Long chapter! I hope you like it!

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Marco's pov

"Red…" I mumbled. I could see the blinding light through my eyelids. When I opened them, I recognized the ceiling, I'm still in the infirmary. My vision was blurry, and my hearing was gone, but my body is responding.

I moved my hand to my face to see how blurry my vision was. Damnit, I can barely see my hand. The hand fell back down on my chest, causing a groan to escape me. Looks like my body isn't responding well to me.

A shadow crossed over my eyes, I couldn't see who it was, all I could see was raven hair. "Ace…" I muttered. My eyes started to become heavy again, I tried to fight it, but it overpowered me. I was too weak.

Once again, sleep overtook me.

-XZXZ—-

Third pov

Ace stared at the exhausted first commander and the pained Red. They both were side by side on the same bed. The captain of the Heart Pirates, Trafalgar, moved them to a different room. Then explained the situation. It turns out no one can do anything; Marco's devil fruit gave her more time but… the decision is up to Red. If she gives up on her life, she'll die.

In the room with Ace was Kid and Trafalgar. Everyone else was giving reports to the other crews about what is going on. Boa went out with the Kuja to get things for when Red wakes up. Now all we can do is pray, Ace thought.

If only there was something to tell her we are out here waiting. Law said we could try talking, but the sounds will come out muffled sounds. What can we do to tell her we are here for her? If she can't ear then-

Ace jerked up when the idea hit him. Law and Kid turned to face the second commander with confused looks. "L-Law, she can hear us, right?" Ace said, dashing to the surgeon.

"Yes, but like I said before her hearing is blocked."

"What about smell? Can she smell us?" Kid's eyes widened; he understands where Ace is going with this.

Law stroked his chin, "yes, but the smell would have to be strong. Sniffing you won't do anything."

Ace started to smirk, "what if she sniffed Marco?"

"That would only work if she had a strong connection with him. Are you telling me she does?" Law asked. Kid started to gain hope when he saw Ace nod.

"Then wake up that pineapple head and make her sniff him." Kid snapped.

"That won't work. Her senses are too dull for it to." Law sighed.

"We can make them sharper! She told me before that if her emotions get out of control, her senses become more sensitive on their own. I know the perfect way to get her up."

)-0-(

Marco felt his body shake, is this a result of me overusing my devil fruit? The shaking stopped after a few minutes, letting Marco relax again. Well, that's what he thought, but then the shaking replaced with a burning sensation.

The first commander kept telling himself it wasn't real, but the heat increased. Marco jerked up from the uncomfortable warmth. He looked around and saw a certain freckled idiot, activating his devil fruit. A vein popped out of the commander's head, "WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!" he shouted.

Ace let out a nervous laugh, "hey, you're ok. Aren't you? My plan worked." the vein on Marco's forehead doubled.

"FRYING ME WAS YOUR BEST SOLUTION!?" Ace winced at the first commander's louder tone.

"Keep it down." Law pointed to the woman beside Marco. The blonde snapped his head in Red's direction, his eyes softened once he saw her.

He reached his hand out and trailed his thumb down her cheek. Law and Kid watched in amazement when they saw Red lean into the touch, even though she is unconscious. "What, yoi?" Marco asked when he noticed the stares he was receiving. Ace's grin tripled, "we found a way to wake up Red."

"How?" the blonde whispered.

"I'll explain."

-XXCC

Frantic footsteps caught Izo and Thatch's attention, it was Ace. the commander stopped in front of the two before rambling. He told them his plan to wake up Red and to bring everyone back into the room.

It didn't take long for everyone to return. Boa was the first one to ask the million-dollar question, "what is the plan?" she demanded.

All looks turned to the first and second commander. Ace told Marco the plan beforehand and Marco wanted to laugh when he heard it. Could that actually work? It seems so simple.

"You'll see." Ace grinned and prodded at Marco. The first commander grunted and got up to lean over Red. Before he did anything, he looked to the 'audience' Ace had gathered. Are they going to watch me? Isn't that creepy? Marco turned his head to Ace, who was boasting a cheeky grin and a thumbs up.

