Emotional Support [Complete]

S2 E16: The Way You Taste

The first thing Marinette and Adrien walked into after storing their coats was the dazzling lights of so many colors, and a DJ that wasn't Nino, but would suffice for the night. The teens exchanged excited smiled and were about to hit the buffet, when a string of men and women, supposedly colleagues of Gabriel or people from competing companies, lined up to greet them.

The kids sighed at the intervention, but they did have to remember that it was a work event. They would have time for leisure. At least, that's what Gabriel told them. So, Marinette tolerated the many awkward meetings of many powerful business men and women as she politely introduced herself and accepted compliments on her dress. Adrien, on the other hand, was completely used to it and didn't seem to mind. However, on this night, Adrien was extremely bothered as he only wanted to spend the time with his beautiful date beside him. It was only noticeable to Marinette, of course, because she could see through his practiced smiles, and he was holding her hand so tightly.

"What a lovely little couple you two are!" Exclaimed a glamorous woman clad in bright gold.

"N-No, we-we're not...!"

Marinette and Adrien wore matching scarlet cheeks.

The woman nodded, twirling her index in her fawn curls. She hummed knowingly. "Yes, and what do you believe you are to each other?"

The two teens searched each other's eyes for an answer, smiling as they could only find one appropriate response.

"Everything..."

The woman laughed softly, shaking her head as she made her way back to her husband at their table.

Adrien blushed and tore his loving gaze from Marinette's on him, realizing that his father's colleague was gone.

"Are we done with these now?" He asked before turning away from his father, ready to walk off with Marinette. "Okay, Mari, let's get out o--"

Gabriel held the boy's shoulder, drawing him back. "Not so fast, young man. Mr. Laurent is coming our way."

Adrien rolled his eyes. "We don't even like Laurent, father."

Gabriel set a glare on his son to which the boy sighed in defeat.

"Why don't we like Mr. Laurent?" Marinette asked. "Isn't he a talented designer?"

"Why yes, I am, little lady," the lean man spoke pridefully.

"Jeez. You just really know everyone, don't you?" Adrien shook his head as Marinette grinned. "We don't like him because he's full of it. Just wait for it."

"And who might you be?" Mr. Laurent loomed over Marinette as he examined her though his spectacle. "Another one of Gabriel's accessories?"

Adrien seemed unsurprised. "And there it is."

Marinette's eyes narrowed, her lips pursed in disbelief. "What the...?"

Gabriel stood behind Marinette, his hands on her shoulders. "Marinette is not an accessory. You know damn well not to call my kids that."

"I kid! I kid!" The man shrugged. "You have to take everything so seriously. And here I thought you were younger than me."

The teens looked at each other before the adults. They were all just fed up with this guy.

"Well, that is quite the stunning little gown there, mademoiselle."

Adrien spoke up. "She designed that dress!"

"Is that so?" The older man smiled devilishly with an unsettling gleam in his sky colored eyes. "You have a unique eye, Mlle...?"

"Dupain-Cheng," Marinette replied curtly.