Chapter Text
It had seemed like such a good idea when she first agreed to it. Everyone in Paris wanted a chance to meet their favorite heroes and snap a pic with them. What better way than setting up a meet and greet at the Centre commercial Beaugrenelle, right? Tikki had expressed her displeasure at the public outing, scolding Marinette once again that she was a superhero and not a celebrity. While Marinette completely understood, the bad press from the botched interview left a bad taste in her mouth and it seemed some in Paris were still less than pleased with the duo. Besides, it wasn’t like she was planning on staying in the lime light long. She would give her prepared ditty on how the bug and cat team were doing everything in their power to stop Hawkmoth, snap a few pics with fans and then be on her way. She still had math homework to do tonight after all.
Ladybug’s confidence in this “good idea” were quickly squashed, however, when she walked into the center of the mall. Under the glass ceiling was a ginormous Christmas tree decked in colorful bulbs and enough twinkling lights to require a seizure warning. All around the tree, fake snow had been brought in by the truckloads, creating a faux winter wonderland that shoppers had to wade through to get to the line. The line. Ladybug’s eyes widened. Red velvet ropes created a serpent that wound its way through not one, not two, but three floors of the mall. Parisians of all ages were decked out in Ladybug and Chat Noir merchandise while others were wearing their best and ugliest Christmas sweaters. Slowly revolving in a small circle, Ladybug gaped at the sheer number of fans lining the glass railings.
“Joyeux Noёl, my lady,” a familiar voice sounded just behind her. Her mouth dropped open in surprise as she turned around and met bright green eyes. Standing in front of her was none other than her black leather-clad partner. That was not, however, all he was wearing. A slightly too big red velvet coat with white trim and a matching cap with a white bobble at the end joined his regular ensemble.
“Joyeux Noёl, chaton but what are you wearing?” Ladybug couldn’t stop herself from asking.
“Well we are taking pictures in the mall in December. I figured we should get into the spirit!” Chat replied a bit mischievously. Ladybug noted that gleam in his eye when he was up to something as well as his hands hidden behind his back. She did not have a good feeling about this.
“When you say we…” Ladybug started, unconsciously taking a step backward. Chat slowly brought his hands into view and produced a short green dress with a scalloped edge and a pointy felt hat to match. “Chaton…”
“Ah, come on, Ladybug. It’ll be fun and everyone is so excited for Santa pictures with Paris’ favorite superheroes!” Chat beamed, hooking a thumb in the thick, black belt that circled his waist.
Ladybug covered her face with her hands and dragged them down in exasperation. The hopeful and downright gleeful expression on her partner’s face took the fight out of her. The corners of her mouth lifted slightly of their own volition and she could tell the moment Chat knew he had won. She grabbed the outfit and unceremoniously threw it on over her suit. Shoving the hat on her head, she turned and posed with a cheesy grin.
“How do I look, Chat Noir?” Ladybug teased. A small blush formed under his black mask just briefly before he threw her a wink. “Wonderful as always, my lady,” Chat bowed and took her hand. He added, “I almost wish I could keep you for mys-elf,” before kissing it.
Flabbergasted and caught completely by surprise, Ladybug stood mouth agape staring at her partner who was already bounding toward the giant, gold throne set in front of the glittering Christmas tree.
“Well come on, my lady! We can’t keep the public waiting!” Chat sat in the chair and waved up at the sign hanging above the studio set-up. In bold, gold font sprawling on a red banner, it read, “Santa Claws.” She rolled her eyes.