Gabriel Agreste is a man with only two priorities. His son, and his mission to claim the Ladybug and Black Cat Miraculous. Specifically in that order.
A Father's Love
is an ongoing Miraculous Ladybug fanfic by jennagrins exploring the idea of Gabriel being a better father to Adrien while still being Hawk Moth.
A Father's Love contains examples of:
- Adaptation Relationship Overhaul: Adrien is much closer to his father than in canon. Even referring to him as "Papa", rather than the more formal "Father". And Gabriel's much more attentive to his son than in canon.
- This also applies to his relationship with Marinette. Where in canon, he was firmly against Adrien and Marinette's relationship, he's much more receptive to it, and even notes that Adrien seems equally attracted to her.
- Adaptational Nice Guy: Gabriel is much, much less abusive to Adrien. While he still is strict, hard, and controlling, he's a much better father than his canon counterpart. He's also much less of a Politically Incorrect Villain to Marinette, even approving of Adrien's interest in her.
- Broken Pedestal: Downplayed, as Gabriel already had a low opinion of the Bourgeoises, but initially viewed Chloé as being an "appropriate" friend to Adrien due to her wealth and status. Her whining and plagiarism of Marinette's derby hat quickly shatters that notion.
- Deadpan Snarker: Much of Gabriel's Inner Monologue consists of sarcastic commentary regarding everything and everyone around him.
- Even Evil Has Loved Ones: Gabriel's defining trait is his love for his son. While he still does desperately want Emilie back, he won't risk Adrien getting hurt, and will even pass up opportunities to create powerful Akumas if it means keeping him safe. He's also much more caring and affectionate towards him than in canon.
- I Want My Beloved to Be Happy: A familial example. While Gabriel disapproves of Francois-Dupont and would much prefer Adrien remain homeschooled or at the very least transfer to a more "appropriate" school, he's willing to put up with it because Adrien's happy there.
- Jerkass: Make no mistake, this still applies to Gabriel, as he's still rude and condescending to everyone but Adrien and Nathalie. And as in canon, he's not above Exploiting this to create Akumas.
- Parents as People: Gabriel's much closer to this than the outright Abusive Parent he is in canon. As while he's still a very strict and controlling parent with high standards for his son, he's also much nicer and more attentive as a father.
- Politically Incorrect Villain: Gabriel still acts rather classist and elitist. Viewing Chloé as an appropriate friend to Adrien due to her wealth and status, and looking down on Nino for his way of speaking and conducting himself.
- Screw This, I'm Outta Here: Hawk Moth attempts to Invoke this with M. Ramier, fearing that as Mr. Pigeon, he could exacerbate and worsen Adrien's allergy.Gabriel: Monsieur Ramier, It’s clear that Paris isn’t the right place for you—or your pigeons. I hear Toulouse is lovely. Perhaps you and your pigeons should go there.
- Shipper on Deck: Downplayed, but Gabriel quickly picks up on Marinette's interest in Adrien, and notes that Adrien seems to reciprocate. And he's already impressed by Marinette's skill and creativity, and makes a notes to pay attention to her if she's going to become a fixture in his son's life.
- Villain Protagonist: A natural consequence of the story being told from Hawk Moth's perspective.
