First Step

TW/ Harassment

As Gabriel was heading home, he couldn't help but think about Adrien. He had disappointed his son, fought against him, and pushed him away, all to help his own grief. He was a terrible father. No getting around it. He could only hope to atone for all the terrible things he did- whether that be in jail, or if his own son wanted him... best not to think about that.

Gabriel was pulled out of his thoughts by the sound of his phone ringing. Who dare call him on a day like today? Now of all tim-

"Thank gods it's Nathalie. I can't handle anymore problems today," he mumbled to himself. "Hopefully she has good new about the next fall line..."

"Sir, there's a problem with next year's fall line..."

-Line Break-

Marinette's parents started to worry when it turned 11:00 and the girl and Adrien had not come down from her room yet. They figured that something had happened between Adrien and his father when they heard muffled yelling. It was only confirmed when Gabriel left and Marinette came down to get her supplies for the night. They were curious as to what had happened and felt the need to know because the boy was currently sleeping in their house- in their daughter's bedroom.

Both parents walked up the stairs to the trap door with some pastries in hand. They had expected Adrien to be sleeping on the chaise and Marinette in her bed... after all, they did not know the pair was secretly an item. They did not expect to see their daughter and the model both in her bed with their legs intertwined, arms wrapped around each other, Marinette's head nestled in the crook of Adrien's neck, and his hand a bit too low on her back for Tom's liking.

Sabine chuckled and bumped her husband with her shoulder, "Teenagers," and she started down the stairs. Tom on the other hand, was not nearly as calm as his wife. Quietly, he made his way up the stairs and positioned the tray of sweets directly above Marinette's nightstand.

BANG! The pasties now laid all across the nightstand, knocked around from the force of the impact.

Marinette and Adrien quickly jumped up from their compromising position and looked at the burly man. Once they pieced together what he had seen of the two, their heads slowly turned towards one another. Anticipation and fear showed on their faces. Tom, being the giant teddy bear that he is, laughed and went on about 'thinking they were hiding their relationship from him and Sabine, and that it was ridiculous because they were the two most trustworthy kids they knew.' The two teens nervously laughed and looked at each other. Understanding now being the prominent emotion on their faces, they looked at Tom.

"Actually Papa, can we talk to you and Maman, please?"

-Line Break-

"What did you want to talk about dear?" Sabrina asked in a motherly tone.

"Um... well... you see..."

"Marinette and I have been secretly dating for a year, I'm Chat Noir, she's Ladybug, and last night we found out my dad is Shadowmoth and has been trying to bring my mom out of a magical coma, but he gave Mari his Miraculouses back last night and I don't think he knows about the consequence of the wish and the universe having to stay in balance, and I am kinda freaking out right now because my dad is Shadowmoth, and Mari was just comforting me, that's what you saw this morning, and I don't know what to do because I am really confused!" Adrien finished in one breath.

The parents looked at each other, then back at the teens, then back at each other, and repeated this cycle roughly five times. As soon as they comprehended what the blonde had said, they rushed to his side and pulled him into the biggest group hug they could muster.

Both teens were caught off guard and we presently surprised when both adults started telling Adrien how he would always be welcomed in their family. The group stayed in their hug for another hour, letting Adrien cry to the three, without having to explain anything.

"We will have to talk about you two hiding your relationship however..." Tom said as he was about to head back down to the bakery to close the shop for the remainder of the day.

"Yes, as well as a talk about being safe when Tom gets back up here," both teens reddened. This is going to be a long afternoon.

-Line Break-

Gabriel was flipping through the pages of the book Marinette had given him, yet again. He figured that the first way to start making up for his actions would be to resolve the Lila problem. And a problem it was indeed. Gabriel could not believe some of the encounters Marinette had witnessed and heard. From Lila using very suggestive language, to trying to grope the unsuspecting boy. Gabriel could not believe he had enabled this behavior to happen. He once again thought he was going to be sick while reading through the incidents again. And this time, he was.

-Line Break-

After "the talk" the young designer, and our not so sunny sunshine boy sat red faced in front of the girl's smiling parents.

"Maman, Papa, we haven't done anything more than kiss." Marinette grumbled. Both parties knew she was lying, but the adults (thankfully) did not want to embarrass the two any further.

"Okay sweetie. You two go clean up for dinner. It will be ready shortly."

As soon as Adrien and Marinette entered her room, they fell to the floor, emotionally exhausted.

"Maybe I should just sleep in the oven in the bakery or something so they know we aren't together."

"Ugh. That wouldn't work. Bakery's aren't allowed to have cats in them," The bluenette snickered while rolling her eyes.

After a short pause of comfortable silence, Marinette sat up and addressed the elephant in the room.

"So... what... what do you want to do... about your dad?"

"Honestly I-"

Ring ring ring "Speak of the devil..." Adrien said, not wanting to talk to his father. Nevertheless, he answered.

"Father?"

"Adrien, will you and Marinette be willing to testify against Lila Rossi?"

Adrien looked at Marinette as he talked to his father.

"Testify against Lila? Like, in court?"

Marinette was wide eyed.

"Yes son, I want to get a restraining order filed against her, and hopefully, we can get her on the national offenders list.I already had Nathalie email her mother about no longer continuing our contract with her. " There was a pause. "I am going to do my best to be a better father to you, Adrien. I think this is the first step."

Adrien noticed two things while his father was talking. First, he sounded sincere. The boy felt like his dad really wanted to be better. Not because he was afraid of the consequences of his actions, but for Adrien. Second, he called him son.

Adrien looked at Marinette for confirmation. She nodded and continued observing the conversation with concern.

"Yes Father. We will testify... thank you for taking care of this."

"You're welcome Adrien... I-I love you."

He choked on his next words, "I lo-love you too."

After the phone call ended, Adrien looked at Marinette with a dumbstruck look.

"He told me he loves me."

"Does that change what you want to do?"

"I honestly don't know what I want to do." Determined, Adrien said, "But I know Lila deserves whatever's coming to her."