Marco

It was getting late, so they needed to stop and rest. Marco couldn't retain as much energy while carrying Ace, and he wasn't traveling at top speed. They were in no rush this time though. Things would be fine as long as they were together, and right now, they were free as well.

But gods, did they want to be together more than they already were.

"I can't wait, yoi," Marco said, breaking the peaceful silence.

Adjusting his grip around the phoenix's neck, Ace asked, "What to do mean?" He slightly raised his head up.

"I want to be with you. I want to marry you now," Marco replied bluntly, continuing to fly along.

Ace smiled contentedly. "Then let's be together now," he suggested. "Just the two of us. I mean, I know you don't want anything big. Even though we're pirates and we're supposed to like parties and stuff, and the guys back on the ship would want to be here, I know you like your quiet." His voice dropped as if he were embarrassed. "Let's get married, Marco."

Marco was glad that Ace was open to getting married now. It was true that everyone back on the ship would love the excuse to party, and they'd never celebrated a wedding before (no one's ever been in the position). He knew that they would probably go over the top with their partying. The thought of being with their family like that warned Marco's heart, yet it was also touching that Ace thought of his feelings too. And right now, Ace was all that mattered to him. They would deal with the others later (assuming if they ever found out that is). "When did you get so considerate?" he teased, provoking Ace on purpose. He needed something interesting to do while he traveled, and a bit of playful banter wouldn't hurt.

"Hey!" Ace whined, carefully loosening his grip to lightly smack Marco's head. The Phoenix chuckled. He couldn't see Ace's face right now, but he was sure there was a pout upon it. "How're we gonna get married now?" Ace continued, pulling him out of his thoughts. "There's no land, and we don't know if the next island is inhabited."

Oh there was land, alright. Ace just didn't know it yet. Marco smirked to himself, glad that Ace couldn't read his expression at the current moment. He could think of several better places to wed his beloved, one being the Moby Dick, but right now, something about his desired location seemed fitting. "Don't worry about it, yoi."

"You're being so mysterious," Ace noted. "Why don't you just tell me?"

"And what do I get out of telling you, yoi?" And with those teasing words, Ace was left to wonder what exactly Marco meant as he laid his head back down on Marco's burning form.
Meanwhile, Marco focused on finding the place where he discovered his love: Isle de Petere.

Though it's not as if he wanted to travel in silence with Ace. Who said they couldn't have a bit of fun? They both needed something to do, and what he was planning would make Ace happy as well.

"Hold on tight, Ace," he warned briefly.

Ace only managed a short, confused grunt before Marco began to swoop downwards towards the ocean. Ace yelped this time, wrapping his arms ever tighter around Marco's form. "What are you doing?!" he yelled.

Marco knew that if one thing went wrong, Ace would slip into the ocean and be lost to Marco forever. There was no way that he would ever let that happen."You scared me," Ace panted, relaxing from the drop by balancing himself comfortably. They were so close to the water, Ace could see his reflection glowing from Marco's flames close enough to touch.

"I wasn't aware that the great Portgas D. Ace was capable of fear."

"Oh shut it, you," Ace blushed from the continued teasing. "What's with this anyways?"

"It's because," Marco explained, flapping his wings to avoid a taller wave, "I realized I've never taken you for a real flight, yoi."

Ace was quiet, and Marco was sure this was because he was expressing shock towards the statement. There was truth to it since usually, Marco never let anyone ride on his back, the only exceptions being the injured when they needed to get back to the ship quickly. Marco had never let him on when they were still in the strictly sexual relationship they had before (Ace asked several times). His flight was sacred to him, and he would show it to Ace now that their love was true.

"Here, Ace," Marco said. "I'll show you."

Ace secured his grip again, making sure he was safe upon Marco's back. "I'm ready, Marco."

The action coming to him naturally, Marco pulled upward. They shot back into the sky while the wind rushed around their faces. Ace laughed joyously, breathing in the fresh air. Warmth spread through Marco's chest at knowing how happy he made

Marco just barely heard the question that was yelled over the sound of rushing winds. "This is it. Isn't it? The feeling of true freedom?"

But he decided not to respond. Instead, he spun over a few times, Ace yelping all the while, though still enjoying it. "Show-off," he muttered once they were right-side up again.

