The trip to the market had been a welcome one, as Marco had really needed to get out of the house. As much as he loved his family – and he held them very dearly – sometimes they were just too much.
That wasn't really a surprise, of course, since fourteen siblings was a lot. Add to that that half of them were benders as well, and you had the ingredients for disaster. It wasn't as bad as it had been when Pops had had to take care of a handful of teenagers and younger kids, but still, when they all got together for the big tournament, it could get messy.
All of them had been adopted by a man they now called Pops. His real name was Edward Newgate, but he was known as Whitebeard by most. He had a lot of power in the underworld and above, and he was the only father Marco had ever known. Pops was good to his children and did anything to protect them.
Being the first to be adopted, Marco felt a certain responsibility for the others, which was one of the reasons he got into pro-bending. Feeding fifteen mouths cost a lot and if Marco could bring in cash by competing, he gladly would. Even if his family was irritating sometimes.
Thatch and Izo could be especially annoying, but he had to put up with them as they were his teammates. With them, he had managed to become pro-bending champion three years in a row, earning quite a few yuan. Thatch and Izo were both amazing benders, earth and water respectively, but that didn't mean they didn't love to team up and torture Marco.
Izo in particular had been on his case lately about his love life. Or rather, his non-existent love life. Marco had to admit he had been training a lot lately, but the tournament started the next day, after all. They really needed to win again this year, as money was tight after opening a new orphanage. Four hundred eighty thousand yuan, the total pot of the tournament, was a lot of money and would certainly come in handy. That was the only reason Marco had been training so hard. It had nothing to do with sexual frustration.
And what the hell did Izo know, anyway? It wasn't like a boyfriend would just fall into his lap or anything. So why whine about it?
Deciding to tell his brother off as soon as he got home, Marco hoisted the bags filled with groceries higher on his arms. He had bought a lot of food and had trouble seeing where he walked, but he knew the way to his home like the back of his hand anyway.
A sudden force walking into him caused him to stumble and fall backwards. The groceries hit the ground and rolled away. Marco groaned and rubbed at his behind.
"Shit, I'm sorry!" a male voice said close to him. "I wasn't really paying attention where I was going."
Marco looked up and saw a shirtless man kneeling to pick up the groceries. Marco rose to his feet and dusted himself off. "It's alright." He hadn't exactly been paying attention either, after all.
The man put the groceries in the bags before he straightened as well and turned around.
Something in Marco's brain short-circuited when he looked him in the face. The man was young, in his early twenties, Marco estimated, but the freckles covering his cheeks gave him something adorable despite his age. His eyes were dark brown and his face was framed by dark locks. And now that he was standing in front of Marco, Marco had trouble not to drool over the man's rock hard abs.
"I was trying to read the street sign," the man continued a little embarrassed. "It's my first time in Republic City and I'm a little lost."
Marco realised he was staring and, taking over the groceries, he coughed and said: "So, you're here for the tournament?" He didn't recognise him as a player, but thousands of people came to republic city to watch the matches.
"I am," the man said enthusiastically, and Marco felt butterflies in his stomach when he saw him light up like that. "I'm really excited."
Marco smiled, when the stomach of the black haired man suddenly started to rumble.
"Sorry," he said embarrassedly as he scratched the back of his head. "I haven't had lunch yet."
A sudden wave of boldness coming over him, Marco said, "I know the city quite well. How about we have lunch and, afterwards, I can show you around?"
The man beamed at him with a smile so bright Marco was surprised it didn't blind him. "That would be great! I'll get my brothers and we can go! Luffy, Sabo!"
Stunned, Marco watched as two other guys from around the same age came walking to the freckled Adonis. Said Adonis slapped his forehead and bowed suddenly. "I'm sorry, I'm so rude! I'm Ace and these are my brothers Sabo and Luffy."
"Marco," Marco stammered. Had he just made a date with three guys instead of one? He cursed himself for his boldness. He never asked out strangers – especially ones he didn't even know the name of – so why did he decide to make a fool of himself now? Damn that Izo, he was stuck in Marco's head!
"Marco's gonna take us to a restaurant and then shows us around the city," Ace declared happily.
Marco smiled weakly. Even if it wasn't really a date, at least he would spend some time with Ace to get to know him.
Marco ended up taking the three brothers to Republic City Park, where they bought some food from a stand. Marco was just explaining something about Aang Memorial Island – a small islet set off the coast of Yue Bay, on which a statue of the previous Avatar Aang was located, created by the Fire Nation after the Hundred Year War – and Air Temple Island – which featured an Air Temple built by the Avatar himself, where now the world's last airbenders lived – when he suddenly found his hand empty. Confused, he looked around and noted that Luffy, the youngest of the brothers, suddenly held twice as much food as he had.
"Dammit, Luffy, don't steal food from our guide," Sabo scolded and smacked Luffy on the back of the head. "Behave yourself."
While Luffy reluctantly gave Marco back his lunch, Ace asked, "How long have you lived in Republic City?"
"All my life, really," Marco replied, glad Ace seemed to be interested in his personal life. "Or at least as long as I can remember. I think I was born somewhere else, but Pops – who adopted me – took me here. So, where are you from?"
"We grew up in the mountains in the North," Ace explained. "There's a small city nearby there where Sabo lived."
"How are you liking Republic City so far?"