The two started communicating with their eyes. Years of knowing each other has granted them this ability. 'Why are there so many people here, yoi?'

'I wanted to make you feel special.'

'No, you're a pervert! I'm not doing this in front of everyone. Pops is even here! Do you know how weird that is, yoi?!'

'Na nah, it will be fine, don't be shy! You can do this Marco!' Ace gave the blond another thumbs up.

'What if Boa tries to kill me!? Will i be fine then, yoi?!'

'No, but it will be funny to watch!' The second commander covered his mouth to hide his laughter.

I'm going to kill him later, I swear it. Marco turned to look at Red, she looked beautiful as always. Then, she became restless from the pain going through her body. I hate seeing her in pain. Marco leaned closer. He pressed his thumb against her pale cheek, he loved the feeling of the soft texture on his fingers.

He leaned in closer until he felt her lips against his. Her skin warmed up when she felt the contact, blush rushed to her cheeks. I should've done this sooner. Marco thought, letting his body fill up with the warm sensation she was producing. The longer the kiss was, the more heat was packed into Marco. His hand tilted her head up to give him better access to her sweet lips.

His tongue grazed the pinkened skin. He's surprised when she parted her lips subconsciously. He preyed on the entrance and forced his tongue in the tight space. Her mouth was warmer than her lips, his tongue became coated with her saliva. The blonde couldn't get enough of the redhead's taste, so sweet and intoxicating. He never wanted this to end, he wanted to do this ever since he saw her. Her lean and curved body, the way her hips and hair sway when she walks, the way she bites her lip when she's embarrassed. The woman is a walking temptation, and a dangerous one at that. She will chop your head off in an instant if you mess with her loved ones. Her ferociousness only rivals her laziness. How the woman can go from trying to kill you, to sleeping like a cat in the sun, Is a mystery.

She is extraordinary, from her redhead to her black boots. When did I fall for her? How does she affect me so much? Her eyes, her pouts, her taunting remarks. Who knew I would fall in love with such a childish woman? Even so, I don't regret doing it, I don't regret anything about our relationship. I love the redhead, and I won't let her slip away before I get a chance to show her that.

—{~}

The heat was becoming too much to bear, Red flared from the sensation. All her pain melted away, and her nose filled with a familiar scent. The scent she craves for every time she's away from it.

The essence melted away her pain and brightened up her world. Not only does she see light, but something blue flying in the sky. Her eyes focused on the object above her. When she realized what it was, she smiled…

It's pineapple head, it's Marco, it's my Phoenix, it's my protector.

"Marco…" she whispered into the kiss. The blonde left her lips when he heard her voice. Her eyes were half closed and blush still stained her cheeks, but Marco didn't think about that. She was flashing an exhausted smile on her face, it held no pain. Just how he likes it.

Marco fell back down to the woman, engulfing her frail frame into a hug. "Red, I was so worried. Don't ever do that again!" He yelled, loud enough for everyone to hear. When they did, they all rushed to the woman's side. Questions were thrown at Red,

'Are you ok?'

'What happened?'

'Are you hurt?'

Red ignored the questions and put her full attention on Marco, "you… saved me." She muttered in a soft tone. Her voice was horas from the coma she was in, but she didn't care. The redhead touched Marco's face, making him look into her eyes.

When she saw the worry in his blue orbs, she frowned. "I'm ok, please stop worrying."

"EVERYONE GET OUT OF THE ROOM! I HAVE CHECK UPS TO DO!" The familiar voice made Red look away from Marco. She's surprised to see Law, pushing his way through the crowd.

Once he was in front of her, he let out a snort. "Your a fucking pain, you know that? We were worried for two whole days." Law glared at his childhood friend. He tried to hide his worry with anger, but Red saw right through it and gave him a smile. "That's the first thing you say after so many years?" The laugh that escaped Red was music to Marco's ears. He missed the laugh, he missed her.

