#I was lazy and only had the lineart done for a while so I gave them permission to color it themselves

[wonderful-bellies]

HOO boi I worked hard on this one. A bit of a sequence thanks to the conversations I've had about pred Will with a couple certain nerds. We bave decided Will is without a doubt a very gluttonous pred.

Also! @nightmarevore wrote an amazing lil story to go with this art! It's really hekin good and you should go check it out!

[project-ml]

Project: Jingle Bugs Chapter Five

Project: Jingle Bugs Masterpost (tbp)

Chapter Five

Plot Devised By: @megatraven

Cover Artists: @piikoarts (sketch + lineart) & @oriaerus (color)

Chapter Written By: @ladybugandblackchat

Chapter Beta’d By: @kasumiafkgod, @sarahcada & @miraculousandcute

Chapter Sketched By: @ferisae

Chapter Line Art By: @darktreasureskeeper & @texmexchexmix

Chapter Colored By: @kasumiafkgod, @piikoarts, @chalala-chan & @yonadraws

Other Chapters: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4

Ao3 | G+ | WP | YouTube | Twitter | IG

Adrien yawned and began to stretch out beneath his duvet. If he had been more awake, he might have made a pun at his catlike motion. He felt great, he didn’t often wake up before his alarms and he never felt so well rested. Sitting up and shaking his messy blonde hair, Adrien reached for his phone, bright sunlight creeping through a gap in his curtains and warming his hand as he clasped the small phone. Something wasn’t right; it was normally dark when he got up, especially in winter. Pulling his phone towards him, Adrien unlocked the screen and felt his stomach lurch. It was nearly 10am! He had overslept!

Scrambling out from beneath his covers, Adrien all but threw himself out of bed, if Nathalie found him still asleep now she would kill him! How she had not come by and woken him he did not know. Maybe she had and he had fallen back asleep? He wondered frantically, searching for his purple dressing gown as he shuffled his feet on the cold wooden floor. How was he ever going to shower and get ready without getting into trouble he had no idea, if he wasn’t already in trouble. Finding the soft purple garment, Adrien threw it over his broad shoulders, tied it about him, and made a bee-line for his sock drawer; wooden floors sucked.

Scrambling to put socks on, Adrien froze as he saw not one, but three empty plates, the remains of Camembert clear on the otherwise impeccable surface. “PLAGG!” he exclaimed, turning violently, looking for the Kwami, Adrien spotted him floating down from the upper floor of his room, a piece of half-eaten Camembert in his paw.

“Oh my, you’re finally awake,” Plagg grinned, tossing the piece of cheese into his mouth as he glided lazily before Adrien.

“You let me sleep in!? Damn it Plagg, you know I get in trouble when that happens,” Adrien complained, struggling to pull the second sock on and nearly falling from his chair.

“Uh huh, yeah, I totally didn’t see Nathalie come in, shake her head and leave about three hours ago.”

“What?” Adrien rebutted.

Plagg rolled his eyes, “I followed her, she cleared your schedule, something about not doing work this close to Christmas.”

“Wha… really?” Adrien paused, “You’re not lying, are you?” he added hesitantly, unfamiliar with Nathalie being so… relaxed.

“Of course I’m not lying, I totally left you to sleep in on the random chance you would get into trouble, be even more miserable than you were yesterday and blame me on top.” Plagg shook his head in amusement. “I had to get my own cheese Adrien!” he indicated the three empty plates. “That’s how much I wanted you to have some decent sleep.”

Adrien looked back to the plates, “You snuck around and into the kitchen?”

“Yes,”

“To get cheese, so you wouldn’t have to wake me up?”

“Exactly.” Plagg nodded, settling on top of the sock draw.

Adrien couldn’t help but crack a smile, Plagg was as lazy as any household cat and twice as needy; this really was thoughtful of him. “Thank you Plagg, I hope no one saw you,” he added quickly, “but thank you.”

“Don’t mention it kid, but since you’re awake now…” he nudged one of the plates with his foot.

Adrien gave Plagg a bemused expression, “You’ve had loads, and I have errands to run, so when we get back.”

“But it’s cold outside!” Plagg complained half-heartedly, lying back on the draw as Adrien continued to get ready.

