Time flies and the summer has been a little nuts. (Not just the fact I'm sitting on Hell's front porch either) Anyway, I continue with my slice of life fic with some turbulence on the horizon.=^-^=
Ch. 29 - Chat in a Tree
Alya arrived with take out just in time to stop Marinette from starting a whole new project for her work. "Alya, what are you doing here at this hour?" The designer wondered while letting her in and checking the time.
"Making sure you're not working. Your leave started last week, remember? You're not supposed to work more than two hours." Alya then gestured to the mess of the living room. "That looks like it took longer than two hours."
The designer blushed and hid her stylus behind her back. "I mean, it's not really work… Mostly…"
"Yeah, yeah, let's get this cleaned up. I brought noodles and egg rolls. Also, Aaron cancelled on Nino today for guy's night. That's the reason I came here." She gave her a pointed look emphasizing that it was Marinette's fault to some degree.
"But he didn't mention having plans with Nino."
"That's because he wants to be able to play off anything in order to keep you from working at 8 months pregnant. You," She gestured back to the mess. "Have a bad tendency to over work yourself."
"But… I mean, I can't just sit and do nothing."
The other woman rolled her eyes. She imagined if Marinette were having a normal pregnancy then she would be fine actually sitting back doing nothing. Most women at this stage were trying to stay off their feet, and constantly exhausted. "Girl, I envy you so much knowing I won't be so lucky when it comes my turn."
"Huh?"
"Nothing." Alya played off. "But if you want something to do then at least do projects for fun and not work."
"But they are fun."
"Girl, personal projects. I get that you love your job, but think about Aaron, okay. He has to come home from work to see you drowning in cloth."
"I would keep it more folded and organized but I can't lean down. That's why it's out everywhere." Despite knowing her workspace was usually cluttered, she did always try to keep certain things in a specific area; drawers and shelves were good for that.
"I get that, but I do think Aaron would feel better if he came home to you making baby clothes instead of what would go in Gabriel's fall line."
"Well… We already have so many baby clothes."
"Okay, then a sweater. Anything to keep you from doing what you're paid for, please. Want me to pick you up some jigsaw puzzles? They got ladybug ones."
Marinette blushed and gestured over to a shelf on the TV stand. "Actually, Aaron bought three last week."
"And you haven't touched them." Alya let out a sigh. "Do we have to get you a baby sitter?"
"No!" Her friend countered crossing her arms. "I'm a grown woman, Alya."
"Then be responsible, and stop working so much you stress out sunshine boy."
"Huh?" The ravenette found that nickname odd yet familiar.
"Aaron. You know, golden… Never mind." She trailed off realizing she'd nearly slipped into thinking of him as Adrien. That was better than mixing up the names at least. "Oh, I just remembered," Alya started to change the subject. "Did you hear about the break up?"
Marinette nodded. "Yeah, Stephen sent out an email to all the designers regarding how to answer any reporter questions. Basically to say nothing."
"Off the record?" Alya tried setting her phone on the table and out of her reach to show she wasn't going to record anything.
"Well… According to Frankie, Adrien was really cold about it yesterday after the story broke. He mentioned about how he never said they were actually together and that people just assumed it."
"Yeah, I guess that would make sense with how he worded it in the official story. Reggi said he just wanted it known they weren't together."
"And to all of Paris that basically meant he was breaking up with her." Marinette agreed recalling the buzz in her group chat from the studio. Cyrano was all over it loathing the fact Adrien was so handsome and yet not his type. "I'm kind of worried about how it is in the studio right now, though. Cyrano messaged me last night saying I was lucky to be on leave."
"Probably. I mean just imagine how angry Gabriel Agreste must be over the story considering Adrien is the face of his brand." Any scandal would detract from the product image even if it was vastly blown out of proportion.
"Yeah, I think I'm lucky not be in that, though there is a senior design meeting tomorrow morning. Here's hoping that isn't covered. A nice impersonal email is fine with me."
Alya giggled along with her friend regarding that. "I am a little curious though, I mean, why now?"
Her shorter friend grew a smirk and gestured her closer with a finger. "This doesn't leave the room, okay?"
Alya pointed to the phone. "Off the record, girl. My lips are sealed."
