We Can Make A Dress So Pretty

[papillion_de_resistance]

Who: Gabriel and anyone, but especially those who'll be participating in his fashion show (Open with one closed prompt)
Where: The Auradon prep Home Ec room
When: A few days after the holiday party
What: Taking final measurements for those in the fashion show, general socializing with the awkward fashion nerd for others
Warnings: Shouldn't be any besides maybe some feels? Will add more if need be.

Final Measurement Appointments

Most of those in Auradon would know Gabriel as being a bit awkward, but those who visited the Home Ec room today would find him in his element. A tantalizing glimpse of a rack of partly finished dresses- and one child-sized suit- could be seen peeking through the gaps of a curtained off area, while finalized design sketches of the same outfits decorated the bulletin board. Meanwhile Gabriel stood ready with measuring tape and notebook as well as a sturdy step stool for those who were on the shorter side as he awaited his prospective models.

Any knocks on the door during the expected timeframe would be met with a warm smile. "Ah, welcome," he said. "Please, come in and we'll get started."

Wonder Twins?- Closed to Nagihiko

Gabriel smiled down at Nagihiko. "I'm glad you were willing to help out," he said. "I understand why the situation would feel a bit awkward to your sister, but thankfully at this age there shouldn't be too much difference between the two of you." That would all change once puberty happened of course, but for now, one twin's measurements should suffice for both. He may have to do a few quick stitches for Nadeshiko on the day, but that would be a simple matter. "If you could take off your hoodie and any other bulky clothing, we'll begin."

General Socializing

Measurements taken, Gabriel could be found hard at work, finishing up the outfits for his new line. Whether tightening up the waistline just so, adjusting the length of a hem, or letting out the sleeves just a bit, he'd do his best to make certain every detail was perfect. Agreste originals demanded nothing less. But that didn't mean he would be especially averse to visitors. And honestly it may be a good idea for someone to poke in on him from time to time, lest he miss a meal or two.

Comments

[papillion_de_resistance]

Well it got his attention, if nothing else. "Spark," he said. "Get off of that. You'll get cat hair all over it." And orange definitely didn't go with this dress.

[death_from_above]

He stretched and yawned. And then flexed his claws like he was considering making some biscuits.

He was giving off smug emotions like anything. But then... cat. Really though, he knew that this would get Gabriel up if nothing else would. And even of that failed he had a hairball shaped backup plan.

No one could ignore hungry cat for long when hungry cat was determined.

[papillion_de_resistance]

Animal emotions were always harder to pick up on than human ones. He wasn't sure why; maybe it was just a quirk of the Butterfly Miraculous' magic? The why of it wasn't especially relevant though, so he'd always opted not to bother Nooroo with the question.

Spark thought was definitely radiating smugness. When it looked like he was about to bring out the claws though Gabriel stood up and hastily plucked him from the table and thus the project. "And definitely none of that," he said. "The only pinholes in this dress should be the ones I put there." Project safe for the moment, he gently lifted Spark to roughly eye-level. "Surely there must be a more comfortable place for you to settle in for a nap than in the middle of my sewing."

[death_from_above]

"MERAOW" he said loudly.

Most humans would presume that meant feed me wouldn't they?

[papillion_de_resistance]

Most would indeed, and Gabriel was no exception. "I'm beginning to wonder if Garfield really doesn't feed you, given how often you come to me," he said. "Clearly someone is, because you haven't suffered for it, but still, I might have to talk to him about that. Whether you're technically Adrien's cat or not, here you're his responsibility and he needs to take that seriously."

He glanced up at the clock while settling Spark into a more comfortable position, noting the time with surprise. "Is it really that late already?", he stretched a little, as much as he could while holding a cat. "No wonder I'm so stiff."

Even so, he lanced down at the dress he'd been working on, reluctant to leave it. After a moment he shook his head though, heading out the door on route to the dining room. "No, I should get both of us something to eat at least. Hopefully we haven't missed dinner."

[death_from_above]

"Merow" he agreed, snuggling in.

This. Was. Still. So. Weird.

He was almost starting to think it wasn't an act. Even Dominic's drama geek friends weren't this committed to a role. The only ones he knew who were were bakers. Still... it was Adrien at risk if he was wrong. He had to be careful. Had to be.

He wished Adrien were here, but failing that... he wished Leia or the Doctor was. Someone he could ask for advice from who already knew everything...

