The Queen's Reign

The Pre-Takedown Rituals

The next day, not only did Marinette arrive early, but she was also one of the first ones there, and for good reason. She had a science teacher and acting principal to talk to.

_______

Félix had grown used to these sorts of days, them having happened all the time when he and his friends were younger, though back then they were much more active and productive than now, but that was to be expected. It had been years since they had a takedown, let alone one this big.

He tapped the desk impatiently as he scrolled through different news channels on his phone, anxiety flowing through each of his movements. Marc snorted behind him, looking up from his nail polish.

"You haven't changed much, huh, Félix?" he asked, voice playful.

Félix, though he knew the other was just teasing, felt his irritation grow at his words. "I have too. And besides, you haven't changed much either, Monsieur I-have-to-reapply-my-nail-polish-before-every-takedown?" Félix said, spinning around in his chair to face his partner's cousin, who was, guiltily, reapplying his nail polish for the third time that morning. Marc glared up at him, slowly applying yet another layer.

"You have your pre-takedown rituals and I have mine," was all Marc gave to defend himself.

"I do not have a 'pre-takedown ritual'." Félix huffed, rolling his eyes.

"You stalk any and all news channels and are currently tapping a hole into Marinette's poor desk." Marc supplied, blowing on his nails to dry them faster. Félix pursed his lips, but stayed silent, pausing his scrolling. "See? You have yours and I have mine."

"Yes, Félix, you have no room to judge him." Kagami sighed, not looking up from whatever book she currently had her nose down.

Félix did not stick his tongue out at her. He did not. And you have no proof that he did.

Marc set aside his nail polish, laying his hands out in front of him, and looked up at Félix from his spot on the floor. "Félix, it's Marinette. You know that she won't fail. Especially with all of us backing her." Félix glanced down at his phone, before looking back up.

"I know."

_______

When Lila woke up that morning, she had no idea what would be waiting for her at school. How would she? Nothing had seemed out of the ordinary. She didn't wake up with a shiver, nor had she had a nightmare. Her horoscope didn't leave any warning for her either, nor did any of her empire call her and warn her about a bad feeling.

So she picked out a normal outfit, made herself some maritozzi, and checked her phone for a text or voicemail from her mom like always.

And, like always, there was one.

"I'm so sorry, Lila, I promise I'll be home for dinner tonight, and who knows? Maybe I'll be able to take the day off tomorrow! I could call you out of school, and we can spend the day going to that mall you told me about. How does that sound? Remember to call your dad as well, I'm sure he'd love to hear from you. Have a good day, honey. Love you."

Lila rolled her eyes, deleting the message. Of course her mother wouldn't be able to make it to dinner. And she probably wouldn't be able to take the day off tomorrow either.

Of all the lies Lila had told, she had never lied about her mother's profession, nor had she ever lied about how busy she was.

Lila barely even saw the woman.

She finished her breakfast and gathered her school supplies, shoving them into her bag and pulling on her shoes. Lila turned off the lights, took one last look around her room, making sure she hadn't forgotten anything, and left, locking the apartment door behind her.

_______

Marinette sat on the front steps of the school, jacket tucked under her, watching as students trickled in, some eyeing her, others not even noticing her.

A group of kids, maybe a year or two younger than her, met in the front, giggling as they met, all trying to talk over each other as they made their way up the steps. They stopped as they realized how intently Marinette was staring at them, ducking their heads, and quickly heading in.

Marinette blinked slowly at the spot where they had been, stuck in faraway memories, memories that recently had made themselves at home in the front of her mind, so often that she was starting to see them as old friends. And while at first they had been unwelcome, and had been chased out time after time, only to appear at any random moment that vaguely resembled them, they now were common guests, and she was starting to grow comfortable with them. Now they left without having to be chased, but Marinette didn't worry, they'd be back soon enough.

And, just like that, without her having to nag them, the memories fled as Alix's car pulled up, dropping off the excited young teen, Nathaniel climbing out after her.

The car pulled away, and the two joined Marinette on the steps, Nathaniel pulling out his journal while Alix looked out at the street.

Marinette smiled at the two of them, inhaling deeply, and found how calming it was, breathing in the fresh air. The scent of pastries floated through the air, mixing with the smells of the city and the faint flowery aroma that hid just under all the different smells.

Chloé was next to arrive, Sabrina bouncing energetically by her side.

While Chloé didn't join them on the stairs, muttering something about the ground being too dirty for her precious behind to touch, she did stand next to them, looking over Nathaniel's shoulder as he drew, a small, peaceful smile on her lips.

Marinette patted the seat next to her, scooting over a bit for Sabrina, who happily sat down next to her, resting her head on Marinette's shoulder.

The group sat there in complete silence, time slowly ticking by, waiting for nothing and no one in particular. Just enjoying each other's presence, just preparing themselves for what was to come, just sitting there in the comfort of one another's presence.

Soon, the bell would ring and interrupt their peacefulness, and it would be time to begin.