"Okay, well, Cyrano and I have this theory that he likes Bridgette, you know that photographer working for Vincent?"
"The one you mentioned snapping at him to pose the way she wanted?"
"Yeah, that one. He's been teasing her recently, and I heard him call her 'Shorty' the last time I saw them together."
"So, either a rude jerk, or he's crushing with the maturity of a 12 year old."
"Might be both. Adrien has been gruff for the last few years to be honest."
Or Felix is just not as nice and caring as the real Adrien, but Marinette didn't know the details. "I guess I can see that. He seems into girls who do the work."
"No, Cyrano thinks it's because she teases back."
"Ah, she challenges him. I see. Do you think they're aware of how they act?"
"Hmmm, I think Bridgette does. She doesn't fluster bomb like I used to, but I think she has a thing for him too." The conversation then evolved into giggles as they sat at the table to eat without cleaning the mess Marinette had caused working.
When Aaron got home from his shift, he immediately moved to scold his over working wife before finding her doing a puzzle at the kitchen table a minute later. "Mari, I am glad you're not working, but it's hard to walk to the bedroom now…" Both girls looked up and saw that most of the floor was littered in cloth and papers. With a 750 piece puzzle out he imagined they might have been working on that half completed picture since lunch. "Maybe putting work away before doing something else is a good idea? I mean, you don't want to teach Luis not to put away his toys, right?"
"Oh…" Both Alya and Marinette now blushed sheepishly. Marinette was one thing, but Alya had actually intended to help her clean up before they got distracted. Marinette stood up and started reaching for the fabrics that fell off the coffee table.
"No, Marinette. Let me pick them up for you and you fold." Tikki dashed out and grabbed the first piece to hand to her chosen.
"Thank you."
"I'll get the papers then. Anywhere you want me to put them?"
"If you could just stack them on the coffee table I'll sort them later. If you find any pens though, the box is on that side table."
Aaron stepped around clutter and headed back to the room to get a shower while the girls finished cleaning. When he emerged they were back at the puzzle; all three of them. "Okay… Thank you for cleaning?" They didn't say a word back.
"He he, looks like they found a new toy, kid." Plagg teased noting the slightly put out expression on Adrien's face.
"Plagg, is that really necessary?"
"Yes, but it's your own fault. Pigtail-"
"Master!" Tikki snapped out of nowhere.
"Okay, master, has a need to be constructive."
"Is this another side effect of being Ladybug?" Plagg tilted his hand. "Meh, maybe a little, but she always likes to make things."
"True." If there was anything he knew about Marinette, it was that she loved to work with her hands.
It was only first thing in the morning that the wind hinted that fall was near. August, being the last month of summer, was still sweltering during the day. In the morning, however, just as the sun rose to begin its beaming reign over the city, there was a slight breeze that rivaled a chill. So early in the morning there were fewer people about, of course there were always people out and about in Paris, but it was rather peaceful besides. That was why Bridgette had decided to come out so early to the Seine, camera in hand, looking for her inspiration. "It says something new every time I come here." She muttered to herself as she took in the scenic view of the famous river flowing through Paris. In the background, the sun was peeking through buildings ushering in the day. She held up her camera looking for an angle and adjusting her position a bit before taking her first shot. Several more were taken before she felt satisfied enough to check through what she had so far. "I should find a spot to take them from higher up." So far all of her shots in the city on her own time have been from the ground or done with opportunity. She had yet to hunt around for more angles with her busy schedule to impede her.
"Like where?" The sudden question made her nearly drop her camera as she looked around for who in the world would be talking to her, though the voice was- "Don't freak out, Shorty, I'm right here."
She turned around and frowned slightly at the blond walking up to her. "Adrien? What are you even doing out here so early? And what did I tell you about calling me 'Shorty!?" She snapped at the end.
"Me? What's it to you? Last time I checked, I didn't have to have your permission to go anywhere."
Bridgette rolled her eyes and went back to her camera. "Well, whatever then."
Right as she turned to look for a new shot, Felix interrupted her. "What are you doing out here?"
"Asks the man who rejected to answer me when I asked the same question?" She countered steadying her lens. "But if you really want to know, I'm taking pictures." She took one. "Though that really should be obvious."
