Emotional Support [Complete]

S1 E10- Pep Talk

Tears filled Marinette's eyes and she covered her face with her hands in an attempt to control herself.

Tikki poked her head out of her chosen's purse. "Oh, Marinette..."

Marinette shook her head. "We'll talk about it later. Let's just get out of this place first."

Marinette walked down the stairs and was just about to leave, when Nathalie stopped her. "Oh, Marinette. Don't forget to report to Mr. Agreste, before you leave."

"Right." Marinette unwillingly redirected herself to Gabriel's office. "Thanks, Nathalie."

Marinette entered the office and met Gabriel at the painting of Emilie. However, unlike last night, she was unable to brighten the room in which Gabriel made melancholy.

Gabriel had noticed the uncharacteristic behavior of the girl, but decided it best not to pry or risk upsetting her more. So, he held his expressionless demeanor and spoke, "I was aware of some misconduct on my son's part today. Not being driven, crying in public."

Marinette shook her head. "Gabriel, please. Adrien was just distracted and a little excited. It wasn't intentional."

"He still could've gotten hurt, intentional or not."

"He fences. He defended me with just an umbrella during the second puppeteer akumatization." Marinette folded her arms. "And I may not look it, but I'm strong and I can fight. I'd protect Adrien to my last breath. He's always safe because he's either at home or I'm not more than a few feet away from him."

Gabriel was rather satisfied with her answer. "That'll put my mind at ease for the time being. How come he was crying?"

"He wasn't," Marinette explained. "His eyes were red from trying so hard to prevent it as I earlier explained to a very blabby Nathalie."

Gabriel knitted his eyebrows at the rather misspoken Marinette. "Marinette, I urge you to mind your mouth. Nathalie very much cares for Adrien and is only doing her job."

Marinette cringed as her boss reprimanded her, realizing she had run her mouth too far. "I-I'm sorry. I-I know she does. I didn't mean to speak badly about her."

Gabriel hummed unamusingly. "Yes, and speaking of jobs, how are you doing at yours? What might have caused Adrien to cry?"

"He was afraid of punishment," Marinette told him. "He didn't want you to blame me for the misconduct and fire me. He held on to me for dear life, hoping you wouldn't take me from him."

"I will do no such thing. I am not so cruel," Gabriel said stiffly as if he was shocked his son believed he was. "He clearly cares for you too deeply to separate him from you."

Marinette smiled. "Thank you, sir."

Gabriel was quick to ask his next question. "I do hope Adrien was well-mannered in your home this evening?"

"A gentlemen, as always," Marinette replied. "My parents adore him. They say he's welcome any time."

"I'm glad, but I'm not permitting another 'cheat day' any time soon," Gabriel said before shifting to a slightly more concerned tone of voice. "Now, anything eventful happen while under my roof?"

"Not really," Marinette responded. "We only talked and exercised with touch therapy."

The lean man coughed. "Excuse me. What?"

"Cuddling," Marinette said quickly, yet cautiously, realizing the term she used may be perceived in an inappropriate way. "A completely professional and platonic tactic to reduce stress. It really works for him. You know, you should give that kid a hug every once in a while."