It's not that he didn't hate Christmas, he just never bothered with it. He had a fashion empire to run. There were charity galas to attend, the Christmas Fashion Expo to put on, Christmas and winter themed ad campaigns to oversee and approve on. Gabriel Agreste just didn't have time for the festivities and he was content with that. Except for everyone else. Nathalie had to take care of the grunt work while the Gorilla made sure everyone got where they needed to be and poor Adrien was just along for the ride. From fittings, photo shoots and charity events, he wasn't spared from the chaos and he was so over and done with it. Adrien was currently sitting in the limo, hair slicked and dressed in the latest tuxedo from his father's line with a green bow tie and vest. He was attending the Parisian Art Society Holiday Auction and surprisingly, Gabriel was going to be attending this one as well. Gabriel appreciated art in any form so he was going with the intention of purchasing a few pieces just to appear that he was being charitable. Wearing a white tuxedo with a red bow tie and vest, he looked like a candy cane and Adrien had to make sure not to snicker about it. The event was held at the Louvre and soft Christmas music was playing, fancy food and drinks were served, people dressed to the nines mingled and fake laughed at jokes that would never be funny in any setting. While Gabriel tolerated it, Adrien despised it. He could have been with his friends tonight at the ice rink, drinking hot chocolate when he got cold and having a certain Princess help him to remember how to skate. He thought maybe at the next party, he'd bring her with him. Give her a chance to show off her design skills and to make things less boring. He was nursing a sparkling cider when he noticed someone approaching him and fast.

"Adrikins! I am sooooo happy to see you here! You have to dance with me later!"

"Hey Chloé," Adrien sighed.

Gabriel observed the scene from where he was. He always thought Miss Bourgeois and his son would do well together but after seeing how he interacted with Marinette Dupain-Cheng, he was starting to rethink some things. He just hoped the boy wouldn't embarrass himself and him tonight. But that wasn't the case. The party was in full swing and Chloe was being extra clingy with Adrien despite his polite attempts to brush her off. She gripped his arm tight in an attempt to get under some mistletoe but Adrien was at his limit. She'd been trying to kiss him all night and despite his repeated tellings that he and Marinette were together, she refused to believe it. So with a yank of his arm, he was finally released from her clutches. But bad luck struck and Adrien's arm made contact with a waiter's tray carrying drinks. And that caused a chain reaction with other waiters. Said drinks were sent flying and doused a few people. One of them was the said host of the event. A slightly plump woman wearing a cream colored dress that when wet left little to the imagination. The woman shrieked and went bright red from the embarrassment. Adrien apologized profusely to the woman and staff members rushed in with her coat. They left in a hurry and everyone turned their attention to Adrien. He wanted to crawl into a hole and stay there. He stared down at the floor ashamed at what happened despite it being an accident; Adrien's father would never see it that way. He heard footsteps approaching and he saw a familiar pair of shoes.

"Adrien. Home, now," he said coldly.

Gabriel turned briskly and walked to the entrance. Nathalie already there waiting and the car just pulling up. Adrien sped walked behind his father, not looking at anyone. Once inside the limo, Adrien was just waiting for the lecturing to begin. Gabriel was embarrassed at his sons actions. And even more embarrassed at having to leave the party the way they did. As much as he wanted to grill Adrien, he wanted to wait till they were home to give himself time to calm down a bit. He saw Adrien was on his phone texting someone. He didn't know who and never bothered to care. When they arrived at home, Adrien was just about to go to his room when a cold, harsh voice stopped him.

"Adrien, my office."

Adrien gulped and followed the man, he was in for it now. Gabriel stepped in front of the mural of his late wife and Adrien just stood close by. He had to say something to ease the tension.

"Father I, I am sorry for what happened to Madame Bullion. It was an accident I swear."

"Do you have any idea how much your actions have embarrassed me tonight," Gabriel began. "You should have been more careful! Because of you, I was not able to purchase the pieces I had my eyes on! I taught you better than this," he growled out.

Adrien flinched each time his father spoke, feeling more and more ashamed.

"It's late, go to your room," he dismissed sharply.

"But Father, tonight's Christmas Eve. I thought we could open a gift tonight and read the Christmas Story and drink hot chocolate. Like we used to do?"