---

Despite Plagg’s best efforts, Adrien’s mood had soured in the last hour or so. He wanted his father home. It was so close to Christmas and the house, while it always felt empty, in his absence felt more akin to a dead world, and Adrien was the only occupant. Shrugging his coat on and inviting Plagg into his inside pocket, the Kwami still muttering something about the cold, Adrien made his way downstairs, but what he saw he could never have predicted.

Nathalie and Gorilla were standing in the foyer. While the majority of their outfits remained businesslike and professional, Gorilla had sprouted a pair of reindeer antlers and Nathalie a pair of elf ears as well as little pieces of tinsel around her wrists. Despite his gloomy mood, Adrien managed a weak smile at the sight, Gorilla, built as he was, would have managed being a Polar bear with far greater ease, but the antlers were oddly endearing. Meanwhile Nathalie was definitely too tall to be a Christmas elf, but the ears softened her normally hard features nonetheless.

Turning to face him, Nathalie gave Adrien a warm smile, “Good morning Adrien, I trust you slept well?” Her words were sincere, and softer than usual.

Adrien nodded, continuing his weak smile, “Yes, thank you Nathalie, I am feeling better already. I was actually wondering,” he added, a little sheepishly, “if I would be okay to run some errands in the city? I need to get some last minute gifts, you know how it is, you always miss one… or two.” He paused, his smile dropping. “Unless you need me here of course?” He internally prayed that they did not, if he had to spend the entire day stuck in this house he would develop a whole new level of cabin fever.

Nathalie didn’t answer straight away, and her hesitation only caused Adrien’s dread to amplify; but then she turned to Gorilla, “I don’t think there is a problem if Adrien continues shopping? Would you be able to attend to that Gorilla, please?”

The giant of a man nodded to Nathalie, “Of course,” as he spoke, he turned to Adrien and smiled, “We can leave as soon as you’re ready Adrien, I will be in the car.” With that, Gorilla turned and departed.

Adrien nodded happily, internally he was screaming, but he knew Nathalie would become concerned at such an outburst. “I will just get my wallet, and, well, thank you, for letting me sleep in.” He thanked awkwardly, running back up the stairs to his room.   

Nathalie grabbed Gorilla before he headed out to the car, she could hear Adrien moving around upstairs, “This is rather fortunate, I had no idea how we were ever going to sneak all of his friends in if he stayed in the house.”

Gorilla smirked as he shrugged on his coat and pulled a pair of rugged leather gloves over his large hands. “Getting Adrien to leave the house is easy Nathalie, getting him to leave without arousing suspicion? Now that is difficult. He is like his father like that. Anything out of place? He notices, no question.” He grabbed his car keys, “Didn’t some of his friends arrive while he was asleep anyway?”

Nathalie nodded, “Yes they did,” her tone was somewhere between that of professional superior and work college. “It was Alya, Nino and Chloé, they came with some supplies, but now I can tell them to get everyone else here. I imagine Adrien will take his time.”

“He always does, plus I can take the scenic routes through Paris, that way I might dodge the traffic and still take a while.”

Nathalie nodded, “Okay, call me if there are any issues.”

---

Adrien leaned back in the car, Plagg was safely tucked into his coat pocket, his sky blue scarf, a gift from his father, was tightly wrapped around his neck, a shield against the bitter cold that dominated Paris today and had done all of December. The city was even covered in a blanket of snow. Nothing out of the movies of course, but enough to add in its own charm.

Of course, while the house lacked any significant Christmas decoration, bar a loosely decorated tree, the car was another matter. This was Gorilla’s domain and his father had given up long ago, trying to make the chauffeur change it. Bits of tinsel adorned the interior and a Christmas tree decoration hung from the rear view mirror. But of course, it wasn’t the decorations that really shifted the atmosphere, it was the music. As soon as Gorilla could get away with it, he would play Christmas tunes on the radio or the CD player if need be, and it was never the same old songs, he dug up every cover, every single track by all of the minor bands and solo artists he could. It was rather entertaining and made a change from the same six Christmas songs he heard in every store in Paris. Yet, even as Adrien leant back and began to watch the dusty white buildings of Paris roll on by, a lyric snapped him out of his brief reprieve.

“All I want for Christmas is you.”

Adrien swallowed, this song, it had to be this song didn’t it. He took a deep breath, memories flooding back to him. She used to love Christmas. It was her favourite time of year in fact, and she was all he wanted for Christmas, his Mother.  

“Adrien, do you want me to change the song?”

