"Where is everyone?" Cat Noir asked as he walked into the Dupain-Cheng bakery, hanging up his jacket for his shift. "They're all out doing errands," a sad, but familiar voice said. Cat's face lit up as he saw Uncle Cheng standing behind the front counter. "When did you get here?" he asked, walking over to him and giving him a hug. "Last night, but everyone has been so busy with the Christmas festives, I've barely seen them. I wanted to make cookies with Marinette, but, well, she had her sewing class…."
Cat nodded understandingly. "Don't take it personally, Uncle Cheng. I'm lucky myself if I see Marinette during December." Uncle Cheng smiled. "Thank you, Cat Noir. You are a true superhero, making others feel better." Cat scratched the back of his neck, embarrassed. He loved helping others, but especially the Dupain-Chengs. "I could make cookies with you if you like," he offered. "Yes, yes. Let me run upstairs to grab something, and I'll be right back."
Cat sighed happily as he stared out into the darkening twilight. It got dark so early now! The purple shadows were lengthening outside the windows, the sun was a glowing ball of orange.
"So, have you decided what your going to be after you finish school?" Uncle Cheng asked as they rolled dough side by side together. "No, but I've been enjoying reading and coloring with kids on Saturdays at hospital. Ladybug and I are going to have a Christmas party for them." "That sounds marvelous. And take your time deciding, son. If you take the noodles from the pot to early, they aren't good to eat."
Cat loved all the sayings that Uncle Cheng said. "And how is Ladybug doing?" Cat paused. "She could use some cheering up these days." "Ah, being Guardian of the Miracle Box is a big job. Its good she has you to help and comfort her." "I love her very much, just like I love Marinette." Cat sighed happily, thinking what a relief it was that his Princess was also his M'lady.
"What is in the bag?" he asked, when the dough was ready. "Cookie cutters," Uncle Cheng smiled. He dumped the bag onto the table, the cutters clinking as they fell. Cat picked one up. They were different then the ones here in the bakery. These were in Chinese and they spelled out some words. "What do they say?" Cat asked, turning one over in his hand as if that would help him to find the right answers. Uncle Cheng laughed. "Why, its all of Dupain-Cheng's plus your name written Chinese!"
Cat blushed. "Which one is Marinette's?" Uncle Cheng smiled as he handed the cookie cutter to Cat, along with a heart shaped one. "She's very special, Marinette is."
When the Dupain-Chengs got home awhile later, the whole bakery smelled like gingerbread cookies. "Surprise!" Uncle Cheng and Cat said showing them the table that they had set out. "We made you cookies!"
Uncle Cheng nudged Cat gently. "Give your Princess your surprise," he whispered. Cat stepped forward, gripping his plate tightly. "This is for you, Princess. It says, "I love you". Marinette gasped, and tears welled up in her eyes at her Kitty's thoughtfulness. It had been a bit of a hard day for her, and it was exactly what she needed.
Cat held her hand as the family sat and ate cookies, while the blowing snow swirled outside. Uncle Cheng told them stories about China. As Cat listened, he admired Uncle Cheng even more. Not only because he was an excellent chef, but had a big heart for others. Cat made a mental note to buy something for Uncle Cheng. He wasn't sure what it would be yet, but it would special, just like him.