Ladybug and Carapace

A New Threat

"I know who it is for sure!" Layla exclaimed.

"I don't think so, but give it your best guess." Nick smirked.

"It's Erica." Layla smiled triumphantly.

"Wrong again." Nick made a buzzer sound.

"Just tell me who you fell in love with. I'm your best friend. That's something a best friend should know." Layla pouted.

"Which is why I'm letting you guess. Your hint for the day is that she is very smart, but very oblivious to love." Nick said.

"It's obviously.. mvhmmm." Nick put a hand over Cleo's mouth.

"C'mon, let me have my fun. She'll eventually guess it." Nick said.

"You sure about that?" Kimberly asked. "She may be smart, but she's very oblivious to love."

"Well you don't have to be rude." Layla pouted.

"See! It just went over head! She's utterly clueless!" Cleo whisper yelled.

"She may guess everyone else before she gets it right, but she has to guess herself eventually." Nick whispered back.

"What's all this excitement about?" Jace walked up to the group.

"Nick won't tell Layla who he loves." Cleo answered.

"You love Cleo." Layla pointed at Nick accusingly.

"Not even close." Jace laughed.

"Are you five even working on your project? And Jace, if you're going to come in late at least try to be quiet about it. This is your last warning." Ms. Evans warned.

"Sorry Ms. Evans." The group apologized.

"Class is almost over and we're not even halfway done. Do you guys wanna come over to my house to work on it?" Layla asked.

"I've got swimming lessons." Kimberly said.

"My mom is super sick and gets over dramatic so I'd feel bad if I left dad with her." Cleo said.

"That's Aunt Chloe for ya." Nick said.

"Poor Uncle Nathaniel." Layla pitied.

"My Dad's making me learn English, so have fun you two. You'll be all by yourselves." Jace smirked.

"Stop that Jace. Nick and I aren't like that. Or do you like me like that?" Everyone widened their eyes wondering if she finally figured it out. "What was I thinking? Of course not. We're just friends." Layla laughed.

Everyone face palmed and groaned in disappointment. "Bye." They all left as soon as the bell rang.

"So I guess it's just you and me today." Layla looked at Nick and smiled.

'Yeah, I'm deeply in love with her.' Nick thought.

———

"Hey mom and dad. Nick and I are going to work on our project." Layla said.

"I'll make some snacks and drinks." Marinette said as she hugged Nick slipping an odd box in his bag. Adrien did the same thing with Layla.

"Love you too guys." Layla smiled.

"Thanks for having me over." Nick thanked.

"You're practically family, Nick. You and you're family are welcome anytime." Adrien said.

"Your snacks will be ready in a bit." Marinette said as Nick and Layla went to Layla's room.

"What do you want to work on?" Layla and Nick emptied out their bags coming across identical boxes.