Marinette

Returning to Paris for the second time in three weeks felt surreal to Marinette, even more so knowing she was moving back home to be with Adrien. To be with the man she'd loved for over six years—without the weight of secrets between them and with a bond so deep it felt untouchable. It was as though the life she had left behind was suddenly falling back into place, but this time, everything was different. The future ahead felt brighter, clearer, as though their love could finally breathe freely, unburdened by the past. For the first time in a long time, Marinette could finally breathe.

Yet, there was a small part of her that couldn't help but wonder if the path they were on was as certain as it seemed.

The portal opened, and she stepped out into Adrien's bedroom, with Félix and Adrien following closely behind. Adrien had transformed—much to Plagg's visible disgust—using Kaalki, and seeing him in his new form as the Horse Miraculous holder was a sight she didn't know she needed. He looked like a modern-day version of Neo from The Matrix, his attire sleek and stylish, with a newfound aura of power that made her heart skip a beat.

It was as if the world had shifted slightly, and for a brief moment, she couldn't help but admire him all over again.

'It's a shame you'll have to give that back,' Marinette said, feeling the freedom to laugh and joke lift her spirits.

'You're the guardian, M'Lady,' Adrien replied with a smirk. 'I'm sure you can take this back from Max at any point.'

She couldn't help but laugh, stepping closer and grabbing hold of the lapels of his long leather jacket. Yes, she thought, we definitely need to get hold of this one again. With a playful tug, she pulled him down and brushed her lips over his in a feather-light kiss, feeling the warmth of the moment fill her chest.

Félix, leaning casually against the doorframe with a raised eyebrow, couldn't help but quip, 'Get a room, you two.'

Marinette and Adrien broke apart, both laughing at the teasing remark.

'I have a room and, for the foreseeable future, you're unwelcome in it. So, goodbye!' Adrien said, showing the way to the door.

Félix headed toward the door and gave them a half-smile. 'I'll leave you two to it. Don't want to be caught in the middle of whatever this is,' he said, with a wink before heading out of the room.

'He knows exactly what this is,' Adrien said, his eyebrows bouncing around as though they're in the middle of a conga line.

The playful tension in the room shifted, and for a moment, it felt like the world outside was a distant memory.

As their laughter settled, Marinette glanced up at the clock on the wall. It was already five, and she knew Luka and Sophia would be returning with Emily soon. Her smile softened at the thought of her family.

She pushed Adrien from her, moving herself towards his window and calling on her transformation. She looked over her shoulder, and, if she wasn't mistaken, his eyes had grown darker, more menacing, more alluring. He stalked towards her, a man on a mission.

As one hand slid into her hair, the other curved around her waist, pulling her flush against him. His lips claimed hers with a fervent need, moving with a blend of urgency and reverence, as though he was discovering her for the first time. This wasn't the polished Adrien Agreste, the one with perfect posture and unerring politeness. This was pure, unrestrained Chat Noir—a man untamed, a man who had spent years offering her his entire heart, and now, finally, was pouring every ounce of it into this moment.

There was no hesitation, no holding back. The kiss was electric, searing her to her core, yet it was tender, deliberate. He tasted her as if memorising every detail, every emotion that coursed between them. The intensity of it left her breathless, her heart pounding wildly, drowning out everything but the sensation of him. His touch, his taste, his smell.

He pulled her even closer, erasing the space between them, his warmth grounding her as her thoughts spiralled. Her senses swirled with the overwhelming realisation of just how right this felt. It wasn't just a kiss; it was a revelation. She'd never felt like this before—this thrilling sensation of falling, not into chaos, but into something deep and unbreakable. Something new, something rare.

This kiss wasn't just passion. It was a promise. A promise to love her, cherish her, to stand by her no matter what came their way. A silent vow that she was enough—flawed, scarred, and yet so exquisitely herself. Because weren't they all a little battered? A little broken? And yet here they were, holding each other as if they were the only things keeping the other afloat.