Speaking now would only ruin the moment, so Marco continued flying in silence, allowing Ace to relish in this feeling. With a spread of his illuminated wings, he swooped under and above the clouds, letting the wind rush by. Ace breathed in the scents carried on the wind: the scent of the seawater and the scent of fresh air (indescribable, but comforting nonetheless).

Just when Ace thought that this feeling, this moment would last forever, Marco started to speak.

"We're here, Ace. Let's get married."

Ace

They wed in the field full of flowers with its blues and reds, and fresh sea air almost as abundant as their flight. The night was breathtaking: an impossible amount of stars shining brightly overhead adding a glow to the field and reflecting off of the surprisingly calm ocean water. Ace wondered if fireflies would appear if it was summer. It would be fitting, and it would make things more perfect than they already were. He stared around in awe and wonder, touched that Marco brought him to such a place. Suddenly, Marco squeezed his hand, bringing his attention back. A quick glance at their rings, Marco's shining a light blue akin to his own fire, reminded him of what was about to happen, filling him with joy.

Their wedding (if they could call it that) was brief. There were no witnesses, and they requested that most of the boring formal stuff be skipped, so they went straight to simple statements of "I love you". And when asked that final question, which they barely heard, too enraptured in the other before them, they whispered in unison, "I do."

When those last five words were pronounced, it was like someone opened up floodgates. No longer able to contain his passion, Marco took Ace, who responded eagerly, into a loving kiss. The man who oversaw their wedding left them like that, allowing them to have their privacy, not that there was any immediate need to. Their actions remained surprisingly pure, much like their love for each other. There would be time for that later. Right now, they didn't need anything more.

It might have been getting later and later, but to Ace and Marco, that moment was never ending. If either of them had the ability to freeze time, surely this would be the moment that they would immortalize. It was truly wonderful. They only needed each other in that moment, stars shining down on their embraced forms and the wind ruffling the colored flowers around them.

Marco

Afterward, Marco brought Ace to the Wanderer's Pillow, eager to physically confirm their love (though not as eager as he was for the actual wedding). They laughed the whole way since Marco insisted on sweeping Ace into his arms and carrying him off bridal style. Ace pecked his nose in an attempt to distract him, but Marco countered by spinning him. He finally set him down when they arrived at the front of the inn, choosing to take his hand instead. He pushed the door open with his free hand.

His gaze met the shocked eyes of Madame Myra, who stood straight from her slumped position behind the counter. "What are you doing here?" she hissed, sounding almost annoyed that he returned. It was understandable. Marco was so dead set on leaving the first time that it was strange he would be back. Her expression softened though once she saw Ace and how his hand was cradled gently in Marco's.

"Ace," he said. Marco wasn't quite sure why he was introducing them, but something about it just felt right. "This is Madame Myra, yoi. She helped me out when I was looking for you. She knows Pops from a long time ago."

"The great Marco the Phoenix needed help?" Ace reached out to shake her hand anyways. Her handshake was firm, though her grip wasn't too tight.

"O-oi," Marco blushed from Ace's earlier remark. He continued. "Madame Myra, this is Ace. He's…" he trailed off, eyes softening as he stared into Ace's own. It was a look of passion. One of true love. "He's my answer."

Madame Myra chuckled, eyes shining. "I figured as much." She reached behind the counter clutching the familiar key. "Room 2, then."

"Thank you."

"Just try not to be so loud, sonny!"

Ace

Ace wasn't sure what he was expecting Marco to do once they were married. Well, of course he had been expecting the sex, but despite the change in their relationship, he had been expecting it to be the same as before: a rough, sweaty, and hot round of fucking. He expected them to be groping each other and dragging their hands across each other's bodies while they stumbled upstairs to the privacy of their rented room.

How wrong he was.

He wasn't expecting Marco to hoist him into his arms and carry him up the stairs (bridal style, embarrassingly enough). He wasn't expecting Marco to lay him on the bed gently as he climbed atop and softly kissed him. Marco didn't try to deepen the kiss with his tongue, though Ace would've allowed him to. He didn't mind. Ace knew that their love for each other wasn't any less from the way that they kissed. If anything, this was just a show of how much it had progressed. If they had been in the kind of affair they were having before, there's no way they would have kissed this tenderly. But now, every touch was full of passion, full of pure love no matter how rough or gentle Marco was with him.

