Hello everyone! Here is another chapter for this story!
I hope you will enjoy this chapter and that it is not confusing
Hope you enjoy
Read and relax
Shanks gave a hum as he was starting to prepare lunch, having promised Benn to make soup since it was a cold day. He didn't mind at all. Soup was perfect on a cold day, and they had a bit that they needed to use up. As he was about to start and boil the water, a voice behind him had him turn. "Shanks?" He gave a smile as he turned around, but it quickly faded when he saw the look Eustass had. He looked… worried, really worried. "Hey, Kiddo. Anything up?" The kid gave a small nod, coming more into the kitchen. "I'm… worried about Ace."
Shanks blinked, drying his hand a bit. "Why?" He knew things had been calm at Ace's house, Ace saying so, and he looked happy. Things were better after Marco and Whitebeard found out about him being homeless. But, he was sure Eustass had a reason to worry, seeing how connected the two were. "Emm…" Started the kid, "I don't know if I should tell… Ace didn't say anything… but still…" He gave a reassuring smile. "If you have a concern, you should tell. I'll see if I have an answer, and if not, I can call Marco and Whitebeard. Did anything happen at his home he told you about?"
Eustass shook his head a bit. "It wasn't about his home or family… but school I think…" Shanks gave a nod. He didn't know much about the school Ace went to. He was thinking of enrolling Eustass into it, so he had at least some familiar faces. Though he needed a bit more of home tutoring before he could enroll. "Okay. Did he say anything about school that has you worried?" He knew Eustass found school a bit weird still, but seemed to really want to go to school.
Eustass shook his head a bit. "I… He wanted to try my new sweater, and I let him. But, as he was changing, I saw his-" The kid got a frown as he was moving his hands over his upper body. "Upper body?" He supplied, seeing Eustass looking somewhat at a loss for words. Eustass nodded. "Yes, upper body. It had a lot of bruises, big ones." He gave a nod, thinking of calling Marco and Whitebeard to hear if Ace had had any problems with bullies. But, before he could think that more over, Eustass continued. "And when I asked about them- they looked painful- he said it was from a teacher. At something called after school practice."
Shanks blinked. A teacher? He knew Ace wouldn't have lied about that. He was now thinking of taking a call to work and asking someone to check on the school. "Did he really say teacher?" Eustass nodded. "Y-yes." Shanks shook his head a bit, hand moving to Eustass' shoulder. "I'm not mad at you. But, if it was a teacher, it is really important I know, so I can tell the right people. It's not okay for anyone, especially a teacher, to injure someone." Eustass gave a nod. "He said it was a teacher, that it was an accident, and a bit his fault…"
Shanks blinked. If a teacher had injured Ace, and then told Ace it was an accident and Ace's fault, Shanks would be sure to be the leader of that investigation, no matter if his one-year leave kept him from it. He nodded and gave a comforting motion on Eustass' arm. "I'm not mad, not at you. I am mad at the teacher if one did this. I'm really glad you told me, and I will make a call to Marco to be sure Ace is fine, okay?" Eustass gave a nod, looking a bit relieved. After completely making sure Eustass was fine, he went and told Benn to start up lunch. So he could call Marco, explaining why.
If it was a teacher at after school practice, it meant Ace would be with that person soon, the clock closing in on 1:00pm. He knew the after school practice started at 2, seeing as it was a Monday. He did wish Eustass had told him yesterday when Ace was here. But, he knew now, and he hoped it was enough. He knew Eustass had issues remembering it was not okay for others to injure them, having fought for themselves for long. He was starting to get that injuring someone was never okay. Unless someone hurt Eustass, or any of the other kids, then Shanks would be sure to kill that person. He didn't need to tell Eustass that.
When he told Marco what Eustass had told him, he could hear the man having a frown,especially when Marco mentioned Ace had had other injuries- scrapes, small wounds, losing toenails, and other small things- over the last few weeks. Ace always said it was an accident. Shanks didn't know, but he hoped this didn't have anything to do with a teacher, even though he had a feeling that was the case. Marco said he would leave to check on Ace while he had after school practice, seeing as he had a double after school practice day today. He also said he would call after having checked on Ace.
Shanks hoped nothing was wrong, that it really was an accident, although that sounded too far-fetched.
-x-
Marco gave a sigh as he stepped out of his car, hoping nothing was wrong, that this was all a misunderstanding somehow, that Ace was okay. But, he knew Eustass wouldn't have lied. So, why didn't Ace tell them? He would take that after this.
When he was out of his car, he was a bit shocked when he saw Thatch sitting on a bench, having said his name. "Shouldn't Curiel have gotten you, Thatch?" Curiel should have picked Thatch up, seeing as he was finished at school 10 minutes ago. Today was a short day and he had only one hour of after school practice.
The kid gave a nod. "Yeah. But he sent a message that he would be about 15 minutes late because of traffic. Why are you here?" That made sense, there had been bad traffic. "I am here to visit Ace, seeing as I haven't visited him at after school practice yet. How has school been today for you, yoi?" It was normal of him to visit his children in their activities, when they were allowed. He hadn't heard anything from Ace. He knew a few didn't allow parents. Thatch gave a nod and said his day had been fine, getting some hard homework he asked for help with later. "Did Ace seem fine today too?" Maybe Ace acted weird at school. Thatch gave a frown. "But, I don't have class with Ace today?"
Marco gave a small frown inside himself. He knew his children's school schedule, and Thatch and Ace had a 2 week school schedule. He knew they had gym together this Monday, seeing as it was a short day focusing on chosen subjects. They didn't have the same in those, except for gym. "What about gym, yoi?" Thatch tilted his head. "Ace always gets sent to the other building during gym, to the after school practice teachers since it's a gym thing. Didn't you know?" No, he did not, and wasn't happy about that. "Ace hasn't told me much about his after school practice; that's why I'm here, yoi." That was one reason he was here. Thatch gave a nod, seeing the reason in that. Thatch also pointed him to the building Ace was in, so he didn't need to ask someone. Marco gave a goodbye to his son, going to find his other son now.
