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“That’s it… I’ve had it, Tikki! This can’t go on any longer!”
“Plagg, we talked about this! We have to let them handle this at their own pace!”
“And when will that be?! When they turn 50?! I may be an immortal kwami who’s lived for eons, but waiting that long feels greater than any eternity! We have to get them together already!”
Plagg was venting his frustrations to his counterpart. It’s been over half a year since Adrien and Marinette had revealed themselves to one another. Shadowmoth was behind bars as well. Things were all good. Paris was safe! And yet… Marinette and Adrien were still dancing around each other with regards to their feelings. Plagg has had enough.
“So what do you suggest then?” Asked Tikki.
“Wait… So you’re totally fine with doing something about it?”
Tikki sighed as she floated in front of the cat kwami.
“Well… you know how much I love them both but I do admit I am kinda tired of waiting for them to figure things out. I want to see little ones scampering around the apartment sooner rather than later.” Tikki excitedly mentioned her dreams.
“Wooohoo! Finally! Tikki’s on board! Alright then! Let’s do this! It’s not going to be that hard anymore to set things up, Tikki. They already live together! They’re SO CLOSE and yet… they’re both so CLUELESS!”
Tikki agreed. When she heard that Adrien and Marinette wanted to live together, she excitedly waited for the day they’d confess their feelings for one another. Fast forward to a month after they moved in, and Tikki saw nothing changed… What frustrated her even more were all the couple things they did do already.
“I can’t believe they cuddle every time they watch a movie together, and STILL no one has confessed. How?!?!” Tikki blurted out her own feelings of frustration.
Tikki was getting more excited with Plagg’s suggestion by the moment.
Sugarcube, I think we need a bit more help this time. We need everyone to work on this together.”
“Everyone?” Tikki wondered who he was referring to.
“The other kwamis, of course! You all ready to help, right?” Plagg asked.
A few of the other kwamis flew out of their hiding places. Several of them quickly nodded to Plagg. Sass spoke up first.
“Yes. We’re all excited to help them finally get together. Sometimes it feels like the day’s repeating with how they act around each other everyday. I’m an expert on repeats, as you know.” Sass said.
“I’m looking forward to helping you two help the guardian as well!” Wayzz said.
“Yes! Let’s do this! I want them to be happy with each other already!” Daizzi spoke up.
“Great! Perfect! Daizzi, I actually need your help on this too so let’s talk plans after! Finally we can get those two idiots together!”
The kwamis then all spoke animatedly, as they prepared their plans.
****
Christmas time was Marinette’s favorite season. The cheery atmosphere of everyone invigorated her. It brought joy, hope, and laughter for all. It was a time for friends and family to gather around and spend it together.
It was also the period of time she could outdo her kitty once again with an awesome gift.
A few years ago, back when they still didn’t know each other’s identities, Ladybug and Cat Noir had a competition on who would give the best Christmas gift each year.
It’s been pretty much even on the amount of wins since the start. Marinette though wanted to get the upper hand. Especially now that she knew who he was underneath the mask.
“Watch out, Adrien Agreste! This year, my gift will blow your socks off!” Marinette announced triumphantly in her room.
“There’s no way he’s going to beat me this year.”
Marinette was vibrating with glee as she looked upon her plans for the perfect handmade gift for Adrien. It was a brand new Chat Noir themed outfit made just for him. It oozed Chat and also Adrien as well. Marinette was sure he’d love it.
The young lady opened her room door, and snuck a peak outside to the shared living room of their apartment. Marinette saw Adrien busily cooking their lunch that afternoon at the kitchen area. It smelled heavenly, whatever it was he was cooking. He seemed none the wiser about her outburst.
“Perfect.”
She quietly closed the door and prepared to fix the materials needed to make her gift.
“Sorry to burst your bubble, pigtails.” A voice spoke up behind her.
Marinette turned around to see Plagg looking pretty smug.
“What is it, Plagg?”
“Oh I’ve just been overhearing how excited you were about your supposed gift for Adrien. I saw the designs. They’re pretty nice for sure… but not nice enough.”
“What? What do you mean by that?” Marinette didn’t like the way he phrased his words.
“I’m saying that what Adrien has planned for you this year… you’re never going to top it with what you have now.”
“What?!?! And how would you know that?!” Marinette demanded.
“Pssh. I’m his kwami, of course I know what he’s gotten you. And wow… best one by a long shot. You’re not even close.”
