Hello Dear Readers!

Here's the next chapter of the 'Stalker-AU' as per the request by Kamamiya Akari & VisitorNo.18. this is by far, the longest Tale that I have written for this drabble. I hope you will enjoy the second half of the story.

As always, I am not trying to own everything and English isn't my friend.

Sweet and Hot Tale Nineteen

I am not the Stalker! You are!

Thatch stared at his adoptive brother from the kitchen, who was humming to himself as the blond man was wearing a suit and was grabbing for his breakfast. He then saw the man sitting down in front of him, looking happy and excited. He then grabbed for his hot coffee, after he took a bite from his meal. The man then looked even more amused as he heard the blond man exaggerated his delight from drinking his coffee.

"Looks like someone is happy"

Upon saying this, he then saw his wife walking towards him looking pale and tired. "And looks like, someone is not happy" he muttered to himself, earning a glare from Izou. The said woman soon sat down beside him and nudged for Thatch to grab him her food and the man obliged. Izou didn't fail to notice the bright look Marco was giving off.

"Looks like someone is happy" she glared and rolled her eyes towards her brother-in-law. Making Thatch chuckle at how she just repeated his words from earlier. However, Marco just ignored her. Not wanting to disrupt the peace and happiness that he is currently feeling right now.

Thatch then soon went back to the table and placed the plate in front of his wife. Izou let out a 'thank you' to her lover, and started to dig in her food. Thatch had sat back in his chair, watching Marco ate in silence while looking Happy. Wondering what had Marco made so happy, he made a few guesses.

"You got a date or something?" The long-haired man asked.

"Nope" Marco just grinned, as he continued to eat.

"You met someone interesting" Izou concluded, making Thatch frown as he was trying to enjoy the guessing game. Unfortunately for Thatch, his lover was right, since Marco pressed his lips and remained silent as if he didn't hear anything.

That's when Thatch realized something. "You met her didn't you?" he asked gleefully at his brother while pointing a finger at him. Izou smacked it down, but Thatch only smiled widely at his brother.

"Met who?" Marco asked, raising a brow.

"That doesn't work here buddy. I know you met that beauty"

"Beauty? What?" His lover asked curiously with a frown towards her husband. Thatch only hushed her, and her frown got worse. Though he continued to stare at Marco who was now sprinting a red tint hue on his cheeks. "I knew it" Thatch exclaimed happily at his brother.

"See. I told you your stalker is such a beautiful lady."

Now confused, Izou looked from her husband to Marco. Wondering what is happening.

"Well she was a beauty indeed, But it's not her that I am talking about." Thatch raised a brow, confused.

"Huh!? What are you talking about? She was there at the Restaurant. Didn't you see her?"

"I did not and don't really care. I haven't seen her for weeks already. But that's fine. Better actually"

Thatch dropped his chin open. Not sure if he should facepalm his brother's face or his. He then tried to regain his composure and asked, "Look, there are only three waitresses there. A black-haired woman, red-haired woman, and a green-haired woman. Which one did you meet?"

Without a thought, Marco responded with a 'Black-haired woman'. That's when Thatch facepalmed and sighed exaggeratedly, both Izou and Marco frowning at him.

"Such an idiot brother. I thought you would recognize her, but I guess you didn't. Actually you didn't bother to remember her and acting like you don't care, and here you are crushing all over her." Thatch summarized what just happened, though the two remained confused.

Thatch released a loud sigh and stared at his brother unamused. "As I am trying to explain to you dear brother. The woman you're currently pinning on is the same woman that had stalked you for months" Thatch emphasized, eyes wide at his brother while smiling sarcastically towards him.

Marco stilled, eyes squinting towards his brother. Still not accepting the facts that were pointed out to him. "Well, I agree with that..."

"Finally" Thatch slumped back to his chair, not realizing that he stood up earlier.

Marco stared back at his brother, looking sleepy as he continued his point. "Well, I agree, that she was a beauty. The person who stalked me, But I doubt that they are the same person"

With this Thatch stood up, but Marco was the first to go after he picked up his plate. "Well, I need to get going. Still got some work to do. Also Thatch, please send me the report I asked you to do over a week ago." He nodded at his in-law and left the room. Leaving a flabbergasted Thatch and a confused Izou.

