Part 3! And I'm happy this story has been getting some real love. It's my favorite so far, even though Black Cat Crossing is a very close second. Anyway, this chapter is rated T and U for underwear! (I work at an elementary school, so excuse my immature humor. It's late.)=^-^=
I will also, restate that I know very little about fashion and the business. I'm making it up based on what I've read from vague google searches and what is convenient for my story needs.
Ch. 3 - The Date
Saturday turned out to be exactly what Adrien expected. The moment Lila showed up, she was all over him. "Hey, Adrien. I was so worried we wouldn't get to work together this summer." She latched onto his arm as he walked to his trailer.
"Hey, Lila. Sorry, but my father has me doing work for the company." He appeased with a model smile.
"Of course, but I still missed you."
"Excuse me, Ms. Rossi, but makeup is waiting for you." Stephen swooped in right on time. "And I need Adrien for wardrobe."
Lila scowled slightly before letting go. "Yes, we do have work to do." Her fake smile wasn't fooling either of them, but she was leaving so neither said anything about it.
"Thanks, Stephen." Adrien let out a sigh of relief.
"Sure, but I wasn't lying. You need to get to your trailer so we can double check your measurements. I know teenagers grow a lot, but you have me wondering if you hit the gym in secret." The designer mused as he walked with Adrien. Adrien's knowing look was missed, but he doubted Stephen would really get it anyway. "Marinette should be ready to go as soon as we get there."
"Marinette?" Adrien suddenly questioned before he remembered she was paired up with Stephen.
"Yes, this will be the first photo shoot she'll be assisting with so I imagine she's excited. I thought it would be good practice, otherwise I would have done it last night."
"Oh, right…"
Stephen grew a smirk at that response. "Oh, don't tell me you're nervous? This isn't the first time you've been measured on site." He opened the door to let Adrien in first, noting the slight blush the teen had. "Alright, Marinette, everything ready?"
The young designer snapped to it as she pulled out a pen and stood beside the clothing rack. "Y-yes!"
"Good, we can't take too much time doing this. Gabriel hates it when we get behind schedule." Stephen pulled a measuring tape from his pocket and slapped it over his shoulder. "Adrien? What's wrong? Hurry up." Stephen encouraged having every idea what was bothering him. It was one thing disrobing for a job with someone you only know professionally, but he knew this girl personally.
"Oh, right." Adrien let out with a slightly flustered tone as he removed his t-shirt. He was down to his boxer briefs a minute later and Stephen went straight to work. Though Marinette did find her eyes stuck on Adrien's very defined features, she didn't have time to be flustered. Stephen started calling out numbers and she had to keep up with them as he went. Adrien, however, had some time to contemplate as he tried to keep his thoughts professional. Marinette was just a friend, and at this moment she was a designer. He'd had female designers measure him before, and Marinette wasn't even doing the measuring. It was nothing to get flustered over.
"How's it looking so far Marinette?" Stephen asked as she checked the tags on each piece of clothing.
"I found two that need to be adjusted a little so far… yeah, just two." She finished after checking the last tag against the numbers she was given.
"Minor I'm sure. It's only been a few weeks." Stephen moved to the rack as well and grabbed the first outfit. "Go ahead and put this one on, and get to make up. We should be able to get the two pieces adjusted before we need them." He then turned to Marinette. "You can pull them out, and we'll do the other outfits first. Put the changes on the tags so we don't get them confused."
"Yes, sir." She didn't hesitate a moment to do as she was asked. It was a rare glimpse at Marinette in professional mode Adrien couldn't help but notice.
Nino arrived just as the photo shoot was supposed to end. He wasn't sure if he was looking at a normal photo shoot or not, but it looked more like a mess. He had to step aside a few times as crews rushed past. "Whoa… What did I miss?" He looked around before finally spotting Adrien looking very annoyed. "Hey, dude… what's up?" He asked while running over.
"Nino? Sorry, we're dealing with a problem right now."
"I can see that. Where's the fire?"
The model let out an irritated sigh. "Some of the clothes have gone missing." Though he had his suspicions.
"Clothes?"
"Yeah, part of the new collection my father designed. If we can't find them, we'll get behind."
