Chapter 23
Marco stroked Ace's hair. Ace had fallen asleep against him during the drive back. Ace's head cradled against his neck, as Marco breathed in his scent. Thatch threw him a smile through the rear view mirror, and Marco grinned back.
"He's finally coming home again," Thatch smiled.
"Yeah yoi," Marco nodded. "I'm relieved. I know between Haruta's contact in the Blackbeard's, Sabo's connections with the Revolutionaries, and Ace keeping us as up to date as possible, he should have been fine. But I couldn't help but worry for him."
"He is the baby of the family," Thatch agreed.
Thatch took the long winding path to their house on the mountain side. Their mansion was hidden in a valley between the mountains. Surrounded by greenery, and a large lake with a river going through it. They drove through the forest, and emerged at the last stretch of road that lead to the gates to the Moby Dick Manor. Or sometimes known as Newgate Manor.
It was a huge four story manor. Pops had put millions into it so that all his children could have a safe, comfortable home as they grew up. Marco had been one of the first Pops had picked up, but by that point their father had already made plenty of money from his previous gangs. He now gave back to the community instead, developing Sphinx from what used to be a desolate, crumbling city, into the healthy, bright city it was today. People weren't murdered on the streets everyday, or starving to death in the gutter anymore.
Their family made sure of it.
It took them five minutes to reach the gate. Thatch had to go through the eye and hand scanner, then type in the password. Curiel had gotten very strict about security after Teach's betrayal, and none of them blamed him. Once they got passed the gate, it started closing behind them. Thatch drove straight up to get to the main house. While Thatch carefully went round the main fountain in the front, because the idiot had smacked his car off it a couple of weeks ago, Marco woke Ace up.
"Ace, we're home yoi," Marco smiled, gently coaxing his lover awake.
Ace yawned, sitting up slowly, as Thatch parked the car.
"Rise and shine, little brother," Thatch grinned. "We've arrive."
Ace took a bit to wake up, but once awake, he perked up. They led him inside, where Ace was instantly swarmed by their siblings. Deuce and Kotatsu had been right at the front of the crowd. Kotatsu instantly nuzzled Ace's leg, purring happily. The lynx licked Ace's palm, just as Ace stroked his fur back, grinning. Deuce wrapped him up in an embrace, the Alpha breathing in Ace's scent.
"You're home," Deuce sighed in relief, clutching Ace close. "I'm so glad you're alright."
It was slow going, but everyone began to get a chance to see Ace, the taller, more recognisable members of their family sniffing at Ace's scent. Jozu, Blenhiem, Blamenco, Atmos, Kingdew, Wallace and Namur hadn't seen Ace since he was a pup. The rest of them had managed to sneak in the odd visit here and there with their disguises, but the others were either too tall, and/or stood out way too much.
That was when the crowd started parting to let their father through. Pops ignored everyone, went straight to Ace, and Ace grew almost shy.
"I... Pops, I'm..." Ace fidgeted.
"Welcome home, Ace."
.::.
Pops knelt down and hugged him. Ace melted in his embrace. Whiskey brushed over his senses, and he took in his father's scent, purring happily. Pops' nose brushed over his neck, taking in his scent too. Pops clutched him tightly, a finger brushing over his hair. Solid arms locked Ace into place, and Ace knew he wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.
Which was perfectly fine. He felt safe and content in his father's arms after all.
It was late into the day by the time Pops let him go. They had moved to the lounge, where Pops still sniffed tentatively at him. Marco had herded the others away, but before he left he said he'd be in the library if either of them needed anything.
Pops rubbed his back in soothing circles, his brow furrowed. "You've been so stressed, son," he said. "I heard what Teach did. I am so sorry."
"He really scared me... Both of us... My Omega hasn't been this upset before..." Ace admitted, he remained curled up against his father, his pack leader, enjoying the comfort. "It was... I'm ashamed to even say it, but I was lucky that Nami and Killer were caught. That Luffy and Kid had to go after them and tear down the Omega Factory while Sabo dealt with the auction house. If they hadn't, nothing would have distracted Teach... He'd be getting ready for my heat to take over right now, and it's close."
"It is," Pops agreed. "But you have no need to fear anymore. You're home."
Ace nuzzled him. "Yeah. I'm home."
"And there is no need for you to feel ashamed," Pops said, urging him to look up. Ace softened when their eyes met. "Of course you would be relieved and feel lucky. What Teach would have done to you-"
"It would have broken me," Ace choked.