“Excuse me?! Okay, what is it that he’s planning to give me this year?!” She followed up.
Plagg chuckled.
“As if I’d spoil the surprise. Have you forgotten the agreement Tikki and I made? To not let slip what your gifts for one another are? You know I like you pigtails, but my kid’s still my holder. I’d never tell you what it is… but at least I can tell you what’s better.” Plagg’s voice grew mischievous once more.
Marinette wondered what this little god had planned. Why was he telling her this?
“Why are you telling me this then?”
“Easy. I made a bet with him saying that he’d lose to you again this year. And I came here to make sure you did.”
Of course there was something in it for him.
“And what happens if you win?” She asked.
“Special Camembert for 4 months.”
Marinette giggled.
“Figures. Okay… so if you won’t tell me what it is, how can I beat him then without knowing what he’s gotten me?”
“Once again, another easy answer. You have to be a bit sneaky… but I suggest… Daizzi.”
Marinette immediately understood.
“Of course! Her gift ability! I’ll just use it on Adrien and I can find out what he wants most! I’ll be able to get him the PERFECT gift! There’s no way I’d lose this year!”
“Exactly!”
“But when can I use it on him? Maybe when he’s sleeping?” Marinette was brainstorming on how to go about her plan.
“Now look who’s being sneaky all of a sudden? I like how you think, Marinette!” Plagg said. His voice was filled with mischief.
“I have a feeling you were just about to suggest that idea anyway. Am I right, Plagg?”
“Great minds think alike, really.” The cat god just shrugged his tiny shoulders.
“Okay then, operation ultimate gift is underway!” Marinette was confident she was going to win for sure that year.
*****
Later that afternoon, when Marinette had to step out for a bit of personal shopping, Plagg executed part 2 of his master plan. It was Adrien’s turn to get invested. And just like Marinette, he planted the idea of using Daizzi.
“So… you’re saying to beat Marinette this year, I should use Daizzi’s power on her?”
“Pretty much. It’s a surefire way to beat her.”
Adrien was a bit more hesitant than Marinette, Plagg noticed. It was probably due to years of doing his best to be the good kid. Doing things straight and narrow underneath his father’s gaze.
“It feels like cheating you know? I’d rather just find something I tried my best to think of and earn it. I’d like to earn that lovely smile on Marinette’s face from how much I truly… know her.” Adrien continued. Plagg was pretty sure the boy almost said “love” instead of “know.”
“Adrien is totally a goner for Marinette. Hoo boy.”
His wielder really had a good heart but this wasn’t going to help in Plagg’s plans. He had to stop them from being totally clueless about each other. The pining had to END.
“Look, kid. I get it. Your competition is important and all but at the end of the day, what is the point of the competition? Is it to win? Does that TRULY matter to you?”
Adrien paused for a moment as he understood what Plagg was trying to convey.
“No… not really. What I want is to make Marinette happy.”
“Exactly! And so it may be cheating… but the point of this whole gift giving thing, is to make each other happy! You knew that it never mattered if you won as long as she was liked what she got.”
Plagg was pretty sure he hit the nail on the coffin. He knew Adrien well. What mattered more than anything in the world to him, was Marinette’s happiness. And he just gave the boy the most surefire way to find out what she wished.
After a moment of thought, Adrien finally relented.
“Alright then. Let’s do this. Let’s get Daizzi!”
And with that, part 2 of the plan was complete. Plagg couldn’t wait for them to see what Daizzi had to show both of them.
“This is going to be so worth it. I have a feeling they’re both going to be so clueless.”
The kwami was enjoying his moment. Seeing his master plan come together.
“Hehehe.”
***
It was 10:00pm and Marinette was waiting patiently behind Adrien’s door. She knew the boy was out cold that evening.
Why?
Because Marinette served his favorite Pasta Alfredo. It was delicious, special and Adrien loved it to bits.
She knew what would happen after Adrien ate a good helping of it. It would always end the same. Adrien would excuse himself for just a moment. And just when people would wonder where he’d left off to… they’d find him already sleeping on his bed.
As always, he was out cold.
Marinette took a peak through his door and saw that Adrien still had all his clothes he wore for dinner. He couldn’t resist the urge to crash on his bed as soon as possible. Marinette couldn’t help but think it cute.
“M-Marinette… yes. Yes, I’d love more milk please. Thank you v—verryy… much.” Adrien mumbled in his sleep.
