I would've finished writing this earlier, but OPTC has a time-limited event and i've been playing nonstop. My fingers are developing carpal tunnel as we speak.

Anyway! Hope you'd enjoy and thank you for being patient during my vacation!

"Marco, you're scaring me,"

Quick as lightning, Marco shifted his glare from the screen of his phone to the side, and was quickly met with a whimper. Thatch was still cowering to the side, poorly trying to fix the pomp that Marco had inevitably ruined in their earlier scuffle, "I'm sorry, okay! I forgot that the groceries needs to be picked up by ourselves!"

Their housekeeper had taken the month off to visit her grandchildren in the neighbouring city, and while that was usually not a problem, with their hectic and often sporadic work schedule, it means that a lot of house work needs to be done by themselves, including grocery shopping. Thatch himself had proposed the idea of online shopping, which had gone quite well for the first week but the nearest one had contacted them specifically this week, saying that due to some roadwork outside, they would need to pick up their own stuff specifically for this week.

Marco had repeatedly reminded Thatch of this, seeing that he had to work from this early morning. Well, that and because he had to buy Spade's album, but like hell he's going to give his brother any more ammunition about his supposed obsession with pop idols. He doesn't have obsession with pop idols. Just Spade.

And it's not really an obsession, he just liked his songs and work like any other fan. Marco owned both physical albums and digital copies of them because he's old school and still liked physical disc. The digital copies was because he also needed something to listen to on the road, and phones don't really have disc players, do they? Okay, so maybe he had all of Spade's discography in several music playing platforms, but he also had all of the discography for 'Whitebeard Sons' in those same accounts.

Alright, so 'Whitebeard Sons' is his brothers' band, made in honour of their adoptive father and that's why he had their entire songs there, but he genuinely liked their stuff and that's the very same reason he had all of Spade's songs as well. He liked all of them.

Spade, real name Ace Gol-Portgas, was a newcomer in the entertainment industry, but in only 3 years he managed to become a household name on his own. He wrote and produce his own stuff, making it big when he released an EP in a music streaming platform under the username A/S/CE and gained recognition overnight. This brought attention to a recording company who signed him on, and the rest was history. His very first song as a signed artist under the stage name Spade went viral and platinum, and it was talked so many times in between his colleagues that it caught Marco's attention.

So he knew all of that because Marco also watched all of his various interviews and guest appearance in shows, but only because he's actually entertaining even outside of the music scene. Despite being in different circles of entertainment industry, Marco have heard of stories from here and there, and found that nobody really had something bad to say about him. That kind of genuine personality is rare to see in this sort of world, and it made him curious, that is all.

And well, he's also really, really good looking. And after seeing him in the flesh today, Marco knew that none of those polished and airbrushed posters he kept underneath his bed and on the very back of his closet will ever do justice to the real person.

…Okay, so he kept some posters too, and maybe a couple of merchandise and even ads featuring him, but he's more or less part-timing as a model these days with how many commercials featured him - he is a good looking man, after all, who wouldn't want that face to advertise their stuff? - that it's hard to keep track of which popular soda company didn't have him on their product for that year.

And so what if that ad was from last year and the soda company didn't release those Spade-advertised cans anymore? Marco forgot to drink it, that's all, that's why he still had it in his bedroom closet. To drink someday.

Probably.

Anyway.

Back to Thatch.

Thatch, who had so foolishly forgotten to pick up their order for today, even knowing and reminded repeatedly that if he didn't pick it up before noon today, the products will have to be taken back because his prissiness liked his meat and vegetables fresh and always demanded they shopped from the morning market instead of the usual convenience store or a chain market. But since he forgot, their order were indeed returned and resell, and that means Marco, after a script reading that went far longer than it should because one of the actor and a producer just couldn't get along, had to buy everything in their list before the store closes.

And thus making him late in buying Spade's special first week album, with the signature and the raffle ticket.

Which somehow, oddly, shocking, and horrifyingly, culminated to…

Oh dear lord, did today really happened?