"It's great! There's so many people, so many benders… Where we come from, we were the only ones who could bend, except Gramps," Ace explained.
"Wait, didn't you say you were brothers?" Marco asked. The boys didn't really look alike, so he wouldn't be surprised if they were adopted, but apparently, Sabo lived somewhere else.
"Oh, we're not related by blood," Sabo said. "We're sworn brothers." He sounded proud.
Marco smiled and was about to ask more questions, when someone suddenly called his name. Turning around, he saw Haruta approach. Panting, she stopped in front of him, slapping him on the arm.
"Where have you been? You were supposed to do groceries for lunch. We're starving!" she scolded him.
Marco scratched the back of his head embarrassedly while he grabbed the groceries tighter. He had to admit, meeting Ace had made him forget he was supposed to go home right away. He had hardly leaned anything about the freckled Adonis yet!
"Eh, this is Hatura, my sister," he introduced her to the others.
"Yeah, yeah, hello," Haruta said impatiently once Ace and the others had introduced themselves. "Come on, Marco!"
"It seems I have to go," Marco said apologetically, more to Ace than to the others.
"Aw, bwut you pwomished to show ub mobe ob the city," Luffy whined with his mouth full.
Ace poked him in the ribs with his elbow. "Don't be rude. Marco has his own family to take care of." Turning towards Marco, he asked, "Will we see you at the arena tomorrow?"
A slight smile curled Marco's lips. For people who seemed to be pro-bending fans, they didn't appear to have recognised Marco as the champion for three years in a row. Then again, if they had only heard matches via radio, it would make sense that they had no idea what he looked like and it wasn't like Marco was an uncommon name either. A part of him liked that they didn't recognise him. It was refreshing, really. Usually, he couldn't take a step outside without someone calling out his name. Today he had been lucky he could hide his face behind the grocery bags.
"Sure," he said. "I'll see you tomorrow."
With a small wave, he left the boys and followed Haruta home. His sister was scolding him for taking so long and making them wait. "What was so special about those guys anyway?" she asked.
"I was just being nice," Marco retorted. It wasn't a complete lie, he had been trying to be nice, but mostly to get to spend time with Ace. He wasn't sure what had come over him. Usually, he never became so infatuated with someone he just met. There was something about Ace though…
"There you are," Izo welcomed them back. "It's about time. Thatch is ready to explode. Where did you find him?" he asked Haruta.
"In Republic City Park, talking to strangers," she huffed.
"What kind of strangers?" Izo asked in a suggestive tone. Crap, he was already on to Marco.
Marco tried to act casual. "Just some guys who were new in Republic City. I just showed them around a bit."
"What kind of guys?" This time, the question was accompanied by a suggestive eyebrow waggle.
"Just some guys who are in town to watch the tournament," Marco said, crossing his arms before his chest.
Knowing his brother's stubbornness, Izo turned to Haruta. "What kind of guys?"
Haruta shrugged. "There were three of them, but if I'd had to guess, I'd say the one with the freckles was Marco's type."
Izo turned back to Marco, placing his hands triumphantly on his hips. "Freckles, eh?"
"I never said–" Marco started to protest, but Izo interrupted him.
"What's his name?"
"Ace, but like I said–"
"Is he a bender?"
"I don't know, I just met–"
"Are you going to see him again?"
No matter how hard he tried, Marco couldn't fight down the smile that took over his face. "Yeah, he's coming to the tournament tomorrow."
Izo clapped his hands. "That's fantastic! Honestly, Marco, I was starting to get worried about you."
"I don't even know if he likes guys," Marco protested. "I didn't have much time to get to know him because someone," he glared at Haruta, who threw up her hands defensively, "had to drag me away."
Izo clicked his tongue in displeasure, when Thatch came into the hallway. "Finally!" he burst out when he saw Marco. "I've been waiting to start cooking until you got back." He took over the bag of groceries. "What the hell took you so long?"
"Marco found himself a boyfriend," Izo said teasing.
Thatch's eyebrows shot up.
"He's not my boyfriend," Marco snapped.
"Fanboy then," Izo said, rolling his eyes.
"He's not! Well, he might be, but he didn't recognise me as a pro-bender."
"Slow fanboy."
Marco rubbed his temples. He had known Izo long enough to know that he wouldn't win an argument against his brother. He might have some authority within the family, being the first to be adopted and all, but Izo had his own way to get people to agree with him. Knowing when to give up, Marco followed Thatch to the kitchen and, without saying anything, he started to chop the vegetables he had bought.
"Izo means well, you know," Thatch said suddenly while stirring something in the pan. "He just wants you to be happy."
"I know. But that I met someone I find… aesthetically appealing, doesn't mean that he'll make me happy. I don't even know the guy." Marco sighed.
"Does your little friend find him 'aesthetically appealing' as well?" Thatch asked teasingly.
Marco rolled his eyes. "Are you starting now too? You spend too much time with Izo."
Thatch shrugged. "He's my boyfriend, of course we spend time together. Look, I won't meddle, but Izo will as long as you can't hide the fact that you are sexually frustrated."
"I am not frustrated!" Marco snapped as he continued to chop the vegetables fervently.
"So that carrot has done something to personally offend you?" Thatch asked amusedly and pointed at the almost dust on the cutting board.
