Nathalie walked out of Adrien's room and looked down at the screen of here iPad. Speaking in a hushed tone as she walked out onto the landing, she looked at the person staring back at her on the screen.
"How would you like this addressed?"
His voice in her ear through the earphone, "I think my son has made a good choice." Gabriel Agreste smirked, "a pretty girl, and we know she has talent within the fashion world..." he trailed off in thought. "...a great opportunity now to utilise the feelings of disappointment and betrayal."
"After last time, I didn't think you would want to put Adrien at risk again." Nathalie stated concerned at his suggestion.
"Perhaps you are right," realisation in his onscreen face. "I think it is best I get a feel of this friend before it develops into something more." He put his hand to his mouth, "maybe it is time to pay an interest in other areas of my sons life."
Nathalie stopped at the bottom of the stairs, "will you be joining us?" A surprised expression graced her face for a moment before resuming its usual expression.
"Of course," he confirmed. "I want to get a better feel for this one, after the last one which turned out to be...overrated," he concluded thoughtfully with a bitter tone.
"What about how they were found together in his bedroom this morning?" Again concern in her voice.
"It is definitely interesting how this Marinette got into his room," he commented with intrigue. "But we also know that Adrien has ventured out a few times through the same window...something to be monitored, perhaps?"
Stood looking up at the front door to Adrien's house, Marinette played with her jacket cuff. Conscious that she wasn't looking her best, she was possibly going to meet Gabriel Agreste and be introduced as Adrien's friend. Marinette had met him before of course but in different capacities, as an up and coming designer, one of the people Adrien went to school with but never as a potential girlfriend of Adrien's. Had it really barely been twelve hours, in the corrected timeline, and so much had already happened!
'Oh my god... how has this happened?'
She sighed internally at the prospect of how awkward this would most likely be. Adrien had reminded her that his father never usually joined him for breakfast, so it was unlikely he would trouble himself with doing so today. As she reached up to ring the bell, the door opened and standing in front of her was Adrien beaming at her.
"Hi," she blushed.
"Good morning," he beamed kind of half bowing and gesturing for her to come in with his outstretched hand. She walked in to the grand entrance lobby, taking it all in properly for the first time. He was very excited, a twinkle in his eye. Adrien grabbed both of her hands and faced her, almost bouncing with nervous energy.
Marinette was slightly more reserved, "is everything ok?" She wondered with slight amusement caused by his antics.
Adrien just smiled, "I have spoken to my father," he told her. A jolt of terror shot through her body and it showed on her face. "Don't worry, my dad is happy-" he stopped "-I think, well, he didn't seem angry," he saw the doubt in her face but remained positive.
Adrien steered Marinette towards the dining room, "I haven't even brushed my teeth!" She murmured to him, as discreetly as possible. He turned to her, smiled and planted his lips on hers, taking her completely by surprise. She melted into his arms, forgetting where they were for a moment.
"Ahem."
They separated as quick as a flash, standing in front of them was Adrien's father, Gabriel Agreste. A bemused look on his face.
"Good morning father," Adrien curtly addressed his father but his nervous expression gave him away. His hand rubbed the back of his neck and ruffled his hair, his demeanour changed in the presence of him.
"Good m-morning Mr Agreste." Marinette stuttered unsure of herself.
"This is Marinette, father," Adrien introduced his love to his father. "My-my girlfriend." his eyes had a mixture of hope, love and fear. Fear of his father and his reaction, love for Marinette and hope that this would not come crashing down around him.
*excited internal screaming* 'I can't believe him! This is actually happening.'
It was obvious Marinette was not expecting this to come about so soon, especially, to his father. She held out her hand to shake his, her eyes and facial expression gave her surprise away.
"Miss Dupain-Cheng," Gabriel shook her hand, "would you like to take a seat or have a stroll outside while we all wait for breakfast to arrive." He gestured to the garden.
Adrien was puzzled by this suggestion, "where is it being delivered from father?"
Gabriel smiled, bemused again, "I have extended an invitation to Miss Dupain-Cheng's parents." He turned his back and lead them to the garden. Noting the panicked expression appear on Marinette's face, he was enjoying this. "I think it would be beneficial to all start off on the same footing," he told them as he walked ahead. "Wouldn't you agree?"