Chapter Text
Gabriel Agreste was tall, thin, wore glasses, had icy blue eyes, and always tried to dress well. His family owned a restaurant, and when he was old enough he worked there gladly. Although when he wasn't working, he tended to dress like a stereotypical punk, he was far from being a troublemaker. He had a rather creative mind. One day, not long after his days at lycée, walking past the many different clothing stores, he saw how all the women fawned over the selections. He never really thought about such things until recently. He dressed how he liked, and he could appreciate others' tastes. However, seeing all this fashion and the commotion surrounding it gave him ideas. Like any person with an idea, he saw a challenge, and said to himself...
"I can do better than that."
He started with small projects, like designing a goofy costume for a université friend who was an aspiring comedian. He also began to dress in a more refined manner. Still, while not from a poor family, Gabriel was unknown, and for a while he was having trouble getting attention, until one day, when his luck...his life...changed. He was out for a walk, trying to find inspiration, when he happened upon an independent film production taking place. The director was a man named André Bourgeois. Gabriel's attention, however, went to that of the lead actress. He was sure he recognized her from being a model - tall, long blonde hair, green eyes, and a kind smile. She noticed him looking and waved. He was dumbstruck, but waved back. He was watching the production intently. When they were wrapping up, he found out the name of the film was "Solitude". The woman walked up to him.
"Interested in the film, Monsieur?"
"Gabriel Agreste. Actually, I was more interested in the lead actress. Would you like to perhaps get some coffee, Madame...?"
"Mademoiselle Graham de Vanily. Emilie will suffice, M. Agreste"
"I believe I've heard of your family. You're from England originally, are you not? Not that you can tell. Your French is perfect."
"You're well informed. I like to travel, so I've learned several languages. My twin sister still lives in England, but I came to Paris when I pursued my modeling career. As you can see, though, I've been wanting to be an actress."
"I'm sure this is the beginning of your big break."
The two walked to the nearest coffee shop and talked some more.
"So what do you do, Gabriel?"
"Right now I work at my family's restaurant, but I've decided to get into the fashion world."
"Oh dear...I happen to know the toughest critic in the business."
"You're acquainted with the Style Queen?"
"That's probably the best way to put it, because we're certainly not friends. However, since she respects my opinion...no, more like tolerates my opinion, I think I could set something up between the two of you."
"You'd really do that for me? We just met."
"Well after all, if I introduce a new genius into the fashion/modeling world, that would certainly get me more attention, no?"
"You're indeed very clever."
It was a few weeks later that Gabriel, with a bit of help from Emilie, garnered the attention of a temperamental critic named Audrey, better known by her self-appointed title of Style Queen. She ran a popular fashion magazine, but was practically impossible to please.
"Audrey, this is the man I wanted you to meet."
"Gabriel Agreste," he said with a bow, "Such a privilege to meet you, Mme."
"He's been helping with the movie I'm making. He designed all the clothes himself."
Audrey looked over the dress and suit that were laid out.
"Hmm, not bad I suppose. An alright design, good material, fine stitching. You obviously know what you're doing. A rare trait these days, believe me."
"Do you think you could display his work at the next show?"
"Well, there's not much competition lately. Still, I can see you have the makings for excellent haute couture. Especially if you get on my good side."
"You are too kind, Mme," Gabriel replied.
"M. Agreste, your work will turn heads, and everyone will know that I, the Style Queen, picked the next big thing. Your work will be the pièce de résistance of the show. And what I say goes, because I'm the Style Queen!"
The fashion show was a success, and his career took off like a shot, but there were times he had trouble with inspiration. Emilie was always there to help him come up with ideas. Another person who gave him ideas was an acquaintance of Emilie's - a Japanese woman named Tomoe Tsurugi. She and her husband ran a company that made advanced technology, but when he passed away, she didn't let that stop her from taking charge. Although she didn't care for high class events very often, she still showed up in the same circles as Emilie, Audrey, and now Gabriel himself. She had lost her eyesight some years ago due to an accident, but that hardly slowed her down. She still managed to hold her own in a fight, especially seeing as her walking stick was actually a wooden sword. While she thought little of art in any form, her tales of Japanese history and mythology always gave Gabriel ideas. With his rather dramatic increase in fame, Gabriel hired a bodyguard. He was a large fellow, didn't say much, but did as he was told. His imposing figure earned him the nickname Gorilla. It wasn't too long before...