Marco stared at his handiwork for a moment, but then huffed. "That's just because some annoying brother doesn't mind his own business."
Thatch threw up his hands defensively. "Alright, I get the message. Hand me what's left of the carrot, please."
Marco did as he was told and continued chopping after he received the cutting board back.
"Are you excited about tomorrow?" Thatch asked.
Marco was about to snap that they had dropped the subject of Ace, when he realised Thatch meant the opening of the tournament. There would be no real matches yet, but the opening ceremony was always fun. The benders from all nations would show off their skills and, at night, there would be fireworks and celebrations. Their family always invited all the participants of the tournament over for a party, to start the tournament in a friendly way.
"Yeah, it'll be fun," he said with a smile.
"And if you happen to run into that guy again, you can invite him to our party," Thatch added teasingly. "It's not like it's exclusively for participants anyway."
Marco glared at him, though, deep down, he really hoped Ace would come to the party. He had forgotten to invite him today, for which he could slap himself. It wasn't like Ace wouldn't find out that he was part of the Whitebeard Pirates tomorrow after all, as they would be announced as last year champions. He had mixed feelings about that. On the one hand, if would pretty much guarantee that Ace would want to hang out with him again, but on the other hand, he didn't want that just because he was champion pro-bending.
"By the way, have you heard the rumour that some underdog team is going to join in the tournament this year?" Thatch continued.
Marco raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, 'underdog team'?"
"From what I understood, they're rookies who have never played a real match before," Thatch said, shrugging. "One of the board members has somehow gotten his relatives in, or something."
"So, a bunch of spoiled brats," Marco huffed. "Then we'll just have to hope the referees haven't been bribed. Otherwise, I don't think we'll have much to fear from people who didn't get into the tournament by their own means."
Festivities decorated the city when Marco walked towards the arena. His brothers were walking by his side, and everywhere they came, they were greeted and welcomed with cheering and applause. When walking alone, Marco had a slight chance to go unnoticed by passers-by, but with his teammates near him – especially Izo had a way to capture the attention, he had been voted most beautiful man of Republic City the previous year – he was recognised everywhere. It didn't help they wore their uniforms either; the crispy white of their base colour formed a sharp contrast with the dusty city.
Several times, they were stopped for autographs, pictures or short interviews. They were used to the attention, though. It was the price they paid for being champion pro-bending. More than once they were asked if they thought they would win the tournament and every time, Marco gave the evasive answer that the competition was impressive this year. Some he had had a match against, others he just knew from the radio, but there were quite a few teams that hadn't been in the tournament last year, so that would make things more interesting.
The whole city was decorated in honour of the tournament, but of course, there were anti-benders proclaiming their message as well. They were ignored by the majority, however. Marco rolled his eyes when he passed such an anti-bender in Republic City Park. His family was proof that benders and non-benders could live in harmony if they just tried; hell, the tournament was proof of that.
A small voice in the back of his head wondered if Ace was a bender and, if so, what kind. Marco pushed that voice down and just hoped he would see him today. Finding Ace in the mass of people would be impossible, though, so he could only hope that Ace would see him when the participants of the tournament would be introduced to the audience. And maybe look him up afterward. They should have agreed on a meeting place, dammit! If only impatient Haruta hadn't found him…
Sighing, he signed another autograph when he felt an arm being placed on his shoulder.
"Come on, cheer up," Thatch said cheerfully. "Or at least, save your frustration for tomorrow when the matches start."
Marco rolled his eyes and forced an automatic smile on his face when someone asked if they could take a picture of him.
The walk to the arena led through the centre, where a large market was set up. A lot of tourists had come to the city for the tournament, after all, and they had to be entertained. Stands selling all sorts of things were scattered throughout the streets and even more on squares. Flowers, clothes, food, jewellery, anything someone might want or need was for sale. Marco glanced at some of the stands, but decided that most of it was junk and moved on.
He had lost Izo at a stand selling kimonos and Thatch at one that sold herbs, so he decided to look at some books while he waited. As he reached out to one about archaeology, another hand grabbed the book at the same time. Looking up, Marco was met by a woman with dark hair and blue eyes. Her smile was friendly, but predatory at the same time, for some reason.
"Excuse me," Marco said as he pulled his hand back. "Please go ahead."
"That is very kind of you," the woman said, her smile never wavering. "But I never heard anything to deny that Marco the Phoenix is a gentleman."
Marco snorted at that, but the woman seemed friendly enough. "It seems like you know my name, so may I ask for yours?"
"You may. I'm Nico Robin. Pleased to meet you." She held out the hand that wasn't holding the book.
That name rang a bell with him and, digging deep into his memory, he suddenly remembered. "You're a pro-bender too!"
"How very sharp of you, Mr Phoenix," she said, still smiling as she leafed through the book.
"I must admit I forgot which element you bend," Marco said.
Robin didn't answer nor looked up from her book, but a small gesture with her foot moved a rock near Marco and that was answer enough.
"Are you in the tournament as well?" he asked as he picked up another book.
Robin snapped hers shut. "As a matter of fact, I am. I'm sure I'll be seeing you there as well." She handed the salesman some money and tucked the book under her arm. "Thank you for the book. Please watch out that a building doesn't collapse on you and kills you."