When he got to the building, which was a large one, he was impressed with how it was on the inside. It was filled with mattresses, trampolines, pits with cushions, balance beams, wall bars, gymnastic bars, and more that he didn't know about. It was a lot of things, and there were people everywhere, both adults and children, him not seeing Ace at the first glance.
"Excuse me," Started a voice, Marco seeing a teacher walking up to him. "I haven't seen you here before. Parents, or family, are not allowed down here, but up in the gallery." So parents were allowed to visit. He could now see the gallery overlooking the huge room, people sitting there. He looked at the teacher. "I'm sorry, yoi. I haven't been here before. I'm Marco Fishback, Ace Portgas' guardian. I have a concern I would like to ask about." The teacher gave a smile. "Of course. I have wanted to talk to you, but haven't been able to send a letter for a meeting. I'm Nojiko, one of the main teacher coaches here. What is it that you have a concern about?"
Marco was glad the teacher wanted to have him in for a meeting, and would take that later. "Ace seems to have gotten some bad bruising on his torso, causing worry, yoi." The teacher Nojiko, gave a small sigh. "I apologize for that. Ace's main coach is sick, and his substitute, Mr Paul, doesn't know everything here. It was an accident where Ace got the wrong mattress when practicing his Piked Jaeger. It made his landing harder than it was supposed to be. I hope it doesn't look too bad; we made sure it made no damage." Marco gave a small frown. "Piked Jaeger?" The teacher gave a smile. "Of course, this would be new." She turned around and looked over the room, before pointing to the far end. "Ace is still practicing them, starting to get them too."
Marco looked where the teacher pointed, seeing a set of what he was sure was something called uneven bars. Ace held onto it as he was half leaned on it in the air, a mattress under him. A teacher was beside him with white hair, most likely this Mr Paul. He saw the teacher say something to Ace, before Ace hung by his hands, making movement so he was starting to swing, before going to a handstand. The teacher helped him to stand straight, before Ace swung around, turning around at the top with some help from the teacher before continuing. Ace was almost at the top again, him seeing the teacher crouching down and hands out.
Then, Ace let go of the bar he held, doing a somersault in the air, the teacher helping somewhat, before trying to reach the bar again. But, he just grazed it as he fell to the ground, stomach first. Ace looked okay when he stood up and headed up to the bar again.
Nojiko gave a hum. "It's hard, but he's getting it fast. He just has some issues with the catch after letting go." Marco gave a nod, amazed Ace managed to do what he had even done, without managing the catch again. "I didn't know he was doing this, yoi. He looks really good." Nojiko nodded. "He is. One of the reasons I would like a meeting. When do you think it would fit?" Marco would make time for this, so when the first option was available, he would take that. But, before he could say that, an extra loud sound was heard, Nojiko looking to her left. "Jensen, you okay?" Marco looked and saw a kid, about Ace's age, having fallen down from a beam. The kid gave a nod, telling he was fine, before going up again. Nojiko then looked back at him, asking when he wanted the meeting.
Marco answered he wanted it as fast as possible, seeing as he would make time for it. Nojiko suggested tomorrow at 3:00pm, before after school practice started. And after, he could watch Ace do his practice and routine to see how this was. He agreed on that, but before he could ask another question, another loud sound was heard. This time, Nojiko moved to a kid who had fallen off a beam too, seeming to be someone called Zorro as Nojiko asked if he was fine, the child clutching his leg as he shook his head.
As Nojiko walked there to check on the kid, Marco looked back at Ace, who tried to do the catch on the Piked Jaeger again. But, once again, he didn't make it. He was close though. When Ace tried again the next time, he made it, which had him proud, even Ace looking happy as a few clapped. It was an amazing trick. When Ace walked to do it again, he grazed the bar and fell to the mattress.
But, when Ace stood up and clapped his hands, on his way back up to try again, Marco noticed something red on his leg as he stood up. He gave a frown as he realized Ace was bleeding from his hand as Ace looked at that and the blood at the leg, most likely hurting his hand when he grazed the bar. He was about to go check on Ace, when he noticed that Ace didn't seem fazed by it and just showed it to a teacher, who bandaged it a bit. He was then sent back to the bar and teacher there. They would let Ace continue with an injured hand? He didn't like that. The teacher up with Ace, Mr Paul, told and motioned something to Ace before he started the motion again. And, this time, Ace managed to grab the bar, not seeming to be in pain at all, before letting go and going to try again. It was most likely to be sure he got the move in.
He was going to stop Ace from doing it with an injured hand, but none of the teachers seemed to be worried, and Ace seemed fine, even managing the catch. It was amazing. When Ace tried again, he didn't make it, barely grazing the bar again, before going for another try. As Ace did, Nojiko was back with him, Marco seeing the small kid who had fallen being up and trying again. "Now, Mr Fishback. Do you have any more questions?" Marco shook his head, he didn't. Nojiko then explained that they needed to go up the stairs on the outside to keep dirt from getting into the floor down here. As he didn't have more questions, he gave his goodbye, leaving Ace to finish his after school practice.
When he was out, he called both Whitebeard and Shanks, explaining what had caused the bruises. He also said that it was true seeing what Ace did, both of themglad it wasn't anything dangerous. As he had done that, he went and did a bit of shopping, needing to do something while Ace was still at school. When he was finished, using more time than he believed, Ace was already outside and waiting. When Ace got inside the car, eating a small piece of a granola bar, he looked at Ace as he started driving. "How was after school practice, yoi?" Ace just gave a nod and a "Good," not seeming fazed by anything, just looking normal like he always did. Marco looked at Ace's hand and saw it was bandaged around his hand, between his thumb and index finger, most likely tearing the skin. "What happened to your hand?" Ace gave a small hum, looking at his hand. "Did a wrong move and got a small tear. It doesn't hurt." It was good it didn't hurt, and he was sure of that since Ace still managed to do the move and catch. It was amazing to see, and he couldn't wait until tomorrow to see more.