"Is something on your mind, Gabriel?"
"We've known each other for a while now and, well, we are a perfect match."
"That's true, but do you love me?"
"I'd kill for you, Emilie."
She giggled, "That's sweet, but let's hope it never comes to that."
"I just want to make it clear that even though you helped me advance my career, I was smitten with you before we ever spoke to each other."
"You're such a sweet talker."
"What I'm trying to say is, would you marry me?"
"I thought you'd never ask, Gabi."
"Gabi?"
She pulled him into a hug. Afterwards, she immediately called her sister. Said sister didn't sound very enthusiastic over the phone. Emilie talked the wedding date over with her sister, Amelie, who had set her wedding date on the very same day. Apparently she was to marry an American businessman named Colt Fathom.
"Can you believe her? She always has to make things complicated."
"An immediate phone call after the ceremony will have to suffice. If I may ask, why did she sound so...put out?"
"Oh, it's a stupid reason. She doesn't think our old money family should marry the nouveau riche. Well, I do things my own way."
"That's quite evident," he replied with a smile.
Before the wedding was to take place, Emilie wanted to travel the world a bit.
"I know you're much too busy," she said.
"I think I can take some time off, ma chérie."
"Well you can't take time off forever, so don't worry, I've thought of that. I was chatting with Tsurugi-san, and she suggested I hire an assistant. Very highly thought of. She was working for Tomoe for a while, as a matter of fact."
"Then why the generous offer?"
"You know, Tomoe. She decided to have her engineers create an AI that could assist her. I heard tell she's even making a self-driving car."
There was a knock on the door.
"That's her now. Let her in, please."
Gorilla the bodyguard did as was asked. He came back with a woman in a nice business suit, hair in a bun, and glasses.
"Good day, M. and Mme. Agreste. My name is Nathalie Sancoeur."
"You're, what is the phrase, jumping the gun a bit, Nathalie. I'm not Mme. Agreste just yet. Anyway, I hope you're as good as they say you are, because we're off on an adventure. Hold the fort until we return!"
They started in the surrounding Europe area. They visited many places they'd been before, but this time for pleasure. One thing they weren't expecting were old stories about superheroes.
"A superhero, you say," Gabriel replied in a doubtful tone.
"It was years and years ago, but I remember it quite clearly," the old woman continued.
"It's true," an old man added, "Here's a picture."
The picture was old and rather blurry, but you could make out a figure leaping across rooftops. However, there were also other stories about supervillains.
"I don't know what these old timers have been saying about heroes," said one man, "The ones I've heard about are anything but."
"Yeah," added a second man, "I heard tell that people have gone missing."
"And whenever it gets looked into," a woman chimed in, "Someone ends up dead."
On that ominous note, the pair continued their adventure. From there, on the suggestion of Tomoe, they went to Japan. If anyone knew anything about such crazy notions, it had to be Japan. While a few citizens looked at them like they were crazy, once in a while there was one that confirmed a hero sighting. From there they headed southwest to China and the surrounding area. As they traveled across Asia and got closer to Tibet, the stories from the townsfolk became more prevalent. Stories about a masked figure showing up to save a town from a disaster or stop a criminal, and then disappearing without a trace. While Gabriel merely took notes for future clothing ideas, the whole thing really peaked Emilie's interest. However, eventually Gabriel had to return to Paris and back to business. While Nathalie called every day, she could only do so much without Gabriel being there. Not long after they arrived back in Paris, the wedding took place. Many well-known people attended: a rock star named Jagged Stone, a businessman named Bob Roth, and that comedian that was apparently friends with Gabriel.
"Did you tell your wife you helped design my old costume?"
"Shut up," Gabriel hissed.
Gabriel and Emilie had talked about having a child, but Emilie wanted to get back to globetrotting again for a while. Gabriel was too busy, so Nathalie went in his stead.
"I hope you like to travel, Nathalie," Emilie said with a smile.
Nathalie nodded, a smile on her face as well.
"Let me know if you need help with anything, Sir," Nathalie said.
Emilie sent Gabriel a text every day complete with pictures. Together with Nathalie, they pieced together all the information they had obtained over the course of trip, and it seemed that all roads led to the Himalayas. The rumor was that there was once a temple high in the mountains, but it was destroyed many years ago. As temping as it was to go now, all those rumors and stories took place long ago. They might not find anything at all.