"L-look," Thatch whimpered from the side when Marco levelled him with another glare for daring to speak during his distress, "I'm really, really sorry, okay? I had the date wrong, i thought that was going to be tomorrow! And i'm really grateful you brought the groceries, so i promise to buy you the album you missed out on. I'll buy you two even, no, three! D-deal?"

Marco glared harder, but looking at the sheepish grin and genuinely regretful look on Thatch's face melted him a little. Thatch had been using today to catch up some sleep he lost for the last few days, as one of the sous chef in the michellin-star restaurant, Baratie. His boss, Zeff, had been extremely tough on his staff due to an important reservation from some out of country dignitaries, and according to Thatch, the man had been up everyone's asses, especially to his poor son, another chef and sometimes waiter.

And besides, even if he had caused Marco to miss out on the first week album sale, he was not at fault for his true problem right now, so he doesn't really deserve Marco's ire.

Not much anyway.

Without replying, Marco placed his phone down and sighed mournfully. He had been staring and waiting for the last 3 hours now, jumping at every notification only to realize that it was mostly from someone about work and one time a mass message from Pops asking his children about dinner at his house next week. He can't believe he was ever that stupid; First, he broke his glasses - which he distantly remembered was actually his friend's - and then he waited around for him just to give him his phone number. Why does he think Spade would go through with calling him?

Just how crazy must he looked to Spade? And in front of his friends - though the man he recognize as his friend and manager - and whoever was on the street earlier. But mostly to Spade.

As Marco wondered what had become of his handkerchief (probably thrown away, but he hoped not; Rakuyo's wife had specially made that for everyone in the family and he'd hate explaining it to her the next time they met if that's the case) his phone vibrated. It was a text message, based on the short alert. Probably something else about the photoshoot he had to go to tomorrow from Robin, his manager.

"Marco?"

"Alright, alright," he sighed again, glancing back to Thatch with hooded eyes while he picked his phone up, "Just… start putting on reminders or something. You don't like eating out because it might be a 'health hazard'—"

"Hey, you never know what goes on in other kitchens and as a chef, i liked knowing where my food's been, alright?"

"—and i'm busy with work most of the time so i might not be able to help much around here,"

The text message on his screen was not from Robin, it came from an unknown phone number, with only the word 'hithe' written on it. He frowned, and was about to dismiss it as a wrong number when his screen suddenly change to alert him that he has an incoming call from the very same number. Confused, he picked the call up, and before he could even give a greeting, the person on the other side of the phone spoke cheerily.

"Hiya there, Pinea—"

"Luffy, i will fucking end you, you little shit! Give me my phone back!"

The first voice, a voice that could not be mistaken as anything else than a young boy snickered to the phone. There's a crash somewhere to the side of him, followed by more angry yelling that nearly drowned his next words, "Hi! This is really pineapple's number, right? The one whose face is everywhere in Ace's roo—" whatever else he was about to say was halted by a loud war cry, followed by a startled, choke yelp.

Thatch, who must've seen the growing frown on his face shifted closer, "Who's that?"

"I have no idea," Marco muttered to him, listening in to the muffled shouts and rather worrying sound of something breaking in the back, "I think it's a boy, who said something about faces and… pineapples?"

He might have also heard something about the name 'Ace', but there's only one person he knew had that name and he really didn't want to encourage himself just in case he got it wrong.

The phone went static until a harried voice came in from the receiver, "I'm so, so, so sorry! I'm sorry, i don't know what came over hi— Luffy, stop squirming!" the voice went back berating the now distant whining voice that Marco recognize as the boy who called and spoke first, and as the two voices continued to squabble, it took him a while to recognize the voice that he unmistakably only ever heard in his music players—

"Excuse me," he cuts in between the still commencing shouting match on the phone, "Is… is this Spade?"

Next to him, from his periphery he could see Thatch widening his eyes and staring at him with gaping mouth, while from the phone, the only voice he could hear was the boy, Luffy's begging to be let go until the other person spoke, "Um, yeah. H-hi… M-m-Marco,"

Oh shit.

