"Just one more kiss, Bugaboo?" Cat asks, as we sit under the mistletoe. I tap his nose and giggle. "Kitty, I told you. I have to take out the gingerbread cookies."
Cat's eyes follow me as I head over to the oven in my small apartment. Along with the cookies, I take out the salmon and small potatoes were having for dinner.
A small sound comes from the living room, maybe a rustling or a bell tinkering sound? I quickly set the pans on the stove to cool, then walk into the living room to investigate.
Cat is now over by the Christmas tree, holding a small box to hear as he shakes it gently. I clear my throat softly. "M'lady!" he stammers, and blushes about as red as my suit. "If you shake it to hard it will break," I tell him, gently. "How about we eat then decorate the gingerbread cookies?"
My Kitty sighs and sets down the box. I know how he feels. Waiting is hard, especially for a curious cat. Cat compliments me on the salmon and the potatoes, and now its my turn to blush. I love being able to cook meals for him, making him happy.
It doesn't happen as often now, but I remember waking during the night sometimes and hearing Cat's stomach growling. I send a silent thank you to my parents who are bakers, who taught her fashion loving daughter.
"Has the sink being acting okay?" Cat asks me. Our sink is unpredictable. It will be working fine one day, and then it will stop up, sounding like it has a cold.
I take a bite of potato. "I actually found a good trick to use," I say. We get up for a moment, walking over to the faucet. "Watch carefully," I say. Normally, when you turn on the sink, you have to wait a minute for the water to come out. I jiggle the handle five times and the water comes out in the steady stream. "Neat trick, Bugaboo," Cat says, as we head back to the table.
"Isn't living with me a joy?" I ask. "Every day is a new adventure," he says. That's a good way to put it. New things are happening constantly in our lives, and you can neither grumble or enjoy the ride.
Do I like it when my sink works? Yes. But even when it doesn't, I find a solution to the problem, and there's almost always giggling.
"You should wear the reindeer antlers to the next akuma fight," I say, nudging him. "You can see how many people recognize you. You and your striped sweater," I say, looking down at it.
I made it in Christmas colors with a striped pattern. It may be warm and cozy, but, ugh. I could have done better.
"Its a ugly sweater for a reason, M'lady. And your wearing a shirt that says, ho ho." "Hey, just because I'm the serious one, doesn't mean I can't have fun."
Cat smears a handful of soapy bubbles across my face. "Cat!" "What? It completes the look," he says, grinning. I wipe off the bubbles. "You'd better be good before Christmas, Kitty." "Not a chance," he snorts.
Is fun decorating gingerbread cookies, too. Cat puts chocolate chips on his for eyes. He's focusing so hard I decide to have some fun. I lightly tug his tail causing him to jump slightly, making the eyes one of the cookies look cross-eyed.
I stand there laughing, my blue eyes bright and sparkling, as I catch a glance of myself in the mirror. Cat puts his hands on my shoulders. He looks serious, but his green eyes and sparkling with mirth.
"M'lady?" He asks. "Yes?" I say, trying to act innocent. "Did you did that on purpose?" I snuggle against him. "Would a kiss make up for it?" "Only if its under the mistletoe."
Cat's lips are warm and sweet, he must have sampled the powdered sugar. I hug my Kitty tightly. He's the best friend this Ladybug could ask for. I give little kisses up his cheek to his ear.
"I think we can call it even," he says, holding my hands. I stand there, knowing what's coming. "Just let me open one present?" There it is. "No." Before he can pout, I suggest we put on the fireplace. Really, its just a video on my computer but it is still cozy.
We turn off all the lights, and its just the fire, the Christmas lights on the tree, and us snuggled up on the couch.
I snuggle into Cat's chest, stroking his blond hair. "If you wake up during the night, don't go over to the tree," I tell him. "yes, M'lady."
"What do you want me to make for Christmas breakfast?" I ask. Cat has to think about this, because he swishes his tail when he thinks hard about something.
"Pancakes. With strawberries?" he asks. "I think I can manage. " I look at the tree, glowing luminously. It makes me feel sleepy.
That night, Cat tucks me in bed, and I'm almost asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow. It reminds me of the poem "No one was stirring, not even a mouse." I haven't been MultiMouse for awhile, but I always think of her when I read that poem.
Cat's already asleep, and he places his hand over my waist gently. With a butterfly's brush, I trace my hand through his hair and touch his lips. "Santa will be here before you know it, Kitty."
He may be naughty, but I love his humor. He's right. I'm the tart and sassy one, and he is the fun-loving and sweet one.
Everyday is like a gift when I'm with Cat, so I've already gotten my Christmas wish. He smiles in his sleep, and purrs gently. I smile lovingly at him.
It will be fun to spend Christmas with him as Ladybug and Marinette. As I drift off to sleep, I think that this year I want happy memories more then presents. But above all, I want Cat to feel my love and be happy.