A/N:: I hope you enjoy~! I couldn't wait to post it! Its a bit fast pace? But just leisure enough to take a moment to breath, nihihihihi~! This one definitely has it to Rated M, so if you do not like any of that in detail then you might not want to linger? Also other M related things, so...

Enjoy~!


Scarlet Starlet

"This is awful." A chortle was there as I was standing with Marco as he adjusted my tie and soon moved away while I look in the mirror. The black tuxedo made me feel stiff, even if it was altered correctly, and the deep red button up shirt beneath the jacket was just as suffocating. Don't get me started on the stupid tie on me because ugh

"You look fantastic, stop complaining." He mentioned while he grabbed for something before coming back over. "Here, put this on me." A clip flower was there in his palm and I grasped it before beginning to clip it to the pocket and I noticed as he began to do the same.

"What are these for?" I asked since I understood the pins on the collars of our shirts were; which are the symbol for the family—meaning I was part of the main family. Izo would have the same since Thatch had proposed to her—finally—and besides the fact of being with Marco, I was still considered family before that.

"These subtly mean we are together, yoi." Hearing that surprised me as I looked to him and this smile was there as he cupped my face to give me a kiss. "Don't worry, if you don't want to tell anyone because it could mean together in several ways." A nod left me in understanding before he moved hands to tug at the suit jacket and blue eyes were dark. "I can't wait to have you while wearing this." This groan left me with a huff and he chuckled while kissing me again before pulling away.

"It would be hard to do anything with clothes on." I teased him in a cocky fashion as we began for the door and he gave a snort before kissing me again. We went out the door and headed for the car.

Arriving to the rented place for the ball was grand, but not overall excessive. It seemed they did it mainly for space and didn't add all that rich crap to decorate since it had subtle décor anyways and it was nice. Nonetheless it was still extravagant to view and someone parked our car. Entering through, people were already gathering to make themselves comfortable. A lot were talking to one another and sharing some laughs with their words. We moved along where I was thrown into the fray with meeting friends of the family; including Squard, Teach, Doma, and Bay—just to name some.

Marco had excused himself as he was being waved over by Vista and I let him go as I moved to go grab a drink. It was a good way into the party and I was already jumbled with names again, just getting the family and their lovers down, but now I have even more to remember. It was a little overwhelming, but Marco reassured me that he would help me in remembering and gave some key points so I could link face and name later. Grabbing a glass, someone did as well and I glanced up and was shocked.

"Benn!" I claimed up, not too loudly, and he smiled to me warmly as we stood before one another.

"It's good to see you, Ace. What are you doing at a fancy party?" He joked lightly, knowing I used to tease them when they would mention about one. "Though, I guess it's a bit obvious with your pin." Eyes flickered to the silver insignia on my shirt collar, being discreet, but spoke volumes.

"Yeah, I'm with the family." I smiled and he gave one in return.

"Don't let Shanks notice, he will be pretty upset." A light laugh left me at hearing that and he was taking a drink while I flickered eyes towards the party.

"Where is he anyways?" I asked in curiosity before taking a drink and then arms were around my waist.

"Fancy-pants!" I about choked on my drink and complained lightly as Shanks was soon to the side of me with his arm draped over my shoulders. "I thought you didn't like fancy crap?" He questioned and I huffed lightly before he looked down and then reeled back with hands to his face. "No fair!" He whined with a tug at my suit jacket and glared to the pin. "I asked first! Don't go joining other families when I so asked first!" He complained and I rolled eyes, seeing Benn chuckling in amusement, before I smiled to the man.

"It kind of just happened. I've been friends with Izo who then started to date Thatch and then… well, stuff and now I am considered family." I mention, them giving a look at the stuff part and I gave a slight pout on not asking.

"That's not important. How dare you not tell me when you graduated!" Shanks stabbed a finger to my shoulder and I laughed at that before he had an arm over my shoulders again. "I was looking forward to it!"

"Yeah, to drag me off to Red Line. That's why I only told Benn and Yasopp." I mention and he whined some more with a sway, causing me to laugh before I notice Benn flickering eyes behind me in interest.

"Good evening, Marco." That had Shanks soon looking back with a wide grin.

"Yo! You ready to come with me?!"

"Oh gods, Shanks. Stop trying to drag people off." I complained in a hiss and he laughed while releasing me so I could be sideways and look to my lover who gave a raised eyebrow.

"Evening, Benn, Shanks." Marco replied with his stoic appearance before he peered to me with curiosity. "I didn't know you knew them?"

"Hm? Yeah, Shanks used to come by the bar I helped around at. He had been trying since I was fifteen to go with him." I explain as I knew Makino, the barkeep, would find this all to be funny and I made a mental note to call her later.