-x-
When the next day came, he sat with Whitebeard and the teacher, Nojiko, having the meeting now. Nojiko gave a hum. "I'm glad you could come on such short notice." Marco nodded. "We had the time, our children are our main priority, yoi. I even had no idea Ace was doing this." Nojiko nodded. "Very few do, he wants to keep it silent I think, since it's usually a woman's sport. But why I wanted a meeting. Ace is good, he is excellent, and should be 2 levels up, but he can't without parent permission, and one guardian, or family member, an adult, needs to be here during practice as accidents can happen." Whitebeard nodded "I see. How good is he?" Nojiko hummed. "I would actually want to enroll him in our team, but again, needs parental permission. I want to have him in a competition. I am sure he will be with the top ones, as he is excellent at this." Marco blinked. Ace was? "He is? Why has he never mentioned it?" He asked, looking at Whitebeard, who sighed. "He is still opening up. Let's ask him after this." That sounded to be a good idea. Nojiko nodded. "There is still an hour left of after school practice, why don't you come and watch?" Marco nodded, that sounded to be good. "I would like that. And I would like to get him to his level and he can go to competitions, yoi." Nojiko nodded, bringing a few papers out. "You just need to sign this. How about you take it home and read it over. And we can meet again next after school practice, during the break." Marco nodded, that sounded good.
He folded the papers and took them in his hand, before he walked with Nojiko and Whitebeard out, heading to the after school practice building where Ace was, and they walked up to the gallery, to watch Ace. When they were, Ace was practicing the same as he had yesterday, and Whitebeard looked impressed. "He's good." Marco nodded. "He is, yoi." They then watched Ace practice, one time just going around on the pole, before he moved to fall down on his back on some mattresses. Whitebeard hummed. "I get he got bruised since he got the wrong mattress." Marco nodded. "Yeah. He fell on his stomach last time, when he moved to grab the pole again and didn't manage." They then watched Ace do a few more rounds, before he tried letting go and grab on again, missing the first few times, and when the 4th time came and he let go, he was too close and his legs smashed into the pole as he grabbed it. "You okay?" He heard Nojiko ask, and Ace nodded. "Yeah!" Ace then let go and fell to the ground on some more mattresses. As Ace was down and someone else moved to try the pole, Nojiko walked over to Ace, and spoke with him, and Ace seemed shocked as he answered, before Nojiko motioned towards them, and Ace looked over, seeming shocked before he waved with a smile, and they waved back. Ace then looked happy as he spoke with Nojiko, before he went back to practicing.
They then watched Ace practice for another half hour, before it was over. When they were done and headed outside to meet Ace, they needed to meet outside as they weren't allowed inside the gym room so they didn't bring dirt. When Ace came out, he was quick in hugging them. "Thank you for letting me do this! I got up 2 levels!" Marco nodded. "I know. You're also allowed to be in competitions." Ace blinked as he let go, before he gave an excited sound. "Yes! I would love that!" Marco nodded. "Why didn't you tell us about this? We could have done this weeks ago, if not months, yoi." Ace blinked. "W-what? You would have done that? I thought you wouldn't approve." Whitebeard shook his head. "No, son. You are so great at it as well. I wished I knew earlier. And, one of us, either Marco and I, or one of the older siblings will be with you when you do this, the coach said we need that." Ace nodded. "Yeah, I know. That was why I never got to this level, since I had no one." Marco nodded. "But now you have us, yoi." Ace smiled. "Yeah!"
The next weeks went by fine, and after 3 had passed, Ace was in his first competition, and Ace was really excited for it. And the competition came, being on a thursday- which was unusual as it was usually in the weekends, but this one wasn't- and he had joined with a few of his children, even Whitebeard joining them. It was really nice to watch as well, to see Ace do full routines, and not just one move here and there as it was in practice. Then as they were halfway through it, there was a break.
Marco felt proud as he walked out of the building, so proud of his son. He was leading up until now in his age group and level, and Marco just wanted to hug Ace and tell how amazing that was. He got why they needed to meet outside and not inside, as they didn't want sand or dirt on the floor. As he got around the corner to where the children and coaches exited, he could see Ace standing a bit away, back to them with his backpack on as he always had, scared someone would take it, clearly looking for someone in the crowd, Marco sure it was them and moved to hug his son, feeling proud.
But as Marco was some feet away, seeing Ace's face looking concentrated as it went over the area, Ace suddenly lit up as he smiled. And before Marco could react, just seeing Ace running away from him, Marco was not sure who he saw, maybe if he saw someone looking like them or maybe some of the kids had gotten away. But as Ace was a bit away, it was clear he was running to meet someone, who was heading for Ace as well, seeming to be a bit of an older boy with blond hair, looking thrilled as he ran towards Ace.
When the two met, Ace quickly lost his backpack to the ground as he hugged the blond kid, who hugged back just as tight, both looking ecstatic and happy, clearly being a happy reunion of a kind. As Marco moved towards his son and the other kid, they parted as he was just a bit away, hearing the blond kid talk. "You've gotten so good! Are you up for the beam routine too?!" Ace nodded excitingly. "Yes! I'm not the best, but yes! You?!" The blond nodded, and before he could respond, the kid obviously noticed him approaching them, Marco sure he had seen this kid before somewhere, not sure if that was a good sign or not. "Ace, who is your friend, yoi?" It had Ace turn around, still a bright smile on his face.
And the blond kid answered before he could. "I'm Sabo." The kid, Sabo, then looked at Ace. "He is new, and looks good. Did you…?" Whatever the question was, Ace seemed to get it as he nodded. "Yes! I got adopted some 5 months ago! Ehm, this is Marco!" Ace then looked at him. "And Marco, this is Sabo! We had the same after school practice before he went to high school." That made sense, and Marco moved to shake Sabo's hand, who gave a hum. "I thought you looked familiar. Marco Fishback? Fiancee to Edward Newgate?" That had Marco curious, who nodded. "That is right, yoi. How do you know that." Sabo snorted. "My father is Outlook III, he speaks about you now and then." Marco blinked. "He is your father, yoi? Is he here?" Marco didn't know he had any kids, and they spoke every now and then. Sabo snorted again. "Be here? Yeah right, he would rather eat rotten fish." Marco blinked, before he frowned. "Are you here alone then, yoi? I hope he didn't leave you alone here, that wouldn't be nice." Sabo quickly waved his hand. "Nah nah. He's a sucky father, but he's okay. He just doesn't care much about me, just work. And my substitute dad is here. Aka, my father's au pair who cares for me. And I am happy with that. Father's not so proud of this though, only when I'm in the championship." That didn't sound like the best father, but it fit how Marco had seen the man. But, as long as Sabo seemed happy with the au pair, that was fine.
