"I don't know why you didn't order a shirt with cheese on it," Plagg told Adrien as he gathered up his books for school. "What's so great about a turkey eating a piece of pumpkin pie anyway?" "Because," Adrien grinned at his Kwami. "Its funny which we'll make Marinette laugh and turkey and pie are two of the main staples of Thanksgiving dinner. You wouldn't object if it was cheese, would you?" Plagg dove into Adrien's book bag, grumbling, "Parisians don't celebrate Thanksgiving away!"
Adrien knew that, but after telling Marinette he had visited America around Thanksgiving every year when he was younger, Marinette had suggested that they have their own thanksgiving meal. It wasn't very far off either and he was getting excited.
"See you after school!" Adrien waved to his bodyguard, and hurried up the steps to school. He couldn't wait to see Marinette and study hard in school.
However, when he walked into the classroom, the girls expect for Lila, Chloe, and Sabrina were surrounding Marinette who looked sad. "Your parents are brilliant, Marinette. They'll find something to do," Alya said, her arm around Marinette's shoulders. Had Adrien missed something? "Yes, but," Marinette sniffled and a tear ran down her cheek. "Papa's always wanted to be a baker. He will be so sad if he has to give it up." She saw Adrien standing there. "My parents may have to shut the bakery down, Adrien," she explained. "Mayor B. raised the rent and we don't know if we'll be able to afford it." Some more tears trickled down her face. "We were going to have a Thanksgiving meal with Cat, after he told us about being in America. He'll be so disappointed."
Before Adrien could say anything, their teacher came in and told them to take their seats. He was numb. Not have a special day with Marinette's family? No turkey or pie? Though he was disappointed, he knew he had to put on a brave face for Marinette. Unless their was some way to raise the money?
Adrien bought a bottle of milk, and wandered out to the back courtyard. The trees were begin to change colors and there was a carpet of leaves beneath his feet. He leaned against the tree, sipping his milk thoughtfully as he tried to think of ideas….
"You look like your modeling for a photo shoot," Marinette giggled as she walked up to him. She seemed calmer now, and she had just given him an idea!
"Please, Father, its for a good cause," Adrien told his father after school as he twisted his ring around his finger. Gabriel Agreste wore his usual stern look as he stroked his chin. "Marinette's the girl who won the hat contest, right?" Adrien nodded. "I suppose we could do a special photo shoot, but only this once, Adrien." Adrien smiled and ran forward to hug his father. "Thank you!" He paused and turned back to his father, his hand on the door handle. "What is it, Adrien?" "Could Marinette be in the photo shoot as well?" "Very well," Gabriel sighed.
"Are you sure they won't laugh at me?" Marinette asked shyly, as she sat down next to Adrien on the hay bale. She was dressed as a scarecrow, and Adrien thought she couldn't look any cuter! "You look fine," he assured her. "Just remember to smile."
Marinette was smiling brightly as they watched the numbers of the live photo shoot, the donations pouring in. Everyone loved Tom and Sabine's, who baked everything with love. Adrien enjoyed the photo shoot, something that hadn't happened in awhile. Oh, the difference was Marinette, and doing a kind act for her.
Thanksgiving day dawned bright and chilly, and Adrien's turkey sweater had arrived just on time. He would deliver the check to Marinette's parents, then transform in the alleyway into Cat Noir. He hoped the Dupain-Cheng would accept the money. He hadn't done the photo shoot just because he wanted today to happen, the Dupain-Cheng's had become his family, and the bakery was his home.
Adrien could taste the different atmosphere as he entered the bakery, smelling the fresh cinnamon rolls and coffee that Sabine was making. "Why, Adrien, your here early!" Sabine smiled at him, and Marinette turned in her chair in surprise. "I'm only passing through," Adrien said, "But I wanted to give you this," he told them, placing the check on the counter. Sabine stared at it, then at Adrien. "Adrien, honey, this is your money. Its very sweet of you to think of us though."
"Please, I insist. The bakery isn't just some place where Parisians get there sweets and beverages, for some, its a refuge and a safe place to be social. Please accept the money, Sabine." It felt her a little strange not calling her Mama Cheng like he did as Cat, but Adrien wasn't to that point yet.
"You are so selfless, Adrien Agreste. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts," Adrien could feel the lump growing in his throat. "Your welcome."
He walked out into the morning sunshine, smiling as he ducked into the alleyway. Today was about thanks and about giving. He was thanking the Dupain-Cheng's for all that they had done for him, even if they didn't know they had taken in Cat Noir, Paris superhero, and basically adopted him. They had given him so much love, and now he was able to give just a little bit back. The money wouldn't last forever, but it was a start.
"Claws Out," he whispered and walked back into the bakery, where Marinette met him with a hug. "Oh, Kitty, the most wonderful thing happened! Adrien Agreste gave us the money from a photo shoot helping us with the rent!"
Cat held her close, kissing her forehead. "Yes, Princess. I just met him on the street as I was coming here. He looked very peaceful, and said he was grateful for you and your parents."
Cat was thankful he got to wear his special sweater. He was thankful he was able to enjoy a delicious meal, bringing back memories of his childhood.
But what Cat Noir, (Adrien Agreste), was most thankful for was the Dupain-Chengs that had become his family.