Marinette did spoil Catnoir with lots of affection and he left her house very early in the morning. Since it was Christmas morning, Nathalie would definitely come looking for him.
And no matter how much he wanted to continue staying with her, he had to go.
On the other hand, Marinette felt better again. After spending the time with him again, how could she not? And the whole day she was just bursting with the euphoria of seeing him again. He would finally see her in her dress. Excited was too little a word.
What Marinette however did not expect was for Adrien to walk through the front door of the bakery so early. Sure he said he was going to come but she really didn't think his father or Nathalie would let him leave and so early even.
He had her scarf around his neck, a gift bag in his arms and a radiant smile on his lips as he walked in. That beautiful smile widened when he caught sight of Marinette behind the counter.
"Oh wow, Adrien, you're here." Sabine seemed just as surprised as Marinette. Adrien walked further in, "Good morning, Mrs. Dupain-Cheng. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, dear." She offered him a loving smile as she continued mixing the batter on the work table.
Just then Tom walked in, his usual apron around his waist. Like the rest of them, he was surprised to see Adrien. "What a surprise, Adrien!"
"I hope I'm not bothering, Marinette said I could come by today. I hope it's not too much trouble." He let his gaze shift to Marinette and the bluenette nearly squealed under his intense stare.
"What? No, of course not. And you're just in time for Christmas breakfast!" If anything, Tom seemed excited to see him, to which Adrien was relieved.
His eyes lit up, "Thank you."
"Marinette, don't be rude now, go on and welcome your friend." Sabine gently nudged her. Marinette groaned at her mother's statement. Of course, how could she forget the teasing?
"You both are free to go up to her room." She continued, flashing another teasing smile at her. Marinette pursed her lips, it was like they just sat around planning multiple ways to embarrass her.
"But don't forget to leave the door open." Tom added and Marinette's eyes widened, "Papa!" She whined and her parents chuckled.
Adrien watched them with a smile. There has never been that much homeliness and warmth in his house for ages. And he felt all fuzzy watching them.
"C'mon Adrien..." Marinette muttered as she gestured him to follow her out, shaking him out of his world. He smiled at her parents before following her up the stairs.
Then he realized, he was going to Marinette's room. He was going to be alone with her. His skin flushed. Not like they hadn't been together alone when he was transformed, but it was different. He couldn't get close to her as much as he'd liked to.
"Sorry about my parents. I swear they've devoted themselves to try to embarrass me." Marinette's voice suddenly brought him back down to earth.
"It's okay, It's not all bad." He muttered, his tone shifting a bit. It would be a lie to say he didn't want that. Attention from his dad. Honestly, Gabriel couldn't care less if he didn't see him for days.
Marinette could easily see she'd hit a spot. That the smile on his face was forced, his mum was not around and his father's presence barely counted. She didn't want to dwell anymore on the topic so she tried to divert.
"I didn't think you'd really come today." She admitted, smiling bashfully.
He waved it off carefully omitting how hard it was to convince Nathalie, "It took a lot of convincing though, I wouldn't have missed the offer for anything." Her heart fluttered when he smiled sweetly at her.
She stared at him a moment longer before turning away. She reached upward to open the hatch leading to her room. But just as she opened it, she nearly fell at the sight of the kwamis zipping around freely. She could've sworn she told them not to leave the box. She quickly slammed the hatch closed hoping and praying Adrien did not see anything. He couldn't have anyway, since he was completely out of view.
"Is something wrong?" Adrien asked concerned when she slammed the door hard.
Completely doused in utter discomposure, she made awkward hand gestures combing her brain wildly for an excuse. "Umm...the hatch is uh...faulty." She banged on it awkwardly, hoping those little cosmical beings she babysat would get the memo. "I hope when I get in there, my little toys. Should. Be. In. Their. Box." She deadpanned with each hit. "Not flying around." She snarled.
"Flying?" Adrien asked, completely confused.
She laughed nervously, "No, I mean...littering." Figuring it was enough stalling, she finally opened the hatch and climbed in, Adrien following in after.
"That's a relief." She breathed as there was not a single kwami in sight. Well...not exactly. She frowned seeing Mullo and Ziggy peeking from the corner of her sewing machine.
Adrien looked around as he walked in. It was exactly the same as when he left her earlier that morning. He didn't even know why he expected to see something different, he chuckled internally.
