To Purr The Pain Away

The Knights Of Her Table

Chloe was seething as she sat in class. Adrien and Marinette were both absent, Adrien having taken the day to sit with Marinette as the doctors were operating. Marinette being caught in an explosion at her favorite cafe was the official cause as stated by Chat Noir during his interview with Marinette's parents, the hero having to restrain himself from running into Auntie Sabine's arms. Of course he knew it was a lie, but how could he possibly tell them the truth? Felix pulled her from her thoughts as he plopped down in Marinette's seat, a lemon cupcake held in his outstretched hand.

"From Marinette's parents. They had me bring some for the class as a show of support. Honestly, they are to kind. They need the support more than these traitors."

Chloe nodded as she took the cupcake, a small smile slipping on her face as she took a small bite. She knew she would have to face Marinette's parents eventually. She owed it to her new friend's parents to know that the person who terrorized their daughter was sorry and trying to make amends. If they accepted or not was up to them and she wouldn't blame them if they chose not to. She repressed a snarl as Lila entered the room, her followers comforting the girl in her "distress". Lila remembered it all and could hardly contain her giddiness. She had knocked out both of her competition in one swoop. Not only that but her subjects had fallen for the fake tears and happily comforted her as she apologized for the harm she caused. Of course they had stopped her mid apology and ensured her that it wasn't her fault. Chloe and Felix wanted nothing more than to reach across the aisle and slap her to hell, both restraining the other.

Sabrina clenched her fists into her skirt, trying hard not to show her anger. She had been there when Adrien approached Chloe with the bracelet, she believed in the bluenette as much as Chloe. Adrien had listened as Chloe questioned him regarding him and Felix, wanting to know just what was going on. Adrien had returned her questions in kind, wondering why she wanted so desperately to know. Sabrina knew she probably should have left and was about to until Adrien grabbed her as well. They stared at each other, seeing who would crack first. Eventually Chloe had burst, explaining her guilt over the bullying and ambition to help take down Lila as well as make it up to Marinette for everything she had done. Sabrina had followed suit and expressed her desire to see Marinette happy and Lila gone. Of course, where Chloe went and who she supported was also on Sabrina's agenda. Adrien had explained everything, his own anger at the situation clear. Sabrina remembered the feeling of purpose she got as Adrien handed her the black bracelet and its meaning, determined to be a hero like Ladybug. The Bee and The Hound were on the war path. The Marinette squad sat in silence as Lila spun her pity party. There would be time for revenge in time, but they had promised Adrien they wouldn't act until he returned to class with or without Marinette. Nino approached Felix, his eyes downcast and red. Felix raised an eyebrow at him and straightened his posture to the defensive.

"Is there something I can help you with Lahiffe?"

Nino froze under his gaze and gulped. "I was wondering if I could talk to you dude. Alone." Chloe prepared to start her rant but a slight hand raise from Felix silenced her. He stood before smoothing his features into that of uninterest and motioning him to the top of the stairs. Nino slid up the stairs, avoiding the group of gossiping pawns, and lowered his voice to a whisper as Felix looked at him expectantly.

"Look Felix, I know what you must be thinking and feeling right now, but please hear me out okay?" Felix gave him a small glare before motioning him to continue. Nino sucked in a beath and looked to the floor, shame on his face. "I won't make an excuse, I've been a terrible friend to Marinette. I've known her since we were kids. I should have known better and honestly, part of me did. I was so scared to lose Alya you know? But watching her be one of Lila's sheep and so clearly up her ass, I can't do it anymore."

Felix reached out a gentle hand and placed it on Nino's shoulder, a soft squeeze making the boy look into his eyes. Felix offered him a small grin and watched Nino relax slightly. "You may have made a mistake, but there is a way to make things right. You want to take down Rossi and help Marinette right?" Nino held his gaze and a hard frown took his features. "I want to make it up to my dudette. Me and Nette go way back and I should have been there from the start. I'll do anything if it means making things right. Who else is supposed to kick my ass at UMS3?" Felix reached into his pocket and pulled out a bracelet, looking at it carefully before holding it out for Nino. Nino took it and gave it a look over before shooting a questioning look at him.

