Christmas.

The month everyone longs for, and even at the ripe old age of sixteen; the akuma class were no exception. Christmas break was the most exciting time away from collège of the whole year. Dark nights, snowball fights, hot chocolates and warm fireplaces. What could be better?

The classroom was silent except for the tapping of impatient feet as they bounced against the floor; every now and then joined by a sign of a winter cold — a cough and a sneeze. Marinette studied the book in front of her. How was she meant to read her next instalment in The Hunger Games when they were minutes away from the start of Christmas break? She looked down at her page, attempting not to reread the same sentence over and over again.

'On the night I feel that thing again, the hunger that overtook me on the beach, I know this would have happened anyway.'

Tap, tap, tap, tap

Her attention was pulled away from her book once more, and to the clock sitting at the front of the classroom. Sixteen minutes.

That's all that's left of this term, just sixteen minutes and they were out of here. Marinette looked out the window and noticed the snow was starting to build up. Would it be premature to predict a white Christmas?

Sighing, she looked down at her book once again.

'That what I need to survive is not Gale's fire, kindled with rage and hatred. I have plenty of fire myself. What I need is the dandelion in the spring.'

.✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.☆.*｡･ﾟ✫*.

Tick, tick, tick.

Fifteen minutes.

A piece of paper flew backwards, hitting Marinette square in between the eyes before landing on her book.

"Ouch!" she exclaimed, Adrien sheepishly turning around.

"Sorry," he whispered, pointing down towards the paper before turning back. Did he want her to read it?

Taking the paper ball from where it lay, she opened it up to read Adrien's note.

'Ice cream?'

She rolled her eyes and grabbed her pen, scribbling an answer and sending it back. Ice cream? When it was snowing? What was wrong with him?!

Watching in front of her, Adrien opened the paper and his shoulders dropped. Obviously he'd realised what a silly idea that was too? And to be honest, Marinette didn't really want to go and see André again after her most recent encounter with Chat Noir, and most especially not with Adrien.

She watched as he scribbled something down once more and the paper flew back onto her book...

'Movie night and hot chocolate?'

Marinette looked at the note pinching her lips together before writing down her answer. She smiled to herself when she could see he had read it. It seems tonight she was going to be spending time with Adrien, she just needed to get her head into gear now. He turned in his seat, giving her a small smile, her eyes fluttering down to her book.

'What I need is the dandelion in the spring.'

.✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.☆.*｡･ﾟ✫*.

Sigh, yawn, sigh, yawn.

Fourteen minutes.

Alya grabbed hold of her phone and pulled up her latest conversation with Nino. She knew she was meant to be reading, but unfortunately Little Woman was about as exciting as watching paint dry. She knew she'd regret not choosing Stephen King.

Alya

Do you know what Adrien's note said?

Nino

What note?

Alya

The one he sent to Marinette.

Nino

I didn't know he'd sent one to her.

When did that happen?

Alya

You're meant to be his wingman.

How come you don't know this?

Nino

I was too engrossed in my book, sorry.

Alya couldn't help but huff. Of course he'd be engrossed in his book. He'd made a sensible choice and took a copy of The Shining from the school library. A crazy author was so much more exciting than girls arguing over a man.

Sighing to herself, she turned back to her story and attempted to pick up where she left off.

'Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents,' grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.

'It's so dreadful to be poor!' sighed Meg, looking down at her old dress.

'I don't think it's fair for some girls to have plenty of pretty things, and other girls nothing at all,' added little Amy, with an injured sniff.

Alya looked up at the clock. This was going to be a long 13 minutes.

.✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.☆.*｡･ﾟ✫*.

Click, snap, zip

Thirteen minutes.

Chloé closed her compact and handed it over to Sabrina; her friend placed it into her satchel and swapped it for her phone. Hiding it under the table, she checked for any messages hoping Chloé was too engrossed in her own.

Max

How would you like to stop off via Tom and Sabine's Boulangerie before heading to yours?

