Whitebeard crossed his arms angrily looking on at how these woman pulled his sons towards them. The insane and relaxed Domino leaning on his second in command with open affection. While the Red Head was still inside one of their many hideouts probably dragging his other son around the mud.

These women forget they can't just trance over his crew like this. Did she not realize that Marco would be hurt by her absence. Even if he never showed it.

Besides, every time they come around they bring noise with them. He leaned in and shook his head. "Don't think you can get comfortable here lass!" He stated in his stern tone. Bringing a curios glance from Marco. His blond hair moving as he looked up at his father.

Whitebeard was sure Marco could tell that while he was angry he was only faking most of it. However the Marine could not. Yet, she only rolled her eyes. The gal of this young brat.

"I'm never comfortable. Kinda counterproductive to the job don'tcha think?" She asked him. Her voice back to its cold normal tone. The warmth she felt from Marco shifting as he looked down at her. As if sending her a silent warning.

She tilted her head at his movement then leaned against him again. "But i'ma stay here as long as it takes to get Ada better. Thankyou." She stated closing her eyes and letting out a deep breath. Her body for the first time in a long time relaxed and warm. Ha. and she hasn't even drank anything yet. It wasn't that she wanted to be sober but she...she didn't want to be drunk around Marco.

"What makes you think he'll help?" Vista asked continuing on his fathers behalf. He admits he likes how calm Marco seemed while in the woman's company, and seeing it first hand only cemented the fact. However she can't waltz up here and expect Thatch to rush off...

The men paused and looked at each other. "That's a stupid question.." He trailed off as Domino giggled with a light smile on her face. Her eyes however still closed.

"I Didn't wanna be the one to say it. That'd've been dumb." She mumbled as Marco scoffed. "Surprise surprise-yoi."

She opened her eyes and tilted her head. with a secret 'what did you say' look before she smiled thinking of a way she could get him back for such slander.

Marco only sent her a half lidded glance questioning her face.

Before he moved to get a better look at her.

This was now a silent dual like previously, who would move first. Who would be the one to break the hold they had on each other. Both of them in their stubborn way speaking silently towards the other. Daring themselves to move. Yet neither did.

However after searching the majestic chicken's blue eyes Domino pulled away with a 'tck' to herself then twisted her wrist noticing the crew had watched the whole scene.

She secretly felt her cheeks burning but put that aside as Whitebeards voice broke her thoughts.

"Hey! Don't start with the mushy shit here you brat!" He shouted as Domino looked down. The crew watched this tall woman try her hardest to disappear against Marco's chest who only seemed bothered that, her fidgeting would spill his drink which he still held.

"Don't look then." She shouted back. Marco only chuckled his response. Agreeing he was going to say the same thing.

"What attitude!?" Pop's commented before shaking his head. "We are allowing you on this island! Yet, You still haven't paid us for the last time you brat!" He yelped as Domino scoffed pulling away from Marco and moving to lean over her knee.

"Payment? Hah, I haven't locked y'all's ass up yet. There's your payment!" She stated a smirk growing on her face.

Marco pulled his arm away and quickly flicked her on the forehead which she smacked away.

"Don't talk to pop's like that-yoi." He stated quickly. As Whitebeard leaned in. "Loyalty!" He smiled.

"He's right, Where do you come off talking to me like that!" Whitebeard exclaimed as Domino titled her head.

"Where do you come off talking to me like that?" She made a face clearly forgoing any idea of common sense as she let out a sadist smirk.

Marco tilted his head and took in a deep breath. "Don't-yoi." He warned, her voice was threatening to their father. That wasn't something they couldn't let go so easily. No matter how much he may feel towards her. No one would stand to threaten Whitebeard like that.

Domino looked up at Whitebeard as he stared down at her taking in her slumped over form but her honey eyes flicking with an evil glint he'd only seen in some of his fiercer enemies.

"You got some spunk Marine i'll give you that. But don't go thinking you can trance around my islands, or my sons without recourse." He stated still testing her.

He saw her shake her head before she pushed her self up in one fluid motion. Showing the men once more, how proud and tall she would stand.

"If it means i'm helping my friend then I'll trance wherever the flipping fuck I want." She gave one last glance towards Whitebeard her full sadistic grin on display as she crossed her arms. Whitebeard took a deep breath and moved to stand up as well. He may have been testing her but now she was testing his patience.