Pops softened. "We'd never let him. We were getting ready to launch an attack when we heard you had been imprisoned. But thankfully your brothers pulled through."
"Teach says he loves me," Ace sneered. "People who love each other don't treat their lover that way. Marco and I would never do that."
"No, you wouldn't," Pops smiled. "And that's why he was never going to be a true mate to you. He doesn't know the meaning of it."
Ace snuggled into him. "I'm glad to be home."
"And I'm glad we've finally managed to get you back," Pops said, brushing his hair. "We were all worried about you."
Ace chuckled. "I noticed. Never would have thought to see such a crowd at the front door."
"Guarararara! I thought I might have had to fight my way through. Your brothers and sisters would have been irritated with me for weeks if I had to brush them aside to get to you. Wouldn't have stopped me of course, but still."
Ace laughed, but slowly settled again. "What happens now, Pops?"
"We can now focus on bringing down Teach."
Ace smiled, but it was a strained one. "Good."
.::.
A negative sign.
All the pregnancy tests were negatives. Sanji leaned against the counter, staring at the pregnancy tests. Zoro had bought them, full of nerves and worry, so Sanji had taken them. He had known he wasn't pregnant, his scent hadn't changed. Pregnant Omegas were easily noticeable, and while female Betas could get pregnant, their scents didn't change nearly as much.
But Sanji had decided to humour Zoro. His lover was trying to help after all, and he was scared. Something which Zoro of course would never admit to. Not that Sanji would either.
Sanji paused when his mobile buzzed. He picked it up, and smiled when he saw Pudding's smiling face staring back up at him. They had met a about a year ago at the Baratie. She was such nice friend to have, much more refined than his mate, that's for sure. He also didn't know many other cooks outside of the Baratie, and Pudding was an excellent chocolatier.
"Hello, Pudding-chan," Sanji smiled. "Is everything alright?"
"Yes. I just wanted to chat for a bit. I'm planning to bake some chocolate chip cookies and I might even add them into the Caramel's menu if they turn out nice. But I'm debating about serving them warm with vanilla ice cream," Pudding mused.
Sanji smiled. "You could probably split your batch. Leave some cookies to cool off for later, while the others could go with your ice cream."
"I've also made more chocolates. I know you're probably getting tired of them, but I was really hoping you could test them for me."
"Of course, Pudding-chan! I would happily test your food," Sanji grinned. "I saw the photos you sent me by the way. You're designs are getting better and better each day."
"I'm glad you enjoyed them! What one was your favourite?"
"That's a hard choice. Probably the cookie crème. I liked the flower patterns you added to it too. I thought it looked really sweet," Sanji complimented. "Especially when you added more to each chocolate in the row."
"Sanji!" Nami called through the door. "We're getting ready to go."
Sanji paused. "Alright, Nami-chan. I'll be just a moment."
"Hurry up, love cook."
Sanji rolled his eyes. "Sorry, Pudding-chan. A barbarian needs my assistance finding the front door."
"Oi!"
"Alright. Well I'll have the next box sent to the Baratie. I've already made one up for the other chefs, but I like leaving you with one for yourself. Your feedback is always nice," Pudding said happily. "Bye, Sanji!"
"See you later, Pudding-chan. Thanks again for the chocolates," Sanji smiled.
He cleaned up the tests and headed out. Zoro was leaning against the wall opposite the door, and Sanji shook his head.
"I'm not pregnant."
Zoro frowned. "I don't understand what's wrong."
His scent was turning distressed again.
Sanji took Zoro's hand, kissing it. Zoro eased up against him, but he still frowned.
"It's stress, Zoro. But I'll go get checked out by the doctors if my heat doesn't show up after this is all over, alright?"
Zoro grunted, but nodded. "Fine, but if something happens-"
"Nothing is going to happen. I'll feel my heat if it starts up," Sanji said. "My Omega and I are quite cooperative on these things. Unlike Ace's."
Zoro snorted. "All his Omega wants is to get comfortable and pampered."
"Yeah, well, Marco can handle that now I suppose." Sanji smiled. "Now, c'mon. It's rude to keep Nami waiting."
"Nami can wait all she likes," Zoro grunted, but followed when Sanji tugged his hand.
"Barbarian."
"Curly-brow."
"Shitty swordsman."
"Crappy cook."
"Oh!" Sanji gasped mockingly. "I don't think I can find my way to Nami. Do you think you could lead us to her?"