"You are such a firecracker! How could I not? Plus, you totally ran on me!" A laugh left me on his complaints and then Marco was there next to me. I smiled to him as he seemed amused and Shanks complained. "Let me have a package deal, both of you get in the car!" I laughed heavily at that and even Marco was chuckling with a shake of his head.

"Thanks, but I'm happy where I am, yoi." Marco mentioned as the redhead complained with a pout and I snorted before feeling a hand to my lower back. "Excuse us, I have to torture Ace a little longer."

"Marco~!" I complained with a look of exasperation since I knew he meant meeting more people and he just chuckled.

"Just a few more."

"I hate this suit."

"It can come off after getting home." A look was there and I grinned before shifting with a smile to the other two.

"I'll talk to you guys more and, Benn, you can give Shanks my number, as long as you don't start pestering me too much." I gave a finger point and the redhead complained with a swat of his hand.

"I haven't talked to you in years! Don't be mean; I have loads to tell! We should have a drink some time!" Shanks mentioned and I had a thoughtful look there before Marco hummed out.

"Shanks, don't kidnap Ace please." Marco mentioned and the man laughed out before giving a cheeky grin.

"I don't know what you are talking about!" I rolled eyes before waving as I began walking with Marco who pulled his hand away.

"Talk to you guys later!" I smiled to them as they bid me a farewell and I was led off from them.

Marco, though, decided to sneak me to part of a hall by a door so we were out of sight. Hands gripped to my butt cheeks as he gave me a kiss and I moaned into it gratefully. Arms were around his neck as I pulled him in close for a deeper kiss and pressed my body flush against his. A groan left him as he soon pushed me into the wall and I enjoyed it very much so. Our mouths messily moved against one another and I was gripping to his hair as he kneaded cheeks. The sound of a door opening had us stopping as we were catching our breaths and listened as the heels clicked lightly.

"Pops is looking for you two, you know?" Izo asked out making me huff a bit before shifting to peer around the corner—face still flushed.

"Thanks, Izo." I mention plainly and she smiled with a fan fluttering to her face, giving that knowing look.

"You are lucky I came, Thatch or Haruta were volunteering." A frown was on me before moving back and she was giggling. "Don't be long." I rolled eyes as she clicked away and I looked up at Marco who was smirking in amusement. Once the door sounded, his lips were back on mine and I was smiling as we continued with a tango of tongues.

-o-o-o-o-

"A-Ah!" My body arched as he met me for a thrust as I was riding on top of him. Blue eyes were dark in lust as hands gripped to my thighs and I trembled as I had hands in my hair, riding with harsh grinds. "Nhh, Marco~!" I moaned with a look to him as I loved the way it felt and I wondered why we never done any of this sooner. This wasn't our first time having sex, but once we did—that was it. I'm addicted to the way it feels and always wanting him whenever I could have him.

"You're such a tease," he groaned with eyes flickering my body as I kept my rhythm and he would spike up with a harsh thrust that would make me moan in bliss. The grip was tighter as he found my eyes and groaned before gripping an arm. We rolled so my shoulders blades were to the bed and he had my lower body up as he began thrusting aggressively into my body. Sharp cries left me as hands gripped to the bed and I trembled as the overload on my prostate caused me to spasm.

"H-Harder~!" I cried out as I loved every bit of it and he pressed on my legs to be closer to my body. Labored breaths left me with moans sputtering as I couldn't contain myself. It felt so good and I soon jerked at the sensation of my groin coiling. Moans came out louder as I was getting close, beginning to pump myself and he picked up on that as he made sure to grip and show no mercy.

"Fuck, Ace!" The curse left him as I tightened around him and I came with a cry of pleasure. Thrusts had faltered when I did before he was hastily moving to his own release. It tipped when I moved to have nails scrape along the tattoo boldly on his chest. He loved when I gave it attention and I felt as he ground his hips against me with a low moan. My lower half was carefully set down as hands moved along my torso affectionately, lips kissing at skin as I groaned in bliss.

The sound of his phone receiving a message was there with a few others following, but that was it. Blue eyes flickered to the device on the end table and I chuckled as he felt conflicted. I moved his head up to kiss along lips in a gentle caress and he hummed.

"It doesn't bother me…" I told him in reminder and he smiled to that before shifting to reach for it. The body raised up to rest on knees and sitting back on calves. I sat up to let hands find his legs before kissing along his chest, sucking on the inked skin.

"Hmm, I need to take care of a few things." There was typing on the phone before he tossed it to the side and I looked to him with curiosity, but didn't ask on it particularly.

