Pairing: MarcoAceSabo
Prompt: J. When words aren't enough
Rating: T
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Ace had his moments, when he was feeling like he was a burden on the world for being alive just because of his bloodline. He always tried to hide away from everyone behind a fake smile, but Sabo knew better as being a part of his crew from the beginning, being with him since childhood. When they were taken in by the Whitebeards, Ace had been given reassurance from the captain that even with his blood it didn't change his perspective of the kind of person Ace is. Marco also found out, but said it did not change his mind either.
Sabo had been the one to usually comfort Ace, no one else aware of the burden still weighing heavily on his lover's shoulders. Then one day, Marco happened to come in on him holding a trembling Ace, worried that he had somehow caught a cold. Sabo could only shake his head as the first commander came to realize that it was emotional damage, his mind bringing up something that he couldn't overcome alone.
From that day on, Marco started to show himself as someone Ace could seek as well for comfort. At first, Sabo had been unsure, but knew the other only cared about the well being of Ace and let it be. When they started to delve more, Ace finding himself drawn in, but made sure with Sabo first if maybe they both could linger with Marco. This left Sabo to decline, Ace listening and backing off any actions that could be misleading and made sure to step carefully while giving attention to his lover, never wanting to lose that. But, Marco had begin showing them both a softer side, having Sabo begin to rethink his decision, telling Ace they could try to expand a little, but to take it slow. Ace listened, he was always good about making sure Sabo felt comfortable and never pushing him.
They were soon all indulging in something more, enjoying each other to the fullest and also bringing comfort to when it was needed most. Whether it was Sabo having bad days with his appearance with scarring or with Marco's stress over work related things. The main contender is Ace and his bloodline, mostly flaring up after hearing of a simple word of how he shouldn't be alive. How the child of Roger, if born, should be killed on sight before it turns into a monster.
At these times, Ace could only get his frustrations out before curling up into one of his lovers, who already knew by just a look alone. The thing about Ace and his biological father is that nothing except small coaxes can be said during this time that Ace feels the most pain. It always hurt Sabo, seeing the other dip so low and knew Marco would also understand his ache in due time. Even if they coax him, sometimes words are not enough to erase the imprinted damage, but Sabo believed that with being with this crew, it will ease over time. Only wanting his lover to be ever happy and not have to drown in his self-hatred.