Hello, beautiful people! I know y'all are impatient to read the story, so I'll explain myself in a note at the end. Enjoy!

Chapter 11

Adrien and Marinette were frozen in high alert, trying to see where the akuma would be, yet finding nothing. They both felt their kwamis vibrating in their place, trying to speak to their chosens. They faintly heard people screaming around them, including their friends who were frantically calling their names. Alya was antsy beside her friends, wanting to find the akuma for her blog and yet wanting to ensure her friends were safely hidden. Marinette and Adrien were looking towards the sky, trying to see if it was some sort of flying akuma, but still couldn't see anything. The more they tried in vain to find it, the more their kwamis buzzed in their places.

It wasn't until a new, booming voice called out to the group that they turned their gazes ahead of them, noticing Anthony running towards them with a stern and worried look on his face. "What are you four doing just standing around out here? We need to move, now!" he shouted angrily while getting closer.

Adrien couldn't help but scoff at him, which was out of character for him. "What would you know? We've been exposed-"

"I don't care what you have to say, pretty boy," Anthony cut him off sternly. "We're in danger, and standing around isn't helping. We need cover, and quickly," he announced while roughly grabbing Marinette's wrist and dragging her away. Even though Marinette didn't wince at his hold, she was still shocked with how forceful he was being.

"A-Antho-" she tried calling to him, but the look he sent her way abruptly stopped her words.

"No need to say anything, just-" a boom behind them caused the group to look, making their eyes go wide with horror. "Run!" After finally catching a glimpse of the akuma, the group wished they hadn't. Although the theme seemed entertaining, the powers the akuma held wasn't so pretty. The victim appeared to be an astronaut, practically floating in the air just like how they would in space. They were able to practically turn off the gravity within a certain distance of themselves, making anyone near them helpless without being able to run from them. But it wasn't the antigravity trick that terrified them, it was the black hole-like-portals that piqued their horrified interests. The group could only watch in bewilderment as the akuma threw cars and fragments of buildings into the portals before it disappeared, taking the items along with it.

"Hello, Parisians!" the akuma declared boldly. "I am Trou Noir, creator of black holes and dimensions in space! I will prove that black holes don't cause destruction, but could lead to a new location in space! Then, and only then, will you all believe me!" he stated before creating more portals with a maniacle laughter that sent a chill down everyone's spines.

"Quickly, in here," Anthony whispered as they found a store that was relatively secured for people to hide in until the akuma passes. Anthony knew he needed to separate Marinette from her friends so she could transform into Ladybug, but it would be suspicious if he did it right now. They needed to be calm and rational about this, so sticking together safely is the best bet for now, even if it delays in Ladybug's arrival. He was just biding his time until he could find an opportunity to let her escape safely. Ironic, really, that she needs to escape in a safe manner only to put herself in more danger as the heroine of Paris.

When they made their way behind the counter with some other stragglers, Anthony pulled Marinette close into his lap and held her tightly in an embrace, brotherly instincts kicking in high gear. Nino did the same to Alya, but more so she wouldn't go running outside trailing the akuma for her blog. Adrien looked on in fury, angry that someone else was holding Marinette other than himself. It felt so foreign to see someone holding his friend in such a way, compared to how Nino and Alya was because they grew accustomed to it over the years due to them being an item.

A crash outside the store caught Adrien's attention, causing him to peek around the counter and see if he could see the akuma. A flash of movement caused him to hide behind the counter again, almost getting caught by the akuma as he hovered past the front. Taking a deep breath, Adrien steadied himself so he could adjust into his Chat Noir persona. Paris needed him, one part of the hero duo to save them from the akuma, not jealous Adrien. But the sight of Marinette in Anthony's arms isn't helping anything, especially his concentration. And by the persistant nudges in his pocket, he knew Plagg was either impatient that he hasn't transformed yet or he was trying to keep an angry Chat Noir at bay. "Okay guys, I have a plan," he began, before he was cut off by Anthony.

"The plan is this, you kids will sneak out the back with me and we will all go to our own homes, where we are with our families. That is where we will be safest."

"Safest? Akumas don't care if we are at home, Anthony," Adrien sneered uncharacteristically. "You haven't experienced them like we have, and the safest thing to do right now is stand aside and wait for Ladybug and Chat Noir to arrive. If everyone were to try to return to their homes, the akuma would have more victims to harass. I agree with you that we should escape through the back, but we need to stay low and find a safer place to hide until this blows over."

"Are you serious? We can't just keep hopping from place to place, hoping we stay safe. Our homes are the safest-"

"Again, what would you know? As far as I'm concerned, you haven't been in Paris for very long, you wouldn't know anything about how to navigate the streets with an akuma running around!"