Sabrina smiled to herself. Chloe still had no idea about her and Max's 'experimental' relationship. It started as a study session that went really, really well. Then it happened again, and again, and again, so much so they had made plans to spend ample amounts of time together over the Christmas break. She couldn't wait.

.✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.☆.*｡･ﾟ✫*.

Buzz, buzz, buzz

Twelve minutes.

Juleka pulled out her phone and moved closer to Rose. They huddled over the screen as they read the message, hiding the phone behind their books.

Luka

Outside waiting...

He completed the message with a selfie of himself in his sunglasses, scarf and jacket; thumbs up to the camera.

The girls were excited. Rose had been given the all clear to travel, the three of them heading to England for the next couple of days before returning to Paris on Christmas Eve. They just needed the bell to ring and let them out of there.

Rose giggled, watching as Juleka typed a quick reply before getting Marinette's attention and showing her the picture. She let out a snort gathering the attention of the blond boy in front of her.

.✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.☆.*｡･ﾟ✫*.

Eleven minutes.

Adrien couldn't help but stare as Marinette turned to look at Juleka and Rose, the flash of Juleka's screen displaying Luka kicked him hard in the gut. He heard Marinette's laugh as she turned back to her book, catching his eye in the motion.

Her face flushed a bright shade of red. Picking up her book, she blocked her face with it and slouched down in her chair. After studying her for a while, he turned back to his own book and sighed. Maybe she wasn't as into him as he originally thought.

.✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.☆.*｡･ﾟ✫*.

Scratch, scratch, scratch

Ten minutes.

Kim silently cheered as he beat Alix at their third game of noughts and crosses; Ms Bustier raised her head from her table and both Kim and Alix scrambled to pick their books up and find the correct page.

.✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.☆.*｡･ﾟ✫*.

Nine minutes.

When the coast was clear, Kim grabbed his phone out of his bag and texted Ondine. In nine minutes he would be free, and the Christmas celebrations with his girlfriend began. He couldn't wait.

.✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.☆.*｡･ﾟ✫*.

Ding! Ding!

Eight minutes.

Adrien grabbed his phone from his pocket and apologised to Ms Bustier, exclaiming it was about a last minute photoshoot... of course, he was lying.

Kagami

Have you made your move?

Adrien gulped. Kagami was more his wingman at the moment than Nino, making it clear to everyone that Adrien needed her help to make sure he didn't mess this up — he was almost ashamed at how true that was. Where Nino wanted Adrien to make mistakes and reflect on them, Kagami was in all guns blazing. It was quite terrifying really.

Adrien

Yes.

We're having hot chocolate and watching a movie this evening.

Kagami

Did you clarify it was just the two of you?

Adrien

Um — no?

Kagami

Do I need to text Marinette?

Adrien

No, please.

I'll make sure she knows.

The timing of this, however, was truly unfortunate. A piece of paper flew onto his desk, followed by a squeak from the girl behind.

He looked up to see Marinette bright red staring at his phone. Adrien shut down the screen, and noticed the girl behind him scramble out of her seat and move to grab the paper she'd just launched in his direction. As her hand came down to grab it he reacted quickly, attempting to move it out the way.

Marinette, as determined as Ladybug, launched herself forward, grabbing the paper and ending up sprawled out on the floor in front of Adrien's desk, paper in hand. Thank God she'd decided to wear trousers and not the skirt and tights she had originally planned. Adrien looked down at her with doe eyes before moving to help her up.

Springing back into her seat, Marinette turned her focus from Adrien and the note he almost read back to her book.

'What I need is the dandelion in the spring. The bright yellow that means rebirth instead of destruction. The promise that life can go on, no matter how bad our losses. That it can be good again. And only Peeta can give me that. So after, when he whispers, "You love me. Real or not real?" I tell him, "Real.'

She looked at the back of Adrien's head. Yep. She completely understood Katniss' feelings.

.✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.☆.*｡･ﾟ✫*.

Bing! Bong!

Seven minutes.

Kim pulled the phone from his pocket and looked at the picture he had just been sent.

Ondine was outside waiting for him, two cups from Tom and Sabine's Boulangerie in hand and a smile on her face. He loved Christmas!

.✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.☆.*｡･ﾟ✫*.

Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle, zip

Six minutes.

Max was looking through his bag with Markov, checking and double checking everything was in the right place.

His relationship with Sabrina was flourishing nicely. He wasn't exactly sure what he felt, if he felt anything at all, but she was good company and he was enjoying time with her. He tapped the present he had for her in his bag, excited for her to open it.

Her very own automated planner — hopefully she was going to love it.

.✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.☆.*｡･ﾟ✫*.

Breath in, breath out, breath in, breath out.

Five minutes.

Nathaniel was sprawled over his desk and dribbling not too prettily on his desk partner as she attempted to read her book.

.✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.☆.*｡･ﾟ✫*.

Grunt! Growl!

Four minutes to go.

Lila tried to move away from Nathaniel and his despicable drool whilst keeping an eye on Adrien and Marinette. He kept turning around making 'those eyes' at Miss Clumsy herself, what the hell did he see in her? If it was up to her, and she was going to try her hardest, Gabriel would make sure there were clear restrictions between Adrien and Marinette over the break. The last thing she wanted was for the two of them to grow closer.

.✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.☆.*｡･ﾟ✫*.

Three minutes to go and suddenly it was announced they could pack away. The excitement and speed in the class shocked and amused Ms. Bustier, she couldn't deny it though... she couldn't wait to get out of there either. Her baby's first Christmas, and she had so much planned, including a visit to Santa later that afternoon. We

"Now, I know it is Christmas break, and I'm sure you all have a lot planned; however, you need to be safe. Starting when you leave college. The steps will be icy, so please use the handrail and take your time. Alix, Kim, no racing!"

A snort was heard from Kim's table, obviously he wasn't intending to follow Ms. Bustier's instructions, already eyeing Alix with a raised eyebrow.

Ringgggg!

The bell sounded and everyone began to throw their coats on, wrapping up and moving out of the classroom, wishing Ms Bustier and each other a great holiday. This was it! Time to start the Christmas festivities and enjoy the next few weeks of freedom, and, thanks to Global warming, snow.

"You ready girl? The fun starts now!"

Marinette smiled at her over enthusiastic friend, as Alya pulled out her phone and began the rundown of their holiday festivities; everything from prearranged group snowball fights, to their usual girlie night in watching 'The Holiday' with absolutely no boys allowed.

Marinette was due to leave Paris in two days time, a trip with her parents to go and visit her Aunt in England, but that hadn't stopped Alya from filling in the remaining time with activities and group outings and much, much more. She couldn't wait.

They headed towards the front of the college only to get caught up in a rush of students heading back into the atrium and away from the front steps.

"Move!" Rose said, clinging to Juleka's hand as Luka chased behind them.

"What's happening?" Adrien's voice came from behind Marinette freezing her in her tracks and tensing her body. He was close. Far too close for her nerves to take.

"Snowball fight on the steps," Luka said out of breath, placing his hands to his knees and bending forwards.

"Kim!" Adrien growled, taking a step towards the entrance only to be pulled back by Luka.

"I wouldn't if I were you, it's chaos out there." Adrien looked at his friend before looking at Marinette. No one would spoil his hot chocolate and movie date with Marinette.

"I'll be fine." Adrien moved towards the doorway, edging out slowly and scooping up some snow. First he'd take Kim out, then he'd come back for Marinette.

"If he's getting involved, I am too." Nino flung his bag across his body, before chasing after Adrien and falling in step behind him.

Marinette watched the guys go, before turning back to Luka with a shrug. She headed forward and out onto the steps. She always loved snowball fights, the thrill of the chase and the means of harmless attack. It wasn't in the same league as battling an akuma, but it was fun, she couldn't deny that.

Unfortunately, within 10 seconds of setting a foot on the top of the staircase a snowball hit her full force in the back, sending her tumbling down the steps and onto the street; a searing pain shooting up her leg.

With a frightful scream the snowball fight hit a cease fire, Alix running beside her.

"I swear it was meant for Kim, I didn't see you come out of the building."

