Chapter Sixteen: Conversing

LuffyGirl here.

I hope everyone is doing o.k and is staying safe, indoors, social distancing and staying healthy and all those safety and precautionary things. It's going to be a long ride but we can make it through this.

With that little bit being said…

This chapter sets up… quite a lot of things. Since there's time now, I think I finally know what to do with these one-shots and my stories in general. Obviously, it's going to take time but we'll see how that goes.

Summary: Something important is brought up during a movie night and then something very important is brought up the next day.

Disclaimer: One Piece belongs to Eiichiro Oda :)

Enjoy ;)

"I still don't understand why the person came back in the first place." Luffy said as the movie ended.

"Luffy, you've seen this movie like, four times already." Sabo told him.

"He only came back to start trouble." Ace answered. "After all, how else would they have a plot for the movie?"

"Don't forget about the romantic sub-plot." Nami added. "It was actually pretty good and non-cliché. I hope there's a sequel about it but hopefully they don't mess it up." She then turned to Thatch and Marco. "So what did you guys think?"

"It was beautiful." Thatch whispered with tears in his eyes.

"It was alright." Marco said halfheartedly.

"How did you not like it?!" Thatch asked dramatically.

"I didn't not like it. I said it was alright. Somewhat unpopular opinion but most romantic sub-plots in movies are unnecessary whether it's done right or not. They should remain in their own category. Besides, the only romantic plot I need is you."

"Aw, Marco!" Thatch hugged his lover and kissed him on the cheek making Marco smile and blush.

The little scene earned a genuine 'Aw' from Nami and a teasing 'Aw' from Sabo and Ace and an innocent laugh from Luffy.

"Speaking of romance, how have you two been doing?" Nami asked. "For some reason, I feel like you guys don't go out much. Wait, that came out wrong but you know what I mean."

"I know what you mean but what do you mean? We go out." Thatch answered.

"Listen, I live with you guys and I agree with Nami." Ace spoke up. "When was the last time you guys ate at a restaurant? Or went on a movie date at an actual movie theater?"

"Yeah, aren't you two married or something?" Luffy asked before one of them could answer.

"We're not married." Thatch said a little too quick making Marco wince just a tiny bit. "Besides, we went on vacation a few years ago, remember?"

"But that was almost five years ago wasn't it?" Nami asked.

…

"Yeah, you're right. Damn, that went by fast…"

"Wait, so you guys aren't married?" Luffy asked again.

"No, why do you think that?"

"Cuz Marco proposed to you on Thanksgiving the year before and aren't you guys currently wearing rings?"

Thatch stuttered. "These are promise rings! There's a difference!"

"Oohhh…" Luffy said in realization. "… So you guys aren't married?"

"Ace, can I strangle your brother?"

"If you can get through Sabo." He laughed knowing Thatch was teasing.

"I'm hardly even part of this conversation!" Sabo told them.

XXX

"Well, that was a stupid ending." Ace said disappointed. "They never said if the guy lived or not and they never found the girl! Why did she leave in the first place?! She had everything!"

"Most answers are revealed in the second part." Nami told him.

"Stupid unnecessary cash grab sequels. How long did it take to make it? Twenty years?"

"Nah, just sixteen."

"Just sixteen?"

"At least they were married." Luffy said looking at Thatch which made almost everyone laugh.

"Why the hell are you looking at me?! Alright, everyone but Luffy is getting dessert!" Thatch half teased as he stood up and made his way to the kitchen.

"Noo~~!" Luffy cried as he chased after him. "Your desserts are awesome!"

"Hm… Anyone wanna help Thatch?" Sabo asked no one in particular.

"He'll be alright." Ace said earning some laughs.

"So addressing the obvious here…" Nami said as she looked over to Marco making Ace and Sabo do the same.

Marco just looked at them feeling slightly uncomfortable. "… What?"

"What'd'ya mean 'what'?!" Nami somewhat scolded before she calmed herself. "Have you… you know, tried to propose again?"

"Or even thought about it since then?" Sabo asked.

"Or brought it up with Thatch at all?" Ace asked.

'What the hell is this an intervention?' Marco thought wondering why the topic was even being brought up in the first place. "In short: no, a little and not really."

