe, Asia, the Middle East, South America, Africa. I went everywhere and anywhere."

"How'd you know all those languages?"

"Bruce taught me a few. It was needed for the job he gave me. Others I learned as I traveled."

"What job did you have that required you to learn so many languages?"

"Several jobs require you to learn different languages."

"What I want to know if how you got that 'flesh wound'" Chloe said.

"I got jumped."

"Six feet of pure muscle get jumped? I'm not buying it."

"People do unexpected things when they're desperate. Plus I was in the bad part of town walking to one of my apartments."

"One of?"

"It's not really mine. Me, the Waynes, and their friends got it. It's a place we go to talk shit about Bruce when he's being stupid. Enough about me. How'd you meet Marinette?" I asked no one specifically.

"She tripped on air, and I helped her up," Nino replied. "She ended up with a boo boo."

"I remember that. We were in the middle of planning something devious when you just booked it," Kim added.

"Were you able to go through with that devious plan?" I asked turning around as I whisked the ingredients in the bowl.

"Marinette convinced us not to. She didn't want her new best friend aka me get in trouble on the first day of school."

"No Kim, I am her first and best friend."

"No way. I called her my best friend this morning, and she didn't say anything," Chloe interjected.

"We all known it is me. We're partners in crime," Adrien said.

"We all are," Nathaniel corrected.

"I was first."

"I'm her boyfriend, so best friend rights go to me," I said with a smirk.

"Not true. Nor is that fair," Alix said jumping on the island where their bowl of fruit was.

"I'm gonna give Lil' D that title if you don't stop fight," Marinette said coming out of her room.

"You wouldn't dare," I said turning on the burner.

"You don't want me to tell your competition he's my favorite?"

"Don't tell me Damian Wayne aka Lila's 'boyfriend' has a crush on you," Kim laughed.

"I think it cute. He's such a little guy with a big heart."

"There's no way you said Damian had a big heart. Just the other day he threatened me."

"You probably deserved it Jay."

"You're supposed to be on my side you traitor."

"I'm on your side especially if you're making crepes. So what were you all talking about?"

"We learned some of Jason's backstory," Chloe answered.

"Did he try to fool you with the stealing tired off of Mr. Wayne's car?"

"I'd honestly would be impressed if he did."

"I'd be impressed if it were the Batmobile. Stealing tires off a regular car isn't that impressive," Marinette joked. "I'd even keep one as a souvenir."

"Yeah right. No one is stupid enough to try that. Plus with the design it would be impossible," Nino said.

"I agree the design is impressive, but I don't think it's impossible."

"And how'd you know that?"

"What else did you talk about? There's more if it ended up with you guys arguing about who has the honor of being my best friend again."

"How we met you," Kim replied.

"Aww yes. It all started with me tripping on air and then I ended up with the best group of idiots."

"Would you like to finish that flashback with a crepe Pixie?" I asked.

"Of course. The best way to end a conversation is with food."

"You sure they're not poisonous?" Adrien questioned.

"Sorry. Don't have any poison on me. I'll make sure to bring some next time," I replied handing Marinette her crepe before making my own.

"Why do I feel like you do actually have access to poison?" Nino asked.

"You could probably use the water in Gotham as poison."

"With the runoff of toxin from both Scarecrow and Joker plus pollution, I wouldn't dare going into the water surrounding Gotham," Marinette added.

"Why does anyone live here?" Another question from Alix.

"Paris has to have its downside too. No city is perfect," I said.

"True. Now eat before it gets cold," Marinette instructed causing everyone to get out of their seat. Damn she has too much power.