"Are we delaying dinner for another day?" I asked instead of my other questions that come to mind, but know better than to ask. A look was there and he tilted his head before smiling as he shifted forward to kiss my lips.

"No, I am still taking you, yoi. Just need to make a few stops beforehand, okay?" I hummed while wrapping arms around his neck and I gave a grin.

"Anything for you, stud." I teased with a smirk showing and he snorted with a low growl following while rubbing hands along my back. Our lips moved together some more before I rubbed hands along his neck to his face and moved him back a bit. "Let's get dressed."

"Yes, before I don't want to take you anywhere." A chuckle left me as he soon moved to get up and throw away the condom. I moved to clean up as well and get some clothes on.

We made our way out of the home and walked along the sidewalk, me just following along on the destination. A couple stops were made with me going in with him, both being shops and I looked around as Marco talked with the shopkeeper from each. At one point a woman was there and she seemed stressed—or maybe terrified really—but tried to be strong as she asked if I needed anything. She didn't see me arrive with Marco and I smiled to her saying I wanted to know about a few things. It helped her relax, I noticed, while she chattered on and got to subjects that she seemed to favor more.

When Marco stopped for me, she was surprised that I was with him and I bid her a farewell with a smile. The look on her face was of being grateful that I showed her a normalcy, even though I only had a vague idea on how she must have been a victim to something more recently, maybe pertaining to our stops. I didn't ask and continued with Marco as we moved along, him smiling to me as he looked to be enjoying my company. It wasn't long before he tapped a finger to my lips and I quieted while we approached a building.

"Stay here, yoi." He told me with a serious gaze and I leaned against the building, by the corner of it.

"Sure." I told him with a smile, a slime look of worry is there as he soon moved to the building. It seemed to be a business being sold out—you know, one of those everything-must-go sales being advertised. Hands found pockets as I viewed along the street and there was a faint noise, as if someone pounded to the wall harshly twice. I knew that noise, something I heard when I was younger when Shanks met with some guy out back of the bar for harassing us and some other shady things I was told to never ask about—which is where I got my attitude of not asking.

It didn't bother me as I already seen Marco shoot someone and I already known he had and still does. I have a feeling it had something to do with what happened to that woman and I slightly wondered. I wouldn't ask unless he was okay with that and I merely stayed in place. If anything, I found it interesting how someone could do such a thing, but I remembered a few times that I almost did. It was out of self-defense and one guy I fought had to be resurrected, but never messed with me after that. The guy deserved it, if anything, but I never intentionally planned it.

The sound of muffled crying and hollering was there, but I could tell what it was for without hearing the exact words. Whoever Marco shot was with their family and it sounded like the mother shouting out. Another loud voice was there, but of coaxing—most likely the father. The door opened, the cries heard louder before muffled again, and I looked to my lover. A red mark was on his face and I shifted over to him as I frowned at the redness on his skin, but he smiled.

"Are you ready, Ace?" I noticed it may have been the mother out of reaction and I soon grinned to him.

"Mh! I'm hungry!" I acted normally and he seemed to appreciate that as I began moving with him. "So, where I left off, Shanks was being crazy as usual—!" I went on with my story and had my body close to him to show some comfort. The look of being grateful there given to me made me feel warm inside and I loved it.

-o-o-o-o-

Surprisingly, Pops had me go inform that one family we had stopped in at, where I talked to the woman, even though Marco voiced a disagreement. Nonetheless, I went to the shop to find the family, probably waiting on news from the Whitebeard family. I was simply told to tell her she was safe now and she had hugged me with shaky whimpers of appreciation. It was a bit heartbreaking as I had no clue on what exactly happened, but I merely put a hand to her head so I didn't give too much of a touch. I noticed that it was enough as she cried against me before releasing me with multiple bows of her head.

The small family even thanked me, making me realize how much the family I am a part does for the people. They do the hard things that no one else dares and make sure people are safe. It made me somehow feel… good that I was a part of something like that. No matter what happens, I made sure to feel more pride in the family and want to do my best to help as much as I could. Pops seemed to notice and as the weeks came, he was suggesting things my way along with one of the brothers to show me everything. Marco disagreed multiple times, but knew nothing could stop Pops from a decision, especially since I was on board. It made him a bit upset, but not say much more after Pops told him it was between him and me.

The other brothers were happy to spend time with me, showing me things they do and I was allowed into most talks unless it pertained to something more sensitive. I would still go along, but I wouldn't do too much and was just left to hear those faint noises. It started to feel like just my normal life and Marco was still there to be a wonderful boyfriend as always with him dragging me to go on dates. Just recently he bought me a beaded necklace and I loved wearing it, feeling as it fit with my personality and luckily it was sturdy and hard to come off. But that all is beside the point…

"Whoa man, what's your deal?" I asked while avoiding a swing at me as people were on the sidewalk avoiding us with looks. Another punch was coming my way, my hands still in pockets as I avoided it swiftly and the guy made an angry noise.

