Currently, Tom has one major goal in his life (which most certainly is not planning Marinette and Adrien's wedding with Sabine) and that is to give all the fatherly love he possibly can to Adrien, the newest member of the Dupain-Cheng family. There are quite a few years to make up for after all, and the boy deserves to know how a father and son ought to interact and spend time together.

Honestly, Tom just enjoyed spending time with Adrien – he was such a good and bright kid and being able to help make him happy would make Tom's day. Also, the boy was a pun whiz. Who doesn't enjoy having the occasional (okay, fine, somewhat frequent) conversation of puns? Adrien did have a suspicious number of cat puns (Sabine would just smile knowingly) but he picked up on all of Tom's baking ones very quickly and they managed to cover so many other topics as well. It was even better when they were able to watch Mari's reactions – usually a lot of groaning, rolling of eyes, and banging of her head on the closest available surface. Sometimes when she was reaching her limit she would shoot a pun at them to put an end to it.

Tom tries not to guffaw when every time that Marinette puns Adrien practically swoons.

He was also extremely proud of his daughter's mastery. Though he and Adrien agreed that when she got really annoyed her skill was downright frightening since she would go on a rant with so many angry (and on point) puns.

Adrien almost cried the first time Tom invited him to play video games with him. It quickly became a regular thing for the two of them, with Mari occasionally pouting on the side since she was banned from playing during the guy's bonding time.

There was also the benefit that they wouldn't get their asses completely handed to them since they were on more equal footing in skill. Tom gets to teach him all of his tricks and Adrien shows him some of his own and Tom usually smiles even more for the following couple days.

Mari and Sabine agree that it is adorable. (Tom is pleased.)

(Adrien wants to cry because he feels so loved.)

Tom was fairly certain he might need to have a word with Sabine about them teaching the boy how to do laundry and other basic things considering his background and home life so that when he and Marinette were on their own he could help out at home. He knows how much Adrien wants to be useful and independent and being able to do necessary household chores he would be moving in that direction even more.

In conjunction with that, Tom has also started teaching Adrien how to bake because while all his of his lessons are fine and dandy they aren't necessarily practical while baking most certainly is. Even with Adrien's tendency to create messes and end up covered in flour he picks up baking easily and they spend many hours in the bakery crafting delicious pastries, cakes, cookies, and breads. They just coexist and they both love it.

Sometimes they talk – good heart-to-heart talks. There are times when his son says something that makes him want to cry because while the boy can light up and smile bright enough to challenge the sun he carries a lot of pain and sadness that he doesn't often let others see. There was one time in particular, when Adrien thanked him for teaching him because it helped him feel like he had earned all this love and attention. Tom could only respond by smothering him in a hug and when he was eventually able to speak he told his son, "I know you may not realize it or be able to understand it at the moment but everyone – even, no, especially you – deserves love. It isn't something that one should have to earn to receive. It may sometimes take time to develop but it is something that each person is entitled to receive. One earns respect and trust. The type of love that is present in a relationship might change but the basic concept is not something to be earned." They were both crying a little when Mari and Sabine found them and joined in the hug.

All of the Dupain-Chengs have warning signs for when Adrien is need of hugs and comfort. He now has an exponential increase in hugs that he receives and he couldn't be happier. Even if he is slightly confused at times as the entire family seems to have an uncanny sense when it comes to him and affection.

Sometimes he just walks by and is grabbed into a hug by one of them, even on good days. (Adrien feels like crying again when he thinks about it. Sometimes he actually does.)

However, other times Adrien and Tom have a much more light-hearted time in the kitchen. There have been numerous fencing battles with baguettes. Tom sometimes accuses Adrien of throwing matches which may or may not happen. They have gotten so invested in their battles that the weapons have broken and bits of bread and crumbs go in all directions. It depends on how fresh their doughy foils are. They have slipped into pirate accents before, or have been Musketeers, and Adrien has jumped onto tables and countertops numerous times. (He says it helps with the height and size difference.)

Tom agreed with Sabine that their son was too skinny and had ways of helping alleviate some of the problem. Whenever they would bake together Tom would constantly tell Adrien that a baker (and a chef) has the duty to make sure that the food they prepare is up to standard. As such, Adrien has to taste test whatever he helps make. "Quality control is an important aspect of preparing food, son. So I insist that you eat this (and these 5 other things as well)."

Adrien eventually tried each type of baked good that the bakery sold after Tom found out how limited his experience was in that area. And every time they developed a new item or flavor Adrien had to try some. The face Adrien made whenever he had 'a special treat' made Tom swell with pride and happiness.

Tom is very supportive of Mari and Adrien's relationship, even if he does tease them quite a bit. Where is the fun in just accepting it when teasing can be implemented and blushes can be conjured?

"I do love you, Adrien, but be warned there will be consequences if you hurt Mari – though the way you look at her tells me you would never want to. Just keep that in mind, son. You might lose all cookie privileges."

"When do I get to officially say you are my son?"

"I know you probably don't need any extra help in that department but want to help me put up mistletoe?"

"Good lord why are you hanging out with me go cuddle or something with your girlfriend," often accompanied with a wink. This usually caused Adrien to turn bright red, especially because of the implications of the 'or something' and Tom winking at him.

Adrien was fairly certain that every member of the Dupain-Cheng family likes to make him blush, and felt that it most likely will even spread to the extended family when he meets them. He is fairly certain it is their favorite pastime – how flustered or embarrassed can Adrien get?

He just didn't know that it came second to always showing just how much they love him in any way that they could.

This one got a little extra sappy. But that is okay. :)

SO at some point in the future there will probably be a chapter of Sabine and Tom embarrassing the children with sex ed and comments and things of the sort. So be prepared for that...

I think there might also be a kwami chapter in the future? maybe Gabriel? idk tell me what you think and give me suggestions. PLEASE

Also shout out to KitKat (Psychic_Possession on ao3) for helping and offering suggestions on this chapter :)