Nice to see you all again! Enjoy this chapter and don't forget to leave me some of your own thoughts! Another shout out to Yilena for inspiring this series. The subtitle for this chapter is "Heart to Heart."

Chapter 6: Courage in the Face of Fear

A few weeks after he first fell through Marinette's mirror, Adrien stood outside his father's home office wringing his hands nervously. He had another talk with Marinette about bringing her up to his father, and even though he didn't think he was ready, Marinette seemed to think that his father wouldn't react badly. Clearly Marinette was too optimistic or she thought her luck would transfer over to him. Her ever present encouragement finally motivated Adrien to speak to his father, but the fear was still real. If all went well, Adrien and Marinette wouldn't have to rely on their mirrors to see each other, and they could hang out like normal friends do. But if the opposite were to happen, Adrien may never get to see her again.

(That also meant he couldn't hold Marinette again, and if that was 70% of the reason for finally plucking up the courage to tell his father, then sue him, because he really really wanted to hold Marinette again.)

Knock, knock.

"Come in, Adrien," the voice called. Adrien gulped and pushed open the door. At his desk sat the pristine Gabriel Agreste, not a hair out of place, though from the various papers and documents scattered on the desk, Adrien could tell that his current project was frustrating him. "You wanted to discuss something, Adrien? Please make it timely, I've much to do."

"Of course, Father. I wanted to talk to you about soulmates," Adrien started.

"Did your mother not tell you all her little stories about soulmates? I don't believe this is the time for me to tell you about it," Gabriel said, frowning.

"No, that's not it. Mother did tell me all about soulmates. But I want to tell you that I…I met my soulmate. In fact, I've seen her for the past four or so years, and we met a few weeks ago," Adrien said. His palms were sweaty and shoved them in his pockets.

The surprised look on Gabriel's face was something that didn't appear very often (at all), and Adrien was almost relieved that his father's initial reaction wasn't negative at all.

"That's quite the news, Adrien. And why haven't you said a word of this the last four years?" Gabriel asked.

"I honestly assumed Mother told you when I first saw my soulmate, so I never thought to bring it up. I realized my mistake, but I didn't think about telling you until my soulmate convinced me too. To be honest…ever since Mother's…hospitalization, I didn't know how you would react to something like this." Adrien said, looking down at his feet.

At this, Gabriel stood up and walked around the desk to stand in front of his son. Adrien startled when his father placed a hand on his shoulder. "Son, I know that things haven't been the best since the accident, but do not think that this estranges us. I care for you and your wellbeing. I might not show it with as many emotions or in as many words, but I am happy that you and your soulmate have finally met. I might not seem like the most attentive father, but I have noticed your happier moods and eagerness to be excused from the dinner table. I didn't want to assume, but I had the feeling that it was your soulmate making you so happy. So, please, come talk to me."

Adrien couldn't explain how he felt at that moment. This was the most emotion he had heard from his father since the day of his mother's incident, and it was sad to say it, but he had never felt more love from his father since that day. "Father…I don't know what to say…but thank you."

"So, son," Gabriel said, returning to sit behind his desk. "Tell me more about your soulmate."

Adrien brightened up and relaxed in his seat. "Well, Father, she's kind and cheerful and she loves fashion-she really looks up to you. She's got these gorgeous blue eyes, and her favorite color is pink…"

Adrien went on and on about Marinette, and all the while, Gabriel gave him his undivided attention. A small smile graced his face, and Gabriel could see a lot of his younger self in his son.

"Adrien, it seems as if you are absolutely smitten with this girl. I am happy for you. However, you've forgotten the most important detail."

Adrien thought back to his previous words. Her birthday? No, Gabriel had even made a point of offering to take Adrien shopping when the time came. He mentioned Tom and Sabine's Boulangerie and Patisserie and her love of sweets, and he noticed Gabriel take a quick note down. What was he missing?

Seeing the bewildered look on his son's face, Gabriel decided to spare him the confusion. "Does your soulmate have a name?"

…

…

…

"OH!" Adrien mentally face palmed himself. "Her name is Marinette Dupain-Cheng."

"Then we shall have to pay the Dupain-Cheng family a visit some time. It wouldn't do to keep the two of you apart any longer.'

"Will you truly let me visit her, Father?" Adrien asked. This was what their conversation had been leading up to, and he hoped to give Marinette good news soon.

"Of course. I know how important soulmates are, and I would not want to get in the way of that. In fact, I will call their residence today and ask to meet them as soon as we can," Gabriel said.

Adrien couldn't be happier! He was going to meet Marinette again, and if all went well, then he could visit her whenever he wanted!

"Thank you, Father!" Adrien jumped from his seat and ran around the desk. He threw his arms around his father, but the sudden adrenaline drained when his father stiffened in his embrace. Adrien thought he had ruined the moment, but his heart warmed when his father turned around to give him a proper hug. "I love you, Father."

"I love you, too, Adrien."

A/N: Had some problems with formatting, so hopefully it's fixed? Also, sorry for the late update, I'm having trouble with the next few chapters-pacing and whatnot, so I hope this chapter is decent.