Adrien was by her side next, fawning over her like a little injured kitten. "Alya's gone to get your parents and Nino is calling an ambulance. That was quite a tumble Marinette."

She watched him turn to Alix fury in his eyes as he began asking her what she was thinking. The sight of Adrien arguing with her hero companion was the last thing she remembered as the intense pain had her blacking out.

.✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.☆.*｡･ﾟ✫*.

"Come on, Marinette, it could be a lot worse!" Alya said, bringing a drink over to her friend before moving to Marinette's back and finding the painkillers.

"Oh, really?" Marinette quipped back. "Would you like to expand on that or shall I just throw this pillow at you?" She tapped the one beside her and glared at her friend.

"You don't even like your family in London," Alya said, making a clear point as to why Marinette's broken leg was actually a good thing, and that having to stay with Alya for two nights would be the best sleepover ever. Marinette was still yet to climb on board with that one.

She'd had her pre Christmas vacation all planned out. She was going to arrive in London and venture to the cute little independant stalls in Covent Garden, purchasing special and unique gifts for all her friends. It was going to be amazing! And when she returned home they would have all loved the time and effort Marinette had put into choosing each of them the most perfect gift.

However, that was now no more than a distant dream thanks to Alix's ill fated snowball to her back. Considering how many times she'd been thrown through walls, into chimneys and almost blown up, nothing came close to the pain of falling down those slippery stairs.

She'd ended up in hospital for a full 24 hours before being let out complete with a neat, little supply of strong painkillers. The night she'd returned home from the hospital she'd made a quick trip to see Chat Noir, the original plan being that he would take her Miraculous for the next week and she would have his. The swap went easily — in the sewer as always — and Marinette made it back home only for her Maman to come and tell her she wouldn't be coming on the trip.

So here she was, instead of venting through the crowds in Piccadilly Circus, she was sitting with Alya on the sofa feeding Camembert to a very grumpy Plagg — the small kwami not impressed by having to stay with Marinette.

"Cheese!" Plagg demanded again, lounging backwards on the sofa, one hand stretched out in expectation of the creamy, smelly, mouldy treat.

"You do realise when the guys get here you will have to hide again?" Alya said, heading to the stash in the cupboard once more. Luckily Marinette had carted it along in a rather well sealed container, meaning only when the cheese was removed from its container did the smell escape into the kitchen.

"The guys?" Plagg asked. "What guys?"

"Don't play dumb!" Marinette responded, "you know full well which guys are coming over?"

Plagg raised an eyebrow and looked sheepishly at Marinette, a strange smirk taking over his face. "Oh, is one of those guys the dumb blond from those billboards."

"Adrien is not a dumb blond," Marinette hissed back, Plagg only cackling in response.

"He seems pretty dumb to me."

"How can you be so rude all the time?"

"I call it as I see it. He's a pretty face with a head full of air." She could tell Plagg was waiting for a reaction, attempting to set her off. He'd been doing it for the past 24 hours and she was starting to wonder how Chat Noir put up with the small kwami. All Plagg did was antagonise her, especially if it was about Adrien.

She had no idea what the kwami had against her friend but she was one more insult away from locking him in the miracle box.

The sound of the doorbell stopped Marinette from banishing the small kwami; instead, she grabbed hold of him and shoved him into her side bag, before attempting to make her more comfortable on the cushions and look presentable, even with the knee high cast.

"The fun has arrived!" Nino walked in holding a bottle of soda, and a carrier bag filled, she guessed, with snacks as he announced himself like the greatest showman.

Adrien followed behind looking like the billboard model he used to be, as he shook the snow out of his hair and brushed the shoulders of his jacket clean. "Will it ever stop?" he exclaimed, walking forwards towards Marinette and holding a little bag out towards her.

"I saw this and thought of you. I'm sorry you're stuck here and not on the trip with your parents." He reached up to rub the back of his neck, a light pink tinge coating his cheeks and that wonderful lopsided smile she adored gracing his lips.