"Why?" Felix approached with his hands in his pockets.
"Because I want to."
The man scoffed at the answer which annoyed the photographer. "Is that a problem for you, Mr. Model? I'm a photographer, you know, taking pictures is just what I do."
"Your job is supposed to be taking pictures of models." The blond pointed out in minor frustration though he hid it well.
"So I suppose that means I'm not allowed to take pictures of genuine wonders?"
"The river? A wonder?"
She sighed at the response. "Yes, the Seine in the early morning and scenic view of Paris highlighted by the morning sun."
"It's a river with buildings and the sun." Felix explained plainly taking all of the majesty from her description.
"And you're a man wearing over priced clothes and a fake smile, and yet taking your picture puts money in the bank. The sad state of the world we live in, really."
The insult was so blunt Felix actually had to do a double take thinking over what she said. "That's an awfully blunt way to describe the son of your boss."
"My boss' boss you mean. I work for Vincent."
"Gabriel signs his check, which is also your check."
"Don't you have somewhere else to be?" She finally asked seeing the conversation going nowhere fast. She liked him, of course, and usually enjoyed arguing with him, but not about her landscapes. Landscapes were what she really liked to photograph, though they weren't worth as much to others, hence the job.
"Not really. I was actually going out to get a snack, but the bakery I like is closed for the month."
"Oh, I heard about that. Too bad." She paused as it occurred to her he answered her initial question just now. "Is it nearby?"
"A few blocks away." And honestly he wasn't that disappointed. It would have been nice, he supposed, to get a snack, maybe see Adrien while he was there, but just getting out on his own was fine too. Tabloid flunkies were more obvious this early with the lack of people so he made quick work of dodging any loitering outside the mansion.
"Hmmm, let's see…" She looked around and brought up her mental map of the area. She'd been keeping track of areas close to her photo spots as she memorized the city. "If I'm picking a place good enough for you then… Tom and Sabine's? Oh, that's the one Marinette's parents own right?" Marinette had brought goodies from there on several occasions.
"Yeah… I guess." He detracted and looked back out to the water. She didn't need to be reading into it.
"Hmm, I guess I won't be getting any of their pumpkin spice muffins for awhile. Shame."
"You like those?" He personally found them a little lacking.
"Yeah, with some powdered sugar on top." She licked her lips just thinking about it. "Or their cheesecake with the chocolate drizzle."
"Yeah." Felix answered plainly while recalling that treat. He really did like that one. The conversation dried up a little from there as Bridgette looked through her pictures and consulted her phone for where to go next while the morning lighting lasted. Felix didn't really know where to cut in and eventually said his goodbyes. "Well… Enjoy your pictures I guess." He turned to head away and Bridgette looked up curiously. She had expected a little more confrontation out of him, but it was pretty early so she let it go. Felix on the other hand, changed his original destination from his home to that of his cousin.
It was almost 7:30 in the morning when he knocked on Adrien's door out of the blue. "Fe… Adrien?"
Felix noted his fully dressed state and fresh cup of coffee in his hands. "Even when you don't have to, you wake up early."
"It's a habit, so what's wrong?"
"Your bakery is closed." The blond informed with an expression that was hard to read.
"Yeah, like it is every August, so what?" There had been a sign up for half a month and all their regulars knew this.
"Make me some pumpkin spice muffins."
Adrien looked blankly at his cousin. "Huh?"
Gabriel arrived at his office at exactly 8 a.m. as was his standard time despite the fact he'd basically been working since getting up; also standard for him. "Sir, Mr. Lenoir wants to arrange a meeting sometime this week." Nathalie informed as she stood up from her desk that sat pristine without a single paperclip out of place.
"Arrange something for Thursday after I meet with Grayson regarding the winter line. Did Stephen turn in his progress report?"
"Yes, everything appears to be going right on schedule. He did mention an odd hold up in the cutting room, but he dealt with it already."
"Good, anything else?" He paused right as he opened his office door.
"Yes, in regards to the… Covington matter? I have finished my preliminary report." Nathalie followed him into his office which indicated it involved sensitive information. As soon as Gabriel sat down the woman continued. "As I mentioned a few weeks ago, a flash drive containing much of Mrs. Bassett's recent work went missing and was yet to be found. Cyrano has been looking around the office whenever he has time as well as Stephen. I assumed you wanted as few in the loop as possible."
