The next 3 and half weeks did go smoothly.

Well... the first two days weren't perfect. Gabriel was lost in his thoughts, he not speak with anyone and spend this time with Nooroo in his private room. They almost haven't said a word to each other. But purple Kwami know that his master just wants some time to deal with grief and bereavement, and he don't want to face it complety alone.

After that it was all downhill.

The fashion designer back to work and his normal behavior. But something changed in him. Kwami of Transmission see this. It was a small, subtle moments. He start very slowly opened up and his emotions were different.

Even now Nooroo can sensed this, watching man drawing new sketch. His face was focused and calm, but many feelings were hidden under his professional mask.

The fashion designer put down his stylus and assessed his work but his mind was just elsewhere.

Gabriel sighed to himself as he thought about the past 3 weeks. He hadn't mentioned Adrien or Nathalie that he had his wife buried. Nooroo and Duusu keep their mouths shut.

A fashion designer still wear Butterfly Miraculous but he ignore every opportunity to create supervillain. Nooroo suspected that he wasn't all give up on get Ladybug and Chat Noir's Miraculous, Gabriel saw that when he looked at the Kwami.

He also tried to be a better father and spend more time with Adrien.

They took breakfast and dinner together. He played piano duet with his son and helped him with his Chinese. They watched films before bed. Adrien even convinced his father to given a chance a video game. They had also chat about many things: Adrien's school, fencing, food, music, weather, Adrien's friends, new schedule for younger Agrest, and their feelings.

Their relationship is on the right path to become a good and healthy father-child relationship. He've got a lot to catch up on. Gabriel miss a lot moments and important things about his son. But the fashion designer was more than willing to fix it.

And not only this...

A few knocking sounds startled him from his thoughts but not turned his attention to the door, still staring at his new sketch. The door open to revealing Adrien who was holding a men overnight bag.

Yesterday teeneger boy asked if he can sleep over at his Dj friend's house. Fashion designer have given this a lot of thought. But he finally said yes.

" I'm ready. " Adrien was fidget and grin. Teeneger's been cheering up since his father's been paying more attention to him, but he's really happy since yesterday and just about bounces everywhere he goes.

" I hope you remembered your toothbrush this time. " Gabriel answered looking up to his son.

Teeneger was so excited, he have to return to his room three times because he forgot to pack few things.

" Nathalie checked my bag. " Adrien pointed at his bag, looking at his father with a little embarrassed smile.

" Good, your bodyguard'll pick you up at your friend's home tomorrow at 10:00, and take you to Armand D'Argencourt's fencing school. "

Teeneger nodded then started to leave. "Okey, I'll see you tomorrow. "

At this very moment, Gabriel doubt it's the right decision to let his son go.

" Adrien. "

Boy's body tensing and turned to look at his father. He stared at him, fearing what fashion designer would say.

" Yes, Father? "

The reson to order him stay in home Gabriel is gearing up for instantly dies on his lips. " Enjoy this night, and have fun."

The surprise on Adrien's face quickly overtaken by enthusiasm.

" Thanks Father." Teeneger smiled at older man in gratitude and he smiled back.

" Adrien, car is waiting. " Nathalie came out of nowhere like a ninja.

" Okay. Bye. " Young Agrest ran to the front door, leaving both adults alone.

Gabriel and Nathalie just stared at each other. A glances that lingered for just a few seconds too long.

Intentionally or not, Nathalie broke their eye contact when she come closer to give him some paperwork. Gabriel took the files from her and accidentally touched her hand.

Touch was simply and short. But it spread strange kind of warmth in their chest. They both feel it and both of them tried to hide it.

Their relationship also have changed . Nathalie was the first to recognize change in relationship.

It started when her boss started showing more concern for her healthy. It was nice of him, but Nathalie must fight to Gabriel and Duusu to let her working.

The fashion designer also still came up with something which required her opinion or help. So, they be in the same room most of the time. Nathalie thought it was kind of weird. It's almost as if her boss was afraid to be alone for too long.

Something happened a few weeks ago. A day before her boss locked himself in his room for like a three days. Nathalie know about it, but decided not to bring it up until the fashion designer will say something first. And Gabriel appreciate that.

They shared the another look for a moment before Nathalie spoke, " Sir, a new investor from a New York would like to take a meeting with you this Tuesday. "

" Schedule him for a short interview right after my diner with Adrien in Wednesday. " He looked at his newest project, and then man at Nathalie again, " Do I have any meetings today? "

She tapped the touchscreen a few times, " You have videoconference with Mr. Sauveterre in half an hour. "

Gabriel nodded and took a silver stylus in his hand. Nathalie took that as an end to this conversation, and turned aroud.

A fashion designer watched as she walked back out of the room, a soft look on his face. The purple, butterfly-like creature sat there on the desk and stared at him, delicate smile hovers around his lips. Nooroo and Duusu totally ship their owners. And some times, a kwami of Transmission actually believed these two have a chance to find the happiness.

This quiet moment was interrupted by the Butterfly Miraculous. A magical jewel hasn't been active for a long while. But now brooch started glowing. That was very soft light as the moonlight half hidden behind the clouds. However, emotions represented by that's light weren't weak.

A smile leave Nooroo's face.

"This feeling..." , the Kwami thought and then a tiny creature felt strong emotions raising in his small chest. Emotions of hatred, panic, tension and...fear. Cold consuming fear.

Nooroo slowly turned his head and looked through the room at his master. The man got a cold and emotionless look on his face. His palm touched a brooch.

Gabriel could feel the raw negative emotions swirling through his miraculous. This power is as tempting as it can get.

The wooden butterfly that Quinn gave him was weird heavy in the pocket of his blazer. His hand slowly movied and pulls small figurine from his pocket. It tingled as with an electric current against his skin.

" You said I had a choice. " He stated, looking at wooden butterfly in his palm," So here's what I do. "

Kwami's eyes widen when he sees his master throw open the painting of Emilie, reveal the vault.

Nooroo couldn't look more disappointed in his holder when figured out what's going on. " Master, I thought you done with this. "

" No, Nooroo, it's not over yet. " Gabriel said as took the peacock brooch from shelve and closed his fist around it.

...to be continued

Thank you for sparing time readin.

Encouragement or constructive criticism is greatly appreciated :)