Adrien looked away from the window. It was Gorilla who had spoken, he was looking at him via the rear view mirror.

“No thank you, she rather liked this one.”

“Well, it is a classic.” Gorilla smirked, turning the car in a parking space as he spoke. “We’re here Adrien, ‘The Golden Link’ jewellery store.”

Adrien smiled, he had been here just the other day, and fortunately he knew the area very well, especially if he was going to get away from Gorilla; he had someone to meet after all.

All but jumping out of the car, Adrien grinned, “Thank you Gorilla, I won’t be too long hopefully.”

“Take your time; there is no rush at all,” the bodyguard responded, leaning back into the car seat and turning the radio up as Adrien walked towards the jewellery store, its front door just around the corner… and out of Gorilla’s sight. He hoped against hope that Ladybug wouldn’t be busy, he knew she must be, with family and friends, but he really just wanted to be around her, even for a little bit. Walking around the corner away from his bodyguard, and then down a side alley, Adrien waited for an opportune moment to transform; fortunately it didn’t take long, people were more concerned with the icy paths and sales than the side-streets of Paris.   

Leaping as Chat Noir from rooftop to rooftop, the superhero quickly found a suitable rooftop, retracted his baton and called Ladybug via the onscreen display; she answered in seconds.

“My Lady,” Chat all but purred at the sight of her celestial blue eyes.

“Chat, and to what do I owe the pleasure? Something isn’t wrong is it?” her voice peaked in concern.

Chat smiled and shook his head, “Nothing is wrong, Bugaboo, but your absence from me.”

Ladybug groaned and rolled her eyes, “I really walked into that one, so what is actually up, Chat?”

Chat smirked, “I was thinking we could spend some time together, maybe I got you something for the season?”

Ladybug cracked and gave a wide smile, it was warm and endearing, “Oh really? I guess that makes two of us.”

Chat was stunned, “You got me a...” but Ladybug cut him off.

“Where shall we meet, Chat?”

“The roof of the coffee place, on the high street, I am here already,” Chat shrugged innocently.

“Wonderful! I will be there immediately,” Ladybug grinned.

While it wasn’t immediately and more like five minutes, Chat didn’t mind, he had her present in hand, he had snuck it out of the house in his jacket pocket. Of course, the many footprints in the snow that covered the roof gave away the fact Chat had been pacing the entire time in anticipation. “My Lady,” Chat began with a broad grin as Ladybug placed a covered basket at her feet and took a few steps towards him. His sour mood was already gone, washed away in her divine presence.

“It may be a little early,” he continued, suddenly flustered at just how radiant his Lady appeared on this winter day, “but Mer...” he swallowed, “Merry Christmas, Ladybug!” he stuck his hands out, the wrapped present sitting comfortably upon his flattened palms. “You’re my best friend, I had to get you something.” He added quickly, both nervous and overjoyed at the same time.

Ladybug couldn’t help but smile at Chat’s rare awkwardness; he was normally so smooth, a charmer, though she would never admit that to him; his ego would be too much to bear. “Thank you, Chat,” she began, taking the crimson wrapped package into her hands.

“Open it; it isn’t Christmas I know, but please.” Chat smiled, bringing his hands back in.

“Alright, Chat; let’s see what we have here.” She teased, ripping open the packaging, unwilling to hide her own excitement. As the wrapping paper fell away, Ladybug was left staring at a pristine white box; ever so gently she opened it, only to let out a gasp at what she saw. It was a necklace, a beautiful necklace of silver leading to a pendent at its centre. Along the chain hung pieces of darkest onyx and gorgeous rubies, one after the other leading to the pendant which sparkled in the pale light of the day, it was a deep crimson ruby lined in a circle of onyx and then silver again. It was a ladybug necklace!

“Oh Chat!” Ladybug gasped, “This is beyond beautiful!” She closed the distance between them and embraced her partner in a hug. “Thank you, Chat! Thank you,” she whispered the second time as her partner’s arms wrapped around her.

Chat was taken aback by Ladybug’s sudden affection but he did not begrudge it. To hold her so close, to hear her thanks, so full of joy, was more than he could ever wish for. Her embrace washed away his pain, his doubt and of course his stress. Life was short, and while he had his bad days, the days where the sun looked gloomy and the sky dull, he knew people who were radiant, people who were kind and he knew a woman whose delight bathed his world in celestial light. Before he knew it, her arms were around him and the world felt right. He could have remained in that embrace until the world turned cold forever, but of course, nothing lasts forever, and after a moment or two, his Lady backed away and placed the necklace around her neck.