"And I imagine no one wants to be the one to tell your dad?" Nino deduced with a wince.
"Yeah, but it might be worse than that." He narrowed his eyes as he caught sight of the girl he was looking for. Lila had just approached Stephen looking a little too eager. "Oh no…" Adrien dashed off leaving Nino a bit confused.
"Excuse me, but I couldn't help wondering, Stephen. Who was the last one to see them? Maybe they just forgot where they put them?"
Stephen nodded at her reasoning. "I suppose, Lila, but Marinette was the last one with them, and she's completely sure she placed them back in Adrien's trailer."
Adrien could see the smirk on her face as he approached. "I'm sure she didn't mean to misplace them, if Marinette really was the one to move them that is."
"Stephen!" Adrien called out, but he was cut off before he could say anything more.
"Stephen! I found them!" Marinette came running up with both pieces on hangers. "I don't know who moved them, but I found them. They're fine, but we need to hurry."
"Good job, Marinette. Adrien, go get changed!" Marinette nearly threw the clothes at him as Stephen redirected Adrien to his trailer.
"Oh, I'm so glad you found them, Marinette." The Italian mock praised.
"I know, what a relief." Marinette shot back while restraining any remarks she had for the girl. If she hadn't left her bag in Adrien's trailer, Tikki wouldn't have seen the liar enter and make off with the clothes. She was hoping Lila wouldn't do anything as long as she never spoke to her or tried to call out her lies. Hopes dashed.
"Way to go, Marinette. Crisis averted." Nino praised as he arrived with them. "Right, Lila? I don't really get it myself, but this place was crazy just a second ago."
"Yes, it's good they were found and no one got in trouble."
Marinette inwardly gagged as she made her way back to the trailer. "Calm down, Marinette. The problem is fixed." Tikki whispered from just inside Marinette's jacket. "I know, Tikki, but I can't help wanting to- urg!" She growled in irritation.
That night's patrol was a welcome distraction from how Lila nearly set her up to be dropped from the internship.
"Whoa! Milady! Wait up!" Chat called as he leaped over with his staff. "Is something bothering you tonight?"
Ladybug swung over to another roof. "Just a bad day, Chat Noir. You don't need to worry about it."
"But, Ladybug!" Chat argued as he landed in front of her. "We're partners remember? If something's bothering you, even if it's just a bad day, this Chat's always ready to lend an ear." Ladybug tried to get around him but he grabbed for her wrist. "Please, Milady. I've never seen you this angry outside an akuma battle. Without an akuma to worry about, we have time to talk about it."
"Chat, it has to do with my civilian life. If I tell you, it might give away my identity."
Chat shrugged. "Not that I'm against that, but I imagine a vague explanation wouldn't hurt. I promise I won't pry for details. Just let me help you work it out."
The spotted heroine eyed him sternly for a minute before backing down. "Fine…"
"Yes!" Chat fist pumped much to Ladybug's ire.
"Let's go." She started off so they could talk on their usual spot high on the Eiffel Tower.
"So?" Chat inquired once they were all seated looking over the city view. "Person? Thing? School maybe?"
Ladybug rolled her eyes at his overly cheerful prying. "Okay, I'll explain, but you cannot ask any questions about it, understand?"
Chat's ears went back. "Can I ask questions as long as it won't make you reveal stuff about your identity? You can just say pass if they would."
"Whatever…" Ladybug relented as she kicked her feet over the edge. She both loved and hated how persistent her partner was. "So I'm in this… internship. There are hundreds going on in the city so I doubt you could figure me out from that. Anyway, in my internship there's another girl who… let's just say we don't get along. She's terrible to me because I don't let her get away with stuff, and today she tried to get me in trouble."
Chat nodded thinking back to Lila earlier that day. "I don't think I need details for that, though was she an intern too? I've heard internships can be pretty competitive."
Ladybug shook her head. "No, and I've even been trying to stay out of her business lately. I never said a word to her today before she did it. I was really hoping to avoid dealing with her."
Chat Noir leaned forward to rest his chin on his hands. "Hmm… That sounds rough. Does anyone else know what she was trying to do?"
