Adrien

Adrien's mansion stood against the pale morning, its imposing structure softened by the delicate glow of Christmas lights. Garlands traced the balcony rails, and a wreath as grand as the house itself hung on the front door, trimmed with ribbons and glittering ornaments. Twinkling lights cast warm, golden shadows across the frost-tipped stone, catching in every corner, yet beneath it all, the house held a quiet history—a memory of years when the holiday decor only seemed to deepen its coldness.

He remembered those winters in sharp detail. Since his mother's death, the mansion had become a vast, silent space that no amount of decorations or lights could fill. Each Christmas had felt meaningless, the rooms echoing with a stillness that seemed to press in on him, their quiet mirroring the emptiness he carried within. He'd come to associate the holidays with that aching stillness—the way the grand decorations and glistening tree, though beautiful, had only made the house feel more like a museum than a home.

But now, as he stepped out of Nino's car, something shifted. Sitting on the stone steps, bundled up against the early morning chill, was a small figure snuggling her soft ladybug comforter. She was half-asleep, her head leaning against the bannister, but her little face, framed by wisps of hair and rosy from the cold, glowed with quiet anticipation. There was a gentleness in her presence, a warmth that melted away the frostiness of his memories.

For the first time, Adrien noticed how the lights caught on the garlands and cast a warm glow into the foyer, how the Christmas tree seemed to reach towards the ceiling with its delicate ornaments sparkling like stars. The grand hall, seen through the open door, once dark and untouched by the holiday spirit, now felt... alive. The decorations that had once felt empty now seemed to radiate warmth, a welcoming softness that seeped into the walls, the floors, filling every corner in the house.

He sighed, letting the change settle into him. The mansion no longer felt like the cold, distant place it had become in those years after his mother was gone. It had been transformed, if only by the presence of this small child curled up on the steps, waiting with a kind of faith and innocence he hadn't felt in years. The darkness had finally lifted enough for him to truly see the magic.

He couldn't help the smile as the car slowed to a stop as the small child startled, stumbling to her feet and jumping up and down on the steps. He really hated leaving her. It had been the first time, and he'd regretted every single second he was away.

'Princess!' he shouted as he jumped out of the car, barely waiting for it to stop before he made his grand exit.

'Adrien!' The toddler moved down the staircase in a way that terrified him that she was going to fall, her unsteady legs carrying her at a zooming, uncontrollable speed.

'Emily! Slow down!' A voice followed the toddler's movements.

Emily met Adrien with a dramatic launch forward, her little legs flying from the ground and wrapping around his. She looked up slowly with that heart-warming smile on her face which got her anything she wanted. 'I love you.'

'I love you too, little one.' Scooping her up into his arms, he peppered kisses all over her face, causing her to scream in delight. 'How's my favourite baby been?'

'I'm not a baby!' she screeched through the burst of giggles. 'I'm a...big girl!' She tried to push him off. He gave her one last sloppy kiss on her cheek before placing her down on the ground and ruffling her hair.

'And how's the big girl been?' Adrien bopped Emily on the nose with a finger, before turning his attention to the woman who'd chased her down the steps, aiming the question directly at her for the truth.

'You can probably guess.' Sophia stepped forward and kissed Adrien on the cheek. 'Welcome back. Don't you dare go away again!'

Adrien laughed, placing Emily down and watching his favourite little person make a beeline towards Nino.

'She spent the night with Alya and Nino. How can you be so exhausted? It's only been a couple of days, Soph.' He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and marched her up to the mansion, her blonde hair swinging in her trademark ponytail.

'Let's just say you should be glad for your charming personality that's the only reason I've stayed so long.'

Adrien laughed. 'And the huge pay-check?'

'Maybe,' she shrugged, wrapping an arm around his waist and giving him a squeeze. 'And the Christmas bonus.'

Sophia had been with him for just over a year now, and she had been an absolute saviour. She'd stepped in just as he was breaking down, and he wasn't sure how he could function without her any more. Emily adored her, which helped. It was difficult to have someone come into his world, his life, and he knew he had trust issues, but when he had hit rock bottom, there'd been no other opinion. He'd needed a nanny, and he'd needed one quickly.

'But just so you know, I've had four days of the never ending question: when will my big brother be home?'

He heard giggling behind and turned to see Emily sitting on his case with Nino dragging it behind him. 'I'm not your damn butler, Agreste!' he huffed loudly over Emily's screams to go faster.