Marco sat up so they could take off their clothes. Ace was thankful in that moment that he wasn't wearing a shirt, though his accessories proved a hassle remove. Their rings remained on. He felt like he couldn't move fast enough, but at the same time, he felt that moving too hastily would ruin everything. He wanted to savor this moment.

Finally, finally, all their clothes were removed. They were bare to each other with nothing between them. Ace almost froze up as he admired Marco's toned body, and judging by the way the man was staring, Marco was doing the same to him. Ace was panting and flushed red, but he didn't say anything, eagerly awaiting any action the man would take. Thankfully, Marco wasn't going to keep him waiting any longer. He captured Ace's lips once more, Ace responding just as passionately.

Ace opened his mouth to protest when Marco broke away, but he stopped once he felt the man's lips latch onto his neck, delivering feather-light pecks to it. Marco was a biter during sex. He liked marking Ace up. That's for sure, but right now, he was practically worshiping Ace's body. Just when Ace thought he would ask about this, he gasped. Marco had taken one of his nipples in his mouth and was sucking gently. It felt so good, much better than any other time they had done it, but he wasn't quite sure why. Was Marco's love for him really this overwhelming? He had no more time to wonder on this though. He wanted to lie back and enjoy the pleasure Marco was delivering to him, despite the slow speed and gentle touch.

But now, Ace wanted- no- needed Marco. He needed to feel his love. He whispered his lover's name,

Marco had to leave his position once more to retrieve the lubricant from his bag. Thankfully, he left it right next to the bed. It took him a few tries to find the right pocket (he had forgot which one it was in since Ace was the only thing on his mind). When he turned back, he could've sworn that Ace looked even more beautiful. He was reaching out towards him in a silent plea for him to continue.

Marco chose to respond with action instead of words. He uncapped the bottle and poured the substance over his fingers. Ace spread his legs wide for him, exposing his entrance and allowing for better access. Marco pressed one finger in slowly, not wanting to put Ace through too much pain. He moved it in and out until there was enough room for another, and once he had more digits in, he parted his fingers to try and make as much room as possible. He wanted Ace to only feel pleasure. Suddenly, Ace mewled. Marco almost yanked his fingers out in panic, but once he saw how Ace's eyes were glazed over with lust, he knew that what he did must have felt good. He moved his fingers over the same spot, and this time Ace's moan was louder. It was time that Marco moved on.

He coated his length and positioned it at Ace's entrance. He didn't push in yet though. He looked into Ace's eyes for approval. He was biting his bottom lip nervously. Ace wasn't afraid of the pain, but they had never done this before. They had never made love. Marco had never been this gentle with him, so Ace wasn't sure how it would feel. Would it still be as satisfying as before? Would it feel even better? All he could do was trust Marco. He nodded, allowing him to start.

As if reading his mind, Marco took Ace's hand to comfort him, intertwining their fingers. Ace could feel Marco's ring pressing against his digits, reminding him of their spiritual unity only moments before. It was time that they become absolutely united, body and soul. Marco pushed in slowly, leaning down to place a kiss on Ace's forehead.

And then, they were finally connected completely. Marco was all the way inside Ace, waiting for him to adjust. Ace didn't necessarily need it, but Marco wanted to do this properly. Ace panted as he could feel all of Marco. It was unbelievably pleasurable. How good would it feel when he actually started moving inside him?

He didn't ask Marco to move verbally. Instead, he wrapped his legs around, driving him ever deeper. A low groan left the blond's mouth. Ace felt a bit of pride swelling in his chest at this, but he soon forgot about it when Marco started thrusting, deep and slow. He took Ace's other hand, wanting to feel his ring as well.