He was her everything—her partner, her true love. No doubts remained. This wasn't a dream or some fleeting fantasy. This was real. They had faced heartbreak, loss, and unimaginable challenges. They had fought alongside each other, against each other, and most importantly, for each other. What they had now was unshakable, undeniable, and everlasting.

As they parted, their foreheads pressed together, she felt the weight of the world lift from her shoulders. Her pulse raced with the exhilaration of being loved, this wholly, this deeply. She wasn't just falling—she was soaring. And she knew, with him, her feet would never touch the ground again.

Ladybug stepped back, her legs trembling slightly, struggling to keep her upright. Her chest rose and fell with each unsteady breath as she tried to collect herself. 'I should probably go see my parents,' she said, her voice still soft and breathless, with the hint of a smile.

Adrien sighed, still dazed, his gaze locked on her like she was the only thing in the world. 'Yeah... you probably should.'

'Oh, for cheese's sake!' Plagg zipped between them, breaking the spell. 'Can you two get a grip? Emily's going to be home soon, and somebody's got to get Santa's treats ready before this turns into a full-blown soap opera.'

Adrien blinked, snapping out of his daze. 'Right, Santa's treats. Can't disappoint the kid.'

'Kid?' Ladybug asked, a wide grin spreading across her face.

Plagg cackled, floating just above Adrien's head. 'Speaking of "kid," you're really living up to the goat thing today. Tripping over yourself, swooning over Ladybug—classic goat behavior.'

Adrien raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms and flashing a grin that was pure Chat Noir. 'I'm definitely a GOAT, Plagg. You know—Greatest of All Time.'

Ladybug burst out laughing, the sound warm and melodious in the chilly night air. 'Oh, sure. Greatest of all time at... what, exactly? Telling bad puns?'

Adrien gasped, feigning offense. 'Bad puns? I'll have you know I'm a hero, a model, and an excellent Santa's helper. That makes me triple-qualified for GOAT status.'

'Triple-qualified?' Ladybug smirked, folding her arms. 'Sounds like someone's been spending too much time with their kwami. You're starting to think cheese logic makes sense.'

Plagg cackled again. 'Hey, don't knock it. Cheese logic is undefeated. Unlike someone who's been bested by a revolving door.'

Adrien groaned, his cheeks reddening. 'Once! That happened once!'

Ladybug shook her head, her laughter softening into a smile as she stepped closer. 'Sure, sure, Mr. GOAT. But don't forget—greatest or not, I'm still the one who saved your tail more times than I can count.'

Adrien tilted his head, leaning slightly toward her. 'And I'll spend the rest of my life returning the favor, M'Lady.'

Her smile faltered into something softer, more tender, before she gave his hand a quick squeeze. 'Go take care of Santa's treats, Chaton. I'll be back soon.'

'You better be,' he said, his grin returning. 'The GOAT doesn't wait forever, you know.'

With a roll of her eyes and a playful laugh, Ladybug vaulted into the night, leaving Adrien grinning after her while Plagg muttered something about goat puns never going out of style.

Touching down a couple of streets away from her parents' boulangerie, Ladybug took a deep breath and steadied her nerves. Releasing the transformation, she absorbed the support from the small kwami tucking herself away in her bag. She strolled past her old collège, the sound of snow crunching harmoniously under her paused, looking up at the staircase to take in the sight.

This had been the beginning of their story.

The brick facade, still as sturdy and timeless as ever, stood like a monument to her past. For a moment, it was as if the ghost of future past had conjured the memory right in front of her. She could see herself standing there, drenched from the rain, cheeks burning with embarrassment. Adrien, with his soft smile and a black umbrella in his hand, extended it toward her like an offering of hope.

The scene played out in her mind so vividly it felt real—the warmth of his gesture against the chill of her self-doubt, the way the raindrops tapped against the umbrella like a melody only they could hear. That small act of kindness had changed everything.

'That was the moment,' she whispered to herself, a soft smile tugging at her lips. 'The moment my life shifted.'

The echo of her footsteps brought her back to the present. The same girl who had stood in the rain that day was now a hero, a partner, and someone ready to face the future—even if it terrified her. Adrien had been the catalyst, and he continued to be her anchor.