"Well, I think-"

"Girls, girls you're both pretty, but we seriously need to think of a plan to get out of here," Alya cut in, shifting restlessly in Nino's lap.

"Babe, I really want to believe you're wanting to leave so we could get to safety, but I know you, and I know you just want to film the akuma. So if we are getting out of here, you need to stay with me… away from the akuma." His statement caused her to deflate dramatically, startling a giggle out of Marinette who has been silent the whole time.

"Oh, you think this is funny, missy?" Anthony questioned seriously. "There's an akuma outside destroying your city, the heroes are nowhere in sight, and you have the gall to laugh?"

"I'm laughing at Alya, I'm obviously concerned for my city, but-"

"But nothing young lady, we need to get out of-"

Suddenly a crash was heard from the front of the store again, signifying the arrival of the akuma. "I hear some kiddies in here. Come on out, let's play." Glass began shattering everywhere, some other people who were trapped began screaming and scrambling away from the wreckage. Meanwhile, Anthony grabs Marinette and carries her off princess style, expecting the others to follow him. Once they make it outside, Marinette finally composes herself and breaks away from Anthony.

"Anthony, the plan was to split up, not hide together," Marinette whisper-shouted to Anthony while hitting his arm, causing him to hold the appendage in mock hurt.

"I know, but I worry about everyone, not just you. They're your friends and, as your big brother, I need to protect them too. Even that pest of an- OW!" he stated louder when she hit him again.

"I won't have you talking about Adrien that way. I might not have a crush on him anymore, but he's still one of my closest friends. I don't know what's up with him today, but you have no right to judge him."

"Alright, whatever. Geez, I'm only trying to help everyone get to safety, even if it means you'll have to find an opportunity to escape to, you know…"

"Yeah, just don't talk too loud, you mouth-breather."

"You snore you know," he teased right back.

"I do not-"

"As cute as this is," Alya interrupted with her own smirk. "We all need to find our next hiding place before we're found again."

Marinette hated the look Anthony was giving her, as if he won the impromptu compedition they were having. Even so, she closed her eyes and heaved a deep breath. "Fine, yeah, sure. I think we should split up."

"What?!" Adrien demanded. He couldn't believe she would suggest such a thing.

"I know what you're about to say, but think about it. There's less of a chance of him catching us if we split up."

"She's right, kids," Anthony chirped. "As much as I want us to stay together to ensure we get to a safe location, if splitting up prevents us from being caught, then we should do that."

"Wow, so do you always just agree with Marinette like that?" Adrien cut in with a glare.

"What do you mean?"

"You were so adamant before to stay together, but because Marinette says we should split up, you agree with her? Wow, you must really like her or you're whipped."

"Adrien!" Marinette gasped, appalled at his recent behavior.

"What is with you, are you always such a brat, or is today a special occasion?"

"Anthony!"

"Such a good way to sway the conversation, do you always avoid the topic if you feel uncomfortable?"

"Dude," Nino attempted to intervene, "I think you should-"

"I think Anthony should just take a step back," he claimed, angry and indignant over how he treats Marinette. "Half the time he seems embarrassed about being around her, other times he's overbearing and forceful. I don't see why she likes to be around hi-" A loud 'clap' shut down Adrien's rant. He honestly expected a punch from Anthony, but he didn't expect the strong slap to come from Marinette. His crush, one of his best friends. He took a closer look at her face, noticing the anger across her face and the sadness lurking in the blue depths of her eyes. "Marinette?"

"How dare you say such things about him. He might seem that way to you, but you don't know anything about him. He cares for me, and even if it seems like he's being controlling, he does it because he cares and knows what is best for me."

"Best for you? You make it seem like he's a parent of some sort, or a-" Husband. I almost said husband.

"A what? What were you about to say?" she demanded.

"He, uh," he stammered. He was honestly flustered with how close she was to him, but he was also on the receiving end of her wrath. In the years that they've known each other, Adrien has only witnessed her anger a handful of times, and been the cause of it even fewer. The only way to get out of this is admitting defeat, but not in front of him… "He's controlling, alright? He pulls you around and tells you what to do. You've never been that kind of girl, Marinette. When did you start to let people pull you around?"

"'That kind of girl?' What is that supposed to mean? How do you know what kind of girl I am, Adrien?"

"I've been your friend for a few years now, I think I know you pretty well." He wasn't going to admit that he knows her really well, being Chat Noir. She's more open with that side of him, which greatly confuses and saddens him.

