Cat Noir sighed as he sat down in their usual patrol spot. Even if was Christmas, they had to keep watch over the city.
Besides, to Cat, today was just a ordianary day. Ever since his mother's passing, his father had wanted nothing to do with the holiday and spent the day shut up in his office. Cat gave another sigh. Couldn't this day be over? He had brought a Santa hat to get in the festive spirit, but Cat no longer felt like wearing it.
He heard a soft thump! Of Ladybug landing on the roof, but Cat was was to lost in his own thoughts. "Merry Christ-" Ladybug touched Cat's shoulder gently, surprised to see tears running down his face. "Forgive me, M'lady. Christmas isn't the same after my mother died. I just feel…..so..alone…" Cat didn't care anymore. He let the tears stream freely down his face. He had to bottle so many emotions as Adrien anyway, might as well let out with the mask on?
"Oh, honey," Ladybug put a comforting arm around her partner's shoulder, and Cat cuddled into her warmth. She stroked his hair, whispering words of comfort. "I just feel so empty and alone," he told her, his voice raw. "No one should be alone on Christmas, Kitty. And I'm going to make sure of that."
Cat sniffled and looked up at her. "You are? How?" "Come with me, and you'll see," she said, standing up and offering him his hand. Cat looked at it for a second. How many times had Cat offered his hand to her? Now, she was offering it to him.
Interlacing their fingers, Cat felt her give his hand a small squeeze.
They walked the quiet streets of Paris, with the lightly falling snow. They walked past Leo's Cheese Store, dark and quiet. They walked past Starbucks for though the store was closed, the rich scent of coffee hung in the air.
Then Cat perked up as he smelled a different smell. A sweet smell, a smell of home. Ladybug stopped under one the streetlights, looking beautiful as ever.
"Recognize where we are?" she asked, a slight smile playing at her lips. "The Dupain-Cheng bakery?" "That's right, now wait here. Oh, before I forget…." Ladybug paused and handed Cat a soft wrapped package.
Cat waited, the snow falling into his golden hair and settling on his nose and eyelashes. "Cat?" Cat turned to see Marinette heading towards him. "Where's Ladybug?" "That's part of her surprise. Your having Christmas with us!"
"You….you mean…" Cat's lip was wobbling. "You mean I won't be alone on Christmas?" "No, Cat. Come in where its warm, dry, and safe," she reached for his hand. "And Cat?" "Yes, Marinette?" Cat's voice was soft as the snowflakes dancing in the air. "You'll always be warm and safe in my heart."
Cat didn't know what to say. But oh, how loved he felt as he was welcomed by Marinette's family with hugs and a hot meal to share. Marinette was as curious as he was about Ladybug's gift.
Tearing off the wrapping paper, Cat found a homemade sweater with a heart and a Christmas tree inside it. "Meowy Christmas!" it read. Cat smiled fondly.
Gifts were nice, but the two most precious things he held dear were Marinette Dupain-Cheng and Ladybug.