Merry Christmas, xoxo Mama Mimi

Busy buzzing bees.

Everyone was buzzing around Adrien Agreste and his preexisting friendship with the new student, Lila Rossi.

"So, like, who is she?" Alya asked, whispering to Marinette.

"I don't know..." She replied quietly. Too quietly. As far as Marinette knew, there wasn't someone Adrien knew that she didn't. Vice versa.

Seems like she was wrong.

"We came from Italy to do a special collaboration with the Agreste Line." Lila flipped her hair.

Professor Bustier sat her between Adrien and Nino, since she seemed to know each other.

"Adrien and I go back... way back." She looked over at him, blinking innocently. "Don't we?"

All eyes were on him. He could feel them burning into the back of his head as they waited for his answer. "Yeah." He replied.

They had barely been dismissed from class, when Marinette grabbed Adrien by the wrist and dragged him out of the classroom before Lila could even mention his name.

"Who the hell is that?" Marinette whisper-shouted.

"Um, that's a little complicated to explain, Mari."

"Excuse me? 'We go way back'?" She put her hands to her hips. "Doesn't sound too hard to explain, Adrien. Is she a family friend like Chloé? Or what? Why does she come off so fake friendly?"

Adrien was kind of taken aback. Maybe that was an understatement. Really taken aback. He sat in silence for a minute, mulling over just what he could say to her.

"It's okay Marinette, she's just a friend."

Marinette scoffed. "'Just a friend'. 'We go way back'." She mocked the two of them. "I won't like her. Something about her rubs me the wrong way." She crossed her arms against her chest.

"Marinette, please, don't worry about it." Adrien tried to soothe her.

"Also, what's this about a collaboration? Papa never mentioned anything about it and now some random girl shows up and states what's up?" Her hands hit her sides. "What the hell Adrien?"

Adrien couldn't answer before Chloé came out of the classroom, followed by Alya and Nino.

"She's not too bad. She's got a great personality and even said she could get me an interview, because get this – she knows Chat Noir!"

Adrien gave a small groan and Marinette's jaw nearly touched the floor.

"She knows Chat Noir?" Marinette groaned annoyingly.

"Personally, I don't like how she can waltz in here and pretend like she owns everything." Chloé spoke up.

Marinette put her hands up in the air. "Thank you! At least someone sees my point of view."

Chloé went to Marinette and hooked her arm around Marinette's and they both went off, complaining about Lila.

Alya laughed lightly. "Seems like someone has a case of the jellies." She stood beside Adrien.

"It's so strange, we've never seen Marinette act this way before."

"That's probably because nothing's threatened her perfect little life before now." The group turned to Lila, who was joining them outside the classroom. "She's just mad because I'm stealing her... brother from right under her nose."

Nino snorted lightly. "Imagine when Adrien gets a girlfriend. She's gonna lose it, bro."

Alya snickered. "Won't that be quite the day?"

Adrien didn't say anything, only remained silent.

"Well, sorry to ruin your paw-rade, but Adrien and I need some catching up to do." Lila wrapped her arms around one of Adrien's. "I'll catch up with you guys later, yeah?"

"Don't forget that interview!" Alya called, waving her goodbye.

"Of course! Bye, bye!" Lila called. She and Adrien walked out from the school, heading towards the front.

"So," Adrien sighed, running a hand down his face, a little tired from today's activities. "What's the plan?"

"Well, I come home with you."

Adrien remained silent for a bit. "Don't you think it's too soon for me to bring you home before the first date?"

Lila laughed. "Oh Adrien, you really are a tomcat." She shook her head. "But really, my father is expecting me at your place. Business meeting, of course."

Marinette came outside with Chloé, seeing Lila wrapped around Adrien's arm. She was fuming.

"So I hope you don't mind that I catch a ride with you two." Lila drawled, as they joined Marinette and Chloé.

"I most certainly do mind."

"Mari–"

"Excellent! I'll be glad to join you today." Lila smiled.

Adrien could sigh. There was no way he was going to keep the both of them content today.

One the all arrived at the Agreste household, Adrien had to escort Lila to Gabriel's office. Not something that Marinette was too ecstatic about, but they had to join the meeting too.

"Ah, if it's not the infamous Marinette Agreste." He was tall, a little more than average height, if not a little shorter than Gabriel. His brown hair was slicked back, his smile warm, but his eyes were just as cunning as Lila's. "Amaro Rossi, it's quite an honor to meet you, young lady."

