Monday, December 25

"Oh my gosh, this is that mug I wanted! Thank you, you guys shouldn't have."

Marinette embraced her parents, still on her knees near the Christmas tree. This was the last of all the presents they had been opening all morning. They had planned to go out at the end of the day. Marinette only needed to add a few details to her dress she had made before she could wear it, so she would probably be busy with that all afternoon.

Her parents had moved to their bedroom and shared bathroom, getting ready as well. Marinette had finished her dress after a few hours and got ready too. Her outfit consisted of short-heeled black sandals and her dress (which she had made from her new fabric!). She put her hair in a bun and added light makeup with a few pieces of jewelry.

Adding the last adjustments to her appearance, Marinette was called by her mother from downstairs. "Marinette, a visitor!"

She recognized the tone in her mother's voice all too well, and already assumed who it was. She hollered down her stairs, excited to see him.

"Merry Christmas!" She greeted him with a kiss on the cheek.

Adrien was stunned and stood stock-still, reddening.

"Oh no," Marinette panicked, "is that not okay? I'm so stupid, I should have asked-"

"N-No," he managed to get out. "That's fine, wanted even, it's just…" He eyed her up and down, taking in her appearance another time. "You look great!"

She softly blushed. "Thank you."

"So, I see you are busy? I should have texted you."

"What, no it's okay. What is it?"

Adrien shrugged. "I just wanted to get out of the house. I thought we could spend some time together. I knew you were leaving with your parents, but I thought that would be bit later."

"I've got time," she assured. "I was just getting ready. Of course we can spend some time! Should we stop by Alya and Nino to wish them a Merry Christmas?"

"Nino left yesterday with his family, I video-chatted him already, but sure we can visit Alya."

And so they did. Grabbing her coat, the couple was on their way to their friend. Ringing the door bell, Alya opened the door with an astounded expression when she saw their hands were linked together.

"Merry Christmas," she said to the both of them and pulled them in a hug. "And let me get this out now; are you guys a thing or not?"

They both chuckled and nodded, making Alya beam.

"It was about time!" She said, exasperated.

They lingered with Alya the rest of the afternoon, drinking hot chocolate and eating cookies until Marinette had to go home. Adrien didn't see any reason to not go home himself, so he went on his way as well. Once home, Adrien entered the dining room, standing in front of his family painting.

"Hey, mom," Adrien said softly. "Merry Christmas."

There was an eerie silence in the room. Adrien stared at the painting and sighed before continuing. "Father said that we'll have dinner together, so that'll be fun. I wish you would be there to celebrate with us, but it is what it is." He took another pause to keep his emotions in check. "I also wish you would be here to meet Marinette, I'm sure you would love her. She's very sweet and the most amazing person I've ever met. I think she would like you too."

He stood there for a few minutes, in silence.

"Adrien?" Nathalie cautiously entered the room, already sensing the gray aura.

"I'm fine," he said quickly, wiping his eyes. "What is it?"

"Your father is asking for you. He says he has a present ready," she ended with a smirk.

"A present? Really?" He said excitedly. He looked at the painting before turning back to Nathalie. "I'll be there in a sec." Nathalie nodded and left the room. Adrien stood in front of the painting with a smile and fond sigh. "Again, Merry Christmas, mom."

So sorry it's short but... MERRY CHRISTMAS~~~

What did you guys get? I only got Star Wars and Miraculous stuff so that's a good Christmas for me!

Also, sorry for the angsy stuff at the end but we all know how Adrien gets around the holidays... :)