"I'd love to explore the mountains, Nathalie, but I miss Gabriel. I think we've been away long enough."
Nathalie simply nodded.
"Besides, once we have our child, I can come back here and start the search."
"You want to come back after you've had children? Is that wise?"
"I can't help it, Nathalie. I like a bit of excitement in my life. I don't think we'll mention that part to Gabriel just yet. I will show him the new pictures the people let me copy of the so-called superheroes. I'm sure he'll use them in a design."
So after about a year or so of globetrotting, Emilie finally went back home to Paris. As it turned out, her old friend André Bourgeois wound up marrying Audrey the Style Queen. It was a larger and more ostentatious affair than the Agreste wedding.
"There's no accounting for taste," Gabriel said.
"I concur," Emilie said, "But it's his decision, and he's been waiting some time for this."
It wasn't long after that that Emilie was pregnant. Likewise, her twin sister was also pregnant. Time seemed to fly by, and they now had a son.
"What shall we call him?" Gabriel asked.
"His name is...Adrien."
"Adrien Agreste...points for alliteration."
"Thank you, I try my best. Incidentally, Amelie called me a few days ago. Adrien now has a cousin named Félix."
Once Adrien was a year old, going on two, Emilie took him with her around the city, particularly the Louvre and other museums. It was partly to educate him, but also to indulge her curiosity. Gabriel noticed, but said nothing. Once Adrien was around three years old, Gabriel finally spoke up.
"I can understand taking him with you to work once in a while. I even get taking him to the parks or the zoo. All those trips to the various museums though. This is about that superhero thing, isn't it?"
"I think I've discovered a pattern to it all. I may even know where to find the origin of all these stories."
"Emilie, you can't just go running off. You have a career. Not to mention you're a mother now."
"Yes, I know, but it couldn't hurt."
"And what about Adrien then?"
"Well you hardly spend time with him."
"I'm far too busy. You know that."
"Well then Nathalie and the bodyguard can look after him."
"They have their duties to attend to. And please don't mention your sister and her bratty son. She doesn't like me, and I admit the feeling is mutual."
"Oh, honestly! Well then, what about André?"
"He's the mayor. He can't babysit."
"Don't be silly, Gabriel. You know he has a daughter. We can leave Adrien at the hotel. Their butler will keep an eye on them, and they can become fast friends," she started to snicker, "Best of all, Audrey is off in New York again, so she won't be there to frighten Adrien."
Gabriel smiled, "Well, if he has to make friends, at least it's someone in our circle."
This brings us to the history of the Bourgeois family. André worked at the finest hotel in Paris. While he hoped to attain a better position, his true passion was film making. It took him a long time to save up enough money to make his own independent film. Much to his surprise, he ended up making friends with a model who was an aspiring actress: Emilie Graham de Vanily. She was staying at the hotel when he ran into her.
"You're the famous model Emilie Graham de Vanily."
"You must be one of the most calm fans I've had the pleasure of meeting. And who are you, monsieur?"
"André Bourgeois, aspiring filmmaker."
Her eyes lit up, "Really?"
"Of course I like my job here, but I've been saving money to fulfill my dream. In my free time I've been writing a script."
"Would you mind if I...?"
"By all means."
After looking though the screenplay, she said, "I think we can help each other."
Seeing it as a chance to start her film career, she helped finance the film. André was so happy to make his start in film, and seeing his new friend Emilie strike up a conversation with some man she clearly liked was nice as well. He found out the man was an aspiring fashion designer when Emilie said he, Gabriel was the name, would provide costumes for the film. It was a week or so after that when Emilie told him that she helped Gabriel get discovered by Audrey the Style Queen. André was infatuated with Audrey. While he had heard she had a bad temper, she was still an excellent judge of fashion...mostly. He found her very classy and very lovely. One day, Emilie invited him to a fashion show where Gabriel's designs would be unveiled. Once there, that's when he finally met Audrey.
"Audrey, this is the man who's giving me my big break into movies. André Bourgeois, I'm sure you know Audrey."
"I've always wanted to meet you, Style Queen," he said while holding out his hand.
She ignored this, "Of course you have. Who wouldn't? So, is making movies all you do?"
"At the moment I'm working at Le Grand Paris, and I hope to run it someday."
"Now there's some real aspiration. You let me know when you're the boss, and then I'll make sure you get proper patronage."