The crew around him questioning his sudden motion since just last week with Jinbe he was talking about Marco being completely in love. Including, how he missed children on the ship. If that was a hint or not Marco ignored it with hysterical laughter. But, it was still something that Pop's had said. So why was he almost ready to defeat this proud marine?

Domino bounced lightly ready for anything. However she in her sober eagerness had not noticed the darkness that covered Marco's eyes as he stood up and brushed himself off. Finishing off his drink before placing it on the ground beside where he now stood.

He had in his own wants forgot one thing about Domino, the fact that she was good at pretending. He in his eagerness to have her once more had fallen for her trick's.

It was clear that Domino wasn't here for him as much as he wanted her to be. He was a fool, and now she dare challenge his father? He couldn't. He just couldn't. Quickly he leapt towards her. His claws sharp and ready to catch her.

"That's enough-yoi!" Marco shouted. His uncommonly stern voice ringing through the woman's ears.

Feeling the familiar tug of warning pull her away from his fast approaching claws. She shook her head taking light steps backwards tossing her jacket in her place. She watched in fear and excitement as his blue and yellow flames graced her nose. The tips of his wings curled inwards as he turned himself. Returning to his tall and relaxed form.

She crossed her arms and let out a light "Hmph." In response.

He let out a light sigh holding her jacket in his hands, shaking his head and inspecting the large slashes he had made across the symbol of 'justice'. Secretly grateful she had sense enough to dodge.

"Maybe Adaline was right-yoi." He stated tossing the jacket down. "You don't know when to keep your mouth shut." He added as it finally landed with a large thump.

The crew watched the woman in wonder. Her arms though outlined by her muscles barely had any smooth skin left. It was all covered in pink scars glistening along her body and some a harsh violent red as if just now healing. Her hands pulled at the hem of her green tank top. Keeping it from creeping away from her black slacks and knife belt.

She only sent a chilling smile his way, feeling the eyes on her. This woman showed everyone how much pain she had taken and was still standing so tall and proud. Daring their brother with every move she made.

They were taken back. No wonder Marco was smitten with her. They were similar in a way, both eager for a fight. However, where Marco could heal. She could only smile.

She tilted her head and dropped her arms to her side bouncing lightly where she stood. "Awe~ And here I thought you liked my mouth~ Phoenix." Her cold and teasing voice demanding that he finish what he started.

In reality Domino had no idea what she was doing.

Really, she was happy relaxing in the mans warmth. Feeling so comfortable and safe. She was so close to being just. Just what? She couldn't place it so it didn't matter.

Yet instead of his closeness, he looked across the distance she had created and only shook his head.

His hand on his hip and his body a clear statement. 'You can try and fight us. But you won't win'.

Still, she was drawn to this man. Much like she was to a battle. She didn't know which excited her more. Finally having a proper fight after so long? Or going against Marco? She didn't care. She was sober. She was in pain. She was so close to being lost. But being by him once more brought something back to her mindset that she had almost forced herself to forget.

She was weaker. That was clear as the day she told Kuzan a year ago. She needed to find a way to fix herself. She needed a way to get better.

And she was only truly good at one thing.

Watching Marco's muscles move in anticipation of that thing made her even more excited. "Keep using it to disrespect pop's and i'll make sure you wont use it again-yoi." He stated giving her a final warning.

Domino shrugged and held her arms out in a 'come get me fashion' "Please, I only said what I meant. It's your choice. if you're gonna fight or not." She stated rolling her eyes. However in that motion alone had been enough to give Marco the upper hand.

His talons now flexed and aimed at her as he closed the gap between them. His tongue lightly sticking out as he did so.

She took in a deep breath and guided his claw away from her before another quickly took its place catching her left hand. Her right hand free to work it's way up his leg and twist her wrist. Green vines shooting out and engrossing Him in a new black net. Sending shocks of pain and excitement through his body.

However he still forced his sharp talon against her haki clad arm feeling as they scratched against each other in unmoving hold.

He glanced down at her stance and felt his half lidded gaze grow wide. Not only was she using haki, to hold him in his human form but, She had twisted vines around her own legs in the very ground giving her extra hold to be able to fend him off.

He sent a glare back at her only to feel her drop her left arm and fall backwards. Her black weeds tugging at his midsection as she quickly forced her legs up. Kicking the back of his head.