Marco then smiled at Ace. "Before I forget," Marco then moved and hugged Ace. "I am so proud, Ace, yoi. That was astonishing!" Ace chuckled as he gave a hug back. "Thanks. I think it went fine, I'm nervous about the beam though." Not that Marco knew what that meant exactly, but Sabo seemed to do as he hummed. "What do you have issues with? Maybe I can help?" Marco then let go of Ace, who nodded as he turned to Sabo. "Yeah. The pinwheel, I have issues with it." That had Sabo nod. "Ah. Yes, I can imagine. See here," Said Sabo as he walked a bit away, looking behind himself to be sure no one was there, before he bent backwards, hands up and almost reached the ground. That was amazing and the blond was soft. "You need to go down as fast as you can. You can't jump into it, but you just need to move your hands down as you lift one leg, then the other follows as you get a good pose, and keep your back arched until your legs are back on the ground." Sabo did it as he spoke, and it looked amazing. Ace then moved to stand next to Sabo, and moved to try it himself, Sabo giving some pinpoints, before Ace managed it perfectly in his opinion. Sabo did clap to it. "Good! You're used to jumping in the summersault moves, this is more elegant, and the transmission can be tough. I remember my transition." Ace nodded. "Yeah. You're good though." Sabo gave a chuckle as he shook his head. "I'm older and have been doing this for longer. You're good too." Ace nodded.
Ace then practiced a bit more with Sabo, before they needed to head inside again. He kept his eyes on Ace the entire time, and when Ace wasn't practicing or being the person who was in front of the judges, he was looking at Sabo, who was a bit away, and Ace looked like he wanted to be as good, as Sabo was better than Ace, but as he had said himself, he had been doing this longer and was older.
The competition went by fine after that, Ace doing perfectly, just having one fall. Marco then watched as everyone moved to stand in the middle, the competition over and prizes were to hand out, before names were called, and when Ace's age group was and his level, Ace came in third, which was amazing. He had had one small fall, probably the reason he wasn't in first place. This was amazing. When Ace got his prize, he had a huge smile, before he went back to his spot as the one in first and second place went and took their prize. When it was over, everyone headed towards them, as everyone needed to change.
As Ace was close to him, he moved his arms out and hugged his son. "You did amazing, yoi! I am so proud." Ace nodded. "I am too, I'm glad I managed." Whitebeard then moved over and hugged Ace as well, giving praise. As they had hugged, Sabo was behind Ace. "You got in third!" Ace nodded, turning around. "Yeah! You got first though." Sabo shrugged. "That's me. I've been doing this longer. Be proud to be in third place, this is your first competition." Ace nodded, still having a smile. Marco then took a step forward. "This might be a bit childish for you, but it is how I word myself, but how about we arrange a playdate?" Sabo smiled. "I would love to! Let me just-" Sabo then moved to his bag and took a card out with two names and numbers on. "This is my number, and my au pair's number. Don't bother calling dad, he will just forward you to my au pair. He controls my life and actually cares." Marco nodded. "Thank you, we will be sure to call, yoi."
Sabo nodded, and before he could speak, a hand moved to his shoulder. "We should leave, Sabo. Your father is waiting at home." Sabo nodded. "Coming, Jacob." Jacob nodded and headed towards a car, and Sabo turned to them. "I need to leave, we're having dinner together today, but be sure to call!" Marco nodded, and Ace and Sabo hugged, before Sabo left. As Sabo was gone, Ace looked at him. "Can he come this weekend?" Marco hummed. "Maybe, we can call him tomorrow." Ace smiled. "I would like that a lot." Marco got that, and he would be sure to call, this Sabo seemed to mean a lot to Ace. Ace then looked at him. "Also, what's an au pair?" Marco hummed. "Basically a live-in nanny, often from foreign countries. I don't know where Jacob is from though, yoi. Couldn't detect an accent." Ace nodded. "Oh, makes sense." Marco nodded, glad about that, today was a good day and they had met a friend of Ace's.
But for now, he was proud of Ace.
-x-
Ace felt happy the rest of Thursday, and the next day went by fine, and as Friday moved by, Ace asked if they could call Sabo, and Marco said yes, making him glad, and Ace moved the phone to his ear, hearing it ringing, and it rang a few times before it was answered. "This is Sabo." Ace gave an excited sound. "It's Ace! Can we get together this weekend?!" He heard a hum. "I have practice. But hey! Come join us! We rented the entire gymnasium on west street." Ace blinked. "Let me just ask Marco." Ace then moved the phone a bit away, before he looked at Marco. "He's practicing on west street, but invited me. Can we join?" Marco nodded. "We can, yoi." Ace got excited with that, and moved the phone back to his ear. "I can join! I can't wait to see you!" Sabo chuckled. "Same here. It is boring to practice alone, so it will be fun." Ace nodded. "Yeah! Are we training alone?" Sabo hummed. "No. Trevor is coming, same with my personal coach." Ace blinked. "You got a personal coach?" He heard Sabo chuckle. "Yeah, my father wants me in the championships, so I got one. He is awesome!" Ace nodded, he looked forward to meeting this person.
