The Line Between Love And Hate

Chapter 40: The Ball

~Sunday, December 25th~

~Adrien~

I haven't seen or spoken to Mari in two days. I got a text from her earlier saying she left my suit at my door.

When I opened the door a part of me hoped to see her there with this box. I was hoping she changed her mind about us. But she didn't.

I brought the box inside and when I opened it, there was a note that said,

I'm so sorry for what happened the other day. I really hope you can find it in yourself to forgive me.
From,
Mari

I changed into my suit a few hours ago. She still knows me perfectly. She's gotten my style down. It's a dark green, almost black, with a red tie. I have to admit the red kind of throws the suit off, but who am I to judge a designer?

I'm on my way to the venue right now. Every year it's held at Le Grand Paris. This night is going to be a long one.

I'm a little nervous of running into Marinette today. How am I supposed to act in front of her? Do I just pretend that nothing happened between us? Do I go back to the way we were before we agreed to try to be friends again? I have no idea. I'm just going to do my best to avoid her today.

I enter the venue and it's decorated the same as every year. A Christmas tree in the center, colorful lights around the entire room, snowflakes dangling from the ceiling. Fake snow falling down. Your average Christmas party, but a little more extra because it's hosted by the Bougerois'.

I find Nino setting up the bar and walk over to him. "What time is everyone getting here?" I ask as I sit beside him. The place is still empty. The agents have to get here early to get a feel of the venue in case something happens.

They send us early every year. I know this place like the back of my hand. Nothing ever happens here.

Nino checks his phone. "Alya texted me that her and Marinette are on their way." "Marinette's coming too?" Nino's eyebrows pull together. "Of course she is?" "I just meant that she usually arrives later." "So you were keeping tabs of her." He says with a smirk. I roll my eyes and shake my head.

"I'm going to go to the back to see if they need any help." "No way dude. I need you up here with me." He pulls me behind the bar with him.

"There's going to be over 400 people here tonight and I was only able to find 5 glasses." I laugh. "Did you check the supply closet?" "There's a supply closet?" I laugh and point to the glasses.

"Where'd you get these?" He shrugs. "They were on the table in the kitchen." I slap the back of his head. "You idiot. These are for the hosts. I'll go get the other ones." Nino nods and carries the glasses back to the kitchen.

I make my way to the supply closet and grab a box labeled 'Guest Glasses'. I start to carry it back to the bar, but I stop when I see Marinette and Alya walking in.

Marinette's wearing a red dress with small, subtle, green, almost black flowers going along the bottom of her dress. It hugs her body in all the right places. Alya spots me and smiles. She nudges Mari and she turns to me with a nervous smile.

Alya walks over and grabs the box from my hands. "I'll take these to my idiot boyfriend." She walks out of the room and Marinette slowly walks over to me.

I smile at her. "You coordinated?" She plays with the fabric on her gown. "I had a talk with Alya. I told her everything." "Everything?" "I told her about us sneaking around and how you wanted a relationship."

"And what did she say?" "She called me an idiot for turning you down." She smiles and I laugh. She brings her big blue eyes to mine. "We talked for a while and she made a lot of good points."

"And?" If this is going where I think this is going, then I want her continue. "And.." She nervously laughs.

"I know we still have a lot going on between us. A lot of unfinished business, stuff we need to talk over-" "We'll go over it later." Her smile grows.

"If the offers still on the table, then I want to be your girlfriend." My heart melts. I grab her face and crash my lips against hers.

This kiss is different because I'm hers and she's mine.

"Does that mean the offer still stands?" I rest my forehead against hers and laugh. "For you? Always." She smiles and kisses me again.

~~

~Mari~

The venue is now filled with people. Adrien keeps his hand in mine, making sure he doesn't lose me in the crowd.

I can't believe he's my boyfriend. I can't believe I actually had it in me to take the risk with him.

When we finally get to an empty spot, Adrien leans against the wall and pulls me into him. "Finally." I laugh as I rest my head on his chest. "It was like a sea of people." "Tell me about it. My foot got stepped on like 5 times."

I feel him shift and when I look up his eyes are directly on mine. "How are you doing on the case?" "Everyone on my list is innocent." "Mine too. I couldn't find anything." I sigh. "We've reached another dead end."

He brushes a hair across my face. "Let's not think about that right now." I smile up at him. "Okay." He pushes off of the wall and grabs my hand.

"Follow me." "Adrien! It took us forever to find this empty spot!" He laughs and keeps pulling me.

We get in the elevator and he presses the button for the roof. "Why are we going up there?" He winks. "You'll see."

As soon as the doors open up my breath gets caught in my throat. It's a beautiful view. The sun is setting over the city. In the distance, you can see the Eiffel Tower.

I'm in awe. Adrien smiles at me and guides me to the edge of the building. "It's pretty right?" I take a seat on the edge and he does the same. "It's gorgeous." "It sure is." He says with his gaze solely on me. I roll my eyes and bump my shoulder into his.

"That was cheesy." I press a kiss to his lips and he laughs. "I know." I rest my head on his shoulder and we take in the view.

This night could've been perfect. It was so close to being perfect.