"Sorry babe. I just can't do this anymore. I'm breaking up with you."

Marinette blinked. Did she hear her boyfriend correctly? Or rather now, her ex-boyfriend?

"I'm sorry. Could you repeat that again?" the slight quiver in her voice was noticeable for both parties.

She heard Theo sigh at the end of the phone. "I know you heard me, Marinette. I said I was breaking up with you."

After nearly a year in their relationship and it all ended a week 'till Christmas. Marinette actually thought that their relationship was going quite well. Theo was a bright and talented artist, best known for his sculptures and how lifelike they looked. The ravenette was an artist herself but mostly used her creativity for fashion and other things like that. That being said, whenever they went on dates, they rarely hung out outside. Both at the age of 21 and 23, Theo being the oldest of the pair, neither had stable enough incomes to get out much. On the rare occasion that they would watch a movie, they found it easier to rent one instead of going to the theatre. But she enjoyed all those dates and the time they spent together. So what changed?

"Umm..ok," Marinette said after a while, "Why?"

She really wanted their relationship to work. Her parents and her friends both said that she and Theo were a perfect match. And after a while, she believed it. This has been Marinette's longest relationship by far, and to be honest, she thought that Theo was the one. They never had any full blown out arguments, and they both worked well together, especially when one of them had an art block. So again, what could've changed?

"It wasn't really working anyways, Mari. You and I both knew this would come eventually."

She really hadn't.

"Not really," she voiced her opinion. "I thought our relationship was going great."

There was silence on the other end of the phone. Then came another long sigh.

"I know you kinda expect a lengthy explanation on why it wasn't working."

It was true. He knew her that well.

"Except, I can't give you the answer you are expecting," he paused. "All I can say is that I just...I don't know. I don't really love you anymore. The spark went out a while ago."

That wasn't true. Marinette still loved him. She still felt the spark. Except it couldn't work. He was the one that thought the spark died down.

"I guess I called you to ask if we could still be friends?" Awkward silence filled in the space, other than the tears Marinette felt rolling down her cheeks. She always hated phone call breakups, but maybe it was for the best. Her silent tears couldn't be seen through the screen.

"Y-yeah. That'll be ok," she squeaked out, managing to keep her voice level.

"Great. Uh...I'll see you around," Theo stated.

Marinette couldn't hold her cries any longer and ended the call there. She didn't have the heart to tell him goodbye.

She looked down at her cell phone and her feelings came rushing forward in the form of cries and tears. After a couple of minutes, she did the only thing she could do.

She speed dialed her best friend.

"Could you come over please?" Her voice would've been too wobbly if she spoke out anymore. Marinette knew the answer before she even heard it spoken.

"On my way."

And while she waited, she went to change into her pajamas. Her nightly plans to visit Theo was ruined anyway. Marinette felt better as she slipped on her robe, as she waited for the bell to ring. She could just really use the company right now.

The doorbell rang, and the ravenette reluctantly dragged her slippers on the apartment floor to answer.

"Hey, Mari. I got your message- woah," Adrien paused to look at her. Marinette's hair was out of her usual pigtails, but still messy like she just got out of bed. Her eyes were puffy and red, with traces of leftover tears still on her cheeks. And now, her voice was cracked and dry because of the sobs that echoed through her empty living space.

"I-" she paused as she cried some more. Luckily, Adrien understood.

"I'll get out the extra blankets and set up your favorite Christmas movie ok? I'm trusting you to get out the hot cocoas," he stepped through the front door. The two set to work and eventually found themselves sitting on the couch with the movie A Christmas Prince starting to play.

Marinette set the cocoa mugs onto her small coffee table, as she grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around herself.

Adrien was already seated as he picked up one of the mugs. He lifted up his arm as Marinette sat down and snuggled up beside him, her head resting on his chest. He rested his hand on her arm and rubbed soothing circular motions on her shoulder.

The blonde said nothing as the movie played on, which Marinette was thankful for. She didn't trust herself to speak up just yet.

Halfway through the movie, she stopped paying attention and thought about the day's event. Her online boutique has recently gotten a new sponsor. One that could attract more customers to her little store. She wanted to celebrate with Theo, except he broke up with her. And now she was trying to recover as she watched a movie with her best friend.

Marinette was so thankful to have Adrien is her life. The pair has known each other for basically their whole life. Being next door neighbors and playing together at the age of 3, they spent every free moment with each other. They walked to school every morning and took turns doing homework at the other's house until Adrien moved to a bigger one once they hit their teenage years. From there, his modeling career began as his father Gabriel Agreste started making a name for himself. Moving away didn't stop their friendship though, but things certainly changed.