"Vlad was my friend, damn it!" I gave a questioning look of confusion and then the name seemed to click as I avoided another hit coming at me. Oh, fuck, this guy is a part of those guys, is all I could think while moving feet around to avoid his poor attempts—so used to sparring around with the brothers in play fights. "Fuck!" He angrily shouted before a hand was pulling out a gun and I instinctively kicked his hand.

A yelp left him as the gun skittered and I noticed him practically dive for it. My feet quickly moved as I ran across the street, skimming cars that slammed on brakes, and found myself going down an alley. He shouted after me, and every bit of me hoped he followed since people were trying to hide in fear. A shot rang out, the bullet hitting the brick wall near me as I soon turned the corner to another part of the alley. Quickly thinking as I saw a fire escape, I moved to jump from a dumpster and swayed my body up on the ladder. It was locked in place, creaking lightly as I gripped to the bottom bar with feet hooked up on a farther up bar and calmed my breathing.

The guy rounded the corner with breaths heavily leaving him as he stopped just a few feet below and looked around wildly. Curses strung from him with his arms moving down in frustration. His feet began shifting and I waited until he was under me before making a high whistle noise. The head snapped up as I swung my body down to wrap legs around his neck.

Grunts and wailing was there as I held myself firmly in place, but used a hand to grab at the wrist holding the weapon. He dropped it before I went back to holding onto the bar and tightened legs. Nub nails tried to claw at my legs as he struggled in my hold and I gritted teeth, trying to hold my place. A feeling surged through me as I clasped legs tightly, thighs stiffening to hold him. Noises left him, trying to breathe and I noticed him soon limp. Waiting a minute longer, just in case he wanted to fake me, I released him so he could land to the ground heavily.

Dropping down above him with feet on either side, I let out breaths to try and relax my arm muscles. I flickered over him, trying to figure out what to do before realizing the pale lips being tinted in blue and how eyes never shift. A strain was through me as I carefully bent over to press fingers to his neck and there was nothing. No flutter or even low pulse and those eyes were turning glossy. A breath filled me as I slowly stood with steps away and swallowed thickly.

Oh gods… he's dead.

Keeping myself at bay, I stumbled lightly to get away and rubbed fingers through my hair. My phone was in hands as I was of the corner of the alley, not exactly near the street as I still had a view of the man laying out. There were a few missed calls and I pushed on Marco's to have it to my ear while swallowing again to settle me. It only rang a couple times before he had answered swiftly.

"Are you alright? Someone described you running from someone waving a gun around." A smile found me as I could hear him and wondered where he was.

"Y-Yeah… where are you?" I questioned lightly, eyes flickering to the body and I heard a breath through the phone.

"The corner of Madison and Roe, I was making my way to where I heard." A breath of relief left me as I soon shifted with eyes to the ground.

"The alley between the Finality and You Too." I told him as he must have been moving again and I shifted to my side along the brick wall to watch the end of the alley. Once he stepped into view, eyes found me and he smiled in relief before I hung up the phone—soon finding a pocket. Feet moved towards me, confusion on his face and I waited without expression as I didn't want to break or something, I wasn't sure yet on how to feel.

"What's wrong, yoi?" I moved a hand out towards him and as he got closer, he grabbed it while I pressed against him. My arm was around him and my hand found the back of his suit jacket. "Ace?"

"Look right." A confused noise left him before I felt the shifting and there was a breath there.

"Is he…?"

"I was just trying to make him pass out…" I told him quickly while gripping at his jacket and he quickly gripped my hand with the other coming to the back of my head.

"Ace, it's okay… You were defending yourself."

"He could have hurt someone, Marco. I was trying to get him to back down, he was hellbent."

"Ace," shaky breaths were there as his hand moved from mine so he could hold me close. "You did good…" There was a pause in the air as I rested to him as he soothingly rubbed my back.

"I don't regret it." I gripped to his clothes as I spoke seriously, but was still mildly panicking.

"Then why are you trying to justify, yoi?" The question was serious and I rubbed my face to his chest.

"Because I've never had that happen… last time they resurrected the guy…!" I told him while moving back with a grip to the front of his shirt and glared up with stinging eyes. "How am I supposed to react?!" I asked him and there was a look of surprise while I felt emotions clashing. "I don't regret it! The guy was trying to fucking kill me! But I never done that before! I don't know what I am supposed to do! Or react! Or anything!" I shook him lightly and hands gripped my face as I felt my lips trembling.

