Two Can Play That Game

Chapter 3: Hangover

It was noon when Marinette finally woke up. She climbed down the stairs and headee to her bathroom for a relaxing bath. After cleaning herself and dressing in comfortable home clothes, she takes a look into the mirror to find a haggard lady looking back at her. She touched the mirror as she examined herself closely, swollen eyes that were rounded by black bags. She couldn't help but feel disappointed in herself for crying over him so much. But how could she not when he was the one that made her heart beat ever since she was 14.

What if I told you I finally realized how disgusted I am by you for stalking me back then?

She flinched and removed her hand from the mirror when those words flashed back into her mind. She couldn't help but think that perhaps he does have a point. Their relationship wasn't established on any healthy form. But their dynamic from before couldn't be denied. It's just so painful to think that it all meant nothing to him. She clenched her fist and jaw trying to push back the tears to her from spilling down again.

"Stop, let's not very about him any more," she told herself and took in a deep breaths. This quickly calmed her mind and was ready to start the day. She yawns as she descends into the kitchen to get rid of the terrible hang over that Felix caused.

"Aren't you a sight to look at after a night of drinking?" an annoying person says as she bumps her head inside the fridge to get some water. She takes the bottle and places it on the counter to find Felix sitting on the sofa.

"If this is the effects of a hangover, I hope you'd go away," she menacingly spouts. "Marinette," a stern voice calls from behind.

"That is no way to treat your investor," Sabine says. Marinette looks at her stupified by what she said. "My what?" she asks still confused. Sabine smiles and pats her daughter comfortingly. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have scolded you. I understand why you couldn't break the delightful news to us because of... what happened yesterday," Sabine apologizes. She brings her daughter into a tight hug as she says, "I'm so proud of you."

She placed some snacks for Felix, to which he thanked her for, afterwards she left the two in the kitchen to the bakery. Marinette turns to find Felix casually sipping on the coffee while going through her portfolio. She glares at him and says, "What did you say to my parents? Is investing in me your revenge plan?"

Putting the things down, he looks her in the eye and grins, "I'm glad you caught up." This fumes her more as she drinks a glass of water to clear her head. "I don't recall agreeing on working with you," she tells him. "But you do recall stealing a bottle of Barcadi from the bar," he teased. She simply glared at him as she finished in embarrassment from the memory.

"So, you don't want me to invest in you?" he challenges as he raises an eyebrow. Marinette crosses her arms over her chest as she tries to stare him down. "You're only investing in my work for your revenge plan," she says.

He picks up her portfolio again and opened it to a page, which was a beautiful cocktail dress based on Mayura. He stands up and makes his way to her and places it on the counter. "I'm not investing in you all because of my revenge plan. I'm investing in you because I see potential that mustn't be overlooked," he reasons. Marinette rolls her eyes at him, although she still feels happy that someone would want to help her launch her works.

"I am also a businessman who would love to expand my company's benefits. Not to mention the amount of money I could save for costumes in my films," he adds as he picks up an apple from the tray of fruit in front of him.

"But, of course, there's also my plan. Whether or not you plan on joining me in plotting their downfall, if you accept our partnership in business, you yourself, are unconsciously having a hand in this evil little scheme of mine," he continues.

Marinette sits down as she ponders on it. It didn't help that her hangover is giving her a splitting headache, making her judgement cloudy. If she doesn't accept this offer, when will she be able to get a new investor. After the fiasco she caused that had gone viral already, she doubts that there would be any greater success in finding one. Adrien could have her blacklisted, under Lila's order, she wouldn't have any chance in the fashion industry to begin with. If she agrees to let Felix invest on her she wouldn't be able to resist to get on his plans. Like he said he wasn't going to drop her after the plan, and he really sees potential in her. It would be beneficial for both of them in terms of business and personal affairs. But why should she even trust him after everything that he's done?

"You are signing under the Graham name, that means you're currently working for my mother. I'm just the heir, only she, and a bunch of executives, can hire and/or fire you. I'm just pitching you. You still need to convince them, but I can pull some strings," he added when he noticed her uncertainty.

Marinette sighs and concedes saying, "Tell me your plan first before I actually strike a deal with you." Felix couldn't help but give a cocky grin at his success. Taking a seat he begins, "For one thing, the Gabriel brand is definitely the leading fashion industry in France and the world. Lila's obviously going after the Model of the Year award. She's already in the most influential brand, she'll likely be able to achieve that award." Marinette leans in, getting interested with where he's going, as a grin appears on her face.

"What you're saying is that, you want my brand to go global and be more influential than the Gabriel. Destroying the pride of Adrien and the dream of Lila. Killing two birds with one stone," Marinette finishes.

"Couldn't have said it better. But I can't assure that it will happen right away," Felix grins while adding the extraneous variables.

"Don't forget that Lila loves attention. That is what she's getting right now after she took Adrien from you. The two would likely be the most talked about couple because of their scandalous relationship. But knowing her, she'll be able to turn it all into positive energy, making people forget that Adrien was engaged," he says with a gleam in his eyes.

"By being business partners this would stir the media's attention to us," she finishes with excitement.

"We don't necessarily need to be dating, we'll let them do the talking. All we need to do is look cute and clueless. Subtle glances and stares with casual couple things that we'd brush off as a friendly gesture," he continues. This made Marinette's heart clench a bit, remembering how Adrien had pigeon holed her as "just a friend."

"This would make the media go crazy thinking that we're having a secret relationship. And they would see us an adorable power couple," she adds. "A power couple that's not an official couple. Everyone would love to make controversial topics about us, maybe even going out in public holding hands would make us appear on the front cover while they're shouting that we're dating," he chuckles, remembering how easy it could be to tamper with the media.

Hearing this, Marinette feels more sure of it, except for one thing. Noticing this, Felix looks at her and extends his hand to her. "Do we have a deal?" he asks hopefully. 

"Only if you have me gain the board's approval on my own, without bribery. I want them to know that I'm serious and I can stand on my own," she weighed their choices.

"Love, this is the world of business, sometimes being underhanded is the trick to winning. This is not a lifetime original series," he tried to argue, but her determined face didn't budge at all.

"I'm very much aware of that. I didn't date Adrien without gaining anything from being his partner to backhanded events. I think I can handle myself," she pushed. Sighing he agreed, "Fine."

A proud smile appeared on her face as she finally took his hand in hers, sealing the deal with a handshake. "Deal."

That was the start of a powerful partnership that would take the world by storm.