Marco was happily driving his way to his office, making sure to pass by the place where he usually sees the waitress walk-by on his way to work. It has actually been a couple of weeks since he kept on visiting the restaurant, to the point that he knows her schedule to work, her apartment where she shared with her childhood friend and some of her friends. He also knows where she goes every day before going to 'Baratie', some might think that he is a stalker, but he didn't mind.

His eyes started to look like they were smiling when he saw her. She was wearing ripped skinny jeans paired up with a yellow button-up shirt that was left open, and a white tube strap top. Black shoes and her watermelon one strap bag hanging by her shoulder, and also her favorite orange cowboy hat, which looks familiar to him that he took note of as well. He then soon fished his phone out and started to take pictures of her without her knowledge. He then grinned and smiled towards her form, and drove off after seeing her enter her school.

It was then that Ann felt a shiver on her spine, turning around she noticed a blue car and black tinted window passed by. Worried she then grabbed for her button-up and hid her chest, wondering if there were perverts around. When suddenly, she felt a cold palm on her shoulder.

"Hey, What are you doing?"

She let out a scream when she felt the cold hands, making the guards turn their attention to them. She then turned her head and saw her twin brother looking shocked at her for suddenly shouting. With a huff, she punched him on his stomach and asked what he was doing as well. Since her brother was studying at another school, that was a three hours trip by train from hers to his school.

Luckily for him, the siblings were trained together on how to fight. So he easily avoided the punches his sister threw at him.

"Visiting you. Why? I can't?" He asked pouting at her.

"Well smartass, I still have class, and don't you have one too?"

"Well dumbass, I sent you a text saying I'll be coming for a visit since most of my classes today are canceled and only got one to attend. Also, since today is Friday. I decided to ditch it and spend three days with my dear twin sister to watch that boxing match that I was able to buy a ticket for two. But since she's too busy and being an idiot I might just go ahead and Invite Kidd instead." he huffed and turned, but soon grinned when Ann had hugged him from behind and apologized.

"Oh, dear brother of mine. You're the most handsome man in the world. Please forgive this bad sister of yours and allow me to watch the boxing match with you."

Sabo giggled from her words, making Ann smile from hearing her brothers' laughter. "You know if Luffy hears that. He will make a fuss. Since he claims to be the most handsome in the family."

"Well Luffy isn't here, and when is that ticket" Ann curiously asked, trying to grab for the ticket, but her brother had raised his hand, making it unable for her to reach.

"Don't you have class?"

She pouted and left in a hurry.

It was already four in the afternoon when Marco heard his phone buzz, signaling that it's almost Ann's shift in the restaurant. With glee, he stood up from his chair and grabbed his jacket. He greeted his Pops along the way when he saw him, asking if they could talk for a bit. But as lovestruck and excited that he was, he only nodded at his father and left. Telling to meet at five instead as he has important things to attend to.

Edward could only grin as he watched Marco leave the office. While Thatch rolled his eyes, knowing full well where he was heading. Blamenco and Kingdrew could only raise their brows wondering where their younger brother is heading to, though he looks very happy and they didn't really mind.

"So we move the meeting?" It was Kingdrew who asked curiously at their father, who could only nod.

"Well, at least this gives me time to talk to that agency about their offers then. See you later Pops" Blamenco said after fishing out a lollipop from his pocket and unwrapped the sweet, then plopping it into his mouth.

"Yup, see you later" The president greeted back and was escorted by Kingdew to his office. Thatch then went back inside his office as he grumbled and closed his door with annoyance.

However, when Marco arrived, he was unfortunately informed that Ann had asked for a day off today. Since she hasn't got any off's recently and they were able to hire two waitresses during those months Ann was working as temporary staff, she was allowed to have a sudden leave. Marco then let out a sigh, as he placed his order to the orange-haired waitress, who felt bad at him as she saw how excited he looked earlier.

Feeling dumb, Marco took out his phone and started to look over messages that he has been ignoring for an hour. Sighing to himself as he read the content of it. Asking for this and that, and need to talk with him to talk about business stuff that he sometimes felt like running away and be with Ann if possible. He then placed his phone back in his pocket, when he realized that a few weeks ago he did write his number for her but haven't received any messages from a number he didn't recognize yet. He actually didn't plan on leaving it there. Though he did think about it but gave up on it. But somehow on his way out, he forgot to pick it up and was about to run back when he saw her picked the paper up, and then he left.