"Oh really? I seem to doubt that. We might spend a lot of time together as a group, but you seem to pretty much run away whenever there's a chance we would be alone together. What, do I scare you or something? Do you detest me so much that you would rather be alone than with me, 'a good friend?'" she mocked in anger.

Adrien tried to refute her statement, but everything she said was mostly true. Whenever there was a chance they would be alone together, he would try to escape with the excuse of modeling, but not because he detested her. She always seemed to understand, so her outburst made it known that she was hurt each time he 'ran away' from her. "No, that's not-"

"Then what is it?! I only know the Adrien that you show everyone else, there is no other side for me, just what you show to other models and fans alike." You don't know how wrong you are, princess, he thought to himself. "Anthony doesn't hide himself from me, he's always open and honest with me."

Tired of hearing her talking about Anthony in such a high regard, Adrien couldn't hold back his anger and decided to hit below the belt. "At least I don't try to control you. He hasn't done anything but control you this whole time, can't you see that he's manipulating you?"

"He's not-"

"Why can't you see that he's only trying to control you? He claims to know what's best for you and forces you to bend to his will, without your consent. Is that what your relationship is? He just tells you what to do and you follow like a lost lamb? I thought you were better than that, Marinette. You're the class president, someone that everyone looks up to. Why do you belittle yourself to someone like him? You're not setting a good example to those who look up to you."

"Not setting a good example? Look who's talking! You're getting all bent up because I listen to someone and follow what they suggest, that's what anyone should do, not just a leader or a follower. You keep saying that you know me and you're surprised to see me acting in such a way, but you don't really know me. You must imagine me in a certain way and now you're disappointed that I don't meet your expectations, is that it? Well I'm sorry that I'm not good enough for you, Monsier Perfect Model!" she screamed at him before she stomped her way towards Anthony. It took a long moment for Adrien to realize that her rant made her begin to cry. She was crying because of him. His words upset her so much that she began to cry and went to Anthony for emotional support. As much as it hurt him to see them hugging when she's like that, he knows it's for the best. Anthony seems to know how to comfort her, while he just seems to know how to upset her.

"W-well, do you blame me? You're one of my closest friends, and one of the strongest women I know, so of course I would have higher expectations of you. I feel like he has low expectations for you, seeing how he just tells you what to do."

"You don't even know him! Don't be so quick to judge him, Adrien!"

"Why can't I? How do you know what he feels for you is real? Tell me, Anthony," he demanded while turning his attention to Anthony, who was still hugging Marinette close to him. "What do you feel for Marinette?"

Not even missing a beat, Anthony stated, "I love her."

Those three simple words shattered Adrien and his heart. He honestly wanted Anthony to admit that he wasn't genuine with Marinette; but after that confession he feared he wouldn't be able to win her affections from him, especially after their argument. Just as he was about to try to say something else, Nino shouted 'run' before pulling Alya aside. Luckily, the warning came at the perfect time for everyone to dodge out of the way from a portal being created.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here? Some kids just wandering about Paris? I'm surprised you stayed so close to the inner city, especially when you should be in school. No matter, I'll help you get to where you belong." With a wave of his gloved hand, a portal appeared in the middle of the group, causing them to split up from each other.

"Everybody, run!" Anthony shouted as he grabbed Marinette's hand and ran through an alley, while Alya and Nino ran down the road and hid behind a car. Due to them going separate ways, Trou Noir was distracted and didn't notice Adrien slip back inside the store that they escaped from. Adrien looked around to ensure he was alone before he opened his jacket and let Plagg out.

"What the hell was that?!" Plagg demanded while flying forward to hit him on his forehead.

"Ow! Plagg, what the-"

"I thought you had a brain in that big head of yours, but it's apparently empty. Why would you say such hurtful things to her?! I thought she was your princess!"

"She, she is, but-"

"But nothing! You don't say such hurtful things to her, even if she wasn't your princess. As your friend, you should treat her with respect, but what you said to her was something worthy of former Chloe. Did you see how you made her cry?!" Adrien looked at Plagg, startled over his outburst. Plagg always seemed to like Marinette best, so he would always tease Adrien whenever the two had a 'moment,' especially if he was visiting as Chat Noir. But seeing him defend her so vehemently caused Adrien to peer at him in surprise. Floating before him, Plagg's fur seemed to be raised just like a normal cat, especially his tail which was fluffed to the extreme and flicking wildly behind him. In any other circumstance, Adrien would've laughed, but this discussion was about how he hurt his friend so much that he made her cry.

"I-I know. I didn't mean to say such hurtful things, they… they just, came out."

