You're The Music That's Been Playing In My Head: Book Four

Pretension: Part 1

Adrien, Kagami, and I walk through the school doors, having just finished our after-school extracurricular activities when Marinette runs up with a determined expression.

"You know what Adrien? No more mustaches and four-minute and thirty-seven-second dates! That's over! I've been thinking and we shouldn't have to hide!"

I snort at the obvious conclusion.

"I'm sorry, Marinette. It's my fault. I tried talking to my father, but he wasn't having it," Adrien admits apologetically.

"No, no, you don't need to apologize. It's not on you that your dad isn't willing to listen, it's not you he has a problem with," Marinette reassures and I nod.

"Yeah, we're the ones he has a problem with though I'm not entirely sure why but hopefully it's just because he's a worried father which can be resolved with a talk, we just need to make it happen."

Kagami's ride pulls up.

"I also need to have a talk with my mother, I've been running from that responsibility for too long."

"Good luck Kagami, call us if you need us," I encourage her as we wave goodbye and watch her leave.

Soon after Adrien's ride pulls up.

"Four minutes and thirty-seven seconds sure does go by fast," Adrien sighs when Marinette grabs his hand and I interlock my arm through his.

"Once we've talked to your father we won't have to count the seconds anymore, everything's gonna be ok."

"Now's a good time to go see him if he won't be open to the idea, we're not gonna give him a choice," Marinette and I reassure as we lead him to the car and get in, saying hello to his bodyguard.

"Everything's alright, don't worry about it," Adrien reassures the bodyguard and he starts to head to Agreste Manor.

Walking in, we're met with the same black-and-white marble grandeur that was the foyer, a portrait of Gabriel Agreste and Adrien in black, hanging above the stairway. This seems to put Marinette on edge.

"Maybe we should've warned your father beforehand..."

"No, he wouldn't have allowed it, if we want to talk to him, it has to be like this," I crossed my arms, narrowing my eyes at the portrait of Mr. Agreste.

Adrien leads us into the kitchen where we find Gabriel making pancakes.

"Ah, perfect timing you three, I hope you're hungry," He waves at us with a spatula.

"Dad, Marinette, (y/n), and I would like to talk to you," Adrien tells him with a smile.

Gabriel's gaze instantly falls to Adrien and Marinette's interlocked hands. "Of course, Marinette, (y/n), are pancakes ok for you?"

"Sure are."

"Sure..." I trail off, pursing my lips, his supposed kindness putting me on edge.

"Adrien, how was practice?"

"Great."

"Good to hear. You may leave us now, please. I think Marinette, (y/n), and I will be more comfortable talking alone."

There's the other shoe.

"But I'd rather stay here with them."

"Adrien," Gabriel says eternally, tightening his grip on the spatula. "I'm your father, and I'm asking you to go up to your room."

Yeah right, that's a full-on demand.

Adrien frowns, letting go of Marinette's hand, and starts to leave when I catch his wrist.

"Stay. This conversation involves you too, you have a right to be here."

Adrien smiles at me but one glare from Gabriel and he's retreating to his room. I meet Gabriel's angry gaze with an equally angry and challenging one. He turns around, focusing back on his pancakes.

"I'm listening, ladies."

"Adrien should be here this is a conversation concerning him, he has a right to talk about who he associates with," I challenge when Marinette grasps my shoulder and begins to start explaining things to Gabriel.

"That's why I'm sure this is all a big misunderstanding," Marinette finished pleading our case as we sat at the island while I glared holes into the back of his head.

"You're right, there is a misunderstanding," Gabriel confirms, handing us each a plate with a single pancake. "You see your pancakes? It's your future, if it's not big enough for you I can make it just the way you like, simply tell me what you want. Double pancake? Triple? I can provide it with jam, maple syrup, bananas, blueberries, and chocolate, all you have to do is ask and you'll have everything you wish for."

I narrowed my eyes at Mr. Agreste as this began to sound more and more like a bribe.

"I've seen your work Marinette, and I remember the hat you created for Adrien, you're talented and with my support, the daughter of the local bakers could become the world's greatest designer. The same for you (y/n) with your music, I know many contacts that could help. The perfect pancake awaits you, the only thing you won't be able to do with that pancake...Is share it with Adrien, as a friend or more. To prove my point do you see him in this kitchen? No. He's not with you and he never will be because Adrien has a destiny that doesn't include sharing pancakes with either of you."

"What? No, that can't be! Adrien and I are in love and—" Marinette starts stuttering while I go quiet with rage, face darkening.

"I don't think you understand child. So let me put things simply. Life is like fashion, you think you have a choice but you only have the illusion of choice and I decide what choices are given to you."