The Line Between Love And Hate

Chapter 25: Glimpes Of The Past

~Past~
"Mari." Adrien taps on my leg under the desk. "What do you want?" I ask as I keep my focus on the notes. "Guess who I'm going out with tonight." "What happened with Lila?" I say dryly. "Ew gross. You know that was nothing serious." I roll my eyes.

"Who are you going out with?" "Chloe." I drop my pencil. "Are you serious?" I accidentally say a little too loud. Ms. Mendeleiev turns her head and looks directly at me.

"Marinette Dupain-Cheng! I'm tired of your outbursts! You know where to go." She points towards the door. I start collecting my things and Adrien stands up. "It was my fault. I was distracting her." "Well, since you'll be joining Marinette in the administration office, you'll be able to finish up your conversation."

I don't wait for Adrien to grab his stuff before walking out the door. "Mari wait up." He catches up to me and grabs my arm. "What?" I say colder than I wanted to. "What's wrong?"

"Nothings wrong." "I told you I'm going out with Chloe and you just got upset. Why?" He looks down at me. "Don't tell me you're in love with me." He says it with a smirk as he taps my nose. He says it as a joke and I know he means well, but it hurts.

He doesn't know how in love with him I am. For him, I'd move mountains. For him, I'd do anything I can to ensure his happiness. I'd risk everything for him. And if he knew just how hopelessly in love with him I am, he never would've said that.

I stay looking at him for a moment. Trying to figure out my next words. Trying to read him. It's as if I can see a slight glimmer of hope in his eyes. But I know that's not what it is. Adrien would never feel the same for me.

"God get over yourself." His smirk fades and I swear I see the small glimmer of hope die out with my words.

I roll my eyes and start walking away from him. "Wait wait wait." He rushes to get in front of me. He stops me with his hands on my shoulders.

"I was just teasing you. But really Mari. What is it?" "Out of all the girls that throw themselves at you, you chose Chloe?" "It's not like you were a choice."
I roll my eyes again.

"I'm being serious here Adrien." "Okay. You're right. I'm sorry." He stays looking at me. Waiting for my answer. "Come on Mari. Tell me. I'm trying here. You know I hate it when you're mad at me."

"I'm not mad. I'm just upset." He nods showing that he understands and he cares to hear what's upsetting me. "So what is it? What's wrong with Chloe?"

"It's not her in particular." He makes a face and I laugh. "Okay. So maybe it is partially her. It's just- I don't know. You're always getting with girls I don't get along with. And for the amount of time you're with them, I have to play nice."

"I'm giving you the go ahead." "What?" "Be mean to them in front of me." I smile and scratch the back o my neck. "I couldn't do that." "I want you too. I want to see how rude you can be. But if I even see- or hear- that they're being rude to you that's it."

"Just like that?" "Just like that. They're-" He makes his fingers into the shape of scissors and makes a snipping noise. "Out of here. Deal?" He holds his pinky out to me and I smile as I take it. "Deal."

I guess it's fine if he dates rude girls. It's not like they'll be sticking around for longer than a couple of days anyways.

                                              ~~

~Present~

I walk out of my room and see Adrien snacking on my cookies. His hair is so wet, so romantic. The younger me would've never been able to even be mad at him when he looks that good.

But it's a good thing I'm older now and immune to his good looks. I walk over and snatch my cookies away from him. "You pig. You ate almost all of them." He laughs. "I saved you a few." I roll my eyes and put them away.

"So where are we going?" "Why don't we stay in?" "No offense, but I'm not sure if I like the idea of you being in my house." "Why not?" He asks slightly offended. "This is still new." I motion between us.

"Sorry to break it to you princess-" "Stop it with that nickname." He smiles. "-but this friendship is ages old." "Adrien we haven't held a genuine conversation in like 6 years. We're both new people. I think we should ease into this." He nods.

"I guess you're right. We can go for ice cream? Or a movie? I heard they're reshowing that Ladybug and Cat Noir movie. Do you remember it?" My heart sinks at the thought of it. I immediately shake my head and play with the water in my hair.

"Nope. I don't remember a thing."

                                              ~~

~Past~
"What is it with you two?" Alya pulls me aside as soon as we walk out of the theater. "What do you mean?" "You guys haven't spoken to each other since the car ride." I let out a fake laugh. "Al because we were watching a movie."

"Oh shut up. You guys didn't even sit together. What happened." My mind goes back to the car.

"I just want something- anything from you!" "What do you mean?" "Nothing. Never mind. Just forget it."

"M? What is it?" "It's nothing. It'll all blow over within a few days." "I don't know. You know Adrien can't take it when you guys are fighting." I shrug. "We'll get over it. I just don't want to talk about it." She nods and links our arms together as we continue walking.

                                              ~~

~Present~

"I don't really want to watch that movie." He looks at me for a moment before nodding his head. "Ice cream then?" I nod and follow him out the door.

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A/N: Okay so I know I haven't even revealed much YET, but!!!!!! IM SO EXCITED TO FINALLY GIVE YOU GLIMPES INTO THEIR PAST AND INTO WHAT DROVE THEM APART!

With each chapter (or every few) you will get glimpses into their past. So just be prepared for that!

This story is finally falling into the way I wanted it to and I'm so excited for you to see the rest!

Thank you for reading and again if you got this far into the story or note: Thank you! I love you! Take care!🫶🏽❤️