He then spoke a bit more, before they hung up, and Ace was excited for this weekend. When he had hung up, Marco looked at him. "He has a personal coach, yoi?" Ace nodded. "Yeah. His father wants him in championships. Sabo likes him." Marco nodded. "And that's good. How would you feel about a personal coach?" Ace blinked. "But… they are really expensive." Marco gave a breath. "We've been through this. You're not supposed to worry about money." Ace felt unsure. "I don't want a personal coach." Marco hummed. "Because you don't want one, or because it is expensive, yoi?" Ace didn't answer, not wanting to lie, and Marco chuckled. "You're getting a coach. Just for once a week or every other week, yoi." Ace gave a small nod. "O-okay." Marco then moved a hand to his shoulder. "We worry about money, not you, yoi." Ace nodded, Marco said that often. But how could he not worry? It was money and they shouldn't waste it. "I just… don't want you to waste it." Marco sighed. "And I won't. You really enjoy this, and I want to see you happy and get even better, yoi." Ace nodded, he was glad about that as well. He really did enjoy it.
-x-
Marco stood in the park and watched the kids play, Eustass being here too and Shanks was with him and they were just chatting, when Marco wanted to ask something and looked at Shanks. "How are things going home at your place, yoi?" Shanks gave a breath. "Better. Eustass has had some real issues." Marco nodded, he had guessed that. "Like what?" He was curious if it was the same as Ace. Shanks sighed. "For one, he didn't sleep in his bed for 5 months. He slept on the windowsill. He said it was too weird to have a bed. I felt so bad for him. He never remembers having a bed before me. Except those few nights at the church, but they weren't really good beds, not soft." Marco nodded, that made sense in a way. "Ace is so worried about money, scared we will waste it, yoi." Shanks nodded. "Yeah. It's like food for them. Scared we will run out. Oh God, food, That has been hard." Marco nodded. "Yeah, still sometimes small breakdowns, he hates throwing food out, yoi. And just so scared to lose everything and anything, he freaked one morning when he couldn't find his jacket. So scared he had lost it." Shanks nodded. "Eustass still hides food, I wish he could trust us that we have the food." Marco sighed. "It is hard. We gave him a travel fridge, so he can keep some food." Shanks blinked. "That is a good idea! I am borrowing that idea." Marco nodded. "Go ahead. How is it going with enrolling Eustass in school, yoi?" Shanks moved a hand to his face. "The school is like 'he's never gone to school, he can't just start in the middle of the year without starting first grade'. So annoying." That did sound annoying.
Shanks sighed. "But I am fighting to get him in. He is really smart." Marco nodded, he hoped it would turn out well for Shanks. They then stayed at the park for a bit more before they headed home, and after a week, Marco walked into Ace's room with Whitebeard, having a surprise for Ace, as their plan was finally done and open. When they got inside, Marco looked at Ace. "Hey Ace, we have a surprise for you. Not only you, but many others too, yoi." Ace blinked. "What?" Marco chuckled and brought out a pamphlet and showed it to Ace, who looked it over before he blinked. "Oh, it's a shelter! There is a new one? That's nice. Is that the surprise?" Marco nodded. "Yes, see the name." Ace had opened it instantly and not read the front.
Ace blinked and closed it to read the front, and blinked as he did. "...Ace's House of Hope? Why is it Ace?" Marco chuckled. "Because Whitebeard and I made it in your honor, yoi." Ace blinked again and looked at him. "You… you made a shelter? How many can use it?" Marco hummed. "It can fit 200 people, but it is made for 50 females, 50 males, and 50 children under 17." Ace blinked and read the pamphlet, and when he had, he looked at him. "You made it in my honor?" Marco nodded, moving a hand to his cheek. "I never gave it much thought before I got you, that many live on the streets, and I want to help those. So, I made it in your honor, yoi." Ace blinked. "T-thank you. That's very nice. Now it is more than just the church for children." Marco nodded. "Yes, we wanted a place where they can feel safe, yoi." Ace nodded and looked glad.
Ace then gave an 'oh'. "I need to tell Eustass! Can we visit it?" Marco nodded. "We can on Sunday, okay, yoi?" Ace nodded. "Yay! This is probably a nice place!" Marco hoped it was, as he wanted to help this city. He hoped this would work out well.
-x-
Marco saw Ace running inside the shelter with Eustass and gave a gasp as he was inside. "This is huge! Much larger than the church!" Marco nodded. "Yes, it is. It needed to be large, yoi." It did, as many needed help. Eustass gave a small laugh. "It has toys!" Said the red haired kid as he went to the play area, Ace also heading over. "This is nice! I hope people will use it." Marco hoped for the same. there were already people here, and he guessed it would take some time before the news reached everyone. For now, he hoped this place would be used well, and they did need workers here and he and Whitebeard would have interviews with people and find the best ones to handle this place. And he hoped to hire those who knew the life, or if that was an impossible task.
A week later, Marco gave a breath as he read the newspaper. It was an entry about Moirah Gekko, who had gotten sentenced to life in prison without parole, in a generic prison. He had hoped for a death sentence, not this. And it was Judge Andrea who was the judge on it, and she was known to be stern, but wasn't now for some reason. But anyhow, they would have the woman over for dinner in about a week, them having dinner now and then together, as they were nice people.
When they were over and the kids had left the table, Marco gave a breath, looking at Andrea. "I was a bit shocked when Moirah Gekko only got sentenced to general prison for life. I hoped for a death sentence, yoi." It had been a week since the verdict was placed and he was sent to prison, the trial taking weeks for some reason. Andrea hummed. "I am not supposed to say I know of this, but I trust you. I know very well what happens in prison to child abusers and child molesters. He'll be dead within a month, if not, he will wish he was dead." Marco blinked, before it dawned on him. He had heard about child abusers and molesters being treated badly and often killed. "Really?" Andrea nodded. "Had I sentenced him to death, he would be held alone in a cell, not be around people who do vigilante justice against these people." Marco nodded and that made sense. "Thank you." Andrea shook her head and smiled. "No problem, I wanted him to suffer." That was good. Andrea's husband gave a chuckle. "I am glad I married you, I don't want to be up against you." Andrea hummed. "You should be. I would have won easily." Both of them chuckled, they were really nice to have over, and he was glad Judge Andrea had been on this case. As most would probably have sentenced him to death, but he might still get a death sentence if Andrea was right.