[papillion_de_resistance]

He gently scritched Spark's ears as he walked. "After the fashion show I should really make an effort to spend some time with Garfield," he said. "I guess not even being transported to another dimension can cure a person of their bad habits; I get lost in my work just as easily here as I do back home. It's just... simpler to focus on something I'm comfortable with, as opposed to something as complicated as a strained relationship."

[death_from_above]

"Merow?" he asked, leaning into the scritches and wiggling a bit.

[papillion_de_resistance]

He chuckled slightly. "I suppose it's much easier when you're a cat," he said. "The most complicated things you need to worry about are where to take a nap and whether to play with a catnip mouse or a ball of yarn. I recommend the former, by the way; if there's a ball of yarn in the house, chances are it's mine and is meant for work, not play."

"Though speaking of, I wonder if Garfield has any toys for you? Maybe when I have a spare moment I could whip something up with a few bits of spare felt..." A simple dangly string toy or something stuffed with crinkly paper would be simple enough, after all.

[death_from_above]

A feline snort that was certainly coincidental, wasn't it, at his life being simple. He yawned and squirmed into a stretch at the idea of a stuffed toy like that. Of course now he was considering what he could do with yarn balls... No mice here to trade them with...

[papillion_de_resistance]

"A bit bored with the idea are you?", he said, amused. "I wonder if you'd feel any different if I made the toys look like fish? I know how fond you are of them. Dangerously so, according to Garfield."

[death_from_above]

Now he knew even non-talkers knew some words, so he let his head perk up at the word 'fish'. He twisted to give Gabriel the biggest widest eyes ever and paired that with a small, pathetic, mournful "Merow?"

[papillion_de_resistance]

"Yes, I know you're hungry," he said. "Hopefully there's some seafood on the menu tonight. Either way, getting it from the kitchen will at least be a safe way of satisfying your cravings."

[death_from_above]

"Merow." he snuggled back in, still so confused by this Gabriel. He was starting to think it might not be an act...

[papillion_de_resistance]

"One wonders where he and Adrien even got the idea to use you for fishing bait to begin with," he aid. "Was it from a movie, or a video game? Really you'd think they'd be old enough to be able to separate fantasy from reality, at least for something like that. Whether or not you enjoy being a feline daredevil, it's only a matter of time before those kind of antics get you seriously hurt."

[death_from_above]

"MREAOW...." Really, let him show you how much fun it could be!

[papillion_de_resistance]

"I'm sorry, but someone has to be an adult in this situation, and as Garfield's fa-", he cut himself off abruptly, course correcting slightly, "as his acting guardian here, that responsibility falls on me. It's my job to keep him, and by extension you, safe."

He sighed. "I wish you could understand. I know Garfield would feel horrible if something were to happen to you, especially if he had a hand in it. So would Adrien. And I don't want to put any of you through that."

[death_from_above]

He flopped over, like he was dying of hunger. He couldn't and wouldn't admit how much it hurt that he stopped himself from calling himself Gar's dad.

[papillion_de_resistance]

He smiled slightly, petting Spark's fur. "Such a drama king," he said. "Though I suppose that's a cat for you."

After a moment he spoke again, his tone more thoughtful. "Garfield and I really do need to sit down and figure out what we are to each other," he said. "Whatever my personal opinions of the man, I can't presume to step into the role of his father without him being on board with the idea, but that leaves things... ambiguous at best. We need to change that."

[death_from_above]

"Merow...?" What did he want it to be? Spark really wanted to know.

[papillion_de_resistance]

He sighed. "I don't know," he said. "Nothing I do here will make up for Garfield's father's failures as a parent, or my own for that matter. Is it selfish to want to have the sort of relationship here that I wish I could have with my own son at home? I don't want Garfield to feel like he's just a substitute for the Adrien I know; that wouldn't be fair to either of them. But here... here I might actually be able to do it right. Assuming I don't find an entirely new way of bungling it, of course."

[death_from_above]

He twisted so he could give a small lick to his chin, wishing Adrien where here.

[papillion_de_resistance]

He chuckled. "Well good to know I have at least one vote of confidence," he said. "Hopefully it'll hold until I sit down and talk with Garfield."

[death_from_above]

"Merow," he said, hating for a moment the whole act.

But it was to keep Adrien safe. And that was what mattered. More than anything.