Well there was a teensy difference. He caught a hint of black in the corner of his eye before looking over to see a dress splayed out on her chaise. He quickly recognized the fabric from the underside of the dress. It was the dress she had been making.
He needed a full view, his eyes lit up. But just as he was close enough to see the dress, Marinette stood in front of him, blocking out of his view. She squeaked nervously, "You...you shouldn't look at that."
His face dropped. He didn't expect her to refuse him. "You don't want me seeing it?"
She figured he was getting her wrong for a moment so she nodded on negation, "No, no, not that. It's just..." She looked away, her cheeks flushing, "There's someone special that needs to see it first."
Adrien watched her with wide eyes as a blush crept on her cheeks. She was talking about him. Well... his alter ego. But same thing!
Her eyes darted up to him when he placed his hand on her shoulder, "It's okay, I get it." He smiled softly.
Choking back a squeak, she smiled back. She subtly folded the dress away keeping it out of his sight. While she hanged up the dress, she looked at him as he stared at her computer screen. He was probably looking at her new wallpaper. Then she had the greatest idea.
"Game?" She walked back to him with her consul and was delighted to see him smile back.
"So what are your plans for university, Adrien?" Sabine asked casually as they finally sat for breakfast, more like midday meal but same thing.
He wanted to reply but it came out muffled as his mouth was full. They chuckled but Marinette was too busy fawning on how adorable he was with his mouth full.
That was until he started coughing. Almost instantly, she was by his side with a glass of water and trying to soothe him. "Thank you." He smiled at her after calming down.
Tom and Sabine almost melted at the sight of the two. They were extremely cute as they stared at the other, both blushing. They were obviously made for each other and they couldn't even see it.
Reluctant to spoil the moment, Tom still had to. He cleared his throat leaving two embarrassed teens in an awkward situation. Marinette moved back to her seat, her skin crawling. She knew she still had feelings for him despite everything with Catnoir. Even worse, she had no idea how to control them.
The rest of the breakfast flowed easily as Tom and Sabine ensured to keep the chatter. Adrien felt so warm, his chest nearly bursting with emotion. Even better, he was right next to Marinette. Every glance at her made his heart beat even faster.
Like she promised, she'd given him the best Christmas in years. Something he thought he would never again get once his mother passed away. Marinette was the most precious Christmas gift.
"It's tradition. And since you're with us, you simply have to join us." Tom insisted as he made Adrien sit on the couch.
It was time to exchange gifts. Though Adrien was hesitant to join, they insisted. Thankfully, he came prepared. There was no way he wouldn't have brought gifts for them.
Adrien watched Marinette's expression as she unwrapped the large gift box her parents had just given her. She looked curious for a while but then her eyes lit up and she beaned as she finally realized it's content.
"We know how much you've been complaining about your old sewing machine so since we saved enough, we thought we'd get you a new one." Sabine explained and Tom concurred. Marinette squealed, nearly jumping on her parents. " Merry Christmas, sweety." Tom gave her a big tight hug before sitting down.
Next Marinette gave her parents her gifts, as usual, courtesy her handiwork. Then she walked to Adrien with a wrapped gift. "Um...for you..." She smiled.
Of course, when he thought he would not be able to love her anymore, she kept proving him wrong. She always gave him a Christmas present every year, gosh she had to be the most amazing person on the planet. "Thank you." He smiled warmly as he took it out of her hands, making sure to brush his hand against her.
He immediately recognized the beanie from the other day at the markets. He could also see that she'd embroided more patterns and a few hearts on it. His heart swelled, "Wow... Marinette...thank you." He kept it close and she blushed.
"Awww..." Tom cooed unable to help himself.
Adrien reached into his gift bag to bring out two branded matching scarfs. And then he offered them to Marinette's parents. "Oh dear, you didn't have to." Sabine was touched seeing they looked expensive. "I couldn't not." He chuckled, "Merry Christmas."
And then finally he turned to Marinette and stood so he could be closer to her, he smiled softly and pulled out the last item in the bag handing it to her. "Merry Christmas."
Her eyes went wide as she took it from his hands. Customized Gabriel silk. She never even dreamed she'd get to touch one of those. Not only were they extremely expensive but they were impossible to get just anywhere.
Not getting any response for a while, Adrien started to worry.
"I...I ca...Adrien...this is too much...I can't...I can't take this." She could barely form words as she was taken away by the gesture. Seeing as the gift fulfilled it's purpose, he smiled. " I insist. Father has plenty and I know how much you've wanted to have one."