Oh shit, oh shit, he didn't think this would actually happen. He's not ready for this, not his mind, not his mental health, not his nerves, not his brain, none of it is ready. Not a single cel in his body was ready to have his phone number actually used by and called by Spade, so it was with little surprise that the only intelligent thing he was able to come up with as a reply was a short, "Hi,"

If death could come now and take him away, he would be so happy.

Actually, no, give him just a few more seconds because, listening to Spade's singing voice had been nice - beyond nice, even - but hearing him speak now, even just through the phone was downright amazing. The lilt in his voice, the fact that he's a little breathless - probably from wrestling the boy from earlier - and no, this is not doing Marco's health any good. His heart is already thumping so hard he's surprised it hasn't burst out of his chest.

Just like now again, when he laughed slightly, still a little bit breathless, "H-hello,"

For a moment there, his cheeks hurts, and from his reflection on the mirror, Marco finally figured out why. If there was any better description for the term 'grinning like a cat that got the cream' compared to his face right now, he has yet to see it, "Hello,"

It never really registered to him - and after it did, Marco wished nothing but the ground to swallow him right then and there - but he and Spade might have exchange hellos 5 more times before he even realized what he was doing. He could only hope that Spade himself does not realize this, although it's possible that he's only doing it because he's just being polite, which made Marco feel worse.

"So," he finally said, after a series of throat clearing to stop himself from apologizing to Spade for the nth time for wasting his time with the multiple greetings like he's a broken record, "About the glasses…,"

"Oh, i really don't mind. It's... it was my fault for startling you—"

"But i was the one who stepped on them, so please, let me repay you and your friend who owns the glasses somehow. I'd do anything,"

Briefly, Marco wondered if he was being too pushy about this matter, because there was nothing but silence from the other side of the phone. He began to panic at the thought of Spade being irritated at his insistence, when a voice that does not belong to Spade and came distantly away from the other side piped up rather loudly, "Whoa! Ace, your face is sooo red! Like a lobster!"

"S-shut the hell up, Luffy!"

"Um, hello?"

"Huh? Oh! Uh…," Spade stammered over the phone,and somewhere in the distance, Marco caught the sound of Luffy and another unidentified voice laughing. Spade hissed at them away from the phone, before speaking again, "It's really okay, you don't have to," he said weakly, and Marco was about to offer again - or do anything to keep this precious call just a little longer - when he continued, rather demurely, "But if you really insist, actually, i do want to look for a replacement for my friend's sunglasses tomorrow. And um, unfortunately, i don't know much about brands so, maybe you can come along and help me?"

If Thatch wasn't there and if he wasn't consciously trying to give an answer, Marco would've slapped himself right then and there to make sure this isn't a dream. Spade said yes. And he's inviting him to go with him tomorrow. Which means Marco gets to see him again.

"Y-yes!" he said over-enthusiastically, and if Thatch wasn't already looking at him so weirdly, Marco would've gone and kick himself for being an idiot, "I mean, yes. I'd love to. I hope i can be of help,"

There's another long pause, but Marco didn't mind. Speaking is rather difficult when there's a grin so big on your face you're pretty sure that your muscles will stay locked in that position forever. The grin stayed as they agreed on a place and time, and exchanged goodbyes even longer than they exchanged their hellos.

Should Marco kept listening to his phone once Spade gave his last goodbye, he would've heard the singer screeching in disbelief on the other side of the phone. He was too busy screaming out on his own however, celebrating like a child who had been told that every single one of his favorite celebrations had come early that year and ignoring Thatch's quip about how he's beginning to worry about Marco's sanity.

Today was supposed to be great. Today was supposed to be the best day of his life for the last 30 odd years.

Today was not his day.

Due to his excitement from the day before, Marco had gone to bed early to prepare for the day, yet somehow he had forgotten to set his alarm and thus overslept. That early morning, he had a photoshoot promoting his newest movie, and it would have gone smoothly if his co-star hadn't been a diva who wasted everyone's time by throwing a tantrum because his assistant had brought the wrong coffee blend. That made him late to his second appointment of the day, a meeting with a movie director negotiating his being casted for the man's new movie starting next year.