Gabriel nodded. "Indeed. Losing one's work is one thing, but I don't need insinuations regarding theft hanging around the studios." It was one of his most stalwart policies that only one's own work held merit. However ironic it might be considering he was Hawkmoth, he didn't believe in stealing another designer's work. It was a line he refused to cross, and it lead to all manner of workplace issues such as sabotage and harassment.
"Yes, and as I mentioned before another memory drive was found inside Marinette's office that day belonging to Bridgette Covington. Marcel was the one to inform me of this as she had apparently been looking for it. Considering the timing I didn't want to assume it a coincidence. A few days ago I spoke with Vincent regarding the missing flash drive and he contacted me yesterday afternoon while you were having dinner with Mrs. Bourgeois." Nathalie took a bag from her pocket and held it out to Gabriel. It contained a pink flash drive as well as a hastily written note. "This is what he found after going through the belongings of his interns."
Gabriel held out his hand for the evidence and immediately opened the bag to peruse the note. "Leon, August 23, 3:30 at the Grande Paris…"
"It appears like a business meeting."
"Yes, that's what I was thinking as well. Leon Champ most likely. He has ties with both Grimaldi and a newer brand coming out of London, L.S. Braxton."
"Then you believe Ms. Covington was planning to meet with this Leon Champ in order to sell Marinette's work?"
Gabriel dangled the bag while glaring at the USB. "The evidence would point to that as the most obvious course, though have you checked the contents of the drive?"
"It is pass-coded so I will need to bring in Mrs. Bassett to ensure the data does not get corrupted in opening it." Though she was adept at getting around passwords due to her works for Gabriel, it was still much simpler and safer to get the owner to open it up when possible.
"See if you can't have her come in today, but if not, as soon as she is able." He paused at the thought. "Safely of course." Gabriel added though whether he noticed his slight change in mood Nathalie wasn't sure. She had noticed he was slightly… protective? It was subtle, but he did seem to over compensate when it came to Marinette's health in the last several weeks. She really didn't think her words would get through to him so simply, but maybe they had? "Until we can verify this as theft, we cannot allow Ms. Covington to feel pressured."
"You would allow her to remain in the studio?"
Gabriel paused a moment before shaking his head. "No, I don't want her near anymore sensitive material either." The man sat back in his chair running through ideas of how to go about this. Normally he'd order the employee to remain at home if there were any problems and they'd return to either be fired or work if it was solved. The problem was this woman technically worked for Vincent and that would be very out of character for the photographer. There has never been a precedent for Vincent to fire or dismiss someone for stealing. "We need to assign Vincent a task he can delegate to her that will not involve anything for the Winter line." Which was their most secure information at this time.
"Something out of the studio… A camera test?" Those could be done anywhere.
"Or something similar, yes. What model could we assign to this?" Most of them were very busy with the current release of fall styles especially if they were third party models who work several jobs.
Nathalie took a look at her tablet and scrolled through a few items. "Unless we called Henry, we would only be able to use a Gabriel model… Lila, though with the story regarding how Adrien broke up-"
"Assign it to Felix." Gabriel cut in having a thought.
Nathalie raised a brow at him. "Sir, you do realize… Felix will likely reject being called in for a camera test." Felix had already weaseled out of two by saying he was already busy and for the second just not coming in at all. The young man didn't do any spontaneous jobs without grumbling about it and that was when he actually did them at all. Then again, considering how Gabriel directs him to do so much without more than a day's warning, she could understand why he was so irritable about it.
"That matter's very little since it won't be a camera test, Nathalie. I'm thinking a project? Visual Wonders." He started with a grin. "A great way to start fully marketing Felix under his new contract. He is required to do any jobs concerning the company's image after all." Even if said jobs did cost Gabriel more than he wanted to pay. "As far as I'm aware, Felix has had no issues with working with Ms. Covington, correct?" It would be one of the few ways he could get out of doing a job.
"No, sir, but you would start a project with her while she's under suspicion of embezzlement?" That would start a whole other chain of issues.