"Those answers sound like current one worded and three syllable movie titles." Nami said not pleased. "You're telling us that ever since you proposed to Thatch the first time, you've seriously never thought about it again?"

"I said a little not that I don't think about it. Why are we even talking about this?" Marco asked getting a little annoyed and unintentionally defensive.

Before more could be said, Luffy came running out the kitchen eating who knows what and then Thatch came out chasing after him.

"Those were for everyone!" Thatch scolded trying to hit Luffy with a spoon.

"But they're so good!"

"I know they're good, I made them!"

"Well, so much for dessert." Sabo sighed.

A few hours later…

The ride home was extremely quiet since Marco fell asleep in the passenger seat and Ace fell asleep in the back.

That left Thatch alone with his thoughts while driving. After thinking about the conversation, Thatch came to the conclusion that Nami was right. It did feel like if he and Marco didn't go out enough.

'When WAS the last time we went out to eat together?' Thatch thought. It had to be more than twice right? Maybe three or four? Although most of the time, he would cook and occasionally Marco would to.

And what was with the question about marriage? Not that Thatch was against it (anymore) but in his opinion, he didn't have to marry anyone to prove his love to them. Right? Cooking for each other, going on walks, cuddling and whatever else he and Marco have done was good enough right? After all, they had promise rings. That personally was enough for Thatch.

Although, Marco did bring up marriage again during their vacation.

Thatch shook his head.

'That can wait. I need to concentrate on driving.'

XXX

The next morning Marco made his way downstairs (Thatch was currently in the shower) and made himself a much needed cup of coffee. He didn't get much sleep last night so hopefully this will help wake him up. Marco took a sip and sighed pleasantly at the taste. It's just what he needed.

"Didn't get much sleep, huh?"

Marco jumped at the sudden voice almost dropping the cup and turned around. "What the hell?! I thought you were still asleep?!"

"I got up before Thatch did." Ace answered. "So you didn't get much sleep, huh?" He repeated.

"What makes you think that?"

"Well, you didn't even notice me here and went straight for a cup of coffee and it looks like you enjoyed that first sip pleasantly."

"A guy can't enjoy his coffee?"

"Not if you're about to make out with the thing."

Marco rolled his eyes and then sat down at the table. "Alright, if you're gonna bother me about last night you might as well do it now."

"Since you brought it up, I might as well. So do the same questions from yesterday still have the same answers? Although, some elaborations might be nice."

"Fine." 'Maybe talking about it will help.' "I have thought about it and do want to propose again but I don't know when. Or how since the first time was… kind of awkward."

"Marco, you proposed out of nowhere on Thanksgiving and nearly gave Thatch and everyone else the shock of our lives. Not to mention, you nearly embarrassed the guy in front of everyone. If that's your version of 'kind of awkward' then I don't know what to tell ya on that department."

Marco internally kicked himself for using the wrong wording.

"So have you talked to Thatch about it?" Ace asked before Marco could get lost in thought.

"Just once when we were on vacation. After that, we decided to leave it until we came back."

"And?"

Marco shrugged. "We just never brought it up again."

Ace had a feeling there was a lot more detail(s) not being said in this conversation. All he could do was sigh and then looked Marco in the eyes.

"Marco, I'm gonna get really real with you right now. From what I can tell, you two seem to have something that won't be broken know matter what. You two do an awesome job managing your daily lives, family and relationship. It's nice that you guys cook for each other and cuddle but you both need proper alone time together. I'm sure that vacation was great but take the time to go out more now, eat dinner, watch a movie. Or go to a dinner theater or a spa or both. You guys have been together for nearly six years now. None of us are forcing you two get married but at some point, you're both gonna have to settle down. You guys aren't getting any younger. It's time you two start thinking about the future after the future."

Marco sat there feeling the most conflicted he's ever felt. He was very surprised by Ace's seriousness and tone. When did he get so mature and insightful? Marco also felt confused, a little upset and just… a lot of conflicting emotions. He never really thought about the far future.

And now he felt a little scared.

I re-worded Ace's long paragraph so many times its crazy.

So yeah, that's the chapter. I figured it's finally time to start asking and answering the real questions. It has been (almost) six years since Marco and Thatch got together after all. Any guesses on what might happen in the future? ;)

Thank You guys for reading and please stay safe out there.