Reunited

-Chapter - 26 - Connection -

Nathalie led Gabriel into the dining room, where Nathaniel and Lucy were sat with Adrien. Nathaniel noticed Gabriel drawing a chair for Nathalie and turned to face his wife, who nodded, indicating that she had noticed.

Nathaniel adjusted his posture and chuckled inwardly, "I hope you don't mind me asking, are you two....together?" he inquired, smiling.

Nathalie suddenly burst out laughing, drawing everyone's attention to her. "Don't be ridiculous, Nathaniel. Gabriel and I are just friends, and he's just Gabriella's father." she states calmly.

Gabriel looked away, "Yes... Bestfriends," he said almost whispering.

Nathalie nodded, "That's right, bestfriends. Nothing more, nothing less," she smiled at him.

"Of course," Gabriel gave her a tiny smile back.

Nathalie turned her gaze to Lucy, "Has Blaire eaten anything?"

Lucy shook her head, "Oh no, she hasn't." Nathalie nodded and got up, "Well then, I should go bring her something to eat. There's still plenty of untouched food in the kitchen."

Lucy smiled, "Thank you Nathalie, but I doubt she will touch her food since she's hanging out with Gabby."

"I'm sure she will, she must be starving from the long train ride."

Lucy sighed, "If you really insists, Nathalie," she arose from her seat, "Can I at least help you?"

Nathalie merely nodded before she led Lucy towards the kitchen. When the girls were gone, Nathaniel nudge Gabriel, and he says, "You're so weak, Gabriel! I thought by now you'd be with Nathalie," Nathaniel shook his head.

"I think you should teach father your ways, Mr. Sancoeur," Adrien chuckled.

"I will. He and Nathalie are acting like teenagers! Keeping your feelings for one other hidden, despite the fact that you clearly love each other." Gabriel sat there in silence, listening to Nathaniel as he continued, "I've been there before, Gabriel, with Lucy. When I tell you nothing will happen if you don't do anything, trust me on that."

Adrien agreed with a nod, "Mr. Sancoeur is right, father. Marinette and I are another example. I'm confident we wouldn't be where we are now if I hadn't admitted my feelings for her."

Gabriel gave the two a timid smile "I am trying. I'm not even trying to hide my feelings for her anymore, but she doesn't seem to see it....At all. Nathalie continues telling me she doesn't love me, that there is nothing between us, that there will never be something, that she doesn't need me to care for her." Gabriel paused, "You heard her say we were just friends....Nothing more or less. And every time she reminds me, it hurts me because I'm afraid I've lost her," Gabriel tone was melancholy.

"He's just a friend," Adrien mocked, "Mom is probably being in denial, I doubt you've lost her completely, father."

"Adrien is correct. There is no way on God's green earth that my sister, who use to be so in love with you, has lost her feelings for you. No way! I wouldn't believe that it's the same person." Nathaniel shook his head and sipped his water. While he was drinking from his glass, he spotted Nathalie and his wife standing in front of the kitchen's door, holding a tray with food. His eyes widened, he quickly placed his glass down, "How long... have you two been standing there?" he asked, nervously.

"Not even a minute," Lucy's eyebrows furrowed, "What are you up to, Nathaniel?" she asked as they walk towards them.

"Nothing, darling..." Nathaniel answered. Nathalie eyes were on Gabriel's before she shifted them to Nathaniel.

-

-Gabriella and Blaire-

Both cousins were laying on their tummies, sketching and crafting rings and bracelets out of the Jewelry kit Gabriel had bought for Gabriella the day before. Gabriella and Blaire were making them for their parents, and Gabby, of course, would never forget to make some for Marinette and Adrien. It was their own way of saying "Thank you" for bringing them together again. This was how the girls liked to bond anyway, they have always loved doing things together.