Together, they have been there when the other was vulnerable and need their best friend the most. Like when Adrien's mom died. They were both sad, but Adrien was affected the most. Emilie was like a second mother to Marinette, but ever since she died, she saw Adrien and Gabriel less often. Mostly Gabriel. The last time she saw him was at Adrien's 18th birthday.

Marinette and Adrien still had sleepovers and such, except the model started getting homeschooled. Thankfully his tutors were more than happy to help her on her own assignments when she came to his house.

Marinette didn't even realize that the movie stopped until Adrien shook her gently. The credits were already rolling.

"Are you going to finish your hot chocolate, or do you want me to heat it up for you?" He spoke up.

"You can have it. I'm not in the mood," her voice sounded a little scratchy.

"If you say so. But I'm sure you're going to want some after I take a sip."

She didn't stop him. After two sips he gave her a weird look and placed down the mug on the tiny table in front of them.

"You're obviously not alright right now," he stated as he pulled her into a hug. He went from a seating position to laying down on the couch. Marinette did the same as she used his chest as a pillow. "We could stay like this if you want. I won't pry if you don't want to talk. Just know that I'm there for you if you need me alright?"

Marinette nodded as she sighed contently.

"T-Theo b-broke up with m-me," she managed to get out. She still sounded like she was on the edge of tears, which she was, but just saying those words with Adrien holding her made her feel slightly better. Slightly.

He raised his head to look up at her, and she twisted around to do the same. Except just looking at him made her want to cry more. And she did. Even though she knew Adrien wouldn't judge her, she felt embarrassed in general. She rested her head again and sobbed.

After some soothing words from Adrien, who was making calm circular motions on her back, she spoke up again.

"He told m-me that he didn't l-love me a-anymore. And I- my heart felt like it got sh-shattered into a thousand tiny p-pieces," she wheezed out.

"Good thing you have good friends to help you glue those pieces back together then," Adrien gave her a small smile.

"Like you," she returned with a tiny smile of her own before her face fell again.

Adrien wasn't going to tell Marinette that he didn't like Theo from the start, but now wasn't the time to bring it up.

"He didn't even do it in person," she sighed.

Adrien didn't answer for a second. "You didn't deserve a phone break up."

"T-that's what I keep telling m-myself." It still hurt to think that he was coward enough to not do it in person.

"Don't worry. Thankfully someone knows how you feel," Adrien stated.

Marinette rolled her eyes, "You haven't dated anyone since you were 19. Three years later and you keep saying that you're not interested in anyone."

"Maybe I'm just waiting for the right person. Waiting for them to love me back before I make a move."

"Theo said he loved me," she remembered again. "Maybe I'm just not lovable enough for him. L-like I wasn't worth his time," Marinette continued.

"You're worth everyone's time and more," he said with a bit of anger in his words. How dare someone hurt this amazing girl he was holding right now? He looked at her again, and spoke softly, "You know I'll always love you, right Mari?"

"I know. I love you too."

Adrien knew that. Except he knew she wouldn't love him, the same way he loved her. As silence filled the space, Adrien knew that he was content with moments like this. If she was happy, then has was too. Their friendship means more to him than anything else in the world. And that's all that mattered.

"Hey, Adrien?" Marinette muttered a little sleepily.

"Yes, Mari?"

"Stay the night, please?"

He glanced down at her semi-sleepy form and smiled, "Of course."

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The next morning the pair decided to eat at a local cafe. They didn't bring up the topic of Theo again. That was in the past. Instead, they spoke about average everyday things. They arrived at the cafe in no time and sat down, until an unexpected person joined them.

"Hey, Adrikins. It's been forever since I last saw you!" Chloé Bourgeois stated as she sat down next to him in their tiny booth. She paused to look at Marinette, "You too Marinette, I guess."

Chloé was the daughter of the old mayor of Paris, but currently, she was working as a model for the Agreste brand. She took an immediate liking to Adrien when they were both doing a shoot together, and they stuck together since. Let's just say Chloé was more happy with their friendship than Adrien. Especially since she insists with flirting and calling Adrien pet names every time she sees him.

One day when Adrien brought Marinette along to a shoot, Chloé was there and threatened the ravenette immediately. That was until she found out they were childhood friends and not in a romantic relationship whatsoever. She was more civil after that incident, but still cold and distant.

"Nice to see you too Chloé," Marinette said sarcastically. "What are you doing here?"