Ace was so overwhelmed. He was numb to every other sensation besides pleasure, besides the love Marco was giving him. This was completely unlike when Marco would pound him senseless into the mattress. This slow pacing was driving him crazy, but at the same time, it was the best thing he had ever felt. He couldn't think of anything else besides Marco right now. He could feel their rings pressing into each other's as their grips tightened on each other. He thought that it might indent on his skin, but he didn't care. This pain was good pain, a reminder that he and Marco would be together forever. He wanted Marco to know this as well. He wanted to pleasure Marco too, but just as he was about to try and thrust back, he felt Marco's length brush over his prostate, causing him to cry out. Marco continued to hit that spot, bringing Ace impossible amounts of pleasure. The sounds coming out of Ace's mouth grew louder and louder, but he could do nothing to stop himself. He didn't want to let go of Marco's hands.

Both of them were so close. Even though they moved slow and sensually the entire time, they definitely weren't going to last much longer, especially since Ace kept tightening around Marco every time he thrusted into him. It was just too much for him to handle anymore. He screamed out Marco's name, releasing between their stomachs. It only took Marco a few more strokes before he too climaxed, groaning Ace's name.

It took them awhile to come down from their highs, breaths still quick and erratic. They remained connected until Marco became aware enough to pull out, collapsing on the bed and pulling Ace's head to his chest. "Ace, I love you so much," he whispered.

Ace, who finally moved after his orgasm, wrapped his arms around Marco to snuggle closer to him. "I love you, Marco."

They were about to fall asleep entangled in each other's arms when Ace spoke again. "You've never been that gentle with me before."

Marco chuckled. Ace was sure he was wearing a smirk. "You don't like it, yoi?"

"N-no! I did! But why?"

"You just looked so beautiful, Ace. I didn't want to ruin you too much. Make no mistake, yoi. You're still mine, even if I didn't leave a mark."

"You're so embarrassing!"

"Then again, I don't need to leave a mark. Now do I?" He placed a kiss on Ace's temple and another one on his hand. "We have rings."

"We sure do, Marco"

"This was the last place you wanted to bring me. Huh?" Ace smiled somberly as he stared up at the grand grave that stood before him. Two knives were crossed atop it, a yellow neckerchief tied to the end of one. He already set the spices down in front of it. This was where his brother lay dead. This was where the crew buried Thatch.

"We couldn't just leave him, yoi. We buried him after you left," Marco explained from his position about a yard away. "Sorry," he added. He decided to stand back in order to give Ace some privacy, though he was completely prepared to wait elsewhere if the Ace needed more space.

"That's fine," Ace hummed, focused on the grave. Though he felt guilty for missing the funeral (whatever it would have been like for a pirate crew of their size), he understood why they had to put Thatch to rest without him. It was not like they could sail around with his body still on the ship. It would be painful, awkward, and just plain disrespectful to the man's spirit.

"You picked a good island," he commented. The site was truly perfect. It was much like the field they got married in. Ace didn't know how so many different flowers could grow in one place, their fragrant scent carrying in the wind. The place was uninhabited, so it would remain forever peaceful.

"It was Pops's idea," said Marco, not wanting to take credit. "On this island, the flowers always grow no matter what season or weather, yoi."

As if on cue, a light breeze blew through, swirling a few flower petals through the air. Ace reached out to touch them, to catch them in his palm, but they floated away. "He would have loved this place."

It took Marco awhile to respond, but eventually he agreed, saying, "I think so too." He turned away quietly. "I'll give you some more privacy." As he began to walk away, his steps were interrupted by a hand slipping into his own.

"Stay," Ace demanded, and who was Marco to refuse his wishes? He allowed Ace to lead him back, but he remained silent as Ace started speaking.

"Hey, Thatch," Ace whispered. "I guess the first thing I should say is that I miss you." He paused, musing over what the man would say if he was still here. "It's weird not being able to actually talk to you anymore. There's still so much we need to do with each other! There's still so much I need to talk with you about! But you're not here, so I'll just say it now even though you can't hear me.

"Marco and I are married now." Marco, genuinely surprised that Ace would start off with that point, glanced over. Ace didn't even notice, focused on Thatch. He paid Marco hardly any mind, though he acknowledged the comforting presence beside him by squeezing his hand. "I know you were worried about when I told you that I confessed. Honestly? I thought everything was over too, but the stubborn blue turkey actually loves me back!"

As much as Marco wanted to interject upon hearing the stupid nickname, he didn't have the heart to ruin this moment. Besides, he loved the fireball too much.