"Shh, shh, Ace, it's okay…" He began coaxing as I closed eyes and held back my tears.

"What am I supposed to do?!" Arms were around me to pull me close with a tight hold and I gripped to him with trembles. "Marco, what do I do?" I asked almost desperately as nothing filtered correctly and he pressed his head to mine.

"Just calm down right now, I have you, okay?" I gripped while nodding and he pulled back to cup my face again as I was trying to calm my breathing. "I'm here, yoi. Just calm down, okay?" Nods left me as he brushed through my hair, blue eyes staring to me as I felt breaths coming out more smoothly. "I need to call Pops, just to let him know. It'll be okay, he won't be mad or anything." The reassurance came out as I nodded again and he had his phone out to call the man. It was more of a blur as I shifted to wrap arms around Marco again and merely listened to the rumble in his chest as he spoke.

In a whirlwind of passing scenes, we had made it to my apartment as he led me to my room. Marco got me to relax better, taking shoes and other accessories off with my shorts. I had my shirt, underwear and socks on when he got me in the bed. He had placed his gun to the nightstand like usual and had his jacket off with shoes following. I was under the sheets as he lay above them and I rested with my head on his arm. A hand pet through my hair as I closed eyes, taking in the calming gesture, but it was all coming back heavily.

"Ace, it's okay… you can cry…"

-o-o-o-o-

Marco made me fully talk about the scene to get it out of my system and I felt better overall about it. If anything, he was surprised that I choked somebody with just my legs and lightened the mood by saying he wasn't sure if he wanted to put his head down there again. It made me laugh and I couldn't help but be all over him like usual. The only problem now is Izo when I had come by the home. Marco was trying to get her to back off some, but I knew my friend well enough. She held onto me, soothing me even more, and I always appreciated it. There was something about Izo that brought me comfort, I guess it was because I always saw her as a type of older sister.

Pops wasn't mad, not even a bit, at me anyways. He was upset that someone came after me, but told me I did a good job by protecting the people. Following that event had gossip flourish and people began to recognize me more since they just know I was chased and now the guy is dead. I even had people approach me for help from the family and I started to work a bit on that. I have done a few things on my own and it was helping build me more, but also, I was targeted a bit more now. No one too bad so far, but Curiel was showing me how to shoot a gun. I had never used one before, always been a close combat kind of person, and was still unsure about carrying one around.

"Is Lexi alright?" Someone asked as I was walking by the living space and noticed Pops and some of the commanders.

"She's alright. Crocus is looking after her, but this is a problem." Pops mentioned and seemed to notice me as I gave a sheepish smile, trying to quickly move away. "It's alright, son. You can come in." That had me back track a few steps and soon opened the door.

"Sorry, Pops. I was just worried when mentioning Lexi." I comment, noticing Rakuyou being a bit perplexed as Lexi is his wife.

"It's alright, my boy. Close the door and come sit with us. Everyone will know soon enough." A nod left me as I closed the door and joined Jiru on the couch. Vista and Atmos were also present at the time with standing behind the couch and Pops continued. "Just last week Carin was attacked," the name registered as Blenheim's wife, "and now Lexi. I am worried that the women are being targeted, possibly trying to come at a more personal approach." That angered all of us, not liking the thought they were doing so—whoever it is.

"Lexi mentioned she didn't know anything as well." Rakuyou commented and I wondered if he had found her when hurt or what exactly happened, but I didn't bring it up. It didn't matter, Lexi—and Carin—got hurt and whoever did it would pay for messing with the family.

"Everyone else who has a girlfriend or wife needs to bring them to the home for now. It is of the upmost protection and we will figure out who did this." Pops claimed with mentioning on telling the others and we agreed before he tapped his hand to the armrest as a dismissal. Rakuyou stayed as the rest of us left the room, but he stopped me for a moment. "Ace, I need you to bring by that thumb drive I gave you."

"Of course, Pops." I mentioned and began to leave and he wanted me to send Marco his way as well. I first decided to talk with Thatch real fast before going to my lover.

When I told Thatch about what happened, he was furious as most of us and made sure to always be with Izo. She already lived with Thatch, but they frequent the apartment he has, so for now they would stay here. I then left after I told Marco that Pops wanted to see him. The city was lively as always making my way to my apartment and was sure to be quick. Moving to the door, I stopped to get my key out and unlocked it. Stepping in, I thought for a minute on where I put the item and was heading for my bedroom after closing the door.

"Oh ho, welcome home." I stared in confusion as the lanky man was sitting on my bed, swinging a cane around.