"Well… there is someone there who knows what she's like, but I don't know. He means well, but I don't think he gets it. It's true he was raised a bit differently, and he's just so kind to everyone to a fault, but…"
Chat looked at her as she spoke and found a strange heavy feeling in his gut. "But?"
Ladybug shook her head and rolled her eyes. "I suppose that doesn't really matter. He wouldn't be himself otherwise, would he?" She then turned to him and her expression froze. A split second later and she put her face in her hands out of embarrassment. "Oh my god, what am I saying!?"
Chat chuckled at her reaction, while trying to hide his real feelings. "I know what you're saying."
She stood up and scrambled for her yo-yo. "It's late… I-I'm going to head out first!" She declared with a minor stutter before swinging off.
"I lost." He muttered to himself as he watched her swing off in the distance. It was something he'd been trying to deny for years. Even while he was with Kagami, his feelings for Ladybug remained; something that contributed to their break up. That tender expression Ladybug had while talking told him everything. She loved even his faults. "I guess even if something is perfect that doesn't make it happen." He lamented as he stood up to head home himself.
For the next week Adrien had been called out on several occasions for being a space case. To his fortune, it was mostly Nino when he came to hang with him, but that didn't mean his father didn't notice. He had made sure every member of his design team kept him well informed about what his son was up to. "I hear you've been distracted this week? It isn't about the contract is it?" Not that his son would be able to wiggle out of the contract at all. He'd already made sure any clause for breaking it, put Adrien square back on the road he had before.
His son's eyes, which had drifted, now came back to him. "Of course not, father. I have been… distracted, but it's not that." He corrected.
Gabriel let out a small sigh of relief. "Good, but now I worry you're too distracted for such an important decision. Should I be worried?" The designer asked next with a more cold expression.
Adrien held in his flinch as he made sure to look his father in the eye. "No. I have it under control."
Gabriel raised a brow at the young man's declaration. Perhaps he was being too critical? This decision would affect Adrien's life significantly if not completely. Even if it wasn't the contract, the weight of the decision itself would no doubt cause some stress. "Then I will trust you do. In order to start this next week with a bit more direction, however, I suggest making some lunch dates. Try to have one with each of the interns. Even in business, having lunch can be incredibly insightful for a relationship." Gabriel suggested as he laced his fingers together. "I can have Nathalie send you a list of good restaurants to choose from. Remember to keep your diet in mind when choosing, but I'll make sure your lunch times are free of any other business."
Adrien nodded at the direction. "That sounds great, father."
Gabriel found the small genuine smile his son gave him interesting. "Yes, now was there anything else you wanted to go over regarding the interns?"
His son only hesitated a moment before shaking his head. "No, sir."
"Then go ahead and speak with Nathalie. I have already mentioned this to her. Also,"
Adrien, who had already stood up to leave, stopped to listen. "Yes?"
"I know that I gave you permission to invite that acquaintance of yours to spend time with you during this process, but please refrain from bringing him to lunch with you this week. You need time to speak with them one on one." Of course, Adrien would never miss out on an opportunity to spend with the boy. He hoped it was just him being overly cautious, but he didn't want Adrien inviting him on the dates as well. No doubt Mr. Lahiffe would even agree.
"I'm sorry, Adrien, but she left this morning." Katrina, one of Gabriel's lead designers, informed as she pinned a new dress to a mannequin. "I tried to stop her, really, but well..." She shrugged as she turned to him. "She just wouldn't listen. It may have been the stress of Mr. Agreste's expectations this year. I've seen it happen to plenty of interns over the years, and to be honest, I'm surprised no one else has left yet. I really didn't peg her to be the first though. She's very talented, especially with her dresses."
Adrien furrowed his brow at the revelation. He'd invited Sera, one of the interns, to lunch like his father suggested. He'd actually arrived to pick her up to go right now. "Oh, that's too bad I guess…" He really didn't know what to say in such an awkward situation. If it weren't for the business aspect, he imagined this might be a little of what it's like to be stood up.
"Mr. Agreste told us you would be taking each of the interns to lunch this week, so you should try to grab another. I actually spoke with Cyrano a few minutes before you came, and I know Marinette is still here. She and Stephen have been working on something since last night. Try one of them." It was worth a shot. Nino already made plans with Alya today anyway.