Marco stared after her retreating form, wondering if she was kidding or not. Her smile had been in perfect place the whole time, however. For some reason, he hoped he wouldn't be her opponent in one of the matches.
"Who was that?" Thatch's voice suddenly asked close to him.
"Her name is Robin. She is a pro-bender as well." An involuntarily shiver went down Marco's spine.
Thatch shrugged. "Rumour has it that there are many teams that climbed the ladder this year, so to speak. Do you know which team she's in?"
Marco shook his head. "I think it's an all-female team, but I can't remember their name. I heard them on the radio, though, and they appear to be quite good."
"Oh!" Thatch suddenly exclaimed. "You mean the Hurricane Girls? They're supposed to be all incredibly hot!"
"Who's hot?" Izo's voice sounded sharply and Thatch whipped around, scratching the back of his head nervously.
"You are, of course." He gave Izo a peck on the cheek.
"Now you're just sucking up. Not that that's not appreciated," Izo added, but did roll his eyes.
They continued to go to the arena, held up every once in a while by fans or salespeople. Finally, the huge building came into view. It was a good thing that the participants had their own entrance, because the narrow path of the peninsula was crammed with people. The Whitebeard Pirates went to the participants' entrance at the side of the building, which was guarded by several waterbenders. After showing their IDs, two of the waterbenders opened up a path towards the arena. Since all teams had to have a waterbender with them anyway, Izo led the way as the water closed behind them. Thatch forged a staircase towards the building.
At the door, they had to show their IDs again before they finally could enter. Izo went to the changing room to freshen up while Marco and Thatch waited. There were many people walking about to coordinate the final things behind the scenes so that everything would go smoothly.
Outside, it was starting to grow dark, which meant the show would start soon. After benders from all over the world had showed what they could do, the teams participating in the tournament would be announced. Because they were last year's champions, Marco, Thatch and Izo had to go first, which meant they had to be ready in time.
They could still watch the show for the most part, though, so as soon as Izo joined them again, Marco and Thatch made their way to their backstage seats. They were joined by some other participants, some they knew already, others they had never met before, and after shaking hands and greeting old acquaintances, it suddenly became dark in the arena and people became quiet.
Suddenly, the arena lit up when a group of firebenders blasted fire from their fists. They moved in a circle, making different movements with each step and blasting fire around. The audience gasped and cheered as they watched the fire dance, an ancient dance of the Fire Nation. When the dancers halted, they ended up with their arms bent so they formed an arch with their neighbour. There was a burst of applause, and the dancers bowed before retreating.
Next up was the element of water, in the form of a water ballet. The dancers twirled around on the playing field, making the most beautiful figures out of water and freezing them mid-air for a moment so the audience could admire them.
Once the waterbenders cleared the field, earthbenders made their entrance and started their performance. The playing field only contained the disks used in the pro-bending matches, but it was amazing what they could do with them. Completely in sync, they let the pieces of earth dance through the air to the beat of the music accompanying them.
After the earthbenders, the last airbenders that inhabited the earth came forward. For a lot of people this would be the first time they saw an airbender ever, with the previous avatar being the last airbender in the past hundred years. His son, Tenzin, was now the senior airbender, and, accompanied by his young children, he showed the acrobatics airbenders were known for. They performed an amazing show, as every year, even though Marco had heard Tenzin was not a fan of pro-bending at all.
As the air-benders cleared the playing field riding a ball of air, non-benders entered, also performing a dance. Marco was always amazed what non-benders could do without using the elements to their advantage. He knew that some benders looked down on people without that ability, but he wasn't one of them. To him, benders had an extra advantage so it was easier to survive. Non-benders were more amazing for not having such an ability.
The show continued on, with performances of mixed groups of benders and non-benders, though the airbenders didn't join in anymore.
The radio broadcaster, who had been relating the events in the arena, now announced that the teams would be introduced, so the Whitebeard Pirates were now ushered towards the entrance of the playing field.
"The first team entering the tournament are last year's winners and champion three years in a row," the broadcaster announced. "The one and only Whitebeard Pirates!"
The mobile platform brought the team to the playing field while they waved at the cheering audience. Marco had the fake smile he had been practicing plastered on his face. He remembered the first time he had been in the tournament, several years ago. Then, the cheering had been new and exciting, but now he just wished it was over.
It wouldn't be for a while though, so he just went with it. On the playing field, Thatch started showing off by bending all twenty one earth disks up at once and launching them in the air so they destroyed each other. The cheering was deafening and camera flashes almost blinded Marco.
Izo took over, using his waterbending to bend the water upwards in a blast, lifting up himself as well. Several meters above the playing field, he stirred up another blast and stepped on it. He then lowered himself back again and bowed to the audience.
As practiced, Thatch and Izo stepped out of the way when it was Marco's turn, and the audience fell silent. Marco positioned himself in the middle of the field, taking a deep breath. What he was about to do would drain pretty much all his energy, but it was the move he was known for. Where he got his nickname from.
Then, he started to move. Fire shot from his feet, launching him up in the air. As soon as the fire fell away, he spread out his arms, flames decorating them like wings. In all, it only lasted a few seconds, but the audience went wild.
Marco landed on the ground with practised ease, bending his knees to absorb the impact. He stayed kneeling for a moment, shaking off the dizziness that the sudden loss of energy brought along, before he rose and bowed to the crowd.