She looked from Adrien down into the bag and couldn't help melt on the spot. He'd bought her a cushion, but not just any, a little hamster holding a heart. This was the sweetest thing ever. Hugging it to her, she dropped a kiss on its head before holding her arms out — cushion in hand.

"Thank you," she said. Indicating for Adrien to move closer and give her a hug.

A couple of inches and she would have had him in her arms, however, Alya's screech stopped her in her tracks.

"Adrien Agreste, you dark horse! When did you get your ears pierced?"

As Marinette's eyes quizzically moved to look at Adrien's decorated earlobes, the blond quickly covered the items, a cringing smile showing on his face.

"I – um – it's just that..." Adrien seemed to have developed a rather unusual stutter as his eyes flicked from one to another in the room. Marinette looked at the earrings once more, there was something oddly familiar about them. Something she couldn't quite place.

"Dude's had his ears pierced to piss off his father. My little chick is growing up." Nino walked over and slammed a hand on Adrien's shoulder, though from what Marinette could tell it was a complete lie. There was no way Adrien would do that. So either they were clip on, magnetic, or maybe stick on.

"Yeah," Adrien laughed, moving back away from Marinette and leaving her longing for his arms. Damn it! They were so close.

.✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.☆.*｡･ﾟ✫*.

"Nino," Alya announced, "come back in!"

"No!"

"Come on, man. You're making a fuss out of nothing."

Nino slowly appeared from Alya's room, his face like thunder as he moved forward and collapsed beside his girlfriend on the sofa.

"I'm only here because Adrien's never seen it. This film is not and never will be a Christmas movie," he huffed, crossing his arms over his chest as Alya swung an arm over his shoulders and pressed her lips to his cheek.

"Come on, it's not that bad."

"Die Hard is not a Christmas movie." Nino flopped back into the sofa, staring at the screen as Alya found the movie on Disney+ and began to play it.

When Adrien had mentioned he'd never seen Die Hard, both Alya and Marinette saw it as a no-brainer, it was time to fill their innocent friend in on something that wasn't a Hallmark movie.

Marinette's heart was beating out of her chest as Adrien settled beside her, his arm pressing up against hers as his smell insulted her nostrils in the most delectable way.

"It's set at Christmas — they sing Christmas songs — of course it's a Christmas movie." Marinette looked towards Nino, wiggling slightly to try and get more comfortable.

"If you're having Die Hard because of a tiny hint of Christmas, then I'm having Mean Girls." Nino huffed out in response, crossing his arms and sulking down in his chair.

Marinette attempted to move once more, only to groan and moan with each tiny movement. It was impossible to get comfortable. Jumping into action, Adrien moved, grabbing a cushion and placing it under her broken leg. The pillow was a much welcomed relief, her lips moving automatically to thank him with both words and actions, a soft kiss pressing against his cheek.

"You're welcome, Marinette."

They turned back to the TV, Marinette taking the opportunity to move a little closer to Adrien. If she just lowered herself a tiny bit, she'd be able to rest her head against his chest and feel his heartbeat.

"What would you do if you were stuck in the tower?" Alya suddenly said, pulling all their attention from the movie and to the question.

"Well, we kind of were," Adrien replied, his eyes unable to leave the screen. Marinette watched him. Even with the earrings on he still looked gorgeous, maybe even more attractive. A little like a bad boy. Bug boy. The thought made her sit up straight. A wince leaving her lips as she moved a little too quickly.

"Are you okay?" Adrien said, placing an arm around her and attempting to make her more comfortable, what he didn't know was that his arm was making her blood pressure skyrocket, and if he kept it there much longer there was a chance she was going to pass out.

She smiled at him, attempting to calm her heart rate and focus of John McLean fighting the terrorist. "I'm okay, thank you."

Marinette was quite sure her pupils had turned into little hearts as she studied her friend. She was still gutted they'd missed their hot chocolate and movie date. The unfortunate timing of Alix's snowball stopping the chance of snuggles with Adrien, though maybe...

Without overthinking it, Marinette moved even closer to Adrien, settling her head onto his chest and closing her eyes. "Now this is better."