"Shut up." Zoro rolled his eyes.
Sanji grinned. "Make me."
His Omega purred happily when Zoro dragged him into a kiss, hand tangling into his hair. Sanji wrapped his arms around Zoro's neck, pressing back into the kiss just as eagerly.
.::.
Pudding huffed as she sat down her mobile. She had heard both that redhead girl and green haired guy. The other Omega and Alpha, Sanji's actual mate. Well, they didn't matter exactly. Mama and the Vinsmoke family have been building this alliance for years, and were finally going to seal the deal through marriage.
Of course, there was only one Vinsmoke Mama had been truly invested in having in her family, and that was the runaway Sanji. They could never take him from Zeff, no. The man had too many favours, and was too beloved due to the Baratie restaurant. The top gangs would never do him harm, but Germa 66 had been hassling him for years, trying to get Sanji back.
So if they took Sanji, and married him off to them, it wouldn't be their fault.
Pudding smiled. Mama loved Sanji's cooking, especially his cakes. A lot of her older siblings loved Sanji's cooking too, as did she. Sanji would be the perfect Omega for her. She had been doubtful at first, but when she had met him, he had been so kind. Pudding couldn't help but fall in love.
He was mated, sure. But once they killed off Roronoa Zoro, she could mate Sanji. He'd be upset for a while, but she'd coax him out of it. She was a powerful Alpha after all, and was his friend.
He wouldn't have many people left to turn to anyway. The Vinsmokes would be dead, after the assassination. The Straw Hats, if they dared come after Sanji or defend their swordsman, would be dead too.
Sanji would be all hers, and the thought made her smile. She'd build him a perfect nest, where they could lay together. Where they'd keep each other safe. He'd be hers and she'd be his.
Her sweet, kind Omega.
.::.
It took an entire day for Ace to make his rounds, meeting up with everyone gain, taking in their scents while they took in his. The former Spade gangs ended up holding him hostage in Banshee's nest that night too. Marco had joined them, and held Ace from behind while the rest of the Spades crowded in around them, all breathing in Ace's scent as they went to sleep.
It had been comforting, to be with his family.
It was late morning by the time they all awoke. The problem was, Ace could feel his Omega stirring. His heat was building up, ready to unleash, and it made both him, his Omega, and Marco and his Alpha, desperate to get to a comfortable nest.
Ace wanted to be nice and comfortable during his heat. His first heat at home. He's get his own nest and if he was lucky, he could share it with Marco. Ace was already comfortable however, so he buried his head back into the pillows, groaning when Marco nuzzled him.
Marco smiled down at him, kissing him gently.
"Morning, sweetheart."
Ace whined. "Marco, I really want to make a nest."
Marco brushed his hair back, tugging out some of the knots. Ace purred, pressing kisses against his neck. Banshee's arm tightened around his waist, while Deuce pressed up closer against his chest. Kotatsu curled up tighter against his lap, purring contently.
"Where would you like to make it yoi?"
To actually be asked, instead of told where he'd make his nest, made both Ace and his Omega perk up. The fact that Marco actually valued his opinion was heart warming. Teach didn't care. Teach only wanted things to go his way, but Marco was thankfully not like that. Ace pressed their lips together, kissing Marco softly.
"Is your room okay?"
Marco grinned. "I would love that yoi. Although, I may have already tried to make a nest? I was hoping to present it last night, but the Spades got you first."
Ace laughed. "I think they would have rioted again if you tried to take me to your room."
"We never want the Spades to riot again," Marco grimaced. "Curiel still has nightmares yoi."
"You stole our pup," Banshee grumbled. "Of course we retaliated."
"What you guys did was terrifying. You even managed to stress Pops out."
Ace pouted. "And yet, none of you will ever tell me what they did."
Marco shuddered. "Nope yoi."
Banshee sighed, tugging at Deuce. "Alright, time to get off Ace. His heat's building up."
Deuce groaned, and tried to cling on tighter. Ace grinned, nuzzling him affectionately, earning a sleepy smile. Marco and Banshee tried to pull them away, but Ace latched on to Deuce too, sticking his tongue out at Marco who sighed.
"You're being a troublemaker yoi."
"I'm comfy though, birdy."
"Deuce, you need to let go!" Banshee growled lowly.
"We only just got him back."
"Yeah, I still haven't embraced Master Ace!" Skull cried.
