Last Christmas. How could he forget? Was it him having a mental breakdown at midnight in the middle of Paris? His partner accidentally causing an Akuma? The impromptu musical? Was that what made it so memorable? Or was it the best part of all, all of his friends coming to spend Christmas with him? So how could Adrien Agreste properly thank the one who was responsible for it all?

The slim folded piece of paper read 'Marinette Dupain-Cheng' and he had finally realized why this Secret Santa thing was so hard. The whole class had put their names in the hat and drew names, and frankly, he was happy to get the blue-eyed girl who sat behind him in class something because there was no way he had thanked her enough for everything she did. And that was great and all except there was a slight dilemma.

He knew. He knew her secret, he knew she was Ladybug. He had found out a while ago and decided not to tell her and just wait until she was ready to reveal her identity because he knew how much she valued not telling anyone who she was.

But that only made it worse because now, he was madly in love with Marinette, well he always was, just didn't know it yet. He could barely even talk to her, especially since he knew that he liked her back, and now he had to get her a gift, and in the words of Alya: "You better not screw this up Agreste."

The brunette also told him he couldn't come crying to her for advice, and she shut Nino, who knew Marinette the longest, up too, temporarily forbidding him for telling him anything about the girl. So he was on his own.

"GAH. Plagg help! What do I get the secret love of my life?" Adrien said, throwing the pen he had been aggressively tapping for what felt like hours to the floor. He spun around in his white swivel chair to face his kwami, who as usual, was stuffing his face with Camembert.

"Secret? Yeah right? You know everyone knows you're head over heels in love with Ladybug-erm Marinette." Plagg teased, fake swooning over the Camembert, acting if it was Marinette.

Adrien rolled his eyes at the act, but his kwami wasn't lying, he was like he said head over heels for her, she was everything he had ever wanted. He was already crazy in love with Ladybug and was starting to grow feelings for Marinette, so how lucky was he to have them both as the same person?

Which brought the boy back to square one. What to get for such an amazing person?

"Okay! That's it. Look, Kid, I can't watch you drool over her and have a hormonal raging episode every five minutes. You can't think of what to get her? You know what you're gonna do? You're going to ask Ladybug," Plagg paused and flew close up to the blonde boy's face.

"Listen here you squirt, you're gonna 'ask Ladybug', you're gonna ask her what she'd hypothetically want to get from the love of her life for Christmas, ask her to be specific and say that it's for a friend. Boom, you have a gift and a possible reveal scenario, now chop-chop and transform to make it happen, my ship needs to sail, and it's almost time for patrol." Plagg exhaled, flipped his tiny body around and mumbled under his breath, "I rest my case."

Adrien was left in awe. No matter how much he hated to admit it, Plagg was a genius, and frankly, it was so simple how could have he not figured it out sooner?

"That may have been the smartest thing you've ever said, well maybe not the whole hormonal rage part but..." he trailed off chuckling, he had to love the little fella. "Thanks, wingman." He said rubbing Plagg's head, resulting in a purr.

"Forget this ever happened kid. Now, are you ready? Only two special words you know, " Plagg said annoyed looking to the side, crossing his little arms.

"Love you too, " He teased, even though he meant it, he was like his guidance counselor and father mixed in one and no matter how weird that sounded, he was thankful for it, but now he was ready, ready to find out what his lady wanted for Christmas and not chicken out in front of her.

"Now let's do this! Plagg, Claws Out!" And as his kwami was sucked into his ring, his body was engulfed in the ever so familiar electric green light. And off he was, Chat Noir out to get himself one step closer to his lady.

*
"Why, hello there M'lady!" Chat said as he plopped down next to the superheroine sitting crisscrossed atop their 'meet-up' building, her bangs covered her eyes as her head rested in her hand. She looked up at him, startled.

"Oh! Chat! Sorry, I didn't notice you sooner I was just thinking about something." She quickly replied, shifting her body to face him.

"No worries, Before we begin is it okay if I ask you something?" Chat asked.

Okay, remember this is Ladybug, your partner in crime, your best friend. Don't screw this up with that hormonal rage Plagg was talking about.