"Honestly, I don't see it being a problem, Nathalie. Should Ms. Covington be dismissed then I can just drop the project regardless of how Felix feels regarding his wasted time." Gabriel was still very sore in regards to how the meeting over the new contract went, too. There were all sorts of stipulations such as any major shoots requiring a week of advanced notice, must comply with any of his school exams, and he was allowed to have anyone working with him switched out at his discretion. The one point Gabriel got on him, however, was that since Felix was the image of Gabriel, he could assign him to all manner of things in service to that image. Things like interviews with magazines, TV appearances, or in this case, a vanity project, would all count.
The secretary looked at him for a pensive moment before nodding. "I'll make arrangements. Do you have a description of this project I can send to Vincent?"
"Yes, Visual Wonders, will be a photo spread capitalizing on the many famous landmarks and scenic venues of Paris." Something that had already been done countless times. "Just tell him to get pictures of Adrien with various unique Parisian backgrounds. Since I'm not very invested in the idea, let him determine any further details." If nothing else, Gabriel will get some satisfaction out of making Felix do work where he can't see him acting like a brat.
Marinette awoke to a divine smell as she stretched her arms in the bed. "Aaron…" She muttered knowing it could only be her husband baking at such an hour. Her phone told her to go back to sleep, but her nose told her fresh baked deliciousness awaited her in the kitchen. "Morning, Marinette." Tikki greeted as soon as she saw her chosen carefully sliding out of the bed.
"Hey… Tikki…"
"Marinette, please wake up a bit more before you stand. I don't want you to fall." Which was something Marinette was prone to do early in the morning even before her center of gravity had shifted. The designer stretched again and rubbed an eye of sleep. "Are you sure you're ready to get up?" The kwami worried floating by her still very sleepy gaze.
"Yeah, Tikki… I'm fine." She was definitely not getting back to sleep with that smell hanging around and now she felt like she was starving.
Tikki knew if her chosen was getting up then that was what she was doing, so she flew over and grabbed her house coat. "Here, Marinette."
"Thanks, Tikki..." She trailed off into another yawn.
"Please watch your step." The red kwami floated beside the woman as she started to the bedroom door, though she knew she wouldn't be able to actually catch her if she fell.
As soon as the door was opened she heard voices. "You actually got him to agree to that?"
"Yeah, and the look on his face was priceless. Uncle Gabe looked read-"
"Aaron?" She called noting a conversation that didn't include Plagg. With how drowsy she still was, she almost thought he was talking to himself.
"Mari?" She focused her eyes down the hall where the voices originated and quickly saw her husband enter her field of view. "What are you doing up so early?"
"I smelled something tasty." She admitted feeling him place a hand around her back to support her.
"Oh… Well I was going to save you some, you know? You don't have to wake up to get it now." It wasn't even 9am, yet; early for his night-owl wife.
"I know, but I'm hungry now…" She admitted feeling a bit more awake from the interaction.
Aaron hesitated to let her continue out to the living room since Felix was still there, but she would only be suspicious regarding the reason. If anything, Adrien would have more reason to visit her over Aaron the baker. "Well… Then I guess I should tell you we have company?"
"Yeah, who? I heard you talking with…." She trailed off when she got to the walkway and saw Adrien Agreste. "Huh?"
Aaron restrained the laugh he felt at the familiar reaction. Felix looked up from his phone and gave her an apathic expression. "Yeah, it was a surprise to me too, honestly."
"But why?" She asked in a whispered tone to her husband.
"He came for muffins."
Marinette cocked her head to the side and looked back to the model. "Huh?"
Aaron couldn't resist the chuckle this time and shrugged the situation off. "Well, he is a regular at the bakery."
"But the bakery is closed… Hold on…"
"Yeah, he really wanted some pumpkin spice muffins."
Felix stood from the table and put his phone away. "Just go ahead and wrap them up for me, Aaron. I was just called in."
Aaron shook his head slightly thinking about his father's whims, and pulled out a chair for Marinette. "Sure, Mari, just sit here and I'll bring one out for you as soon as I get Adrien squared away."
"Um.. Sure…" She was still half bewildered at having a customer go to their door for food since the bakery was closed, and the fact it was Adrien Agreste doing it.