"Adri-"
"No arguments. It's my gift to you." He stepped closer. She finally relaxed and smiled, her eyes glossy, "Thank you." "C'mon, we have to take pictures." Tom cheerily swiped out his phone.
Though reluctant, they insisted that it was fine for Adrien to join in. They had turns taking the snaps since they couldn't all be in it.
There was one with Marinette and her parents, then Adrien and her parents, then Marinette and Adrien with each of her parents separately.
When Tom took a final shot, he gestured to Sabine who nodded subtly. "Okay, now just you two." Marinette narrowed her eyes at her dad when he said that. "C'mon get closer." Sabine gestured them to move closer.
Tom took a single picture then grinned, "Could you both scoot back a bit?" Hesitantly Marinette moved and Adrien followed. "Aha perfect." His smile widened as he took the picture.
"Oh would you look at that?" Tom feigned surprise and pointed above them, "What a coincidence!"
Almost immediately, both teens immediately looked up to see the thing in question. Marinette nearly lost her footing seeing the mistletoe above their heads. Adrien instantly exploded red.
"Papa!" Marinette whined but her parents merely chuckled.
"C'mon dear, let's give them some privacy." Sabine waved Tom to follow her out and he readily did. "Take your time!" Tom cooed as he left the sitting room leaving the two flustered teens.
Marinette wanted the ground to open up and swallow her. Seriously did they just sit around and discuss new methods to embarrass her.
"Adrien, I'm so sorry. My parents are always over the top. You don't have to feel...uh... obligated to do an.. anything." Her eyes roamed everywhere but on him, her cheeks flaming.
Adrien suddenly panicked, this could be his only chance to get to kiss her. To show her how he felt. To show her just how much he loved her. It was a perfect idea, he couldn't let her blow it off.
"I don't mind." He muttered.
"I kn-...Wait...What‽" She nearly choked and hoped she'd heard him wrong. But then her heart stopped when he repeated it, "I don't mind." He said casually trying to hide the wreak of emotions he felt in his head.
Turning completely to face her, he placed his hands on her shoulders, "If it's okay with you, then I don't mind." He tried to reassure her again as she stared at him shocked.
Marinette blinked in disbelief. She's wanted this for so long that she could vaguely believe it was real. "You would kiss me?" The words even felt foreign coming from her.
Adrien wanted to yell yes, of course, he'd been dying to kiss her. But he didn't want to scare her away so he only nodded repeating the infamous line, "I don't mind."
Marinette wanted to speak, say a line of approval or refusal but she was too confused to say any. Even worse, she couldn't think when Adrien stepped closer. He slowly trailed his hands from her shoulders to cup her cheeks and her legs felt like jelly.
He lifted her chin to meet his gaze and she took a moment to stare into his eyes, those very mesmerizing green eyes. For a moment she wanted to lean in then she stopped herself when she realized something was wrong. She stepped back from him and Adrien felt his chest ache as his hands fell back to his sides.
"I...I'm sorry...I can't." She looked away vaguely believing she's just turned down kissing who was meant to be the love of her life. Gosh she missed when things were simple, now her feelings were just mashed up.
Adrien tried to hide his hurt with a weak smile. He nodded, "It's okay."
Adrien left her house by evening when the bodyguard had come to pick him up. He was sad but still happy. He would get to see her again real soon.
What Adrien did not expect however was for Marinette to throw her arms around him and wrap him in a tight hug right before he left. He could've sworn he woulda melted into a puddle. His cheek were flushed when she pulled away, "I hope you enjoy the rest of the holiday." She smiled sweetly at him.
How could he not? As long as she was around, he would never again feel empty. Marinette immediately climbed into her room when Adrien was gone. She needed to prepare everything before Catnoir came.
She brought out his wrapped gift and places it on the desk and then went fir the dress. Tikki was kind enough to help her pull up the zipper once she slipped it on.
She stepped in front of the mirror and turned around just to double check if it was okay as self doubt started crawling in. "It's perfect." Tikki assured her along with a few words of encouragement from the other kwamis.
"One more thing." She immediately remembered.
"What's that?"
Running her hand through her pigtails, she took out the bands do her hair fell over her shoulders. "He liked my hair down." She whispered more to herself.
She stared at her reflection deep in thought for a moment. That was until she heard the thump from the hatch above. Immediately she guided the kwamis into the box and warned them to stay put.
She took a long deep breath before speaking, "Come in, it's unlocked."