"Man, they love us," Thatch said with a large grin while they waved and made their way back to the moving platform to let the next team take the stage.
They ran into the next team while they were waiting to get on the platform. Marco didn't recognise them from last year, so they probably were new. Marco didn't watch pro-bending matches often, he rather listened to them, so perhaps their names would ring a bell.
"Good luck out there," Thatch said cheerfully to the other team. They received a nod in reply.
Marco watched the team step on the mobile platform. Though they didn't look like it, Marco imagined that they would be nervous if this was their first time for such a large audience. The waterbender, a man with curly hair and a long nose, walked in front, but when it was time to step on the platform, he pushed the earthbender, a man with green hair, in front of him. The firebender, who was blond, rolled his eyes and kicked them both out of the way which prompted the earthbender to start a fight with him.
Amused, Marco watched the platform move away while the two benders were still fighting, but he pricked up his ears when the broadcaster started to talk.
"Next team is new in the tournament this year," the broadcaster continued. "They have made a surprising rise from out of nowhere this year. Here they are: Usopp, Zoro and Sanji, forming Team Captain-Usopp-sama-and-his-Followers – which I assume would be Zoro and Sanji."
Marco chuckled as he followed his brothers back to the backstage seats. They always enjoyed seeing the competition. And it would appear that this year it was an interesting bunch.
By the time they made it back, the third team had been announced, which had also participated in the tournament of last year.
"Next up is what I think is the best looking team of the tournament," the broadcaster stated. "Whoever says beauty and power don't go together has never seen this team in action. Nami, Vivi and Robin are here as the Hurricane Girls!"
Marco rose from his chair when he heard Robin's name. She looked even more impressive in her uniform and Marco was even more certain she would be merciless in a match. The women next to her seemed a little younger than she was, but still over twenty. One of them, the firebender of the team, was a woman with short red hair. The waterbender had fittingly light blue hair and seemed a little shy under the attention, while the firebender revelled in it and smiled brightly at her team member.
Robin showed her powers in a similar way as Thatch, only she did not lift all the disks at the same time, but just after each other. She did that so fast it almost appeared like she had multiple hands.
The women formed an excellent team. While Robin kept the disks in the air, the waterbender – Vivi, as the broadcaster called her – used her powers to shoot blasts of water through the holes in the disks. Using her fire, Nami let the water evaporate above their heads.
The crowd enjoyed the show very much, as did Thatch – a little too much to Izo's taste, and he slapped his boyfriend on the head.
The Hurricane Girls left the playing field and the broadcaster started to announce the following one. Marco recognised most of the teams as being in the tournament last year, but one of them more than the others.
When the tenth team that was announced, called the Supernovas, Marco perked up again. He remembered them because the earthbender of the team had been in the news after he had lost one of his arms in an accident. It seemed he had overcome his handicap, though, as he now was again with the sixteen best teams. Kid, as his name was, had according to the broadcaster, forged his own prosthetic arm from metal. Marco had to say he was impressed the man could still bend.
The waterbender of the team, called Law, was from the Northern Water Tribe and was a skilled physician as well as a fighter. Lastly, Bonney was the firebender and she showed off her skills by swallowing fire.
Finally, fifteen teams, including Marco's, had been announced and Marco searched his brain to think of another team that might be in the tournament, but came up dry.
"We have a surprise for you this year, folks," the broadcaster said. "Instead of the sixteen best teams of the year, our sixteenth team has never been seen competing."
The audience gasped in shock, and Marco raised his eyebrow, exchanging a look with his brothers. It was unheard of that a team that had never competed before joined in the tournament.
"These underdogs will stir up the tournament, that is what is expected, but after having seen the competition, I wouldn't be surprised if they are out after the first round," the broadcaster continued. "Still, it's their funeral, so here they are: Sabo, Ace and Luffy, forming Team… Meat?"
Marco's jaw dropped when he recognised the three figures who climbed on the mobile platform. They were the same guys he had met in the city yesterday, including Ace! They were benders? Ace had said he was excited about going to the arena, but he hadn't mentioned that he meant that he was excited to play his first match in the tournament!
Marco rushed back to where the moving platform would bring them back, followed closely by his brothers – who, of course, had noticed his shock. By the time Marco had arrived by the entrance, Team Meat – apparently – was on their way back from the playing field, accompanied by loud booing from the crowd. They didn't like people who couldn't work their own way up into the tournament. Ace and his team would have to prove themselves.
Ace's face brightened when he saw Marco. "You're a pro-bender too!" he called out excitedly. "And a firebender. Marco the Phoenix!"
"And you're the spoiled brat," Marco brought out, still not completely recovered from the shock.
Ace's face fell and, almost pouting, he snapped back: "Who're you calling a brat, old man?"
"Wait a second, is this the guy you wanted to–" Thatch started, but he was interrupted by a splash of water in his face, courtesy of Izo.
"You can see where he is coming from, though, right, honey?" Izo said to Ace. "You come out of nowhere, and waltz your way into the tournament because you have a family member on the board?"
Ace's eyes widened. "Is that why they were booing us?"
Izo shrugged. "You'll have to earn your spot. Prove that you're as good as the rest of us."
"It was the only way to get into the tournament this year," Sabo said. "Luffy turned seventeen, so if we wanted to join in, Garp–"
"Wait a minute," Marco interrupted him, "this family member is Monkey Garp?"
