Hello, beautiful people! I'm sorry I'm a couple days late, this week has been killing me. It might be a few hours late, but I had every intention to update this chapter on Valentine's! However, it's late even then... Sorry! Anyhow, I loved reading this chapter for editing. Also, I started a new fanfic, one of several, but it's my first ever crossover. It might be a stretch, but I decided to try my hand at a MHA and MLB crossover. It isn't even close to being done, but hopefully I could eventually post it! Without further ado, please enjoy my latest chapter!

Chapter 9

Whoever was behind her was super strong. He effortlessly held her high off the ground, too far for her to do much of anything other than swinging her legs like a little girl on a swing. Come on, Marinette! Channel your inner Ladybug! She squirmed around some more, hoping that her weight will somehow make him stumble, but it seemed like he anticipated her efforts. His grip on her seemed to grow impossibly tighter, and her anxiety rose as she sensed his face get closer to her own. This is my chance! She tried leaning forward, away from his approaching face, causing him to lean forward as well. When she felt like he wasn't paying attention, she swung her head back and tried to hit his nose. She nearly groaned in dejection when she missed and hit his forehead instead, which hurt her too, but was satisfied when his grip loosened as she was finally able to elbow him in the stomach. He doubled over with another huff and she took advantage of his weakened state and stomped on his foot, causing him to release her at long last. Kicking in her Ladybug reflex, she whirled around and stepped into a fighting stance, but stopped short when she saw who it was. "You?!"

"I have a name you know," the familiar voice wheezed as he was still doubled over, trying to catch his breath while keeping his weight off his injured foot.

"What the hell are you doing here, Anthony?!"

"You don't need to yell at me, the night is dead and no one is around."

"So what are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing, pipsqueak. As I said, no one is around. That doesn't mean malevolent shadows aren't looking everywhere," he mumbled while he finally relaxed and placed his hands on his knees.

"Wow, way to be poetic," she teased sarcastically.

"This isn't a time to be joking, Marinette!" he yelled, finally looking up at Marinette, and the look made her gulp. She has only ever seen her brother mad a handful of times, and each time was when they were much younger and it was over simple things. This time, however, she knew she was in trouble. "I was seriously worried about you. What if it wasn't me behind you?"

"I could've changed into Ladybug."

"I was restricting your movement and covering your mouth, you were helpless against me."

"I got out eventually, so everything is fine-"

"It's not fine! Nothing about this is fine! Here you are, a beautiful, young, defenseless woman-"

"I'm not-"

"-wandering around the darkened streets of Paris doing who-knows-what, ALONE might I add, and for what? If you were cornered by someone bigger and stronger than me, you wouldn't have been able to do anything about it, it doesn't matter that you're secretly Ladybug," he began by yelling but hissed out his last sentence.

Before Marinette could respond to his words, movement on her hip caused her to peer down. "He's right, Marinette. You might be Ladybug, but if you aren't transformed, I can't protect you from harm. There would be no way reverse any sort of damage done. If something were to happen to you while I was around, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself," Tikki piped in dejectedly.

Her little friend's words struck a cord with her, knowing that she has already lost many chosens due to not being able to help them, so she didn't bother with her retort. She heard Tony sigh angrily beside her, running a hand hastily through his hair. "What the hell were you doing out here anyway?"

Marinette felt her cheeks burn, not in embarrassment, but in guilt. "I was looking for Chat Noir."

"Haven't you been trying to look for him for the last few days?"

"Yes, I was hoping the third time would be the charm," she teased with a withered smile, and his own tense features softened at the obvious pain his sister was feeling. Being protective of his little sister, he walked over to her and engulfed her in one of his famous bear hugs, and she instantly recipricated, trying to hold back tears. "I can't have missed him, Tony, I need to see him soon, or I'll lose my mind."

"Have you tried as Ladybug?"

"What's the point? He doesn't know I'm Ladybug, and I would surely break down in front of him if I saw him as Ladybug before Marinette," she mumbled into his firm chest.

"I get it. Well, it doesn't appear like you found him tonight, and it's late, let's get you home. You have more tests tomorrow."

"Sure," she muffled after she sniffed. He kissed her forehead consolingly before he took her by the hand and began their journey home. They walked in silence for several minutes, appreciative for each other's presence, before Marinette spoke again. "I'm sorry, Tony. I didn't mean to scare you back there. I just-"

"No need to explain anything to me, I know how you feel. But perhaps looking for him this late at night isn't such a great idea."

"But that's when he's mostly out, how else will I find him?"

