Miraculous Ladybug Imagines

Christmas Tree Decorating

*This chapter takes place post-reveal

"That poor gingerbread man!" Marinette gasped, fixating her eyes on a small gingerbread man ornament that had a crooked Sharpie face and a missing leg. It hung on the tallest branch of the Dupain-Cheng Christmas tree, right under the gold star that sat atop and illuminated the room.

"Oh my," Sabine giggled, covering her mouth in surprise.

Adrien's face was branded with an embarrassed blush. He quickly grabbed the ornament off from the tree. "I made this in kindergarten."

Marinette smiled warmly, placed her hands on his chest, and kissed him on the cheek. "I'm just kidding, kitty."

"No, you're right. It is atrocious," Adrien sighed, lifting the ornament in front of his face to take a closer look. "I just wonder who put it up there..." he narrowed his eyes, glancing over at Plagg who was quietly cracking up on a tree branch.

"You think that's bad?" Marinette asked, turning around and picking up an ornament of her own. She held it up for him to inspect. It was white clay pressed flat like a pancake. There were many squiggle lines on the front, drawn with gold glitter, 2 red crooked squares and what appeared to be the letter "w."

"What is that?" Adrien asked, trying not to laugh.

"Guess," Marinette smiled, placing a hand on her hip.

"Uhh, I don't know, a plate of sparkly spaghetti?"

"A cat," Marinette replied, straight faced.

"Wow," Adrien burst out laughing. "That's an insult to me and cats everywhere. At least you can tell what mine is."

"Exactly. So don't feel too bad. We've all made crappy ornaments before."

"Some more crappy than others..." Adrien coughed under his breath, a playful smirk on his face.

Marinette jokingly punched him on the arm and he laughed.

Sabine and Tom sat together on the couch, watching the young couple endearingly.

"Aww, you kids are so sweet," Sabine smiled.

"I remember we were the same way, honey," Tom laughed, kissing Sabine's forehead.

"I just can't believe how comfortable you two are with each other," Sabine commented. "It's almost as if you two were partners in crime or something."

Marinette and Adrien both coughed uncomfortably.

Marinette widened her eyes. "Uhh, yeah? I mean, no-"

Sabine then stood up. "I'll go get some refreshments."

Tom followed suit. "And I will check the food! Sabine and Tom, the unstoppable duo!"

He then chased after Sabine into the kitchen.

Marinette let out a sigh of relief. "I thought they had found out."

"I don't think so," Adrien smiled. "At least, I hope not."

"I just hate keeping our identities a secret from them," Marinette sighed.

"I know," Adrien said. He placed his hands on her hips and gently pulled her close. "But we'll tell them when the time is right. And most importantly, when you're ready."

"Okay," Marinette smiled.

"Now let's hang up the rest of these ornaments," the blonde grinned, picking up a snowflake one. He turned around and hung it on the tree.

"Oh, by the way, when is your father coming over for dinner?"

"Hopefully soon," Adrien frowned. "His answer was a maybe when I asked him about it."

"I'm sure he'll turn up," Marinette nodded, picking up an ornament and hanging it on the tree.

Adrien quickly turned around, his eyebrows upturned nervously. "Do I look presentable? In case he does show up?"

He wore freshly pressed khakis, a maroon sweater vest on top of a white button down shirt, and a pair of black Oxford shoes.

His golden locks were neatly combed to the side, while still maintaining some of its signature floof.

"You look incredibly handsome," Marinette said. "Don't worry."

"This is his first time being with us while aware of our relationship so I just want everything to go perfect."

"It will. I promise," Marinette kissed him on the lips. "We've been dealing with the backlash from Chloe for a year. We got this."

"Thanks Princess," Adrien said, winking at her.

"Anything for you, mon minou."

Just then, the door knocked to the Dupain-Cheng residence. The man of the hour had just arrived.

Adrien grabbed Marinette's hand and squeezed it tight.

To be continued.