A few years went by, and eventually the owner of the hotel wanted to retire. Seeing that André was willing and able, he was officially made manager of the hotel. Remembering what she said, André immediately let Audrey know. She made good on her statement, and soon, business was better than ever. Lots of people were willing to pay money to stay at a hotel recommended by the Style Queen.
"Now that you're somebody, what do you plan to do, besides court me that is?"
"Well, I did tell you I wanted to make films."
"Oh, come now, you can't really mean that. It's not worth it in the long run. If you want to do something important, you should run for mayor."
André was shocked, "Mayor? Audrey, that takes a lot of money. I just barely became the manager of the best hotel in Paris."
"And thanks to me you have more people visiting than before. Besides, I'll help provide the funds you need. If we're going to get married, I want security and prestige."
"What...married?"
"Amos, I've seen the way you look at me. I've permitted you to take me out on the occasional date, even if I had to do all the work. I deserve only the best restaurants after all. The film industry is fickle, and running a hotel relies on other people. You need something stable."
"But I don't know what to say."
"Of course you don't, Andrew. I shall provide you with the best campaign manager money can buy. Besides, all you have to do is tell people what they want to hear. Although I suppose that's true in all walks of life."
"You're telling me," he thought.
"Except for me, of course. I tell people what they need to hear. It will all be worth it in the long run. However, I'm much too busy to sit around waiting for you to win. I'm needed back in New York. If you need something, leave a message with my secretary."
"You're leaving already? The election isn't for a few years yet."
"Well then that should give you plenty of time to prepare. Until then, Aaron."
A few years went by, and at last opportunity knocked. Determined to gain Audrey's approval, André managed to win the election and was now mayor of Paris. He immediately called Audrey, and she eventually flew back to Paris. It was then that they got married. She got very drunk for their honeymoon. It wasn't long before Audrey had a baby. André was overjoyed at the news. He now had a daughter named Chloé. Sadly, but unsurprisingly, Audrey left about a month or so after the birth.
"Sorry, Abraham, but time waits for no man...or woman. I must get back to work. I can't stand not doing anything."
"Not doing anything? You have a child now. That's a large responsibility."
"We both have careers we have to deal with. Mine just happens to take place overseas. It can't be helped. I'll try to make time for a visit. I'm sure you can handle Courtney on your own. I recommend you hire a nurse or something."
She walked out without another word.
André sadly walked into his daughter's room, "Her name is Chloé."
He watched over her as she lay asleep in her crib.
"I'm sorry, mon princesse, but I promise I'll do whatever it takes to make you happy...and to make sure you're better than your mother."
Three years seemed to fly by. When André was too busy to look after his daughter, he had the butler take care of her. One day, almost out of the blue, he got a call from Emilie Agreste.
"What a pleasant surprise. It's been so long since we've talked."
"Always a pleasure, André. I was thinking, Gabriel and I are both busy, and our little Adrien needs some company. Your little Chloé needs a friend as well, I'd imagine. So why not set up a play date at your hotel?"
"Why that sounds delightful. I'll have Armand make all the necessary preparations."
Gorilla drove Emilie and Adrien to the hotel.
"Adrien, mon petit ange, you're going to make a friend today."
The trio went inside, and took the elevator to the top floor. They were greeted by André himself.
"André, what a pleasant surprise. I didn't think you'd be here."
"Oh, I have to be getting to work, but I wanted to meet Adrien for myself first."
"Adrien, this is your Oncle André. He's the mayor. That means his job is very important."
Adrien shyly said, "Hi."
"Nice to finally meet you, my boy. Now allow me to introduce my precious jewel, Chloé."
She jumped out from behind her father, surprising Adrien. Had she been there the whole time? With her bright blue eyes and shiny blonde hair, she looked very similar to Audrey. Thankfully, though, her eyes were warm rather than cold. She also didn't have a constant look of disdain.
"Hi there! You're Tante Emilie. I watched your movie with Papa."
"Isn't she a bit young to watch that? It's not quite her speed."
"Got to get them started early on art. You took Adrien to museums, I had her watch film. I started with some more children oriented films, of course, but then we moved on to the classics."
Armand the butler arrived at the room.
"Ah, there you are, Armand. Please keep an eye on the children."
"I won't let them out of my sight, M."
Emilie hugged Adrien, "Maman will be back as soon as she can, Adrien."
Adrien didn't cry as she left, but still looked a bit sad.
