Emotional Support [Complete]

S1 E29: Family Bonding (Pt. 2)

Marinette nearly slammed the door shut behind her. Then she became deadly silent as her entire body shook.

Gabriel became concerned. "Marinette...?"

"Gabriel, what the actual fudge is wrong with you?" Marinette spat. "This is exactly why I didn't want to invite you!"

Gabriel frowned. "Marinette, I—"

"No!" Marinette was nearly in tears. "I invited you into my home! My home, Gabriel! And you insulted my home along with everyone in it! I know my apartment isn't a mansion! It's small and cozy, and I love it. Not so much the apartment itself, but the people in it! And you've offended them, too!"

"I-I know."

"No, you don't!" Marinette now had tears in her eyes. "My parents spend hours making authentic Chinese recipes passed down generations, but of course, it's no different than bull crud take out!"

"I'm sorry..."

"Oh, and let's not forget the way you treated Adrien. I don't care if you are his father, and if I have to pretend to take the place of his mother to fight you about parenting, I freaking will. Adrien is an absolute angel. The most wonderful and well-behaved boy I've ever known. And you scold him in my home because he unintentionally misused chopsticks? And you say our actions were uncalled for? That's just ridiculous, I'm sorry." Marinette only continued as Gabriel felt it was best to let her finish. "I don't care that you are my boss or that you're an adult, or that you're a powerful man who could most certainly destroy my chances to be a fashion designer with one phone call--"

Gabriel's eyes widened. "Marinette, I would never do that to you!"

"--I care about my family! And that includes Adrien!"

Gabriel looked away from her. "Does... Does it include me, too?"

Marinette's expression softened for a moment as she stared up at the man in pure perplexity. Gabriel wanted to be included in her family? She realized their relationship was a little odd, often shifting from professional to friendly, but she hadn't a doubt that despite constant disagreements, they cared for each other a lot.

Gabriel sighed at her silence. "Would you prefer it if I left?"

Marinette still failed to respond, not because she wanted him to leave, but because she was just so confused by his behavior. He had a very hot and cold personality. She wished he'd just pick one already. Then, she regained her angry face.

"Oh, heck no! Gabriel, I swear to God, don't you dare start crying on me right now!" Marinette huffed. "I'm the one who's supposed to be upset!"

Gabriel seemed confused. "What? I'm no..." Then his vision blurred. "Oh." He turned away from her, rubbing his eyes furiously. Marinette had foreseen his tears before he did.

Marinette groaned, stomping in front of him, hands on hips. "What is it with you Agrestes and being  ashamed of being humans with emotions?"

Gabriel refused to respond as he was preoccupied, keeping his tears at bay. He didn't mean to offend Marinette or her family. He supposed he could improve his social skills a bit.

"Oh my... Just-Just come here!" Marinette shook her head and wrapped her arms around the man, catching him by surprise. "Of course, you are a part of my family. Just as much so as Adrien. And you don't need to leave. I'll excuse your behavior as long as you don't act that way again."

"I won't."

"And Gabriel?" Marinette says, grinning helplessly. "You know it's not a hug if you don't return it, right?"