╭┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈╮

Ⅎǝʍ Ɔoupıʇıous

╰┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈╯

'I have your next assignment, call me' I read Maria's text as I check into the hotel I'm staying at for the night. I purse my lips and press call.

"Hello." She answers after the first ring.

"What do you have for me?" I sigh, beginning to file my nails as I enter the elevator.

"Not even a hello, huh?" Maria chuckles.

"Hi." I pause, rolling my eyes. "The assignment?"

"I'm doing great by the way, thank you." Maria continues as I hear papers shuffling. "I need you to be in Tokyo, Japan. Train Station."

"Details." I let her know to go on.

"Carver's out sick. I need you to watch his replacement, evaluate him if you will. He will retrieve the case and you will be there to assist if needed, make sure everything goes smoothly." She gives me the rundown.

Hmmm, interesting. Seems like an easy enough assignment one can do solo... so there must be a catch.

"Who's his fill in?" I ask, arching a brow. She sighs. "Who is his fill?" I repeat.

She hesitates. "Ladybug."

"Maria!" I groan. Ladybug has got to be the most annoying, useless hire there is.

"He was the quickest and easiest option." She explains. I run my tongue across my teeth, simmering my anger. "He's not that bad." She defends.

"Excusas! You just think he's charming. " I scoff.

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that." She hums. "Just do this for me, okay? If you take this— it'll be your last assignment." She insists. I freeze as I go to unlock my room. 'This will be your last assignment.' Her words rings through my mind.

"How can you be so sure?" I manage to get out after a few moments. Her patience is astounding.

"Do you trust me?" She asks.

I ponder the question. Of course I trust her. She was the first person I met in this business before anybody other than family. She was the first person I had ever confided in. She was the first person I ran to the minute I was in trouble. She's been there for me every step of the way. I trust her with my life.

"Yes."

"Then take the assignment."

"Okay."

"Okay?" She repeats.

"Okay." I nod sharply, swallowing hard. "But the minute Ladybug pisses me off I'm shooting him and taking the case myself."

She laughs. "I have no doubt in my mind. Anything else?"

"I have a few conditions." I add.

"Alright." She sounds hesitant, but ready to listen.

A smile creeps onto my lips. "I get to have drink whatever I want."

"Drinking on the job?" Her voice is not filled with judgement but rather light concern.

"Do you want me to babysit the man-child or not?" My voice falls flat. It's the first time I've ever made this request but I'll sure as hell need it. "This job will be far less painful than if I was sober." And the alcohol on these trains is exquisite.

"Alright, the budget is free. Get whatever you like." She softens.

"Thank you." I chime, smirking in victory. "When do you need me in Tokyo?"

"Tonight."

"Maria!" I exclaim, groaning in frustration once again. Looks like I'll be checking out now. My little vacation is ending before it even began.

"Thank you." Her words pull me back. "I promise you will be fully compensated for your work, and time."

"I better be." I mumble, slamming the door shut as I loudly click my way back to the lobby.

=====================================

𝟶ʙᴜᴛᴛᴇʀʙɪsᴄᴜɪᴛ𝟽 sᴘᴇᴀᴋs!

Ahhhh it's here!! I thought April Fool's would just be the perfect day to publish, seems to be fitting for this movie lol.

Ik this chapter was short but don't worry! We're only just beginning ;)

Hope y'all enjoyed & love Valentina as much as I do, she's such an icon.

Until next time... <3