"Chloé," André said, "Why don't you and Adrien find something fun to do? Play a game with him, read a book, that sort of thing. I'll be back as soon as I'm free."
"Okay, Papa."
She grabbed Adrien's arm and yanked him to the other side of her room.
"I'm sure Papa wouldn't mind if I showed you his movie. Tante Emilie is in it, you know."
"She told me about it, but I've never seen it."
So the pair watched "Solitude" despite it being a rather slow and artsy film. What mattered to them was that Emilie was in it and that André made it. They were playing a card game with made up rules at the same time to make things more interesting.
"What did my mommy do in that movie?" Adrien asked.
"Don't know. So what else do you like to do?"
"Père sometimes lets me watch him work. Maman always takes me to museums. Nathalie lets me do whatever I want, unless Père or Maman say so. Gorilla shows me his toy collection and we watch movies. When everyone is busy, I like to read, I guess."
"That's nice."
"What about your mommy?"
Chloé seemed to seize up. She sank to the floor, her eyes starting to water.
"My mommy isn't here."
"Why not?"
"Papa says she's working in America."
"Really? That's far away."
"Yeah...Papa says I met her when I was 1, but I don't remember. Then he said I met her again when I was 2, but I can't remember that either. Then she visited after New Year's. I heard her say something about how she only has to visit the other girl once a year."
"What's that mean?"
"Don't know. I saw her again last month. She can't remember my name."
"Why not?"
"Papa says it's because she's busy. She must be really busy, because she can't remember his name either. Papa says that when she visits I should be nice to her, but I must be doing something wrong."
"Like what?"
"Every time I say salut or bonjour, she doesn't say anything. When I try to hug her, she acts scared. Last time, I said, I love you, Maman."
The tears were falling now.
"What did she say?"
"She said, that's nice, and then she walked away."
She was straight up crying now.
That's when Armand walked up, "Mlle. Chloé, how could I forget? Your father got a gift for you."
She let out a sniffle, "Really?"
"A brand new teddy bear, just pour vous."
It was indeed a soft yellow teddy bear. She gently took it from his hand.
"I suggest you give him a name so that he feels like one of the family."
"Okay...his name is...M. Cuddly," she said, hugging the bear tightly.
"A fine choice, Mlle. Would you and your new friends like a snack?"
"Oui, s'il vous plaît," she replied, finally smiling.
"I shall call room service."
While Armand was making the phone call, Adrien reached over and gave Chloé a hug.
"What was that for?"
"Because I don't want you to be sad. You're my friend."
"Really?"
"Really really. I won't forget you."
Armand brough them snacks, and they watched another movie. Afterwards, they watched cartoons.
"Why does your mommy take you to the museum?"
"I think she's looking for something. I hear her talk about it to Nathalie. I think she said something about a superhero."
"Like those?" Chloé asked, pointing at the TV.
A character flying around in a cape was talking to another character in a shiny suit. Then it cut to another character in a mask.
"Sort of...I think so."
Time seemed to fly by, and at last André arrived.
"Papa!"
"Salut, mon ange. Have you and Adrien been having fun?"
"Oui, Papa. Thank you for my M. Cuddly."
"Anything for you, ma fille."
"I'm here, Adrien, mon amour," Emilie called.
Adrien latched onto her leg, "I saw your movie, Maman. You're pretty."
She stroked his hair, "Adrien, you flatterer, just like your father. Thanks again, M. Mayor."
"Anything for a friend, Emilie."
Over the next few weeks, Adrien was dropped off with Chloé several times. However, it was almost time to send the children to maternelle.
"I'm not sure if I want Adrien to attend school with the common folk," Gabriel said.
"It's not that I think he's better," Emilie said, "I'm just not sure if I trust the system. Everything must be perfect for our Adrien. On top of that, since he's famous, he might be bullied."
"If I may interrupt?" Nathalie chimed in.
"Speak you mind, Nathalie," Gabriel said.
"Thank you, sir. Perhaps you should at least give maternelle a try. You can see how Adrien likes it, and you can take time to decide if you'd rather he be homeschooled. In fact, it might be to his benefit to let him attend maternelle with other children, and then once he reaches élémentaire, you can begin hiring tutors."
"That sounds like a good plan to me," Emilie said, "What do you think, Gorilla? You and/or Nathalie would have to take him there and pick him up."
Gorilla smiled and nodded.
"What about you, Gabi?"
