Shadowed Threads

Chapter Twelve: Trial by Fire

Marinette had learned a long time ago that adapting was the key to survival.

She had adapted to being Ladybug. To fighting battles that no one else could. To losing and winning and standing alone when no one believed her.

But Gotham was a different kind of battlefield.

And the Bat Family?

They were something else entirely.

⸻

Training: Round One

The next morning, Marinette found herself back in the Wayne training room.

She wasn't sure who decided this, but apparently, now that she had gone on a patrol, she was expected to train with the family.

Dick was stretching. Tim was already tapping away on his tablet between sips of coffee. Damian was sharpening a freaking sword, and Jason-

Jason was smirking at her from across the mat like he was planning something.

Marinette sighed. "Let me guess. More sparring?"

Dick grinned. "Come on, newbie. Let's see what you got."

Marinette rolled her shoulders, stepping forward. "You sure you want that?"

Jason laughed. "Oh, I love her confidence."

Dick chuckled and got into position. "Don't go easy on me."

Marinette smirked.

"I wasn't planning to."

⸻

Five minutes later, Dick was on the ground.

Jason let out a loud, obnoxious laugh. "Oh my god, that was amazing."

Dick groaned from where he was sprawled on the mat. "I think I'm in love."

Damian scoffed, arms crossed. "That was disgraceful, Grayson."

Marinette arched an eyebrow. "To be fair, he lasted longer than Jason did."

Jason froze mid-laugh.

Tim actually spit out his coffee.

Dick's eyes lit up. "Wait. You beat Jason?"

Jason scowled. "It was one time."

Marinette grinned. "It was last night."

Tim looked delighted. "Oh, this is fantastic."

Damian muttered something in Arabic that was probably an insult.

Jason grumbled. "Whatever. You're sparring with me next."

Marinette smirked. "Looking forward to it, Hood."

Jason's eyes glinted dangerously.

Yeah. This was going to be fun.

⸻

Later that evening, Marinette found herself in the Wayne Manor living room, curled up on the couch, watching as absolute nonsense unfolded.

Dick and Jason were arguing over what movie to watch.

Damian was meditating, trying to ignore them.

Tim was hacking into something, probably illegal.

Bruce was nowhere to be found (probably on patrol).

And Alfred had given up entirely.

Marinette sighed. "You're all children."

Jason dropped onto the couch beside her. "Welcome to the family, Bug."

Marinette rolled her eyes, but she didn't argue.

Because somehow?

This felt like home.

⸻

Training: Round Two

The next morning, Jason made good on his promise.

"Alright, Bug," he said, rolling his shoulders as they faced off in the training room. "Let's see if last night was a fluke."

Marinette grinned, settling into her stance. "I'll try not to embarrass you too badly."

Jason lunged first.

It didn't end well for him.

⸻

One minute later, Jason was on the mat.

Again.

Dick actually dropped his protein shake. "I love her."

Damian looked offended. "How do you keep losing?"

Jason just groaned.

Tim sighed. "At this point, it's just embarrassing."

Marinette grinned, offering Jason a hand. "Need help?"

Jason took it, pulling himself up.

But instead of letting go, he leaned in slightly, too close, eyes gleaming.

"You're gonna pay for that, Bug," he murmured.

Marinette smirked. "Looking forward to it."

Jason's grin widened.

Yeah.

He was definitely in trouble.