But tonight wasn't about reminiscing. Tonight, she would share the news that had lightened her day. Her parents deserved to know about her plans, about the person who had become her everything, and about the way he'd saved her once again.

With one last glance at the collège, she squared her shoulders and turned toward the boulangerie, each step bringing her closer to a conversation that could change her future all over again.

The lights inside the boulangerie cast a warm, golden glow onto the snowy street. Through the frosted windows, she could see her parents tidying up after what must have been an exhausting day. Tom was stacking trays and wiping down the counters while Sabine bundled up leftover loaves for tomorrow. Though their movements were efficient and practiced, there was a softness to the way they worked together, an unspoken bond that warmed the air around them. A bond which made her think of her own with Adrien. The seamless team work, the trust and support.

She paused just outside the door, her breath visible in the cold night air as her nerves fluttered. It had been almost four years since she'd last been home for Christmas. Four years of missed traditions, distant phone calls, and promises to visit that never seemed to materialise. Her heart clenched at the thought of how much she'd missed, but tonight she was here—and she wasn't leaving again.

The bell above the door jingled softly as she stepped inside, and the familiar scent of bread and pastries hit her like a wave of nostalgia. She stood still for a moment, her presence unnoticed as she took it all in.

Her mother glanced up first, and her eyes widened in shock. For a moment, she seemed frozen, her hands still holding a tray of croissants. 'M-Marinette?' she whispered, her voice trembling. 'You're meant to be in New York.'

Her father turned sharply at the sound of his wife's voice, his brow furrowed in confusion before his gaze landed on Marinette. His jaw dropped, and his hands fell to his sides. The tray he'd been holding was forgotten.

'Hi, Mama. Hi, Papa. I'm home,' Marinette said softly, her voice catching.

'Ma chérie!' her mother cried, abandoning the tray as she rushed forward, tears already welling in her eyes. She wrapped her arms around Marinette, holding her as if afraid she might disappear again. 'You're really here? Oh, my darling, you're really here!'

Her father followed a moment later, pulling them both into his wide embrace. 'Marinette.' His voice was thick with emotion, his chest heaving with a deep, relieved breath. 'I didn't think you could come back.'

Marinette felt the tears spilling down her cheeks as she clung to them. 'I'm back for good...if that's okay? I'm so sorry it took me this long to realise this is where I belong.'

Her mother pulled back slightly, cupping Marinette's face in her hands. 'You're here now, and that's all that matters. Oh, sweetheart, you have no idea how happy you've made us. This is the best Christmas gift we could ever ask for.'

Her father nodded, his usual booming voice quieter as he wiped at his eyes. 'Your mother's right.'

She smiled through her tears, a mixture of joy and guilt swelling in her chest. 'I'm sorry I didn't call to say I was coming. It was kind of unexpected.'

Her mother laughed, wiping her cheeks as she hugged her daughter again. 'It certainly is a surprise! And the best one.'

Her father gestured toward the counter. 'Sit down, ma fille. You must be tired from your trip. Let me get you something warm—tea? Hot chocolate?'

Marinette shook her head, her emotions overwhelming her. 'No, Papa, I'm fine. I just... I needed to see you. I wanted to let you know that it's final. I'm back for good.'

Her mother stretched out, holding her hand tightly. 'This is such wonderful news.'

Her father smiled, his eyes still shining with unshed tears.

As the three of them stood together in the familiar warmth of the boulangerie, Marinette felt the weight of the last four years lifting. For the first time in so long, she felt like she belonged. This was home, and she would never let so much time pass again. She had everything she needed here. It was just a shame it took her too long to realise that.

The warm reunion in the boulangerie softened into a comfortable quiet. Her mother brushed her hands on her apron and stood. 'I'll go upstairs and make sure your room is ready,' she said with motherly determination, already moving toward the staircase. 'I'd put your sheets in the wash after you left on Monday, but I'm sure we have some others.'