"You're a teenage boy now. You should not be wasting time on childish things."

"Well, then; can I go to the Dupain-Cheng's then? They invited me to spend the holidays with them."

"And why should I allow this," asked Gabriel turning to face him with an arched eyebrow.

"Well you never seem to want to celebrate since mom left and I just want to have at least one good Christmas this year."

Adrien tried to give Gabriel his best sad kitten face that usually worked on Nathalie but it never did seem to faze his father.

"No. You have a photo shoot tomorrow in the morning. I need you focused and alert."

"You're making people work on Christmas?!"

"I'm paying them so they better work."

"But it's Christmas! You shouldn't force people to work on Christmas! It's not right!"

"Enough! I don't want to hear another word about it! Get to your room and I don't want to see you for the rest of the night!"

Adrien tried to keep the tears from coming. He bit his tongue and ducked his head down and rushed out. The door slammed shut. Gabriel sighed and relaxed his posture despite still feeling tense. He was so much like her, it was obvious to Gabriel. It got harder every year; part of the reason why he never bothered to decorate the house. He no longer saw the need for it nor felt the joy that the season usually brought with it. Gabriel looked over at a shelf and looked at a picture of a younger version of himself with his arm around a blonde green eyed woman and an old Chinese man next to him. It was from a happier time and try and wish with all his might, those times were gone.

"Is it going to get better," he whispered to himself.

Not wanting to dwell on it further and not wanting to sleep, he settled on doing some work at his desk. As he sat down at his desk, he didn't realize that the smile the old Chinese man in the picture had turned into a frown.

He was a few hours into his work when he felt the fatigue begin to hit. He quickly turned his coffee machine on and waited for the brewing to finish. Gabriel thought back to how things went down with his son and he did feel a little guilty for lashing out at him. But what's done was done, and he couldn't back down now. He poured himself some coffee and got back to work. Suddenly, the windows burst open and strong wind blew in causing Gabriel's papers to fly everywhere.

"Cursed wind! How could my windows be opened like this," he shouted.

"How indeed," said a voice.

Gabriel stiffened and whipped his head wildly.

"Who said that?!"

"You don't recognize me? I am hurt Gabriel."

"Who are you?! Show yourself!"

"Really Gabriel. After all these years, you've forgotten what I sound like," questioned the voice.

Gabriel looked to see an old Chinese man with a goatee, red Hawaiian shirt and brown shorts and sandals. Gabriel was stunned.

"Master Fu?"

"Been a long time hasn't it," smiled Fu.

"Are you even," began Gabriel.

"No, I am not alive. I am a spirit who just wanted to see an old friend. However, I have seen your changes over the years and frankly, I am worried."

"What do you mean? I have not changed at all."

"Now you and I know that is not true at all. You've become colder, harsher and distant since she left. And your poor son has suffered from it."

Gabriel didn't know what to say to that. He never would want to admit it, but the old man was right.

"Why are you here?"

"A good question. We want to give you a chance. A chance to turn things around before you lose it all."

"What am I in danger of losing?" Fu didn't answer. "Who's this 'we' that you are referring to?"

"Oh, just some spirit friends of mine will be dropping by. Three of them actually. They have somethings they want to show and discuss with you. I would recommend you listen and heed their advice Gabriel."

"This is absurd. I must be dreaming right now. You are just a figment of my imagination."

"Believe it or not, it will happen and I suggest you pay attention when they do come." Master Fu looked at the clock and sighed. "I'm afraid my time is up. Don't forget, my three friends will be dropping in. Heed their warnings and advice my friend. Good night and good luck."

Master Fu slowly faded away as Gabriel watched awestruck. He shook his head to clear it.

"Nonsense! That was just a dream. I better get back to work."

Gabriel then began picking up the papers that were blown to the floor.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Here's my first Christmas Miraculous Ladybug story! Hope you enjoy!

Couple of things here. I'm going to take this time to just write and get caught up. Only upload this story and maybe one other for the time being and resume uploading around the beginning of next year. Thanks to all for being so patient with me and I look forward to reading your thoughts.

And don't forget to tune into the Miraculous Christmas Special! Check your local listings!

Merry Christmas everyone!