Back to Back 2

Retribution

"Adrien, I'd like to speak with you for a minute," Emilie said as he and Marinette reached the dining room door.

He stopped and spun around. "About what?"

Her only response was a couple more suggestions. "Felix, you and Marinette can go. Gabriel, you stay here with me and Adrien for a minute so we can talk."

Hearing the seriousness of her tone, there was no option to disobey, so Adrien apprehensively looked at Marinette.

She squeezed his hand as a message to say that she would be fine. But he only let go when Felix stepped up to them.

"We'll be right upstairs," he told him. Then he lowered his voice to a whisper. "I promise that I won't let her out of my sight."

With a nod, Adrien released her hand and watched the pair leave. Then he prepared himself for an unpleasant conversation.

Emilie had some very strong words for him about the whole 'taste testing' incident during dinner. He listened the entire time without arguing or trying to explain his behavior, knowing that if he did, the conversation would only last longer. The most important thing was to get back to Marinette. Even though Felix was there to protect her, he still had an uneasy feeling about not being there himself.

It didn't even matter that Gabriel was right in front of him; any time Marinette wasn't in his sight was a stressful, agonizing moment.

Finally, Emilie wrapped things up. "Now, apologize to Gabriel for that horrid display."

Adrien clenched his jaw and then mumbled the insincere apology. "I'm sorry."

Gabriel nodded. "Accepted. Alright, you're excused."

With the permission to leave, Adrien quickly turned around and left the dining room.

When he was gone, Emilie's demeanor changed as she spoke with her husband. "Well, that should take care of that. Hopefully we won't have any issues with Adrien anymore."

"Hopefully."

She smiled brightly. "Thank you Gabriel for being so wonderful at dinner. You know it makes me happy when we're all together and getting along. Things are getting better by the day. You're here, Adrien is back home where he belongs, and now Marinette will feel more comfortable coming over. I'm sure that tomorrow's dinner will be just as successful as this one!"

The corner of his mouth lowered in confusion. "I thought you didn't like her."

"Of course I like her! Why would you say such a thing?"

"You were pretty distraught the other day about Adrien being in a relationship with her."

Emilie scoffed. "I was just overreacting. Marinette is a lovely girl, and we should invite her over as much as possible. Especially if it will keep Adrien here."

So there it was, the real reason Emilie wanted Marinette around all the time, Gabriel assumed.

"So, now that I don't have to clean the dishes anymore," Emilie murmured. "I have some free time. Do you want to come upstairs with me?" she asked, the smile on her lips being very suggestive.

"I shouldn't. Not now, at least. It will be suspicious if the boys realize that I'm in your room."

Now the smile disappeared.

Gabriel quickly offered another option. "Let's wait until later tonight, like usual."

"Fine," she said. Then she reloaded her smile before wrapping her arms around him and kissing him.

Their kiss lasted until a muffled thump reached her ears. "What was that?" Emilie asked, pulling back and glancing upward.

"I don't know," Gabriel replied, glancing upward as well.