"Dude, creepy." The comment left me with a small quirked smirk and he chuckled. "What's up, Lafitte? Last time you broke into my apartment was because someone was looking into you." The words left me as I moved to be in front of him more and this smile was there. Lafitte is one of Teach's men, and they frequent the area and do some things for Pops.

"I needed your help with something, that's all."

"Sure, right now?" I questioned and he moved the cane to his shoulder as he crossed legs.

"Preferably, it won't take long." A thought was there as I weighed my options, needing to get something back to Pops.

"Ugh, fine." I comment as I figured Pops would be okay if I did right after, he just said to bring it back to him, not when exactly.

"Oh? Were you about to do something?"

"Yeah, but it can wait for now if you need help with something." A smile left me and this inquisitive look is there, he was always mysterious though—a very witty person.

"I appreciate that," he comments while getting up and leads the way out of my room. My phone was ringing and I cursed lightly while pulling it out to notice the number and heard a hum.

"Sorry, it's Marco."

"Your lover?" I tensed lightly and gave a questioning look before waving it off. "It's quite alright, I am merely curious." The phone flickered off and I breathed out with a shrug.

"Doesn't matter much." I mention, not truly ready to admit to it since not a lot of people care for it, and then my phone rang again. "Oh goodness," the words left as I was moving a thumb to the green button, but a blade stopped it from pressing down. Surprise was through me as I merely flickered eyes and Lafitte was smirking.

"Lovers of the sons first." My eyes began to widen at hearing that and quickly moved away. The phone knocked from my hand and I couldn't figure out where it went, but it didn't matter. A sharp stinging was there along a pectoral and up my shoulder, causing me to holler out in pain with a stumble but stayed standing. "You are the lover of Marco, correct?" I gripped to my shoulder as I looked to him in confusion.

"What the fuck, man?!" I shouted in slight horror and moved to avoid the blade before noticing Augur there. The gun was pointed towards my head, making me stutter a breath as I stared to the barrel. "Wha… what? Where's Teach?" I asked out in confusion before hearing that familiar laugh.

"Zehahaha, we were trying to be more discreet, but it seems we can't be with you." Eyes were over towards Teach who was leaning against a counter of my kitchen and I swallowed thickly. "Though, I was a bit surprised when hearing of such franchising between you two, but photos don't lie." A grin was there and I gritted teeth with a look.

"Why are you going for the lovers?" The question left me in a deep tone that was borderline a growl.

"Merely a means to play with them." Hearing Teach speak of the family as such a simple thing as throwing something away made me glare with teeth bared.

"Oh, I see. Playing the coward card is always nice, couldn't face them head on so you go for others who don't pertain directly." That made him sneer at me with a fierce hatred showing.

"Won't be talking soon enough." Something hit against my neck and I felt my world turn black.

-o-o-o-o-

Rough coughs left me, the dimness of the setting sun was there on my eyelids and I felt restricted. An amused noise is there as I began opening my eyes heavily, not able to move my arms. A chain is on me, I could tell by the feel and hearing the noise as I tried to move.

"Oh good, about time." That had me blinking to clear vision and noticed Teach standing with a grin, Burgess next to him with one as well. "I thought it more amusing as you struggled for life and be completely aware of it slipping from you." A laugh left him as Burgess moved and it sounded like something scrapped and I shifted to notice he was holding cinderblocks with chains on them. I let my eyes widen as my feet lifted when he moved the blocks. "Toss him in, Burgess." I was starting to notice I was on a dock and the sound of lapping water made my fear rise.

"Pops is going to kill you!" I shouted in threat as I felt my body dragged and knew I couldn't stop it, but Teach only laughed. "You just better hope Marco doesn't get a hold of you! He'll make your death fucking painful!" I shouted angrily and noticed my body being lifted up more.

"The dead can't talk." I clenched eyes shut and gritted teeth as I was hanging upside down now. "Anything else?"

"You better hope I don't survive or I am going to burn you alive." I moved to glare death defyingly at him, making him actually flinch before laughing as he shakes it off.

"Throw him." I was shifted, taking in calming breaths before inhaling sharply as he tossed me.

Water rushed around me as I soon began to sink to the bottom of the bay rapidly. It was deep enough that boat motors couldn't reach me and that meant a little more pressure. The water was a bit murky, but I could still somewhat see the dock. I tried using the water to slip arms out, but they did it too tight. Eyes clenched shut, feeling the burn in my lungs as I wasn't used to having to hold my breath for anything. Air slipped from me as I soon peered up again in desperation that I would somehow get free.

But I wouldn't.