“I really do adore it Chat, thank you so much!” she beamed, “But please, let me return the gesture,” she leant down and retrieved a wrapped package from the top of her basket and passed it to Chat. “It’s just a little something I made, to keep you warm.”

Chat beamed and took the gift in hand, he hadn’t expected Ladybug to get him anything, but he would never and could never refuse such generosity. “Thank you, My Lady,” he replied as he tore the paper from the object. What emerged was a black beanie sewn into the shape of a cat’s face, ears, nose, eyes and of course, the smile. But what made it even better was the word ‘Purrrfect’ written across the bottom of the hat. Chat felt his grin grow wide into a beaming smile, he had never had a gift made for him, and this one was just so… him.

“My Lady has an excellent sense of style.” Chat confessed, pulling the beanie on without a second thought. “What do you think, Ladybug, does it complete my look?”

Ladybug smiled, “Of course, Chat, you look like a dork, a warm dork.”    

“You wound me, my lady,” Chat teased, clutching his heart.

“Oh shush you, you always do recover,” she waved him away, taking as deep breath as she did so. ‘Now, I actually have some more gifts, so to speak,” she turned to her basket and retrieved it as Chat gave her a quizzical look. “I thought we could spend some time together.” As she spoke, Ladybug pulled the blanket cover from the basket to reveal an assortment of fine baked goods, cookies, bread and of course, sweets. “I even brought hot chocolate,” she added, indicating a silver thermos that lay beside the assorted collection of food.

Chat was stunned. His Lady was beyond kind, beyond generous, he couldn’t ask for a better partner. As he stared at the basket and then to his Lady, he could feel tears begin to well in his eyes, now it felt like Christmas, it was the Snow, or even the present that had just come his way, it was the generosity of spirit; the Christmas spirit as people called it. He didn’t see it in his home, he had seen it briefly at the Dupain-Cheng’s a few days ago, but he had been so beside himself he couldn’t truly enjoy it.

“Chat? Are you okay?” Ladybug whispered, concern in her voice, her spare hand was waving slowly in front of Chat in a bid to get his attention.

His Lady’s voice pulled Chat from his reprieve and he turned, his gaze now focused on her. “I am beyond fine my lady, in fact, I am overjoyed,” a wide, joyful smile cracked as he spoke. “I would love to join you.”

“Merry Christmas, Chat,” Ladybug beamed, unrolling the blanket upon the snow covered rooftop.

“Merry Christmas, Bugaboo.”

They sat there for a while, simply satisfied by each other’s company. The food was delicious, on a quality of that he had enjoyed at the Dupain-Cheng’s. Wherever Ladybug shopped, it was certainly of the highest quality. Even the hot chocolate was exquisite, hot, refreshing and delicious all at once. He could have drank gallons of the stuff, but there was something sweet about sharing the last half of a cup between them.

“I cannot believe how much it has snowed lately,” Ladybug remarked, leaning back on the blanket, the cold light glistening off of her new necklace and mingling with her own radiance.

“It is rather unfamiliar, I must admit, but I am not going to begrudge a little chill for the beauty it brings.” Chat jumped in, leaning back besides Ladybug.

“I couldn’t agree more, did you see the children…”

“Making snowmen? I did.” Chat interrupted with a grin.

“Did you see the one’s of you and me?” Ladybug added curiously.

“No! Do tell me about them please.”

“Well with yours,” Ladybug began with a smile, “They added cat ears, and they used an old belt for a tail. For me they found as many black buttons as possible and used them as spots, and then they put this huge red scarf around my neck. Oh and of course they used some of the masks that were on sale from Halloween to complete the look.”

“Bugaboooooooooo!” Chat joked, earning himself a light jab and a smile from Ladybug.

“That is so adorable, it’s nice, you know?” Chat remarked.

“To know that people appreciate us? What we do?” Ladybug voiced.

“I was going to say love, love us, but yeah, you get my point.” Chat sighed, he was at ease, ; the bitter air could not chill his spirits, his stomach was full of delicious food, and his blood was warm in his closest friend’s company.

“Chat, it’s snowing!” Ladybug gasped as snowflakes began to twist and twirl before their eyes. “I thought they said the last of the snow had been and gone already?”

