songerein | [Closed] Settling In

Who: Gabriel and Adrien Agreste
When: Early this month
Where: Their new house, then likely later out and about
What: Agreste awkwardness. Agreste awkwardness everywhere. Also errands.
Warnings: Likely also some Agreste angst, given the nature their situation.

All in all it hadn't taken them too long to find a house both he and Adrien could agree on. While a far cry from the Agreste mansion in either of their worlds, they both agreed that it was likely the better for the differences. And far more practical, given that they'd have to maintain it largely on their own, at least for the present. A modest, two story house with the kitchen and living area on the ground floor, and the bathroom and two bedrooms upstairs. Technically, there were three bedrooms, but one was rather smaller than the other two, and Gabriel was gradually setting it up as an office and workroom. It was surrounded by a small, fenced in yard, what would be a few small flowerbeds come Spring, and tree that neither of them could immediately identify- given that it was currently bare of leaves- in one corner. All in all it was rather charming.

That didn't make the living situation any less awkward, however. Of course they'd both likely somewhat expected it to be. They got along reasonably well most of the time, but things were distant at best, despite the much closer quarters. While this was also somewhat to be expected under the circumstances, it wasn't a state of affairs that Gabriel wished to have continue. But how to break the metaphorical ice in a way that wouldn't seem like he was intruding, or trying to step into a place that- whatever his feelings about the version of himself Adrien had called father- was not his to take? After discussing the matter with Nooroo, he'd finally come to a decision, settling on a course of action that he felt would likely be relatively stress free for both of them- or at least he hoped so- and one that Adrien could easily refuse if he didn't feel he was ready.

Even so he found himself hesitating outside the closed door to Adrien's bedroom. Why on Earth did simply knocking on a door feel so daunting? He glanced back at the door to his own bedroom; Nooroo hovered there, giving him an encouraging smile and a 'go ahead' gesture before popping back through the closed door and out of sight. Buoyed by his little partner's support, Gabriel took a deep breath and knocked.

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He considered, hesitating. He wanted to help this other world. But could he put people at risk if this version of his father... wasn't what he seemed? He wasn't there to help fix the problem if this was a problem. But if he could help, with what he'd learned about that world, if it was the same world...

"I'll.... think about things that could maybe help," he finally said, wishing he could consult with Nino.

He smiled, though it was somewhat sad. "I doubt there's a great deal you can do for a world not your own," he said. "And I wouldn't want to get you involved in my world's troubles even if there were. But I appreciate the thought regardless."

He cleared his throat softly. "In any case, we seem to keep getting sidetracked by the conversation, but we should probably get going. These advertisements aren't going to hang themselves, after all."

He shrugged. "They say... those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it but... I think... maybe some of our history could help you to intentionally repeat it, in your world," he finally said.

He was still reluctant to get any version of Adrien involved with the larger affairs of his world, for multiple reasons, many of which he couldn't state openly. But the fact that he'd made the offer at all said much about both him and his world. "Perhaps so," he agreed after a moment. "In that case I hope I'll be able to carry it back with me then."

They did finally make it out the door, and found themselves to be reasonably successful in putting up the advertisements. Most shop owners the spoke to proved willing to allow them to put up the flyers, and those who refused were politely thanked for their time before they moved on. Eventually, as lunchtime approached, they passed by the library. "Hmm... I wonder if the library would have a place to post bills and the like?", he said as they paused in front of it. "Would you like to go in and check before we head to lunch? You could sign up for a local library card while we're there, if you liked; that way you'd at least have a source of reading material to pass the time with."

He hesitated, then nodded. "Until I build up my own library here, anyway..." he said. He wasn't used to having so few books around to distract himself with. "I wonder if they have music and shows too..." He hadn't really intended to say that last part out loud, was more thinking to himself.

"I'm not sure," Gabriel said as they started to head inside. "I haven't really seen any evidence of television or movie theaters since I've been here, so the latter seems unlikely, but music recordings likely wouldn't stand out as much. Though I suppose the only way to know for certain is to ask."

He nodded a bit, already considering what he could risk asking for or checking out with Gabriel right there.

And if he should push the boundaries to test them or not.

"Assuming they do have music recordings, I wonder if they have anything by Rugged Stone?", Gabriel said. "Or his equivalent in your world, at least. His music is a bit... loud for my taste, but I know that my son enjoys it." He himself preferred jazz or classical, depending on his mood. He seldom had the leisure to just relax and listen, but having music on in the background while he worked sometimes helped if he was stuck on a design.

"..................RUGGED?!" he asked. "Rugged... Stone...." He couldn't help the laugh that tried to explode from behind the hands he put over his mouth to try and stifle it. Was that really a difference, or just... an adult being that out of touch?

Gabriel was surprised by the laugh at first, but couldn't help but smile himself after a moment, even if it was a bit puzzled. As if he wasn't quite sure if he'd missed a joke or not. "Yes," he said. "I designed a costume for him not too long before I arrived here. He was quite pleased with it; he even commissioned a matching one for his son. Though I take it he doesn't go by 'Rugged Stone' in your world?"

"Wait, he wanted one for Luka?" he asked, surprised and pleased. "What about Juleka?" He was so happy for his friends. Their having their dad around was still pretty new for them, and no where near as... complicated... or dramatic as his situation. For all Jagged was... Jagged.

"Marinette did some design work for Jagged Stone in our reality, but that was before we knew he was our friends' father."

Gabriel thought for a moment. "Hmm... he never mentioned a daughter named Juleka," he said. "At least not to me personally. But then the costume in question likely wouldn't have been suitable for a young lady without some significant changes, so it's possible he might commission a separate piece for her later."

"Maybe. I hope she got something fun too. She's a really amazing person, even if she has trouble seeing it herself sometimes."

Gabriel nodded his agreement. "Assuming I can recall this conversation when I return to my own world, I'll look into it, if possible," he said. "I was planning to introduce Luka to my world's Adrien anyway, and creating an outfit for his sister would provide an excuse for the two of them to spend a bit more time together."

He almost said something then paused, wondering if he was giving too much away. Worried, he tried cautiously anyway, keeping his tone casual. "They might become friends."

He nodded. "That's my hope," he said. "I know it must be difficult for him, not having anyone his own age to talk to, but at the same time, my world can be a genuinely dangerous place. In this case, as the child of another wealthy family whose father is someone very well known, I thought that not only might they have more in common, but there would also be less chance that he'd potentially be taken advantage of."

"Wait... wealthy family...?" Luka and Julika? Really?

"Yes," he said. "Given that Mr. Stone was able easily afford two Agreste originals, one of which was a specific request for a private commission, I assume that being a rock star pays very well."

"They... live with their dad?" he asked, startled

[Closed] Settling In

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And time skippin' away

Re: And time skippin' away

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Must have missed this one somehow...

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