"The honor is all mine." Even though Marinette already lowkey hated him because he was associated with Lila, she was still awed because the Rossi brand knew her. "Your 2014 Fall Collection was my favorite one by far. Those golden aspects are that inspired my signature." A lie, but anything to inflate a designer's ego.

"My, my, you've got quite the eye." He offered to take Marinette's hand, holding hers in both of his. "Are you sure you wouldn't mind if I adopt her, Gabriel?"

Gabriel and Amaro share an adult chuckle that makes Lila roll her eyes and Marinette fake a laugh.

"Besides that, I am more than ecstatic to work with you, Amaro, and I hope you will be joining us for the October Ball."

"If the invitation has been so kindly invited to us, of course we shall attend." Amaro let go of Marinette's hands and went to hold Gabriel's.

"It's a pleasure to work with you."

It was a whole lot more business talk and Lila and he father left, much to Marinette's relief. She was still pretty pissed about the whole Adrien and Lila ordeal, so she didn't spare Adrien a word afterwards.

Adrien sighed and headed to his bedroom.

Plagg came out of his pocket, flying to the pillows. "I wanna skin that fox."

"I understand, the feeling is quite mutual," Adrien plopped down onto the bed, face down. However, it seems like they are on our side at his moment, so I think it would be best if we leave it them to their skin."

Adrien had a point, Plagg knew he did, but he was still angry, bitter for Trixx having played such an evil trick.

He and Trixx had always got along, their natures were quite the same, but this was a line that he shouldn't have crossed. "I'll leave the skinning for another day."

"I've still got those two wheels of camembert that Mama gave me."

Plagg remained silent but his ears perked.

"In your cheese drawer."

"One wheel and we can go."

Adrien nodded. "I'll take a shower. Enjoy your stinky cheese."

After a hot shower that seemed to melt away that day's stress, Chat Noir was padding across his rooftop towards the other window. It was cracked open a little and it took him a second for his eyes to adjust once he stepped in. Marinette had a towel on her head, ruffling her hair dry.

"Good evening, princess." Chat leaned against the couch, smiling at her.

"Chat, how long have you been here?" She stopped, looking up at him.

"No worries, I only just came in. I wouldn't peep without permission." A smirk grew on his face.

"You tomcat." She rolled her eyes and brought the towel down from her head. "Come closer."

That... was an odd request, but who was Chat Noir to deny a request like that?

Chat Noir grew closer. "How are you feeling. Not too tuckered out from today's adventures, are you?" He dropped himself on her bed as she continued to towel dry her hair.

"A little worn out, but nothing I can't handle, I guess." She wandered off to the restroom to put her towel away and began to brush her hair. "How about you?"

He was growing warm – this domesticity between them was everything he was missing. "I feel like my shower melted away my stress, but... I have to face it again tomorrow."

Marinette came back to him and she looked at the way he casually took place on her bed - his hands propped him up from behind and his legs out stretched, his ankles crossed. The leather belt tail, although being actual leather, strangely moved like a real tail.

"Chat, what's your life outside of... Well, most wanted 'thief' or Paris?"

Chat hummed. "If I answered, you wouldn't believe me."

She crossed her arms against her chest, raising an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? Try me."

"You have a brother, don't you?" Chat smirked as she rolled her eyes.

"Okay, Adrien. Very funny." She deadpanned, using one leg to step over his, coming closer.

Chat stiffed slightly. Marinette was standing over him, both of his legs extended between hers. "Mari, what are you doing?"

"Shut up." She stepped closer, her knees bumping with his thighs and her hand reached for the little bell at his chest. With a deft movement, she intertwined her fingers with his left hand and tugged down on the bell. Her fingers squeezed on Chat's and with a good pull, his sleeve was coming off.

Alarms were ringing in Adrien's head and he hand his heart in his throat. "M-Mari–"

"Just let me do this." Marinette pulled his arm out of his sleeve and started to look at his arm. "Not even a scratch." She murmured, her fingers trailing over the skin of his upper arm. "You've got some explaining to do."

"Is this... Is this all?" Chat mumbled, a blush resting on his cheeks.

"You really had me worried, Chat." I felt the cut and I saw it bruise and then it just washed away." Her fingers gently rubbed over his skin where she remembered the cut had been.

