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"I don't know, Nathalie, I don't think this is such a good idea after all." Gabriel sighed, removing his glasses as he pinched the bridge of his nose gently.
Nathalie picked up one half of her sandwich. "Gabriel, you already said you would host this quarter's dinner. You can't back out now. You already did that last time you were asked to host."
"Yes, I suppose you have a point. But that means I actually have to interact with my guests. In my own home." He recoiled at the thought, as he laid back. His arms sprawled and holding his glasses in his right hand. His blurred gaze fixated upon the ceiling, while she ate her sandwich. She swallowed her bite and sighed.
"It won't be that bad, you know... You've planned great parties in the past. What makes this any different?" She inquired.
Gabriel turned his head to look at her. "I've never done this by myself. You or Emilie were always by my side to help me. And well, she's gone, and you're ill... so I'll be doing this all alone. What am I going to do?"
Nathalie frowned at his lamenting. It's true, she was sick, but that didn't mean her work should stop. All she's been doing is reading up on the guardian book but with each passing day, it feels more and more like a dead end. Maybe she could do something to make his life a little easier this time around. He and Adrien have been so wonderful to her- bringing her food, sitting with her and keeping company. However, she's noticed that the older Agreste is once again not properly caring for himself. He seems to be skipping lunch and pushing his nose deeper into his personal affairs- miraculous related or otherwise. It was just like when Emilie first lost her battle and he sunk into a deep state of sorrow. She believes they should share the load together, because it would be easier that way. She sets her sandwich down on the plate. "How about I help you?"
He put his glasses on, sitting straight up. "No. I can't ask of that for you. You do too much for me already." He closed his eyes, his hand resting on his thigh. "I can't keep accepting your help. You deserve to rest."
Her hand slid under her table, and rested atop his. "Gabriel... I want to help. I don't think you understand how boring my days would be if I didn't help you. I can only read the same books and do the same things so many times without getting bored out of my skull."
He looked at her, and then to the hand on his. He gave it some thought, picturing himself in her shoes for just a moment. "I see... Nathalie, you're truly miraculous. Special in every way. I don't know what I would do without you."
"It's just me doing my job. Come, let's start discussing details." She urged, as she withdrew her hand from his, and retrieved the tablet. She guided him through the menial things- like picking out a theme and colors. Masquerade- black, gold and white. He would make the masks of various Zodiac animals for his guests to wear while they enjoyed themselves at this secret affair. Arrangements were made for Le Grand Paris to cater, as to keep the affair truly within the ranks. He even had plans to allow the children of the various members to come along too. Adrien would have no issues keeping them entertained in his large bedroom. Soon, those kids would be old enough to join their parents, but given that he had plans to steal back what his conniving nephew had taken from him, this party was not the right time. If he fails, someone will find out the truth- he is the ominous Shadow Moth. Nathalie assured him that his plan would not fail, and he will get that ring back. Once they had all the logistics solved, she drafted digital invitations with the details they agreed on. Once he gave an approval, she emailed each recipient an e-vite. "And, sent. See, that wasn't so bad."
"I... suppose it wasn't. I'll have to contact the kitchen staff at Le Grand Paris for catering arrangements at some point."
"Do you want me to do that?"
"I'll take care of it."
"Oh, and Gabriel? Have you eaten lunch today?"
"No, how come?"
"Here, you need to eat." She insisted, offering him the other half of her sandwich.
He put his hand out. "Nathalie, I can't do that. You need all the nutrients you can get."
"Please, I can always ask for another sandwich later. Please, you need to eat too."
Reluctantly, he took it and smiled at her softly. His voice became less uptight and more relaxed. "I suppose you're right. Thank you."
They enjoyed the sandwich together, musing over various things and details. He wanted nothing more than to just keep this between them in the moment. Too bad the grand event couldn't be just a party of two.