Marinette packaged the remaining pastries left on display, some to resell tomorrow slightly discounted, others to donate. With her family very intent on making a special dinner for their guest, Marinette had agreed to watch over the bakery for the past hour.

Luckily it had been quiet, with the occasional phone order to purchase something for Christmas.

Marinette packaged assorted macarons into a box when she heard a knock on the glass door she had locked half an hour ago. She looked up to see Adrien peering inside. Noticing she was looking at him, he waved with a cheery smile.

Marinette removed the plastic gloves and went to unlock the door.

"Hi Adrien," Marinette opened the door to let him inside.

"Hey Marinette, you work here?" Adrien stepped inside, allowing Marinette to lock the door behind him.

"Not anymore, I did a while ago, but my parents run it. They're still working on dinner though, so I've been closing up shop for the day," Marinette led him over to the counter where she put back on the gloves and continued to put away the macarons. Adrien was about to take one when she slapped his hand away. She gasped in horror at her mistake.

"Sorry! I didn't, I mean, please don't, it will spoil your appetite," apologized Marinette, looking remorseful as she exchanged the plastic glove she had slapped him with for a new one.

"It's fine, although you could kiss it to make it better," Adrien added with a suggestive wink as he held out his hand.

Marinette glared at the boy, pushing his open hand back to him before putting on the new glove. "No flirting," she insisted as she resumed work on the macarons.

Adrien waved his hand dismissively, "Right, right." He eyed the macarons again.

"You sure I can't have one?"

"No."
"But I never get sweets," he whined.

"Girlfriend has you on a strict diet?" Marinette folded the lid, opening a new box to fill with more macarons.

"Something like that," Adrien shrugged as he leaned on the counter, content with watching her work.

"Well forget your diet tonight. Maman and Papa have been looking forward to this since your message yesterday. If you think you can manage, you'll get your dessert after dinner."

"I think I can manage," Adrien chuckled.

Marinette finished packing the box, taking both boxes to a fridge in the back where more packaged goods were stored.

"All I have to do is clean the trays, then we can head up," she announced as she returned to the counter, taking a few trays from the display case.

"Anyway I could help," asked Adrien as he watched.

Marinette frowned as she looked around, deciding what Adrien could do, while discarding the wax paper and crumbs from the tray into a trashcan.

"If you could take the trays from the case and dump the wax paper into the trash that would be a big help," came her response as she made her way to the sink to wash the trays she recently cleared. Adrien nodded and got to work, handing her trays to wash once he was done disposing of the wax paper.

"And that should do it." Marinette looked around the room. Proud of their teamwork, she held up her hand for a fist bump, "Pound it?"

Adrien smiled as he returned the fist pump with his own, "Pound it."

"Do we need to sweep and mop," asked Adrien as he looked at the crumby floor, separating his fist from hers.

"My parents said this was fine, and they would do that later," Marinette went back to the front door, making sure it was locked before rejoining Adrien.

"This way," she directed as she led him to the back door of the bakery, leading to a set of stairs that she began to climb, with Adrien following her.

"Wait, your parents live above their own bakery?"

"Yeah, convenient," Marinette asked with a giggle at their overused word. Adrien chuckled back.

"Very."

Marinette opened the door to the apartment, the smell of delicious food and holiday cheer filling the apartment.

"Maman, Papa," she called out leading Adrien to her parents in the kitchen.

"This is Adrien," she presented, her maman wiping her hands on a kitchen towel.

"Adrien, this is my maman, Sabine, and my papa, Tom."

"Pleasure to meet you," Sabine shook Adrien's hand, Adrien retiring the gesture with a polite smile.

"Pleasure is all mine, ma'am."

"So you're Mari's date," Tom lumbered forward while Sabine returned to the kitchen. Marinette was sure she heard Adrien gulp as her Papa towered over him.

"Um, more like acquaintance sir."

Tom raised her eyebrow in confusement, looking between Marinette and Adrien.

"He's escorting me to the ball. We met at the boutique I told you about."

Adrien nodded eagerly in agreement.

"Well, take care of my baby girl. And make sure she gets home safely," Tom extended his hand for a shake, Adrien's hand disappearing into his grip.

"Yes sir."

"Dinner's ready," called out Sabine as she carried a dish over to the table.

"Sit down, Adrien," Tom led Adrien over to the table. Marinette was about to follow when she ran into her maman on the way back to the kitchen.

"Why, don't you get the drinks?"

Marinette looked over at Adrien, who had taken the seat beside Tom, listening politely to whatever her father was going on about. Almost like he was at a business meeting.

"Yes, maman," Marinette made her way to the kitchen, pulling out four glasses.

"Adrien, what do you want to drink?"

"Water, please."

"Ice?"

"Yes please."

Marinette nodded and proceeded to fill up the cups with some ice before pouring in the water.

"He seems nice. Quiet though," Sabine whispered in her daughter's ear as she passed by. Marinette nodded absentmindedly. Other than their conversation when he walked her home, she didn't know too much about him to say otherwise.