Chat shivered. "I forget that you feel those injuries too." His other gloved hand went to her waist."

"Who's Ladybug?" She asked, looking down at his hand before looking up at him.

"What's wrong, princess, are you jealous?"

"Yes." She took a seat down on Chat's legs, straddling him.

Chat wasn't expecting any of this. "Jealous of what?" He stammered for words.

"There's this Ladybug, who was your red string before. Then this new, annoying classmate, Lila, Rossi," She changes her tone of voice to a mocking one as she stated her name. "Claims to be good friends with you. Chat Noir, you're supposed to be my red string, are you holding out on me?" She tinkers with his bell, looking up at him with a small pout.

Chat reached up with his with his un-gloved hand to cup her cheek and it felt nearly illegal to touch her like this. "You're my red string."

Marinette leaned into his hand and she stared at him. "You're not holding out on me?" She asked softly.

Chat sighed. "There's... there's someone new. It's not Ladybug though, it's someone else. A fox that can create illusions. Her kwami decided it would be a funny joke to make up a Ladybug."

Marinette crossed her arms across her chest. "So what, now you have a 'partner in crime'?"

"Not... Necessarily..." he chuckled lightly.

"Chat, it's not fair, I want to help too." She whined.

Chat cupped her chin. "I can't risk putting you in danger, princess."

"And I can't have you getting hurt, Chat." She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him.

He was rendered speechless. His hands slowly wrapped around her and he hugged her back, breathing her in. "I'm sorry I worried you." He spoke quietly.

Marinette pulled away slightly, their faces only inches apart. "I hurt when you hurt, and I mean in the non-obvious way. I don't now what I would do if you got severely injured.

His eyes glowed. They usually glowed with mischievousness or playfulness, but this time, there was something else. Something sweet, caring and soft. "Mari..." his heart thumped in his throat and he felt a pull towards her. He could read the worry in her eyes, the sincerity in her voice and – he couldn't stop himself from pressing forward.

Marinette's breathing hitched, her shoulders rose, and Chat was ready for that rejection that came with a sudden kiss. What he didn't expect was, for her shoulders to fall and for her to melt into it.

There was the softness and warmth that he was missing after all this time. The way her lips melded into his and how they were naturally drawn into each other.

But then something rang inside him and reminded him that this was his sister and that maybe it was wrong of them to be doing this.

Chat pulled away, pressing her forehead against Marinette's. "I'm sorry, I–"

Marinette rose her fingers to his lips and shushed him softly. "Don't apologize." She murmured, her thumb going across his bottom lip.

His heart soared. "I should... I should get going." He cleared his throat lightly. It was dangerous for Marinette to remain on his lap with the way things were going.

Marinette stood up, stepping back to give Chat space to stand.

He stood, looking down at her. Her eyes held a melted color that he liked to see back in his old world. "Good night, princess."

"Stay safe, Chat."

Chat fixed his suit, his bell tinkling softly. "Always, my lady." He took her hand and kissed her knuckles gently.

"I mean it." She teased softly, but there was the undeniable blush on her cheeks.

"I will, don't worry." He brushed some hair behind her ear. "You take care of yourself too."

She leaned into his hand slightly. "Good night, Chat Noir." She smiled sweetly.

Chat leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "See you soon."

Marinette nodded and she watched him slip into the night, her fingers going to her lips. She couldn't believe that she actually kissed him.

"Papa is going to be so mad at me."

The next morning, Marinette seemed to be in a much better mood that usual.

"What's got you in such a good mood?" Alya asked, once she noticed Marinette smiling softly.

"She's been that way all morning." Chloé noted.

"A girl has the right to be in a good mood every once in a while." Adrien piped up.

"Yeah!" Marinette wrapped her arms around one of Adrien's. "I had a good night's rest with sweet dreams. Nothing can ruin my mood."

"Nothing?"

"Marinette paused and looked at the figure before her. She was leaning against the front entrance door frame, Lila eyeing Marinette with an ugly smirk.

"Not even a snake like you." Marinette smiled.

Lila's jaw dropped lightly and Chloé laughed, while Alya and Nino snickered. Lila looked at Adrien with a small glare, but he merely chuckled and shrugged, letting Marinette take him away.