Eyes wide, he looked anxious and a bit happy as he saw her pocket the paper. Hoping to receive a text from her. But since then, he hasn't gotten any random text at all. Thinking she might just be shy, he let it go and ultimately forgot about it. It was then, that it kinda connected in his mind. That she might not be interested in him, or perhaps she's already dating someone. But what if Thatch said is true, then she shouldn't have anyone right now. He didn't want to boast but he is very much aware of the affection his stalker has for him. But then he realized that it has been weeks since he saw his stalker. Raising his head, he turned his face on the streets wondering if he would catch a glimpse of her but failed since he knew his stalker was lousy at hiding.

He didn't realize when Nami had come back to his table and served him his meal, giving out his thanks he then started to eat his late lunch half dinner.

Nami started to walk towards the stand in front of the store, grabbing for a sign she then replaced the board that was left hanging by the door. She was about to go back inside when she heard a familiar voice, turning her attention at the source, she was surprised to see Ann with Sabo.

"Yo Nami! Sorry, I can't report now. Since this dumbshit suddenly arrived and gave me a surprise."

Sabo pouted and glared at his sister, "Maybe I should just go home and invite Kidd for the boxing show on Sunday". Ann then turned to her brother and took back her words, sweet coating him. Nami could only sweat drop, watching the siblings bicker about random things when a lightbulb literally turned on beside her.

Looking at the clock, it was now almost five. She then grinned and asked if they wanted to dine. Ann was about to refuse, but Sabo remembered that Sanji's father just recently opened the store and he has been wanting to dine. Sighing in defeat, Ann agreed and was then led by Nami who oddly looked amused at her predicament.

Sabo then placed an arm around her shoulders and pushed her inside. She then followed Nami who showed her a table not too close to Marco, but who was she kidding. Of course, it was two seats away from the blond man, who was still eating while looking at his phone.

That's when Ann had rubbed her eyes, with wide eyes she turned to Nami, who only smiled innocently towards her friend. Ann could only glare.

Sabo was busy looking at the menu when he failed to notice how Ann was trying to hide her face. Muttering to himself, he asked his sister which one was good. Ann just shrugged and asked him to order already. With a raised brow, he then placed his order to a waitress who was now flustered in writing down the amount of food that he ordered. Ann continued to act weird, as she dictated her order in a whisper, making the new waitress lean down to hear what she was saying. Instead, Ann grabbed Sabo's menu though she was holding one and pointed out what she wants and how many. The waitress smiled towards them, and left.

"What are you doing?"

"Nothing"

She thought she was hiding well but Marco sensed her and was now staring at their table looking confused and with a frown. He was almost done with his meal when he noticed someone a few tables away from him. He then saw a familiar attire. Taking his phone out from his pocket and fiddling with it, that's when he realized it was Ann. Though he was curious why she looked like she was hiding from him.

With a frown, he decided to stay and order for a dessert, which he initially didn't plan to. But nevertheless called Nami and ordered a pineapple-flavored ice cream and some fruits with it. 'Does it really exist?', he thought to himself, but since he's really amused and liked the restaurant a lot since it has all the food that he loves.

He tried to be discreet when he watched them talk while she was whispering to her company. He then thought that 'he must be her lover then?' He really wanted to see his face. But with how his hair was framing his face, he wasn't able to have a peek as he was busy talking to Ann. 'His Ann' he muttered to himself.

He was annoyed and disturb, every time the young man would touch Ann's hand and talk back to her while smiling fondly. But despite that, 'Maybe she prefers someone her age' he thought and sigh, standing from his seat he walked towards the cashier himself and paid, telling the staff to give the ice cream to the Freckled woman two seats away from the seat he recently occupied and soon left with a defeated look on his face.

Thatch didn't fail to notice Marco's look when he came back from the office, sighing every minute as he half-listened to what Blamenco reported about. Edward could only sigh and shook his head, he raised a hand as a sign for Blamenco to halt. Their Father called for Marco's attention, but the said man only sigh and continued to stare outside.

"Is there something wrong Marco?" His father asked. He failed to notice that his brothers had already left and it was just him and the president. Perplexed at his own behavior, he apologized to his Dad and asked if the meeting will continue tomorrow. Edward grimly smiled at his son and asked him to go home and take a day off until Monday. He was about to refuse, but his father literally ordered him to do so. He regretfully complied and left the office looking even more depressed.