The model headed down the hall to Stephen's office since it was the closest. If Marinette wasn't in then he'd ask Cyrano. "Just be careful." He heard from a few feet from the door.
"I know, I know." Marinette replied as he opened the door. The young designer was on a step stool next to a large purple ball gown. She appeared to be pinning something to the top, and even went so far as to stand on her tip toes in order to reach. "I just want to put this last piece…" Adrien had caught a few glances of her working and found her focus interesting, even inspiring given how much she puts into what she makes.
"Need something, Adrien?" Stephen inquired after noticing the young blond waiting by the door.
"A-Adrien?" Marinette repeated in surprise. With her nerves came her trade mark clumsiness as one foot slipped from the stool.
"Whoa, Marinette!" Adrien, using his chat like reflexes, was able to catch her half way through the fall.
"Are you both alright?" Stephen steadied the mannequin so it wouldn't topple on the two.
"I'm good, but Marinette's the one that fell." Adrien held her by one hand and had the other around her waist.
"I'm…fine…" She let out close to a squeak at her situation. She got back to her feet and instantly backed away a step hoping no one could hear her deafening heart beat. Adrien Agreste was just holding her!
"Um… Are you sure?" Adrien asked having found her backing away strange. It wasn't the first time she'd done that, but it didn't really make him feel right either.
"S-So, what did you need, Adrien? I'd be happy to help with anything."
"Oh, right. Well, I was hoping we could go to lunch? If you don't already have plans, that is."
Marinette stood frozen for a minute while her brain processed what he'd just asked. Adrien Agreste… asked her out to lunch… like a date? "Did you have anywhere in mind?" She asked with sudden calmness.
Adrien noticed the shift, but chose to say nothing about it. "Ah, well, I was thinking we could choose a place on Belmont Street. It's close by and we'll have plenty of choices in case of a crowd."
"That sounds perfect- oh wait…" She turned to Stephen who was already handing her the trademark purse she always had.
"Go ahead, Marinette. The dress can wait for you to eat. I'm going to look through some more patterns for the skirt anyway." He then promptly shooed them out of his studio before she could insist otherwise.
Considering how close Belmont Street was, Adrien didn't bother calling his driver. It was nice out, and they could walk. "So… You look kinda tired. Were you working late?" He asked as he put his hands in his pockets.
Marinette, who was covering a small yawn, couldn't help but blush at his deduction. "Yeah, I was getting that dress you saw together. I couldn't even tell you what time I went to sleep to be honest."
"That's no good, Marinette. If you don't sleep, you won't have any energy to work on your designs." The model gently reprimanded. He, of course, knew Marinette has always had a bad tendency to stay up late working on her designs. His late night run-abouts almost always took him by her window.
"I know, but I just need to get it done when it's on my mind. I just can't help it sometimes." She then took notice of a long line coming out of the deli. "Well, looks like Dallia's is out. Want to try Italian?"
Adrien pulled out his phone to check before shaking his head. "Sorry, I can't do that one. Hanzo's is pretty good, and I can't see a line from here." He pointed about a block down to a sushi restaurant that was only indicated by a specials board outside the door.
"Hanzo's? I've never heard of it."
Adrien started that way and Marinette followed suit. "It's not a place most people walk into on a whim, and as you can see, it doesn't have the best signage. It's sushi."
Marinette thought it was curious a place like that could be so successful without a more notable sign. "I don't mind sushi, but I can't believe I never noticed it before."
"Well most people look at the special, and that's it. Every time I've come they've always had at least one open table." Marinette looked at the special board curiously as others walked right past them. The special was odd from what she could tell. It was usually the cheapest thing aside from sides or drinks. This one was advertising a nigiri plate for 30 euros. "Come on, Marinette. Let's get a seat." The transition from outside to inside was a bit shocking. All the noise from the street was gone, and, though she couldn't brag to have been to very many sushi places, this one almost seemed too nice. "Excuse me," Adrien called to the server standing behind the reception stand.
"Yes, ah, Mr. Agreste. It has been some time." He looked curiously to his guest and grabbed two menus. "Lunch for two I presume?"
"Yes please, maybe at a table in the back?"