The director had waved it off with a laugh, due to knowing Marco beforehand and understanding his excuse, but Robin had been less than forgiving. She was not angry, no, but she was disappointed and as a mother of one and the wife of the most unique man Marco had ever come across in real life, she knew how to weaponize that disappointment to ensure it won't ever happen again.

Late, tired and honestly a little downtrodden, this was not the state that he wanted to meet Spade in at all, and when he finally met Spade again in the quaint little coffee shop they had agreed on, his worries were confirmed.

If Spade's little disguise yesterday was actually kind of cute, today, he was just downright smoking. Leather jacket, open collar shirt, pressed pants, the entire nine yard, he looked like he was going to a runway instead of shopping in the nearest boutique mall like they had agreed on. The only saving grace Marco had was the light make up he probably still had on from the photoshoot earlier today, while his clothes had been a quick grab of the nearest things once he found out how late he was this morning.

He considered turning back around and lie about not feeling well, when Spade looked up from the phone he had been furiously typing on and caught sight of him.

Well, there's no turning back.

"Hi," he greeted as he approached the corner booth that Spade had chosen, away from the outside crowd that Marco had seen coming in were glancing this way. Not that he could blame them; Spade had forgone any disguises today, so it was obvious that many people recognize him. Even if they didn't, Marco thought it would be hard to ignore someone who looked like that.

"Hi!' the raven haired male greeted, his voice hitching slightly as he tried to sit up straight. There's a light flush on his cheeks - today is rather hot, and he's wearing a leather jacket - and his smile shows off his pearly white teeth. He cleared his throat, the flush on his cheeks raising slightly, "I mean, hi,"

"Hi—Let's not do this again," It wasn't meant to be a joke, Marco was honestly on the verge of being stuck as a broken greeting record once again, and that had been a warning to himself. Yet Spade must've caught it as one, because he laughed, a snort-chuckle combination that seems to startle even himself. The flush on his cheeks deepened even more , and with his eyes blown wide, Marco had to quickly sit down on the opposing chair to compose himself because just meeting him again was too much, seeing him making faces like that is an overkill.

The phone on Spade's side was repeatedly ringing with alert of new incoming text, in which after a while, was turned completely off.

"Oh no, if it's important, please don't stop on my account,"

"No! No, it's not important, it's—" he glared briefly at the phone, lips unconsciously forming to a pout and Marco had to bit his lower lips to stop himself from blurting out how that's so cute, "It's my stupid brother. By the way, i'm so sorry about yesterday. He… kind of stole my phone while i was distracted by my other brother - the traitor - while i was trying to call you,"

Ah, that explains why, "It's alright, i have brothers too, i know what it's like," Good thing the one brother that lives with him was currently scared shitless by him to try anything.

Spade grinned, "Yeah, i bet you do, with 15 of them. I only had 2 and they're already driving me crazy and i know that goes both ways," he chuckled, a laugh that slowly died down as he again, widened his eyes in pure horror, "I— I mean! Uh," now he was the one biting his lower lip, biting them in such intensity it made Marco rather worried himself, "U-um, everyone knows that you have a lot of brothers…?"

The way he kept flicking his eyes away reminded Marco of Haruta, the youngest of his brothers who is around Spade's own age, who had the very same habit of looking away when he's hiding something or just plain out lying. Marco was unsure what Spade had to lie about, but Spade continued and the thought left his mind, "In fact, aren't you related to the personnels in the rock band 'Whitebeard Sons'? I met them once in a music festival, and they're really cool and nice to me, showed me their matching tattoos and all,"

Ah, Marco actually knew about that, because the very next day, Kingdew, Atmos, Jozu, Curiel and Vista had individually taunted him over it. It was back when the fact of him being Spade's fan was first made known to the family, thanks to Thatch's blabbermouth, who had gone through his bedroom without permission and found the multiple albums and merchandises he had kept in there. There's a reason why he kept them in the closet now, which needed a key to be opened.

