(Marine AU)

Ace sat by the firepit, enjoying the warmth of the flames. He was recovering slowly (at least for him), but his kidnappers made sure he rested well. Ace had the strength to be up and about by himself, and refused to have anyone carry him about.

He blinked when a cup of hot chocolate was held out to him. Ace happily took it as Marco sat down by his side. The Whitebeard pirates were running about the place, scattering sand and water everywhere.

They were here to see the shooting stars that spun around this island every ten years. Apparently Ace was lucky to be 'rescued' so he could go see them. Sure, yes, the idiots did rescue him, but they weren't letting him go either.

Ace was still their healing prisoner.

"Thanks." Ace smiled, sipping at the hot chocolate.

Marco leaned in closer, so their arms brushed. "No problem yoi."

Ace rolled his eyes, but allowed the touch. One day he'd arrest Marco. Then the stupid bird would stop flirting with him. Ace could mock him while he was in a cell, and for once be the winner.

"One day I'm going to have you arrested and chained up in my brig," Ace said happily. "And do you know what I'll do?"

Marco's eyes gleamed. "You could come inside my cell and sit on my lap. I bet you'd be comfortable yoi."

Ace choked on his drink, flushing.

Marco threw his head back and laughed, rubbing Ace's back. "Shh, easy there, Ace. Don't choke. I know it sounds exciting, but we have to be patient. After all, no Marine has ever caught me before, and you aren't about to start now."

"I hate you..." Ace groaned, his cheeks burning. "With all of my hate..."

"This sounds familiar yoi."

Ace rolled his eyes, but nudged Marco's arm. "I wonder why."

Before Marco could speak, the dark sky flashed with a burst of speeding light. Ace gasped, looking up instantly, as the Whitebeard's began cheering. The stars raced each other round the sky, circling round the entire island. Ace tried to follow their gaze, but they were so fast, and so pretty.

"It's beautiful," Ace breathed out, stunned.

He had never seen anything so breath taking.

"It is."

It took Ace a moment. But he felt a gaze on him. Ace couldn't help but laugh softly.

"You're staring right at me, aren't you?" Ace asked, and turned his head.

Marco was grinning unashamed.

"Of course yoi."

Ace softened. "I don't understand you."

Marco's hand reached out, slowly, giving Ace plenty of time to turn away if he wished to. But he didn't. Marco's hand cupped his cheek, his thumb brushing it gently. The Whitebeards faded into the background, as well as all the astonished cries from the star display.

"I do," Marco whispered.

Ace wasn't sure who moved first. But they kissed. Ace felt a little clumsy against Marco's lips, but the kiss sent a pleasant tingle racing down his spine.

It took time for them to pull away, but when they did Ace sighed, and pressed their foreheads together. Marco smiled, just as Ace did, who allowed his eyes to slip close.

They remained in comfortable silence for a time, the world faded away for now.

It was just two burning blames together.

"You're the worst," Ace said softly.

Marco chuckled. "Finally seduced my Marine, huh?"

"I'm still going back to the Marines," Ace said, opening his eyes.

Marco's eyes were soft and bright. "I know," he said, with a warm smile. "I wouldn't expect any less."

I can't believe that is 100 chapters :D

This story has been around since 2018, and during this I have been working on my own fantasy book 'The Wardens of Strar'. This story collection has helped me improve my writing so much, and I am so grateful at how many of you have expressed their enjoyment over this series.

There had been ups and downs. I've had to take breaks, I've gotten upset with some rude folk online, I've been ill, and distressed, as quite a few of you have read in my previous author notes. All the supportive comments have helped boost me up, and I have more faith than I used to that I can one day be an author and publish my own book series. That confidence has been built up by many of you. Thank you for that. I really appreciate it!

I just can't believe how much this grew. It took me a long time to decide to put up my small stories as a collection, and I'm glad I did. This collection has grown so many more stories, such as the Fire Fist Story Collection, and the Portgas D. Rouge one. Then there is the Born of Flames from the Tangled AU, my A/B/O series, Calling for Home, and the fantasy story that was inspired by the Vampire & Witch AUs, The Chosen Few. A lot of ideas came from all of you as well, and I love every moment of it, even if I don't always have the time to write those ideas up straight away. I hope to get to work on them someday :)

Well, let's see how long this story collection continues to grow for!

Love,
Legacy xx