A Miraculous Christmas

Old Memories

Cat Noir and Ladybug were sitting on a snowy rooftop after their patrol. It was the month of December and Christmas was arriving soon. A big tree was being set up in the park in front of Mariette's house, she saw her friends, Rose, Juleka and Mylene near the tree, probably discussing the decorations. Ladybug smiled and started to hum. Christmas, she thought, it feels wonderful during Christmas, it's like the whole city glows with excitement and warmth.

Beside her was Cat Noir, his head was turned in the direction of the Manor, he was not sure if he could call it home. He was happy too, his father had promised to celebrate Christmas with him, or so had Natalie told him. He did not expect this from his father but still he was a little hopeful that maybe he would be there this time.

He noticed Ladybug humming and looked at her. He followed her gaze and saw the huge tree. "Excited for Christmas my lady?"

She turned to him; her eyes lit up. "Very much Cat Noir. Everything about Christmas is great, the gifts, spending time with family, baking cookies together." A huge grin had formed on her face. "What about you kitty? Aren't you excited?"

He gave her a sigh before answering. "I'm excited, but not too much. You see, my Christmas hasn't exactly been the warm and cozy kind since- " he stopped. I can't tell her about mom, I wish I could.

She looked at him. "Since?"

"Well, it's kind of a family issue." Cat noir said, fidgeting his fingers. "But this time it might be different; I really hope it is."

She nodded and patted his shoulder. "It will be cat, it will be."

He gave a small smile. "Looks like it's time to go, see you tomorrow."

They stood up, fist-bumped and headed their ways.

Marinette de-transformed once she was in her. Tikki grabbed a cookie and Marinette sat on the chair. "What do you think is the issue Cat Noir has which is ruining his Christmas?"

"I don't know Marinette, even if I did, I am not supposed to tell you." Tikki replied.

"Yeah, I know, wish I could do something about it." Marinette replied.

"Marinette dear, can you help with the bakery?" Sabine called out.

"Yeah mom, coming!" Tikki hid into her purse and Marinette moved downstairs.

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"Claws in." Plagg flew out as Adrien transformed into his normal self. Plagg went straight into the cupboard for cheese while Adrien sat on his bed. He sighed, making the cheese-eating kwami come to him. "What's wrong kid?" He asked.

"Nothing, just tired." Adrien replied and lay on his bed. "Adrien, I think we've been together long enough for me to know that it's not just an 'I-am-tired' sigh. So, tell me what's wrong, I mean your old man is spending Christmas with you, aren't ya' happy about it?"

"I am, but there's this anxiety that he might just...just, you know." Adrien gave an expression and Plagg nodded. "Bail on you?" Adrien nodded.

"It's every time you know, Christmas dinner, Halloween day, and every normal day except for the two days last month where we had a silent dinner, no conversation, like we were just new colleagues who have just met, even they talk more. I want to have dinner like everyone else has." Adrien frowned, he might not show it, but he was not fine, all this boy wished was a normal family dinner.

The sudden sound of footsteps alarmed them, Plagg hid in the cheese paradise and Adrien opened the door, revealing Natalie. "Good evening Adrien, I wanted to tell you that-" she paused and looked at the kid, he already knew the full sentence. "My father can't be here because he was called for a Christmas Fashion event?"

Natalie nodded. "He has to fly to London for the event tonight, and also wants you to know that he will make it up to you whenever he can." She added.

"I know, the usual thing." Adrien sighed. Natalie placed a hand on his shoulder, "We can have your friends over, Nino, Marinette, Alya." She tried to cheer him up.

His eyes lit up but a second later the glow was gone. "Nice suggestion Natalie but all my friends are busy, Nino is going to visit his grandparents, Alya is on vacation for the winter break and Marinette has to help her parents at the bakery and then celebrate with them afterwards." He gave her a small smile.

"I'm sorry Adrien."

"It's alright Natalie, it's not your fault. Merry Christmas." He said and closed the door.

"Just as I thought." Adrien whispered to himself as he lay on his bed, the loneliness surrounding him. He closed his eyes and something like a film started projecting in his mind starting with him, being five years old. He couldn't see himself but his surroundings, his mother bringing in a tray with freshly baked cookies. Her emerald eyes glistening from the light coming from the Christmas tree which was at the center of the hall. It was a huge tree, almost reaching the top of the staircase beside it.

"Adrien, look into the camera." He turned around to see his father, smiling while half of his face was covered by the video camera he was holding. He could feel his younger self move towards the camera, giving a wide grin to the camera and waving. Gabriel laughed joyfully.

"Gabriel help me set the table!" Emilie called out. Gabriel put the camera away and picked Adrien up in his arms. "Helpers on the way my love!" Gabriel reached the dining table with his son. "We're here to help."

She smiled, giving away a radiant glow. "Aww, my little elf is here too? Well Adrien, why don't you go help papa set the plates."

He nodded and picked up a few plates from the side, putting one in front of each chair. After he had no plates in his hands, Adrien went up to his mom and pulled the end of her apron. She turned to him.

"All done." He said and gave her a thumbs up. Adrien was not very clear with speech, but for a five-year-old, he was quite good. Emilie had put the cookies inside a glass jar on the top of the table in the living room.

The frame shifted to the scene shifted to the family having dinner along with Amelie, Emilie's twin sister, her son Felix, and her husband. They were laughing and talking.

The dinner had been served already. On the sides were plates having salmon, escargot and caviar. The smell of the fish had enchanted Amelie and her husband as she was requesting Emilie to give her the recipe for the delightful meal.

Adrien and Felix were enjoying their chapon and roast potatoes. There was a cheese platter on the side. In the center was the Yule cake, covered with chocolate icing and sprinkles, with a tiny Santa Claus on top. Everyone enjoyed the desert after dinner and Felix and Adrien were carried to Adrien's room by their fathers. They laid the kids on the bed and tucked them in. "Sweet dreams Adrien." Gabriel whispered before he left.