(They might also mentioned something about Spade being a fan of his, but that was probably another teasing.)

"Ah, yes, that's a tattoo shared by everyone in the family actually, excluding our adopted father. It was his symbol to begin with,"

"They told me something like that, and that everyone had theirs in different places, like the big one you had on your chest," Spade mused, before suddenly sputtering yet again, "T-that's what they told me anyway! I swear, they told me that themselves, i didn't ask them at all, no i don't!"

Spade was flicking his eyes away again and he was blushing so hard, Marco was worried he might pop a vessel. But knowing the amount of teasing and taunting that Marco had to endure from them that day, he wouldn't actually put it past them to do something like that, "It actually is, a rather big one that's almost as big as my torso, but not a lot of people know about it. They had to cover it most of the time in movies with concealer and i never had to go topless before for photo gigs,"

"…Shame," Spade muttered, or at least, Marco thought that's what he said. Must be his imagination.

They continued talking, mostly of the subject of tattoos (Spade had one on his upper arm, which he showed proudly by flexing his bicep. Marco had to wipe his forehead from any stray sweat several times) and family (The two brothers were not actually blood brothers, and Marco made the mistake of commenting how he thought that its weird since he knew Spade was an only child). It wasn't until a waitress, a motherly looking woman who addressed Spade by name, came over to ask them if they needed anything else that both of them realize that they had been talking for nearly 2 hours, and the mall will be closing soon if they don't hurry.

"I'm so sorry! It's because i kept talking about Sabo and Luffy, isn't it?!" Spade rushed as he sped out of the cafe, passing gawking bystanders with Marco hot on his heels, "You could've stopped me any time, you know! I wasted your time, didn't i?"

"No, i'm sorry too, i didn't pay attention to the time," And he was enjoying Spade ranting - but also gushing - about his brothers to notice anything else but the expressions he made, ranging from exasperation to adoration. Really, it might as well be both of their fault this time, "I parked my car not far from here, hopefully the traffic isn't too crowded,"

Spade stopped on his tracks and glanced to the parking spot outside of the cafe, particularly to a sleek and customised motorbike that Marco knew would make Fossa, his motor enthusiast brother grinning with joy. He took one look to Marco and finally seems to come to a decision, "Y-yeah, that's probably for the best. I'll just leave Striker here and ask Makino to take care of her for the night,"

"Striker?"

The blush on Spade's face came back, and not for the first time that day, Marco wondered just how red he could go, "M-my motorbike's name,"

One more point for adorableness in the already overflowing adorable point.

This is not good for Marco's health.

The drove off to the mall and arrived just in time towards the optic shop. Spade had wanted to first see if the glasses can be fixed at all, since according to him, it had been a vintage and one of a kind item that has a precious sentimental value to his friend. This particular optic shop still caters to the decade old brand, and after a long talk with the owner, it's decided that they can come back in 2 or 3 days to see how it is.

"I'm so glad!" Spade announced once they exited the shop, sighing, "Brook really loves that sunglasses. The owner of the company gave it to him and the rest of the Yorki's Rumbar Orchestra personally before they close down, and it's one of the few items he had left of them after every one in the orchestra passed away. God, i felt so awful, i wouldn't know how to explain it to him if we can't find someone to fix it,"

Marco blinked, "Wait, you're telling me that your friend if the famous violinist from Yorki's Rumbar Orchestra from 40 years ago?"

"Yeah, he's mostly friends with Luffy, but he taught Sabo, Luffy and i how to play instruments and he helped me created some of my songs until now. You know him?"

"Not him personally, but Pops was a big fan of them, still has most of their original vinyl records,"

Despite finding a way to fix the sunglasses, Spade still wanted to buy something to make up for swiping Brook's property in the first place, and Marco accompanied him from store to store, trying to find another sunglasses for him since apparently, the musician loves wearing them. He asked Marco's opinion from time to time, all the while trying it on himself, starting from a more normal looking frames to eccentric, gold plated ones. As they go through models and stores, Spade even began to try out outfits for himself, the way he looked through every aisle and the way he dressed himself was telling that this may be a hobby for him.