"I guess he didn't know that he would miss me until I was gone. I…" Suddenly, Ace's voice dropped as if he lost confidence. "I went after him. I wanted to get revenge for your death, but I guess that I wanted it so badly that I didn't see how dangerous it was. I didn't see how concerned everyone was. You probably don't want me to die for that. Do you?" He laughed to himself, imagining Thatch smacking him on the head or something of that nature. "Luckily, I had Marco to pull me back.

"I promise we'll get him." Ace was now grinning, full of determination. "All of us together this time. After all, we can't just keep sailing and let that bastard have his way. Right?

"Goodbye, brother. I love you." And without anything further, Ace turned and started walking away, dragging Marco along with him. They departed in silence. It was time to head home.

When they were up in the clouds, flying away, it was Ace who broke the quiet between them. "Do you believe in reincarnation, Marco?"

Ace knew why he was asking this. He smiled, though Ace couldn't see it. "I'm a phoenix, Ace. I should."

"W-well-"

"Don't worry," Marco reassured. "We'll see Thatch again."

"So you do?"

"All I know is that I would find you again if we died, so yes. I do."

Ace blushed. "Cheesy."

For a second it was as if they could hear a laugh carried on the wind along with the fragrance of flowers.

When the Moby Dick was in their sights, Ace grinned impossibly widely, glad to be returning to the ship and crew they called home. It felt a little weird though. It was as if there was something swelling inside his chest: something warm and comforting. He ultimately decided that this was a good feeling, one that he hoped would last. Still, he was nervous about returning. Well, if he didn't feel at least a bit anxious towards reuniting with his family, could he really call them family after all? He cared what they thought, and he hoped they weren't angry at him.

Both Marco and Ace were eager to get back to the ship, and luckily, the wind was on their side. Marco spread his wings, letting the wind carry them towards their destination. Ace was still awestruck at the feeling of gliding through the air, but he didn't care at all. It was a wonderful feeling. Marco flew closer and closer, until finally, they were close enough to see the details of their beloved home: the flags fluttering freely in the sea breeze, Haruta waving at them in a wide arc, Pops grinning at them as he raised his sake. This was their feeling of welcome, their feeling of belonging.

Their feeling of home.

Pops was waiting for them, sitting in his usual chair. He grinned, setting down his sake. "Welcome back, my sons."

"It's great to be home, yoi," Marco smiled back.

Ace on the other hand, didn't know what to say. What would Pops say to him? Would he be punished for going against orders? He knew they were concerned about him, but how they would act on this he could not say. He knew he would be fine with Marco beside him, but he still felt shame, causing him to look at the floorboards of the ship. All he could do was wait anxiously for his father's judgement.

"Son," Pops started. Ace breathed in sharply, hoping the rest of the crew couldn't hear his rapidly pounding heart. "What you did was very reckless." The disappointment in his voice was clear. Ace felt a sinking feeling in his stomach.

But he had to face the music sometime. Right? This was his fault and he was the one who had to take responsibility. "I'm ready to accept any punishment," he said, bowing low. It was the first thing he said since he got on the ship. Suddenly, he felt Pops stand, but Ace did not lift his gaze.

All of his anxiety and shame melted away when Pops wrapped his arms around him. "You're here with us now. That's all that matters."

Ace wasn't one for tears, but he sure felt like crying right now. Even after he went against orders, even when he so arrogantly thought he was right, he was still accepted here. This truly was his home, and Marco was with him. He pulled away, grinning at his father.

"Now," Pops continued, "I need to talk with Marco. Why don't you go catch up with your brothers and sisters?"

Ace nodded eagerly. "Alright, Pops!" He smiled at Marco before disappearing into the crowd, cheers rising up as he went.

Marco

Marco turned to his father, bringing the volume of his voice down. It would waste time to move to the privacy of his room, but there was no need for anyone else to hear them. "What did you need to talk to me about?"

"You found your answer. Didn't you?" Whitebeard asked knowingly.

Marco blushed, glance flickering over in Ace's direction. Thankfully, no one saw. Of course Pops already knew. He was willing to bet that he knew far before Marco himself did.

"Gurarara!" he laughed. "I had a feeling."