"Not sure, he would most likely come to you, did you ever think of that?" At Marinette's silence, he shook his head in humor. "Of course not."

"I did, but I highly doubt he would. He's mad at me, remember? I'm sure he would avoid my balcony at all costs."

"That may be true. Well then, I'm sure everything will sort itself out. Didn't you say he was the same age as you? Maybe he has tests too, just give him until the weekend to sort things out." Marinette honestly didn't think of that being a possibility either, and this time, her cheeks did flame in embarrassment.

After another few moments, Marinette finally cracked a smile at her big brother's back, appreciating his presence once more and metaphorically embracing his warmth. "Thank you, Anthony."

"Any time, squirt."

"I told you, I'm not a squirt."

"Yeah, sure you aren't." Meanwhile, Tikki was giggling inside Marinette's purse, happy that they finally got past their squabble and were there for each other, like they should be.

OoOoOoOoOoOoO

Chat Noir couldn't believe his eyes. He has been following Marinette at a distance since Tuesday, making sure she was safe each time she was wandering around the streets of Paris. The one time he got distracted with an attempted robbery was when she escaped his scope of vision, and he was frantically looking for her for several moments before he heard a strange scuffle. When he followed his instincts, which were screaming at him to hurry in a certain direction, he stopped abruptly and felt his blood run cold when he noticed a tall man dressed in dark colors holding Marinette from behind, preventing her from any free movement other than swinging her legs. Adrien felt himself growl menacingly, bringing out his baton and ready to strike the perpatrator when Marinette leaned forward and then whipped her head back, effectively hitting the man in the forehead. He watched as Marinette elbowed his stomach and then stomped at his foot, causing him to release her before she crouched in a defensive position. Chat felt a surge of pride well up in his system for his friend and crush, and desperately wanted to dash in and be her knight, when her next words caused the smile to immediately drop from his face. "You?!"

"I have a name you know," the man joked before he wheezed once more at the assumed harsh blow to his stomach. Serves him right.

"What the hell are you doing here, Anthony?!" Anthony? Isn't he the name of her boyfriend? I'm so screwed. He instantly felt his mood sour once more at the thought of her having a boyfriend, no less a boyfriend who would scare her so badly.

"You don't need to yell at me, the night is dead and no one is around."

"So what are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing, pipsqueak." Chat felt a low growl in his chest at this man's taunting words. "As I said, no one is around. That doesn't mean malevolent shadows aren't looking everywhere."

"Wow, way to be poetic," she teased. Honestly, Chat would've laughed at her teasing words if he wasn't just as worried for her.

"This isn't a time to be joking, Marinette!" the man yelled, and Chat stood dumbfounded when he heard the voice easily echo throughout the alley. This man has a set of lungs. It was obvious he was upset with her, but his booming voice obviously scared his princess, and he swore he heard her whimper slightly. "I was seriously worried about you. What if it wasn't me behind you?"

Chat spaced out at the possibilities of what would've happened if Anthony wasn't there. Or if he wasn't there. If no one was there to protect her, what would've happened? Each possibility darkened his mind and he shivered as they grew progressively darker. He totally spaced as they shared their conversation in whispers, before Anthony stood closer to Marinette and embraced her in a tight hug, which she instantly reciprocated. The sight sent a pang to his heart, one of jealousy and longing, but at least she was being comforted. They whispered a few more words to each other before he straightened, kissed her forehead, and began to walk off while holding her hand. Adrien wanted desperately to intercept them and take her home instead; offer his own form of comfort with purring which always worked with her before, but thought better of it. She wouldn't want to see me, especially if she's spending time with her boyfriend now. It's best if I just go home, she's safe with him.

Despite his entire being screaming otherwise, he spared one more longing look at his crush and then scampered off, wondering if he should forget his crush on her altogether.

OoOoOoOoOoOoO

When Marinette and Anthony got home, they had to sneak back up through the fire escape up to Marinette's room. Even though it was late, Marinette had a strange feeling someone was constantly watching her, and she didn't want to transform if she didn't have to. Besides, she hasn't transformed in front of Anthony yet, and for some reason, it seems embarrassing just thinking about it. So here they were, just arriving on her rooftop and about to climb into the escape hatch. "Remember, Anthony, we have to be quiet when we get inside. Maman and papa-"

"Are nosy and concerning parents, I know. I've known them my whole life, Marbear."

"But you've been gone for years, and since you left, they have became worse. So just follow my lead."

"And Marbear…"

"Yeah?"