The more they spent time together, Marco noticed that the younger was a lot more relaxed, loosing the demure attitude and became a lot more outgoing, even sometimes posing in a silly way just to draw a laughter out of Marco.

Spade's image was mostly composed of a boyish cool charm, which Marco will sometimes admit that it was rather cute and fitting for his age. And he knows from experience that rarely does a celebrity's actual personality matched with their image in the media, but if this entire day had been Spade in his comfort zone and therefore, his actual self, then Marco is doomed. Doomed with a capital D.

Because in return, he was starting to relax and letting his guard down, he knows he's just going to start doing something stupid soon.

They left the mall near closing time, Brook's new sunglasses in tow from some famous brand Marco always hear Izou raved about as well as a couple of shopping bags for Spade. He had a healthy flush on his face, still laughing over some embarrassing story Marco told about his brothers - coincidentally the same brothers who Ace met back then, but that's mostly a coincidence - as they made their way to the parking lot.

Spade had requested to be dropped off in the cafe where they met, but Marco had insisted to bring him home directly, because it's getting late, and with how many things Spade had on him, it was probably best if he just drive him home.

"I know that technically today was supposed to be about fixing the sunglasses," Spade told him once Marco pulled up to his driveway, the drive over much too soon and much too fast for his liking, "But i really, really had fun with you today,"

Marco chuckled, briefly catching the shadow of two people hanging about on the window overlooking the house's driveway. The curtain lifted a little to reveal a dark haired boy with a scar underneath his eyes peeking at them, before being pulled back by a blonde man who Marco recognized from the day before, "Me too. Today's been the dream of every fan, hanging out with their favorite celebrity and driving them home,"

Spade giggled - giggled! Extra point to the adorable counter - cheerily, "Yeah, me too,"

Silence.

Marco was not sure why Spade fell silent, but he was too busy muling over his last words and fell into despair. There it is, the stupidity he had been waiting for.

"Uh," Spade muttered, sighing, "O-okay, so i haven't been telling you the truth. I'm… i'm actually a fan of yours, a real big one too. But i swear, i didn't invite you today because i wanted to take advantage of your offer! A-and when i said i enjoy spending time with you today, i really mean it, not in just a fan capacity," he said, the redness on his cheek blooming like a flower in season. He gazed at Marco pleadingly, as if begging him to believe him.

This time, it was Marco's turn to smile, "Yeah. Me too,"

Spade's eyes brightened at his reply, and Marco felt his heart, as well as his entire body melt into puddles, "So, see you next time?"

Apparently, Marco's brain was also in the process of melting, because it took him a while to process what Spade had said and even longer to reply, "Huh?"

The smile on Spade's face dimmed a little, and the blonde internally panicked at the sight of it, "W-well, i just thought that, since we had a great day today, maybe you we can meet up again? But if you— never mind—"

"No!" Marco exclaimed, his brain finally back to functioning and know that if he doesn't react now, this will be the worst ending to an eventually great day, "No, that is, no i don't mind! But yes, yes i'd like to meet you again. To talk, or to help you shop. Anything at all. I want to see you again,"

That was too desperate, that was way too desperate, now Spade will be repulsed by him, as if his awkward as fuck episode yesterday wasn't enough—

"Can you please wait here for a minute?" Spade told him as he exited the car, bringing his bags with him. He turned around holding on to the car door, "Give me a minute! I'll be back soon!" And with that he slammed the door close, hurrying into the rather modest looking house.

Reeling from the sudden change of pace, Marco looked around the house, noting that the two shadows on the window has now disappeared, probably once Spade walked inside of the house. The blonde briefly wondered over the possibility of Spade being weirded out by his attitude and was now calling the police or something similar, and contemplated calling Robin to let her know he might be detained tonight when Spade came back out, sans leather jacket and only a short sleeved shirt. He was clutching something in his hand, and it wasn't until he entered the car once more than Marco got a better look of it and widened his eyes.

