Nothing filled Marinette Dupain-Cheng with as much peace as sewing did. All of her thoughts and troubles just seemed to disappear immediately as soon as she fully concentrated on the needle in front of her and began to create something entirely new out of nothing but fabric, needle and thread.

But no matter how enjoyable it was to sew by hand, Marinette loved her sewing machine wholeheartedly. Every littlest detail had its own deep meaning to her and held a special place in her heart. Beyond allowing her to create original and unique presents for her loved ones the act of sewing itself put Marinette's mind at ease no matter how rough times might be.

The way the pedal and needle reacted to her every movement, no matter how light it was.
The encouraging slight vibration it sent through her hands.
The bright light the little lamp spread that accompanied her even in the darkest of nights.
The comforting soft buzzing that almost reminded her of a cat purring.

On the spur of the moment she grabbed a green ribbon lying around and tied it around her sewing machine. Giggling she brushed it affectionately before turning back to the smooth black fabric in front of her.

Gently she touched the pedal on the ground with her toes and the machine began to hum instantly, following her demand by seemingly reading her mind.
Yes, Marinette Dupain-Cheng loved her sewing machine wholeheartedly. But even more she loved the people it reminded her of.

Her mother had been the one to show her how to use a sewing machine in the first place and had taught her the basics. In no time Sabine had been out of advices to offer her daughter who excitedly soaked it all in.

Therefore her father gave Marinette her own sewing machine, the one she still used and cherished. Both of her parents had been so proud of her and supported her throughout the whole process of teaching herself more and more, practicing day and night to get even better than she already was. From day one her father had been wise to the fact that it needed the very best to tap his little girl's full potential.

She once tried to teach Alya a thing or two but the attempt went terribly wrong and the messy scratch on the side of her sewing machine as well as the hollow on her ground would always be proof that Alya should never try to sew again. Unbelievable but true, when it came to sewing Alya was way clumsier than Marinette was regarding anything.

It also reminded her of her grand-mère who couldn't believe that Marinette acted more like an old lady than she "would ever do".

Nino had never interacted with her machine itself but each day Marinette arrived at school with a new piece that seemed to be handmade he always showered her with impressed compliments, causing her to blush intensely every single time.

And currently it also reminded her of her partner who surprisingly stopped by one night on patrol while she was working on a new blouse for Alya. Just like Nino he was very fascinated and cheered her on, evoking the thought in Marinette's head that the two of them would make adorable friends.

Anyway her pun-loving friend kept coming by the past few weeks to see what she was currently working on. Hopefully the black jacket with green embroidered paws would cause the delighted reaction she wished for.

Right on time Marinette heard a gentle knock from her skylight above. A thrill of anticipation ran through her body as she stood up and smirked at the boy looking down at her, trying to get a sneak peak on her work she was masterfully shielding with her body. The begging expression appearing on his face made her laugh and she climbed up her short ladder to let Chat Noir in.

He pouted.

"Since when does my princess keep secrets from me?" he asked in the most dramatic tone possible, placing his hand on top of his forehead as if he would swoon any moment.

"Since she's working on a present for her silly dramatic kitty", Marinette answered while rolling her eyes and playfully pushed his tousled head away.
He sat up straight right away, looking at her with sparkling, wide eyes. "For me?"

"You should know that there's no other overly emotional cat in my life. I'm a loyal soul!" Now it was Marinette who crossed her arms and curled her lips.
But instead of arguing with her he carried her off her feet and sheepishly smiled at her.

"I'm glad that's the case" he whispered fondly as she just stared up at him amazedly, slightly blushing. Then she snorted and pushed his head away once again. "You only want to see your present, don't you?"

"Please show me!" he begged, looking at her with his most convincing kitty eyes.

"I haven't even finished it yet-"

"Please, little lady!"

His moue finished her off and she motioned him to get inside. With a joyful smile he jumped down on her bed without letting go of her.

At this rate Chat Noir would be the death of her.