"So finally realized the Ann was your stalker?" His brother asked with a tease when he passes him by.

"Whatever, and Ann is not the stalker"

"Whatever you say, dear Brother"

Marco was sitting by the Cafe's veranda, his eyes peeking at the telephone pole where he last saw his stalker. Remembering the times that he would see her wherever he was. But then he wondered about her whereabouts when he hadn't seen her for weeks, though he didn't mind. He got curious if the Lass had finally given up on him or was just on a break. Drinking from his coffee, he soon immediately spit it out when he saw a familiar form of his stalker. Marco felt his lips grin when he saw her peeking from the telephone booth again. Acting that he hadn't noticed her. He took out his phone and took a picture. He then sent it to Thatch and triumphantly claimed that Ann and the Stalker are two different people.

But Thatch responded and had him think. 'Where's Ann then?'

He was about to respond, but hold on to it. 'Where indeed' He thought. He did try to visit the Restaurant this morning, knowing Ann has a schedule today. Even if he is not Ann's type, he still likes to see her every day as much as he can. Then his brows furrowed when Thatch sent him another mail with a picture of him and Izou at the 'Baratie'.

'No 'Ms. Ann' here, is what Ms. Nami told us' he read. Now wondering if the Stalker was really Ann.

That made Marco think about what Thatch said, remembering how Ann acted towards him when they first met. She was acting very odd, he thought but she was too cute and didn't realize it. But when thatch pointed it out yesterday, it kinda connected the dots but didn't really think about it. That's when he got curious, he turned his attention to his stalker who was standing innocently by the telephone pole wearing her Orange hat, that she always wears when she stalks him.

His eyes had the bulge looking over Ann's pictures that he secretly took from his phone. He then facepalmed for being an idiot and not realizing about the Hat. That's why the hat was too familiar, that's why her face looked a bit familiar to him as well.

His Stalker was Ann, then another dot connected. Remembering the blond young man with him. He must be the reason that she stopped stalking him for weeks now. Because she already has a lover. He sighed looking even more depressed at his realization, it was then he heard her yelp that got his attention. Ann was punching the young man he saw with her yesterday.

"What took you so long, Sabo" she turned and gave him a kick.

Sabo then used his hand to deflect the kick and attempted to punch her on her face. But Ann was fast enough that she crouched down to the ground, and used her feet to sweep him off from his feet. She then cheered when she successfully planted Sabo's ass to the ground, hearing cheers around them as she raised her hand from the praise, thanking the passer-byes with a bow.

"Ahh, maybe I should just go home and invite Luffy instead for the seafood buffet." he pouted, arms crossed in front of his chest, as he crossed his leg.

"Whatever Big Baby. Come on standup. And FYI, I am the one who has the ticket for the buffet." she boasted, trying to find her ticket from her bag to her pockets. A dreadful look started to show in her face, hoping she hasn't lost her ticket when she suddenly heard Sabo chuckled and dangled the ticket in front of her.

Annoyed, she kicked her brother from his sitting position. But Sabo had already made a headstand and used his arms to jump and landed on his feet.

"You were saying?"

"Damn you Sabo. Give me that back"

Her brother could only laugh at her look, he started to step towards his sister and started to walk heading to the bus stop across the street.

Marco could only look sullen at what he saw just now. He was a bit surprised that his stalker was actually a good fighter, completely opposite to the very shy lass that he met, remembering again how Ann was trying not to act too shy in front of him weeks ago.

Though he was very curious about their relationship. He then started to head back to his car and followed the bus that they took off with. An hour later, they made a stop at a river park that has a very famous restaurant that offers Buffet. It was actually owned by Sanji's adoptive father as well.

Parking his car to the parking area, after he saw them enter the Restaurant. He then grabbed his sunglasses and the slouchy beanie cap that he always forgets in his car. Making him 'Pat his own shoulder' for forgetting that.

He then walked inside and was led to a table, luckily it was just the correct spot to listen to the couple's conversation and very hidden from the woman he was following. Once he was sitting down, the waitress asked him to remove the glasses for security measures, which he agreed and set it down on the table. He then turned to the waitress and placed his hand near his mouth to silently murmur his order, the said woman then repeated his order and left.

