The New Guardian

Peach Tea and Trouble

Previously: "Let's go, losers!" She screams, laughing and splashing in the waves.

"You heard the girl." Marinette says laughing then running off leaving Adrien standing there, stunned and watching her run away when he notices the two bright green paw prints on the back bottom part of the bluenettes swimsuit.

This is gonna be a long day.

~~~Flashback Continued~~~

Adrien stares at the girl with admiration, her beauty rivaling Ladybug. He watches her run in the water meeting up with Nino and Alya. He quickly takes one look at his phone and impulsively decides to capture the moment. He opens his private Snapchat and yells "Picture!". The 3 in the water get in close as Adrien takes a selfie with them in the background and posts it to his story then runs towards the water.

The four some swim for a few hours in the cool water until they hear someone coming just as they're getting out of the water to eat their picnic. They ignore it, thinking it's a random person coming to swim on a late summers day like them.

The four sit down on the blanket and begin passing around food and drinks as they watch the sun go down. Alya snuggles up to Nino and Adrien unknowingly does the same to Marinette. She feels him close and decides to take a leap of faith, consciously putting her head on his shoulder. For a brief moment, everything seems so peaceful and loving until a familiar voice sends chills down Marinette and Adriens spine.

"Oh my Gosh! Hey guys! Crazy seeing you here! How are you guys?"

"Oh, hey Lila." Alya says with an awkward assertion, "we're doing pretty good. How are you?"

"I just got back from Italy to spend the summer with Alice Pagani and it was really great! I'm feeling kind of lonely though, could I hang out here with you guys? I was planning on sitting out here all alone but now that you guys are here..." Her voice trails off with persuasion in her tone.

Alya and Marinette share an annoyed glance when Nino speaks up, forever being the nice guy and says yes. The 3 give Nino a death glare as Lila makes herself comfortable in between Nino and Adrien. Marinettes head starts racing full of terrible fears and revenge ideas not knowing Adriens mind is doing the same. The tension rises around them and after 5 minutes Lila stands up.

"It's so warm between Nino and Adrien, can I sit on the end next to you, Marinette?" She pleads.

Marinette and Alya share a confused glance at the unusual request. "Uh, I guess?" She says, having Adrien and herself move over. Lila triumphantly sits down next to her new victim and watches the sun.

"Thanks so much, Marinette! You're the best."

"Haha, thanks, Lila."

"Hey Marinette, you said you brought drinks right?" Adrien asks sweetly.

"Yeah! I forgot about those, I brought waters, peach tea and lemonade. What would you like?"

"Peach Tea? I've never had it, can I have that?"

"Really?" Marinette asks, leaning forward to dig through the cooler, grabbing bottles out and handing the tea to him, "It's actually my favorite drink. It's sweet from the peach but not too sweet from the tea, I love the balance of it." She says with a smile.