Marinette reached out and gently caught her mother's arm, stopping her mid-step. Her heart hammered at the thought of the bomb she was about to drop, because she wasn't moving back here. Not to the boulangerie, at least. 'Mama, wait,' she said softly.

Her mother turned back, her face etched with confusion. 'What is it, sweetheart? You must be exhausted. You'll want a good night's sleep.'

She hesitated for a moment, biting her lip. She could feel her father's gaze on her, curious but cautious. 'I'm not staying here tonight,' she admitted, her cheeks warming to a degree she could cook an egg on them. 'Or any night, in fact.'

He raised a brow, crossing his arms as a knowing smile tugged at his lips. 'Oh? Then where are you staying?'

She glanced at her mother, then back at her father. She swallowed hard before answering, 'I'm staying with Adrien and Emily. I'm actually going to be staying there... forever—hopefully.'

The room fell silent for a beat, and Marinette braced herself for the inevitable reaction.

'Does he know that?' he asked, his voice dripping with mischief.

She smacked him lightly on the arm. 'Tom!' she shrieked, her face a mix of shock and amusement.

He chuckled, a deep, infectious laugh that could've melted even the most cynical Santa's heart. 'What? You know how she gets when it comes to Adrien.'

Her mother blinked at him, her lips parting as if she were about to say something, but she just shook her head, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

His grin stretched wider, his laughter filling the room. 'Well, I can't say I'm surprised. You two were always going to end up together. I mean, he's been in love with you since the day he came over to play video games. If not before!'

Her face turned crimson, her hands flailing in a panic. 'Papa! Stop!'

Her mother rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the fondness in her expression. 'Tom, you're going to make her faint.'

He raised an eyebrow, his voice teasing. 'I'm just stating the obvious, dear. Isn't it about time she hears it from someone else?'

Marinette groaned, burying her face in her hands. 'I'm never going to hear the end of this, am I?'

He laughed harder, clearly enjoying every moment of his daughter's embarrassment. 'Nope. Not a chance.'

Forget cooking an egg! Marinette was sure she had more force coming from her than a flame grilled BBQ.

'Tom! Stop embarrassing her, before she decides to move back to New York!' her mother chided, though her tone was more amused than stern.

'What?' he shrugged, still smiling. 'It's true, isn't it? I just hope little Emily hasn't put him off the idea of his own offspring!'

Marinette shrieked, burying her face in her hands. 'Papa!'

Her mother stepped closer, her expression softening. 'You've grown up so much, ma chérie,' she said, brushing a strand of hair from Marinette's face. 'I suppose it's only natural. But you're sure about this?'

Marinette nodded, her hands falling back to her sides. 'I am, Maman. Adrien is... he's everything to me. And I want to spend as much time with him as I can. I was wrong to have ever left him.'

He nodded approvingly. 'As long as he treats you well—and he always has—you have our blessing. Just don't let him steal you away completely, d'accord?'

Her mother sighed, though her smile betrayed her fondness for the young man. 'If it makes you happy, that's all we care about. But promise you'll still come by for lunch tomorrow? A true family Christmas.'

She smiled, feeling a swell of warmth in her chest. 'Of course, Maman. I wouldn't miss it for the world.'

Tom placed a hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently. 'Go on, then. Give Adrien our regards—and make sure he knows we expect him and Emily for lunch, too. I'm sure Santa might drop some extra presents off here.'

Marinette laughed, feeling lighter than she had in years. 'I'll tell him. Thank you, both of you. I love you very much.'

Just as she was about to push the bakery door open and step back into the icy night air, she heard her mother's voice behind her.

'Marinette, wait!' Her mother rushed towards her, her footsteps hurried as she approached, something clutched tightly in her hand.

She turned back, confused, as her mother reached her side, slightly out of breath. 'What is it, Maman?'

Sabine held out a folded piece of parchment, the edges slightly worn but still pristine. Her expression was thoughtful, almost hesitant. 'This,' she said, placing the letter into Marinette's hands. 'It was left for you five years ago. One for you and one for Adrien. I've already given him his.'