The server nodded, and let out a guiding hand. "Yes, of course." Marinette continued to look around and suddenly realized the handful of other patrons made her feel under dressed somehow. "Can I get you an appetizer while you decide your orders?"
"The nigiri sampler." Adrien answered as he pulled Marinette's chair out for her.
"Yes, I will return shortly."
Once Adrien sat down, Marinette took up the menu to see what she'd want. "Anything in mind? This place will make anything even if it's off menu." The blond informed as he turned to the back of the menu showing chef's specials.
"I don't have sushi very often, but I usually like-!"
Her sudden strangled squeak had Adrien putting down his menu to see what was wrong. "Marinette? Are you okay?"
The designer slowly lowered the menu looking like a ghost just flew by. "A-Adrien… the Omakase Lunch is 75 euros." She whisper shouted, unable to hold back any more.
"Yeah, but… Oh, right. Sorry, about that. I guess this is kind of expensive for most. Don't worry, Marinette. It's my treat so pick anything you want." That didn't really do much to calm the young designer down. His kind attitude sometimes made her forget just how rich he was. These prices were probably nothing for him, and he even encouraged ordering off menu, which always cost way more.
With a quick breath, Marinette once again calmed herself to order. "You've been here before right? What do you recommend?"
Adrien gestured for her to turn the page. "They specialize in couple meals, so they have several plates intended for two people. I would be good with any of them except the Octopus set. That's called the Flying Pot. Don't ask me why though." He informed with an amused expression.
"What about the Lucky Tiger?" Marinette proposed while trying not to concentrate on how expensive each item was.
"You like tuna, huh? Sounds good to me."
She put the menu down and Adrien took it to place on the side of the table. "So… You don't like octopus?" She asked just reaching for a question given her fish out of water situation.
"Well, I do usually, but that lunch set contains several fried foods. I don't get a chance to eat out very much, but when I do, I have to follow a strict diet."
"Because of your modeling… I keep forgetting you have a diet." Marinette figured feeling a bit silly for forgetting something like that.
"Yeah, but I do get a chance to eat outside every once in awhile. Usually off season when I don't have to worry about an impending show or shoot. Plus I am allowed sweets most days when I follow my diet; in moderation of course."
Marinette furrowed her brow. "I don't think I could do that. I'd die without the extra calories."
"But you also live in a bakery. I don't think I could resist if I had baked goods just beneath my feet like that. I buy a box of those passion fruit macaroons almost every week." He countered looking like he really wanted a cookie all of a sudden.
The server arrived moments later with their sampler and took their order. Marinette, being that her mother wouldn't have it any other way, took up her chopsticks like a pro and picked up a piece of sushi. Adrien, on the other hand, had to adjust his several times before he went to grab a piece. Marinette saw how he nearly broke the sushi in half and couldn't help shaking her head at him. "You're a mess with those. Are you sure you've used them before?"
Adrien blushed a bit as he ate. "I really have, but I just can't seem to get a comfortable hold. Kagami used to scold me too." And rightfully so.
Marinette couldn't help picturing the native Japanese sternly scolding him while showing him exactly how it should be done, over and over. "Here, let me see them a sec." She offered much to his confusion. "I used to do this when I was younger." She whisked out an extra hair band and wrapped it around the top ends tightly. "It's new I promise. I just like to keep some extras just in case." She explained as she handed it back. "It looks like your holding them too tight because you're worried about dropping one. This may teach you to loosen your hold."
Adrien took them and looked at the red hair band around the end in intrigue. "Huh? I don't think I've ever seen someone do this with chopsticks before." He reached to grab another piece and a grin instantly went to his face. "Oh wow, it is easier!"
Marinette nodded with a blush. "Yeah, but don't tell my mom. It's frowned upon in my house." She whispered with a mostly teasing tone.
"I'll take the secret to my grave." Adrien played along as he ate another piece.
An hour later, and they were heading back up the street. Marinette was still inwardly cringing at just how much lunch cost, and a bit guilty she didn't try to pay for at least a little. Adrien refused to let her even get as far as reaching for her purse as he handed his card to the server before he even pulled out the bill. "Thanks again for lunch. It was, honestly, the best sushi I've ever had."