Adrien was kinda getting his ego inflated. Marinette was in a good mood because of their kiss last night. He caused that, she was happy because of him.

And it led to many failed attempts of Lila trying to get under Marinette's skin. But of course, everything she did fell on deaf ears.

"You think... Alya, what do you think of Chat Noir?"

The group of them, minus Lila, were all sitting in the Dupain-Cheng bakery (with spoilings from Mama Sabine). They were all munching on their own foods when Marinette came out with her question.

Alya chuckled lightly, kind of confused with her sudden question. "Yeah, he's a pretty cool cat, where have you been, Mari?"

Marinette blushed, but she tried to hide it by appearing irritated. "I mean, yeah, he's cool, but... Let's just say he were to hand out with us. Like, our group," she motioned to their table. "Pull up a chair and Chat Noir joins the party. What do you do?

Alya hummed. "Well, I would be excited, if I do say so myself."

"But if he's sitting with us, he's going to sit between Adrien and I." Nino interjected. "I don't appreciate a bro visiting my girl... Even if he saved me from falling glass." He muttered towards the end.

"Well, he can join us, but he's not sitting next to me." Chloé spoke up.

"Is someone a little kitty cat admirer?" Adrien cooed teasingly.

"Maybe," Marinette mumbled.

Alya gasped softly. "Ooooooh."

"Please, I just think he's a 'cool cat', as you say." Marinette blushed, waving her hand dismissively.

"Anyways, enough about cats, are we going to be invited to the ball?" Chloé spoke up.

"Oh yeah, my mom's going to be serving at the ball, so I'm already invited." Alya stuck her tongue out at Chloé, who huffed in response.

"And I'm going to be her date, so you already know that I'm going to be there." Nino added to the fuel.

"No hacking into the DJ booth." Adrien pointed out.

"I'm not!" Nino grumbled quietly.

"Of course you're invited Chlo, Besides, I'm sure you already have your whole outfit picked out." Marinette smiled.

Chloé gave a small huff in mock offense, flipping her ponytail back. "You're damn right I do." She smirked lightly.

"And Lila?" Alya asked, raising her eyebrows.

"She's 'guest of honor'." Marinette grumbled.

"So naturally, she's going to be there." Adrien finished.

Alya snickered. "Should we invite Chat Noir?"

Both Marinette and Adrien perked. "What?"

"We can call an akuma attack and have him show. Wouldn't it be fun?" Alya pulled her phone out.

"I don't know, wouldn't that be kinda mean though?" Nino mumbled. "I mean, he's going to crash a party and then we just shout 'false alarm'?"

"Plus, cat has a life of his own behind the mask..." Adrien added.

"Not only that, papa would be furious. He doesn't like Chat Noir." Marinette frowned lightly.

"Plus," Chloé accentuated. "Imagine how un-classy that cat would look, compared to everyone else."

Adrien scoffed. "I'm sure Chat could pull an Agreste line suit."

Chloé snorted. "Please, that cat couldn't walk a runway if his life depended on it."

"Oh, I beg to differ." Adrien replied.

"Now, now, children, before you all get into a heated argument, I think it's time you all go back to school." Sabine stepped in. "Or you're all going to be late."

"Oh shoot, we've gotta go!"

They all started gathering their things, rushing to the door.

"Thanks, Mama." Adrien stepped closer and pressed a kiss onto her cheek.

"Oh, but what about the food?" Marinette asked, fishing for her wallet.

"Oh sweetie, don't worry," She set her hand down on Marinette's shoulder. "Go. It's on me."

Marinette smiled. "Thanks, Mama. See you later!" She sets a kiss on her other cheek and went with Adrien.

"Bye!" The two waved and headed out to the school.

Fast forward to later that day because who gives a damn about school, am I right?

Marinette was sitting at her desk, pen rolling between her fingers. She pulled her sleeve up after careful consideration and started to write.

"I hope I'm not interrupting your cat nap."

"Don't you know that this cat's nocturnal?"

She laughed lightly. "Good evening, Chat Noir."

"Good evening, princess. What's got your mind running tonight?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well this is one of the first times you've casually reached out to me."

Oh shit, he was right. Luckily enough, he wasn't here to see her blush. "Well, not that you mention it, I do have a favor to ask of you."

"Anything for you, princess."

Marinette smiled. "Anything?"

"Anything."

"Be my date for the October Ball."