"Of course, is something wrong?" She questioned, a concerned look grew upon her face. She rarely saw him this serious or make no puns in any exchange they had, which made her worry, silly yes, but even if she hated to admit it he was her best friend and it was her duty to look out for him.

"No-yes, maybe? Sorry if I made you worry it really isn't that big of a deal, it's just I have a crush on this girl right? And seeing as, well you're a girl I was looking for a bit of advice." He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly and gave a half-hearted smile. Only to get a couple giggles in response.

"Aw, minou has a crush! Well since she's got you all flustered she really must be something! So ask away!" Ladybug exclaimed.

"She really is..." He looked her in the eyes, and as her blue orbs met his green he fell in love with her all over again. Plagg had always used to say he was in love with her for no reason when he first started to grow feelings for her, but he knew. He knew why he fell so hard for this incredible girl. He loved everything about her, with or without the mask, the way she was so selfless and kind, how she didn't care what other people thought, the way she laughed or how her bluebell eyes lit up when she was excited. And that was just the tip of the iceberg.

"Uh... Hello?" Ladybug said interrupting his thoughts. He shook his head back and forth and refocused, there was time to think about how great she was later.

"Sorry, I guess I spaced out for a bit there. But as I was saying, so you see I got her as my Secret Santa at school and well I'm kinda stumped on what to get her. So what I wanted to ask you was, if the love of your life gave you something for Christmas what would you want it to be? Be specific. Oh and hypothetically of course."

There was a bit of a pause, long enough for it to be noticeable until she finally responded "Hm. Well, lucky for you I've always secretly wanted the 'love of my life' to surprise me one day with something for Christmas. Now don't laugh but wanted the boy I had a crush on to do something cute like giving me a box with a rose and a simple note saying something cute like 'Meet me outside' and it be snowing and he'd take me under a mistletoe and profess his love to me with some cute speech and then we'd kiss and ride a unicorn into a sunset, pretty stupid right?" She chuckled a bit looking off into the horizon and the Paris skyline.

Although she was sort of joking, that had been one of her childhood fantasies, one that she'd had seen in movies and secretly wished would one day happen to her. Little did she know that 'stupid wish' was going to come true.

He studied her and automatically knew, he had to make this happen for her, it was the least he could do after all the things she'd done for him, as Marinette and Ladybug.

"That's not stupid at all, I've had my fair share of imagining my own perfect fairytale." He laughed a bit at his statement, "I've always wanted someone to whisk me away into a land of croissants!" Chat said jokingly only to receive a sly smile from the girl sitting beside him.

"Oh mon Dieu, what am I going to do with you?" Ladybug said, facepalming, trying to keep a straight face.

He put his hand on her shoulder in an attempt to help himself up, and when he rose to his feet, he looked down upon the bluenette and whispered to himself "Well I'm yours, " and as her face rose to look up at him he said, "Besides there's a no return policy on me anyways. Merci and au revoir M'lady!" And off he was, leaving the girl in the spotted suit just a tad crimson.

*
The next day, the final day before Christmas break, everyone came in with their gifts for one another. And Adrien, well he went along with his lady's wishes, he was also going to confess his feelings for her, and much to Plagg's liking giving an attempt at the big reveal.

He breathed in and walked up to Ms. Bustiers desk placing Marinette's gift down and then strolled to his seat, avoiding eye contact with Marinette so he wouldn't freak out, however, his strange behavior didn't go unnoticed.

"You okay dude?" Nino asked Adrien as he sat in his seat, he was tense, he didn't want to be so nervous but he just wanted to make it a Christmas she'd never forget, and that was a lot of pressure.

"Yeah, I'm good, just a little nervous, it's my first Secret Santa and I don't want to mess it up," He chuckled nervously, trying to cover up his impromptu freak out, he could hear Plagg laughing at him in his head, but who could blame him. He would've told Nino but he knew that he'd want to help him, but something made him want to do it on his own, it only felt right in a sense, it was his duty.

"Okay, whatever you say, man," Nino said extending the okay, definitely implying he knew something was up. But he let it go and proceeded to put on his headphones.

The ten or so minutes it took for Ms. Bustier to begin the gift exchange felt like years to the blonde boy, who was continuously get eyed at by Alya, who was aware of the plan, which only made him more nervous, but he calmed his nerves eventually, thanks to a much needed self-pep talk.

