Marco used every second of the daylight to search for some petroleum for his lamps, but they had truly run out. It had been weeks since they last was on an island and they had only managed to get the minimum of supplies. Bad weather, attacks and other things had gotten in the way of the ship coming to one of their main islands, where they could restock completely. Marco knew they would get there in a few days and he was hopeless behind schedule, as there had been so much else to do for him, so he hadn't finished all his paperwork and he had no idea how much they needed of what.
It frustrated him and he had even promised Thatch to help out with the list for the food supplies. They couldn't do much in the dark and Thatch had even less time than Marco, as he was trying to make the little food they had left to stretch without people going around too hungry. Though it had a certain freckled young man complain. Well, Ace had been a good asset to the food supplies, even if he eat a lot. The fishes and sea kings he had been able to catch had helped a lot.
Ace. Marco slapped his head. How had he not thought of this before? He could use his brother of fire as light. Now all he needed was a reward idea, so Ace was motivated to help him a few hours after dinner. Marco could raise the allowance Ace would get when they came to the next island, but it was a little lame. Maybe he should treat his brother with something only three other people on this ship had ever gotten from him. A dinner. Marco wasn't a stranger in a kitchen, but only Whitebeard, Izo and his lover had ever tasted his cooking.
That was a good enough reward, he deemed and went to ask Ace to help. With the promise of food Marco himself had cooked - once they had restocked of course - the freckled young male agreed to help Marco. It wasn't a surprise, Ace would do most things for food, but Marco thought he should do something special, as it was energy draining for Ace to use his fire and since they were short on food, Ace's stamina wasn't filled. Still he had enough energy to do this.
This led to the current scene. Marco was working on the paperwork, while Ace had his fingers lit. For once Ace could be quiet, but the male had a book he read. That did surprised the first commander, but it was nice. The silence filled the room, only the scribble of Marco's pen across the paper and Ace turning a page was to be heard.
Suddenly the door was open, Marco didn't look up knowing it was Thatch returning from the kitchen. The only room that had light after the night had fallen upon the ship was the kitchen, as three of the stoves were run on wood. Thatch didn't want to change them into more modern stoves like the other two. No one dared to suggest to change them again. The argument Thatch had to let them be as they were, had been over an HOUR long. When Thatch had finished explaining why he needed them as they were, all, but Whitebeard, had stopped listened and just agreed with him.
Marco did first look up when a small plate of ice cake was planted in front of him, along with a cup of tea. A squeal of happiness told Marco that Ace had gotten a plate too, but Marco's attention was on the tired face of his lover. The soft smile and love in those tired eyes was breath taking and in this moment nothing mattered.
"I had actually planned these for our anniversary tomorrow, love, but things changes." Thatch said.
Before Marco could say something, Ace spoke up. "You should not give me yours, Thatch. It's for your special day." He said and pushed the plate towards Thatch, who had sat down by now.
Thatch smiled. It was a rare occasion where Ace didn't eat right away and even OFFERED the food to another. Marco felt touched by the raven head, but then Thatch's words clicked. Their anniversary. Had it already been another year? He couldn't believe it and his gaze softened.
"Just eat it, Ace. I'll share mine with him, yoi." Marco said and a nod from Thatch was all Ace needed, before devouring he small ice cake, though he did compliment it.
Marco did share his part with Thatch and Ace provided with a little sim light, while he continued to read, giving the two lovers a little privacy. Once the refreshment was done, Marco and Thatch continued for an hour to do the needed paperwork, before the sent Ace to bed and readied themselves for bed. They could always continue the next day. Even if it was their anniversary. It would have to wait until things were less rough and stressful. As long as they had each other and could sleep next to each other, neither needed much more.