The contact alone sent both of them to switching positions, to the sound of cracking ground. Marco now collecting himself from the dirt as Domino tried to land gracefully. Yet that was never her forte, instead she skidded to a stand still. Throwing her arms out to catch herself.

Marco turned towards her. Ready to comment on how pitiful that kick was. Then he looked down at his midsection surprised at how her vines left a familiar sting of pain in their wake.

He then looked over to her arm to see her inspecting the small trail of blood from the cut of his claw. "I don't know if I should be thankful," She started before shaking her head and wiped the blood on her pants. "Or offended." She hummed sending him a sharp glare.

Marco sighed putting his hand to his head as the blue flames of restoration circled around him. Rejuvenating his stance. "I should say the same-yoi. Are you that hurt? Or just playing?" He asked her a smile on his face.

She shrugged. "A little bit of both, if i'm being honest." She smirked twisting her wrist. "Either way I guess you'll find out huh?" She stated readying herself for another battle. This one, unlike with Shanks, she wouldn't be backing out of.

Why was it the man she wanted most in the world was the only one she wouldn't allow herself to back away from? She wasn't going to find another way out. She was going to fight. She was going to show him, him of all people.

Marco ran towards her an exchange of blows following. She quickly blocked using her bare fists now wrapped in haki covered gauntlets to shield herself.

She was going to show him.

He pushed against her swiping at her legs as she stepped backwards. Knowing the ground was her upper hand he would try to get her away from it. And naturally she would do the same trying to pull him towards the ground to keep him from flight.

Domino gritted her teeth but smiled none the less at Marco's tongue sticking out as he attacked. He was just as excited about the fight as she was. Which is why. She was going to show him.

She wasn't weak. She was strong.

But little did she know, he already knew it. It was one of the reason's he loved her. Because she would challenge him no matter the difference. And he was more then willing to give it to her. In every way that sounded.

Adaline marched through the wide double doors of the large blue bar. Yet she was met with long and wide hallways all with overarching doorways. None of which had doors of course. And immediately to her left a large white stair case that led to what she could only assume to be more rooms that held unknow items. This place seemed to have once been a grand house. Yet now the paint was chipping in places and most of the interior had been gutted to over look a large and wide open bar in the furthest part of the house.

Feeling overwhelmed by the almost emptiness that swarmed around her at the large open space she tapped the heel of her foot against the old and worn out wood. Pushing away her growing insecurities and looked for anyone who seemed important. She needed to find Jinbe and quick. The soone she got out of this suffocating place the better.

And she wasn't talking about the building. The minute she noticed Thatch's presence she had suddenly felt guilty, disgusting, and for once in her life, Not proud to be a marine. So she needed to leave here sooner the later. She would figure her stuff out by herself. What did it matter if she felt this way anyway? It wasn't like she was suddenly the creature known as the Femme Fatal. She had always been since she and Domino joined sides. It was how she got so many promotions.

But did that matter? No matter.

She began to take delicate steps towards the back bar, however before she was able to even pass the large stair case she was soon stopped by a delicate blade to her ivory throat. She took in a deep breath and looked around. It seemed that this place was not entirely empty. Before her were grumbling men, (remints of the Whitebeard pirates party) Weapons drawn and faces questioning.

"Who are you?" An estranged voice asked.

She looked down at her own reflection in the blade and felt lost at that question. Who was she? She was Adaline. A woman...who...who uses men. A woman who takes money...and empty love. No. now was not the time for this pitty party.

She had to fix Domino's mess once again. Like always. Wasn't that all she was good for. flaunting her body and doing the paper work. She was the Feme Fatal. No matter how many times Domino would reassure her that she was a damn fine snipper. Her skills meant nothing. Compared to her body.

She looked back up a light smile on her face as her arms found themselves pushing up her chest as she put them between her legs and looked up at the voice. "I'm just looking for Jinbe~" She smiled sweetly.

The gruff men looked at one another before the largest one of the crew who had long greasy black hair and a disgustingly hairy stomach raised an eyebrow. His face stretching out in a missing tooth grin as he moved to laugh. "Zehahaha, Thatch said you were cute but man what a understatement!"

Adaline raised an undone eyebrow and made a face of curt disgust. "Hearing that from you disgusts me." She stated sternly crossing her arms. She didn;t care if a man still held her by the daggers tip. She was not going to allow someone who made her skin crawl so much speak so boldly towards her.

