Morning came and all I could think about was my need for coffee along with winning the scholarship. While the coffee was brewing, I printed off the email so I could give it to Mrs. Bustier.
"You know Lila is going to try and take credit for winning this trip right," Chloe said.
"That's why I am printing off the email. It's proof. If she tries to say we worked on it together, then I'd just ask her what the essay says," I responded.
"She'll find a way to make this all about her," Nino added in.
"As long as we know the truth. Plus imagine her getting caught in a lie by Bruce Wayne," Adrien joked.
"Oh, her face would be priceless," Kim laughed.
"She'd still try to lie her way out," Nath reminded them.
"She'll eventually get what's coming to her," Kagami said.
"Come on. We need to get going if we don't want to be late to school," Luka pointed out.
I wanted to get there earlier than we usually do, so I have enough time to talk to Mrs. Bustier. Luckily she doesn't believe all of what Lila says, but she still doesn't do much about it. I understand that once we graduate we have to deal with problems like this on our own, but we're still in high school. Having an adult by our side could really come in handy.
After grabbing my coffee, we walked down into the bakery and said goodbye to my parents. Of course, they had to give us some food to take with us.
"I love your parents," Kim said with his mouth full.
"You say that every morning when you stay at my place," I joked.
We went our different ways from Kagami and Luka since they went to different school than us.
"Good luck with the liar," Kagami said while grabbing Luka's hand turning in the other direction.
"I'm the definition of luck."
I heard Luka scoff at my response. Reasonable.
The gang and I continued our walk to school which was also empty.
"I wish it was always this quiet. There's no fake crying or yelling. It's nice," Chloe said.
"If only," we all replied.
After stopping by our lockers, we quickly went to Mrs. Bustier's room. Today was Nino's turn, but I had a better idea. I see the glances that Chloe and him sneak at each other. Before anyone could sit down, I grabbed Adrien's arm and drug him to sit next to me.
"But it's Nino's turn to sit next to you," Adrien pointed out.
"I know but have you seen the way Chloe and Nino look at each other?" I asked in a quiet voice.
"Nino would tell me if he liked someone."
"Not if he is just figuring it out himself. Plus we need to talk about the heroes in Gotham."
"What about them?"
"I want to learn all I can about them. I'm not trying to find out their identities because that's their secret. I want to know their routes, fighting styles, and the criminals they fight. Gotham is a lot different than Paris. Things don't get repaired with magic. I'm probably worrying over nothing but what if a villain attacks us while we are there? I need to know how long it usually takes for them to get there."
"That's smart but what if we find out their identities while doing this research. I know you don't want to but there's a chance."
"It's just you and me doing this research so it will stay between us."
"Dude, why are you in my seat?" Nino asked stopping the conversation Adrien was having.
"Blame Marinette."
"Don't think I haven't see the way you look at a certain blonde," I whispered to Nino. "I'm just helping you out."
"I don't know what you are talking about," Nino tried denying but the blush on his cheeks said otherwise.
"Sure you don't. Now sit down you lovebird."
After Nino and the rest of the gang sat down, Mrs. Bustier came in. She wasn't surprised to see us in before her since it had become common after Lila made half the class her army.
"Wish me luck," I said getting out of my seat to talk to her.
"You're the definition of luck," Kim mocked my earlier comment.
I walked towards her desk as she was unpacking her bag.
"I have some news for the class," I started. "Not long ago I applied for the Thomas and Martha Wayne Scholarship to win a trip to Gotham for our class along with a full ride to their college if I get accepted."
"You won didn't you?" Mrs. Bustier questioned.
"I did. I also got into their university too. Anyway the trip is for a month and is all paid by Mr. Wayne himself. It's in a month which gives the class time to touch up our their English."
"I'll have to get permission slips made before I announce it."
"Already taken care of." I pulled out a small stack of papers. "Mr. Wayne made it himself. He would like to get them back as soon as possible to make the final preparations."
"The two of you really thought of everything."
"It's a break from the akumas which I know the whole class needs. I just ask that you don't mention my name unless a certain someone tried to take credit. It's very likely."
"I won't say anything but please don't let the whole who gets credit get out of hand. I know it's a lot to ask but not everyone here is as good at controlling their emotions like you and your friends are."
