Guess Again [A Miraculous FanFiction]

Chapter Three: Adrien's Great Idea

"Hello Father," Adrien greeted his dad as he entered the dining room on unsteady feet. Gabriel watched him slowly walk to the table, his hands on the arms of the chair; he was ready to jump up and help his son should Adrien lose his balance.

"Really, I'm fine."Adrien gave Gabriel a small wry smile as he settled in his chair, resisting the urge to roll his eyes in good humor. Their relationship had come a long way in the last month and a half since the fire, but he didn't think Gabriel was quite ready for rolled eyes.

They were quiet while several of the servants set a beautiful meal before them. Only when the silent, slender young men left the room and Gabriel picked up his fork did Adrien's courage finally find him.

"So, Dad..." Adrien hesitated, surprised by the word that escaped from his lips. But Gabriel just gave him a rare smile and raised his eyebrows.

For a moment, Adrien was distracted by the rapid change in his father. He had not seen Gabriel smile in at least six years. Adrien was struck by the unexpected but happy situation they were in. However, in the back of his mind, a small voice (that sounded a lot like Plagg at his most snide) told him that this change was temporary.

Adrien pushed away his thoughts and cleared his throat. "You know that my friend Marinette came by earlier, right?"

"Ms. Dupain-Cheng? Yes, I was aware." Gabriel said before returning to eating.

Adrien ate a bite, not tasting it in his nervousness, and swallowed quickly before continuing. "She and her parents lived on 12 Rue Gotlib, which was above their bakery. It burned down in the fire."

"I see." Gabriel said shortly, and Adrien hurried on, seeing the flash of annoyance in his father's eyes.

"They lost everything and they've been living with our friend Alya's family in their apartment. I guess they've been having a hard time, not that Mari would have told me. Alya mentioned it, and I've been thinking..." He stopped, swallowing nervously.

"Yes?" Gabriel's impatience, despite his new positive attitude, was creeping into his voice.

"Would it be okay if they came and stayed with us for a while? Just for enough time for them to get back on their feet? They can stay in the East Wing since I don't have tutors staying there anymore." Adrien paused, trying to read his father's expression. There was something in Gabriel's face but Adrien couldn't quite comprehend it. Was it...annoyance? Frustration? It was gone before he could figure it out.

"They wouldn't be too much of a bother, I dont think. And they don't know that I was asking; this was my idea. I think they're too humble to ask and-" Adrien cut himself off abruptly as Gabriel raised a hand.

"You want them to come stay with us?" His voice was smooth, without inflection to show emotion. Adrien felt a shiver go down his spine; had he angered Gabriel? But he gathered his courage again and nodded vigorously.

"Well, I suppose," Gabriel said, watching Adrien fidget in his chair, "if it means that much to you... Yes, they can stay here. For six months, at most."

Adrien couldn't believe his ears; he shook his head to clear it.

"You, you'll..." he stuttered, unable to make his mouth move because of his scattered thoughts. He hadn't expected his father to agree this easily, let alone at all!

"Yes, I will allow them to stay." Gabriel repeated, a small grin flashing onto his lips at his son's stunned expression. "I will tell Natalie to clear out the wing; they can move in as soon as the end of this week. However, I expect you to make sure Mr. and Mrs. Dupain-Cheng are aware of our house rules. They won't be expected to pay rent as they are so, as you put it, inconvenienced by their situation. But, as you know, I have little patience for messes and loud noises. Make them aware of that as well."

Adrien was nodding vigorously during Gabriel's speech, "I will, Father. Thank you." Adrien stood up, leaving his food mostly uneaten, and ran to his dad. Without warning, he wrapped his arms around Gabriel's neck: something he hadn't done since he was very young.

Gabriel was taken aback but did not reject his son's hug. In fact, he actually returned it. The two Agrestes embraced for a long, long moment before Adrien let go. He was blushing and he took several steps backwards.

There was a moment of silence before Gabriel smiled and said, "I suppose you want to call your friend and let her know about your idea."

"Yes! Please." Adrien's smile covered his whole face.

"Alright. Go on. I will see you tomorrow. Do not forget to take your medicine."

"Yes Father," Adrien said, eagerness making him shiver. "Thank you!"

Then Adrien sprinted down the hallway to his room. He had to call Nino and tell his friend about everything.