A Mother's Embrace K+
A look at a very important figure in Adrien's life. (I think we all know she cares.)
She stands outside the door, hand poised to knock lightly, but a hiccup and stuttering exhale from just beyond stops her.
He's crying again.
Her brow furrows, lower lip coming between teeth as she weighs her options. He's under a lot of pressure and has little time for himself recently, perhaps it would be best to let him cry it out. She sighs and shakes her head. No that wouldn't do, she knows it isn't the schedule. Adrien balances his homeschooling, modeling, fencing, and everything else with surprising ease for such a young boy. She straightens her spine, knocks sharply twice and tries not to wince at the sudden intake of breath and scrambling from inside the room.
"Just a second." Comes the slightly raspy voice. She can hear the small sniffles and is sure he's trying to compose himself, trying to slide that practiced mask back into place. It hurts to know he is hurting, but what can SHE do?
The door opens and her eyes immediately go to the evidence on his face. The puffy, red-rimmed eyes, the awkward attempted smile though his hands are in the pockets of his hoodie and he's trying not to shuffle his feet like he does when he feels guilty. His father would tell him to stand up straight and stop fidgeting. "Is it time for my Chinese lesson already? I'm sorry I lost track of time." He gives her a false grin and she feels her heart breaking for him like it so often does. Her hand twitches toward him but she hesitates. She's been there for him before but every time she's unsure if it helps or hurts him more. She grits her teeth, his eyes are starting to look unsure, her silence unnerving him. She reaches out and pulls him to her by the shoulders, presses his head to her chest and feels him stiffen against her.
"Actually...I was thinking we'd play hooky today and get some gelato. It's been a hard week, a stressful day. I'll take care of your father so...what do you think?" She says it somewhat rushed, afraid of mentioning the week at all let alone the day's significance. She waits, holding a breath like a lifeline and finally he relaxes. His arms comes up around her waist and he lets out a new shuddering breath. She feels the tears start to seep through her blazer and into her blouse but she holds him tightly, fiercely.
When he's finally exhausted a few moments later he pushes back gently and looks up at her, green eyes still swimming in tears but a true smile on his lips.
"Thank you Nathalie."