A clenching in my chest was there along with the last of my air slipping from me. Lips trembled as I resisted the urge to breathe in. It didn't last though as my body instinctively inhaled and water filled my lungs, making them convulse against the liquid. The coughing only worsened it as I jerked with it and soon felt as everything was silent.

-o-o-o-o-

I wasn't sure on what happened but I remember sputtering water and peering to some blond with green eyes. Which, is the same man next to me again as I noticed I was in some type of room on a bed and he was looking to his phone. Eyes flickered up at me as I viewed him in confusion and he set his phone to the side with a smile.

"Good, I was worried." He spoke out while a hand was to my head as he hummed lightly before pulling back. "And your temperature is regulated finally," he continued while smiling and I groaned lightly at the burn in my throat along with the throb in my shoulder and chest. "My name is Sabo, would you like some water?"

"Ye…" The word choked as he soon helped me to sit up, not being able to really use an arm, and I took the glass as I drank from it. A couple coughs left me, but I drank some more after that. "Where am I?" I asked him with only a slight hoarseness to it and this hum left him as he took the glass back.

"Near the Red Line docks where I watched those guys toss you a few days ago." The reminder made me realize the time frame and how I needed to contact the family.

"Can… can you call someone for me?" I asked, thinking of a certain two people since I am in the area.

"Of course, do you have the number?" A nod left me as I relayed the number and he punched it in before holding it out, but pulled a bit away when I reached for it. "What's your name, if I may ask?"

"Oh, sorry… Ace. My name is Ace." I told him while he smiled and gave the phone over.

"It's a pleasure to meet you." A smile found me as I took the phone to push call. It ringed a few times as Sabo mentioned of getting me clothes and he just left the room with the door still open as the line picked up.

"Hello? Who is this?"

"Hey, Benn…" I comment with my slightly hoarse tone still lingering and heard a confused noise over the line.

"Ace? What is it? Whose phone number is this?"

"That's not important. I need you to come pick me up. I'm at the Red Line docks." I spoke out as Sabo soon returned with my underwear and shorts along with what seemed to be a new shirt.

"Okay, we will be there immediately. Where exactly?" I looked to Sabo and he seemed to notice instantly on what I would want to know.

"Dock forty." Sabo spoke out and there was a hum from Benn as he must have heard.

"Forty? Very well, we will be there. Just give us a few minutes."

"Thank you so much, Benn. I appreciate this."

"Of course, but explain once we get you." I agreed before bidding him a farewell and handed the phone over.

"Thank you for saving me, Sabo." I mention with a look to the man as he merely smiled and handed a shirt over first so I could begin pulling it on with some help as my wound hurt, but luckily it's a button up one. No clothes had been on me at all and figured he was nice enough to let them all dry.

"No problem, you can just repay me at a later date." I gave a questioning look and he chuckled lightly with a ruffle of my hair, making me complain lightly. "Joking."

"Well, we could hang out some time, you seem pretty cool if you saved me and all." I mention and he hummed lightly before giving a snort.

"Okay, I will accept that offer, I will give you my number." A nod left me as I soon moved to finish getting dressed and he went to go steer the boat.

Moving down the tight hall to a small living space, he soon peered from the door. There was a smile as I soon moved to him, accepting the small card given to me with a number on it. He had me stay on the upstairs closed off room until he confirmed on seeing Benn, who moved towards the short dock we were at. Once he was close while addressing who he was, I moved out of the room at the wave of a hand. Relief showed and Sabo helped me step down, not being able to use my arm.

"Do stay safe, Ace." He told me as I nodded to him with a smile.

"Thanks again, Sabo. See you some other time." I comment and he smirked to that before waving his hand as he pushed the boat away from the dock. As I turned, Benn was waiting for me to approach and gave a raised eyebrow.

"You never stop amazing me."

"Hm?" I hummed in curiosity as he led me back to the car and was somewhat looking me over.

"That man was a part of that rebel organization." A noise left me in slight surprise, not knowing that and he merely chuckled. "Now get in the car." He pointed as I got in the back and felt arms around me with a whine there from a certain man, but I was not all for that right now.

"Shanks, my arm, please." I mention with a hiss as pressing to the shoulder aggravated the wound and he released me while pulling at my shirt to notice the bandages.

"What happened?" A nod left me as Benn began to drive off and I situated to relax more while facing the redhead.