"Sabine!" Tom called out, making both women turn. Tom was ecstatic while Adrien looked like all tension had left his body with the biggest smile spreading across his face.

"This boy is egg-cellent at puns!"

"What can I say? They just roll off my tongue," answered Adrien with a smirk

"You are on a roll!" The men laughed as Sabine helped Marinette carry the drinks to the table with a smile while Marinette rolled her eyes.

"What's wrong Marinette? Puns are grate," asked Adrien as she sat down beside him.

"Please no puns," she mumbled, while Sabine took Tom's plate to dish out some food.

"Marinette, this dinner kneads puns," responded Tom with mischief in his eyes as he looked to Adrien to back him up.

"Especially with how hard your parents wok-ed on this."

Sabine set back down Tom's plate while Adrien handed her his. Marinette looked to her maman for help, but she only smiled in acceptance of their dilemma.

"Puns are annoying," Marinette frowned
"Are we making a pesto ourselves?" Adrien pouted as Marinette glared.

"I think our puns are un-wonton-ed," added Tom.

Sabine finished dishing Adrien's food as she grabbed Marinette's plate.

"She loaves them, she just denies it," Adrien smirked, leaning into Tom's space, who put a supporting hand on his shoulder.

"She'll admit she loaves them in thyme."

Sabine finished dishing Marinette's plate, finally dishing out her own.

"At yeast take a break from the puns to eat so your food doesn't get cold," commented Sabine causally. The table practically froze, Marinette looking at her mother in horror at her betrayal while Adrien and Tom's smiles grew wider.

Tom interrupted the silence with a roar of laughter, "I knew there was a reason I married you!"

"I doughnut think we can surpass you in puns," Adrien laughed alongside Tom. Marinette found their laughter so contagious, she couldn't help but giggle herself.

Sabine finished dishing out her plate and sat back down, queuing the rest of the table to start eating.


"I don't think I can eat another bite," Adrien slouched comfortably in his chair similar to Tom, who had finished eating only moments before him.

"Thank you so much for dinner ma'am," added Adrien, as Sabine took the remaining food to the kitchen, Marinette standing up after her to take up the plates.

"Oh, please, call me Sabine. I think we are beyond the formalities now," she answered with a smile.

"And call me Tom," Marinette's papa insisted as he took up some cups.

"Is there anything I can help with," asked Adrien as he stood up, Tom quickly taking the dishes Adrien was about to take up.

"You and Marinette go wait in the living room, maybe set up the gaming consoles if you are interested," offered Tom as he made his way to the kitchen, Sabine shoving Marinette out to make room. Marinette almost fell on Adrien's chest, only to stop herself as she looked into his eyes shining bright in excitement.

"What games do you have?"

"Um, let me show you," Marinette skirted around Adrien and led him over to the living room.

"Here's all our games, take your pick," Marinette opened a drawer under the TV. Adrien eagerly scanned the selection while Marinette watched. It was almost like he was opening a present on Christmas with how he looked at the games.

"This one," Adrien handed her a game. Marinette smirking as she read the title.

Ultimate Mecha-Strike 3.

"You sure?"

"Why? You doubt my skill?"

"Not at all," Marinette went around to the front of the TV where the game console sat, and began setting up the game.

"What'd he pick," asked Tom from the counter where he was putting away dishes in the dishwasher while his wife cleaned them in the sink.

"Ultimate Mecha-Strike 3," answered Adrien proudly.

Tom nodded, muttering something under his breath, but looking less enthused than before.

"Here you go," Marinette handed Adrien a controller as she took a seat on the sofa.

Adrien sat down beside her, both of them selecting their characters.

"Game Start in 3.2.1," came the game.

Marinette started casually at first, fighting calm and collected, smiling to herself as she studied Adrien's strategy with his bot. When she was sure she had seen enough, she allowed Adrien to earn the final points to win.

"Hahaha! Who's doubting now?" Taunted Adrien while Marinette smiled in good nature.

"I apologize for doubting you. Another round?"

"Only if you are prepared to lose?"

Marinette smiled and pressed start, certain she could hear her papa say something about "Famous last words."

Marinette did not hold back this time at all and beat Adrien in three minutes.

"How-how did you?" Adrien fell back in the sofa, gobsmacked.

"Did I mention I won the district championship in high school," Marinette mentioned smugly.

Adrien furrowed his brow, "Oh it's on!"

Marinette proceeded to win the next four rounds after that.

Then Adrien convinced Tom to help him, and Marinette still kicked their butts for the next three rounds.

"Secret huddle," Tom conferenced Adrien towards the window while Sabine brought out four mooncakes. Marinette jumped from her seat to grab one.

"To celebrate my victories," she insisted as she ate it, Sabine setting some tea down only sighed in knowing.

Adrien and Tom finished making their plans as Marinette finished her mooncake.

"We're ready," answered Adrien as he and Tom took up their controllers. Marinette wiped her hands on a napkin before jumping back over to the sofa.