"Well...I suppose letting him attend for the first few years couldn't hurt."
"Wonderful! He can attend the same school as Chloé so he won't be alone."
When the semester did start, Adrien was exceedingly happy to be around other kids at last. He didn't like having to go home immediately after school, but he was happy he could attend at all. Chloé, meanwhile, didn't know Adrien would be there, so she was feeling sad as she sat alone in a corner. A redheaded girl with glasses came up to her.
"Bonjour."
"Yeah, bonjour."
"My name's Sabrina Raincomprix. What's yours?"
"Chloé Bourgeois."
"The mayor is your daddy?"
"Yeah..."
"My daddy is a policeman."
"That's nice."
"Do you wanna be friends?"
Chloé perked up at that, "Really?"
"Really really. I don't want you to be sad. It's the first day of school. You're pretty, and your clothes are nice."
"Merci, but I'm sad because my other friend isn't here."
"Hi, Chloé!" said a familiar voice.
"Adrien?! You're here!"
They hugged each other tightly.
"Adrien, this is my new friend Sabrina Raincomprix. She says her daddy is a policeman. Sabrina, this is Adrien. He was my first friend."
"Nice to meet you, Adrien."
"Nice to meet you, Sabrina."
Adrien was glad Chloé was there with him, but he was very glad she had made another friend. Much to Adrien's surprise, one of the other kids approached him first.
"You are Adrien Agreste. Okaa-san told me about you. My name is Tsurugi Kagami."
She gave him a hug.
"What was that for?"
"It seems that it was thanks to your parents that I was able to come here. Okaa-san said -"
"Who?"
"Oh, sorry. That means my mother. We speak French, but I started with Japanese. That's where we're from."
"Oh, you mean the lady that can't see."
"That's correct. She said that your parents convinced her to let me come to school with you."
"Adrien," Chloé butted in, eyeing the new girl, "Do you know this girl?"
"No, but I know her mommy. She's friends with my parents."
"Kon'nichiwa, I mean, bonjour. My name is Tsurugi Kagami. I'm happy to be here. I don't have any friends."
Chloé didn't like how Kagami just walked up to Adrien and hugged him, but that statement gave her pause. She knew what it was like to be alone. The day she met Adrien was the best day of her life. The idea that this girl had no one, that was just sad.
"I'll be your friend," Adrien said.
"Me too!" Chloé said, "Everyone needs friends. Right, Sabrina?"
"Of course, Chloé. Any friend of yours is a friend of mine."
Chloé stuck her hand out, palm towards the floor.
"What are you doing?" Kagami asked.
"They always do this on TV. One person on a team sticks out their hand, and the other teammates put their hand on top."
Adrien smiled and placed his hand on top of hers. Kagami looked confused, but did likewise. Sabrina hesitated though.
"What's the matter, Sabrina?"
"Chloé...I...I'm not like you three."
"What does that mean?"
"Your dad is mayor, Adrien's parents are famous, Kagami has a famous mom, but my papa is just a police officer."
"You think because your dad has an ordinary job that makes you not good enough or something?"
"Something like that."
Chloé pulled Sabrina close.
"Sabrina, you were the first person to say hello to me here. You told me how nice I looked. You're a good person. Plus you have glasses, and that means you're smart."
"It does?"
"Well that's how it works on TV."
"You are shy, Sabrina," Kagami said, "But if you did say hello to Chloé as soon as she got here, then you are not just nice, you are also brave."
Sabrina looked surprised, "Brave?"
"Why did you say hi to Chloé? Was it just to be nice?"
"No...it was also because she looked sad."
"Then you are someone I would want to be friends with."
Sabrina gave a little smile. She then placed her hand on top of everyone else's. The four friends spent all of maternelle together. However, for the last year, that's when Adrien's parents decided to start homeschool. When it was time to go to élémentaire, Kagami was also homeschooled. The most difficult part for the Agrestes was deciding what to teach Adrien. They got tutors for all the basics, but as he got older, what about electives?
"He will of course be a model for your brand when he's old enough. He's so handsome that it's a given," Emilie said, "So what about business? That way he'll know everything you're talking about."
"I'm sure Nathalie can handle that."
"Oh, and piano. I just adore the piano. I'd love for him to play for me."
"Anything for you, mon cher. I've heard that Tsurugi-san is having her daughter take fencing. I think that would be useful as well. Some type of self-defense is always necessary."