"No more going out this late when you're not Ladybug. Even then, be super careful," he whispered with concern. Marinette smiled at him, grateful for how caring he was of her, and nodded in acknowledgement.

Ever carefully, Marinette opened her trap door and snuck inside, helping Anthony get in with his much larger body, before shutting the window once more. They were just descending the ladder when she turned back to her elder brother. "Be careful when going back to your room. Maman and papa have ears of a-" Suddenly, Marinette's bedroom light turned on, startling a light squeak out of her and a yelp from Tony. Whirling around, the two found themselves face-to-face with their parents, casually sitting on Marinette's chaise as if waiting for them to get home. Tom was trying to put the least amount of weight possible on her tiny piece of furniture, while Sabine sat without a worry with her hands in her lap and her brow raised. "H-h-hey, maman, papa. What's up?"

"Apparently you two," Sabine responded cooly. "Where were you?"

"On the roof."

"Out," Marinette and Tony responded simultaneausly. The two resisted the urge to look at each other in response, but their wide eyes seemed to send a secret message to Sabine, who knew her two children very well.

"So you two were out, on the roof. Correct?"

"Yes," they repeated at the same time.

"And when was that?"

"W-what do you mean, maman?"

"What your mother means, Marinette," Tom intervened, "is that we checked every centimeter in this house, including your roof, and you two weren't anywhere in sight. So, if you weren't on the roof, where were you when you were 'out?'" he asked with his own quirked brow.

The two began fidgiting, Marinette more than Tony, but both recognizable by their parents. But they waited patiently, hoping their kids would tell them where they were so late at night, especially on a school night where Marinette still had a few tests in the morning. There were several minutes of silence before Marinette caved, but Tony sensed it, and held out a hand to stop her. "Mari, don't."

"What should I do, lie to them?" she whispered back.

"Of course not, but don't make them worry."

"Of course not," she jested using his words. "I'm Ladybug, I won't make them worry." He gave her a look of disbelief, knowing just as much as she does that her secret should cause them more worry, if they knew, that is. "Maman, papa, we were out for a walk."

"A walk? At this hour?" Sabine asked incredulously.

"Yes. I couldn't sleep so I wanted to go for a walk, but Tony caught me. He kept me company, and we got farther than expected. I'm sorry," she bowed in dejection, knowing that she disappointed them in some way.

"Oh honey, no need to feel so down. Is it about that boy?"

Tony and Tom looked shocked, Tony fearing that she discovered Marinette's biggest secret, Tom confused to even hear about a boy problem. "Boy? What boy?" Tom nearly yelled in question, but Sabine was solely focused on her daughter, who lightly shook her head in the affirmative.

"I see. You were looking for him, weren't you?" Another nod. "Honey, what makes you think he would be out at this hour?"

"I don't know, I just… I just hoped he would be," she responded, feeling her eyes sting from suppressed tears.

"Oh, sweetie, don't cry," she cooed as she gave her youngest child the warmest hug she could give. The consoling hug did its trick, because the next thing she knew she was crying her heart out, crying all the held back tears from the last few days. "Shh, it's okay, sweetie, just let it all out."

"I thought y-you sa-said not t-to cry," Marinette tried to joke between her sobs, and it brought a low chuckle from the other three in the room.

"Now that it started, it can't be stopped honey."

"No need to cry, pipsqueak, I'm sure you'll find him soon," Tony piped in, joining the hug with Tom following suit.

"I'm so lost right now, but I'd never miss a family hug," Tom jested while lightly lifting his family in the air, squeezing their breathe away for a moment before he put them back down. They all laughed for a short moment until Marinette breathed deeply, calming her frayed nerves.

"Okay, I think I'm better now. It's late, I think we should all get to bed." Right as she suggested it, she released a large yawn, causing her family to laugh at her lovingly.

"Says the one who snuck out."

"As far as I'm concerned, young man, you snuck out too," Tom stated pointedly.

"But I'm an adult!"

"But you still live under our roof, son. Anyhow, I agree with Marinette. We all have to be up early, let's get some shut eye."

"You guys might be tired, but I'm no-ot," Tony began but got cut off by his own yawn, and Marinette's laughter caused a blush to bloom all over his face. In his embarrassment, he lightly pushed her over, and she shrieked in protest. "Serves you right, shortie."

The two began bickering with each other, completely missing the amused looks their parents were giving them.