"Not that it's any of your business, but I'm having a party in 4 days. I'm inviting Adrien if he's free. The only reason I'm inviting you is because Adrien's allowed to bring a plus one guest. And he was going to choose to give you that extra ticket from the get-go, so why not just invite you myself?" The blonde stated.

Marinette was surprised, but accepted anyways, "Thanks Chloé. I'll think about it."

The blonde girl nodded before saying a dramatic farewell and kissing Adrien on the cheek before leaving.

"You know she actually likes you right?" Adrien smiled just as a waitress came to take their orders. Afterwards, Marinette gave him her reply.

"Sure. I'll believe that when she stops flirting with you."

After brunch, the two parted ways and said they would meet up later. The ravenette decided that fresh air would do her well, so she took the time to stroll around her childhood neighborhood. She was close to her old high school when she bumped into Theo and another girl who was clinging to his arm. A girl that kissed Theo's cheek after he said something sweet (most likely a funny one-liner that he stole from a cartoon magazine. He always used it on Marinette, but she wasn't all too impressed).

"Hey Theo," Marinette greeted as her ex looked up in surprise. The other girl turned her head to look at the ravenette as well.

"Uh..hey Marinette," he paused to look at her and his new significant other. She had blonde hair tied in two long ponytails behind her back, with light blue eyes.

"Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend, sweetie," she spoke up.

It took Theo a moment to respond. "Aurore this is Marinette Dupain-Cheng. Marinette, meet Aurore Beauréal, my girlfriend."

"It's nice meeting any friend of Theo's," Aurore stated, although her glare told her otherwise. Judging from her expression, the ravenette knew that Theo already told her about their dating history.

"I wasn't expecting to see you so soon," Theo awkwardly stated. So far, going from lovers to friends was working out great.

"Likewise. You don't usually come in this area," Marinette said. She really wanted to get out of here now. She should have ignored Theo when she still had a chance to leave unnoticed.

"We came to check out the cafe around the corner," Aurore answered for him. "It's to celebrate the sculpture he sold off last week."

Marinette frowned internally. A week ago, she and Theo were still dating. He must've moved on longer than she thought. If something like that happened to her, she would've told him. Her mind was made. She really really needed to leave. Now.

"That's nice," the designer turned to face Theo, "It's nice catching up with you, but I really need to go. I'm meeting up with Adrien to discuss details about going to this party on the weekend."

That was a lie. But Theo didn't need to know that.

The sculptor nodded as Aurore gestured for him to move along. "It's was nice seeing you again too. Tell Adrien I said hi, ok?"

She didn't give him an answer and Theo and Aurore were already moving along. Marinette sighed. Now was about a good time to go back to her apartment. She went to the edge of the crosswalk as she waited for the light to turn green. Only to notice an old man trying to make his way across the street...with a red car honking for him to get out of the way. He didn't seem to hear the car's warning as he continued. The ravenette glanced around at the other pedestrians only to notice all of them on their phones. She knew it was the 21st century, but come on people!

Making a quick decision, Marinette went on the street and tugged the old man's arm her way. They both collapsed on the safety of the sidewalk, just in time too. The car sped by on the spot that the stranger used to be. She looked up only to see people still haven't noticed what happened.

"Thank you so much, miss…" the old man trailed off. He was a Chinese man with a red and white Hawaiian shirt and long beige slacks. He had a dark grey jacket and a bright red hat keeping him from the cold.

"Marinette. I'm glad that you're alright," she introduced herself.

"Fu. A pleasure to meet you," he smiled as he reached for his cane.

Marinette beat him to it and picked it up instead, "Allow me, sir."

When Mister Fu regained his balance, he immediately started thanking his hero. "Is there anyway I could make it up to you? I own a message and meditation parlor right down the street. I'm sure joining me for a cup of tea would be nice."

Reluctantly, Marinette agreed. She had nothing to do anyways.

When they got to Mister Fu's shop, the two sat down and chatted over the tea that he made. Turns out Mister Fu was visiting an old friend and was returning home when Marinette rescued him. The old man was very easy to talk to, and Marinette found herself talking to him about Theo. Fu was a therapist after all. When the ravenette expressed her feelings, the old man decided it was a good time to speak up.

"Always look up when things seem down, young one. Sometimes the person you're looking for is right in front of you the whole time."

Marinette nodded as she looked at the old Chinese clock on the wall. It was getting pretty late. "I know, but I would need a holiday miracle to get over Theo before Christmas. Nobody needs my thoughts to bring the mood down," she stood up.