She had to cover her mouth before her giggle could wake up Adrien. She stepped inside and moved closer so that she was standing right beside him. The moment was right.
“Daizzi, let’s do this.” The pig kwami flew up beside her and after a moment, Marinette was transformed.
“Gift.” She whispered.
This was the moment she’d been waiting for.
“Now, let’s see what you want more than anything.”
Marinette waited a moment to see the image clearer. The light diminished a moment. And there it was. Only…
“Wait… what?”
Marinette continued to look at the scene on display and she couldn’t understand at all what was happening. What was it she was seeing?
“That’s just… Adrien and I sitting in our room together. Watching a movie. I don’t get it.”
Marinette realized a bit too late that she was too loud with her deductions because Adrien started to stir a bit. She had to bolt and quick.
A speedy transformation, and some light movements later, she was safely back in her room. Now she was ready to contemplate. But first she had to ask for advice.
“Daizzi. What was that? I don’t get it. I didn’t see anything special at all about the “gift.” What was Adrien’s greatest desire?”
The pig kwami shrugged. She looked perplexed.
“I’m not sure. This is strange. You did use it on him while he was asleep. He’d probably understand the gift more than you, who’s just looking at it.”
Marinette pretty much had to agree. Only Adrien would truly understand. But that left her confused.
What was it that Adrien wanted?”
All the while, Plagg was chuckling in the shadows. Seeing his plan turn out smoothly.
“Daizzi’s pretending as if she doesn’t know just as planned. Now for my kid.” He whispered.
Everything was going as he predicted.
****
A few days later.
“Plagg… I have no idea what Marinette wants.”
Adrien was on his bed, face first into his pillow. It was obvious to anyone who saw him that he was troubled.
“The gift ability did not help… AT ALL. In fact, it made me even more confused and unsure of what to get.”
Adrien couldn’t understand at all what he saw in Marinette’s greatest desire.
It was right after a nice dinner together that Adrien set his plan in motion yesterday. Adrien prepared a movie night with all of Marinette’s favorite snacks and drinks. He picked a random Disney movie amongst her favorites, got her favorite blanket and cuddled just like always.
As predicted, 45 minutes into the movie, Marinette dozed off. The combination of Disney, her favorite snacks, and a nice blanket were key factors for her to sleep. And it worked perfectly.
Marinette fell asleep on his shoulder and that’s when he used “Gift.”
The only issue was what he saw.
“I don’t get it. All I saw was Marinette and I eating lunch together. I watched that scene play out for 10 minutes and nothing changed. Nothing out of the ordinary. We were just having lunch… and chatting. I don’t get it!”
“Clueless idiots. Both of them…” Plagg whispered.
“Sorry? Did you say something, Plagg? I couldn’t hear you.” Adrien asked.
“Oh nothing. It’s just… I was repeating what Daizzi said. Only Marinette can tell you what the gift truly meant being the owner of said vision.”
Adrien sighed and nodded as he laid on the bed. Only Marinette would truly know what the gift meant… but how would he go about it? He can’t just ask. Should he just go with his regular plan? But after seeing the vision, Adrien felt no drive to do anything else. He had to get the PERFECT gift for her and whatever it was… it was held in that vision.
“Maybe… I can trick her into mentioning it?” The wheels of his brain started to turn with plans to bait Marinette to saying what she truly wanted that year.
****
Later That Evening.
That night, dinner was the most awkward one they’d had since moving in together. Something was off. Marinette could sense it. Half of their conversations felt forced. There was something on Adrien’s mind.
In fairness, she couldn’t really think properly too. She was figuring out a way to bring up the topic of what she saw in the gift of Adrien.
How could she ever bring it up without spoiling the surprise?
Would Adrien be mad for using magic on him without his consent? Even if it was for a gift?
All these thoughts loitered around in her head. Marinette had to figure something quick.
“So… what did you think? Was the Chicken Tikka good?”
Marinette’s thoughts were disturbed by the sudden question of Adrien. She smiled at him and nodded.
“Yeah. Very good. Just the right amount of spice. Where’d you order it from?” She asked.
“Oh. A co-worker suggested this place about 15 minutes away from here. You could tell it’s good because when I found it, there was already a line of people waiting to get inside to get their orders. Thank goodness I ordered in advance.”
“Totally worth it. And the biryani rice. Perfect.”