Adrien raised an eyebrow, smirking as he watched Nino struggle with both Emily and the heavy suitcase. 'Oh really? Could've fooled me. You make an excellent chauffeur and luggage handler,' Adrien quipped, folding his arms and watching the scene unfold with amusement. 'Keep up the good work, and maybe I'll add you to the payroll.'

Nino shot him a mock glare, gritting his teeth in exaggerated frustration. 'This was not in the job description, man. Next time, bring fewer shoes. Or, you know, walk.'

Emily squealed with laughter, clutching the handle of the suitcase as if it were her royal chariot. 'Faster, Uncle Nino! Faster!'

'Listen to the princess,' Adrien added, letting go of Sophia to lean against the door frame with a grin. 'She's got places to be.'

Nino let out a dramatic groan, but he picked up the pace, wobbling slightly as he pulled the case and Emily along with exaggerated effort. 'Alright, but if I break a bone, you two are responsible for my private medical bills. And someone better be getting me a hot chocolate after this.'

Adrien laughed, rolling his eyes. 'Fine, fine. Just don't expect a tip.'

Nino huffed, stopping at the top of the steps and glancing back at Adrien. 'Some gratitude would be nice.'

Adrien smirked, clapping him on the shoulder. 'Consider it noted. And while you're at it, be a good chauffeur and get her majesty inside. She's got a throne room waiting.'

Emily giggled, bouncing on the suitcase. 'My throne room! Hurry up, Uncle Nino! Aunt Alya's making me pancakes.'

'She better have some for me too,' he whispered under his breath. With a long-suffering sigh, he gave Adrien one last playful scowl before hauling the suitcase—Emily and all—toward the front door, muttering about "royalty" and "thankless jobs" as he went. Adrien watched, chuckling as the two disappeared into the warmth of the house, his heart lighter than it had been in a long time.

'By the way,' Sophia said. 'I'm taking the weekend off.'

Adrien smiled. 'Are you now?' He wiggled his eyebrows, Sophia slapping him on the arm.

'Quit it! Just because you spend your free time on hot dates with models like Ivy Valence, doesn't mean I do too.'

Adrien winced, his nose scrunching and causing her to laugh.

'Going that well then?' she asked. They stepped into the house, Adrien closing the door behind them.

'It's just...' He shrugged.

'You feel like you're doing it for the sake of doing it.'

'Exactly,' he replied.

She smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder. 'You don't need to do anything you're uncomfortable with, Adrien. You'll know when it's right.'

Wasn't that the truth? He had the right girl, but at completely the wrong time. Or maybe in the wrong universe. He looked down at his ring, wondering how things could have been between him and Marinette would have been without this enormous secret hanging over him.

'Same to you,' he whispered, trying to look more cheery as they made their way towards the squealing in the kitchen. 'Well, just so you know, if any guy messes you around, I'll come and kick his ass!'

'Sure,' she snorted. 'What are you going to do? Smoulder at him?'

Adrien rolled his eyes. 'I'll have you know, I have a serious set of skills.'

'Sure thing, Liam Neeson.'

The kitchen was a stunning blend of elegance and sleek modernity, its spacious layout bathed in the soft morning light that filtered through large, frost-edged windows. The walls and cabinets were painted a gentle duck egg blue, lending a tranquil warmth that softened the otherwise minimalist design. Brass fixtures gleamed subtly against the blue cabinetry, and polished white marble counter tops stretched expansively, their surfaces reflecting the pale light in a way that made the entire room feel fresh and bright.

Against the far wall stood a high-end refrigerator, its stainless steel exterior catching the gleam of morning light. A sleek island dominated the centre of the kitchen, topped with a state-of-the-art induction cook top and a collection of colourful ceramic bowls filled with fresh ingredients waiting to be used. Across from it, the breakfast bar extended beneath hanging brass pendant lights, their soft glow casting cosy circles on the counter below.

In the centre, Alya moved fluidly, a mixing bowl balanced on her hip as she poured batter into a frying-pan. The sizzle of pancake mix hitting the hot surface mingled with the soft, cheerful strains of Christmas music playing on the radio, the familiar notes wrapping the room in a festive holiday warmth. Her focus was entirely on her task, a faint smile playing on her lips as she worked, the comforting aroma of vanilla and melted butter wafting through the air.

Beside her, Nino was guiding Emily onto one of the tall, cushioned bar stools. She wiggled in excitement, settling next to Luka, who was already perched comfortably, his quiet, easygoing presence a contrast to the bustling energy around him. Luka looked relaxed, feasting on a pancake as he leaned on the counter, his fingers tapping rhythmically to the beat of the Christmas song playing softly in the background.

