Love Language

by Rose Thorne

Disclaimer: Don't own Miraculous Ladybug or make any money writing fanfiction.

The lines were coming together on the shirt taking form on the page of her sketchbook, meant to match the skirt beside it, an embroidery pattern partly drawn out on the page next to it. Vaguely, she heard someone calling, but it wasn't enough to break through to her as she paused in the shirt design to add more aspects to the embroidery idea.

This was a planned outfit for Kagami, something she could wear at formal occasions that wasn't a kimono, but she only had vague ideas still.

Even though Marinette's lycée still had several weeks until it was let out for the holidays, Kagami's private schooling had allowed her to accompany her mother to Japan, where they would stay through Christmas. That gave Marinette a bit more time to make her gift, thankfully.

"Marinette?"

Marinette was startled out of her creative fugue when Sabine's head popped into her room.

"Maman?"

"You must have been in the zone. You have a package from Japan." Sabine had a twinkle in her eye. "I can't imagine who that's from!"

Marinette could feel her cheeks turn red, flustered and excited. She stood and rushed down past her mother to find a positively immense box in Tom's arms.

Her jaw dropped. That had to have cost Kagami a lot, and here Marinette had to wait for her to return to give her her Christmas gift.

Tom laughed at the look on her face. "Your girlfriend must love you a lot to send such a big package international."

He didn't wait for her reply, instead lugging the package into her room and setting it next to the chaise.

"We'll give you some privacy to open it, hon," Tom told her. They left her to it.

Marinette pulled her non-sewing scissors from a drawer and took a seat, reaching forward to trace Kagami's name. She loved how Japanese names worked, something Kagami had explained when showing her the characters that made up Kagami. Hers was 香海, which she had explained broke down into "incense" and "ocean." A fragrant ocean.

It had inspired Marinette to call her ma sirène. In retaliation, of sorts, Kagami had started calling her Mari-tō, which she said was essentially "sugar Mari," joking it was a bastardized term of endearment. They had giggled over that, and Mme. Tsurugi just shook her head the first time she heard Kagami say it.

"Oh, I wonder what she sent for you!" Tikki exclaimed, alighting on the box.

She gently slid the blade of the scissors under the flap to slit the tape, and opened it once Tikki took to the air again. The first thing, atop what seemed like a mountain of smaller boxes, was an envelope labelled "マリー糖, please open after the gifts." It made her smile.

Underneath, there were two packages labelled for her parents, and so she pulled them out and took them downstairs, letting Tikki know she'd be right back.

The bakery was closed for the day, and her parents were preparing supper.

"Maman, Papa, Kagami sent gifts for you!"

She presented the packages, brightly wrapped in beautiful paper, to her parents, then sat at the kitchen table to watch them open them. She'd get to her own later.

Tom opened his first, revealing a deep green silk men's kimono, with a pattern that looked like a bamboo forest. When he opened it, they were able to see the green faded lighter toward the bottom, which had an intricate pattern of different trees. An envelope fell with it, and the paper inside explained it was a shōchikubai "three friends of winter" pattern of pine, bamboo, and plum, which symbolized strength and happiness. The letter explained how to wear the kimono, and underneath the kimono itself were all the pieces of clothing to wear with the kimono, including the obi and zori.

At the very bottom of Tom's box was also a book on traditional Japanese sweets, which he immediately started flipping through.

Sabine's kimono was far more intricate, red with white blossoms on branches woven throughout. On the back was a golden dragon. An envelope underneath had a note explaining the meaning of the flowers—plum, or ume, blossoms, which Kagami chose due to their dual meanings in Japanese tradition and Chinese philosophy. Good fortune, elegance, and faithfulness in Japanese tradition, and the five blessings of longevity, prosperity, health, virtue, and good living in Chinese philosophy. The golden dragon represented wisdom, kindness, and helpfulness, and was holding a pearl to indicate good fortune.

In addition to the same instructions as Tom's letter, Sabine's included an invitation from Mme. Tsurugi for the family to attend a traditional Japanese New Year celebration at the Tsurugi manor and visit Sanctuaire Yabuhara with the Tsurugi family. The kimono were, in part, for them to wear to the event.

Sabine looked up at Marinette, her eyes shining. "She says you have one, too."

Marinette tore back up the stairs and pulled a similar looking package from the box, bringing it downstairs to open.

The kimono was deep purple fading to white and back, with a beautiful wave of flowers splayed across it—pink and white roses, lily of the valley, purple and white lilacs, bluebells, among others. She knew before she read the note the symbols—innocence and love, purity, reverence, trust, happiness.

