The Line Between Love And Hate

Chapter 28: Trust

"I think I found something." Adrien walks over and leans over me. I place a paper on the table for him to read. "Jagged Stone? What could Hawkmoth want with him?" "He has money and he's sort of gullible."

"How do you keep finding these people?" "I have my ways." "Okay so how do we protect him?" "We're going to tail him." "And how do we do that?" I nod.

"Jagged knows me. If I ask him to let me design something for him he'll let me. It'll be easy to get information out of him. All I'd have to do is ask and I'll know everyone he's spoken to within the past few years." "Are you sure this will work?" I nod. "Of course it will."

Adrien nods and starts putting away his papers. "Where are you off to?" "I have to go work for my father today remember?" I nod. "I'll get started on Jagged." "Keep me updated." He kisses my cheek and walks out.

                                           ~~

"Marinette! It was so good to hear from you!" Jagged gives me a hug and sits in the chair across from me.

I invited him out to dinner to ask him about the design. "What do I owe this pleasure?" His accent fills up the restaurant.

"I actually wanted to meet you for business." "For business?" He asks and I nod. "I heard you're an agent now?" I nod. "That's amazing, but I don't really see what that type of business has to do with me."

"I meant designing business." He furrows his eyebrows. "Okay so, I do love being an agent, but a part of me misses designing. I haven't done it in so long and I just want one last major project before I leave it behind forever."

I take a breath before continuing. "I know you have a go to designer for these types of things, but I was hoping that maybe you'd let my final project be your next tour outfit?" "My next tour outfit?" I nod. "That's a bit of a jump from glasses innit?"

"Come on Jagged. When have I ever let you down?" He looks at me for a moment contemplating his answer. "Alright fine. You're hired." He holds his hand out and I shake it. "Thank you so much! I won't let you down!"

~~

After dinner, I get in my car and pull out my phone. My fingers hover over the numbers. I can't decide if I want to call him or not. I know we said we were going to try again, but this all still feels so weird.

Once I build up enough courage, I dial his number and quickly hit the call button before I can chicken out again.

"Mari? What is it?" "I have good news!" "He agreed?" "Yes! The next phase of this mission is already in motion!" "If we keep it up, pretty soon Hawkmoth and Mayura will be behind bars."

"Okay well that's all I called you for. I just wanted to keep you updated." "You know Im actually surprised you still have my number." "I- had it memorized." "You memorized it?" I answer with a "Mhm."

"And you gave me so much shit for memorizing your coffee order." I laugh. "But that's different." "How?" I memorized it because I was in love with you. "I don't know. It just is."

"Hey why don't we celebrate tonight?" "Celebrate how?" "Ice skating?" I stay quiet for a moment and Adrien takes this as an opportunity to continue.

"Come on. For old times sake. I promise not to let you fall this time." I laugh. "Okay yeah. Ice skating sounds good." "Great. I'll pick you up when I get off. That'll probably be around-" He pauses and I know he's checking the time.

"Which will probably be about 10." He sighs. "That's not too late for you is it?" I giggle and start my car. "Do you think I'm like some old lady that goes to bed at 8?" "Those wrinkles could definitely fool me." I gasp. "Ass." I hear him laugh as I hang up.