The man stopped smiling and leaned in closer to her. "You're bold too! Zehahaha careful I could just make you mine!" The man stated his crazed eyes boring in to her baby blues causing her very skin crawl. How openly he stared at her body causing something to build up inside her. Then something hit her.

She was proud, she was damn proud of her body, She was damn proud to be a marine being both capable of bringing justice and espionage. All because everything she has done, had helped Domino in one way or another. And she would be damned if some hair man made her feel like this. Not without a fight that is.

She raised an eyebrow and then shook her head. "I have met 100's of men like you. All think you can make me something I am not nor ever will be." She stated pushing past the dagger that had now pulled away as she approached the towering man before. "There is only one man who can speak so openly to me." She started taking another step forward. Seeing as the man now went wide eyed and backing off.

She was tired of being catcalled. She was something else. Or she wanted something else. She didn't know but this man didn't have the answers. No man would truly have the answers. Some things she would need to figure for herself. However having the guy she wanted would help her.

She whished she had painted her nails now as she pointed her finger at him. "And you will never amount to him." She stated in her authoritative tone. Pulling her hand back with a course of men clapping and cheering at this guy being told off.

She spun on her heels only to find a smiling fool of a Thatch pull himself away from the door frame he had leaned against.

"What do you want?" She asked him her anger audible.

He shrugged. "Just thought you might want someone backing you up is all." He smiled holding out his hands in defense before laughing to himself sending a glare towards the greasy haired man. "Teach can be a problem sometimes. Not something you should dirty your hands with." He added sending the large man known as Teach another silent warning.

Teach backed off with alight laughter hiding his embarrassment as he apologized to the now glaring commander.

Adaline let her smile show itself at how openly Thatch challenged the other man before he looked back down towards her. His face stretching to a happy smile as he held out his arms in a smug manor.

"But maybe I shouldn't speak so openly to you." He continued his jovial voice caring so much weight as she shook her head and looked away from him crossing her arms.

"No, you're allowed." She stated with closed eyes looking away with a light smile. She opened them in surprise as a rough motion of an arm being draped over her shoulder pulled her towards Thatch's eyes.

"I thought so." A wide and giddy smile on his face.

"So where is Jinbe if he's not here?" Adaline asked The man who continued to leave his arm over her shoulder. They had not moved from the front door deciding to use this moment to talk. Not only that she just didn't want to leave his side.

"I dunno, some marine ship called and told him to go to some island." He laughed. "You guys sure do pull his chain a lot huh?!" He added as Adaline looked down a hand thoughtfully place on her chin.

"Well, he made the decision, Dom did try to warn him." She hummed.

"Oh hey? I wanted to ask, whats wrong?" Thatch asked her watching as her face flashed multiple emotions before she let out a quiet hum. "Oh um nothing."

She then took in a sharp breath. Realization washing over her.

1. The whole reason they were even at this Island, was because Domino had destroyed one of the checkpoints, that give marines safe and quick passage back to HQ. All because they asked to search her personal belongings. Which before had never happened. Normally she would drink herself silly so she could pass through the islands peacefully. They were typically ridden with celestials visiting so she made sure to stay extra 'hydrated'.

2. Whole reason they were looking for the large whale shark Fishman was to have him escort the ship back to HQ due to an increase in attacks from a underground emperor named Raphael. Domino would normally take the attacks like she always did, but she said they were in no shape to take on another pirate group right now and Jinbe would surely help. Not only that. BUT SHE DESTROYED THE CHECKPOINTS!

3. The whole reason she was in this house was because Domino stated that Jinbe was in here. This whole thing was because Domino one way or another...

"God Damn it." She mumbled before putting a hand to her temples and giving a light wave of her plain unpainted nails. "She really played me this whole time." She smiled. Looking up at Thatch who gave a sheepish smile.

"Gotta giver her credit. She had ole pineapple fooled that she was hurting and everything." He smiled as Adaline shook her head. "No, that was real. Avery told us that even if she were to completely rest for two years some things would never heal." She frowned then took in a deep breath. "But she didn't care did she? She told you to come to me didn't she?" She asked with the frown still evident.

Thatch shook his head wrapping the small woman in his arms. "I had an Angel sense." She squeaked with a light happiness feeling warmth spread through her body. "Besides, a true man should never let a woman look so sad." He hummed tapping her nose lightly.

She let the simple touch warm her before she snapped her eyes towards him growing angry.

