The table was unusually quiet as the Dupain-Chengs gathered around for Christmas dinner. Marinette had arrived a while ago, sobbing into her papa's embrace as she told them what happened. They had offered their sympathies and were trying their best to make Christmas Eve like it had always been.

But Marinette had kept thinking of Adrien. He should still be getting ready by now. She wondered how his suit looked, since he had only mentioned green before. She bet he looked handsome in green.

Her parents exchanged a concerned look while Marinette picked at her food.

"Oh look, it's finally snowing, I was wondering whether the weather would make up its mind," joked Tom, earning a depressing sigh from Marinette and a frown from Sabine.

Adrien would appreciate that joke.

"Marinette," Sabine rested a hand on Marinette's, drawing her attention, "I know you were looking forward to the ball and going with Adrien. But maybe we could invite Adrien over instead. Have our own little ball here."

"I told him to go without me," mumbled Marinette as she picked at her food.

"Why dear?"

"I didn't want to be in the way of him finding happiness. If I'm not meant to go, fine, but I don't want to ruin Adrien's time." Marinette set down her fork, unable to eat.

Her father reached for her other hand, "Oh Marinette, always thinking of others."

"Didn't you ever think you were Adrien's happiness," asked Sabine.

Marinette looked up to her parents.

"What do you mean?"

"I saw the way he looked at you during dinner, you could tell with how his eyes lit up every time you said something," explained Sabine.

"He always wanted to be close to you," emphasized Tom.

Marinette turned Christmas red at her parent's remarks. She had assumed that's how Adrien normally acted whenever he was comfortable with someone.

"What about you?" asked Sabine

"What about me?"

"What does Adrien mean to you," pried Tom.

A smile immediately lit up Marinette's face at the thought.

Adrien was a gentleman, no doubt, with all the kindness a gentleman should have. He liked to have fun and make sure those around him had just as much fun as him. He was open and understanding. Despite his upbringing and social circle, he didn't look down on others and treated every person with respect. She was certain that if she hadn't rambled on the phone he was would have tried to talk out of her nonsense thinking.

"I need to call Adrien," Marinette jumped out of her chair and ran to her phone, opening up Adrien-Date's contact. She really needed to change that to his full name before he saw.

She called, her parents watching in anticipation.

No response.

She quickly pulled up the internet and began searching. She sat back down at the table, trying to eat what she could while she searched.

"No response," asked Tom?

"No, but I may still be able to catch him at his house."

"Do you know where he lives," inquired Sabine?

"He mentioned he lives with his father. So, I should be able to find their residence… there."

With a gulp of water, Marinette got out of her chair and ran for the door.

"I'm going to get Adrien, we'll be back before dessert," Marinette put on her jacket, and opened the door, only to find Tikki and Pollen standing there.

"My, where are you going in such as rush," asked Tikki, the two women practically blocking Marinette's exit.

"Sorry Tikki, I should have called, but my dress and ticket got stolen, and I didn't know what to do, so I told Adrien to just go on his own. But now I don't want that. I know I can't go to the ball without a ticket, but I really need to get to Adrien," Marinette tried side stepping around the women, who stepped along with her, almost as if to keep her from leaving.

"Why's that?"

Marinette could feel herself grow small with their question.

"Maybe this is selfish of me, but I don't want Adrien to meet someone new at the ball. He's my someone, my Christmas Miracle. I at least want to let him know that."

"Marinette," Tikki cooed, pulling the girl into a hug.

"I absolutely knew it," Tikki stepped back, holding Marinette by her hands.

"From the moment I saw you both, I knew you were meant for each other. Looks like you didn't need a Miraculous Ball to figure it out though."

"Although it did help," commented Sabine as she and Tom joined the group.

Everyone stood smiling at each other, until Pollen interjected.

"I hate to interrupt, but Prince Charming is waiting for his princess, who still needs to get ready."
"But I don't have a dress," Marinette looked between Tikki to her mother.

"You could wear my old one," offered Sabine.

"We actually have one more dress she can wear," Tikki stepped aside, allowing Pollen in with a garment bag.

"I think you'll find this satisfactory," Pollen held out the bag, Marinette hesitantly unzipping to reveal the most gorgeous dress she had ever seen.

"How," she started, only to be silenced by Tikki.

"A little Christmas magic goes a long way when there is love involved. Whether by friends, family, or that special someone," Tikki winked, Marinette's mind immediately going to Adrien as he cheeks turned pink.

"Now, like Pollen said, we have a ball to get to, and we can keep our princes waiting."