It's been over a year...

I can explain! (No, I can't)

So, a bit of a heads up:

I kinda forgot about this story. But I started to write it again, the problem is, I don't exactly remember most of what I had planned for each chapter. I do have an overview of the ideas I had thought of back then but all the scenes and moments I had planned are completely gone from my head.

It would be appreciated if you would give me ideas of what you want to see in this story. Anything is welcomed!

Thanks! Hope you enjoy! Sorry it's a bit short

Everyone knew how much Ace and Sabo distrusted anyone around; it was shown in their mannerism. But they outright refused to be within a foot of Marco. They didn't bother trying to hide their newfound hatred for the man, especially with how they went out of their way to avoid him whenever they were in the same area. Thatch always pointed it out, using it as an opportunity to make fun of him. But he always gave Marco a heads up when he was being glared at from across the deck.

Ace's scowls were hard and direct, it was almost like he wished for daggers to strike the commander. Sabo, however, seemed to remain impassive. He never outright looked at him since meeting. But Marco knew he was just as uncomfortable as his brother, expressed with tensing shoulders and glances whenever he got too close for their liking.

"Those two sure do hate you." Thatch had joined leaning on the rails with him. His cheerful, mocking mood on full display. "They don't even avoid pops and Fire Fist still tries to assassinate him! I can't believe how much you pissed them off after only a few seconds."

Marco let a dreadfully long sigh, his head hung back a little and arms crossed against his chest. "Shut it, Thatch."

"Oh, come on! This is h-" The cook's laughing was interrupted by a shout from the crow's nest. They had spotted the returning crew members of a month-long mission. "Ah. They're back already!"

Thatch skipped off to help in the preparation of the other boat docking. Many of the other surrounding members had the same idea, as they shouted out commands. Marco didn't. Deciding to stay by the rail, he continued to think of the spade pirates; mostly of the three teens. The older two avoided him at all costs, the third didn't. Although he kept his distance, Marco had watched as the kid followed him around the past couple of days. It seemed like he was playing a game. Jumping behind barrels, avoiding crew members passing, and even humming some stealthy tunes. It had almost made Marco laugh.

"What's going on?"

A young voice pulled Marco from his thoughts. Glancing to his side, he was met with Sabo who seemed too distracted by the chaos to notice who he asked. Ace wasn't anywhere in sight. Marco hummed.

"Some of ours are returning from a mission." He answered. Immediately after, Sabo's shoulder tensed and realization filled his eyes. "They've been gone for almost a month. They returned quicker than we thought."

Marco made it a point to move his gaze from the teen, trying to show that he was not at all a threat. It worked, Sabo's shoulders lost a fraction of its tenseness and his breathing evened out. The commander smiled slightly; it was progress.

"Where is Ace at?" Wanting to continue the conversation, Marco asked.

The teen stayed quiet, determining whether he should answer or not. Marco had noticed his fist clenched tightly at his side. Keeping his gaze straight ahead, Sabo answered. "Wouldn't you like to know."

Marco would have believed the kid was mocking him if it weren't for how calm and level the words came out. He let out a nonchalant hum, still trying to keep the peace.

No one said anything after that.

Marco watched as the last of the returning members climbed aboard. Others of the crew had gathered around and welcomed them back, congratulating them on a successful mission. He smiled, just a tiny bit. It looked like everyone had made it back safely.

Just as he was about to push himself of the rail to walk over, Sabo purposefully cleared his throat. "Look," The boy's hand fidget at his side as he turned to face the commander. "We got off on the wrong foot."

"Yeah." Marco hummed in agreement. He kept his gaze on the growing group across the deck, not knowing how Sabo would react if he were to make eye contact. It's like befriending a feral animal, he mused.

"I'm not-" Sabo continued on but Marco had tuned him into the background.

He didn't mean to, fully willing to work on getting those kids to trust him. But his attention was captured across the deck. It was a baffling sight.

The youngest of the teens, one who he has yet to get the name of, was dangling off of Teach's arm. Said man acted like nothing was happening. The boy was happily chattering as he climbed around him. As if he only saw Teach as a jungle gym.

His eyebrows raised, Marco made his way over to his crewmate and leaving a confused but annoyed Sabo behind. It was fine, Marco can make up for it later. Probably.

As he approached the two, he let out a small greeting. Teach had returned it with a smile and a wave. "Commander Marco!"

"I hope everything went well." Marco glanced at the man but kept most of his attention on the boy.

Teach laughed. Loudly. "Sure did! Didn't run into any major problems. It was pretty much a vacation for us." Marco noticed Teach looking over his shoulder. Sabo was most likely behind him still. "Looks like we got some new brothers while I was gone."

"Yeah, they're a feisty bunch." He thought back to yesterday. Ace had jumped from the crow's nest, an axe held over his head, trying to get a good hit on Whitebeard. That had only end up with him swimming in the ocean. "I didn't know you were good with kids, Teach." He was trying to put attention on the boy, who was still joyfully swinging on Teach's arm.

But his response wasn't something Marco expected.

"What do you mean, Commander Marco?" Teach looked at him, confused and concerned. "I haven't been near a kid in years."

"Wh-but-he-" He sputtered, looking between to the two in front of him. This didn't make sense. The child was hanging off him, surely Teach knew he was there. Locking eyes with said child, Marco tried to clear his throat and bring back his composure. "Right. If you say so."

While there was concern in his laugh, Teach patted his back. "Might want to hold off on any over-night paperwork." With that, the man staggered off.

Marco paid no mind to his exit, continuing to stare at the boy with a calculating look. The boy gave him the same look in return.

"What are you?"

A grin stretched onto his face, the boy laughed. "I'm a mystery ghost!"