“Clearly Paris has different plans, for Christmas!” Chat declared excitedly, his voice echoing off of the rooftop. Laughter quickly overtook him, “I’ve always wanted to do that, shout from the top of a building,” he added, to answer Ladybug’s bemused expression.

“Kick it off the bucket list then,” Ladybug giggled.

They laid there for a while more, admiring the snow and warmth of each other’s company. But as time ticked on by, Ladybug stood up and dusted snow from her legs, “I would stay Chat, but I do have to be somewhere, you know how it is with this time of year, family, and friends. You have yourself a Merry Christmas, Chat, and we can do this again sometime.”

Chat shot to his feet and embraced Ladybug, his arms wrapping tightly around her. Her words had barely settled in his mind but he knew what they meant, he would have to go home, and while he would never begrudge Ladybug her family time, he did wish she didn’t have to go.

“Merry Christmas Ladybug, and thank you, thank you.” He repeated as they hugged for one last time.

Moments later, she was gone; a red blur in the white blanket of Paris, and Chat was alone, again. The warmth of their time lingered for a while as he sat on the roof, watching the snow fall with an ever increasing pace. He almost didn’t go home. Well, he didn’t want to go home of course, but he knew he had to. If he was late and missing, his Father would burn Paris to the ground looking for him. Kicking the snow with his foot Chat sighed, and reached for the cat beanie that sat upon his head, “Well, at least I know she likes cats,” he mused to himself, leaping from the building and back towards Gorilla.

He was barely through the door home, a small bag of miscellaneous looking gifts he had brought on his way back to Gorilla, to avoid suspicion in hand, when Nathalie all but sprang upon him.

“I require your attention Adrien, in the second lounge, as quickly as you can, please,” She spoke professionally, but he had never known her to spring up on him so fast, or for the second lounge to be where he was required, it was always his Father’s study.

“Is… is everything alright?” he queried, surprised even as Gorilla slipped in through the front door.

Nathalie nodded firmly. “It will be, as soon as you arrive. I will be waiting,” she finished, turning about and departing as briskly as she had arrived.

Suddenly nervous and wishing he had stayed out, Adrien placed the bag of gifts on a chair in the foyer and followed after Nathalie to the second lounge. It was a rarely used room, larger than the regular lounge, and when used, it was normally by his father for larger functions. Why would he be needed here? He had no idea. He reached the closed set of double doors, Nathalie must have gone inside ahead of him. Taking a deep breath, Adrien reached for the handle and began to turn the knob. “Perhaps Plagg had done something?” he mused internally.

“MERRY CHRISTMAS, ADRIEN!”

The chorus of shouts bombarded Adrien as he opened the door; instinctively he took a step back before the scene came into view. His entire class was in the lounge, a great banner hung from the ceiling, the words ‘Merry Christmas’ written in large white text over the crimson background. Nathalie stood beside his friends, a rare, but pretty smile wide across her face, and like the breaking of the dam, he was rushed by his friends.

He couldn’t believe it, even as everyone hugged him and he made his way through the gathered group. They had all come, for him. The entire class had worked to make this happen for him. He could feel himself tearing up at the thought, the love this took to do. It was almost too much, but he didn’t want to dampen the party spirit; even if they would be tears of joy. Swallowing and composing himself Adrien hugged Chloé, who had fought her way through the crowd. “Thank you Chloé, this means so much to me.”

Chloé hugged him back, “Oh Adrikins, are you enjoying the party?”

Adrien nodded, appreciating the fact that Chloé, while initially going in for a peck on the cheek, stopped. “I am, Chloé. Who organised all of this?” he was dying to know just who had done all of this, who would be generous enough to do this, for him.

Chloé smiled, it’s glow actually warm and genuine for once, “Well, I helped, a lot of course…”

“And so did we,” Ayla interrupted appearing from the party’s packed background, Nino in tow carrying what appeared to be several gingerbread men in his hands.

“I was getting to that; you’ve got to let a girl have a little lime light you know.” Chloé joked, mostly. “They are right; of course, we all worked on the party for you, getting decorations.”

“And organising everyone else,” Alya added quickly, grinning broadly.

As the others spoke, Nino hoisted an intact gingerbread man, the remains of one clearly being chewed by the DJ. He swallowed, “And we managed to get the Dupain-Cheng’s to cater, which means we have the best food in Paris!”