"'Just came out,' what is this, grade school?"

"That's not-"

"That's not how Chat Noir should act, I agree. After this, I fully expect you to find her and apologize profusely, or else I'll make you regret your existence for a whole month. In the meantime, think about what you've done to hurt her, and take care of that akuma."

"Akuma, that's right! We don't have time for this Plagg-"

"You'll make time for this! You were the one who created this whole mess you're finding yourself in, so you are responsible for cleaning this up. If she's your friend and you still want her to like you, then you better make up for it, or else you don't deserve her!"

Adrien knew he was right, but he didn't like the prospect of having to face Marinette again. There was a chance that she wouldn't forgive him, she might not even want to speak to him. But he cared too much about her, he even wanted to admit that he loved her. I love Marinette. Holy shit, I love Marinette. His realization shouldn't have surprised him as much as it did, but he couldn't help himself. He knew that he had a crush on her, but he thought that's all it was. His crush on her started shortly after she confessed to him over a year ago and it has only grown since then. But this was the first time he has admitted to himself that he loved her. Just the other day he was questioning if his crush on her was real, but now he knew for a fact that he loved her. And he hurt her. He didn't deserve her affections or her forgiveness, but he would beg her if he had to. He would get down on his knees if she wanted. Either way, he knew that he had to take care of the akuma and then immediately rush to her side and talk to her.

"Alright, I promise. After this, I'll find her and beg for her forgiveness."

"That's the spirit, kid," Plagg commended with a smirk.

"Plagg, claws out!"

OoOoOoOoOoOoO

Anthony and Marinette hasn't stopped since they separated from the others, not even daring to look back. They weaved in and out of alleys, dodging people as they ran and avoiding running into the akuma and his traps. Anthony's grip on Marinette's hand tightened as they emerged into an open side street, carefully looking around to make sure they were alone. Once they were confident they were alone, he released her hand and whipped around to face her. "Yo, what the hell is wrong with your man?"

"'My man?' What is that supposed to mean? Adrien isn't my man."

"He sure as hell became protective like one, confronting me like that. Man, I thought he was going to try to beat me up," he commented while running his hands through his hair. After a moment, he placed one hand on his hip and kept the other in his hair, chuckling for some strange reason. "Huh, he almost picked a fight with me. Impressive."

"How is that impressive?"

"Look at me," he stated casually as he flexed, trying to flaunt his muscles. "I'm huge compared to him, he's near half my height."

"That's not true, and you know it. Besides, despite his height difference, I know for sure he has more muscles than you."

"Oh really? Are you admitting that you saw his body… naked?" he asked, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. When she turned away from him and crossed her arms, he knew that he was right and that she was hiding a blush. "You did! You heathen! When, where, and why? Were you spying on him?"

"No way! We are seventeen and eighteen years old, we've gone to beaches and water parks before. Get your mind out of the gutter!" Whirling back to her brother, she tried leveling him with one of her famous glares she learned from their mother. They had an intense staring contest, with Marinette's arms crossed at her chest and Anthony posing with a hand back on his hip and the other in his hair. She tried to scowl at him, but was quickly losing her ill temper due to his lopsided smirk.

An airy giggle broke the two from their impromptu alpha-contest, and they turned to give the culprit their attention. "As cute as this is, I think the point of running away was to find a place to transform, Marinette," Tikki teased.

"That's right! I have a cat to find and an akuma to defeat! Tikki, spots- watch out!" she shouted as she pushed Anthony aside, narrowly dodging a rogue blast.

"Hey! Your fight is with me!" a familiar voice called from the distance, causing Marinette to look up. She near sighed in relief when she saw him, knowing that he would be able to fend himself and protect her brother while she found a place to transform.

"Why should I limit portal transportation to animals and inanimate objects when humans are better testing subjects?" With a cynical sneer, he pointed his hand towards the ground, trying to aim towards one of them.

"Oh, no you don't," Chat grunted as he hit the akuma as hard as he possibly could, sending him deep into the adjacent building. It would take him several minutes to emerge from the wreckage, so Chat knew there was plenty of time for the two to make it to safety. He inhaled deeply, steadying himself before he faced the girl he loved, the girl that he made cry. Jumping down with a casual smirk, he stood only a meter away from Marinette, resisting the urge to inhale her sweet scent. "Well hello there, prrrincess. Come here often?"

Marinette scoffed, slightly relieved he would make light of this situation. "A little too often, for my liking, chaton. We were trying to get a safe distance away, but it appears we didn't make it far enough."