"What about foreign languages? I've been teaching him some English. Tomoe suggested Japanese, which could be useful, but what about Chinese as well?"
"I'm sure Tsurugi-san can recommend a Japanese tutor, but as for Chinese..."
Nathalie had been mostly busy going over schedules, but she now spoke up, "Sir, I believe I know someone who'd be willing to take the job."
"Oh, good," Emilie replied, "Do we know them?"
"He says his name is Wang Fu. He runs a small massage parlor. I go there now and then once I'm off duty. He told me he was actually from China, and he also said he makes money on the side teaching Chinese."
"That sounds ideal," Gabriel said, "Bring him here at once, providing he has no prior obligations. Just to make sure, though, remind him who you work for."
"Of course, sir."
In no time at all, Nathalie and Gorilla had returned with an older Chinese gentleman. Gabriel looked him up and down. The man walked with a cane, but he wondered if this Fu person really needed it. His choice in attire was questionable, a bright Hawaiian style shirt, but it would likely be cheaper than hiring another tutor.
"M. and Mme. Agreste, what an honor this is. You cannot imagine my surprise when Mme. Sancoeur informed me that I was requested by you."
"I'll get right to the point, M. Fu. My son is being homeschooled, and after careful consideration, my wife and I have decided it would be prudent for him to learn Chinese. Nathalie tells me you've had experience teaching the language."
"It helps to pay the bills, as they say."
He then spoke a few lines.
Emilie was delighted, "He sounds just like all those nice people we met back in China. We'd love to hire you, M."
"Merci, Mme. It would be my pleasure to teach your son what I know."
"Now about your fee," Gabriel said, "What would you say is a fair price?"
"Oh, as I said, I have my massage parlor. I leave it to your generous nature."
Emilie stifled a snicker, which in turn caused Nathalie to do the same. Gabriel said nothing, just pulled out a checkbook.
"I trust this amount will suffice for starters," he said, handing the check to Fu.
"My goodness, you're very kind. May I say hello to the boy?"
"Very well, but keep it brief."
"Show him the way, Nathalie," Emilie said, "His name is Adrien."
"Merci."
Nathalie led him up an elaborate staircase, stopping outside the room.
"We can discuss his schedule once you're done here. As he said, please be brief."
*Knock knock knock*
"Adrien, there's someone here your parents would like you to meet."
"Come in, Nathalie," Adrien replied in a quiet voice.
"Adrien, your parents have been going over your subjects, and it was decided that learning Chinese would be a good idea. This is M. Fu, and he will be your tutor. I trust five minutes will be enough."
She walked outside the room.
"Very pleased to meet you, young man."
"Nice to meet you to," he said in a rather lifeless voice.
"Is something the matter?"
"I wish I could keep attending normal school like all the other kids."
"Did you have a lot of friends?"
"Actually, I really only had three friends."
"Well, quality over quantity, they say. Can't they come to visit you?"
"Yeah, sometimes, but it's not the same. I liked feeling free. Being in here is like a...I think the phrase is gilded cage."
"I can understand where you're coming from. Perhaps your parents will change their minds later."
"When Maman and Père make up their minds, nothing ever seems to change them."
"Well, Adrien, you can count on making at least one new friend."
He perked up, "Really? You mean you? You're not going to be like all the other tutors who are all serious and just business?"
"That's not my style of teaching. A good teacher adapts to make it easier for their student to learn. Before I go, I'd like you to have one of these."
"What's that?"
"This is called a macaron."
He handed it Adrien. Adrien looked it over, smelled it, and then took a small bite. His eyes widened as he shoved the rest of it in his mouth.
"Slow down, my boy" Fu said, "Food must be savored."
"That was delicious! Did you make that?"
Fu chuckled, "I'm afraid I can't take the credit for that. I got them at the Tom & Sabine Boulangerie Pâtisserie. They are the finest bakers in Paris, and very good friends of mine. I sometimes teach their daughter Chinese as well. She's shaping up to be as good a baker as they are. Well, I really must be off. We mustn't keep your parents waiting."
As they walked out of the room, Gabriel and Emilie were waiting at the foot of the stairs, while Nathalie and Gorilla were standing halfway between the top and bottom. As soon as he saw everyone watching him, Adrien's smile faded.
"Back to your room, Adrien."
He slunk away like a kicked dog, "Yes, Père."