I gave her a nod and walked back to my seat. The bell soon rung and the rest of the class came flooding in. As always they were gathered around Lila who was loudly telling some false story.
"Girl, I can't believe you did that!" Alya exclaimed.
"Your life is so exciting," Rose said in awe.
"Oh thank you, but keep it on the down low. Some people tend to get jealous and can become bullies," Lila lied looking at me.
There was a flood "Of course", "We won't say anything", and even "Jealousy is such an awful thing. I can't believe they'd bully you".
I just rolled me eyes and waited for the announcement.
"Ok class. You need to settle down. I have a very big announcement, but I can't tell you unless you're all in your seats," Mrs. Bustier said as if we were little kids. Everyone quickly hurried to their seats excited for what's to come. "A student in our class applied and won the Thomas and Martha Wayne Scholarship. In one month, we will be taking a trip to Gotham which will last one month."
"Oh, I can't believe I won," Lila said trying to take credit.
"Actually it was Marinette who won this," Mrs. Bustier told the class. If you thought that would help, you'd be wrong.
Lila turned towards me with a quick smirk before covering it with a look of surprise. Can't I have just one peaceful day!?
"I can't believe you took all the credit. We worked on it together. Well it was mostly me doing the work while you just sat there. You replaced my name with yours."
Before her sheep could say something, I replied, "Lila you and I never hangout. We never spend any time together unless we're at school and you're making up lies about me."
"Now you're lying trying to make me seem like the bad guy."
"If you wrote the essays, then please share with the class what the topics were."
"You know I have a bad memory and now you're bullying me for it."
Got to admit she can think of lies fast but she's just digging herself a hole.
"Then how do you remember writing the essays? Could it be that you are lying and trying to take credit?"
"I have selective memory. I only forget certain things. I would never lie about something like this."
"Everyone here knows that Marinette never gets any alone time. One of us is always bugging her so how would she be alone with Lila without one of us knowing?" Nino asked the class.
They were all silent trying to think of a way to make sense of her lies, but came up with the usual response.
"Why would Lila lie?" Alya asked.
"For attention, but it doesn't matter. Mr. Bruce Wayne knows who actually won and all the details I sent in. Just be happy you get to go to Gotham City," I said tired of hearing them.
Before anything else could be said, Mrs. Bustier cut in. "Ok that's enough. Marinette is right. Let's just be excited for the trip. Due to it being in the United States, we will spend part of this class working on our English. Also Mr. Wayne wants you all to have these permission slips signed. If you don't get parents permission then you are unable to go. No one gets out of these English classes."
~So there's a six hour time difference between Paris and Gotham. In that scene it was about eight meaning it's two in Gotham. Time skip of six hours so it's eight in Gotham now and two in Paris~
~Bruce's POV~
I sat at my desk rereading the winning essays. The writing was incredible and went above and beyond from the prompt. Marinette Dupain-Cheng... I couldn't see anyone else winning. Not only did she win the trip, Marinette also got into our university which is difficult to do. Over three quarters of those who entered didn't even get in or apply to the university. I also appreciated her explanation on her class's ability to speak English. It may be a little basic, but Marinette said she would make a plan with her teacher to expand it.
I pulled out my phone and messaged the family group chat. "A winner has been chosen for the scholarship."
Jason: "Let me guess, we'll have to babysit them."
Me: "Correct. It's not too large of a class."
Damian: "Tt. Father, we have better things to do than watch a whole bunch of children."
Me: They are actually older than you."
Damian: "They probably act like children though."
Dick: "Come on Demonspawn. This might turn out to be fun."
Tim: "And you might actually get to act your actual age instead of an old man."
Steph: "How long before they come?"
Me: "The French class will arrive in a month and will be staying the same amount of time. Tim, I'd like you and Barbra to do a deep look on this class. I only skimmed the surface while investigating."
Jason: "The greatest detective didn't even do what he is most known for."
Me: "The essay was enough for me to make the decision. I suggest you all read it as well."
With that, I put my phone down and got to work.
Not my best chapter, but I wanted to put something out. I promise that rather the next chapter or the one after they'll actually be in Gotham. I just didn't want to rush anything. Also the reason that weird/funny nicknames aren't being used is due to this being Bruce's point of view. If it was someone else's then there would have been some.