Adrien paused in the doorway, taken aback to see him here so early, blending seamlessly into the domestic morning scene–which wasn't uncommon in his house. The room was filled with laughter and warmth, every detail, from the faint scent of cinnamon in the air to the gentle music playing, building an atmosphere that felt both vibrant and homey.

He glanced away from Luka, his gaze falling lovingly back to his sister.

The three-year-old was the apple of his eye, and the most important person in his life. When he'd found out Natalie was pregnant with his father's child, he was beyond shocked–to say the least. But he'd got over it quickly, helping her to prepare their home, ready for the imminent arrival. It was just a shame he was the only one bringing the newborn home. His life had shifted so drastically the day she was born, he was surprised he hadn't fallen off the edge of the Earth.

'He's back!' Alya said, moving towards the kettle. She had a selection of Miraculous mugs laid out, strings hanging over the edges. She poured the water into the mugs before putting a scoop of chocolate into a smaller one—and the Carapace one.

'So, monkey! Did you have fun with Sophia, Auntie Alya and Uncle Nino?' He walked to Emily's side, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and pulling him into her body. Her small hands came up either side of his face and kissed him delicately on the nose.

'No! I wanted you.'

'Morning. How was the flight?' Luka asked.

Letting go of Emily, Adrien moved to Alya, kissing her on the cheek and thanking her for having Emily, before greeting Luka with a hearty handshake.

'I need a wee!' Emily announced, wiggling off her seat and sprinting to Sophia, grabbing her hand.

'It seems I'll be going with her, then.' Sophia said, as she was dragged out of the room.

'And I best be going too.' Luka pushed himself from the seat, heading towards the doorway.

Adrien looked at him quizzically. 'If you weren't waiting for me, why were you here?'

His shoulders shrugged, his cheeks glowing a little from being caught. 'Alya said she was making pancakes, I just couldn't resist.'

For a while now, Adrien had thought Luka had been hanging around the mansion a lot more often, and for a reason that wasn't him or his little sister. Luka was fantastic, offering support and being there as Adrien navigated this new job–parenthood. But for the past eight months he'd been a lot more present, even when Adrien wasn't there it seemed. Coincidence? He thought not. There was no doubt in his mind that Luka had a thing for his nanny.

But that would be a discussion for another day. As long as Luka didn't make Sophia leave, then Adrien fully supported it. She was a lovely and Luka was one of his best friends–it would be a match made in heaven. They had the same interests, too–complimenting each other in the best possible ways. There was no doubt in Adrien's mind that they would work.

'See you later?' Adrien asked. Luka paused at the door and turned to give him a smile.

'Of course! I wouldn't miss our little superstar's show for anything. She was giving us a little taster before you arrived home, and we're in for a treat.' And with that, he was gone.

Alya handed out the mugs in a now silent kitchen, Nino showing great appreciation to the hot chocolate steaming from his mug. A little extreme for eight in the morning, but he wasn't going to judge.

'So, Ivy Valence?' Ayla said from a smirk behind her mug.

Adrien shook his head. 'It was just a couple of dates.'

'That's not what she's been saying.' Alya raised an eyebrow, her expression one of barely restrained amusement. She reached for her phone, her fingers moving quickly as she scrolled through her feed. With a sly grin, she angled the screen toward Adrien, displaying a series of Ivy's posts.

The first was an artfully shot, black-and-white image of Ivy and himself gazing dreamily into the distance, with a log fire behind them.

He read the caption out loud. 'When you find someone who makes Christmas feel even more magical...' A delicate heart emoji followed, along with a tag for Adrien that he hadn't even noticed before.

He blinked, feeling a mixture of surprise and second-hand embarrassment creep in. Alya swiped to the next post, a close-up of Ivy's manicured hand, holding a glass of red wine, her caption dripping with romantic flair: "There's a certain wine that only tastes sweeter with company..." Adrien's name was tagged once again, tucked right between a string of hashtags like #newbeginnings and #justus.

Nino leaned over Alya's shoulder, stifling a laugh. "Dude, she's going for the full romcom vibe, isn't she?"

Alya's grin widened as she flipped to yet another post, this one from the night they went, with the rest of the crew, to an upscale jazz club. The caption read: "Under the moonlight, we danced to the rhythm of our hearts." She had tagged him again, with a tiny heart next to his name.

