Adrien.

The christmas season was putting everyone in a good mood, even Gabriel, Adrien's austere father. Last night he surprised everyone by letting Adrien have Nino over, so long as they promised to stay quietly in Adrien's room. It was now morning, and Nino was animatedly telling Adrien what he hoped to get for christmas.

"I overheard mom say something about a pet turtle" Nino said excitedly, "But she'll be mad if she knows I found out. She loves making our christmas presents are a huge surprise." Adrien nodded, but then sighed, thinking of his own mother. How would his christmas be different if she were here? He stared out the window and thought wistfully of a home made christmas dinner... losing himself quickly in thought, Adrien drowned out Nino's voice. Adrien imagined himself with his mother, setting up decorations together, untangling lights, choosing ornaments, and picking out presents for everyone. Adrien's felt a small stab of sorrow in his stomach. What he would give to once again wake up excited on christmas morning. Adrien snapped back to reality as Nino said something about his girlfriend, Alya.

"Dude," Nino was saying now, "Help me out! Which one should I get her?"

"For christmas?" Adrien offered weakly, trying to pretend he had been listening the whole time but failing.

"Yeah, duh for christmas. That's what we were just talking about. So does the first one or second one sound better?" Adrien felt slightly guilty that he had no clue what the 'first one' and 'second one' were, so he just took a chance and said

"Second, dude." Nino seemed satisfied.

"That's what I was thinking too. Maybe I can even get her to give me a kiss…" Nino's whole face was glowing as it always did when he talked about Alya. Adrien thought briefly of Ladybug, and wondered if maybe she'd get him something… How nice would that be… imagine us fist-bumping at the end of an Akuma catch, Adrien thought, then she turns to me, giving me one of those gorgeous smiles, and says… Once again his daydreaming was interrupted by Nino.

"So who all in our class are you getting gifts for?" This was a something Adrien hadn't really thought about.

"Well, I'm not really super close with anyone besides obviously you," Adrien admitted. "Oh yeah, and I'll probably have to get an obligatory gift for Chloe, as well." he added with a sigh. He then thought of Marinette. Maybe it would be nice to get something for her too.. would that be weird? As if reading his mind Nino said

"What about Marinette?" Adrien nodded. "You two have gotten closer lately" Nino said, and Adrien could have sworn he saw Nino wiggle his eyebrows just a little.

"Yes, I suppose we have.." Adrien muttered, with a small inexplicable blush. He thought of the gaming tournament he and Marinette were participating in. The final round would take place just after christmas. He couldn't wait. It was so much fun to be as a team with such a cool friend as Marinette. Yes, he would get her a present. But what to get her? You never knew with girls.

"Bro, I don't know what to get her!" He confided in Nino.

"I know what you mean," Nino replied, "it's like you've got to get her something, but you just wouldn't be able to stand it if it wasn't the perfect thing. But what is the perfect thing? What if the perfect thing isn't what you thought.. dude, I'm so nervous. I sure hope Alya likes my gift."

"Chill bro, I know what you mean, but I'm sure she'll love it" Adrien patted Nino on the shoulder, and the two boys sat in silence for a moment. It was so cute to see how much Nino cared for Alya. Nino was just opening his mouth to speak again when an idea hit Adrien.

"Hey Nino," Adrien looked up at him excitedly, "I've just gotten and idea for a present for Marinette. Will you go buy it with me after school tomorrow?" Nino looked incredibly pleased.

"'Course, bro!" He clapped Adrien on the shoulder. "I'll buy Alya's gift then, too. We can both go shopping for our ladies!" Adrien pulled back. "

"She's not my lady" he said quickly, and almost defensively. My lady? he thought, My only lady is Ladybug. Adrien smiled fondly at the thought of her.

"Naw man, Marinette's just a friend," Adrien finished.

"Whatever dude" Nino whispered under his breath.

Marinette.

Christmas season was always the busiest time at the bakery, and Marinette's parents needed lots of extra help. The past several days they'd been putting Marinette to work almost every day after school. Marinette didn't mind at all, and tried her hardest not to be clumsy and drop things. Some days Alya came over to help out as well, and the two girls giggled away as they mixed batter and arranged trays. As a result of the general good cheer in the air, far fewer people were akumatized over the holiday season. This made Marinette's life much easier, as she didn't have to constantly make up stupid excuses as to why she suddenly needed to leave. Tiki was thoroughly enjoying the holiday season as well, and at the moment sat on the edge of Marinette's open laptop, munching on her third peppermint cookie. Marinette sat back in her chair with a wistful sigh.

"He's so gorgeous, Tiki! I just can't get enough of him!" Tiki peered at the screen displaying photos from Adrien's latest holiday photo shoot.

"Oh Marinette," She squeaked, "don't you see him every day?"

"Not now that school's out for winter break" Marinette replied impatiently. Now it was Tiki's turn to sigh before continuing to munch greedily on her cookie. Marinette's phone buzzed loudly, and Alya's face appeared on the screen. Marinette picked up eagerly.

"What's up?" Marinette said, kicking her feet up so that she spun around in her desk chair. Alya's voice came through excitedly

"Hey girl, when you have some free time we should go Christmas shopping!"

"Yes! Yes!" Marinette exclaimed, She loved Christmas shopping. "Maybe after school tomorrow?"

"My thoughts exactly!" Alya said. She then lowered her voice and said "you should think about what to get get for.. you know.."

"Huh?" Marinette questioned, not catching on.

"Oh you thick head!" Alya cried, "Adrien! Who else would I mean?" Marinette jumped to her feet, startling Tiki so that she dropped her last bit of cookie onto the keyboard of Marinette's laptop.

"You think I should get a present for him?"

"Yes! Obviously!" Alya told her.

"But I'd be so nervous I'd probably mess up and end up giving it to Chloè instead, or something awful.." Marinette trailed off, leaving Alya giggling.

"Oh Marinette, you'll be fine. I'll help you, okay?"

"Okay.." said Marinette, a little shakily. "Well, I'll see you tomorrow then?"

"Yuppie. See ya, Mari, love you."

"Love you, Alya!" Marinette set down her phone and looked at Tiki.

"Tiki! What should I get for Adrien?" Marinette put her hands to her face and began pacing her room. "Oh Tiki, it needs to be perfect!"

"Calm down Marinette," Tiki said in her adorable little voice, "I'm sure you'll find something that's right."