"I want to snuggle too. You four hogged him!" Saber complained.
"You're all terrible. I rarely get to see him because I stand out too much," Wallace huffed.
"Yeah! I was the same," Ganryu complained.
"I was a ninja whenever I got to visit Ace," Ossamondo insisted.
Cornelia sighed. "We've had this conversation before. Adding a moustache to your face does not count as a disguise, considering you have hair all over your face in the first place!"
.::.
Banshee stood up, twitching. Instantly everyone moved away, making Ace whine, but Marco took him into his arms instead, nuzzling him. He left the room quickly, because he could feel Ace's heat, his scent was building up, and his Omega was stirring. Marco carried Ace to their room, growling at anyone who dared to get close.
Once they were in their room, Marco laid Ace in his nest, nuzzling his neck. Ace immediately began to take in the nest, and Marco let him. He had set his bed against the wall, the way Ace liked it, with a large, fluffy rug at the other side for their feet. Pillows were crowded against the wall and at the head of the bed. Thick blankets covered the mattress, and Marco had deliberately left some of his shirts lying over the nest. Marco had even made sure to get soft, fluffy blankets, because Ace loved soft, fluffy things.
Ace seemed to approve, because he started cooing, and nuzzling everything, laying down his scent. Marco purred, his Alpha proud of their achievement. They had impressed their mate, and they had accepted their nest.
"Marco, it's great," Ace smiled brightly. "Thank you. Thank you so much for doing this for me."
"There's no need to thank me," Marco grinned. "I'm happy you like it yoi."
"You even added in some orange," Ace cooed.
"Just for you yoi," Marco chuckled.
Ace suddenly flushed, shivering softly, and Marco smelled the sweet wave of pleasure Ace's scent took on. Marco purred, and aimed to kiss Ace senseless, all while his lover moaned beneath him, clinging to his shoulders. Roasted pineapples, melting chocolate and toasting marshmallows began to coil together, their scent smothering the room as Marco and Ace explored each other's bodies.
.::.
Whitebeard raised a brow the moment he saw his sons and daughter pressed against Marco's door, trying to listen in. Izo and Thatch were lost in a whispered conversation, while Haruta fidgeted impatiently.
"Marco and Ace better hurry up and bite each other," Haruta huffed.
"I know right? We've all been waiting for this moment for years, and those two are taking their sweet time to get started," Izo sighed.
"Or maybe you brats can leave them be to get on with it themselves," Whitebeard scolded.
The three froze, then slowly turned to face him. Thatch looked guilty, but Izo merely looked annoyed.
"We've been waiting for years, Pops."
"And you're going to be waiting a few days longer," Pops said.
Haruta clung to the door immediately. "Don't take us away. I just want to hear my baby brother be happy, you wouldn't ask your daughter to miss out on that, would you, Pops?"
"You're right," Pops smirked at the relieved expressions he got. "I wouldn't ask."
He snatched up his wayward pups immediately, earning protests and struggles. He ignored them, because seriously, if they thought they could get away from him, they had another thing coming. If Ace (when he was a stubborn, grumpy pup) couldn't escape, then they had no chance.
.::.
Ace's thighs felt damp and sticky. He could feel the slick slipping out of him, and whimpered. Marco reached for his shirt, stripping it off, while Ace pushed away Marco's.
"Ace, I just want to make sure," Marco said. "Is this what you really want? To mate with me? Because I will do whatever you want. This is your body-"
Ace rolled his eyes, because Marco was being silly. He pulled Marco in for a kiss, exploring his mouth, which earned him a sweet moan. He licked at Marco's tongue, then nipped at his lower lip, before pulling away.
"I would love to mate with you, Marco," Ace grinned.
Marco kissed his forehead. "Fuck, I love you so much yoi."
Ace laughed. "I love you too."
They stripped off completely. Marco's hand traced his thighs, his damp, sticky thigh, and it made Ace whine. Marco shushed him, placing gentle kisses on his neck, trailing up it to reach Ace's mating gland. Ace happily bared his neck, shuddering and mewling as Marco gently bit into it. He barely had enough sense left to him to lean up and bite Marco's mating gland, earning a cry of pleasure. Something clicked in that moment, a blissful peace that Ace gratefully sank into. He finally felt complete. He could feel Marco's joy, and Marco could now probably feel his.
Their mating had clicked, and their bond was growing strong,
They quickly lost themselves to one another, and Ace let the pleasure take hold of him completely.