“Definitely. We should order again from them some time.” Adrien followed up.
She nodded back and continued eating her food in silence. The momentary easy flowing conversation ended again.
She had to think of something! She had to start on the conversation of gifts.
“So… have you finished Christmas shopping yet?” Adrien asked.
“Thank you, Adrien!” Marinette wanted to thank her Ladybug luck for Adrien asking that question.
“Ohh mostly. I think I got everyone.” She admitted.
Adrien nodded back at her.
“Same. Just… one or two more people to go.” He replied.
“Okay… Just bring it up, Marinette! Bring the topic up! What does he like for Christmas?! What was his wish?!” Marinette racked her head for something to say.
“I got nothing…” How could her Ladybug quick-thinking fail her now?!
But as she recalled her youth… it’s always been Adrien’s who’s messed up her thoughts. Only he’s ever made her tongue-tied and unsure of what to do.
Marinette was literally playing with her curry now. Her spoon has scooped and un-scooped multiple times. The topic was already there! She had to just mention it!
“S-so… Did you prepare something special for our little competition?” She asked finally.
“GAH! That’s not the question! Why’d you ask that?!” She wanted to berate herself.
Adrien cleared his throat a bit before answering. He smirked at her and looked so confidant.
“Oh. Yeah. I have the perfect gift for you, Marinette. Definitely going to win this year.” His voice was smooth as butter.
That caught her attention and it annoyed her. Why was he so sure of himself? Whatever he had planned, she had to top it.
“Is that so? Well for your information, I already have a lead on the perfect gift for you too.” She countered back.
“Oh? Really?”
“Yes. Really.”
“Then what is it?”
Marinette choked.
“T-that would spoil the surprise!”
Adrien grinned back at her.
“That doesn’t sound pretty confidant to me. I think you’re bluffing.”
“I-I am not!” She began to stutter. This was getting nowhere. In fact, she couldn’t take it anymore.
“Screw the competition!” She had to know. She had to get the gift. Even if he knew she was going to get it for him.
“JUST TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT ALREADY!”
Her higher pitched voice shocked Adrien so much that he startled in his seat.
“E-excuse me?! “
“I do have what you want most, Adrien! I saw your heart’s desire! Your wish! But I couldn’t understand it all! What is it that you want?!”
Adrien looked shocked.
“Wait! My wish? Are you saying… You used Daizzi on me?” Marinette was surprised by Adrien’s quick deduction. But that made it easier for him to answer.
“Yes!!!” Marinette was already catching her breath for practically shouting.
“When did you use her gift on me?” He asked.
Marinette blushed. She had to tell him the truth.
“When you feel asleep the other night. After the Alfredo dinner.” She admitted.
“Oh… that makes sense. I was out cold.”
Marinette waited for him to say something else. Was he going to be angry? She watched him think for a moment but what he said shocked her.
“What was the gift? What do you mean you couldn’t understand it? What was it?”
Marinette didn’t expect that question at all.
“You want to know what was your gift?”
He nodded.
Marinette sighed a little. Adrien asking to see made it a lot easier to figure out what it was so this was the perfect chance.
“Daizzi?” She called out.
The pig kwami flew in and approached the two of them. Marinette used the bracelet momentarily and transformed in front of Adrien.
“Gift!”
Once again, the scene played out. Adrien and Marinette were cuddling on the couch as they watched a movie together. Adrien inspected the scene and for a moment, Marinette could see his eyes widen. That could only mean one thing.
He understood what his wish was.
“There… you see?” She stopped the scene and sighed.
“I-I’m sorry for cheating, Adrien. But honestly, this bothered me more than some silly competition. I really wanted to get something special for you, this year. What is it that you want? I want to make it up to you. But…I don’t… I don’t understand.”
Marinette then noticed that Adrien was stunned. His mouth left ajar.
“Adrien… is something wrong? If you’re mad that I cheated and used a miraculous on you… I’m really sorry. I just wanted to make you happy.” She felt guilty. Adrien looked like he wasn’t very pleased. At least… that’s what she assumed until…
“Hahahahaha!” Adrien laughed hard. He was holding his sides from the laughter. Small tears began leaking out of his eyes from the intensity.
“Uhh… Adrien?”
“Plagg’s right. I finally get it. We’re both clueless idiots.” He said in between his bouts of laughter.
Adrien’s sweet chuckles filled the apartment but confused her even more.