Alya coughed loudly, Marinette and Adrien turning their heads to face her. "Anyway," she said, "when were you stuck in a tower Rapunzel?"

"I don't know whether I should be offended by that or not?" Adrien laughed, bringing a hand to the back of his neck as he considered his next words. "When we went on the trip to the Montparnasse Tower, and you two were Oblivio."

"I thought me and Alya were the only two," Nino responded, throwing his arm around his girlfriend's shoulders and allowing her to snuggle into his body, the two couples now mirroring the other.

"Nope, I was there too." Adrien informed, a soft and gentle 'me too' coming from Marinette's lips, Adrien looking down at her suspiciously. Though he couldn't remember much about what had happened that day, he couldn't remember seeing Marinette once the cure had been.

Alya snorted in response. "Yeah, you definitely were Marinette."

Marinette growled in her sleep, the rumbling sounding through into his chest and sending shock waves down his spine.

"At least I didn't get caught playing Super Penguino." The raven haired beauty on top of him sighed, her breathing steadying out as she drifted off into a deep sleep.

"No," Alya huffed under her breath. "You were just caught making out with just your best friend."

Adrien's brain began to work over time to understand what she meant. Had she been making out with

.✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.☆.*｡･ﾟ✫*.

Marinette was starting to feel uncomfortable. The pillow she was currently sleeping on was lumpy and over warm, and her leg had suddenly kicked up a notch in pain. She yawned before opening her eyes to find it wasn't a pillow she was hugging, it was a person and not just any person, Adrien.

She had fallen asleep hugging Adrien!

Attempting to move off him, she was surprised to find that he just squeezed her tighter, restricting movement and holding her firmly against his body. The hold grew tighter and tighter, almost to the point of it being painful.

"Adrien," Marinette whispered, "Adrien, wake up, you're hurting me."

"I can't let you go Marinette, we're not safe." His voice was quiet and muffled yet his grip tightened once more.

"Adrien, please, we're fine."

"No!" he shouted, "we're stuck and I don't have a cataclysm to get us out."

Cataclysm!

Marinette twisted a little more, careful of her broken leg, to look up at Adrien. He looked in agony, whatever he was dreaming seemed to be affecting him, worst of all he seemed to think he was Chat Noir.

"Marinette, we need to get to the roof, there's a helicopter. It'll come and save you." It seemed Adrien had somehow mixed reality with his dream, bringing Marinette into Die Hard alongside him.

A small snort left her lips and she considered what might be going on in Adrien's mind at the moment, a little thrill following in its path as she realised he was trying to save her.

"I've got you, don't worry." His voice was muffled by where his head had positioned in her hair. "No one will get near you, no one will hurt a hair on your head. If they want to take you, they're going to have to go through me, Princess."

Before Marinette could attempt to wake him up, the most unfortunate thing happened as Adrien seemed to have found something to help camouflage them.

"We need to disguise you, Marinette," he started, "come here, let me put some spots on your face."

A sudden blast of pink light almost blinded Marinette, causing her to turn her head sharply away as her best friend and boy she loved turned into her partner and the other boy she loved.

After staring for a couple of seconds there was only one thing she could think of doing... screaming!

The startling noise jolted Mister Bug in his sleep and, unfortunately with his super strength, knocked Marinette off the sofa.

"Marinette!" He leaped over to where she'd fallen, lifting her up and placing her back on the seat, only for her to scream again. "Marinette, what's wrong?"

She screamed again, this time Mister Bug taking the initiative to place his hand over her mouth and restrict the noise coming from her. Her eyes widened as she looked into his bright greens framed by red and black polka dots. How had she never noticed this? She stared at Mister Bug enough in the past, she should have been able to see it. Before she knew what was happening Mister Bug's eyes widened and fluctuated from his hand to her face and back again, swiftly following up with a scream of his own.

He screamed.

She screamed.

A door slammed open.

"Spots off!" Adrien quickly said, taking him back to his normal clothing just as Alya and Nino ran into the room.

"What's wrong?" she asked, Nino hiding behind her using his girlfriend as a human shield.

