She booted up the console, eager to play with a friend. As they sat down on the sofa, she handed her the black joystick. And after Marinette explained the basics of the game, he didn’t interrupt or mention that he already knew how to play. He smiles, looking at her instead of the console.
”hmm, is there something on my face?” She felt conscious.

”No, nothing, I just got distracted, sorry.” He remarks. As he focused on fiddling with the joystick and they began the game. As they battled, minutes went by; he was psyched up, his years of playing had immersed him and given him a tactical advantage, but unsurprisingly, Marinette took the lead. The chaotic way in which she was improvising during the game had rendered his advantage completely useless and reduced it to nothing. She is at a professional level despite having only played the game for a week. However, he is a Robin and his ingrained competitiveness wouldn’t allow him to back down.

“So what brings you to Paris, Damian? can I call you that?” She asked, her face stern concentration on the console, as she fiddle away, not giving him any advantage.

“Yes you can call me Damian, Dupain-Cheng.” he continues.

“I’m with my grandfather on a sightseeing tour for the arts as an extracurricular activity. My father wants me to experience the world, not just the classroom, and to immerse myself in other cultures.”

“That's cool, you had experienced the world from such a young age to boot? So how about your school studies?”

“Currently, I am being homeschooled due to the completion of my high school level academic requirements through online university courses.” Fabricate a believable story to conceal the fact that he has been resurrected. having no apparent education records, just a dead boy with the same name.

“That’s awesome!” And her face looks at him and continues. A nervous tic in her voice.
” I'm attending College Dupont next week. Frankly, I’m actually quite scared. My first year wasn’t a breeze either. Wow, I’m really sorry for just randomly telling you all this. My bad.”

“It’s okay, I get that feeling too, that dread of school starting up again as summer ends.”

“ If I may not be presumptuous, we can hang out more before your school and after, maybe? Since I’ve been on sabbatical for six months, I’d like to learn more about this place from a local.”

”Eh, really, I would love for Damian to be your local guide; that's awesome. Thank you! I’m sorry I’m just a mess, and I’m not good at people, and ….” She looks gloomy. “I had an unpleasant reputation here… maybe you can ask someone else….” her word fizzled.

She's spiraling, isn’t she. He would not let it pass;

He knew from the manga that Marinette’s self-esteem was low, and she needed a confidence boost. He can give it to her.

“You’ll do just fine; I’m not great with people either. My family says I’m a menace. My grandfather always told me I need to socialize more, and I’d love to meet you more and become your friend.”

A blush crept onto his cheeks as he confessed his desire for friendship. He was a prickly person; he considered only a few to be friends: Maya, Jon, Maps, and his cousin Mara. Offering a friendship, especially for her, is nerve-wracking.

”A friend? really? Are you sure? You know I had zero friends, and you, you can be my friend if you wanted to.” Her cheeks flushed, averting her gaze to him.

“Absolutely! I.. would want to be your friend.” he adds.

“ As someone new to the area and naturally reserved, I’m truly glad to have you as a friend; he really meant it when he said he was glad to be her friend. Having read the manga for five years, he developed a deep bond with her and Adrien as a dedicated fan.

They continue their match, with Marinette initially taking the lead, but the boy wonder changes his tactics to bait her into complacency, ultimately winning a few rounds.

As the hours went by, he realized they needed to reach their accommodations.

”My Grandfater and I had booked my place in Paris Grand Hotel, I would love to came back here and play with you, but our time today is limited. Heres my phone number.” As he handed her a sleek, black card featuring the Kanes logo. He felt his plans were advancing without issues.

”Thank you Damian See you later!” Her smile was dazzling, and her eyes twinkled with more life than before. If he’s capable of being a dedicated fan, he’s capable of being a loyal ally. He smiled when they parted ways.

------------------------------------------------
Still reeling from their earlier interaction, Damian had met Marinette—actually met her. They had spoken in person, not through manga drawings or an animated movie. This was real, and even the sound of her voice made his cheeks flush again.

Alfred coughs, interrupting his train of thought.

“An impressive move, Master Damian; the apple does not fall far from the tree. It would seem the mission you mentioned concerns Miss Marinette, a delightful young girl.”

“Alfred, that was not it looks like Marinette is a friend. And I won’t have you speak to me like my father when he’s acting foolish.”

As they proceeded through the Grand Hotel’s hallway, Alfred was silent and stared ahead.

However, just before they managed to navigate around a corner, they noticed a tall figure with long hair at the back with a woman in his arms, and while they were talking silently, they would not have minded if it wasn’t for the familiar blue eyes, chiseled jaw, and curly dark hair they recognized.

Dick Grayson, seeing Alfred, stopped short, shock widening his eyes, his mouth agape as the girl in his arms stirred, her brow furrowed in confusion. Alfred greeted him, but Damian bolted to their room, the click of the lock echoing as he gasped for air. Why is he here? Dick Grayson

He was under the impression that he was in an undercover operation, but why Paris of all places?