A week later, Maro hummed as he read the newspaper. Moriah Gekko killed in a prison fight. Was the headline, and he read the input, which said how it hadn't been a quick death, which was what the man deserved. He moved the paper to show it to Whitebeard, who gave a hum as well. "That's good." It was, it was really good. "Should we show Ace, yoi?" He was unsure if they should. Whitebeard seemed to be thinking it over, before he shook his head. "I think we should ask Deuce. I am unsure." That sounded to be the best.
He then called Deuce and told the news, which had the man hum when he mentioned showing it to Ace. "I think it might be good for him to see he got sentenced like this, but maybe not that he was murdered. That might be too much. In his mind, that man didn't do anything wrong." He got that, and was glad he had asked. He then got on his phone when he hung up, and got the news about him being sentenced and moved to Ace's room, finding Ace who was doing some homework, looking up when he saw him. "Hi, Marco." He gave a hi back and moved over to Ace and showed his phone. "I wanted to show you this, yoi." Ace blinked and looked, frowning when he had read it. "He went… to prison? Why?" Marco sighed. Ace was still not realizing he was doing wrong. "Because he did wrong, yoi. He should never have touched you or been with you." Ace blinked. "But… I didn't know it was that wrong…" Marco nodded. "It was. He was a sick man, sick in his head, yoi." Ace blinked. "He… was?" Marco nodded. "Yes. He was."
Ace seemed to have issues processing it, as if not understanding the man did wrong. He moved his hand to Ace's shoulder. "No one is allowed to touch children like that or make them do what he did, yoi. That's why he is in prison." Ace nodded slowly. "Okay…" He moved his hand to Ace's cheek. "He did very wrong, one day, you will realize that, yoi." Ace nodded slowly, still looking unsure. He really did hope Ace would realize he did wrong. But for now, Moirah Gekko was dead, which was good. He didn't deserve to live. Ace was fine, and that was the most important.
-x-
Marco sat in his car and waited for Ace, who had after school practice and had a double one today, while the others had only one, so he was the only one Marco was picking up. He had been with Ace in the building but had left for the car while Ace changed. He saw Ace coming towards the car and he started it. And Marco frowned when Ace moved to sit on the passenger seat, eating a granola bar. "Where did you get the granola bar, yoi?" He hadn't sent one with Ace and the kanteen was closed on Mondays now. Ace hadn't had it when he last saw him. Ace hummed as he looked at it. "Got it from my teacher." Marco frowned a bit more. "Miss Robin?" Ace shook his head. "No, Moira." Marco nodded. "Who's Moira?" He had never heard about a Moira. Ace hummed. "She's sometimes my coach in after school practice." Marco nodded. "How often does she do it, yoi?" Ace gave an unsure sound. "Now and then. She's not always my coach." Marco nodded. "How long has she done that, yoi?" Ace shrugged as he took a bite of the bar. "About 2 years." They had had Ace in their family for 8 months now, so this was from before. Marco nodded. "That's very nice of her, yoi." Ace nodded. "I know." Marco nodded, that was good. "Have I met Moira?" Ace thought for a second, before he shook his head. "I don't think so. She's not a full time coach, but she's really nice."
Marco nodded. "How often is she your coach?" Ace shrugged. "Maybe once or twice a week. Sometimes once every 2 weeks." That wasn't often. "Has she ever given anything other than granola bars, yoi?" Ace gave a hum. "Some rare times, money. But not only for me! She does it to everyone as a reward!" Marco frowned. "What?" Ace nodded. "Yes, when we have issues, she sometimes is like 'if you manage in 3 or 5 tries, you get 5 or 10 dollars'!" Marco blinked. "She does?" Ace nodded. "Yes, it is the same for everyone." Marco nodded. "Same with the granola bars, yoi?" Ace gave an unsure sound. "I don't know…" Marco moved his hand to Ace's leg. "It is fine, I just wondered, yoi." Ace nodded. "Okay." When they got home, he told Whitebeard about Moira, and it had the man hum. "She sounds nice." Marco nodded. "She does, yoi." She really did and he was glad Ace had her as a coach now and then.
Two weeks later, Marco walked into the shelter and saw people working at the meal section, making the meals for those who needed it. It wasn't just limited to the ones here, but they served as long as they had food, if that was to 100 or 500, it didn't matter, people needed food. As he was checking things over, he heard someone yell behind him. "Moira! More salt!" He heard a yes as a response, but it had him turn around and look at a young blue-haired woman, who was standing by some large casseroles, having a volunteer shirt on. So, he headed over and looked at her. "Are you by any chance Moira and a coach at a school, yoi?" The woman hummed. "Yes, I am actually. How do you know?" Marco nodded. "My son goes to that school, you often give him granola bars," He was about to speak more when Moira gave a small chuckle. "Oh yes, Ace. He is such a sweetheart! I knew he had something to do with this place, since it is called Ace. I know you're the owner here." Marco nodded. "Yes, yoi. Ace really likes you, I didn't know you also helped here." Moira nodded. "I was homeless as a child, with my mom though, and I want to give something back as these places kept me and her alive."
Marco nodded, that made sense. "How are you a coach too?" Moira nodded. "I was a gymnast before we became homeless, and then started again when I got to university." Marco nodded. "That's nice. Do you have a full time job, yoi?" Moira shook her head. "No, I have two part-time jobs. One at the school, and one as a health care worker, which I majored in. Both are 25 percent jobs. I didn't go to a good school, so I have a hard time finding jobs." Marco nodded, he knew about that, that the school one went to had an impact on if you were wanted.