Adrien smiled at her. "Good, I'm happy you liked it. Kagami was the one to tell me about the place, so you should thank her too, next chance you get." Marinette nodded thinking on their mutual friend. Perhaps she should be jealous he was talking about his ex-girlfriend, but she just couldn't feel that way about Kagami. It would be great if all failed relationships could end nicely like theirs did.
"Marinette?" The designer turned to spy Alya across the street with Nino in toe. "Hey girl!" After checking for traffic they both dashed over.
"You two just have lunch?" Nino asked knowing it was very likely.
Both girls hugged before Alya took Marinette in a partial headlock away from the boys. "Spill, girl. Did you really just go out on a lunch date with Adrien?"
Marinette certainly didn't look like she'd just spent time alone with the guy. She was way too calm. "Shh! Alya, It's taking everything I have to stay calm so don't you dare snap me out of it… And it wasn't a date… At least he didn't say it was. He just walked into the studio and asked if I wanted to have lunch with him." Picturing her 'Ladybug calm' would only work to a certain point when Adrien was involved.
"Are you serious?" Alya asked in obvious disbelief. Then again… Nino did say he wouldn't be hanging with Adrien as much this week. Adrien might have just wanted company. The young reporter looked over her shoulder to the boys who were talking in strangely quiet voices. Nino had already told her he wouldn't be able to give her the full scoop on what was going on with the internship. Something about a nondisclosure agreement so he could be in the studios. Despite her reporter instincts begging her to snoop, she could very well get Nino in trouble. "Alright girl, I believe you." She let the shorter girl go. "But you better keep me in the loop about you and…" She trailed off and shifted her gaze to the blond in question. "Got it?"
"Of course, Alya."
"Hey, Marinette, I think Stephen's looking for you." Both girls turned to see Adrien holding out his phone. "He just texted me wondering if we finished lunch."
Marinette dug through her purse for her own phone only to find it dead as a door nail. "Om my gosh! I forgot to charge it!"
"It's fine, Marinette. I think he was just checking. I'll bring you my charger when we get back to the studio."
The designer blushed as she put away her useless device. "Thanks…"
"Well, don't be a stranger dude. I'll try to come by later." Nino waved and took his girlfriend's hand. "Come on, babe. You've got to get back to work too, don't you?"
Every day for the rest of the week, Adrien took another intern to lunch. So far, none of them turned out as enjoyable as when he went out with Marinette. He supposed it came with familiarity. By Saturday, he was down to just one… Cyrano. The young man had certainly made it hard to make plans. Apparently, he always brought lunch, and wasn't one to go out, or at least that's what he said. The only reason he'd been able to get him for lunch today was because Adrien had talked to Grayson the day before and insisted he make it happen. The boys were now sitting at a café Cyrano insisted they go to despite there being very little Adrien would be able to eat. The young model decided on one of those prepackaged salads, father forgive him, and a coffee. "My, you eat like bird." Cyrano remarked as he enjoyed his roast beef on white bread which came with a side of kettle chips; oh the calories.
"Well, I can only eat certain things."
"Ah, yes, a model. That being said, you look like you get plenty of exercise. You'd think you could splurge when you go out to eat." The designer said with a shrug.
"I try to save it for sweets."
"Ah, I see. Makes sense. Something sweet is always welcome. I like to have a macaroon or two waiting for me when I get down to the end of a project. There's this bakery not too far-"
"Tom and Sabine's right?" Adrien cut in with suddenly more interest.
"Yes, Actually. Should I be surprised? It is the best bakery in the city."
"Definitely the best. I like their passion fruit macaroons."
"Hmm? I don't think I've had those, and I thought I'd tried them all. Well, I know what to buy next time then." Cyrano grinned at the idea and Adrien agreed.
"You know I was just talking with Marinette the other day about living over a bakery. I don't think I could resist eating them every day."
The designer raised a brow. "Marinette? Does she live at a bakery?"
Adrien chuckled at that. "Well yeah, Tom and Sabine's. Those are her parents."
"You're joking? She never mentioned it to me." Cyrano countered in surprise.
"Well, she's been pretty focused on designing."
"Haven't we all." He mused. "And I thought she was enticing before. Now I come to find she's the daughter of the best bakery I've ever eaten at."