"Alright, everyone get out. I will bring you in one at a time for the patient. But for now…GET THE HELL OUT!" Law pushed everyone out the room till only him, Red, and Kid remained. Kid refused to leave the room, no matter how much Law pushed. The brunette grunted at Kid's stubbornness, but still did the check ups.

After Law examined the woman, he told the twins that Red is ok, besides exhaustion. Kid was relieved, but that didn't stop him from going on a full rant about how stupid his older sister is. The female twin listened to Kid's eardrum rupturing words. She felt bad for causing so much trouble, so she told Law to let some people in.

Law refused at first, the woman is in no condition for visitors. She didn't have to tell him she was tired, it was written all over her face. Her eyelids were purple, and her blinks become longer every time she closes her eyes.

It doesn't take a genius to know the fatigue she was experiencing. Even though her eyes were closed, the woman didn't get any sleep. Her body suffered for two long days; she shouldn't see anyone. But of course, one flash from her determined eyes and all resolve crumbles.

The surgeon released a curse and let people in. The first ones were the rest of Kid's crew. The crew knows Red from the calls their captain receives often. At first, they thought the captain had a love interest. When they told Killer their idea, he laughed so hard tears streamed down his face. He told them it was Kid's twin sister, and ever since then, they would join on their calls. Getting stories about Kid's childhood in the process.

Heat stepped up to Red, "I see you're still alive. Did the devil get tired of you and send you back?" A laugh came from the patient.

"Let's say he wasn't too happy with me demanding his throne." More laughs came from the people in the room.

"We will go now, you look awful, it's obvious you didn't get any sleep. We will see you later, we can tour the archipelago." Wire said. Heat and Wire left the room, but Killer stayed.

The blonde's nose was scrunched, and his hands were over his chest. "What?" Red asked, she didn't like the disgruntled look she was receiving.

"I would like a thank you for controlling your beast like twin. You aren't the only one who couldn't sleep for two days. If I even closed my eyes once, he would run to this room. Being the overprotective younger brother, he is." Killer gave a side glance to his captain, but all he got was a snort.

Red laughed, it's good to know Killer hasn't changed, neither has Law… "yes, I'm sorry, and thank you Killer. For taking care of me and my little brother." Killer snorted again, but everyone could tell he had a smile under the mask. Killer gave a small peck on Red's forehead. Killer isn't an affectionate person, but for Red, he will be. "I'll see you later sis." Killer walked out the door with Law following behind.

Next was Boa, the older woman ran to Red's side when she saw her. The Warlord carried two shopping bags. It made Law and Kid wonder what was inside.

"Are you ok? You're not hurt are you?" Boa's uneasiness dripped out from her tone. Red gave a small smile to the woman, "I am fine. I'm sorry Boa for worrying you."

The women talked for a few minutes before Red asked what was in the bags. "I bought you a months' worth of chocolate, a heating pad for you to sleep well in this cold room. Which should be warmer by the way. And…" Boa reached her hand into the last bag and pulled out something yellow. Red was surprised to see a whole gallon worth of pineapple ice cream, her favorite. They only sell this ice cream on the Archipelago; Red hasn't had it in years.

"You're the fucking best Boa." Red leaped up to grab Boa into a hug.

"Thank you Red. I'll go now, you have other people to visit, then after, go to sleep." The Warlord waved goodbye and left the room.

After she left, Izo, Thatch, Ace, and Whitebeard came in. Other commanders wanted to come in as well. Red could see Law pushing back Vista, Jozu, Blamenco, and Namur out of the doorway. Once the door was shut, the commanders and captain started talking to the patient.

They caught her up on what's happened the last two days, they also told her they knew her whole past. Whitebeard assured her that he will never let something so horrible happen to her again. It took ten minutes for that talk to end, and for the teasing to begin.

"So, when am I getting my grandchildren? Gurarara!" Whitebeard laughed. Red's face lit up from her captain's words. He was talking about the pineapple head that kissed her back to life.