Marco tried to change the subject. "Madame Myra sends her regards." He would have preferred if Pops didn't discuss the nature of his and Ace's relationship in front of the others.

"So she's still alive?"

'That's rude, Pops,' Marco resisted the urge to interject.

"It's nice to see she's doing well," Whitebeard commented.

It seemed like that would be the end of that particular thread of conversation, but Marco had to satisfy his curiosity. "Did you..." he trailed off, wondering if he what he was going to ask would be too intrusive. He remembered that Pops wouldn't mind considering how long they've known each other. "Did you know how she felt?"

"Of course I did," he replied. "But the sea, and family of course is my true love, son."

Marco nodded. He knew this very well.

"She was a great friend, so understanding. That's why she's content with staying," Pops explained. The implications of this came as a shock to Marco.

"She can't leave?"

"Myra has never found her answer, son. Despite what she felt-"

"It's her husband and son. Isn't it?"

"Observant as ever, Marco."

"Love works in strange ways."

"You know that more than anybody."

Ace

When Ace made his way through the crowd, he was greeted by Izo.'Shit,' he cursed mentally. Ace clearly remembered what he said to him before he left. No doubt he was still mad. Ace didn't blame him. "Oh, hi, Izo," he greeted awkwardly. He might as well apologize now. "I'm sorry for, you know..." He prepared himself for a lecture, a tongue lashing, but it never came.

"I'm not mad, Ace," Izo smiled, his perfect red lips pressing together. "Welcome home."

Ace released a breath he wasn't aware he was holding. He doubted that things were completely okay between them, but they would work things out. They were brothers after all.

"Welcome back, Acey!" Haruta cheered, jumping onto his back. Thatch was the one who gave him that nickname, so he grinned.

"Yo, Haru!" he laughed.

"So anyways, Ace," Izo continued, planning to continue their conversation despite the presence of their other sibling. A lot of the other crew members had gathered too, eager to talk to the stubborn commander who had come back safe and sound. "I'm sure you had an... interesting journey."

Confused, Ace tipped his head. Why was Izo emphasizing his words like that? Well, he had a point. "I guess so," he shrugged, making sure that Haruta was still balanced on his back. "I got to visit Alabasta. It was really cool, and the food was delicious! Oh! I got you a gift! It's in my bag though, so I'll get it later."

And then Izo sighed, making Ace even more confused. "I wasn't referring to the places you visited, though I'm curious to see what you bought for me. I have never visited Alabasta. You must tell me more later."

Ace snickered. Izo would freak when he found out that he met the princess of all people. He still wasn't quite sure what Izo wanted to hear though. He should stop being too vague if he wanted to know!

"Ace, why are you wearing a ring?" asked Haruta suddenly.

Well, now that Ace thought about it, the thing Izo was thinking about probably had something to do with him and Marco.

"What?!" Izo shrieked, attracting the attention of even more of their family members. He seized Ace's left wrist and brought it up to his face, staring at his ring incredulously. It obviously didn't take him much thought to figure out what happened between him and Marco. He began sputtering incoherent nonsense, lost for words.

The situation was all a bit ridiculous, so Ace couldn't help but laugh sheepishly. "Yeah! About that-"

Izo cut him off. "No. No. Stop."

Ace frowned. He had no reason to be so upset about it. In fact, Izo was usually rather supportive of their relationship. In the end, it didn't matter what he thought. Ace already decided that he would stay with Marco no matter what, and he had no problem voicing this thought.

But before he could say anything, Izo began dragging him off. Poor Haruta ended up as a heap on the deck, shouting, "Hey!"

Ace could spend time wondering where Izo was bringing him, but there was no need. He already had an idea.

It would have been nice to keep it a secret just a little bit longer, but such a thing was impossible with their large family.

Marco was still talking to Pops when they walked up. He stopped his words to turn to them. "I thought you were greeting everyone, yoi."

"Well, I was, but-"

Izo interrupted him again. "Pops. Look at this." He held Ace's arm up, pointing towards the ring that shined like a bright fire on his finger.