'What is this?' Marinette turned the envelope around in her hands, studying the writing she's been accustomed to closely over the past couple of days. Master Fu.

Sabine shrugged. 'It was dropped off with this date on it. I'd placed it at the back of the bookcase but had completely forgotten until you came home.'

'Is that what you were looking for?' Marinette asked, without taking her eyes off the letter. Sabine nodded. 'Thank you for keeping it safe, Maman.'

She stepped forward, gently pressing a kiss to her mother's cheek before stepping out into the icy night. She looked up at the beams of light floating across the sky, obviously coming from the Eiffel Tower. If she was going to read this, she needed to be alone, and there was only one place she wanted to be.

After transforming and taking to the skies, Ladybug settled down on their rooftop, her hands shaking as she removed the letter from the envelope. Her eyes stinging before she'd even started reading.

My Dear Marinette,

I hope this letter finds you when you need it the most.

You know, I've always taught you to respect the flow of time and to never meddle with it unnecessarily. But time has a way of whispering its secrets to those willing to listen. And though I've always told you to avoid its temptations, I could not resist the opportunity to see where your path might lead.

With Bunnyx's guidance, I glimpsed into your future, Marinette. I must admit, I did so out of fear—not of you or your choices, but of whether I had done right by entrusting you with the weight of the Miraculous. I worried if I had set you on the right course or if, unknowingly; I had steered you and Adrien away from the happiness you both deserve.

What I saw was breathtaking. Your future, Marinette, is not simply good. It is extraordinary. It is a testament to your strength, your courage, and, above all, your heart.

You and Adrien will build a life together that is more wonderful than I could have ever imagined. It is a future filled with love and purpose, a celebration of everything that makes you who you are. Adrien is truly one in a million, and his devotion to you is unmatched. Shower him with the love he needs, Marinette, because he will give it back to you tenfold. The bond you two share is rare and unbreakable, forged through trials and triumphs.

I know there will be days when the road feels impossibly hard. When doubt creeps in, and you wonder if you can keep going. In those moments, I want you to remember this: the future is magnificent. You are magnificent. Every challenge you face, every tear you shed, will lead to joy beyond your wildest dreams.

Never look back, Marinette. Always move forward. The past has shaped you, but the future is where your light will shine brightest. Trust in yourself and the love that surrounds you.

Thank you for everything you have done and will do as Ladybug. You are a guardian in every sense of the word, a beacon of hope and love for so many. It has been my greatest honor to see you take on this role with such grace and strength.

Keep going, my dear Marinette. Keep believing. The world—and Adrien—are so lucky to have you.

With endless gratitude and hope,

Master Fu

Tears blurred Marinette's vision as she lowered the letter, her heart swelling with emotion. She felt a warmth inside her chest, as if Master Fu himself had wrapped her in a comforting embrace across time.

She read the last line again—Keep going, my dear Marinette. Keep believing.

A tear slipped down her cheek, but she wiped it away quickly, standing straighter. The future wasn't just something to dream about any more. It was something she was ready to step into, hand in hand with Adrien.

'I'll keep going,' she whispered, tucking the letter safely into her coat. "For you, Master Fu. For me. For us."

With renewed determination, she headed off into the night, her swings steady, her heart full.

*****

Adrien

Adrien paced faster, his socked feet skimming the floor as if moving would somehow relieve the tension twisting in his chest. His thoughts were spinning faster than he could keep up with them. What if she doesn't show up? The question lodged itself in his mind like a splinter, and no matter how hard he tried to push it away, it remained nagging and relentless. What if she regrets coming back?

He glanced at the clock again, noting the minutes slipping by. She was supposed to be here by now... His breath caught in his throat. Maybe she's just running late. She could've been caught up in something—saving Paris again, maybe. But wouldn't she text?

Emily had returned a couple of hours ago, her curious gaze trying to seek Marinette out. She was so sure she was having Marinette for Christmas that the anxiety inside him was ready to rip him apart. Sophia and Luka had stayed to help with putting the milk and cookies out for Santa, Sophia reminding Emily about the letter she'd written to go with it. Before they went outside, and placed the carrots for the reindeer. Then they'd all said their goodnights, Sophia and Luka leaving and Adrien taking Emily to bed.