He looked at Moira. "Not the best paid one, but how would you like a job here? You can fill in the last 50, or all 100, I can arrange it, yoi." Moira blinked. "You… you would do that for me?" Marco nodded. "You're a good person from what I have heard from Ace, and you have first hand experience of being homeless, meaning you know that life, yoi. I want to hire those who know about that life." Moira nodded. "That I get. I would like that. My health care job probably has shittier pay than this place, just using people. Would a 75% job fit your requirements? I would like to keep working at the school as a coach. It actually pays well." Marco nodded. "I will arrange it, no issues, yoi. I am not sure how your living arrangements are, but this job opens special housing for a lesser price." Moira blinked. "It does? That would be really nice! I currently live with my mom and step dad." If she only had two small jobs, it wouldn't be enough to afford a house or apartment, but this might help her. Moira seemed really glad about this, which he got. She must be a nice person to volunteer and also give away the small things she made to encourage the children and buy granola bars for Ace. It must only be Ace as she instantly knew who he meant.
He then brought out his card. "Here, send me an email with your information, and I will send over a contract, so you can read it, yoi. And then we can meet next week here, on Monday at 7pm, if that works for you." Moira nodded. "It does, I really appreciate this. I don't know what to say." Marco shook his head. "Keep working as you have and I will be happy, yoi." Moira nodded. "I can and will do that." That sounded good. He then went on to what he needed to do, before he went back home and then told about Moira, which had Whitebeard nod. "That's good, we could use more health care workers." Marco knew that. "I know, and she is kind and knows that life, yoi." Whitebeard nodded. "She sounds perfect." She really did. Now, they had one more worker, which was great, they did really need it.
-x-
A week later, Marco looked at Ace, who had a sad look as he sat on the couch, so Marco moved a hand to Ace's leg. "You seem down, Ace." Ace blinked. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." Marco shook his head. "It's okay. But is there a reason?" Maybe he could do something to lift Ace's spirit. Ace gave a sort of sad look. "It is… Trevor's birthday." Marco frowned. "Is that a classmate, yoi?" He knew everyone is their class, but he had never heard about a Trevor though. Ace shook his head. "Oh, no, he was this really nice guy I know. I know I probably shouldn't miss him… but I do." It took a second, but he realized it was someone he was on the streets with. "Why do you think that, yoi?" Ace shrugged. "I mean, I got adopted… I shouldn't miss that life…" Marco shook his head. "No, you don't miss that life, but you miss the people you were with, yoi. You're allowed to do that." Ace blinked. "I am?" Marco nodded. "Yes. You are. If you want, we can try and visit him? If you know where he is, that is, yoi." Ace nodded. "I do! He is always on South Street!" Marco nodded. "How about we head after school tomorrow, yoi?" Ace nodded. "Yes!" Ace looked happy, which was good.
When the next day came and he picked Ace up from school, they headed to South Street, and he parked the car, and as he had, Ace moved out of the car and ran towards a man who sat on the street by a tent. Who looked up when he heard Ace's footsteps and moved to stand up. "Ebony!" Ace gave a laugh. "Trevor!" Said Ace as he hugged the man. Marco moved out of the car and moved towards them as they parted. Trevor had sliver hair and looked to be in his late 20s. Trevor looking at Ace. "I was sure you'd forgotten about me, I haven't seen you in months." Ace shook his head. "No! I would never! I got adopted!" Trevor blinked. "I am so happy for you. That is great!" Ace nodded. "I know!" Marco was then close and Trevor looked at him, before he looked at Ace. "I guess that blond guy adopted you." Ace nodded. "Yes! This is Marco!" Trevor blinked. "The Marco? The one who helped build and fund the new shelter? Wait, Ebony, your name is actually Ace. That's nice." The shelter had been functioning for 3 months now, and he wasn't surprised the man knew about it. Marco nodded. "Yes, yoi." Trevor nodded. "It's a nice place. Was there for a week after my surgery. Nice place, own spots for children and females. Even a few health care workers. Really nice." Ace blinked. "Oh! You got the surgery?!" Trevor nodded. "Yes. My knee is finally better."
Ace gave a glad smile, and Marco moved his hand a bit. "You know you could stay there more than a week, right, yoi?" Trevor hummed, and motioned to his tent. "Nah, I got a tent. I just needed some help after my surgery as I couldn't move well. Better to let those who need it more use it. I'm fine here." Ace hummed. "Well, yeah, but the winter does get cold here." Trevor nodded. "I got a new sleeping bag, so I am fine. Got this small settlement from the state since they messed up with my surgery before. They finally admitted it." Ace blinked. "Nice!" Trevor nodded. "Yes, it was nice. Might soon be able to afford a small place for a bit. Maybe through winter." That sounded good. He was about to speak when Trevor hummed. "I also read that Moirah Gekko died." Ace blinked. "He… died?" Trevor nodded. "Serves him right for what he did." Marco blinked. "You knew what he was doing, yoi?" Trevor nodded. "Yes. Tried to tell the cops, but they never listen to the homeless. Tried when Ebony told what he did." That he sort of knew, that the homeless were often brushed off. He wished they had listened to him, maybe Ace wouldn't have been there 4 times.
Trevor then looked at Ace. "But what about Crocodile?" Ace made an 'oh no' look, and Trevor sighed. "You haven't told about him, have you, Ebony?" Marco was now scared there was another molester out here. "Who's that?" He asked, and Ace shook his head. "He gave me money!" Marco was about to say that wasn't a good defense, when Trevor spoke, looking at Ace. "Ebony, I need you to realize that they are insane! They were mean and wrong, and giving you money is no good defense. You need to open your eyes and realize they are bad people." He agreed completely on that, glad Trevor said it. Ace gave a lost look. "But… I got money…" Trevor shook his head. "Not a good defense. Not as insane as Moirah, but not a good person." That might be good. "What did he make you do, yoi?" He asked Ace, who looked lost, so Trevor spoke. "Drugs. He didn't do them, but sold them, got the kids to help him. Never liked that man."