"W-w-e aren't d-dating." Red stammered.

"Are you sure? That kiss was intense, tell him you like him already." Ace hummed.

"It's not that easy." Red replied, covering the blanket over her cheeks.

Izo flicked a brow, "You're not denying it anymore?"

"C-can I even deny it." Red responded in a low voice. She felt something hug her from over the covers, she wasn't surprised to see Thatch smiling at her.

"I can't wait to see your children Red!" Thatch's words added more embarrassment. Especially when she heard Whitebeard and Ace chuckling in the back.

The crewmates decided to end the teasing, a certain blond was waiting for his turn with the woman.

Before they left the room, Whitebeard turned to face the patient. "Your dad said he would like to meet up with us in the new world. Are you up for that?"

"What? You scared I'll leave you old man? Never!" Whitebeard smiled at the girl's laughter and left the room.

The last visitor came in, the one Red has been waiting for, Marco. "Can you two leave?" Red asked when the commander walked in. She was hoping her twin and childhood friend would comply… but…

"No." Kid huffed. As Law mentioned before, Kid is overprotective when it comes to his siblings, mainly Red. His twin is the most important thing in the world to him. He would give up his dream for her, even though she would kill him if he did.

The two of them are halves of a whole. Some say they share the same personality, and others say they are complete opposites. In a way, both answers are correct. They both are stubborn hotheads that will kill you if you hurt someone close to them. Yet, Red is goofy, lazy, forgetful, and gentle. Kid thinks out his actions, even though he doesn't show it, he doesn't rely on instincts like the female twin. Plus, the man is the farthest thing from gentle…

"Leave Kiddo." Red growled. Marco stepped back, not wanting to be in the middle of the two hot headed twins.

"Make me Dem Dem. You're too tired to fight right now." Kid said in a taunting voice.

Law took a seat on the couch, patting the seat for Marco to join him. The surgeon knows firsthand how intense the twins could be. Might as well warn the soon-to-be-boyfriend. "You like Red." Law stated once Marco was seated.

The blonde nodded, "is that a problem, yoi?"

"No, well not for me, but you have other people to deal with. For one, Kid." Law pointed at the hotheads who were having a glare competition. "Then you have to go through Killer, Luffy, Ace, and Sabo." Marco flicked a brow at the mention of Ace's brothers. He was debating on whether or not to tell the raven-haired man the kid named 'Sabo' is dead, but decided against it. "Why would they be a problem?"

"Like Kid, Killer is very protective. Ace may tease you a lot but there's no doubt in my mind he'll be watching you. And for Luffy and Sabo… you'll see when you meet them." Marco frowned at Law's amused tone, but the surgeon ignored the expression and continued.

"Then you have some fishmen to deal with. Since she was on Fisher Tiger's ship, she is popular with Fishmen. Including Jinbe the warlord, and another human that was on the crew. A human you'll meet soon enough." Marco didn't bother to be surprised. One thing he's learned about the woman is she knows everyone. He wonders if Jinbe would be overprotective, the man is an ally of Whitebeard.

"Then after that comes the tricky stuff." What do you mean tricky stuff?! I already have to deal with two Warlords, Two captains, several commanders, and her fanclub! How much more is there!?

"The Red-Haired Pirates." Oh yeah, I forgot, I have an emperor to deal with too! Heh… the things I do for Red.

"That's not even the worst part." Law continued. The surgeon almost laughed at Marco's horrified face. WHAT'S WORSE THAN AN EMPEROR!?

"Red's mother, Makino, is the most overprotective person you'll ever meet. So have fun with that." Law gave the shocked commander a pat on the shoulder before getting off the couch. The twins were still arguing, but Law put a stop to it and forced Kid outside.

"But LAW! I DON'T LIKE HIM!" Kid yelled, using his hands to stop him from being thrown into the hallway.

Law snorted at the man's reasoning. He picked up his hand and activated his devil Fruit. "Room." He made a blue orb form around them. "Shambles." Law and Kid disappeared, leaving only Red and Marco in the room.