Tonight's story–The Nutcracker.

But now, he was waiting.

He tried to focus, to calm his racing thoughts, but his mind kept circling back to one thing: she's taking on a lot. A lot. Emily isn't just a little kid. She's three—she's loud, she's messy, she's chaotic. And what if Marinette... what if she's not ready for all of this?

The thought of her walking away from it, from him, from Emily, made his stomach churn. She could still change her mind. It wouldn't be too late. It's a lot to ask of someone, especially when she has her whole life ahead of her.

He paused, running a hand through his hair again, trying to steady himself. What if she wants to live her own life, have her own future, free from all this responsibility? She deserves that. She shouldn't have to take on more than she's ready for just because of him. He couldn't just expect her to take care of a toddler. He couldn't make her carry that burden.

He felt his heart thud harder in his chest as the panic started to swell again. What if this is all too much?

He glanced again at Master Fu's letter. The words were still a mystery to him, cryptic in their meaning, but looking at it somehow made him feel a little less alone. He stepped forward, taking it from the desk. His fingers tightened around the paper.

The guilt settled like a heavy weight on his shoulders. What if she was just saying yes because she doesn't want to let him down? Because she's always there for everyone, and she can't say no? Adrien squeezed his eyes shut, taking a deep breath. She wouldn't do it out of obligation, would she?

He opened the letter, his eyes skimming over it once again.

Adrien,

I know you must feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, and perhaps, you are wondering why I'm writing to you now, when you are already so burdened. But I must tell you, I've seen the path that is now your past, the one filled with hardship, trials, and decisions that will test the very core of who you are. It will not be easy. It will stretch you, bend you, and in moments, you will feel like you cannot go on.

But these tests, they are not meant to break you. They are meant to shape you. To make you stronger, to help you understand your true strength, and to guide you to the person you are meant to be.

You will come to a crossroads, a moment when you must make a choice. It will not be a simple choice, nor an easy one. You will have to decide between what you need and what you want. The difference is subtle, but it is vast.

Let me explain.

Marinette will bring you joy. She already does, in ways that are deep and true, and I see the love you have for her. But, Adrien, there is something important that you must understand. You cannot simply follow what you want. Your love for her cannot be about making her happy through your own actions of stepping aside. Your desire to see her smile, to keep her safe, to keep her from pain... while noble, will only push her away in the end. This is the cruel irony of love: the more you try to make her happy, the more you will inadvertently build walls between you.

What you need, Adrien, is to understand that her happiness, her true happiness, can only come from within herself. It is not something you can give her, no matter how much you may wish it. The moment you realise this, you will understand the painful truth—that she can only be happy with you, when you are honest with her, with yourself, and when you stop trying to do everything for her.

You have always been selfless, always putting others before yourself, even at the cost of your own heart. But in this next chapter of your life, you must be selfish—for the first time in your life, you must choose what you need.

You need her, yes, but you need yourself, too. To be truly strong, to be the man you were always meant to become, you must make the difficult choice to let her see you for who you truly are—not the facade you've shown the world, not the image of perfection who plays it safe, but the real you, the dark knight your were destined for. If you can do that, if you can give her the freedom to choose you, then you will both find happiness—not as two halves, but as two whole people, capable of being there for each other as equals.

I know you may doubt this, but trust me when I say this is the path that will lead to the happiness you both deserve.

The road ahead will not be easy, but remember this: through all the pain and uncertainty, you will emerge stronger. You are more capable than you realise, and with this understanding, you will be ready for the challenges that lie ahead.

Stay true to yourself, Adrien. The future is difficult to see, but I believe in you, just as I always have.

With wisdom and faith in your journey, Master Fu

Adrien sat at his desk, his eyes still fixed on Master Fu's letter, his mind swirling with its heavy message. The words seemed to sink deeper into him with each passing moment, each line carrying a weight he hadn't been ready for. I need to be selfish? The thought felt foreign, even wrong. He'd spent his whole life trying to be there for others. How can he just... change that?