Adrien grinned, he was astonished that his friends, even if they did not get along, had worked together to bring him this. “That is amazing! I cannot believe you managed to get the Dupain-Cheng’s to cater.”

“Well, Marinette asked them of course,” Nino jumped in, “To be fair dude, Marinette did most of the work, she is dedicated.”

Alya and Chloé nodded in unison, “Nino’s right,” Chloé added, “Marinette brought up the idea and when we all agreed to do it, she just became, well, rather good at it.” Chloé admitted.

“Marinette did this?” Adrien asked, bewildered but suddenly at ease.

The group nodded in unison.

Beaming at the thought, Adrien hugged Alya and then Nino before turning on his heel and looking for Marinette, it didn’t take him long to spot her. She was on the far end of the room, speaking to Nathalie. Without a second thought, Adrien made his way through the crowd and towards Marinette, a red flush brightening his cheeks.

---

Marinette grinned as she approached Nathalie, “May I speak with you, Nathalie?”

“Of course,” she nodded, turning to face the organiser of the entire party.

“The outfit we discussed, for a certain individual,” Marinette’s eyes darted left and right to ensure the blonde haired boy of her dreams wouldn’t suddenly appear out of nowhere and ruin his own surprise. “Is in his office, ready and waiting.”

Nathalie nodded, “Excellent, you have done more than enough, Marinette, thank you.

Leave the rest to me and Gorilla.” With that, the secretary turned on her heel, the smile she had worn earlier still beaming, and departed, likely in search of Gorilla.

---

Nathalie walked away as Adrien reached Marinette, “Marinette,” he piped in before the miracle worker could wander into the party, “Can I talk to you please?”

Marinette all but jumped at the sound of his voice, and Adrien had to stifle a laugh as she turned to face him, “Yeah.. yes, yes of course!” she smiled, shuffling slightly on the spot.

Adrien smiled, “I wanted to say thank you, I am told you organised all of this, for me, I cannot thank you enough Marinette.” He could feel his cheeks becoming a deeper hue of red as he spoke, why couldn’t he just be funny and make puns outside of costume? He internally complained.

Marinette gulped, Adrien was thanking her, ADRIEN WAS THANKING HER! She could scream, but then, Adrien would probably react poorly to that. But she really could scream, he looked so happy and so… was he blushing? WHY WAS HE BLUSHING!? “Adrien…. How did you know it was me who organized the party?” she tried to sound casual, curious even, although she could feel herself biting her own lip in nervous concern.

“Oh, some little birdies told me,” Adrien shrugged, a grin across his face, he felt oddly warm, happy, it was similar to how he had been around Ladybug earlier today. “You know, Alya, Nino, and well, I know you and Chloé don’t get along, but she said you did a great job.”

Marinette looked over Adrien’s shoulder in a mixture of concern, confusion and astonishment. Yet, sure enough, she saw her friends watching the pair of them from a distance. But, to her horror, not only did Alya wink at her when they made eye contact, but Nino did too! He Knows! Marinette’s eyes widened, Alya told him!

“Marinette, are you okay?” Adrien queried, concerned by his friend’s sudden quiet state.

“Yeah, of course,” Marinette lied, things were beyond perfect! But also awful! Her crush was talking to her, and she hadn’t completely melted… yet; and he was so happy! But, Nino knew! How long could it possibly remain a secret now? Boys were terrible with secrets, and he was Adrien’s best friend! She was screwed.

Adrien stepped forward and hugged Marinette, “Thank you, Marinette. This really…” he tightened his hug, his friend’s arms wrapping around him as he did so, “…Means an awful lot to me. You’re the best!” Before he could think, before he could question what he was doing, Adrien loosened his grip on Marinette, but as he moved away, pecked her neatly on the cheek. “Merry Christmas,” he grinned.

Marinette felt her cheeks combust, or at least, that was what it felt like? Maybe this was what burning felt like? Or maybe this was worse? She didn’t know, but it was bad. ADRIEN HAD KISSED HER! Not kissed kissed her, like she had dreamt about, but kissed, on the cheek, in front of everyone. IN FRONT OF EVERYONE! If her cheeks could gain another darker shade of red, they would have. She didn’t know whether to scream, laugh, cry with joy or kiss him back.  