Adrien groaned, rubbing his temples as he watched the posts parade by. He could feel his cheeks reaching a nuclear heat as Alya and Nino exchanged amused glances, clearly getting a kick out of his discomfort. Ivy had certainly gone all-in, creating a narrative of grand romance that felt as embellished as the glitzy posts themselves.

Alya shook her head, chuckling as she set her phone down, her expression equal parts exasperated and amused. Adrien just sighed, feeling a little confused and a little mortified, the reality of Ivy's social media theatrics setting in as he stood among his friends.

'I'll speak to her.'

Alya's message tone broke the tense atmosphere, all eyes turning on the small device she'd just placed on the counter.

Adrien glanced to Nino, ready to ask him about his holiday plans when Alya growled under her breath.

Adrien watched her eyes darken into something that would have been more suited for Halloween than Christmas.

'It's Marinette,' she said, the name hitting him like a bullet to the chest. Marinette. The name that had plagued him along with Ladybug's for the past four years.

'She's back,' Alya continued, looking up at both boys. 'And she wants to meet up.'

Knowing how hard that was going to be for all of them, Adrien took a gulp of his scorching tea, the heat causing a sharp sting as it made its way down.

The sudden untimely arrival of their old friend did not escape his curiosity.

*****

Marinette

By the time Marinette reached her parents' boulangerie, she was hot, sweaty, and thoroughly annoyed. Despite the icy streets and the looming threat of snow, the overcrowded bus had been stiflingly warm, leaving her flushed and uncomfortable. She stepped off with relief, savouring the cold air as it hit her face, a welcome reprieve from the overheated ride.

She headed towards the boulangerie, opening the door and almost collapsing with the overwhelming familiarity. The smells of baked goods circled around her in the most delicious ways, her nose picking up the scent and sending it to her taste buds almost like she was eating it.

'Sweetheart, is that you?' Her mother's voice was a light in her current darkness, and it took everything in her power not to forgo welcomes and charge forward, wrapping her in an embrace.

'Hey, maman.'

Her mother stepped out from behind the counter, arms open wide, and pulled Marinette into a warm, enveloping hug—a hug she had craved so badly.

'Oh, sweetheart, it's so good to see you. I wish you'd told us you were coming. We would have come and collected you from the airport.' She turned her head and hollered into the back. 'Tom, come in here. Marinette's home.'

Marinette couldn't help but smile. Her parents were the warmest, most wonderful people ever, and just being back here with them was an incredible feeling: comfortable, cosy — home.

'Where's Johnny?' her mother asked, glancing expectantly over Marinette's shoulder as if he might appear at any moment.

Marinette sighed, a hint of heaviness in her expression as she shook her head. She couldn't lie—there was no point in trying to cover the truth, especially not from her mother. The curiosity that had been in her mother's eyes faded slightly, replaced by a gentle understanding that made Marinette's heart sink a little more.

'He's not here. He needed to stay behind to do some business stuff.' She couldn't help the snap in the way the words left her mouth. She was still angry that he hadn't volunteered to come with her, or even sent her a message to see if she'd landed safely. There was only so much she could blame on the time difference.

'That's a shame.' Yet everything from the sound of her mother's voice to the look on her face told Marinette she most certainly didn't mean it.

'Honeybun!' The sound of her father's voice was like ice cream on a hot day. She turned just in time to catch him coming towards her, lifting her from the ground and spinning her in a circle.

'Hey, Papa!' She giggled, loving the feeling of being home. Her father set her down on her feet and looked behind her. She couldn't help the huff. 'He's not here.'

'What a shame,' her father said. Once again, Marinette did not believe a word. If anything, her father looked happy for the missing piece to her puzzle.

'Is it okay if I carry on up to my room? I'm exhausted and would like to catch a quick nap before meeting Alya.'

'Sure. It's nice that you're meeting up with your old friends whilst you're here.'

The text message exchange with her old friend had gone exactly the way she'd expected it to, and rightly so, Alya was hesitant to meet her, finally giving in and allowing her 'twenty minutes' during her lunch break. Apparently, there was something important she had to get ready for that evening and Marinette hated not knowing what that was.

Her father lifted her case as though it was a bag of feathers and walked towards the back door of the boulangerie. 'Maybe there are a couple of others, you could drop by and see.'

He didn't need to say any more. She knew exactly who he meant and which 'friend' she might be interested in going to see. A certain 'friend' who, at one point, was a permanent fixture in this apartment—and one she most certainly didn't have the guts to contact.

She didn't respond. She didn't have the time or energy to go through with this conversation right now. And as her father said sweet dreams and closed the door, it took Marinette precisely one minute to do the same with her eyes.