"We'll see about that," Marinette retorted, noticing out of the corner of her eye as Adrien sat extremely close to her. She would have scooted away if it wasn't for how quickly they were proceeding to start the came.

"Famous last words," answered Tom.

"Game Start in 3.2.1," came the game.

Marinette started off strong, but it was nothing new. Her father and Adrien continued the same strategy they had tried to beat her with the past few games. Rather than draw out the game to encourage them, Marinette began her final attacks.

That's when she felt the poke at her side.

She quickly glanced to see Adrien and her papa as determined as ever. Had Adrien moved even closer?

She resumed her focus on the game, garnering her another poke and shift in the seat cushions.

Marinette could not afford to be distracted. Adrien then took a sacrificial hit meant for Tom, and that's when they began their attack. While Tom tried to focus on beating Marinette in game, Adrien began tickling her sides.

"Stop! Stop it! That's cheating!"

"All's fair in love and war Mari," called out Tom as Adrien continued, forcing Marinette to stand up just to get away. Their ploy was already costing her damage.

Before she could even try to stand her ground against her dad's attack, Marinette felt two arms wrap around her waist and pulled her down. She looked looked down to see Adrien's hands and bare arms holding her on his lap.

"Let go of me," she flailed in his arms, Tom laughing as he gained the advantage.

"Not until you surrender!" Challenged Adrien as he brought his head to her shoulder. Marinette could feel his cheek against hers, Marinette hurriedly pulling away, but instead they both crashed onto the remaining open side of the sofa, allowing Tom to take the win.

"We won!" Tom whooped as he ran over to Sabine and picked her up in a hug. Adrien finally released Marinette, him laughing in their cheated victory, while Marinette grimaced at her loss as she scrambled away.

Once Tom finished his hug with Sabine, ending it in a kiss, he ran over to Adrien and scooped him under his arm, ruffling his hair.

"Great job boy!"

"Your strategy was perfect," complimented Adrien as he slid out from under Tom's arm, his hair all a mess.

"It was your idea!?" Marinette cried indignantly at her papa.

"The tickling at least," Tom answered with a wink. Marinette pouted as she sat on the corner of the sofa, Adrien sneaking up next to her.

"Aw Mari, don't be mad," Adrien cooed in her ear.

Marinette turned to scold him, but was met with his messy hair and lively green eyes. It almost looked like christmas lights twinkling in a Christmas tree. She opened her mouth to say something, and instead scrunched her face into a pout, turning away so he couldn't see her face which she was sure was blushing right now.

"And here's your reward," Sabine handed Adrien a mooncake, so he sat back to enjoy the dessert.

"Thanks Sabine."

Marinette eyed Adrien from the corner of her eye as he ate the cake. His eyes meet hers and she turned away. She could feel the shift in the seat cushion as he moved closer.

"Marinette, I know you want a bite," Adrien teased, holding the mooncake up as she saw in the window reflection. Before he could change his mind, she turned and took a large bite.

"That's what you get for cheating," she muttered as she chewed. Adrien burst into laughter.


"Thank you so much for the food," Adrien stood at the front door, ready to head out for the night. Sabine handed him a couple packages in a bag.

"Take this with you, there's some macaroons as well."

"Thank you," Adrien took the package as Tom reached out to give him a hug.

"You're welcome over anytime," Tom offered.

"I may take you up on that. Try to see who between the two of us if the best."

"I would still be the best if you two didn't cheat," sulked Marinette, although everyone had understood she was over her lost with her excuses and a bite of mooncake.

Sabine shoved her towards Adrien.

"Walk him out dear," urged Sabine, hugging her husband so that they blocked Marinette's way of retreat.

With that Marinette let Adrien out, as he waved goodbye.

"Your family sure is nice," Adrien commented as he followed her down the stairs.

"They like making people feel welcome. Even growing up my friends would always want to go to my house because of how welcomed they felt."

"I can see why."

Marinette opened the door to allow Adrien to go out.

"Do you need another escort home?"

"I'm actually staying the night, but thank you though."

They stood there awkwardly, unsure what to say. To Marinette it seemed Adrien was having a hard time wanting to leave.

"So, you picked out your dress," Adrien asked?

"Yes! It's beautiful. Maman was practically in tears when she saw me in it."

"Care to give any hints," Adrien pressed, leaning into the entry hall.

Marinette pondered what she should reveal, if anything at all before stating, "pink."

Adrien leaned back and nodded, eyeing Marinette as he did. She looked down to remember she was dressed in hot pink capris, a light pink top, with dark pink slippers, and a rose pink sweater.

"Light pink," she amended.

"I'm sure you'll look beautiful in it."

"No flirting," she scowled.

"I'm not," Adrien held up his hands in defense, "just a compliment. I think I've moved enough out of the acquaintance zone tonight to at least compliment a friend."

Marinette went bright pink at that.

"I guess," she mumbled.

Adrien's eyes lit up before saluting her goodbye."Guess that means you need to change my contact name," he chuckled.