"Yeah," Ace said, a little surprised. "His name is Monkey too." He jerked his thumb in the direction of Luffy, who grinned broadly.
Marco, Thatch and Izo exchanged a look and then burst into laughter. "In that case, I'm sure you're worthy of being here," the latter said.
Team Meat looked at them confused, but Thatch suddenly pushed Marco forward and gestured meaningfully with his head. It wasn't hard to guess what he meant, but that didn't mean Marco would indulge him. Not with Ace's teammates around him.
"But wait a minute," Ace suddenly exclaimed. "If you're Marco the Phoenix… Then why the hell did you take the time to lead us around, without us even realising who you were?!"
Marco shrugged. "Maybe because of that. It was refreshing, really, to meet someone without them asking for my autograph."
Ace pulled a guilty face and evaded eye contact.
Marco sighed. "You want an autograph, don't you?"
"Just to prove the folks back home," Ace hastily said.
"Can I have yours too?" Sabo asked Izo excitedly. "My name's Sabo, by the way."
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Izo took out a pen and paper and motioned Thatch over to use his back as a table. "So Marco told me you three are brothers?"
"Sworn brothers," Sabo explained. "That's Luffy. Oi, Luffy, don't you want Thatch's autograph?"
"Why would I want that?" Luffy asked, picking his nose.
"He's the earthbender from the Whitebeard Pirates."
"Oooh, really? Can I have your autograph?" Luffy jumped Thatch, fortunately just after Izo had finished writing his name.
"You'll have to forgive him, he's a little slow," Ace apologised sheepishly.
On the playing field, the festivities continued as the Whitebeard Pirates led Team Meat to the backstage area. It was pretty obvious that they had never been there, as they looked around in awe. The other participants looked at them with contempt, but especially Luffy was oblivious to it as he yelled, "They have free food!" He immediately started to stuff his face and Ace was quick to join him.
Izo kicked Marco in the shin. "Aren't you going to ask him?"
"Ask who what?" Sabo inquired. He had remained standing near the Whitebeard Pirates and watched how his brothers ate with a mix of disgust and reluctant resignation.
Thatch and Izo now both looked at Marco, so he sighed. "Every year, our family hosts a party for all participants. You're welcome to join."
Sabo's face lit up. "Oi, Ace, Luffy! These guys host a party!" he called to his brothers, conveniently inviting the rest of the room as well.
Marco and his brothers had been asked some question from participants who had been in the tournament other years if they would hold their famous – or infamous, depending on how one looked at it – parties, but newcomers had no idea.
"Yes!" Bonney called out. "They have the best food!"
Marco remembered how she almost singlehandedly had finished the buffet last year. Seeing Luffy's and Ace's appetite, he wondered if they even had enough food.
The earthbender from Team Captain-Usopp-sama-and-his-Followers, or Zoro, as he introduced himself, strolled over to them. "Will there be booze?"
"Leave it to the Neanderthal to worry only about alcohol," his teammate Sanji sneered.
Before another fight could break out, Thatch intervened and slapped Zoro on the shoulder. "What's a party without booze?"
Zoro grinned while Sanji rolled his eyes.
Ace joined their little group again, chewing on a chicken leg. "So when will the party start?"
Marco suppressed any suggestive ideas that threatened to unfold when Ace licked his fingers and, trying not to focus on his mouth, he said, "After the fireworks."
"There're fireworks?" Ace looked so excited and adorable at the same time that Marco had to hold himself back not to kiss him.
Swallowing hard, he said, "Yeah, they'll start in a minute."
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Ace grabbed Marco's hand and started to pull him towards the exit.
Marco tried to ignore the knowing looks from Thatch and Izo. Ace probably just wanted a guide. After all, Sabo and Luffy followed them as well.
Outside, the first bangs from the fireworks already sounded as Sabo opened the water for them to walk dry back to the city. Ace and Luffy had both their head thrown back to look up at the fireworks, an almost childish excitement on their faces. Ace was still holding Marco's hand – whether he realised it or not – but that was a good thing, considering he wasn't looking where he was walking. Every once in a while, Marco had to steer him and Luffy in the right direction.
Once they got back in the city, Marco noticed that several people had followed them outside, amongst them his brothers.
"Why don't you show Ace that spot where you can see the fireworks so well?" Izo said suggestively.
Marco was about to retort, but Ace's face looked so excited that he couldn't bring himself to deny the freckled man that. "Come on then," he said and led the group, which also contained Zoro, Sanji and Usopp, to the spot his family usually watched the fireworks from.
It was on the rooftop of one of the buildings his Pops owned, which was high above the ground. Ace sat down on the roof, his legs crossed, and looked up with such a happy smile on his face, Marco almost forgot to watch the firework show. He sat down next to Ace as the others took a seat as well, watching the joy on the younger man's face.
"I've never seen this many fireworks," Ace suddenly said. His voice was soft, almost respectful, but Marco liked to think it was only meant for his ears. "It's so beautiful. You watch this every year?"
"Yeah, but I like it more this year," Marco said without thinking.
Ace tore his eyes away from the sky and looked at Marco. "Why?"
Marco realised his mistake and coughed embarrassedly. "They have more colours this year," he hastily made up.
