His Mute Princess

Chapter 14

School was off due to Christmas, so Marinette didn't have to worry about people bothering her. She got to stay home and relax.

Gabriel's assistance did release a statement declaring that Adrien was only being a good friend and nothing romantic was between the pair. His "affection" was actually reassurance as she was not used to so much attention. Nathalie also added in a little extra, saying that the girl should be left alone.

People did listen to an extent, others tried getting an interview with her, which of course, as Alya had stated, failed since most were unaware that she was mute.

Marinette sat in her room, wearing warm, pink fluffy pajamas and wrapped in a small blanket. She held her cat plush close as she watched TV. A knock came from her window, surprising her. She hadn't expected him to visit her in such cold weather. Especially not with Christmas being the next day.

She got up and opened the window, letting Chat in and immediately scolding him for doing something so stupid. He only chuckled and gave her a big hug. He was surprisingly warm for having have run in the freezing weather. When asked about this, he explained the suit protected him from the elements and kept him warm.

Marinette reluctantly accepted this and they both sat down on her small couch. They cuddled and enjoyed a western comedy. Marinette was too tired from orders, since sales went up by a lot during Christmas, and delivering in the cold had worn her out. She just wanted to stay in and enjoy some warmth.

"So... Adrien Agreste... You went to a fashion exhibition with him," Chat looked down at her with a raised brow. Marinette looked up at him, eyes wide and a worried expression. 'You're not jealous, are you? We're just friends.'

He laughed, making Marinette even more confused. He found it amusing, him being jealous of himself. "I'm not, he's just a pretty face, he's got nothing on me."

He expected a laugh but instead he got a frown. 'He is not just a pretty face, Chat. He's my friend. Behind all those fashion shows and posters, there's a kind and amazing person.'

Chat stared at her in shock, a blush on his cheeks and his heart rate up. She thought so highly of him in his civilian form. Granted, she had no romantic feelings for Adrien, but she still cared so deeply for him.

"You're amazing, you know that right?" Marinette blinked, staring up at him confused. He only chuckled and gave her a small peck on the lips, leaving her flustered.

'Shouldn't you be with your family?'

Chat's smile faded. "I don't have a family to spend Christmas with." Marinette's eyes widened and she mouthed, 'What?'

Chat sighed and looked away. "My... parents and I aren't close. Things haven't been the same in years. Not since..." He trailed off, not wanting to continue. It wasn't something he wanted to pour onto her. Marinette wrapped her arms around him and hugged him.

He smiled and hugged her back, enjoying her embrace. She looked up at him and mouthed, I'm sorry. Spend Christmas with me?

Chat stared at her in surprise. "What?" Spend Christmas with us. "You and your family?"

Marinette nodded. "Princess, I don't think that's a good idea," he had an uneasy expression. Marinette shook her head, pulling away, 'Nonsense! My parents will enjoy the company.'

"Are you sure?" Marinette smiled and nodded. 'Come back tomorrow at 8!' Chat gave an uneasy smile. He wasn't sure how things would play out. How were her parents going to react?

.

The next morning Adrien woke up with his stomach churning. Had Marinette talked about him before? Is that why they'd be ok with it? What if she hadn't and he was just going to show up without them knowing who he is?

Nathalie knocked on his door and called him downstairs. He was surprised. She never did that unless he had something to do that day, and he didn't have anything that day, he had finished all of his Christmas photoshoots.

He got up and headed downstairs. Perhaps his father would be eating with him? It wasn't very likely but he could hope, right?

He got down to the dinning room and saw his father sitting across his usual seat. He grew excited seeing his father there. He sat down and before he could greet his father, Gabriel got up. "I'm going to be away for today, I have business to attend, Nathalie will come with me. Your body gaurd will stay with you."

With that he left, leaving Adrien alone in the table. What a great father, he thought. Now he was for sure looking forward to going to Marinette's place. After breakfast he headed back upstairs to his room. His father didn't bother to say goodbye, Nathalie just gave him a list of things he should do during the days he was gone.

The second she was gone, Adrien ripped it apart and took a nice, long nap. His head had started to hurt and the last thing he wanted was to look miserable during Christmas.

He woke up a few hours later, about 4 pm. He decided to go out on patrol for a bit and then get back home to get ready for later that afternoon.

He transformed and roamed the city for a bit. People were hustling here and there, getting and wrapping last minute gifts, buying dinner for treats for their parties, children playing with the snow.

"Isn't winter lovely?" Ladybug asked sitting next to him on the rooftop he was on. Chat looked at her in surprise. "I didnt expect to see you out today."

Ladybug shrugged, "Decided to do a quick check before starting up everything. I'm excited! Are you?"

Chat looked back down to the civilians. Couples walked holding hands and sat together at cafés, enjoying the warmth of an espresso or latte. "Yeah," was his simple response.