Chapter Text
It was fitting that, in order to return to normalcy and leave the vacation fantasyland behind, the Agreste family had to get up early. All three of them were accustomed to that, even if they’d rather sleep in. Nathalie, Gabriel, and Adrien got up, showered, dressed, packed, and fed, and then took a cab to the airport. From there, they got on their plane back to France. Gabriel was asleep instantly, and it was then that Nathalie let herself finally relax.
She had finally gotten comfortable when Adrien, who was in the seat in front of her, turned around to face her. “Hey, Nathalie? Remember that you said you’d tell me what made you smile so much that first day?”
“I’m afraid I don’t recall what you mean, Adrien,” she said apologetically. “I’m still a little sleepy. My brain isn’t fully awake yet.”
“When we were making the sandcastle, and I took a picture of us,” he prompted. “I said I’d never seen you smile like that, and you said you’d tell me what you were thinking about when we were back in Paris. I know we’re not there yet, but could you tell me now?”
She gave him a small smile. “I was thinking about you, actually. When you, your father, your mother, and myself went to the beach the last time. I know you don’t remember it much, but I do, and I cherish that memory greatly. Specifically, I was thinking about how you were too tired to walk at the end of the day, and I had to carry you back to the car. You fell asleep on the ride home.”
“Wow,” he replied softly. “I’m the one who made you smile like that? Love you too, Nathalie.”
Nathalie felt her cheeks heat up. Adrien twisted back around to face forward on the plane. She put on her headphones to block out the distracting chatter, and got to work.
Finally, they were back at the mansion. Adrien took his bags and darted upstairs to his room immediately. Gabriel was about to follow him when he stopped halfway up the stairs. “I feel a strong negative emotion,” he said, with a tinge of guilt in his voice. “Should I …?”
Nathalie checked the clock in the entryway. “You have an hour until your dinner with Adrien, sir. If you think you can get the job done in that amount of time, I won’t stop you. Just don’t be late.” She paused, and then added, “Do you need my help?”
“No, I think you should get some rest while I do this,” he said. “And I won’t forget. I promised to put my family first, and I meant it.” He smiled, and disappeared up the stairs in the direction of his office.
Nathalie decided to head to Adrien’s room and help him unpack. He received her with a grateful smile, and they went through the task together, folding and hanging and sorting clothing and accessories. They were about halfway done when Adrien broke their easy silence with a yawn. “I think I need a nap before dinner, Nathalie. Is that okay?”
“I’ll set an alarm for thirty minutes, so you won’t be late,” she agreed.
“You can lay down too, if you want,” he offered, already prone on the bed. “You need rest, too.”
“I shouldn’t,” she said gently, but Adrien appeared to already be asleep.
Well, he didn’t hear her refuse. And he did look very comfortable.
Nathalie set the aforementioned alarm and settled down beside Adrien on the bed. She didn’t intend to fall asleep, instead wanting only to rest her eyes for a moment. They were so heavy, and she was rather tired …
When the alarm went off, Adrien got up and turned it off. It looked like Nathalie had fallen asleep after all, he observed. Well, good for her. I won’t wake her.
He smoothed his clothing out and went down for dinner. Gabriel was already seated at his place, which was surprising. “Hello, son,” he said, more warmly than usual. “Come sit. Where is Nathalie?”
“She’s asleep,” he replied, taking his seat.
Gabriel smiled. “Good. Well, I’d like to have dinner with you tonight, if that’s alright with you?”
Adrien couldn’t help but smile. “I would never say no to an offer like that, Father. What are we eating tonight?”
Nathalie awoke from her nap with a jolt. “What time is it?” she fretted to herself. “I’m missing dinner! I hope it’s going well for them."
As if on cue, laughter erupted from downstairs.
She smiled. “I think they’re fine.” With that, she closed her eyes again.
the end