"I have to contact Pops in case he doesn't know yet, but a couple of the son's wives were attacked in the past two weeks." A perplexed look was there, Shanks being the same as Pops when it came to family or friends getting hurt. "So, we had everyone move their lovers into the main home to watch over them properly. I had been going back to my apartment for something that Pops needed and Lafitte was there." A purse of his lips is there, probably knowing where this was going already. "He needed help with something, so I agreed but…" A slight pause was there as I knew I would have to come out with it. "Marco had tried calling and I was going to answer, but Lafitte distracted me for a moment. When Marco tried calling again, Lafitte stopped me before telling me that they were… were after the sons' lovers first." I mention seriously and there was a vague expression, staying completely serious on this situation.

"And your Marco's." It was a statement as I frowned and nodded to confirm as he soon understood, not seeming fazed by the information. "Then they attacked you as well?"

"Yes, but only because I had seen them. The others hadn't of known on who it was, but I did. So… someone knocked me out and… I was taken to the docks where he basically cement-shoed me." I explained dryly and eyes widened as he looked me over while I took in a breath. "Luckily, Sabo saw me being thrown in and pulled me out. But now I need to let Pops know before someone else gets hurt." A phone is out immediately as he pressed the call button and handed it to me. It took a few rings before there was a pick up, noises were loud in the background.

"I'm a bit busy, Akagami." The voice sounded irritated, but I didn't mind because of the situation and who he thought was calling.

"Pops," I breathed out his name in relief and there was silence from him before a loud bang noise to a table. That quieted everything down as I heard him take in a breath.

"Is this…?"

"Yeah, this is Ace. I'm sorry to worry you, Pops." A breath of relief was there as I could tell others were voicing confusion. "Listen, I know who it was. It's Teach, Pops. He was aiming for the lovers first." I told him firmly as the car soon stopped at the home where Shanks and his group stay at.

"Teach?" The name was questioned and he growled out. "Haruta, find him this instant without him knowing. Rakuyou, Blamenco, I want you to help him along with any other members from his group." Confusion was out at the order, but I heard chairs moving. "Are you alright, son?"

"Is that Ace?!" Thatch hollered in the background and I smiled at that. Shanks and Benn had moved to get out of the car, it was turned off, but they were giving me a moment.

"Yeah, I am now… I'm…" I stopped for a second as the car doors shut firmly and I had a hand moving through my hair. "I'm lucky to be alive, Pops…"

"What happened?"

"He basically cement-shoed me." The words left me and this practical growl was there and I could picture his look of fury. "I'll wait for someone to come get me."

"Someone will be there soon, Ace. Just relax and we will start to get that ingrate." A relief is in me as I nodded before clearing my throat lightly,feeling thirsty again.

"Thanks, Pops."

After I was off the phone, I went after Shanks who waited for me with an arm finding around my back because of my wound. We went inside where others greeted me and that had me do so back as well. They got me something to drink and eat, talking to me as their doctor looked over the wound better. I noticed they had looked worriedly, but didn't comment as they kept me company. The doctor even checked over my breathing and wrote down some things, probably for Crocus to know once I get home. I was bandaged up again after some stitches were applied and had my shirt back on when I was informed of my ride.

"Ace," I looked to blue eyes and smiled as I had wanted to see him the most. "Are you ready to go home?"

"Yeah, I'll come see you guys again!" I mention to Shanks's men who hollered out in agreeance and mentioning about booze being brought. It made me laugh before going to Marco as the doctor handed over papers. "Bye everyone!" I claimed out while Shanks followed with me and everyone hollered again in farewell. Stepping out, Benn was standing out with a cigarette and I noticed Vista in the car out front. "Thanks for coming to get me." I told the two I have known for so long and they smiled while Shanks ruffled my hair.

"Of course, anytime." That had me move to hug him and it was returned before I did the same to Benn. Pulling away, I gave them a smile and soon moved with Marco to the car.

"I'll let you know when I have my phone back!" I mentioned and I stopped by the back car door.

"Don't forget to call your new associate." Benn mentioned and I laughed at that before waving out.

"Aye, I won't!" I comment and got into the back seat and settled as Marco already sat on the other side. Once closing the door and the car going, an arm was pulling me over and I was held in a tight embrace.

"I knew something was wrong when you didn't answer, yoi." He mentions while I situated to have legs over his lap and one arm around his neck since the other hurt too much to lift that high. "We didn't think fast enough to consider they would know…"

"It's alright, Marco. I'm here, okay?"

"Pops… Pops didn't tell me what they did since he had to of done something more than your shoulder." I breathed out at the mention of that and gripped to him firmly.

"What else do you do at the docks?" I asked simply and that had him stiffen considerably with hands lightly shaking as he gripped to me.

"I am going to kill him." The word seethed and I rubbed my face to his neck as I closed eyes.

"Can… Can I sleep a bit?" I asked tiredly and there was a nod there as a hand rubbed my back.

"Go ahead, yoi."