Emotional Support [Complete]

S1 E16- Argument (Pt. 2)

"Goodnight, Mari," Adrien said, pulling the covers to his chin.

"Goodnight, Adrien." Marinette brushed his hair back to to press a kiss to his forehead. "I'll see you tomorrow."

The pigtailed girl turned off the lights on her way out, closing the door behind her. She skipped down the steps where she was met by Nathalie at the bottom.

"Hello, Marinette," the stiff woman spoke. "Mr. Agreste is in a rather foul mood this evening, so he would rather skip the report tonight."

"Alright," Marinette replied. "Goodnight, then!"

"Goodnight," Nathalie returned before disappearing into the mansion.

Marinette was on her way out, when she heard soft sobs echoing through Gabriel's office. Upon also hearing such despair, Tikki peeked out of Marinette's bag.

"Is... he okay?"

"It doesn't sound like it..." Marinette frowned, concern bubbling within her.  "Hide, Tikki. I'm going to check on him."

Tikki nodded and dove back in her purse. Marinette hesitantly approached the office and opened the door ajar, only to be hit with a wave of melancholy. "Gabriel...?"

Marinette was shocked to see the typically so composed and emotionless man at his knees before the painting of his wife, sobbing softly as he muttered unrecognizable words to himself. Upon hearing the girl call his name, he turned to her, frozen like a deer caught in headlights.

"M-Marinette?" The man stammered, not bothering to get up. "I thought I told Nathalie to tell you to skip the report."

"Sh-She did," Marinette came further in the room, feeling slightly uncomfortable walking in on what seems like a break down. "But... I heard you... um, I hope I'm not overstepping... by asking if you're okay?"

Gabriel sighed and shook his head, smiling sadly. "No... not really."

Marinette frowned, joining him by the painting. "Would you like to tell me what's wrong?"

No, he didn't. Gabriel wanted her to leave, to let him grieve in peace. However, he couldn't bring himself to push her away. He just couldn't turn away such an innocent face. He hated this growing attachment towards this little girl. It was as if she somehow was worming herself into their family. She felt like family. Someone he could trust. Gabriel stared up at his wife.

I screwed up another opportunity to gain the Ladybug and Cat Miraculous. Gabriel thought. Therefore, failing to resurrect my wife.

"Some days are harder than others..."

"I understand." Marinette extended her arm. "Please, stand up."

Gabriel felt himself heat up, realizing he was still on the ground, and accepted her hand to pull him up. She led him to sit down in his chair.

"It's hard to lose someone you love," Marinette told him. "I could never imagine losing my mother..."

Gabriel nodded, squeezing his eyes shut to prevent more tears. He looked exactly like Adrien when he did this. Despite his best efforts, silent tears continued to spill over his cheeks. Gabriel couldn't believe himself. Letting himself go like that in front of Marinette. What was she to think of him when she'd seen his son hold tears better than he?

"I swear..." Gabriel paused for a sob. "... I'm not usually like this."

"I believe you," Marinette told him, chuckling a bit. "But, it's okay. You're allowed you get like this. I mean, you lost your wife. That's really upsetting."