Disclaimer _ i don't own anything except any OC's I might create

Chapter 12

It had been a month since the trio had been brought aboard the Moby Dick. It took a lot of adapting to, but they had somewhat settled into a schedule of sorts. And everything was rather peaceful for a while, that is, until they finally docked on an island.

Ace and Sabo had been rather excited about this and had decided that they would go and explore the island with Luffy. Although, for that to happen, they would have to get Luffy from Whitebeard. Which seemed easier said then done, since it looked like (another) war was about to break out between the sons and daughters of Whitebeard.

Saba silently wondered exactly how the men and woman of the most fearsome crew in the world had hidden their war from the general public. He very much recalled that he had been here for a day and he had seen a war break out about twice within the span of four hours.

Ace just rolled his eyes, he'd gotten used to the sight of victorious female and badly wounded men. It was actually kind of pathetic how they were so feared by the world, but were scared of a couple of girls. Those wimps.

Whiteboard sat in his chair, playing with Luffy. Although the sulky and resigned look on his face pretty much gave away the fact that his sons were losing and that he would be deprived of Sake for a while. Still, he let Luffy bite his finger. Marco stood by him, warily eyeing his siblings. He was the one who had to clean up after every war.

Ace and Sabo somehow managed to get through the brawl ( It was through a miracle they were unscathed, of that Sabo was certain ).

Ace walked up to Whitebeard and raised his arms, a silent request for him to give Luffy. Naturally, Whitebeard (mis)understood and picked Ace up with one hand, planning on hugging him. Ace, realizing this, immediately began struggling but found himself completely trapped in the hand of the crazy old man. No matter how much he shouted, the old man just wouldn't let him go. Moments like these made Ace wonder who was better (or worse): Garp with his fist of love or Whitebeard with his ridiculous way of showing (imposing) affection.

Everyone stopped for a moment and looked at the the source of all the yelling (Which was louder then their own yelling). Seeing Ace with Whitebeard, they all shrugged and went back to their argument. After all, it wouldn't be the first time their father would impose his genuine fatherly affections on someone.

Thatch rubbed his neck, remembering the hug of doom from Whitebeard all those years ago. And last week. And yesterday. This morning too actually. He almost felt sorry for Ace.

Almost.

"HE'S A PIRATE! HE'S SUPPOSED TO SPEND HIS TIME DRINKING!"

"HE'S ALSO AN OLD MAN WHO NEEDS TO TAKE CARE OF HIMSELF!"

Marco, ignoring the chaos in front of him, turned to the chaos beside him. He sweat dropped as Sabo hid behind him, no doubt afraid that he too would receive the hug of doom. With a weary sigh he turned to his father.

"Oyaji, I think you should let him go"

The 'him' in question stopped struggling as Whitebeard heeded his sons words and gently put him down. He shot Marco a look, silently conveying his gratitude for getting him out of the hug ( death trap). Marco gave him a warm smile in return.

Whitebeard also put Luffy down and Luffy immediately began climbing over Ace. Sabo, having realized he was out of danger of receiving the hug of doom, joined them. The two couldn't help smiling as Luffy drooled over them and repeatedly chanted their names. After a few minutes, They remembered why they had come here in the first place.

Saba turned to Whitebeard and made their request.

"We were hoping we could go exploring the island with Luffy"

Whitebeard nodded before ordering Marco to go with them, ignoring Ace claiming they could take care of themselves and Luffy and didn't need adult supervision.

Saba thanked Whitebeard and left, dragging Ace and Luffy. Marco followed behind, his hands tucked in his pockets and his usual disinterested look on his face.

Whitebeard grinned in their direction before sobering up at sight of Iris, his beloved daughter, standing in front of him with a victorious look on her face. His sons were behind her, nursing their wounds.

Looks like the title of strongest man in the world wasn't enough to keep your sake.

Marco wasn't sure exactly what had possessed his father to send him with the brats. He tried to keep his hold on Luffy's hand but alas, Luffy was in a rather determined mood right now. He was completely focused on his mission to catch a pretty butterfly that kept on flying away from him.

(Sigh)

"Ace! Sabo! I'm taking Luffy into the village. Do you two wanna come along yoi?"

Ace and Sabo exchanged looks before pointedly looking at the animals they had caught.

Marco immediately understood the unspoken question.

"We'll leave your catch at the Moby Duck first. After all, everyone would want to know of our little brothers amazing hunting skills yoi"

Despite having heavily protested to being called the Whitebeard pirates little brothers before, Ace and Sabo couldn't help smiling brightly.

Marco would never say it to their face, but in that moment, they had looked their age. Carefree. Smiling. Happy.

( He would also never tell anyone of how much it had warmed his heart in that moment )

If there was one thing Marco was certain of, besides that Thatch was an idiot,it was that Luffy had been sent from hell to make him pay for all the sins he had committed in his life. The brat was impatient ,annoying and a crybaby to boot. Taking him to the village might have been a mistake, but if they had stayed in the forest and Luffy had gotten eaten by some creature, it would have been his head on a silver platter.

Still, a minuscule part of him would admit that the brat was a bit endearing. His childish and simple way of thinking was refreshing.

As they reached a stall where you could decorate your own ice cream, owned by a rather nice old lady who immediately began helping Luffy with his ice cream, Marco began to make small talk with the other two.

"So, you two practically raised Luffy by yourselves?"

The two nodded, their mouth full of ice cream

"What was his first word yoi?"

Apparently that was the wrong question to ask as since almost immediately, a very dark and dangerous aura surrounded Ace. Sabo, on the other hand, looked sheepish and nervous, as though Ace's anger was directed at him.

( Marco had a gut feeling that it was ,but he wasn't going to say anything, considering he wanted Sabo alive and well )

"Next question please" Growled Ace

Marco obliged.

"Who did he take his first steps towards yoi?"

That, too, was a terrible question to ask, for the aura around Ace grew larger and darker. Sabo, while still looking sheepish, looked rather proud ( despite Ace's your-going-to-die-glare ).

Understanding the answer, Marco couldn't help but chuckle. Ace glared at him but Luffy had come back with his ice cream and was tugging on Marco's pants insistently, saving Marco from having to deal with an irate preteen.

After that they explored the island to the fullest, going from shop to shop, trying different food (much to the three brats pleasure, particularity Luffy's) and making small talk with the local people. Okay, maybe it was more of Marco and Sabo making small talk while Luffy ate to his hearts content and Ace lurked in the background (While eating of course).

Marco never noticed that during the entire trip, Luffy didn't leave his side even once. What also failed to come to his attention was that his mental complaints about Luffy had completely stopped. Not once had he thought about how messy or unnecessarily loud the kid was.

As they returned to the Moby Dick, Ace and Sabo decided not to point out that Marco, who had initially panicked at the mere mention of holding holding Luffy, was protectively carrying the sleeping (albeit drooling) brat in his arms.

A/N _ Hope you like this chapter!