"Next time, please..." Aaron glanced over to his wife as he approached his cousin by the door. "Call or text ahead of time." He whispered while only getting a halfhearted nod of affirmation from the blonde. He really didn't mind making things even during his time off, and he liked talking with Felix every once in a while. As soon as he shut the door he heard a groan.
"I'm wearing a house coat, and my hair is a mess…"
"Mari, you just woke up."
"But Adrien saw me looking like a slob! What if he tells someone at work? And they tell everyone else? And I lose all respect as a fashion designer? And Gabriel hears about it and I lose-"
Aaron, knowing where her catastrophizing was going, decided to end it by placing a bite of a muffin in her mouth. She looked up at him, chewed and the swallowed the fresh morsel with a sigh. "Feel better?"
"A little."
He then set the rest of the muffin, which sat steaming on a plate, down in front of her. "Now eat, and stop over thinking it. You obviously just woke up, and you're pregnant. If anyone would be criticized for this it would be Adrien for spreading such a rumor." Insulting, assaulting, or demeaning a pregnant woman was basically social suicide without serious extenuating circumstances. "And I doubt Adrien tells anyone. After all, I won't make him anything next time if he goes off telling lies about my beautiful wife." Aaron kissed her cheek and walked back into the kitchen. Marinette sat with a blush as she broke off more of the muffin to stuff her face as a distraction from her worry.
It was just after 10am when Marinette got a call from Stephen. She and Aaron had been sitting on the couch enjoying a feel good family movie which Aaron knew would offset Marinette's nerves. Stephen was requesting Marinette come into the studio which Aaron was immediately putting the brakes on despite not really being in the call; he was eavesdropping. Stephen immediately calmed him by stating it wasn't in a work capacity but to confirm something was Marinette's. This, however, wasn't completely successful since Aaron had insisted on coming in with his wife to make sure she didn't start working like she'd done so many times during her work at home week. "Aaron, really… I'll be fine from here…" She muttered as they approached the front desk in the studio lobby.
"I already told you, Marinette. I'm staying right by your side until you leave." He was adamant too, and she could feel his stubbornness radiating. She was not going to win this.
"Hello, Mrs. Bassett. I just notified Ms. Sancoeur of your arrival." The receptionist informed with a smile. "Thank you."
As if she had been waiting for them, Nathalie stepped through the doors a second later with a professional expression and her tablet folded in her arms. "Mrs. Bassett, thank you for coming in so quickly. I'm hoping to make this an equally quick matter." She declared locking her gaze with the man at her side. She would have been more worried if it weren't for the fact Gabriel already knew about him.
"Not a problem. I'm just hoping it really is mine." Nathalie opened the door and allowed the couple to enter the back halls. She took them directly to Gabriel's office where she paged her employer.
Whether it was due to surprise or hate, Gabriel Agreste opened the doors himself instead of simply telling Nathalie to bring her in. The older man instantly locked eyes with his son who, much like their previous encounter, gave him a pointed expression hidden behind professionalism. "Marinette, please come in."
As soon as Aaron moved to follow her Nathalie raised a hand to block him. "My apologies, Mr. Bassett, but as this meeting may contain sensitive information, I cannot allow you inside. Please wait here. I'm sure it will be quick." She gestured to a chair though the ravenette made no move for it. "I understand you're worried, but I promise it is nothing more than confirming some lost property. Marinette recently misplaced a flash drive. We just need to check it." Nathalie assured and turned to enter Gabriel's office herself. Aaron, for his part, trusted Nathalie even if he didn't like it.
Inside the office, Gabriel had the flash drive sitting on the side of his desk and immediately handed it to Marinette. "This was found yesterday. Please use my tablet to confirm it is yours."
The younger designer lifted the USB and knew instantly it was hers from the color marker and the way the cap was slightly crooked. Not wanting to upset Gabriel considering she had somehow lost this drive, she complied and plugged it into his mounted tablet. Once the file viewer came up it showed her three locked folders which she kept locked under different passwords depending on use; personal, professional, and submission. The two latter files were locked using the special encryption all Gabriel Senior designers were afforded to keep their work secure. "Done." She announced once she unlocked her submissions folder for him to see.