Ace hummed. "Maybe Eustass- Copper- told his adoptive dad? He got adopted by a cop! A detective!" Trevor blinked. "I am really happy for you guys." Ace nodded. "I am too." They should try and get this man behind bars, but that he could take with Shanks later, and looked at Trevor. "How would you like a job, yoi?" Trevor hummed. "I don't want special treatment just because I know Ebony." Marco shook his head. "Not just that. We need more people at the shelter, I would like to hire those who know that life, yoi." Trevor blinked, and Ace did a small jump. "Say yes! Say yes!" Marco hummed. "It is not the best paid job, but it is a job with pay, yoi. And since it is a shelter, you can get special housing for a better price." Trevor blinked. "It would be nice, but can you do that?" Marco nodded. "I am the CEO and owner, I choose. How about we do it formally? You come in for an interview, maybe Sunday at noon, and we speak more then, yoi. We can meet at the shelter." Trevor blinked. "I would like that, but I don't want special treatment." Marco shook his head. "We are searching, and have already had a few interviews, but none seemed to fit. You do, I think, yoi." He really did think that.
Trevor nodded. "Sounds good, we'll meet then. And oh!" Trevor then moved to his tent. "I got something for you, Ebony! Was going to give it to you long ago, but you disappeared." Ace blinked. "You got me something?" Trevor nodded as he took something out of his tent, a box. "Here." Ace took it and opened it and took a small glass dome with a flower inside. "It's so pretty." Trevor smiled. "I know you like flowers and saw it and just needed to get it for you." He knew Ace liked flowers, and it was obvious Trevor cared for Ace, and he did seem like a nice man, the reason he offered the job. Trevor and Ace spoke a bit more, and after a bit, he moved a hand to Ace's shoulder. "We need to go home for dinner, Ace." Ace blinked. "Oh. Okay." Ace then moved to hug Trevor. "I'll visit you again!" Trevor chuckled. "I would like that. I've really missed you." The two then parted and Marco shook the man's hand. "We'll meet on Sunday, yoi." Trevor nodded. "Looking forward to it." They then left.
When they got to the car and started the drive, Ace did wave when they passed Trevor, who waved back. As they were driving, Ace checked out the glass dome with the flower, seeming to really like it and he could see it had a blue flower in it, most likely a hydrangea based on the shape. "He seemed nice, yoi." Ace nodded. "He is. He has always been so nice to me. I really hope he will take the job." Marco nodded. "I do too, he seemed to fit well, yoi." Ace nodded. "Yes, he's really smart too. He has helped me a lot with homework." He did seem like a smart and calm man.
When they got home and had eaten dinner, he told Whitebeard about Trevor, about the meeting and how he had offered the job, which had Whitebeard nod. "I like that you might have found someone, we really do need more people." Marco nodded. "Yes, and he seemed nice, even bought a flower dome for Ace, yoi." Whitebeard nodded. "I want to join this meeting, I want to meet this guy." Marco nodded. "You should, he was nice and I hope he says yes, yoi." He really did, and he would try and invite the man for dinner too.
When Sunday came, he and Whitebeard had the meeting with Trevor, and he just seemed to fit in perfectly here, and Whitebeard agreed to. So, when the meeting came to an end, he looked at Trevor. "This is it, the meeting is over, yoi." Trevor nodded. "So, I get a message when you have decided?" Marco shook his head. "No, I would like to end this with; when can you start, yoi?" Trevor blinked. "You mean that? Both of you?" He and Whitebeard nodded, Whitebeard speaking. "Yes, you would be a perfect addition here."
Trevor blinked. "Oh, seeing how I have no other job to quit, I can start anytime." Marco nodded. "How about tomorrow? It is a Monday, yoi." Trevor nodded. "I would love to." Marco nodded. "Perfect. Show up at 9am, and I will have someone assigned to you to show you what to do, but I am sure you will do great, and then you work every other weekend, if that is okay, yoi." Trevor nodded. "Sure, I have nothing better to do." Marco nodded, that was good. But before he let the other one go, he wanted to ask one more thing. "Also, if you have the time, I would love to have you over for dinner in a week's time, yoi." Trevor blinked, but nodded. "Yes, I can do that. I would love to." That was good. They then ended the meeting with a contract, before he let the man go.
When Monday came, he got an update at the middle of the day from the manager there, who said Trevor was a perfect addition, and just knew everything and more. Marco knew he would be a good addition. When Sunday came Ace was excited for Trevor to come, and when he came and was let into the house, Trevor moved in and gave a whistle. "Wow, this is a huge house." Marco chuckled. "Many children, so it is needed, yoi." Trevor nodded. "I get that." Trevor then looked at Ace. "Can I see your room?" Trevor then blinked and held a hand up. "And I am not trying to be a creepy old man! I am not! I am genuinely interested!" Marco chuckled. "It is okay. You can show him your room, Ace, yoi." Ace nodded and showed the way for Trevor, and he walked after.
When they got to the room, Trevor whistled again. "Wow, amazing. Hey! You still have this!" Said Trevor as he motioned to a small jewel. Ace nodded. "Yes, I really like it. I think it brings me luck." It was one of the few things Ace had had with him. Trevor blinked. "Huh, glad you liked it, kid." Ace smiled. "I really did! Like the flower dome! I know you gave me one before, but it got stolen…" Trevor shook his head. "That's not your fault, Ebony." Marco nodded, he agreed, it wasn't Ace's fault. Ace then showed a few things, before they headed down to dinner, and Trevor was a really nice guy and it was clear he cared a lot for Ace. When dinner was over, they just sat and chatted for a bit, and everyone seemed to like Trevor.
When evening came, Trevor left, after giving a hug to Ace, and Marco would try and invite him over more times. He was a really nice guy. He was really glad Ace had had Trevor when he was on the streets. Ace had been very good at caring for himself and finding good people to be around. He was also glad he had gotten Ace in his family.
And that's the chapter! Hope you enjoyed!
If you enjoyed this and want more, be sure to leave a review! There can always come more chapters, or I can use my One Shot Series to make more!
If you have any ideas, don't be afraid to share them!
I hope you enjoyed, and if you want to, I do love feedback, so don't be afraid to leave a review, or send a PM!
If you also want to, I have a Twitter, my name is Azuruko, and I have a discord, my tag/username is Azuruko#5250, as well as a server (Instant invite: discord . gg / 6hzMhbR) where everyone is welcomed! Updates is also posted there, both on discord and on twitter