This would never happen point blank. She was not Domino. She was Adaline, a snipper. A first mate. A Marine...She took in a deep breath as she heard Thatch say something inaudible to her angry thoughts.

They are marines. No matter the reason for joining they are bound by justice. Now and forever. No matter the cost. They did not have time to play around with fantasies. Or did they?

Adaline grasped Thatch's hand with a tight tug before leading him outside the doors. He followed quietly. What else was he to do? She was clearly figuring things out and all he could do was be with her.

She took a sharp breath seeing a large crowd standing around what would be a visible scene to her if she wasn't so short.

"My money's on Marco!"

"Nah, i'm going weeds all the way!"

"No matter what, they're really going at it."

"Maybe we should back up?"

"Nah~!"

Quickly she looked around franticly for any way to get a better look and tapped her heel against the grass once more and let out an angry sigh.

"Damn it Dom." She murmured looking around still, it was as if every man towered over her. Of course the pent up and sober marine would throw herself to a real fight the first chance she got. That's all the woman ever did. And then she would leave Adaline to clean up the mess.

Always. Always. Always.

However, in her swirling anger she had forgotten that her hand was still clasped around Thatch's arm. Yet the gentleman put up with it. Even though she was sure if he knew what she really did he would never want to touch her again. But that wasn't a problem? He would touch any other woman. Like she other men. Then why was she so bothered.

She let go of Thatch's hand. However as she tried to pull away it failed to move. She pulled again with a furrow of her undrawn eyebrows and turned around lightly to see Thatch smiling while holding her arm in place.

"You didn't think i'd let an Angle escape that easily, did you?" He asked with a raised eyebrow and a swerve of the head. "They are very rare you see. And beautiful, so I think I'll keep mine for a little while longer." He smiled as her hand relaxed around his.

Adaline let out a soft sigh and pushed a strain of her flowing red hair and took in a deep breath. "Listen, I'll let this (she motioned to the two of them) slide because one way or another Domino's got a thing for him. (She pointed to the crowd) However, I am not so willing to be like that. So lets just agree that whatever has happened will continue to happen, and it'll happen with other people, as per my job requires?" She asked sternly as Thatch nodded.

Never mind the battle in the background. That didn't matter. The gentleman did. Why did he have to smile like the way he was? His scar (That she caused,) framing his eyes that showed nothing but warmth.

"So basically what you are saying is that you are head over heels in love with me and aren't just using me?" He teasingly asked her. He could see in her baby blue's that she was conflicted. He had figured it out before she had said anything.

She was a woman. A stunning woman, one of grace, agility, dependable, magnificent. She was remarkable in everyway. But it would be selfish of him to hold her on this Angelic pedestal. However he was still going to hold her. He would always hold her. Even if he held others as well.

Adaline nodded. "No." She stated matter of fact before turning. "i'm glad we can agree. Now to clarify don't get to attached." She smiled with a head nod. Content on confusing him.

Thatch leaned from side to side determined to make her laugh his eyes full of cheer.

"No, No, you mean aThatched." He smiled wide and pointing finger guns at her with a smile. "It's hard not to I know~" He continued holstering them and leaning in once more.

Adaline took in a very deep breath and tried not to crack a smile at how bad that was. But instead she felt his face closer to her as if forcing her to break. Her cheeks felt a rush of heat and her chest began to move on it's own preparing for laughter.

She blinked, he was closer. He was close, but she was not going to break.

She bit down on her smile and blinked again only to see his eyes directly in front of her.

Suddenly she was a fit of giggles, she forgot the woman know as the Femme Fatal, She was Adaline. Simply put. Her worth was not defined by just one lust filled aspect.

She didn't need Thatch, but his company was nice.

Thatch smiled with a triumphant call holding out his arms and cheered "The Angel's graced us with a smile!"

She rolled her eyes and lightly tapped him. "Please enough of that Angel stuff, I'm not...I'm not one." She murmured.

Thatch shrugged "And?" He asked raising an eyebrow holding out his arms. "Like I care, what you do." He scoffed before looking down at the wonderful woman before him leaning down giving a wide smile.

"Just whatever it is, don't let it bother you." He whispered her body watching him as her upper lip quivered. Quickly he tilted his head. "A woman should never have tears of sadness." He smiled before kissing her quickly.

Adaline let out a squeak before wrapping herself around him. Melting in the kiss.