Catnoir opened the hatch and slid in, easily landing on all fours on her bed, ruffling the sheets. His eyes automatically scanned the room when he didn't see her on the bed.
He stopped breathing when he saw her standing right there with the most gorgeous dress in the world, her hair splayed over her shoulders. He immediately climbed down and he was at her side in a blink.
Marinette blushed under Catnoir's intense stare, his mouth slightly open in awe. For the next few moments, he didn't speak, scratch that, he couldn't speak.
She twirled her hair in her finger and lowered her gaze, blushing fiercely. She could've sworn if he kept staring at her that way, she'd have melted into nothing but a puddle. "Hi.." She whispered.
It took every single fibre to hold back from pulling her into a kiss right then. How on earth could she be so...
"Gorgeous..." He muttered under his breath.
If it were any possible, her cheeks darkened even more when she heard it. She looked up at him, "You think?"
She nearly stopped breathing when he stepped closer to her, his hands moving to cup both sides of her face. "You look so beautiful." He murmured leaning even further as he got entranced in her blue orbs. Her scent filling his nose, clouding his senses till all he could think was Marinette.
And to think, he was so oblivious for so long. But now he knew, he was sure he would stop at nothing to make sure he had her. He needed to give her all the love in the world.
"So so beautiful." He muttered and leaned down further to rest his forehead against hers. He so badly wanted to close the gap between them, he needed to taste those beautiful lips. But he didn't want to do something she didn't want. He didn't want to force it on her. So he just took a moment to enjoy the warmth of her body.
"Can you dance?" The moment was interrupted when she asked suddenly. He leaned back to look at her confused for a second. "I mean, will you dance with me?" She stepped away from him and walked to her computer. She pressed a few buttons and a soft music started playing out the speakers. She was sure to keep it low but loud enough for them to hear.
Catching her drift, he smiled and nodded eagerly. She smiled back when he walked closer to her yet again.
What she didn't expect was for him to go down on one knee. He pulled out the rose flower tucked in his belt behind and offered it to her, "May I have this dance?"
Her heart painfully ached in her chest at the gesture, her blush spreading down to her neck as she stared at the pink rose. She stared at him for what seemed like an eternity before she broke into the sweetest smile, "Yes." She took the rose from him.
The moment he stood up, he wrapped his hands around her waist pulling her into him. She was breathless when she reciprocated, wrapping her hand around his neck.
They began moving slowly to the music, following the pattern as they swayed. He couldn't vaguely remember at what point but they got so unbelievably close. So much so that she was pressed up to him. He leaned down and buried his face into her neck. He needed her scent like he needed to breathe.
They spent a while pressed up to the other for as long as the song went. Then she leaned back for a moment to stare at him. She tilted her head back, tingles travelling her spine merely under his intense gaze.
Caught up in the green of his eyes, she leaned towards him. He leaned down almost immediately. The look in her eyes were driving him to insanity. How could he resist her if she stared at him like that?
One of his hands trailed from her waist to the side of her face. She leaned into his hand.
Unable to stop himself again, he leaned in all the way to close the gap. But then he stopped when the music stopped. Restraint coming back to him. He leaned back completely missing the disappointed look on her face.
"I..uh...have something for you." She shook off the feeling and moved to pick the wrapped gift from the table. "Merry Christmas." She smiled and handed it to him.
Smiling back, he took it from her. Curious for a second, he felt the object inside. She giggled, "Just open it."
Almost instantly, he began to open the wrap.
The sweater was neatly folded when he was done unwrapping it. As he opened it up, a card fell out. He picked it up immediately reading it's contents.
The last few days with you have been amazing. I wish you have a purrfect Christmas.
He already had that. He had the most amazing Christmas with her. He completely opened up the sweater. It had a beautiful layer of black and green carefully patterned. The words, 'You are pawesome.' embroided on it.
Catnoir stopped breathing when he realized. She had made it with her hands. For him. She made it with her beautiful hands and then the pun. Gosh he would cherish it forever no matter what.
Marinette blushed watching his awestruck expression, "Do you like it?"
"I love it." He whispered breathlessly.
There she was doing it again. Making him fall even deeper in love with her. He didn't know how long he could keep his feelings at bay anymore.
But then something came to his mind and his eyes lit up. "Now you just have to see me wear it and you'll figure out who I am."