"Then this is indeed your flash drive. Good."
"Yes, thank you. I'm very relieved it was found." She answered with a sheepish tone she couldn't hide.
"As am I, Marinette. I understand your last week of work was a little more stressful then I intended, but do be more careful in the future."
"Of course, sir." Though she almost reflexively bowed, her belly reminded her not to.
"Now, if you could sit down for just a moment. I wanted to ask a few questions regarding this?" Gabriel gestured to the chair while Nathalie gave him a pointed expression from behind her.
"Oh, of course, um… Actually, where was it found?"
"That's part of why I wanted to ask a few questions." The man answered as he took his own seat. "Vincent's photographers, do you get along with them?"
"Marcel and Bridgette? Yes, they're very professional and easy to work with."
"So you would classify them both as acquaintances?"
"You mean like, just coworkers? I mean, I suppose. I haven't really interacted with either of them outside work."
"How about casual conversation?"
Marinette was starting to feel a little uneasy about the topic. "Well I try not to waste time while at work, Mr. Agreste."
"Marinette, you are not in trouble. Casual conversation is perfectly acceptable at the studios so long as the work gets done." Gabriel clarified.
"Oh, well, I do talk to Bridgette when I'm on set."
"About?"
"Usually about the cloths like what would look better with certain lighting or the kind of outfits she pictures on some of the models based on their poses." It would sometimes get ridiculous and seriously out of hand when they got creative swapping silly ideas like a disco ball dress.
"Did any such conversations happen in the days before this drive went missing?"
"Um… Actually, she was asking about the outfits Adrien would be wearing in future shoots since the winter line was still just starting production." Marinette knew Bridgette had a crush on the model with how often she would remark on his clothes specifically. "I told her I had a few more outfits but she'd have to wait for the photo shoots to see them since they hadn't been approved." Gabriel looked at the woman for a moment as he put together the information in her words. Ms. Covington showed interest in the model's clothes and would know when they would be released. Knowing Marinette had several pieces in the works and when they would possibly be released meant she could take advantage of the time gap to sell the work to outside sources. "Was it one of them who found my flash drive?" Marinette asked breaking her boss out of his thoughts.
"What was that?"
"My flash drive? Did Marcel or Bridgette find it?"
Gabriel stood up. "It was found in the studio, but please don't concern yourself with it any further. Thank you for coming in." He then gestured to Nathalie. "Please make sure Marinette makes it safely out of the building with her husband." Marinette was a little bewildered by the sudden dismissal. For whatever reason, Gabriel looked like he was suddenly in a hurry, though his wording was softer than usual as well.
Felix leaned against a wall while sitting on the edge of a rooftop. To his left, a scenic view of the city of Paris with the Eiffel Tower in the distance, to his right… A photographer who was looking at him like he was ruining the entire picturesque scene. "At least look like you're enraptured with the view instead of bored."
"But you said to show what I feel when looking out onto the city. I'm bored looking at it." He explained with a careless shrug.
"Okay, act like you should feel when looking at a breathtaking view! I did a lot of research to find spots like these."
"Wow, you wasted time looking for an out of focus view of a stale landmark?" The frustrated expression that hit her face next was what he was looking for as he enjoyed it on the sly.
"Grr.., this is why landscapes are better. They don't make snarky remarks and you don't need to tell them what to do."
"You've seen one post card picture, you've seen them all, Shorty."
"I'm not short! And some landmarks are just wonders that can never be fully captured! That is exactly why they have so many pictures taken of them!" She snapped. This was the fourth location they hit, and Adrien had been pressing her buttons at every single one much like he was currently. "Ancient structures like the pyramids,"
"Over done tombs." Felix cut in.
"The leaning tower,"
"Fire the architect." Felix cut in again getting an ever sharper glare from the woman.
"Or Big Ben,"
"An oversized bell-"
All of a sudden Bridgette was on him like a snake about to strike. "Don't you dare bad mouth Big Ben! It's a historical heritage site and synonymous with London! I won't have you speak ill of it or anything from my home you pampered prince wanna-be."