"Okay students! Who's ready to get this started! So here's what's going to happen, I'm going to call out the names on the gifts and if you hear your name come up and get yours, don't open it until everyone receives one, and after you open them, we'll guess who gave who what, then we'll reveal, sounds good?" Ms. Bustier said all in one breath, receiving a bunch of nods in response.

The word reveal made Adrien's stomach turn, but then it began. Chloe was first, then Ivan, Alix, and Marinette, everyone after that was a blur to him, even himself, which he almost missed because he was so focused on the girl behind him.

Would she like the gesture?
Will she know it's me?

His mind was going a billion miles a minute and when he heard her name, he perked up he wanted to see her every reaction, she looked happy, so that was a plus. Was this what it was like to be crazy in love? He asked the question to himself already knowing the answer, Yes. Before his mom disappeared she did tell him something he'd never forget, it was if he didn't believe in magic right at the moment, he one day would when he met her. It took him a while to understand what she meant but, now, now he knew more than ever. And he believed.

By then, everyone had got their gift and he was one step closer, he watched Marinette carefully unwrap the box, as she unraveled the red ribbon she put it off to the side being cautious of not messing up the bow he had made. She didn't rip into the present as Adrien had hoped she would, but no she took her sweet time being careful not to rip the wrapping paper peeling the tape from each side.

The suspense was killing him until finally, she opened the box, inside laid the light pink rose and a note that read 'Meet me outside, Merry Christmas'

Her face was priceless, and emotions were indescribable. She was rendered speechless. How did someone know this was what she wanted?

The only person I ever told was-

“Okay, I'm going to reveal your Secret Santas! Marinette, since you seemed so pleased? I'll tell you first. Adrien was your secret Santa.”

Her face went blank, as Adrien flashed a smile at her.

Adrien Agreste. The love of my life- this gift- Alya? No, I didn't tell her, did she read my diary? No, I didn't write it there. Did he talk to Chat? But he- wait that would mean- oh sugar plum fairies.

Then Adrien raised his hand, "Excuse me, Ms. Bustier, now that everyone knows who got who what- By the way thanks Alix, love the phone case." Alix interrupted him, "No prob, glad you like it!" She gave him a thumbs up and he shot finger guns right back at her, instantly regretting his choice of had gesture afterward.

He continued, "But isn't it time for us to go on lunch break?" Adrien asked, putting a confused look on his face.

"Oh my! Right, thank you for reminding me, Adrien! Yes, students, you are dismissed remember after lunch when you come back we will only have one hour of class afterward, depending on the weather that is, then it might be canceled but otherwise, you'll come here and you won't have to come back till after New Years!" Ms. Bustier exclaimed only to receive a look of annoyance from the class.

"What? I love you guys but I need a break, enjoy your lunch!" And with that, they all shuffled out of the classroom.

Adrien was the first one out, he ran outside the school building waiting for Marinette. She, however, was still in shock but she knew that she needed to go, and when she walked outside she saw none other than Adrien standing waiting for her.

She held the rose in one hand and the note in the other as she walked towards him. They were the only two still there, for everyone had left wanting to get out of there as soon as possible. Including Alya who was awaiting some exciting news from Marinette. She surprisingly didn't stick around, maybe she knew that this was something she'd have to take a step back for, after all, she had to let the magic work for its self!

"So... Hi, " Adrien greeted awkwardly.

"Hi..." Marinette gave him a small wave and they both chuckled nervously.

Just do it. You got this. Magic takes time remember?

He cleared his throat and scratched the back if his neck. He, after panicking for what felt like hours but was just a mere forty-five minutes, was ready.

"Look, I'm just going to say it. I'm in love with you, and I always have been, it just took me a while to realize it. I love everything about you and I can't believe I didn't get to tell you this the first time I tried, but to be honest I'm glad I waited. You have made me the luckiest guy out there, you've made me a better person, you've taught me that I can let other people save me for a change and heck after two years of knowing you, you still make nervous when you walk in the room. There's something about you that's just magic and I'm so lucky that I fell for you twice. And I want you to know that I love you with or without that mask because guess what you're the same amazing person, whether you're wearing a polka-dot suit or not. Now when I got you as my secret Santa I was a mess because last Christmas was one of the bests I've had in a long time and that was all because of you, so this is my thank you, now I don't have a unicorn or a rainbow to ride off into but, I do have this, " He held up a sprig of mistletoe.