"They're gone now." Red said with a smile. Marco wanted to ask what just happened but rubbed it off. The blonde walked up to the redhead and gave her a fond smile.

"I'm glad you're back, yoi."

"I'm glad I always have you looking out for me." Both of them stared at each other, both wanted to talk about the kiss, but decided against it. Marco could tell Red was exhausted, that conversation would no doubt tire her out further.

Red felt the same, she is way too tired to even think about the kiss. "Marco? After I get some rest, can you come with me to explore the archipelago? I haven't been here in so long! Plus I heard Luffy's here! I miss that little shit. Oh, oh and you can meet my uncle."

Marco smiled at her enthusiasm, but he felt nervous about meeting her uncle. Knowing her, he's probably some crazy man who's hella strong. "We can go with Ace, Izo, and Thatch too, yoi." Red nodded. Even though she wanted to be alone with the first commander, she misses the others too.

Marco tucked his hand in his pocket, "I have something to give you." Red's eyes widened when she saw the bracelet, it was gorgeous. A red Phoenix dangled in the middle. On the left side was the sun mark that was on her thigh. On the right was the Whitebeard mark. When she saw her crew's crest, an idea came to mind.

"Marco, thank you, I love it. You know you didn't have too." Red gently took the bracelet from his hands to get a better look. It's me and Marco… together. Red started to think about the past three months, then about her dream. I told myself I would say it, before the chance slips away again.

"I wanted to, yoi. Do you like it?" Marco laughed when Red nodded her head vigorously. Then, something unexpected happened. Red leaned close to the blonde and gave him a peck on the lips.

Marco was shocked, even when she backed away from his face. "I-I'll give you an answer In t-th-ree days." Red bit her lip and gripped onto his shoulder. I'll tell him in three days, I have to!

"Are you sure-"

"I'm sure Marco. I- ... never mind. Can you help me walk to Jozu?" Red didn't know whether she should have said it or not. Saying the three magical words that could change everything. She's said them to her siblings but… Marco… it felt so different. Marco was confused, but he paused his confusion when he saw Red try to get off the bed.

Red's limbs were weak, which is to be expected from all the pain she's been through for the last couple of days. Luckily, Marco caught her, "Red, how about I bring him here, yoi?"

Marco's touch sent her skin on fire. Her nose started to fill with his scent, making a shiver run down her spine. "No, I want to go there." Red avoided Marco's blue orbs. She could not look into his eyes, not when her heart feels like it's about to explode. Marco did not like this though.

The blonde leaned close to her ear; his hot breath tickled her skin. "Why won't you look at me?" He whispered. Red jumped from his deep voice, it reminded her of when they first met.

"C-ca-n you g-et Ace, Thatch, and Izo too? I-I wa-nt then there." Red's voice was trembling more than usual, which scared the commander. In the end, he let it go, she's already stressed enough. He doesn't want to add more fuel to the red fire.

"I'll get them, if you promise to stay here. I'll get Jozu to, what do you want with him, yoi?" The blonde placed Red back onto the bed with care.

"I know where I want my tattoo."

"Do you really think now is the time to get it, yoi?"

Marco's question was answered when he saw the determination in her fiery eyes. I guess there's no use in trying to argue. Marco sighed, "I'll be back. If you move from that spot, I will tie you up myself, yoi." After that, Marco left.

—/—

Red waited in the room for a few minutes till Marco came back, only it wasn't just the five commanders but all of them. Red was shocked by the amount of people coming to see her. She was even more shocked that they could fit in the room.

"It's a tradition, we have to see you become one of our own!" Vista explained with a smile. Jozu took out his tools to get started on the tattoo.

Whitebeard was the last one to come into the room. "Where are you getting it brat?" He asked. The redhead smiled and pointed to her other thigh, the leg without the sun tattoo.

