Marinette cuddled Juuno in her palms, thumb going over his crest, petting the kwami as he nibbled on blueberries. On her knees was a twitchy Vixx, soft growls coming out of her.

Adrien made it clear to her that this was a talk between him and Gabriel, he didn't want the fox budding in.

Especially with how furious she was.

From her grumbles and growls, Marinette managed to grasp that the kwami was upset that it was Gabriel that kept Vixx's counter away from her for a near decade. Juuno mumbled in that miraculous pairs prefer to be close. Even when dormant in their miraculous, they can sense when their counter was away.

Juuno and Vixx had missed each other greatly during his time with Pavone Bianco.

Watching Vixx zip about, ears flat on her head, teeth bared, and tail twitching; Marinette frowned. Licking her lips, she quietly asked, "What was Pavone Bianco awakened for?"

"Another villain," Juuno answered softly. "An evil fairy that wanted to spread a plague. Grow a forest of decay over Paris. A healer was needed so, that's why only the peacock was awakened." With a nostalgic smile, Juuno utters, "He was a very graceful bird you know, a bit stiff and awkward." Juuno chuckles, "He had the hardest time learning how to display and dance."

Vixx gave an angry yip. "Don't praise him so fondly! He locked you up and didn't bring you back when he retired."

Juuno sighs. He knows. A kwami can't help themselves though. They care for those they chose very much, they were their charges. And they were supposed to be their supporting guides.

It's hard to though when they won't listen.

Marinette holds her hand out, letting Vixx plop in her palm, letting the human run her fingers over the agitated kwami.

They all looked up when the door opened, Adrien prowled in, looking a little tense. Marinette could almost see his hackles raised. His agitated eyes met hers before he quickly looked away, huffing.

Marinette glanced behind him, seeing poised Gabriel peering in, his blue eyes locked on the miraculous rightfully pinned to her shirt. "Mlle Dupain-Cheng," he greets. "Will you do the pleasure of talking with me?"

"You don't have to," Adeien cuts it.

"It's fine," Marinette reassures, handing Vixx to him while Juuno settles on her shoulder. She turned to Gabriel, determined. "Let's talk."

She was a bit surprised when Gabriel lead her to the kitchen instead of an office. Grabbing a small bowel, he went to the fridge, piling it was fresh strawberries and blueberries, and set it down for the blue kwami.

Giving him a small, thankful smile, Juuno went to the bowel, nibbling away.

"He says he wants to keep the miraculous," Gabriel voiced.

"I'm not surprised," Marinette returned, taking a berry for herself. "He loves being Malin."

Gabriel hummed.

Marinette spares him a curious glance. "Did... did you enjoy being Pavone Bianco?"

Juuno met Gabriel's gaze.

"There were certain things I could live without," Gabriel said simply.

She chuckles, agreeing. She could do without the attraction... the visions...

"Do you enjoy being Belle Bleue?"

"I do."

He hummed. "I was very surprised to see you on the news. Surprised to find that my miraculous had been taken."

Marinette looked sheepish. Gabriel turned his gaze down to the unapologetic kwami. Juuno met it, stating simply, "You lost me the instant you locked me away." Gabriel looks away. Juuno continues, "You'll loose him if you keep this up."

Marinette asks, "Does Hawk Moth scare you that much?"

"There are scarier things than Hawk Moth out there, Mlle Dupain-Cheng. Hawk Moth is more of a dramatic fool compared to what I've faced."

Marinette frowns. "Did you work with him?"

"Not personally." He didn't elaborate.

"...I'm not going to give up my miraculous you know," she voices.

"I know. I had a fox snarl to me about it."

She chuckles, awkwardly running her hand through her hair. Gabriel peers at her, frowning. "You two will keep at this then?"

Blinking, she nods. "Yes, Juuno reached out asking for help with Hawk Moth. To save Nooroo. I'm, I'm going to stay Belle Bleue till Hawk Moth's stopped. I, I may retire then. Return Juuno to his home."

Gabriel gave another hum. "Be sure to have each other's backs then," he bids, his frown deepening. "I'll, I'll help how I can." He gives a snorting scoff. "That boy is just like her, doing as he pleases. Rushing into dangers he shouldn't..." Sometimes it was best to just do what he could.

Surprised, Marinette utters, "Th-thank M Agreste."

"It's Gabriel, Mlle Dupain-Cheng... I'm sorry for the trouble."

"It's Marinette. And, and I'm sorry for stealing from you."

Between them, Juuno preened contently.