"If you truly want to help Marinette, put it on and don't ever take it off. That shows you are Team Marinette and will support and protect her at all cost. Lila knows its meaning so expect to become a target." Nino quickly slipped it on looked at him with determination.

"Tell me what to do Felix."

The Turtle was now on the field. The Dupain-Cheng bakery was flooded that day, both with those close to Marinette and those who simply wished to leave their sympathies. Jagged Stone had stopped in with Penny, a stuffed Fang in his arms as he hugged Sabine. "If the little rocker needs anything, you just ask. We are family." Nadja and her crew had stopped in with cards of well wishes as they had been the ones to capture the cafe explosion, unknowing that Marinette wasn't actually inside. Luka and Kagami had both stopped in to order for their respective families and offer sympathies. Luka had broken his guitar upon hearing of his melody's injury and Kagami had all but demolished her fencing partner in anger. Luka, knowing of Marinette's role as Ladybug, had all but sprinted to Felix outside of his home and demanded a bracelet. Nobody messed with a snake's treasure. Kagami had been approached by Felix shortly after his encounter with Luka. He knew the girl was Marinette's closest female friend and had seen first hand the length she would go to for Marinette's happiness. She had eagerly claimed her bracelet and gave some creative ways to skin Lila Rossi.

The Dragon and The Snake had entered the ranks of Marinette's guardians.

Alya was seething. Her boyfriend had been spending too much time with Felix and his clique for her liking. Rather than helping them comfort Lila, he had drawn the attention to Marinette. She was in the hospital yes and it was a tragedy, but how insensitive could he be to bring it up in front of Lila!? She cornered him on the way out of the school, her eyes burning into him. " What the fuck Nino? Do you have to keep bringing up Marinette in front of Lila? You know she feels terrible about what happened and you aren't helping!" Nino scoffed and sent an annoyed glare her way, annoyed at having to deal with her stupidity.

"Honestly Als, the world doesn't revolve around Lila. What about Marinette's feelings huh? She is as much the victim in this, more so than Lila!"

Alya stood stunned as her timid boyfriend's anger started spilling out. She had never seen him so outspoken and angry. "You can't be serious Nino. Marinette has been harassing Lila since she got here, the last thing she needs is more attention. Especially since she started hanging out with creeps like Vanily and-", "SHUT UP!" She reared back as though struck, shock etching onto her face as Nino stalked up to her, rage clear. "Shut up Alya. I'm done sitting and listening to the shit that is coming out of your mouth. You want to be a sheep for Lila? Fine. Leave me out of it. We are done Alya."

Tiki lay curled up with Plagg inside Marinette's purse. Plagg had seen his sugar cube in pain and as much as he wished he could say it didn't, it tore at him. Everyone in this was hurting. His kitten was going through shock and anger. Shock of finding out the identity of his lady and anger at the fact it was HIS MARINETTE that was the target of such actions. Felix was having to watch as his closest friend was fighting a battle with herself he wasn't sure still she could win. Both kwami were having to be there for their owners as well as supporting Duusu as she tried to keep Felix off the idea of yanking Plagg from Adrien and cataclysming Lila in the face. An idea Plagg was 100% okay with. Adrien lay next to Marinette on her hospital bed, careful not to touch any of the IVs. The doctor had told him not to but honestly he couldn't give a damn about that.

His body had changed from his time with Plagg. He could hear even the smallest of noises, see in the dark and had the reflexes of an experienced ally cat. But his favorite was currently in use. He held Marinette to his chest, a hand softly stroking her downed hair. His legs intertwined with hers and his arms was looped protectively around her. Her cheek was pressed against his chest and her head tucked under his chin. The room was quiet of noise. Only the soft beeping of her heart monitor was heard around the room. Yet to him it might as well not be there as he focused on keeping the rumbling in his chest low and soothing. He would only do his favorite thing for one person.

He would only purr for his princess.