She didn't realize she was crying until Sabine dabbed at her cheek with a tissue.

"She really loves you," Sabine murmurs. "She's so good for you."

The letter told her there were violets to represent the sincere bliss of their relationship. White and pink sakurasou for long-lasting love. Falling ume blossoms for the same reason as Sabine's, but also to represent Marinette's pure heart. Camellias for perfect love.

"This must be why she asked for all our measurements before she left," Marinette said finally, snuggling against Sabine. "I had no idea she planned to do this. Proper kimono are incredibly expensive, and these must be custom!"

Sabine simply smiled. "You're dating a very traditional girl, and for her family money is no object. And I believe the symbols she chose clearly indicate her intentions."

Marinette felt her face turning red, and she realized that her parents looked absolutely blissful.

She couldn't say it was completely unexpected—she and Kagami started dating shortly following her fifteenth birthday, after Kagami had given up on her relationship with Adrien—it had been going nowhere, and it seemed he had someone else on his mind.

It hadn't been Marinette; she was his 'good friend,' and in having André serve ice cream for Kagami and Adrien, she had given up on anything more. He didn't see her like that. And, as it turned out, it seemed neither she nor Kagami were in his heart.

She had briefly tried to return Luka's feelings, but he had recognized her heart wasn't in it, and had asked instead for her friendship.

When Kagami had informed her, at her birthday party, that she wished to date her, Marinette had been thrown for a complete loop. The following days had been filled with self-reflection and careful consideration; she'd been thirteen when she'd fallen for Adrien, and her obsession had left her little room to consider her own identity. She'd never thought beyond.

Eventually, she had confessed uncertainty to Kagami, who had asked that they attempt to date and if it didn't work out, remain friends.

Over two years later, Marinette could say with certainty that she loved Kagami Tsurugi.

When Sabine shooed her from the kitchen to open the rest of her gifts, she felt like she was walking on clouds. She brought her kimono and letter with her, and got to listen to Tikki talk about all the different complex meanings of the flowers and exclaim over the quality of the fabric and embroidery.

The process of opening the rest of the packages, filled with gorgeous fabrics, seeds for Japanese flowers, crafting supplies, stationery, several hair sticks, and Japanese treats slowly brought her down.

When Marinette opened the last package, however, it felt like the world stopped. Spread at the top of the box was a tiny kimono, black with branches of red and white tree peonies, and very tiny ladybugs. She nearly dropped the box.

Underneath was an envelope with a ladybug drawn on it.

"Tikki… I, uh…"

Tikki landed on her shoulder. "Oh…"

She opened the envelope with shaking hands, reading quickly. The letter revealed that Kagami had figured it out a few months ago, having caught a glimpse of Tikki and connecting it to her experience with Longg. The peonies represented good fortune and honor. And of course ladybugs symbolized luck—but also had an association with lovers in Japan.

Under the letter were a variety of Japanese sweets, including some specialty yatsuhashi from Kyoto and different flavors of konpeitō.

The letter ended, "Please tell your kwami that these gifts are a measure of appreciation—for the guidance and protection she has given you."

"That's very sweet of her, Marinette," Tikki offered. "She, um… I think she caught me the last time she spent the night."

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself; she was the Guardian now, so she made the rules. Marinette could allow her girlfriend to be aware of her identity as Ladybug. It felt a little like cheating, though.

Tikki seemed to recognize the decision and quickly pulled on the kimono—it looked adorable on her.

Marinette tore open the letter addressed to her.

マリー糖,

I would have told you all of this in person, but you tend to catastrophize, and I thought you might prefer to do that privately in the counsel of your kwami. I am given to understand that she has helped you gain a measure of self-confidence in the years since her arrival. I have been honored to know the you shaped by the responsibilities you took up, as you are passionate, kind, and honorable.

I know this places you in an awkward position, but I of course will protect this knowledge with my life, for it is yours.

Mother wishes I inform you that she tried sakura macrons at a famous pâtisserie in Tokyo, and they were pitiful in comparison to those your father made for her last spring. The book she sent for him includes multiple types of pastries and jellies he may enjoy experimenting with, some of them sakura-focused. She hopes to order some traditional winter treats for her party, and I will send you a list upon your confirmation of receipt of this package.

I look forward to celebrating the New Year and sharing our traditions in the coming weeks, and to greeting the first sun of the new year with you and your family. Perhaps we can observe the Chinese New Year together in accordance with the traditions of your ancestors.

Yours always,

香海

Marinette held the letter to her chest, touched by Kagami's desire to share their traditions together. The idea spread warmth through her, and eventually she set the letter aside with a soft sigh.