“What are you talking about?”
Adrien slowly approached her after her query. His face filled with glee and awe. It caused her to step back for just a moment but it was too late. Adrien held her tight and continued to chuckle as he held her in a warm embrace.
“Marinette Dupain-Cheng. You want to know something? I used Daizzi too.”
“What?!?!” Marinette squealed out.
“When?! Is that how come you have the perfect gift for me?! You cheated!” It was very hypocritical of her to say but she couldn’t help it but the words came tumbling out of her mouth.
Adrien just shook his head at her.
“No. I was bluffing. Haha. I only just used her yesterday. In fact I have no clue what your wish is too. I was trying throughout dinner to bait you to hint at what you wanted… and honestly I had no idea to approach the topic. I ended up making you ask me what my wish was instead. Funny right?”
“Wait… what? You didn’t know what my wish was too?” What was it? What didn’t Adrien get? That was odd that both of them had the same problem with each other.
“Your gift… was the two of us having a nice lunch together. Chatting. That’s it.” He said.
Marinette tried understanding what that meant. It sounded so simple. A nice lunch together with Adrien. There wasn’t anything new about what they already did all the time.
What did it mean?
“That really was my wish? That’s all? But I don’t under—“
It was like being struck by lightning as she realized what it meant. Her cheeks began to flare.
In the context of her own wish, she understood. There was something… someone. What she wanted more than anyone else in the world was…
“Ohh…” She uttered out quietly.
“My greatest wish, Marinette Dupain-Cheng has always been being by your side. You’ve given me that already.”
Marinette gasped. She almost felt like stumbling over. Her legs felt weak and it was good thing Adrien was holding onto her tight. He was gazing at her as if she was the only thing that mattered in the entire world. His green eyes felt like they were piercing through her very soul.
“You’re everything to me Marinette. You’re my best friend… and the truth is I will always love you.” Adrien’s cheeks darkened just like hers.
“Y-you love me?” She managed to say. Everything was becoming too much. They were still holding each other in a half hug. Their faces were just so close. She was worried Adrien would hear her crazy loud beating heart.
“I do… I never stopped.” She couldn’t believe it. All this time… he still loved her.
“But… I thought…?”
Adrien just shook his head.
“How can I stop loving you? You’re amazing and maybe if I understand your wish too… you might feel the same way?” Adrien hesitantly asked.
Marinette couldn’t answer any quicker.
“YES.” She nodded at him.
YES! YES I DO! I-I love you, Adrien! My heart’s desire has always been… being with you too.”
Their wishes weren’t strange at all. They both made perfect sense! They were just so blind. They couldn’t think it possible that what the other wanted… was exactly what they wanted too.
They loved each other.
No more missed chances. No more misunderstandings. Everything was on the table. There she saw Adrien smile like never before. He never looked so happy.
“Marinette… I realty want to kiss you right now.”
Her Ladybug confidence finally kicked in with what he said. She went straight for it… and kissed him.
It was a good few minutes of them feeling each other. HIs lips were perfectly matched with hers. He had an addicting taste that she could never get tired off. Marinette felt like she was soaring through the air. It was magical.
After a good minute, they both let go to breath a little. Their smiles were plastered on their faces. She couldn’t stop even if she tried.
“That was long overdue.” She said.
“Totally. So… I’m guessing we both win this year?”
Marinette just playfully tapped his nose in reply.
“Definitely both winners.”
Christmas came a bit earlier that year. Both of them getting what they wanted for so very long.
Epilogue
“Tikki… I regret everything.”
Plagg’s plan was a success. He finally got the two heroes to get together. Everything worked out perfectly. But now he had a different problem.
“They’re just too lovey-dovey now! It’s making me nauseous!”
“Come on, Plagg. Stop kidding yourself. You know you love it too!”
Plagg took a peek below and saw that once again, the young couple were cuddling together and calling each other cute pet names.
“Kitty” and “Princess” were mentioned quite often. Stolen kisses were a norm. Plagg admitted that he was happy for them but it was getting too much.
“Not if it stalls my cheese supply! Adrien’s been forgetting to order for me! I need my camembert!”
“No worries, Plagg. They can’t cuddle all day!… Or can they?” Tikki teased.
Plagg took a peek at the couple again and could only groan once more.
“What have I done?” Plagg banged his head on the wall for a moment. His stomach growling for cheese.
He got exactly what he wished for.