Red String

Three: The Ties That Bind

Boss wanted to know if Adrien would make the cut? Would he fire Adrien if she even so much as broached the issue of his coldness? Sure he was being a total jerk, but that wasn't reason to get him fired. And she wasn't about to stoop so low.

"No, he's great, really. Everything's fine."

"If you say so. But if anything changes, don't hesitate to send word." He studied her closely.

"Understood, boss."

Mary hurried to her car, the rain pelted the windshield by the time Mary lead her red Beetle into the road. No sooner had she taken off when a sudden pop resounded.

"Ladybug, really?" She gripped the wheel and slowed the car to the side of the road before cutting the engine off. "You've never failed me, why now?" She cried to no one, then she unbuckled and slipped out of the car to see what she could do about the flat.

She set up flares and got the spare from the trunk. She was certain she had everything she needed, but the technique itself? No idea where to start.

The rain picked up some more. She attempted to stick the scissors jack under the car but wasn't sure even where that went. Did it go under the spot near the edge? But that didn't look right either.

Another car pulled up behind her, an all-black, '67 Chevrolet. Hah, Adrien always did mention it being his dream car. Oh, wait. Her breath caught in her throat at the shock of silver-hair, Adrien.

"You'll screw up your jack if you put it there." He said, rolling up his sleeves as he approached. A scowl already set over his handsome features. The rain pelted against his shoulders, drenching him in moments.

"I'm fine, I got it." Mary maneuvered the jack around, she'd have to guess where it went and-

But he hunkered down low and shooed her back, sliding the jack further away from where she kept it. Reaching under, he tugged at a tough looking cover, "This is the trim cover to the pinch-weld, where you place the jack. But you can't lift the car up yet." He picked up the lug wrench and loosened the wheel bolts. Then effortlessly went about changing the flat to the spare, showing her every step of the way. Even on how to put everything back in the trunk once he finished up.

"Thanks I uh, don't know how to repay you. Oh, how about a coffee?"

"Don't bother."

"Eh? Why not? It's the least I could do."

But he was already turning away, "I said It's fine, don't worry about it. Get back in and go home. You'll get sick."

"Adrien!"

He seemed to freeze at the name. She hadn't called him by that since the last they'd met.

His shoulders fell slightly gaze focused elsewhere. "What?"

She brought her hands up and let them drop at her sides. Really? This was the route he wanted to go?

Like hell.

"We have to talk."

"Can't we talk la-"

She rushed forward and pushed at his chest as hard as she could. "Adrien!" But it was like trying to shove a massive statue, he didn't even budge. His arms came around her reflexively. Hands grasping her, like he was keeping them steady.

She touched her brow to his chest, eyes stung, rain soaked her but she hardly felt the chill. It didn't compare to his treatment. Arctic.

"Please."

He squeezed her shoulders.

To her shock he pressed his lips to her crown, held her to him.

"I'm sorry."

She gripped his shirt, burying into his arms. She needed him to at least stop pushing her down like this. Eventually boss would realize and then... And then he'll fire Adrien. It'll be her fault.

"I need to know..." She tried to steady her voice, she couldn't break down like this. She hadn't then, she wouldn't now. "What did I do?" Why did he hate her so much?

Then she peeked up at him.

The look he gave her made her heart stutter and trip over itself. But...

Sheer agony in his eyes. The likes she'd never seen.

"Come on." He tugged her closer, to his car.

Her body was a noodle, just going along with him.

Soon they were huddled in the back seat, he gave her his coat and she flailed with it. Another thing she'd ruin. "I can't. It'll get wet."

He frowned, "You'll get sick."

"I don't care." She tossed the coat. "At least I'll get a break from you."

"I care."

"Shocker."

He grabbed the coat and wrapped it around her shoulders, his grip tight. The look in his eyes suggested she not argue.

She bit her lip, bossy much?

"You're right. We should talk." He brushed long wet strands from his eyes, they were darker from the rain, less vibrant. Like storm clouds.

He looked incredible.

"Why did you come back here?"

He averted his gaze, a million emotions fliting across his violet eyes. "I had to."

"What? Did your shitty attitude get you fired there?"

"No." He shook his head and glanced up at her, "I had to come back..." A breath, then, "for you."

Her entire body stilled, it didn't make sense. He hated her.

"I'm sorry I've been a complete asshat."

"Understatement."

He chuckled bitterly. "Unlike you, I couldn't move on. So I... Wanted to see you." He frowned and took her chilled hand. "But I wanted to keep my distance and just..." He shrugged. "Shut everything out."

"So, is this you wanting a clean slate or something?" She stared down at their joined hands. Uncertain.

"Yeah."

"Ok. It's a start."

"But are you... I mean have you..." He pressed his lips together like he couldn't ask what was obviously on his mind.

She squeezed his hand, "Moved on?"

He peered at her, his eyes like shards, unflatteringly glued together. Breath-taking.

"You were right," she smiled despite the cold, "some threads can be tied."