Whitebeard leaned down to examine it, hand on his chin. Ace never really thought how he would react, so he was nervous. It didn't help that some of the others followed them and were gathering around. Marco looked as if he was nervous too. He didn't want anyone to make a big deal out of their marriage, but thanks to Izo, that wouldn't happen. They would have told everyone eventually, but to keep their love just between the two of them for even a moment would have been perfect. Still, they knew things would be alright. Pops always supported them no matter what.

Finally, Whitebeard sat back up, looking back down at his sons. He grinned widely. "Is that so? Gurarara!" he laughed out. "Congratulations, my sons!"

His laugh washed over them, filling them with warmth. "Thank you, Pops," Marco smiled. He pried Ace's arm out of Izo's grip gently, intertwining his fingers with Ace's.

"But, Pops-"

Whitebeard stopped him with a wave of his hand. "Izo, I don't see why you aren't happy for your brothers."

"I am!" he insisted.

This time it was Ace who interjected. "Then why are you acting so angry about it?"

"You don't get it. Do you?" Izo hissed. He jabbed a finger towards Ace's chest. "How dare you. How dare you two get married without any of us there!"

Now that was something completely against their expectations, especially the rest of the crew, who exhibited mixed responses. There was a lot of surprised yelling though. Haruta giggled on the other hand.

Marco raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me!" Izo continued. "I already planned everything out-"

"You what?!"

"Oh hush, dear. Didn't either of you think that we would want to be there?"

"He has a point."

"Pops!"

"Why don't we compromise then?" Pops grinned. "We can have another wedding."

"Wait. What?"

The shout of agreement that rose up drowned out Marco and Ace's protest.

Ace tugged at the bow tie around his neck. It was tied much too tight in his opinion. Unfortunately, Izo stopped his fiddling by slapping his hand away, much to Ace's own displeasure.

When Izo told them that he planned their wedding, he wasn't kidding. Their suits (which Izo designed in his spare time) were already made. Ace's fit perfectly (leaving him to wonder when Izo obtained his exact measurements), but he wasn't sure about Marco yet. They were dragged away from each other as soon as it was decided that there was going to be another wedding. The crew was surprisingly together on this whole issue, coordinating to set everything up.

"Don't look at me like that," Izo huffed, readjusting the accessory. Apparently, Ace subconsciously began to pout. "The sooner you get dressed, the sooner you'll get to see Marco."

"We never asked you guys to do this in the first place though!" Ace complained. The shirt was beginning to itch. He reached to fiddle with it as well, but Izo caught him.

"Now, now, dear," he sighed. "I know you don't like shirts, but you look so nice! Besides, I'm sure Marco will like it."

That was pretty convincing, Ace had to admit. He stopped his squirming, allowing Izo to perfect his appearance.

Izo finally pulled away, admiring his work. "There." He pushed Ace in front of the mirror. "You look wonderful if I do say so myself."

"Yeah, yeah," Ace grumbled, but Izo was right. He did look rather nice. The suit looked simple with it black jacket and bow tie, but Izo's work was always spectacular.

He couldn't wait to see Marco, and speaking of him...

"Shouldn't you be helping Marco too?" Ace asked.

Izo rolled his eyes. "Marco can handle himself."

"Oi!"

"Oh hush, you. It's time for you to get married!"

"Again," Ace added under his breath.

Marco

"Don't be so nervous, son," Whitebeard commented, noticing Marco readjusting his white tie again. He patted his son's shoulder in comfort. They were standing at the front of Pops' seat. It was the center of deck- the perfect place to set everything up.

"You're telling me," Marco mumbled. It wasn't like him to be so nervous, but he felt that this moment was no longer his and Ace's. He was rather glad that they had a private wedding beforehand. No doubt their family would be rowdy as they usually were. Most of them were already gathered around. They were only waiting for one thing: Izo to walk Ace up the aisle.

Haruta laughed from Marco's side, slinging an arm around his shoulder. "He's right! Stop being so serious right now! This is Ace, so be happy about it!"

Marco couldn't help but smile back. Haruta's cheerful antics were contagious. It reminded him a bit of Thatch, who probably would have been the one standing at Marco's side were things different. There was no use wallowing in "ifs" though, and he wouldn't deem Haruta any less worthy of the position. As strange as it was to be standing up here, he was ready to accept his fate. "Fine, yoi," he said, happiness in his voice.