"So I was wondering, or rather heard from Deuce that someone is stalking you?"

His eyes bulged at what the blond man had said, wondering if he was found out. Because as he is ashamed to admit it, he was indeed stalking Ann a few weeks ago after he met her or 'could it be there is someone else?'. Ann let out a sigh of annoyance and was scolded by her brother.

"Do you think I can't fend him off?"

"Well, I know you're super strong. But I'm worried. I know you are living with Deuce and he's a good friend. Though you two have different schedules and at often times he said you come home very late due to your part-time job at the 'Baratie', and I thought that was temporary only?"

"Deuce that blabbermouth again," her brother scolded her again. Warning her to take these things seriously or it could get worse.

"I know, I know. I'll take care of myself and be more extra careful. Won't come home late anymore since next week will be my last week there."

"Good then" Sabo smiled at his sister. Happy that she can finally stop working late night shifts.

"So when's the boxing fight tomorrow?" he heard her ask her 'assumed' boyfriend. But her voice was a bit muffled to his ears.

That news was new to Marco, Marco started to feel awful in his stomach as he heard her words. 'Next week is her last week there' he thought to himself. Unconsciously nodding towards the waitress who served him his Tea.

It was a few hours later when Sabo and Ann left and headed to the closest mall to buy some souvenirs, which is what he heard. His mind was occupied with the news, as he started to feel more depressed than he was yesterday. Unable to contain the pain as he watches them talk so fondly at each other. He started to head back to the parking area, and drive back home.

It was already night time when Marco was contemplating what he heard this afternoon, aside from Ann resigning from her job in Baratie. He's currently worried about the other stalkers that might be following her. Though he is aware that she can protect herself from how the two interacted earlier, but then it came to his mind. 'Do Boyfriends try to physically hurt their Girlfriends if they love them so much? Maybe they are just too close to each other and have known each other long ago and just decided to date a few weeks ago' were his thoughts, since Marco is an idiot and lost his chances with her if what he assumed is right.

Though unknown to him he was right about the 'close to each other'.

It was already morning, early morning actually, and he was hiding near her apartment waiting for them to leave. Though it was already almost 8 when Ann had exited the house and was then followed by the blond man, now he knows as Sabo.

He felt jealousy had crept into his chest when he saw them walk side by side, with Ann's hand wrapped on Sabo's right arm. He then secretly followed them around, until they reached their destination, luckily for him, he was able to buy a ticket for the boxing match. He immediately followed after them and handed the lady his ticket. Once he was in, he closely followed the couple as he tried to conceal his presence which he is very good at.

After hours of watching the matches, the event finally ended. The couple exited the venue and Marco trailed them from behind. They then went to a restaurant and ordered a meal good for 10 people. Marco was quite perplexed as the others inside the room were as well at how they eat the meal so fast. After they had their lunch he continued to follow them around even though it hurts his chest, but if it's for her protection he didn't mind it.

It was already afternoon though when Sabo decided to go home, and they were now at the train station. Marco was just close to them but was just too successful with his disguise, for them to notice someone was following them around.

Marco felt himself cringe when he saw Sabo gave Ann a Bone crushing hug making Ann yelp in pain, and in revenge, she responded in kind. Giving him his fair share of a bone-crushing hug as well. Sabo yelped as well but didn't give up, hugging his sister as tight as he could making Ann glared at her brother. When some old woman called their attention and warned them to 'get a room'.

The two blush in embarrassment but laugh at what they heard from the old woman. They soon both cringe at the thought and they even cringe at why they thought about it. Laughing hysterically towards each other. They gave each other one last hug for now, and soon Sabo left after giving her older sister a kiss on her forehead and boarded the train.

Ann then waved her arms, as she bid her brother goodbye. Wiping the silly grin off of her face, she started to head back to her apartment. Marco felt pain but slowly she followed her back to her home from a distance.

Ann was walking on her own. It was already 6 in the afternoon, and she finds it a bit weird that there were fewer people than usual. Not minding the scary thoughts her brother planted on her head. But she is physically strong so she is sure that she can protect herself, but somehow this situation felt a little bit different than usual. It felt like someone had been following her, she would turn around while walking but found no one. Widening her senses as she tried to be more careful at her current location.

