Hiya! The increase in followers left me humming all day. Sorry it took me a while to update this guys. Here you go.

This chapter is dedicated to Ecarlates, who is such a sweetie. Always reviewing and whatnot...Merci Beaucoup.

Disclaimer: One piece does not belong to me.

Chapter 5: Plans..

Okay, so maybe he wasn't in love.

But, apparently, he was in the very early stages of it. He knows this now by courtesy of his best friend/brother Thatch, self proclaimed 'love guru'. Yes, that's what he called himself...he had calling cards for it and everything.

Marco had taken a cab back home to find Thatch standing at the front door of their shared apartment, waiting anxiously to hear the rest of whatever Marco had started to say on the phone before he had dropped the phone in his dinner, a bowl of soup, due to shock. The look on his face had made Marco wished he hadn't called him- he told himself he did it due to overexcitement. Thatch's face had been a mixture of curiosity and inquisitiveness and Marco had immediately grimaced. He hated nosy people.

But then as Marco had tried to rush past him into the apartment, Thatch had seen the rosy bump on his best friend's forehead and his expression had turned into one of concern. He'd asked how he got it and Marco had shrugged it off, reluctant to disclose it's source. But at the sincere look of concern on Thatch's face, and the knowledge that he'd keep bugging him until Marco confessed, he'd given in.

So he'd told Thatch what had happened. The whole chiz...and he sorta wish he hadn't, because Thatch had laughed.

A lot.

Marco, though uncomfortable, had decided to wait it out.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry", Thatch managed to say, his voice sounding muffled since he had tightly covered his mouth to try and stop laughing. To calm himself down, he closed his eyes, took a couple of deep breaths and then started to hum monotonously for a moment. He opened his eyes but as he did, his gaze landed directly on Marco's bump and then he exploded into laughter again, falling backwards into the couch this time.

For Marco, regret had started to settle in...maybe this had been a bad idea. Embarrassed, he got up to go to his room, but then Thatch, still laughing, grabbed his arm before he could leave and sat him back on the sofa he'd been pushed in earlier.

In between bouts of snickering he'd managed to say,"Okay, I'm good, I'm good...I swear", he'd added at Marco's doubtful look. Then said, a little more seriously,"Oh my goodness! Why would you even say that?!"

"I dont know, I was confused, yoi!"

"And she just...?"

"...yea" He replied solemnly.

"Well, you totally deserved it", he chuckled. "You don't imply to a girl you just met that you want to be rolling in the hay with 'em. It's such a shame"

"Yea, you think I've ruined it?"

"No, I mean it's a shame I wasnt there, I missed the whole show" And added quickly as Marco shot him a glare, "And also I would've helped you out, bro. Damn part time job...Dont worry", he said as he patted Marco's shoulder "It's not too late. Dont give up, man"

Marco knocked his hand aside,"Who said I was?"

"Well, after what you told me happened, I wouldn't be surprised if you did. I mean it sounds like she must think you're pretty despicable. Just like any other guy, only thinking with what's in your pants. Heck if I were her, I'd never want to see your face again" Thatch said brutally. He saw the slightly panicked look on Marco's face and added,

"Hey relax Marc, don't be too upset over this. Sounds to me like it's just a crush, not love. That's too presumptious", Thatch said all professional-like, like a doctor laying out a patient's diagnosis.

Marco was a little doubtful. What he felt for Anne didn't FEEL like "just a crush". It was very strong, strangely forceful...and unexplainable. But it was also very new, and right now it was making him all sorts of confused. He was, he'd admit, a novice when it came to these matters. Some, like Thatch, were obviously gifted with it whiles others were simply not, himself included. It didn't mean he was giving up though, oh no. Now where'd be the sense in that? He wasn't a quitter, wasn't raised to be one and frankly, it'd cramp his style.

But he wasn't an idiot either. He knew he was an amateur. And he didn't want to make the same mistake twice. Going in unprepared had been foolish...and painful. He'd been thinking on his way home. If he wanted to succeed in getting Anne, and he did, he needed a game plan. He needed help from someone he could trust, someone close, someone who could keep a secret and frankly, someone who'd done something like this before. So, before he made things worse with Anne, before he dug in more of the hole that already reached his chin, he'd quell his embarrasment and ask for help. And who better to ask for help than his own brother. It's not like he had many choices, and maybe he was, kinda, helplessly...desperate. So he did what he thought was best and asked for a little help.

Thatch had been too pleased for anyone's good."Finally! I get to be wingman", Thatch proclaimed and pumped his fist in the air. Marco had just rolled his eyes and gotten up to get something to eat from the fridge in the kitchen. Thatch followed him and leaned his hip against the closest counter and scrutinizingly looked at Marco before saying,"To get help from the 'Love Guru', L.G needs to know one crucial thing. Is she at least hot?" His best friend had suddenly dropped the tupperware bowl full of cold lasagne onto his left foot and had clutched it in pain. Thatch knew his red face had nothing to do with the pain. He'd gotten his answer.

'Oh, this is going to be so much fun' he'd thought as he turned around and headed back towards the living room.

0-0-0-0

Thatch had first of all suggested Marco try to gain the trust of the immediate people around Anne.

"You said she had a brother, right? Make him the first target on your trust list"

"How'll that help?"

"The brother likes you, the chance of her doing so is elevated" He'd replied. It made sense.

So he'd decided he was going to have a little tête-a-tête with his junior the next day. And that was why he was currently scanning the lunchroom for a mop of dark hair among the various types of heads currently filling the large space. He spotted him, among a bunch weirdly coloured-haired kids by the far wall. Abandoning his lunch tray, he walked over.