"I suppose it's okay she knows… since I didn't tell her." She gave Tikki a rueful smile.

Tikki looked sheepish, even as she preened over how she looked in the kwami-sized kimono. "You're the Guardian now, Marinette. You get to make the rules."

She sighed. "Yeah. I just wish it was safer—we need to work harder to uncover Hawkmoth's identity so that threat is ended. I need to be able to plan for after lycée."

She sent a text message to Kagami to let her know she received the package and to video chat with her at her earliest convenience, then decided to try on her own kimono.

The instructions were easy to follow, despite the layers. It was a very traditional kimono, involving a hadajuban, nagajuban, and soft sash to go under the kimono. It was almost a soothing process, putting on each layer, folding each side of the kimono properly, tying on the datejime, and finally tying the lovely obi—pink with cranes—into one of the knot options. It was not easy afterward getting the tabi socks on, which told her next time to do it before the kimono. The zori slipped right on, though it was odd to get used to them.

Just as she finished, her phone rang, and she slid her finger against the bar to accept the call.

"You look stunning in that, as I expected," Kagami said. "I wish I could see more."

Tikki grabbed the phone from Marinette's hands and moved it away so she could twirl.

"Much obliged to your kwami. You truly do look lovely. Though, in the future, fold left over right. Right over left is for the dressing of a body at a funeral. I should have written that in the instructions—I apologize. As such, it is a bit discomfiting seeing you dressed in that fashion."

Marinette let Tikki keep holding the phone while she quickly untied the obi and datejime to correct the mistake, then retied both.

Kagami beamed at her. "Absolutely beautiful. I look forward to seeing your parents in them on the New Year. I will send you a list of the traditional activities to expect for my mother's soiree. You will be meeting a larger portion of my family, to be introduced to them."

Marinette took the phone back from Tikki, who landed on her shoulder.

"Ah," Kagami said, surprised. "I can see the kimono, but nothing else. That is fascinating."

"Her name is Tikki," Marinette confessed.

"I apologize for discovering your secret. It was unintentional on both our parts."

That got a nod from Tikki.

"It's okay," she replied softly. "I… It's a relief that someone else knows, honestly. Especially when that someone is you."

"I am honored to know, and it explains quite a bit. Your disappearances at times, for instance."

Marinette could feel her face turning red.

"I had not realized they all coincided with Akuma attacks, to be honest. I had worried you were hiding a chronic ailment."

She couldn't quite stop herself from giggling at that. "Oh, you must have been worried."

"I still am, Mari-糖," Kagami said seriously. "But I hope with my knowledge, I can perhaps be of service in the coming year, perhaps to end Hawkmoth's reign of terror for good. But we can discuss that later—it is quite late here in Kyoto, and I have commitments early tomorrow. I simply wished to make sure you weren't upset."

"I'm not," Marinette said with a smile. "I could never be, not with you. Sleep well, ma sirène."

After hanging up, Marinette sat back on her chaise with a sigh. "Tikki, I think she's hoping to introduce me as her intended for New Year."

Tikki patted her cheek. "And how do you feel about that, Marinette?"

She was quiet for a moment, letting the sounds of her parents making dinner float through her open door, the scent of lasagna wafting in as well.

"I—"

The phone dinged, and the text message was from Kagami, with a list of different sweets Mme. Tsurugi wanted to order for the party. It also featured a stunning picture of Kagami in an intricate kimono with gold, black, and red, covered in white geometric patterns with a bouquet of flowers in the front and sprigs of blossoms throughout.

She looked amazing.

And suddenly Marinette knew exactly what she wanted to make Kagami for Christmas—a qipao to wear when they celebrated the Chinese New Year, with the gold five-clawed Long embroidered on it. And she would make her own with a phoenix, in colors that complimented Kagami's.

Marinette stood, changing quickly and hanging her kimono and all its undergarments in the closet, before settling back in front of her sketchbook and turning to a new page.

By the time her mother called her for dinner, she had much of the concept sketched out, complete with plum blossoms, lilies, and a lotus cupped in the claw of the dragon. She intended for her phoenix to cup one as well in its talon.

Kagami wasn't the only one who knew how to use symbolism. Marinette intended to have this ready to present to her girlfriend before the New Year, to give the answer to the question she was hinting she'd ask.

This is the fault of several people on the Discord channel I'm a part of, including Jaz and Norakwami, with the idea of Kagami sending treats to Marinette from Japan.

Also, wow research. If I got anything wrong, it's on me.