In Spade's hand was the very same 'Longing' album that he had missed out on yesterday, witch a small golden sticker underneath that tells him that this is one of the special edition one with his signature and the raffle ticket included, "This is so lame, but i wanted to thank you for your help. I was usually allowed to keep one every release, b-but well, i think it's better in your hand than in mine,"

Gingerly, Marco plucked the case from Spade's hand, scanning the album from top to bottom, "Thank you," he said breathlessly, not even trying to hide the pure joy in his voice, "You don't know how happy i am right now, I'll treasure this, i promise,"

Spade smiled wider than he had the entire day, and again, redness bloomed from underneath his freckles, "I'll see you around? Maybe to pick up Brook's glasses?"

"Absolutely, Spade,"

"Ace,"

Marco looked up from the music album, "I'm sorry?"

"Call me Ace. I don't mind being called Spade, but i'm always Ace to family and friends,"

Family and friends.

Friends.

This must be it, when people say they can die happy.

"Alright then, Ace,"

Spa—Ace laughed. He exited from the car, holding on to the door of the car once again as he spoke, "See you soon?"

Marco smiled, "Yeah,"

The younger grinned, and was about to close the door when he opened it again, "By the way, when you come around next time, avoid Sabo and Luffy. They're liars. Don't believe anything that they say. Especially not about the posters in my room. Or a 10 gigabyte picture folder," he paused, face contorted to a sour expression, "Especially about the 10 gigabyte picture folder,"

Marco had a good dream that night, one that involved cute freckled face hidden behind funny looking fake beard and sunglasses. This dream was rudely interrupted by a none too gentle slap on the top of his head, which made him shout in pain and shock from being woken up too suddenly. As he blearily opened his eyes, through the still rising light from the window outside, Marco could see the outline of a woman looming over him, her arms folded over her chest and a friendly smile that he knew was far from being friendly aimed at him, "Good morning, Mr. Newgate,"

"Robin," he greeted stiffly, because something in her tone made his blood run cold, and the last one or two times she broke into his place this early in the morning with that smile and calling him with 'Mr. Newgate' instead of 'Marco' it hadn't been good, "What's going on? Why are you here?"

"I'm here because i need you to explain something for me,"

"Huh?"

Robin unfolded her arms, and from the crook she pulled out a stack of newspapers and magazine, all of them specifically opened in to a particular page. Marco sat up - briefly forgetting that he slept topless, but then again, Robin's used to it - picked up the first on the stack to find an explanation for Robin's appearance.

What he saw nearly bugged his eyes out of their sockets.

EXCLUSIVE

SECRET ROMANCE - SPADE' AND 'PARAMOUNT WAR' STAR MARCO NEWGATE CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF DATE:

CONFIRMATION OF SINGER'S SECRET ROMANCE SPECULATION? MORE DETAILS INSIDE!

As he wade through the rest of the articles from every magazine and newspaper Robin had brought, Marco was horrified to find that the first title had been the tamest of them all - one of the more trashy one called him a cradle-robber and he quickly moved on - and that there were photos included in every article, all of them obviously taken in secret. Most of them featured the pictures of Ace exiting his car, placed in sequence with him running back in, and one of them even featured a poorly angle one from the mall, during which Marco was trying to help Ace zip up a uniquely designed jacket but only looked like they were groping in public place.

"Now then," Robin's voice penetrated his deep panic, and as Marco looked up to see the positively terrifying smile on her, replaced that panic with deep fear, "Some explanation, Mr. Newgate?"

Writing this is a pure guilty pleasure tbh. Trashy magazines, rumours, meddling siblings, secretly crushing on each other. Boy.

Thanks for reading and thank you thank you for the comments and kudos, you guys! I'm really having fun writing this and i just hope you had the same fun reading this! Thank you!

See you next time and thank you!