"That wasn't so hard. Now was it?"

Before Marco could make any complaints about this statement, he was interrupted by the musicians starting what he supposed was a wedding march. It was about to start.

Everyone scrambled around to clear a path, Pops straightened up into a proper position, and Marco stood more confidently. He didn't want to make a fool of himself, and he wanted to appear as best as he could for Ace.

And when Marco saw Ace, the world fell silent around him.

It was a shame that he couldn't hear the beautiful music, but he was only focused on Ace. Marco loved that Ace usually walked around half-naked, but he rather liked seeing him in a suit. The light-blush upon Ace's freckled cheeks only added to the beauty.

It was as if the moment couldn't move fast enough, but suddenly, they were standing in front of each other, looking into each other's eyes passionately.

Whitebeard began to speak, his voice booming across deck. "My sons and my daughters, we are here to celebrate the unity of your two brothers, Marco and Ace!"

A cheer rose up, a few wolf-whistles mixed in. Ace laughed at his sibling antics. Marco simply smiled.

"Now, would you like to speak about each other?"

Marco could've sworn he heard Izo muttering something like 'that's not what you're supposed to say' from his position next to Ace, but he never imagined this wedding would be something orthodox in the first place. Finally, Ace spoke up.

"Marco," he started, face flushing as the attention turned to him. Marco, noticing his pause, took his hands, encouraging him to continue. "I don't know how I fell in love with you, but I think it started when you accepted me. Told me I belonged," Ace confessed. "I think there's always been something between us. During that first night together, I didn't even consider it to be love. But you've always been so kind to me, so caring. You're handsome too," he added, blush from earlier returning.

"I love you, Marco. Now and forever." He breathed out when he finished, and his family applauded him.

"Now it's my turn," Marco began, leaning down to place a gentle kiss on Ace's hand.

"I admit that I'm stubborn, yoi," Marco said, "so I never thought that love was an option for me. I always thought that our relationship was to remain purely physical. You're rather sexy after all," he chuckled as Ace sputtered in surprise.

"I only recently realized that I loved you, so I'm sorry for making you worry so much," he apologized, voice going quiet. He spoke up once more, deciding that his declaration of love be proud. "You're always so cheerful and optimistic. You're everything I'm not, Ace." Marco didn't have to do this at their private wedding, so he felt his heart becoming light. He was filled with a warmth.

"You're my other half," he declared.

Nothing was truer to him in that moment. Ace made him feel absolutely amazing, especially He wanted to kiss his lover, but he unfortunately had to wait.

"Well said, my sons!" Whitebeard grinned. The crew applauded and yelled in encouragement again. "Now..." He paused. "What do I do again?"

With a sigh, Izo gestured to their father to lean down and whispered in his ear.

"Right!" Whitebeard exclaimed. "Well, seeing as how you have your rings already, we'll skip that."

Marco and Ace smiled at each other lovingly, fingers running over the other's ring.

"So, and since we can't very well call this lawful-" everyone stopped to laugh at their father's joke. "Marco, will you take Ace's hand in marriage?"

"It's 'do you'," Izo grumbled quietly.

"I do," Marco breathed, ignoring his brother's complaint.

"And how about you, Ace?"

"Of course I do!" Ace proclaimed, eyes shining.

"You may now-"

"Kiss!" Haruta shouted.

The rest of the family joined in (with the exception of Izo). "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" they chanted.

Marco and Ace laughed together one final time before sealing everything wonderfully with a passionate kiss. It was amazing, and they hardly heard their siblings spurring them on. They broke apart, foreheads touching.

"I love you," they whispered together as everyone continued to celebrate around them.

Suddenly, Pops cleared his throat, catching the family's attention. "Tonight, my children, we party! We celebrate this wondrous union!"

"Aye!"

His expression turned serious, causing his children to quiet. "The road ahead will be dangerous, but I have faith in you. We will not lose another!"

"Aye!"

"Now, bring out the sake!"

Alcohol flowed freely that night and the feast was delicious, but all that mattered to Ace and Marco in that moment was that they had each other.

Thank you so much for reading this and please review! Make sure to check out the other wonderful opbigbang works!