Her face flushed and she was nearly in tears, it was all happening so fast but she knew, it was him, Adrien was Chat Noir, he was her kitty, and he was in love with her. The boy she had rejected because of her feelings for someone else was the same guy, and he made this happen all for her which made her love him even more if that was even possible.

At that moment every single bit of nervousness she had built up with talking to Adrien seemed to melt away, despite her heart beating faster than it at ever had, and his head which only minutes before had been buzzing with unanswered questions, was now buzzing with anticipation.

She felt his breath on her skin, and he watched as her eyelids fluttered then closed, she smashed her lips against his and they were one, the rest of the world seemed to melt away and it was only them. He held her closer, not wanting the moment to end. If there was one thing the two knew it was that this was fate, that their star-crossed love was meant to be and that each predicament leading up until then was for a reason. And they would be forever grateful.

As their lips parted, they both laughed a bit, realizing how dumb they were. That some silly gift exchange was what caused the reveal and not themselves, how they couldn't figure it out sooner, all of it.

Adrien lifted his hand to move away the strand of hair that was covering her face, but as he did, he felt something cold plop on his face and he looked up.

It was snowing, the flurries quickened and as they landed in her midnight hair, it ended up making the moment somewhat complete.

Marinette stared into his emerald eyes and she just smiled, this, this little stupid fantasy she had came true all because of this dork who she was in love with, well him and mother nature.

And there they were just smiling widely because he was hers and she was his.

"I love you too, mon chaton," Marinette said breaking the sweet silence. "You know you're amazing right? This- All of it, just- I, thank you."

He chuckled and flashed her his infamous Chat Noir smirk, "Well don't thank me just yet." Adrien said with a gleam in his eye. He grabbed both her hands and began.

"Now I just gave you a whole speech but I didn't even get to the main part. Marinette Dupain-Cheng, will you be my girlfriend?" He asked sheepishly awaiting her response.

She squeezed his hand, "Of course, silly kitty, I wouldn't want it any other way."

And in that moment the feeling was indescribable. Was it magic, a miracle? It could have been, but something made them believe the most fitting term was well, simply miraculous.

*                     

They spent the rest of their day at Marinette's house because thanks to the snow, school was canceled. Her parents were so happy that for Marinette and Adrien that they made them 'lovers croissants' so they guessed both of their little fantasies came true one way or another. Oh and Plagg? Well, we can't forget about Plagg. He got his thank you alright. And a whole months worth of Camenbert was being shipped to the Agreste mansion.

“So about last Christmas what made you think Santa was an Akuma again?” Adrien teased laughing a bit at his statement, reaching over carefully to get his mug of hot cocoa of the coffee table trying not to spill it on the white blanket he and Marinette's legs were under.

Marinette punched the side of his arm playfully, earlier she had told him about her obsessive crush on him and that was why last Christmas 'Ladybug' thought Santa was an Akuma because Adrien was missing and he had to be responsible for the love of her life disappearing, and she could not bear the mere existence of him at the moment.

“Oh shut up you dork.” She said laughing, flicking one of the marshmallows she had piled atop her mug at him.

“That is correct. But I'm your dork and I'm not going back on that no returns policy. Oh, and by the way you're on Ms. Thugaboo.” Adrien got up from the couch and grabbed a  marshmallow from the bag on the coffee table and flicked one right back at her.

And so it began. And at the end of the day, they were both the dorks, who were just crazy in love.

Wow! Merry Christmas Y'all, I know I'm six days late but the holidays were pretty busy, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, I had fun writing it just because I ended up making a little... well:

And I didn't even use it 😂 Sorta, procrastination at its best people XD The art used in this chapter is not mine, creds to the original artist, and Happy New Years Eve! See ya'll in 2019! Wear your seatbelts and have a great night.

Until Next Time, Chat Nerd 💜