"Seems so. Where do you plan to head… with him?" Chat Noir tried to ask as if he was casually concerned; he was as far as her safety was involved, but he didn't want to make it seem like he was jealous of Anthony's involvement, only curious. He already messed up once as Adrien, he didn't want to ruin it as Chat Noir. Chat tried to look at Anthony as he approached with curiosity, carefully masking his knowledge on who he is.

"Not sure, just somewhere away from the akuma," she answered, missing the indignant flick of his ear and the way his eyes turned into slits.

"That's right, I need to get my girl to safety before she turns into a pancake," Anthony tried to joke, only to receive a growl from Chat. Marinette turned to him in surprise, so he quickly covered it up by clearing his throat.

"I hate to correct you, but that's not exactly funny in this scenario. I'm sorry, who are you?"

"I am-"

"Not important right now," Marinette cut off, turning back towards Chat and disregarding her brother's indignant huff. "Did anyone get hurt so far?"

"Not as far as I know. People are avoiding the akuma as best as they can. The portals appear to lead to a different dimension, so I would stay a safe distance away from one if I were you, I'm not really sure what will happen if someone goes through."

"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you, kitty, and please stay safe," she implored with a pleading look in her eye.

"I will, princess, and you two need to find a place to hide before the akuma returns."

Marinette nodded, not really sure how to continue from there. The persistant nudges from Tikki said that she needed to transform, but for some reason her heart told her to stay. It was stupid, she almost wanted to kiss him for good luck, but she wasn't sure if her luck proceeded to her civilian side. So with another nod, she turned back towards Anthony, who stood behind the pair with a calculating look on his face, which didn't sit well with Chat. When Anthony placed his hand at the small of Marinette's back, Chat had to force himself to look away, knowing that if he saw them any closer he might snap, and he didn't want to do something he would regret while he was transformed.

Just as Chat turned back towards the akuma, the akuma advanced and tried to take advantage of his back being turned. "Hey, Rocket Man! Don't you know it's impolite to strike someone when their back is turned?" Chat taunted as he deflected a blow, avoiding his hand at all costs.

"Huh, what would you know about being struck in the back? Do you know the feeling of being betrayed, kitty cat?"

"I don't appreciate the nickname, I already have someone that calls me that."

"Oh? Is it that beatle you always trail after? Where is she anyway?"

"She is a ladybug, and she will be here soon to kick your ass."

"I bet she ran away, she's too much of a coward to face me herself, and she's letting you do all the hard work. Just because I don't live in Paris doesn't mean I don't notice these things. This isn't the first time she had you scope one of us akumas out by yourself."

"You have no place questioning our partnership, Moon Man."

"Stop calling me different names! I'm Trou Noir!"

"There's only room for one Noir here, and that's the cat. And, as far as I'm concerned, you don't have ears and a tail, so you can devise a new name."

"Not if I take you out first," the akuma stated cryptically as he pointed his hand towards Chat Noir. Firing the blast, the akuma looked haughty and assured that he would hit his target. Meanwhile, Chat stepped into his defending stance, confident that he could deflect the blast like he does with every akuma. However, a shrill cry from behind made his ear twitch and his eyes widen in horror.

"Chat!"

"Mari-" Before he could finish her name or even turn around, he felt himself being pushed out of the way from the blast, causing a portal to appear behind them. In terrifying realization, Chat noticed the portal was more like a black hole, sucking in anything within close range. He was far enough away from it that it didn't pull him in, but Marinette wasn't. Her mouth gaped open as if she was trying to scream but couldn't. Her bright blue eyes were dulled in hopelessness as she was swallowed by the portal, disappearing into the vast darkness inside. Silence ensued for a few seconds before Chat could pull himself together and realize what just occurred. "MARINETTE!"

I know what you're going to say, and I'm so sorry! I apologize for the late update, as you can see, the chapter is much longer than the last few I posted. As far as time went, the last month went by in a whir. You see, I have an 'essential' job during this time, so I worked many more hectic hours while trying to figure out any last-minute details for my schooling. Despite having three weeks of spring break, I never really had a single day to really sit down and write. It doesn't help that I had major writers' block during this chapter (it was seriously bad during the first page). However, once I got started, it was difficult to stop. There was a lot of fillers in this chapter, but it made it longer.

On another note, I just had to mention that this will be the second to last chapter of this story! I know, I'm sad too, but hopefully I could finish this story and start another one. I feel so bad, because I tend to take longer to post more stories, but maybe I'll take a short break and post one and two-shot stories to practice my creative writing. As stated, after this, there will be one more chapter, so just hang in there, and I hope to post within another two weeks! Stay tuned!