Ace beamed at him and focused his attention back on the sky. As the show went on, he slumped down a bit, leaning against Marco. Marco swallowed and wrapped an arm around him, wondering if Ace was doing this on purpose or if his innocence was genuine.
At least part of it seemed to be when Ace turned to look over his shoulder to the others and immediately turned back, his cheeks flushed. "Aren't your teammates also your brothers?" he asked, his voice a little higher than usual.
Marco frowned. "Yeah. Why?"
"Then why are Thatch and Izo making out?!"
Marco chuckled. It wasn't the first time they got a reaction like that. "We're not related by blood," he explained. "Thatch and Izo fell in love, despite being adopted by the same man."
"That's actually kind of sweet." Ace snuggled back to his former position against Marco. "Though, I can't – and don't want to – imagine doing that with Sabo or Luffy."
Marco chuckled. "Well, you sought out your own brothers, so that makes sense. But," he hesitated for a moment, but decided to take the risk, "is there someone you'd want to do that with?"
Before Ace could answer, the fireworks stopped and Thach yelled enthusiastically, "Alright, who's ready to party?"
Cheering sounded and, before Marco could say anything else, Ace had jumped up and cheered as loud as the rest. Luffy yelled something about meat.
A little astounded, Marco watched the group follow Thatch and Izo back inside the building to go to the house he grew up in. The rest of the family should have put up everything for the party by now, and the other participants should arrive soon as well.
Marco shook himself out of his daze and dusted off his clothes after standing up. At least Ace would be at the party as well. Hopefully, Marco could have some time alone with him, preferably inside his bedroom… Fuck, Izo was right, he needed to get laid.
Shaking his head, he descended the stairs of the building. Outside, a figure was standing. Marco recognised him as Zoro. "Aren't you going to the party?" Marco asked a little surprised. Zoro had seemed quite eager to come when booze was mentioned.
Red stained Zoro's cheeks as the man turned his head away. "I was just waiting for you. It's not like I lost the others or anything."
"Right, you're just very polite," Marco said, trying to hide his smirk. "Well, I'm here, so let's get going."
He had to prevent Zoro from taking the wrong turn a few times, confirming his suspicion that Zoro had no sense of direction at all. Fortunately, even he didn't get lost when he heard the party from a street away.
Inside the house, Marco was greeted by his family and several known faces from the tournament. Usopp came in right after leading a blond girl at his arm, whom he introduced as Kaya, his girlfriend. More benders had brought their significant other, but Marco was pleased to see that Ace was alone. Well, at least not with a partner as he was enthusiastically talking with Sabo and Sanji about something.
"Rum?" a voice next to him asked and Marco took the bottle from Rakuyo without taking his eyes off Ace. He took a swig and let the burn of the alcohol distract him.
"So that's the guy?"
Marco didn't answer as he knew that it was a rhetorical question. He had no doubt that if his own staring hadn't given him away, Izo would have introduced Ace practically as Marco's boyfriend to his family, despite him not knowing if Ace even liked guys.
"Izo said he's from the underdog team," Rakuyo continued.
Marco leaned against the wall behind him and took another long draught. "Yeah. He's a firebender too. I didn't know that until today, though."
"I'm surprised they allowed them to join."
"They're Monkey Garp's grandchildren. I'm sure they'll do fine," Marco replied. "Zoro also told me they held a match between their two teams, which was, for what I understood, the first match Ace and his team played and for that, they held their own pretty well."
Rakuyo hummed thoughtfully.
More people joined the party – neighbours had learned over the years that it was better to go with it than to complain, though the family always made sure they were warned in time – and both the food and booze supply declined steadily. As suspected, Luffy and Bonney were the ones that took care of most of the food, having entered what seemed like an eating competition, and Zoro and Nami, amongst others, put away quite a lot of the booze. Of course, the Whitebeard family helped with that as well, not in the least Edward Newgate himself.
Despite the merry atmosphere, Marco still hadn't had the guts to go up to Ace to talk to him. Every time, he chickened out at the last second and decided he needed one more drink to work up the courage.
Marco was already pretty tipsy when he finally came to stand next to Ace, whose cheeks were flushed from alcohol as well. "Hi," Marco started and cursed himself for sounding so lame.
Still, Ace smiled at him. "Hi."
"Are you having fun?"
"Yeah! There aren't that many people my age where I come from and most of them are too posh to care. Sabo's different," Ace babbled and took a sip from the mug in his hand. "But I like the people here. I like you too."
Marco felt something inside his stomach flutter and found himself smiling. "Yeah?"
"Yeah. To be honest, you're nothing like I expected. I thought you to be rich and posh too, because you're famous, but Haruta told me how every year you give the money you win to orphans," Ace continued. "You're not even that rich! Just well-known. And nice. I like you. You showed us, three strangers, around when you didn't have to. And you didn't even ask for anything in return."
Marco shrugged. "It was nothing."
"Sure it was something!" Ace sighed and leaned against the table. "Everyone is so nice here. People back home said you'd all be mean and cold because you're city-people, but you're not! Since we've been here, people have helped us a lot. Sanji lets us stay at his house and gives us food, and Usopp and Zoro too have helped up with pro-bending. And you gave us a tour and a party." He smiled softly. "I'm glad I came here. Even if we don't win the tournament. I've made so many friends already." He bit his lip. "Marco? Remember when you asked if I had someone?"
