Next chapter will be final for LBB. Aren't any other moments I can think of to focus on aside from the last and personally I'm ready to wrap up LBB.
Despite Marinette and Gabriel working a lot together, it was very rare for them to travel together.
Biggest reason was that Gabriel rarely left the safety of their home, hardly ever going out unless it was necessary. But time to time, he did leave for another country to do business there, from commissions to a show. During those times, usually, Marinette and Ariel slipped to the countryside, enjoying the peace together (and Ariel often wowing Marinette with how she just tempted butterflies to come to her).
But this time, Gabriel was up to take Marinette with him on this business trip.
"A good opportunity," he declared. "A chance to learn what I do when traveling on doing business."
"And," Ariel added, adjusting her nine year old's hair, making sure she'll look presentable. "You have a chance to make friends! There's a prince that's about your age Marinette! Maybe you'll meet him!"
Marinette's eyes widened, surprised. "Really?"
Gabriel rolled his eyes. "I highly doubt the possibility Ari. We will be busy, and I'm sure Prince Ali is also very busy—"
Ariel rolled her eyes back. "Oh shush. There are many little girls that don't have a chance to meet a prince. It's very exciting!"
"It's not secur—"
"Shhhhhhh," Ariel just pushed.
Marinette giggled.
He made a dismissive hum and drew near, asking, "You sure you don't want to come with us?"
"Yes, someone's got to hold the fort," she joked, standing up on her tippy toes for a quick kiss. "Besides, I feel this will be good for the both of you. You haven't quite had a Marinette and Gabriel adventure yet."
"I doubt it'll be that much of an adventure," Gabriel returned, looking down as Marinette bumped her hip against his leg, her blue eyes bright with humor and eagerness.
She was ready.
Flashing her a smile, Gabriel reached down and curled a dark strand of hair behind her ear. "Let's go then mon oiseau."
"Bye Maman!" Marinette quickly bid, giving her Maman a fast hug then turning and rushing off, missing the wishful look her mother sent after her.
Ariel called after her, "Call me when you land safe, ok Sweetie?"
"Ok!" came the distant reassurance.
Ariel gave a weak chuckle. "She's ready to be out there," she murmured.
Gabriel gave her hand a squeeze. "See you in a week."
Smiling, Ariel bid, "Make sure he doesn't overwork himself, Duusu."
Duusu peeked out, promising with a wink. "Always."
"I am not that bad," Gabriel grumbled, following Marinette as she called out for him, ignoring Ariel's fond eye roll behind him. Hanging on the back of her holder's back, Duusu just giggled and waved goodbye to Ariel.
They'll be back in a week.
She felt it was going to be a good one.
"Marinette," Gabriel called out, "don't run, you'll—"
Thud.
"Trip," Gabriel finished with a sigh.
Duusu giggled.
Yep, it was going to be a good trip. For the most part.
Achu was a pretty kingdom, the bits Marinette was able to see. Not much since Gabriel ushered them towards the grand palace, where he was to make a gown for Princess Jasmine.
Unfortunately, they didn't meet the princess like Marinette had thought.
Instead they met the royal aide.
A very busy and a bit stressed, but met with them eagerly and had quickly delved into the objective of the princess' gown. So much to cover and get done, Gabriel quickly fell into work mode, and through that, the rest of the world disappeared from him.
Including a bored and curious Marinette.
A Marinette that can be rather bold when she was bored and curious, and with Gabriel focused on his work, this was a convenient chance for her to slip away and explore. Possibly see more of Achu.
Though, aside from peeking out of windows, there wasn't too much for her to see.
There were gardens, very beautiful and breath taking, and being a fan of gardening herself, Marinette was easily blown away by the sight of them. But, she was a bit bothered with how empty these gardens were. There was not a soul in sight in them.
And of course, during her wanders, there was no one she came across that stopped to admire the gardens.
It was like they were just a lovely background.
Marinette frowned, lips pursed. She wouldn't mind going into those gardens, cause they just looked perfect to explore.
Marinette turned when she heard a soft murmur, seeing a green eyed boy her age walking towards her, focused on the sheets of paper in his hand, a pen set behind his ear. No intention of bothered him, she turned and continued to peer out, trying to think of ways of getting outside and just where she should go exploring. Only she didn't notice the boy drawing near to her, and both jumped when shoulders bumped.
"Sorry!" Marinette cried out, blinking when the boy echoed her in another language.
Surprised to see her, he quickly corrected in French, "So sorry! I did not see you there! I should've been watching where I was going."
"No, no, it's ok," Marinette reassured. "Was kind of standing in the way..."
He offered her a small smile. Then frowned, curious. "What are you doing here?" he asked. "This hall is usually restricted from visitors."
Marinette faltered, wincing. "Oh, I didn't know! Sorry, I'll leave immediately—" She paused, looking back.
The boy easily guessed with a smile, "You don't know the way back?"
She smiled sheepishly.
"I'll guide you!" he promised, offering an arm to her. "I am Ali Kowar, Prince of Achu."
Marinette smiled, amused that she did wind up meeting a prince despite her Papa thinking otherwise. "Marinette Agreste," she returned, linking her arm with his, letting him escort her down the hall.
Ali blinked surprised, asking, "Agrsete? The famous fashion designer my sister wanted a dress from?"
"The very same!"
"Oh cool! I didn't know he had a kid!"
Marinette wasn't too surprised.
Her Papa wasn't too public about his pride and love for his daughter aside from one on one conversations. Usually talked about the latest piece she has designed, or a contest that she wound up winning.
Actually the first contest she ever won her Papa wouldn't stop bringing it up for a whole entire week.
Aside from that, Gabriel didn't make sure the public knew he had a daughter.
"Oh Your Highness!" Marinette paused as they started to walk down, her gaze set to the garden outside. "Can we walk through the gardens?"
"Ali is fine, and sure! You can be my guest there!"
It didn't wind up too relaxing when ten minutes later they stood sheepishly before Gabriel and the aide, leaves in their hair and dirt on their clothes. And Marinette easily admitting that it was her fault.
Instead of having a nice, relaxing walk through the garden, she wound up tripping and sending both her and Ali down a hill. The prince reassured her then that it was rather fun, making Marinette very concerned about Ali's concept of fun.
Still, the aide quickly pulled the prince away, fretting about him being dirty.
Gabriel stood before Marinette, brow raised, feeling very tired.
Marinette stood sheepishly before him, smiling awkwardly.
Gabriel sighed. "Are we ever going to get this clumsiness under control?" he wondered.
Marinette can only shrug.