Thatch jumped in front of the crowd and hugged Red. She was so happy Red was bearing the mark, especially after everything that happened. Izo came up from behind Thatch, "are you sure you're up to this? We can do it another time." Izo sighed when the redhead nodded. The man gave her a pat on the head and an eye roll. "You better pass out after this. It's five right now, If you sleep till twelve tomorrow, Law might let you come out with us."

"Let's hope." Red said with a grin.

While the three were talking, Ace nudged at Marco's side. Ace gave the first commander a look, 'did you say it?' His eyes asked.

'Nope. She's acting really weird though, yoi.'

'How so?'

'She won't look at me, yoi. She keeps getting tongue tied on something, i can't tell what though.'

"Are you guys going to look around the island?" Whitebeard asked the friend group.

"Yep!" Thatch answered with a smile, the others nodded. Izo doesn't think they should go to the island, it's crawling with celestial dragons. What if one of them recognizes Red as a former slave? What if the memories are too much for her to handle? Tons of 'what if' questions swarmed Izo's mind, he didn't notice Jozu starting the tattoo.

Getting the tattoo didn't hurt, it was just uncomfortable, and it ended quickly. Once it did, Red passed out, "gurarara! Looks like she's asleep!" Whitebeard chuckled.

Izo wanted to roll his eyes at how quick the woman fell asleep, but then something caught his eye. "I see you proposed to her Marco." Izo said, pointing at the bracelet. All the commanders either laughed or went 'AWWW' with taunting voices.

Marco felt embarrassed, he was used to Izo, Ace, and Thatch teasing him, but not the rest of the commanders. The worst part was the knowing look Pops was giving him. "It's a gift Izo, yoi. It's not a big deal." the blonde huffed.

Vista placed a hand on Marco's shoulder, "well then, mind explaining these." Vista reached into his pocket and pulled out Marco's worst nightmare. It was the pictures the commanders took at the Davy Back Battle, except there were more. There was a picture of Marco proposing, another of them at the church, one with Red and her 'Marco, my Pineapple'. WHEN DID THEY GET THAT?! Marco mentally screamed, when he saw the last picture.

It was them in the maze with Red on top of him, looking as if they were about to kiss. This is awful… Marco is now as mentally exhausted as Red was during the Game Of Life.

Ace smirked at the blonde's shocked expression, "i bet you didn't know you were being recorded. Too bad there wasn't any sound." We were being recorded? The whole time? AND NONE OF THOSE ASSHOLES TOLD ME?

"So you did propose to Red." Jozu said, taking a look at one of the pictures. Marco rubbed the bridge of his nose as blush sprouted from his cheeks. "It was a game, yoi." he answered in a low tone.

Jozu and Vista laughed at his embarrassment, the first commander was never embarrassed. He is always doing work and never has time to do anything else, plus he never shows much emotion. Well, until Red came along.

"I can't wait to plan your wedding!" Izo exclaimed. That statement sprouted more teasing for Marco, damnit!

"You'll be my brother in law!" Ace smiled. He grabbed the first commander into a hug, even though Marco wanted to punch Ace in the face.

The pirates gave confused looks to the brunette, "what do you mean by that? Are you related to Red?" Namur asked.

"Not by blood but I knew her when I was younger. When I lived in the east blue, a bartender used to take care of me and my brothers. Turns out Red is her daughter. I remember a redhead, she used to beat the crap out of me. I never got her name though, we called each other devil and monster."

This time Whitebeard asked a question, "your saying Shanks got a bartender pregnant? Did he leave her?"

"Nope, they're married, that's what Red told me. You can ask her when she gets up, yoi." Marco answered. He regretted answering when everyone sprouted knowing looks and teasing grins.

Marco looked towards the door for an escape, but it was blocked by Atmos. The blonde didn't realize it before, but he was trapped by his family. Now all he can do is suffer through the teasing; god help me.

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I hoped you like this chapter! I was going to do something besides the kiss, but... then decided it was the best choice. The freckled idiot got a great idea!

Like, Comment, or whatever!