Luffy and his friends had been laughing at something funny Zoro had unknowingly said when he spotted Marco heading over. His mood had switched immediately, something that hadn't gone unnoticed by his friends. They all turned to see the reason why as Luffy got up to speak to a certain blonde guy, probably a senior. He looked like a senior...

"If you're coming over to tell me you want someone else to be assigned to help me with my project, don't bother. I completely agree. I had even already decided to see Mihawk-sensei after school", Luffy started without preamble. He crossed his arms and finished with "It's for the best", he leaned and whispered,"pervert". He raised his eyebrows knowingly at Marco. Looked like Anne had decided to share. Nevermind, it wasn't why he was here anyway.

Marco countered with an unconcerned look and said,"Oh wow, I was actually just coming over to tell you about this great idea I had last night for your project. The project theme is 'The Sea And Romance', right? I have the perfect idea, something I thought you'd absolutely love" With raised eyebrows Luffy dropped his arms. "Too bad though, it seems I'm really not needed here" He patted Luffy's arm and said seriously, "But hey listen, good luck with your new partner, whoever they'll be" and had turned to leave, before Luffy had promptly grabbed his arm before he could fully turn around and leave.

"Hm?" Marco asked innocently. Luffy seemed to be considering something for a moment before asking, tentatively,"Exactly what idea did you have in mind?"

Marco tried not to make it obvious as he smirked victoriously.

0-0-0-0

"I love it!"

"I thought you would"

"It's perfect. Why didn't I think of it before?!"

"I don't know yoi. Just let go of my shoulders"

"Sorry...I'm really glad I decided to meet you after school to hear you out. Guess it was worth it"

"Do I look like the kind of guy who'd ask you to talk just to waste your time?"

"No, you look like the kind of guy to make moves on people's sisters when they're not around. Shishishi...and looks like the blushing kind too."

"Whatever. Just remember-"

"Yeah yeah...you and the idea are a package deal. In turn, YOU just remember Marco, none of that ridiculous crap you pulled before, alright?"

"Sureee...Umm,did you tell your sister? That I was sorry?"

"Huh? Uh...yea...after we laughed our asses off at you. Seriously, dude, you're by far the worst she's ever told me of"

"Hmph...did she at least give a positive reply?"

"Well, she shrugged it off. Not like it's the first time it's happened. I'm currently the only one whose around to prevent scenes of that sort from happening as much as possible. It annoys her, ergo it annoys me. Some idiot's always trying to get with her. You included."

"..."

"If you're worried, don't be. Fortunately for you, like me, my sister doesn't hold a grudge for too long. Listen, I gotta bounce, see you on Monday?"

"Yea, sure. Careful on your way home yoi?"

"...Don't tell me what to do..."

0-0-0-0

"So?" Thatch asked as Marco entered kitchen. He had headed home earlier than his brother since Marco had told him he needed to talk with Luffy and had suggested Thatch head home first. It was one of the few days he had off at . He was currently smothering wheat bread with strawberry jelly to make a sandwich, his focus like a surgeon during surgery.

"Well, Operation 'Get Luffy To Like Me' is well underway" He told him, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge and gulping some down. It was really hot out today.

"That's good to hear. He still seem mad?" He licked some jam off the tip of his index finger.

"At first, but then I told him about the idea and he seemed to even forget about wanting to punch me earlier this week", Marco shrugged.

"Wow, that was pretty fast, but then, I guess that's what we were hoping for. Should be glad..." He bit into his now finished simple sandwich. "Mmm.." He looked at Marco questionably,"Do you want one?" Marco made a face and shook his head. Wheat wasn't his most favourite thing to eat, although Thatch kept convincing him it was way healthier than normal bread. He just couldn't develop a taste for it. He guessed it was a case of one man's food being another's poison. Thatch just shrugged before continuing with his meal of wheat and jam. Marco couldn't watch him for long.

"I think I'm going change and head out yoi" Marco said as he pushed off the counter and headed to his room.

"To?" Thatch called after him.

"The café" He called back."Wanna come with?"

"On my day off? No way. I've got video games with my name on 'em" He took another bite. "You go solo, maybe next time"

"Okay then" Marco said as he shrugged into his shirt."Later then."

0-0-0-0

The bell on the top of the door dinged pleasantly as Marco walked into 'Café Le Blanche'. The familiar smell of coffee, baked goods and sugar assaulted his nose as he took an appreciative whiff and moved further into the establishment before taking a seat by one of the large glass windows that faced the street. It gave him an open view of people and cars as they went by. It was also his most favourite seat in the whole place.

Café Le Blanche was a quaint set-up of cream and light-brown coloured walls that was located right between the city and the suburbs, making it never too busy or too empty. It always had the perfect amount of customers-to Marco at least-so he made it his aim to visit there at least once every week. He enjoyed the feeling of going out without the constant buzzing of people in his ears. It always made thinking difficult for him, and he liked thinking. Not that he disliked people, he just enjoyed his solitude more-unless he was with really close friends of family. And so it was no surprise that he liked the queitness of this café. Plus their coffee and pastry was amazing.

His musings were stopped short as a waitress finally approached his table of one and asked as was customary,"What can I get you sir?" in a voice he'd recognize anywhere in a heartbeat. He looked up in time to meet Anne's startling grey eyes and to see her polite look turn to surprised recognition and then to suspicion.

All he could do was stare back dumbfoundedly as she gave a weary sigh and said," You've got to be kidding me."

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A/N: It was kinda tough writing this chapter, for reasons I don't even know. Isn't that crazy. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. If you have any questions, I'll be more than happy to answer them. Please remember to review.

DW: 25/04/2015