Marinette's eyes widened immediately. She did not think about that. Coming to think of it, she hadn't been thinking rationally in the past few days she'd spent with him. She wanted to be upset with herself for being so careless but the look on his face, the grateful expression on his face melted her. "I didn't think about that." She admitted and looked away, "Just don't wear it...out...okay?"
"We cats like to leave by our own rules." He flashed her a smug smile. She groaned and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Why are you so stubborn?"
He chuckled and then reached into his suit pocket to pull out a small box. "I'm just messing with you, I wouldn't." He assured her and then placed the box in her hands and smiled at her, "Merry Christmas."
He watched her expression for a moment and chuckled, "Just open it, don't worry."
She looked up at him then shifted her gaze back to the box.
Holding her breath, she slowly opened the box. She didn't release her breath when she saw the content. It didn't take her time to recognize the silver locket but that wasn't even it. In between the intricate patterns, there was a small writing. 'Mari' was crested on the locket. That was most definitely not there when she saw it that day.
Her head swam with questions. How did he even know she had wanted that? Did he really go that far just to get her a gift. She ran her fingers over where he name was crested. "How did you-"
"It took a lot of work" He admitted, "..but it was worth it." He watched her stare at it in awe before he continued, "Open it."
She looked at him for a second before opening up the locket. And there it was staring back at her, a picture of her. One that she couldn't believe he would ever get. "Did Alya give you this?" She breathed.
He chuckled nervously, "Not exactly. That took a lot of work." He said vaguely trying not to let on too much on his identity. Not that it bothered him if she found out anyway. But he didn't want to force her to know if she didn't want to.
She stared at the jewel in her hand. The picture in it was from the day they'd all went to the market. When she had flour smeared on her cheeks and some in her hair, her cheeks tinted red.
"I love that picture of you." He muttered absentmindedly as he too stared at it. She was just so precious. "Do you like it?"
She felt choked with emotions and breathing almost seemed impossible. "This must have been expensive... Catnoir...I can't ta-" She tried to give him back but he nodded in negation, and enclosed it in her hand. "You deserve it."
Her eyes were glossy, tears threatening to spill but she put it back in his hands anyway, " I can't-"
He only smiled softly and turned her around. She didn't resist when he put the chain around her neck and clamped it behind her neck. Then he leaned down, his lips merely brushing her ear, "Please don't refuse it. I would give you even more if I could."
Slowly she turned around to face him. But then they were really close. Taking his chance, he cupped her cheeks and locked gazes with her. "You deserve so much more. You're amazing, one of the most extraordinary people I've ever met. You have no idea how much you mean to me." He whispered, leaning down.
"Kitty.." She whispered caught in his gaze, moving her hand to rest on the side of his face tracing the edge of his mask to his jawline.
And with that, she pushed all thoughts away because she knew if she stopped to rethink, she'd lose the courage to.
So she didn't think, she stood on her toes, leaned in all the way and slammed her lips into his.
Surprised was too little a word to describe him, it took him a few seconds to actually comprehend it. And then slowly he closed his eyes and moved his lips against hers, his hand immediately finding her waist to pull her closer.
The moment he kissed back, Marinette shuddered against him and he could've sworn he saw stars. Feeling her soft fingers tug at his hair, he pulled her even closer into him. Her warmth pressed up against sent his head reeling.
Her fingers traveled down from his hair down to his neck and down his chest. Every touch of her igniting a fire in it's wake. He felt hot and consumed by her entire being. Her lips were warm, soft, hot, every single thing he'd imagined and more. Gosh he needed more.
Marinette squirmed against his lips, her legs turning weak when he nibbed at her lower lip. He tightened his grip on her waist to hold her steady.
Running out of air, they both pulled back. She was panting heavily when they separated, her chest heaving, cheeks flushed red. She was so gorgeous, he needed more. Neither of them looked away, eyes locked.
"I'm sorry." Marinette whispered trying to catch her stolen air. But nothing in her expression showed that she was sorry.
"One more time." He begged.
Not taking a second to think, they both leaned in. This kiss however was very different from the first one. While they were both releasing pent-up emotions in the first one, now they both took the time to go slow and enjoy the moment.
He gently caressed her lips with his as they moved in perfect sync. To think that all this time she was going after Adrien, Catnoir was right here. He was not perfect but his flaws fit perfectly with hers. She tried to pour every emotion she felt into the kiss.
If it was clear enough before, it was clear then, she would do anything to make the moment last forever. She would do anything to be cocooned in his warmth forever.
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