Mr. Agrest only needed to stay in the hospital two days, doctor prescribed medication and told him to avoid stress.
So, Gabriel stayed in his room and thought since he back to home.
The echoes from his 'dream' were reverberating in his head all morning. The wooden butterfly figure was a proof that it wasn't dream or hallucination.
And first thing man do after back to home was talk with his Kwami. Of course a fashion designer keep his adventure to himself, and just asked about the mage who created the Miraculouses and Butterfly Miraculous history.
Nooroo never heard of a Butterfiles Fortresscan, but when he ask him about Kwami's previous holders, purple creature name every person Quinn show him in room of Butterfly Miraculous Holders. Which only confirms Gabriel meet real past butterfly miraculous holder.
The fashion designer siting on his bed in bedroom, his mind was clouded over with images of Butterflies Fortress. He thought a lot about what happened and still have ambivalant feelings towards his "dream".
" Master, is everything all right? " Nooroo's voice rang out clearly above the mire of his thoughts.
" Why do you ask? " Gabriel looked up.
" I feel strong emotion from you since you started looking at this small butterfly statue. " Kwami glanced at his holder's face which betrayed little emotion.
" I'm just tired of doing nothing. " His tone was chilling as he slipped the wooden butterfly into his pocket. " and I need something to do. "
When Gabriel leave his room, home was uncomfortably silent. Granted, it was big and had many rooms and usually it never really was filled with sounds. But right now, it felt like it was something bad.
" Father, where are you going? " The fashion designer was halfway down the stairs when he heard Adrien's voice.
" To my office. " Gabriel replied as turned around and see his son face.
" But Doctor Delos said- "
" He says I have to avoid stress, and for me nothing is more stressful than just sitting around doing nothing. "
Teen boy opened his mouth to protest, but closed it again at his father's stare.
" Son, I understand your concern and I appreciate it, but we should all keep a level head in this. "
Adrien nodded. "I understand, but Please try don't exert yourself. "
" I have to take care of only the most important things, today. "
Adrien frowned, not exactly satisfied with his answer, but he decided not to pursue the conversation further.
" Alright… see you later father. "
Teeneger turned aroud to down the stairs but he hesitated... and then fast walked up to man and quickly hugged his father. He said have a nice day and left the house before Gabriel had chance to respond.
~•~
An hour later...
Nathalie was standing few steps from Gabriel, writing some emails on her tablet. Meanwhile, her boss was slowly organising some of the countless papers he had on his desk...and then stared up at her.
As if on cue, Nathalie let out a cough that cut through the silence in the room, and she shot her boss an apologetic look.
Gabriel perks up and trots over to her.
" Are you okay? "
" I'm fine. It's over. "
That was the most outright lie she've told him. He clearly see the true, that his assistant was trying to hide under the mask of professionalism.
" You sure about that? "
Nathalie opened her mouth to response but her words were cut short by a series of rought coughs. Gabriel was prepared to catch her until they went away.
After that she wiping her mouth with the tissue, and thanked God for this time she wasn't coughing up blood.
But it didn't matter.
Her boss stared at her as if scrutinizing her appearance. Gabriel's eyes clouded. This scene - it's bringing back some unpleasant memories.
" You're not fine. " he said it as a statement instead of a question this time.
" It's nothing serious. "
The fashion designer ignored that, " Nathalie, you take the 2 weeks off. You stay at mansion with us but without so much workload. I don't want to see you in the office for that time. "
" Sir, I can't-"
" Don't make me to ordered you to do it as your boss. " Gabriel said, in a tone intended to silence any argument.
" I'm fine, " Nathalie insisted once more." And I can continue my work. Sir, you don't have worry about me. " She had wanted to return to writing e-mail, but her boss just took tablet out of her hands.
" I've made quite the habit of it. " Came Gabriel's sharp voice. " And I know you aren't fine. You coughed up blood. "
He said, which made her eyes flash in surprise. " Wait, how do you know that? "
There was a swift pause during which Gabriel took a deep breath in, trying to decide how he'd say it.
I saw it in a magical mirror while my soul was trapped inside Butterfly Miraculous... It's not actually something he wants to say.
" It doesn't matter. " He put tablet on desk. " But on to a much more important question is why didn't you tell me? "
" Well, it was no big deal." She paused briefly. " Besides, in my view, you should save your energy for things that actually matter at that moment"
" Nathalie, your health is very high on the list of things important to me. " Gabriel leaned over so their foreheads were inches apart. Genuine concern etched in the lines of his face. " Do you understand? "
" Yes. " She said, the very slightly blush on her cheeks, and all of a sudden Gabriel got a funny feeling in his chest. He ignore it.
" Go rest in your room. I'll come to you later, and we'll discuss how to deal with ours schedule. " Fashion designer said, regaining his stiff posture and walking away from her.
" Awwww... I think it was SOOOOO ROMANTIIIIIIC. " sang Duusu when Nathalie left the studio.
Nathalie looked down at the kwami. " What you're talking about? "
A blue flew through the air and stopped just in front of woman's face.
" Mr. Agrest just said you are important for him, and show how much he cared about you. " Duusu informed her, with a mischievous smirk.
" Duusu, it wasn't that kind of care. "
A blue Kwami just giggles, " Perhaps or... perhaps not. "
...to be continued
Thank you for sparing time readin.
Encouragement or constructive criticism is greatly appreciated :)