Paris' New Hope

Chapter 29: Father and Son Talk

Everyone else turned to the entryway to see a man half a head shorter than Gabriel, short messy hair, tired but concerned eyes, a weathered face as if he ran a country mile in a desperate sprint, same eye colour and hair colour as Marcus, wearing a white buttoned shirt with a black jacket, a black tie, black pants, grey socks at first glance that turns out to be white socks that been drenched with dirty water and weathered black loafers. Marcus' father is panting heavily with a concerned expression, as Marcus looked at him, widened eyes, gaping mouth, blinking occasionally. He finally said again after a few moments of silence (save for his father's heavy panting) "Dad?" Marcus' father then panted a few more before replying "Son…"

He then hugged Marcus tight with his eyes closed, tears flowing like a downpour as Marcus hugged his dad back in the same expression. Mrs. Agreste, Marinette, Tekla (in her human form) and Alya clasped their hands over their chests in endearment as they witnessed the tearful reunion, as Gabriel, Adrien, Tom and Sabine leered at Marcus' father suspiciously for not being there for Marcus. They held onto their hug for a couple of minutes, before Marcus' dad broke it off reluctantly and said with his hands on Marcus' shoulders "I am so sorry for not being there for most of your life, son. I really wanted to return home to spend time with you and your mother, but my boss keeps me on a strict schedule. I was shattered when your mother died… I told off my boss harshly and announced my resignation just to return home, but you weren't home."

Marcus had teary eyes and his mouth was trembling, as did his father, who continued "Believe me son, I'd never, NEVER stopped caring about the family, even when I quit my job. I searched for you all week until I heard a mention of you in a winery outside miles away from the city limits. I understand if you were hot against me when I left home…" He was then surprised when Marcus hugged him and he replied "Dad… I saw the stress you had when you returned from work when I was in bed… I'd never blame you for being absent from the party, but a phone call at least would be nice." Marcus' father patted his son's back, before he assured him "Well I'm here now son. I swear to you that I will spend more time with you from now on."

Marcus made a loud sniff before he broke off the hug and Tekla helped him up, before Marcus' father inquired "Marcus, may I ask who this young lady is?" Marcus replied as Tekla nuzzled him affectionately "Dad, this is Tekla; she's my girlfriend." Tekla stopped nuzzling Marcus and held out her hand, saying to Marcus' father "It's very nice to meet you at last, sir." Marcus' father then shook Tekla's hand and he replied "Likewise Tekla. I'm glad to see my son has chosen his partner wisely." Tekla nodded with a comforting smile as the song 'Dynamite' by Taio Cruz played on the media player; Marcus' father then introduced himself to the other party guests, including Gabriel and Beatrice Agreste, who still felt unease towards Marcus' father.

Minutes later, Beatrice went back into the kitchen to bring out the birthday cake as Marcus' father is being toured around Marcus' Warehouse in satisfaction, happy that his son had made a good living on his own, before Beatrice made a loud whistle and announced "Where's the birthday boy?" Marcus tilted his head from the living room to see his own birthday cake: It was a circular cake with white frosting, strawberries and cherries along the edge of the cake, a chocolate swirl in the centre, along with lit candles in the shape of the number '15'. Beatrice then placed the cake on the coffee table in front of Marcus and everyone sung 'Happy Birthday' to Marcus, who is tearing up in joy before he blew out the candles.

Half-an-hour later, the party guests departed to their homes, when Adrien and Marinette went over to Marcus, who is having his slice of cake with Tekla, and the former asked "I admit, I thought your father had little care for family, but he pretty much proved us all wrong." Marcus shrugged before swallowing his bite and asked "You guys heading home too?" Adrien and Marinette slyly looked at each other, before Marcus said "Alright then, have a good night guys." Marinette made a generous smile and Adrien winked and gave a thumbs up before they went out the door arm in arm, when Tekla whispered in Marcus' ear "They're going to make out in their alter-ego's, aren't they?" Marcus whispered back while nodding "Yeah…"

Tekla then rested her head on Marcus' shoulder with her eyes closed endearingly and humming softly, before Marcus pecked her on the forehead and went for another peck, when Tekla made contact and wrapped her arms around Marcus. Both of them are deeply blushing before Marcus fell back onto the couch, though he doesn't care because he feels his heart skipping beats whenever Tekla is close to him. Tekla then stopped the kissing to nuzzle Marcus' nose and said softly "Happy birthday, Marky…" Marcus looked at Tekla endearingly before replying softly "I love you so much, Techie…" Tekla closed her eyes and smiled cutely before they continued to made out.