She did notice something black from a corner of the wall, but she paid no mind to it. She turned her back to where she was facing earlier and started to walk. Then she heard it. She heard steps that were a bit weird for her. The steps would shadow her own, but she would stop and take it back and then she heard it again. She felt a cold run down her spine, she immediately started to run and hide somewhere where she can prepare herself for self-defense if needed.

Luckily for her, she found a perfect spot and hid at one of the trees. A few minutes later, he saw a figure and braced herself for the damn stalker. Once the stalker passed by the tree she was hiding with, she then struck him by the back of his neck, making the man lose consciousness from the sudden hit.

Ann was about to call the police when she saw the familiar face of the man, she let out a gasp when she realized who it was. With worry, she immediately dialed for Deuce's phone instead and asked to be picked up. The young man complied, due to Anns' blackmail.

Once he arrived at the location, he didn't know what to ask first. There he found Ann sitting on her legs, while the unconscious man's head was on Ann's lap.

"Help?" Ann smiled, guilty printed all over her face. Deuce let out a sigh and grabbed the man by his arm. "You support the other side, this man is so heavy." Ann nodded her head, and they started to head back to their apartment.

A delicious aroma and some muffled conversations had woke him up. Sitting up from the living room, he was then greeted by Ann, asking him how he was feeling. Marco raised his head, and his face started to heat when he saw how close she was to him. Nodding his head to her dumbfoundedly, he assured her that he was fine.

"Let me ask you though, what were you doing there? I thought for sure you were the stalker." Ann sighed in relief knowing it was just him. Failing to take note, why a man like Marco would be at a place where he should have no business with.

Embarrassed, the man scratched the back of his head and laughed. He then tried to explain through a tiny lie that he saw her walking alone and decided to follow her so he could protect her.

Ann nodded her head, but this took Deuce's attention to the older man.

"And why did you not call out to her instead, since it looks like Ann knows you?"

Marco felt a sweat drop from his forehead and lied again, "Well she was busy with her phone and wouldn't want to disturb her."

Deuce let out an annoyed sighed and glared at the man now sitting at their sofa. "Judging from your looks sir. I don't think you are dumb and an idiot. Or you might be thinking that I am dumb. But I know when people lie" The light-haired man accused the blond man, making Ann raise a brow curiously at the two.

"Ann might be very trustful to the people she knows. But she usually doesn't trust anyone easily as she does to you. Maybe because you are who I think you are" Duce trailed as he watched Ann turn red for being talked about.

Marco, looking defeated admitted that he lied, but was honest about wanting to protect her. This made Ann feel mellow and butterflies are like flying inside her stomach. But a fake cough soon pulled her back to reality and tilted her head towards Deuce who is currently looking unamused. After a few more clear understanding and explanations. Deuce had concluded that both idiots felt the same and decided to leave them alone.

Ann was now sipping on her orange juice since any caffeinated drinks weren't allowed for her. Her cheeks tinted red, as she stared at Marco who was blushing red from his sudden confession that he just blurted out of nowhere after Deuce had left.

Ann had then smiled, and admitted her feelings towards him as well. Then he remembered, "What about the blond man you were with just now?"

"Blond man?" she thought for a bit "Ohh, you mean Sabo. He's my younger brother. He just came to visit since we rarely see each other aside for birthdays and Christmas"

"Ohh, I see" Marco responded, looking relieved from what he just learned.

"I want to ask you something, and I want to hear it directly from your mouth."

Ann nodded her head.

"Did we meet at the train station? Where I accidentally slept on your shoulder?"

She nodded her head again.

"And a few days after that, you started to stalk me around?"

Ann pouted at his accusations and denied that she was stalking him but instead admitted that she was just following him around for an hour or two.

"Aren't those the same?"

Ann exaggeratedly gasped "They are not and again for your information, I am not the Stalker. You are."

Marco could only laugh at her pouting lips, head turned to her right and her arms crossed in front of her chest.

"One more thing."

"What?" she asked annoyed.

"Instead of a stalker, is it safe to call you my girlfriend then?" the man asked smoothly with flushed cheeks, making their unwanted listener groan in annoyance and Ann laugh.

I hope you enjoyed reading. Also, someone sent me a request, will definitely write that for you VisitorNo.18.

Once again, Laters!

B27