Adrien furrowed his brow at the comment. "Enticing?"
Cyrano rolled his eyes. "Certainly you see it. She is rather attractive, no? I've been looking for someone like her for awhile. Another designer to understand how I see the world; one with talent of course. When I got in on this internship, I saw it as the perfect opportunity."
"So, wait… You applied for the internship to get a girlfriend?" Adrien inquired feeling something odd in his gut just asking.
"It was an idea. You should understand the importance of making a statement, being the face of Gabriel. I plan to do everything I can to succeed with this internship, but I'd still like to have someone to work with. Gabriel or no, two incredibly talented designers would certainly make a statement."
Adrien couldn't really see what he was getting at. "So… you like her?"
"She's interesting." Cyrano corrected as he finished his meal. "Not the only interesting one though." He added with waggle of his brow. "All that being said, I know how to be professional. I certainly hope this conversation won't be an issue?"
"Uh… No. I don't see why it would…" Though the model's mind was somewhere else. Something about Cyrano's words was nagging at him… or maybe it's the way he said them… or maybe it was the way he looked? It was safe to say Adrien was confused.
During dinner Gabriel listened to what Adrien thought about each intern. Finding out Sera dropped out earlier that week didn't bother him in the least. He didn't need someone who couldn't keep it together. Adrien had nothing but good things to say about all of them, save Cyrano's insistence on a place he couldn't enjoy. Gabriel made a point to ask how Adrien felt about their work ethic, what they talked about and how comfortable he felt with all that remained.
A few minutes into the conversation made something abundantly clear. He was trying to avoid talking about Marinette. He noticed when he did, that he'd seem more excited, but then… It would just tapper out. It made it hard to tell how he felt. The other girls didn't really sound interesting at all so far coming from his son. Cyrano… well he was hoping Cyrano wouldn't be a factor. "Sir?"
He looked up to see his assistant. "Yes, Nathalie?"
"I have the folder you asked for, as well as Ms. Rossi's notes."
"Has she asked about anything?" He inquired as he took it.
"She has asked about why Adrien was spending so much time with interns. I told her he was learning how to work with possible employees."
"Good. I don't need her causing any problems. It's all well and good if she could weed out those with weak wills, but I can't have her scaring them all off. Adrien still needs some choice in the matter."
"Yes sir. Would you like me to move her shoots back?" Gabriel shook his head. "No, but from now on I want you on site for them unless I need you for something else. I want you to keep a close eye on her… and Marinette when Adrien is nearby. I think there's something about her he's not telling me."
"Understood, sir." Nathalie took her leave as Gabriel went over Marinette's file.
This was everything Nathalie compiled on her when she made it to the final round of the selection. She had been one of the first names Lila had given him as a bad influence to his son. According to the young Italian, she encouraged Adrien to openly defy Gabriel in order to spend more time out with friends. She also was working her way to get close to him to get in good with his father. It all made sense considering her aspirations, but nothing else Nathalie found indicated she would be a bad influence. About the only credible accusation would be how Marinette supposedly gave Adrien extra sweets despite his dietary restrictions. While he wasn't exactly happy to hear a potential candidate would willingly sabotage Adrien's diet, according to the dietician, Adrien was in no danger at all. He'd even stated that with Adrien's metabolism, he could afford to eat more liberally should he choose, but Gabriel was not about to encourage that. It was best not to start a bad habit at all.
On the other hand, Lila was manipulative. That much was plainly obvious from their very first meeting. The background check he had on her showed a very uneventful life outside being the daughter of a diplomat, where as her claims to him would say otherwise. It was one more reason he appreciated Adrien agreeing to this deal. Ms. Rossi was useful, but not someone his son needed to share his life with. Another week to see how things work themselves, and then he'll intervene more.
Before I get any comments about it, I have no idea if Adrien can actually use chopsticks. I suppose he could have in an episode, but honestly, I just wanted to do something cute that would reference back to Kagami. He probably does, but I needed this so deal with it. Btw, No, Adrien doesn't understand that his father wanted him to do real dates.
Also, Marinette's ability to be calm is actually influence by something else that will be mentioned much later in the story.
Thx, for reading! Please comment if you can!=^-^=