Marco wanted to reply that of course he remembered, as it had only been a few hours ago, but his mind was too clouded by alcohol to care. "Yeah. So do you?"
"To be honest, when I'm around you, I get this weird tingly feeling," Ace admitted sheepishly.
Marco's eyes widened. "Really? Good or bad?" he hastily added.
Ace bit his lip again and smiled. "Good."
Almost automatically, Marco leaned in, but stopped himself just in time. "Can I kiss you?" he remembered to ask.
The smile on Ace's face grew wider as he replied, "Okay."
Marco's heart skipped a beat at that reply and started to beat like mad as his lips touched Ace's. Ace's fingers entangled with his hair, causing Marco to let out a pleased groan. He was always a little more vocal when drunk.
A voice in the back of his head reminded him that not just he, but Ace was drunk as well, and that this wasn't the path to take right now, but honestly, it felt so good to finally – or what felt like finally, as they had only known each other for a day and a half – kiss Ace. The adrenaline rushing through his body soon drowned out the nagging voice anyway.
Ace let out a surprised gasp when Marco licked his bottom lip, but he understood the implication and opened his mouth invitingly. Marco deepened the kiss, completely forgetting his surroundings and the party that was going on. It wasn't like they were the only drunk people making out anyway.
This make-out session was by far the hottest Marco had ever had. Ace seemed inexperienced – which, in all honesty, added to Marco's excitement – but he was a fast learner. He followed Marco's movements with his lips and tongue, copied them and improvised. Soon, he was driving Marco mad with desire and want for more.
Marco pulled away slightly, panting heavily. Ace stared at him with a mixture of confusion and disappointment, his lips swollen and his cheeks flushed. Marco swallowed at the sight and before he knew it, he said, "Let me blow you."
"Blow me what?" Ace asked, but somewhere he must understand what Marco meant, because his voice sounded excited.
Marco smirked and took Ace's hand. "Let me show you." He led Ace upstairs, to his room.
Ace looked around, his eyes shining with excitement. "I can't believe I'm in the Phoenix's room. You know, I really wanted to meet you, not just to beat you in the tournament, but I had no idea what I would say," he said. "And here I am, making out with you and– What are you doing?"
Marco had knelt down in front of Ace and smirked up at him. "I'm showing what I'm gonna blow." He reached up to Ace's belt and was pleased to find that Ace was as excited about this as he was. Gently, he squeezed the bulge beneath the uniform trousers. Ace hadn't changed his clothes since the demonstration, but he had lost his shirt at some point. Not that Marco minded that in the least.
Ace looked down at him, his breath hitched and he was panting in anticipation. Slowly, Marco opened up Ace's pants without breaking eye contact. No way he would miss the expression on Ace's face when he fully realised what was going to happen.
"Hey, this isn't the bathroom," a deep voice behind them suddenly said and Marco froze in his spot, slowly turning his head.
In the doorway, Zoro was standing, scratching the back of his head and holding a bottle of booze in his free hand.
Marco's alcohol addled brain was working at full speed to explain why he was kneeling in front of Ace. "There you go, your laces are tied," was the only thing he could come up with, and he rose. Now he could only hope that Zoro didn't realise that Ace didn't have shoe laces.
"But I thought you were gonna–" Ace's words were cut off when Marco slapped a hand over his mouth. Zoro really didn't need to know what they had been up to.
"Bathroom is one floor down, the second door to your right," he explained to Zoro, though he doubted that alcohol had a positive effect on Zoro's already questionable sense of direction.
Zoro nodded and, taking a swig from the bottle, he left the room.
Marco sighed and rubbed his temples. The shock had sobered him up a bit and the voice telling him that it was lucky Zoro came in when he did was back until Marco felt a tug at his sleeve.
"Hi," Ace said when Marco turned around. "You were showing me something?"
"Yeah, about that, Ace, maybe we shouldn't do that now," he tried carefully.
Ace frowned. "Why not?"
"We're both drunk and I don't want you to do something you might regret later."
"Oh." Ace seemed to be taken aback for a moment. "Can we kiss some more then? I promise I won't regret that."
Marco smiled. "Sure." He leaned in again, but before their lips could meet again, several voices shouted at the same time.
"No!"
Marco pulled back and watched in shock how Ace was jumped by two figures. One had landed on Ace's back and the other clung to his legs, pulling his pants dangerously low.
"Don't do it, Ace!" the figure on Ace's back exclaimed. Marco recognised him as Sabo.
"Don't do what?" Ace asked, holding on to the waistband of his trousers in a desperate attempt to keep them up.
"He's the enemy, Ace!" Luffy shouted, still clinging to Ace's leg like the little poodle monkey he was.
"Well, maybe not the enemy, but he's our opponent," Sabo explained. "You can't be in league with him! I might be drunk and Luffy's high on meat, but even we know that!"
"But," Ace started, but Sabo leaned his weight back so Ace was forced to walk backwards to the door to keep his balance.
Marco wasn't sure if he should laugh or be disappointed. While it had been nice to kiss Ace, Ace's brothers did have a point. From tomorrow on, they would aim for the same goal and there was no way the both of them could reach it. Not having a relationship would make achieving said goal easier, as Marco had no intention of going easy on Ace. The orphans of Republic City depended on him, and so did his brothers.
