It had been a very busy months for them and they had barely had a time to breathe completely. First two attacks from strong pirates - which had now become their ally instead -within three days. Then to add more fighting to them, the marines had attacked with a dozen warships the following week. Coming out victorious had it's prize, as they had lost a few brothers. They had gotten a pirate worthy funeral. When they thought they could mourn and breath, words reached them that three of their islands had been attacked. This led to another two weeks where they barely had any time to relax.
Rubbing his temples, Thatch walked into his shared room with Marco. He had worked all shifts the past months, meaning he had only slept five hours a day and had little rest. Marco had also been working hard, dealing out commands, coordinating everything with all divisions and Whitebeard. It wasn't easy and all had worked their asses off. It was why they now were headed to one of their bigger island, where the crew finally could get the rest they so needed.
Quickly undressing, Thatch lied down on the bed, sighing. He missed falling asleep next to Marco, as he often would get to bed later. Waking up next to Marco, to leave and get breakfast ready, was also frustrating. He needed some relationship time, not just the quick kisses and quickies under the shower, as they didn't have energy or time for more. What he wanted, what he so desperately longed for now, was just a lazy day with Marco, cuddling, kissing and just feel each other. Was it too much to ask for? After all, they were a couple and couples needed time for themselves.
A sigh left his lips, as he closed his eyes, only to open them up again, as he heard the door opened. A soft smile found its way to his lips, as he noticed Marco slipping in. His boyfriend looked just as tired as he felt and Thatch held up the blanket, which made Marco smile softly, before he undressed and crawled into the bed, cuddling up against Thatch. Lips found each other in a soft, but loving kiss, which made both sigh happily.
"I miss you." Thatch whispered, pulling Marco closer to his body.
"I know, love. I miss you too, yoi." Marco let a hand go through Thatch's hair, a tired, but soft smile grazing his lips.
Thatch smiled, knowing it wasn't either's fault and they just had to make it work, even if it was draining. Tomorrow they would hopefully hit land and he had already finished the list of things they needed in the kitchen. He just wanted to end his duties fast, hoping Marco would do the same, before running off with his lover. To where he didn't know, but somewhere where they could be alone for a while and refresh their energy. Also where they could be a couple and just be with each other.
"I'm happy you came to bed before I fell asleep. Falling asleep, feeling you next to me, is far better than falling asleep alone, knowing you at some point will join me." Thatch yawned.
Marco chuckled softly and kissed him softly. "It's also nice seeing your eyes, before falling asleep, yoi."
This made Thatch smiled even more. So what if they were cheesy when they were alone? He loved it. He needed it. To feel special and like he was the only one for Marco. Like he wanted Marco to know he was the only one for him. A happy sigh left him and he closed his eyes once more, cuddling closer to Marco, holding him tight. He heard Marco humming in delight and a tired 'night' left both their lips, before sleep took them.