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Gabriel sighed. "As true as that is, are you certain that you can handle being away for five days? For Emma's sake?"

That was the kicker. Adrien hadn't been away from Emma a full twenty-four hours before. This was going to be a stretch.

"And are you certain Marinette would be willing to take on that task?" Gabriel continued. "Frankly, I would like nothing more than for you to take this particular task off my plate. If I sent someone else to check in on them, they might lax on some policies. However, I understand that this may not be something you can take off my plate, meaning I need your help in other areas to make up for it. And while I apologize that I'm telling you on Christmas, it's something I'd like to forewarn you about."

"No, I understand, father. Thank you for the warning."

His father nodded. "Of course. I will need an answer as soon as you can, however."

"Give me the week to think it over."

"Thank you. Whatever that may be, I thank you for the help."

"Of course, father."


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The day after Christmas was when Marinette came by.

"You get two. And only two," Adrien warned Emma, who was reaching for the decorated gingerbread men.

She pouted, having already devoured one.

"You heard your dad," Marinette said before she leaned over to whisper, "and you can always beg for more after dinner."

Emma perked up at that.

Marinette winked up at Adrien, knowing full well her whisper wasn't quiet enough to keep her words secret from him.

Adrien shook a finger at her, tsking her playfully.

She grinned widely and innocently as she placed the plate of cookies on the counter out of reach from Emma. "Be nice to me. I come bearing gifts."

Adrien raised an eyebrow at her as she dug into her purse, making a show of digging deep and capturing Emma's rapt attention. Her face then split into a wide grin before she pulled out the package.

Emma beamed and took the gift, making quick work of the wrapping paper. She gasped then grinned as she held up a ladybug plushie.

"Now you have a good luck guardian, too," Marinette said. She then held out her keys, allowing the ladybug charm to dangle in the air. "Just like me."

Emma bounded forward, wrapping her arms around Marinette's neck and squeezing tightly. Marinette picked the girl up off the ground, holding her close. "Best teammate in the whole wide world," she whispered.

"Best teammate in the whole wide world," Emma returned.

That exchange always melted Adrien's heart.

They stayed for a little while before Marinette put Emma down. "Come play with me," Emma begged, grabbing Marinette's hand and tugging her along.

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