Felix raised a surprised brow at her remark and the distance she closed in a matter of seconds. She was now less than a foot from him and slid his feet from the edge of the roof to keep from falling. "I was talking about the bell, not Elizabeth Tower." He countered her in perfect English.
She hadn't even noticed she slipped into English herself until he responded. Of course, what he said was also surprising. It wasn't exactly something most outside the United Kingdom took note of, but Big Ben really was just the bell inside the Clock Tower, not the tower itself. He even knew it had been renamed after the queen. "Your…"
"Right? I know. Good of you to notice." He snarked back with a cool expression.
Bridgette blushed at his comeback. In truth she was impressed with how subtle his accent was. "No, you're not! The bell is just as iconic as the tower, Adrien."
He scowled back and let out a sigh. "Whatever." She watched him curiously. It was like he'd lost the will to be annoying out of nowhere, something that happened at the drop of a hat and she could never figure out why. "Just take your stupid pictures so we can move on."
"I would, but now my model looks like a pouting child instead of bored. Aren't you a professional, Adrien?"
He flinched at the words. "If you were any good, Shorty, you could take my picture and make it work."
"Only when the model cooperates, Mr. Model." She emphasized which brought a slight smirk to his face.
"Well then how about I look out at the tower and you take a picture from back over there. You won't even see my expression. Happy?"
"Oh, finally started acting like a professional?" Though it was more sarcasm since she was supposed to get his face in the pictures. She snapped a few before directing him to face her. "Now for about 30 seconds, look like the view is captivating. Imagine something you like if you have to." He rolled his eyes back and glanced at her before looking out to the view. Bridgette took her angle and was pleasantly surprised to get his best expression all day. She wasn't even sure how many she took of him at that moment, but it felt so perfect she needed as many as possible.
"Are you done yet?" He asked glancing back at her breaking up the flow of her shutter clicks.
"Y-yeah… That was great. Thanks."
"Where to next?" Felix questioned as he stood up and stretched. He looked up at the sun rays coming through the trellis overhead. The roof they chose had something resembling a trellis which Bridgette thought added to the view in the background. Either way, it wasn't keeping all the light out and the summer sun was going to get to him if they hung around all day. "Hopefully somewhere with more shade."
"Um… Next is a place overlooking the Louver. I could probably find some shade for you."
"The Louver? I know a good café around there. Lunch after." He basically decided without waiting for her approval. He then opened the door leading down the stairs of the building they were on.
Bridgette followed soon after but immediately lost him in the stairs. "Hey? How did you-"
"What, Shorty?"
She instantly jumped at hearing his voice from the side of the entrance. "Damn it, don't do that!"
"Do what? Wait courteously for the woman to go first?"
She turned to him with a glare as he closed the door. "You know exactly what I meant."
Felix chuckled and leaned in close to her. "I know, but it's more fun this way." Bridgette looked irritated with him despite the close proximity so he decided to up the ante. Right as he was about to pass her by he turned back and blew in her ear causing her to jump again. "Priceless." He chuckled and jaunted down the steps while she stood mortified at the top.
"Damn that man…." She will admit he's really hot, but his twisted personality needed work. She also swore to never ever mention how it was actually a little fun to argue with him. Felix waited at the bottom of the stairs for Bridgette to stop dragging her heels though before she fully descended, his body guard, Mr. Dunbar came inside the lobby of the building. He had been waiting in the car nearby to take them to the next stop. "I'll pull up the next place on GPS." She declared before the silent man held out a phone to her.
He tapped the call button and Gabriel Agreste appeared on the screen seconds later as a face time chat. "Ms. Covington?" His expression and tone was stern and even sharper than she'd recalled from her initial meeting. "You are to return to the studio and immediately come to my office. I need to speak with you. This is not optional. Mr. Dunbar will make sure you are not delayed." Then the call ended before she could get a word in.
"U-uh… Did he look… angry to anyone else?" The sense of dread welling up in her stomach wasn't doing her any favors.
Yeah, poor Bridgette. She's being targeted and she doesn't really know why. Let's see how well I can contain this scandle so it doesn't blow up even more elaborate than I first intended. (That happens a lot. Did I mention this fic was originally like 14-15 chapters?) Anyway, sorry about the month of nothing. Please continue to read!=^-^=