“Let me go and get you a drink,” Adrien beamed, nodding to Marinette and darting off through the crowd, a spring in his step. He had no idea what he had just done, or really why, but it felt good.

---

Gorilla gently opened the lounge doors and slipped outside into the larger house. He had seen Nathalie leave suddenly and he knew what that meant, Gabriel was here. Grinning, he made his way to the foyer, where, sure enough, Gabriel was just through the front door, Nathalie next to him and speaking quickly.

“As promised sir, everything is safe, and everything is ready, and of course Adrien has no idea. There is just…” she paused for a moment, her eyes locking with Gabriel’s own piercing set for a brief moment. “A slight snag.”

“Snag? I wanted everything perfect, what is the issue?” Gabriel demanded, his sharp tongue uncooled by the winter chill.

“It isn’t so much as an issue Sir, but more of well…”

“A requirement,” Gorilla jumped in, walking right up to the pair of them, his bulk towering over Gabriel.

Gabriel looked at Gorilla for a moment, clearly examining him. “Why are you wearing antlers?” he queried, his eyes darting to Nathalie and noting the elf ears.

“Adrien appreciates the cosmetics. Which is where… that extra requirement comes in. The Dupain-Cheng girl, Marinette, she made you this.” Nathalie explained, reaching for the folded bundle of red and white that sat upon her desk.

“We think it would make for the perfect Christmas party.” Gorilla explained slowly, he was enjoying seeing Gabriel slowly realise just where this was going.

Gabriel sighed.

---

“Anytime, Alix! I am glad you like it.” Adrien grinned, the smile on Alix’s face more than enough reward.

Alix lifted her new skating helmet, “Like? It is bloody awesome, Adrien! And it matches, like, damn! You’re good at this.”

---

As he walked towards Alya, Nino and Marinette, Adrien saw the lounge door open ahead of him, he expected to see Nathalie or maybe one of the Dupain-Cheng’s carting more baked goods. But it wasn’t, it was a tall, thin man with crystal blue eyes that pierced the soul.

“Dad!” Adrien all but exclaimed, he had stopped moving and the party had fallen silent as Gabriel surveyed the room with an expert precision. It was only after a few seconds however that Adrien noticed that his father was not in his usual business attire. He was wearing an outfit, a costume in fact, a costume of Père Noël!

“Adrien,” Gabriel began, his eyes locking onto his son’s own and his voice carrying over the silent room like an unearthly shadow. “I was worried I left you alone for too long on Christmas,” a smile cracked his lips, “but I see now that your friends have got it covered.”

Adrien sprinted for his father, the party goers somehow giving way quickly enough to let him pass. He all but tackled Gabriel and hugged him tightly. “This is the best gift ever!” he couldn’t believe it, even as tears rolled down his cheek. His father had come home; he had come home for him.

Gabriel smiled. It transformed his face from a cold and calculating visage to one of warmth and one would almost say joy, “Merry Christmas, Son, I have something for you.” As he spoke, Gabriel passed a red box to Adrien, a silver bow tied around it.

Adrien tore the paper from the box and lifted the lift. What lay beneath was a delicate golden chain with a locket at its base. “But this is…” Adrien began, taking a half step back.

“Mother’s, yes, but it used to belong to her grandfather.” Gabriel took a deep breath, “She always wanted to give it to you, so I am now.”

Adrien could feel tears streaming down his cheek. He missed her, so much, but as he looked at the familiar golden locket, Adrien felt a smile form. She had loved this necklace, adored it and worn it everywhere.

“Open it,” Gabriel all but whispered.

Adrien opened the locket without hesitation, on the inside panel of the locket was a picture of his mother from when she was only a few years older than he was. But the panel on the right held a different picture, it was of a family, of a tall man with piercing eyes and a wife whose beauty rivalled anything her husband could produce; and in her arms lay a child with strands of what one would presume were blonde hair.

“It is us on our first Christmas, our first Christmas as a family.” Gabriel whispered, placing a hand onto Adrien’s shoulder. “Merry Christmas, son.”

Adrien wiped the tears from his cheeks and hugged his father. He was overwhelmed, overjoyed and also so melancholic. But this was more than he could ever have dared dream for; His father, his friends and his mother, as close as she could be, “Merry Christmas, Dad.”

Gabriel nodded and hugged his son before looking to the still silent lounge. “Well, isn’t this supposed to be a party? Play some music already,” he barked, a glint of joy in his eyes.