"Marinette thought she saw a spider and fell off the sofa. She started to scream, then I saw the spider and I started to scream, then there was a lot of screaming." His smile rivalled the Joker's and, if she was being honest, Adrien's won.

Alya looked suspiciously between the two of them, obviously not believing a word he'd just said.

"Marinette?" she asked.

Suddenly, Marinette realised she hadn't stopped staring at Adrien, how could she? This guy sitting next to her, caring for her in the most romantic way was everything she didn't know she wanted. A stunningly handsome model and skilled superhero... would she be out of line thinking she had a shot at this incredible human being?

"Yep, big spider! Massive! Adrien saved me. He's a big, I mean he likes bugs – I mean spiders – though aren't spiders bugs?" she giggled. "Anyway, he got rid of it. Though, I think you should get a cat, because cats like to eat spiders, you know."

Adrien's eyes narrowed as Marinette squinted at him. Oh dear! Maybe she should have thought about what she was saying before she said anything because she was quite sure he'd worked her out.

"I promise we'll keep it down Alya, sorry." Adrien was smiling at her best friend, but Marinette could only look at him. This was insane.

"You can always... you know what, nevermind." Alya turned around, almost bumping into Nino as she walked out of the room and grabbing her boyfriend by the arm and dragging him back towards the bedroom.

Once the door closed, Adrien stood from the sofa and began to stalk the room, his hand reaching for the back of his neck and rubbing.

"I'm so dead. I'm a dead man walking. What am I going to do?" Marinette watched as he stopped and looked around the room. "It is Marinette though, and she trusted Marinette so maybe, just maybe..." his eyes suddenly landed on her. The overpowering glare caused her to fumble around and ignore the tense look he was giving her, all notes of the pain in her leg disappearing.

"Marinette."

"Adrien."

"Marinette, what would a cat do to a spider?" Adrien asked, his eyes looking down towards her hands; hands which she quickly covered with their shared blanket.

"Eat it?" she asked, her face scrunching up as Adrien took a step towards her.

"How do they catch it to eat it though?"

She didn't know where to look. This was going to go one of two ways: she denies saying the words he's trying to get her to say and discovers her identity, or she say's the words he wants her to say and he discovers her identity. Either way, she was screwed.

"They bat it around a little bit with their paws." So it seemed she was going for option one.

"Oh, ok. What part of their paws though?" he asked, moving even closer.

"Claws."

"But their claws are in?" he questioned, a smirk taking over his face that she was desperate to slap off. Oh, goodness, he'd gotten her cornered.

"That is true," Marinette said, nodding along like a bobble head. She needed to think quickly or she wasn't getting out of this.

"You kissed me at the Montparnasse Tower, didn't you?"

Now that was unexpected. A squeal left her mouth, both hands reaching up to cover it, only for Adrien to catch the right before it reached its destination on her mouth.

"You have something that belongs to me, M'Lady."

He lifted his head and smiled at her, her right hand still securely placed in both of his as he moved the ring, complete with her hands, up to his mouth and pressed a kiss to it.

"So, I'll ask you again. How can a cat catch a spider?" he whispered, moving his head closer to hers.

Taking a deep breath, Marinette let out a sigh. "With its claws out."

A green glow wrapped around her body coating her in black, leaving Lady Noire in its wake.

"This is the best Christmas ever," Adrien said, his smile brighter than Alya's overly decorated Christmas tree.

"Easy for you to say,"Lady Noire responded, "you haven't got a broken leg."

Adrien laughed, moving forward and grabbing her long plait, running it through his hands. "I haven't, but there is something I'm hoping to get." He moved forward and placed his forehead to hers.

"And what's that?" She couldn't help looking down to his lips, was he going to kiss her?

"A girlfriend?"

"A bit sure of yourself aren't you?" Lady Noire jested in return. "But because you've been so nice to me, I'm sure I can say you have her."

"I do?" Adrien asked, only for Lady Noire to nod and move in closer.

As their lips met one thing was certain. This was the best Christmas ever, even with a broken leg and a royally pissed off Plagg.