"Nathalie here will help you put together a schedule for Adrien's lessons," Gabriel continued.
"Gabi," Emilie said, "I hate to see Adrien look sad like that."
He sighed, "Fine, he can invite his friends over this weekend."
The weekend couldn't get here fast enough for Adrien. Finally, a reason to break out a multi-player video game. Kagami was the first to arrive, followed by Chloé and Sabrina.
"Who is this exactly?" Gabriel questioned.
"Oh, that's right. Oncle Gabriel, meet Sabrina Raincomprix. Her dad is on the police force."
"Well, the police work closely with the mayor, so I suppose that's fine."
"Oh, behave, Gabriel," Emilie said, "Go right upstairs, children."
"Thanks, Tante Emilie."
Once the children were all in Adrien's room...
"Those three are his only friends, Gabi. Besides you already know Roger is a decent man."
"Yes, yes."
Back in his room, the four kids played a fighting game, with Adrien winning the most often.
"If this was an actual fight," Kagami said, "You would lose."
"Oh, calm down," Chloé said, "Don't be a sore loser."
"But Chloé," Sabrina said, "You punch your pillow every time you lose."
Kagami snickered at that.
Chloé gave her a look, "Thanks, Sabrina."
"Maybe we should play a different four player game," Adrien suggested.
They then played a racing game. This time Chloé won most of the time.
"And I never took a lesson once."
"I'm pretty sure driving in a game won't help you driving in real life," Sabrina said.
"Your dad would tell you that."
"Yes, but also any sane person would tell you that."
"Fine, let's play something else then."
They were playing a party game. Kagami won at last.
"Victory is sweet."
"I wish I didn't have to wait until the weekend to see you guys," Adrien said.
"It's not your fault your parents are overprotective jerks," Chloé replied.
"Don't call them that."
"Why not? They keep you locked in here all the time."
"They do it because they love me."
"Yeah, right."
"I better change the subject," Sabrina thought, "You know what? I'll bet once we get to collège, your parents will let you come back to school with us."
"What makes you say that?" Adrien asked.
"I guess it's just a gut feeling. Maybe also a bit of hope."
"In that case," Kagami said, "I hope the same is true for my mother."
Chloé smirked, "I'll bet I could get Papa to help persuade them."
Kagami looked surprised, "You would do that for me?"
"We're friends aren't we, Tsurugi?"
"Why...yes."
"Do you really think you could?" Adrien asked.
"It's not like I'm only doing this for selfish reasons. Papa knows how your parents are. When I explain things to him, I know he'd agree. Maybe he'll tell them it's good for business or something."
"Almost time to go, girls," Emilie called.
"It'll be time for you to attend collège with us before you know it," Sabrina said.
"And then no more stuffy tutors," Chloé added.
"Actually there is one tutor that's my friend. I call him Master Fu. He teaches me Chinese. He even gave me a macaron from some nice bakery. Some people named Tom and Sabine."
"The baker girl's parents," Chloé grumbled, "I might've known."
"Who?"
"Her name's Marinette Dupain-Cheng," Sabrina explained, "She's Tom and Sabine's daughter. She goes to élémentaire with us."
"Master Fu said he teaches her Chinese as well."
"Yeah, whatever. Lucky her."
Adrien looked concerned, "Chloé, did this Marinette do something wrong?"
"Well...no, but still..."
"But still what?"
"Her parents have been to the school. They're very nice."
"And this bothers you?" Kagami asked.
"Why should it bother me?"
"Because your father is often very busy, and your mother neglects you."
"That was a rhetorical question!"
"Chloé," Adrien said, "I won't act like I know if there's a feud between you and this other girl, but if you're just jealous of her parents, that's no reason to talk badly about her."
"Don't be like your mother, Chloé," Kagami said.
"Excuse me?"
"Your mother believes she's above others. That's what my mother always says."
Chloé didn't want to hear that, but she said nothing.
"I know you don't like your mother, so why not try to be better than she is?"
"Yeah, Chloé," Adrien added, "Please be nice."
She sighed, "Okay, I'll try."
"Your ride's here, girls!" Emilie called.
"Until next time, Adrien," Kagami said.
"Yeah, it was fun as always," Sabrina said.
Chloé gave Adrien a hug, "I'll fix everything, Adrikins. Mark my words."
Once they left, Adrien laid across his bed. He was happy to have such good friends.
"I sure hope Chloé's right."