Mister Fu stood as well, and walked her towards the door. "It's almost Christmas anyways my dear. I'm sure the miracle you need is coming sooner than you expected."

Marinette walked out the door before turning around to bid farewell, "Thank you again, Mister Fu."

"Be sure to visit again Marinette," he smiled as he closed the door. With that said, Marinette started her journey home just as snow started to fall from the sky.

When she got to her apartment, the ravenette got to work as she took off her soggy coat and hung it on the coat rack. She paused to look at the bulge in one of her pockets. Marinette reached in and pulled out a hexagonal box with Chinese engravings on top. Did Fu give this to her? Her curiosity got the the best of her as she opened it up. A shiny light appeared causing her to drop the box, as a magical little being formed.

"Hello, Marinette. I'm Tikki, your kwami! " the being spoke as the ravenette yelped in shock and backed away. What was this? The being was a bright red with a black dot of it's forehead. And it was floating...and speaking. Was it a bug? A mouse? A bug-mouse?

"Leave me alone please," the designer piped out.

"It's alright to be scared, Marinette. But I promise I'm here to make all your wishes come true! I'm a wish giver," the bug-mouse explained.

This caused Marinette to calm down just a little. "A w-wish giver?"

"I grant four wishes as long as you have the miraculous," she flew over to the hexagon box from which she came from and pointed to the ladybug themed earrings inside. "As long as you wear these, I'll stay with you until you use up all your wishes."

Marinette took the earrings from the box and examined it. "Is this some sort of Christmas miracle?"

Tikki grinned. "I'm all you'll ever want for Christmas. You were chosen because the guardian thought you were worthy and heard your soul reaching out!"

"Reaching out? For what?" she questioned.

The kwami shrugged. "Beats me. I'm just here to help you achieve your goals."

This really wasn't a dream. The miraculous was technically like a genie in a lamp thing. "I get three whole wished for Christmas?"

"Four actually! Kwamis have extra abilities to grant you an extra wish! Well, as long as you feed me some chocolate chip cookies, that would very much be appreciated."

Marinette complied and went to her kitchen, where she had spare cookies from the other day.

Eventually, she sat down on a kitchen stool and decided to ask more questions. "You get to stay with me all Christmas?"

Tikki swallowed a bite before replying. "Maybe. Like I said, I'm here until you use up all your wishes. Even if it takes a lifetime. However, the moment you do, the next day the miraculous would be gone, and me along with it."

Marinette nodded as she thought about what she wanted. "So...is there any limits to how much I could wish for?"

Tikki shook her head, "There's not a lot. Other than no wishing for more wishes. If something isn't allowed, I would tell you."

The designer only had one wish so far. She didn't want to spend the holidays still stuck on her breakup with Theo. But the only way she could do that is if Theo loved her again…

"Is it okay if I ask for a wish now, Tikki?"

Tikki finished her cookie and wiped her mouth. "I'm all good to go! But be warned that most wishes would take place the day after you make them. It takes a while for the magic to kick in."

Marinette nodded as she put on the ladybug earrings. She thought over her words carefully, "I wish that my ex-boyfriend Theo and I were back together again."

Nothing exciting happened from there. No magic lights or shimmers in the air like it was portrayed in the movies. Maybe it was a subtle magic sort of thing.

"Oh wait!" Tikki shouted as she flew over to sit on Marinette's shoulder. "Don't forget to say the words, spots on at the end of every wish. You have no idea how many chosens have suffered making a wish they didn't mean to make before that.'

The ravenette nodded as she tried again. "I wish that my ex-boyfriend Theo and I were back together again. Tikki, spots on!"

That's when thousands of tiny pink and red magical ladybugs appeared from her earrings and flew around all over the place, phasing through the walls and out of her apartment. Not expecting that to happen, Marinette let out a terrified squeak until Tikki calmed her down saying that it was all part of the magic.

The ravenette nodded as she decided to get ready for bed. Tikki did say it takes a while for the magic to start anyway. She made a tiny bed for her kwami out of a tiny pillow, as she placed it beside her bed. Tikki thanked Marinette as she laid down. This was by far the best thing that has ever happened to her.

"Thank you, Tikki. For everything," Marinette smiled contentedly as she started drifting off to sleep.

"My pleasure Marinette," Tikki replied.

Tomorrow was going to be a new day, and this Christmas miracle was going to change everything.

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Unlike most of December story prompts, this is not a one-shot. Hopefully, I'll be adding on more before Christmas. I'm expecting this to be at least 4 chapters. Thanks for reading!