OoOoOoOoOoOoO

Marinette ended up not being able to go to sleep immediately, so she did what she used to do when she was a kid: go to her over-protective, big brother's room. People might think it was naïve to do so, especially at her age, but she hasn't seen him in a long time and they were always supposed to be there for each other. Even his presence was good enough for her, so she snuck into his room around two in the morning and took the spot on the couch inside. Just like her, he tended to sprawl out in his bed when he slept, unless he was sharing his bed with someone. It was a weird thing, to be honest, but that's just how they were. She blamed Tony for all of her weird habits.

A blaring alarm jolted her awake, but she was so sore from being on the couch all night that she hardly had the energy to turn it off, but when she did, she rolled back over and fell back asleep. Her alarm was set for seven am, her classes didn't start until eight, so she had plenty of time. It was short lived, however, because someone was shaking her viciously. "Wha-wha-what, I'm up I'm up. Just, leave me…" she heard herself mumble before trying to go back to sleep. Whoever was shaking her sighed deeply in annoyance and shook her harder, finally just tossing her on the floor and ripping the blankets off her. Marinette shrieked in protest, before finally looking at the culprit, seeing a smirking Anthony towering over her. "What do you want, you-you beanpole?!"

"Beanpole? Really? You're the little bug who snuck into my room last night. Do you know what time it is?"

"Just past seven."

"No, it's just past eight."

"WHAT?!" With another shriek, Marinette quickly ran to her room, changed into a simple pair of black leggings and a light blue sweater, threw on her black flats, and ran out the door, hoping she had everything to face the day. Tikki barely made it into her purse in her rush, but her little friend was there. She ran with all her might to the school, despite it only being across a couple streets, hoping that she wouldn't get run over.

To her luck, she made it to the school at 8:06 exactly, bursting through the door with a loud bang, startling everyone in the room. "I'm here!" she shouted, and the quiet that followed caused an overbearing blush to engulf her pale skin. Ducking her head, she practically ran to her seat, sending a scowl at a snickering Chloe and Sabrina, before sitting down next to Alya with a deep sigh.

"Thank you, Mademoiselle Dupain-Cheng, for showing up. Now, let's continue with the lesson, shall we?"

Alya casually leaned over to Marinette, hoping to talk to her before they had to get started on their exams. "Girl, what made you so late?"

"I couldn't sleep last night, so I slept on the couch in Tony's room." Because her head was face-down on her desk, she missed the flinch from Adrien, which made Nino look to him in concern.

"And let me guess, you slept past your alarm."

"Righto."

"Dang girl, you've got some record. But it's a good thing you came when you did, we'll be starting soon. Did you finish your homework?"

"Yes, thank goodness. It's just in my bag." Marinette reached over to grab her assignments from her folder, but stilled when she didn't see it. "What?" she used a little more force than necessary trying to see if it was among her books, but didn't see it the second and third time she looked. She finally picked up her bag and viciously tore through it, trying to find her folder, but still came up empty.

"Marinette? Is everything alright?" Madame Bustier asked her with concern.

"U-uhm," Marinette began, looking frantically to an equally scared Alya before turning back. "A-a-actually, Madame Bustier, I forgot my homework at home," she confessed with a dejected tone. Her teacher gave her an understanding smile, but Marinette could tell that it wasn't a plausible excuse. She near scowled when she heard Lila's annoying, tinkling laugh at the back of the classroom.

"Well I'm sorry, Marinette, but it needs to be turned in-" a knock at her door interrupted her. A second later it opened, revealing a bright-eyed Anthony. "Hello, may I help you?"

"Actually, yes. I'm looking for- ah, there you are!" he exclaimed as he let himself in, bypassing a stunned Madame Bustier. "You forgot your homework in my room when you worked on it the other night, nerd."

"Thank you so much Anthony!" She felt like kissing him, but didn't want to cause a scene.

He must've read her thoughts somehow, because he gave her a teasing smirk which made her blush and leaned in close to whisper in her ear. "You can thank me later, just finish your tests." Kissing her forehead, he wished her luck and made his way back out, waving in apology to Madame Bustier.

"He sure knows how to make an entrace," Nino piped in.

"And an exit, dayum," Alya commented, making her three friends scowl at her, Nino moreso in a pout.

"Babe-"

"Shush, I can appreciate art."

"Come on, Alya, that's gross," Marinette whispered.

"You can't deny it, you have more chances to see it than me, mademoiselle," Alya winked.

"Gross!" Marinette sneered in disgust, which only made Alya laugh a little louder.

"Settle down, girls, especially you, Alya and Marinette. Now that you have your assignments, I will collect them and then we can get started."

After a moment, the two realized that they weren't the only ones distracted by Anthony, but only one person was less-than enthused at his presence, and it took everything he had not to growl like his alter ego.