His gaze flicked back to the letter, reading it over again, as if hoping some hidden answer would appear between the lines. What do I need? The question echoed in his mind, pulling him further into thought. The more he tried to answer, the more confused he became. His heart kept drifting back to Marinette, but the letter warned him—his want was not what would bring her happiness.

A soft noise from the doorway broke through his internal storm, and Adrien snapped his head up, startled.

Marinette stood there, just inside the room, looking unsure. Her gaze met his, and she smiled faintly, but he could see the hesitation in her eyes. She'd been standing there for a while, it seemed, but he had been so lost in the letter, in his thoughts, that he hadn't even heard her come in.

'Marinette...' He blinked, his heart skipping a beat at the sight of her. But as the words left his mouth, he felt the weight of the letter in his hands, and suddenly, he wasn't sure what to say next.

She stepped further into the room, her footsteps soft against the floor. 'I... I didn't want to interrupt,' she said quietly, her voice laced with uncertainty.

'I'm good... actually, I'm better than good. I'm great.'

Her unsure gaze softened, and something in her expression drew him to her. Without thinking, Adrien's arms found their way around her waist, pulling her close as he inhaled the familiar, comforting scent of her. 'I missed you,' he confessed, unable to hide the truth.

Marinette chuckled. 'It's only been a couple of hours.'

'A couple of hours too long,' he replied, his voice low, his grip tightening slightly. Just then, Plagg swooped in to grab Tikki, and without a word, the two of them darted off into one of Adrien's drawers, leaving the room suddenly quiet.

She raised an eyebrow. 'So, what happens now?'

Adrien couldn't help the smirk that tugged at his lips. 'Well, now...'

'Down, boy,' Marinette teased, shaking her head, a playful glint in her eyes. 'Don't make me have you neutered.'

Adrien shot her a wide grin, his smirk impossible to suppress. 'I'll behave... for now,' he said, raising his hands in mock surrender.

Marinette rolled her eyes, but there was warmth in her smile. 'You better.'

A moment of silence passed between them, the kind that felt comfortable, easy, and Adrien couldn't help but lean in a little closer. 'You know,' he said, his voice dropping to a more mischievous tone, 'I'm thinking we could create a new tradition.'

She tilted her head, curiosity dancing in her eyes. 'Oh? And what kind of tradition are we talking about?'

He leaned in even closer, his lips just a breath away from hers. 'We play Santa, placing Emily's presents under the tree, then we crack open the mulled wine, put on a terrible Christmas movie, and—' his grin widened '—make out all the way through it.'

She blinked at him, feigning shock. 'That's your idea of a holiday tradition? Terrible Christmas movie and all?'

'Of course,' he said, his voice dropping lower, his lips brushing against her ear. 'Because the only thing that could make those movies bearable is you.' She shivered slightly at his words, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. 'Well, when you put it that way...' She looked up at him, eyes sparkling with a mix of affection and mischief. 'Guess I'm in. But only if I get to choose the movie.'

He raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. 'Oh, no. That might be a deal-breaker. We'll never make it through the night if it's one of your cheesy rom-coms.'

She laughed softly, leaning into him. 'You're just afraid I'll pick something too good and you'll want to watch it. But alright, deal. I'll pick a terrible one. Just for you.'

His heart raced, a comfortable warmth spreading through him as their laughter faded into a quiet moment. Without thinking, he reached for her hand, threading his fingers through hers. 'Good. Because I think this is the beginning of something really, really fun.'

She squeezed his hand, her smile soft but full of promise. 'I think so, too.'

And as they stood there, close in the quiet of the room, he realized that maybe this—the laughter, the teasing, the closeness—was all he needed. Because, for the first time in a long time, everything felt right.

It was a new tradition, one he couldn't wait to begin.

And as he leaned in to kiss her, the world outside seemed to disappear, leaving only the two of them, wrapped up in the warmth of the holiday, and each other as the snow softly settled giving them the most perfect Christmas wish they could ever ask for.