Almost finished writing this story (over 30 chapters done by now). That's a relief. It means I can upload when I want to. Was very productive this weekend. And therefor you get this chapter now. I'm hoping to finish this story before the weekend. That means I will be able to concentrate on writing the other stories I got. I've already uploaded the two first chapters of another story I'm working on and I still have some request from my sister. Well, soon I'll have vacation and can write more.

So enjoy this chapter ;)

Lucinda and Ace trained hard. Or rather Lucinda wasn't soft on Ace's training and he got more than he asked for. She didn't wound him serious, but he was wounded. For him as a Logia user it was really annoying, but more annoying that she didn't use that much Haki at all.

"You've become stronger Ace –yoi," said Marco after a couple of hours.

"Thanks Marco, but this is sometimes too much," said Ace, glaring at Lucinda.

"If is too much, then maybe we should stop training?" she shrugged.

"No way. I want to be strong enough so I can take care of myself against the admirals and Blackbeard," said Ace.

"Then don't complain when I can hear it," said Lucinda.

Ace rolled his eyes and left. Lucinda could be very harsh and a strict teacher, but he could feel how much stronger he got, which encouraged him to keep it going. Marco smiled to her, knowing that she hated to be strict, but it was necessary. She smiled back.

"Care to spare with me? –yoi," he asked.

She looked surprised at him. He had never asked for a fight with her. He walked towards her, challenging her. She smiled and gave him a nod. He attacked her and soon they were lost in the fight. They didn't noticed that Whitebeard and others had come around to watch them fight, wondering why they fought. Even Yasopp, Roo and Benn had come. After three hours Marco fell on his back, panting hard, but was smiling. Lucinda sat on him, holding his arms and had locked his legs.

"I win," she smirked.

"You are really strong –yoi," he panted.

Lucinda also panted and smiled. However she didn't move, just gazing into his eyes, feeling her heart go faster. Marco held her gaze. There was a challenge hidden in his eyes. She could see it and she struggled. Wanted to take the challenge, yet afraid to do so. Afraid that she then would lose and not gain something. She bit her lips lightly. Then she gave in and leaned towards his face, still holding his gaze.

"You know me too well Marco. I should curse myself and just end my life, but then again, you won't let me, so now I'm your problem," she whispered, before kissing him.

A gasp ran through all around. Most hadn't expected or seen this one coming. Lucinda let go of Marco's arms, which he wrapped around her and forced her on her back, without breaking the kiss. Slowly their lips parted, so they could get some air. Eyes fixed on each other. Marco smiled.

"It was about time you let you heart run free -yoi," he said.

Lucinda smirked. "The same goes for you," she said.

Marco stood up and helped her. The others were now whistling and wooing at them. Only Whitebeard, Benn, Yasopp and Roo were silence, yet they had a fond smile on their faces. Marco and Lucinda kept holding each other gaze for a while. A smile played on the lips of Lucinda and Marco smirked.

"So Marco, is this alright for you?" she asked.

"It is. I do not care what others think, the fact about your age or the fact that you are stronger. I only care for you and your heart –yoi," he said.

She smiled happily and kissed him once more. He pulled her closer, ignoring the cheers from around. All he wanted right now was to be with her, feeling her close to his body and taste her sweet and lovely lips. He licked her lower lips gently, asking to get in. She parted her lips slightly and let his tongue glide in and played with it. He deepened the kiss and she moan lightly into his mouth.

"Naughty, naughty," she teased as the lips parted once more.

"I'm a pirate –yoi."

"So you are."

Lucinda turned around, looking at Whitebeard, who gave a short nod. Her eyes sparkled happily. She took the hand of Marco and started to walk. There was way too many around, but she missed one. Ace. He was not there and she wanted him to know. As she came to Benn, Roo and Yasopp, she let go of Marco for a while, before hugging her friends.

"Yasopp you are so going to give me something good for this, you moron," she whispered.

"And here I thought you would give me something for my help," he teased.

"Nah. It's your fault," she said.

"You wanted it. I simply pushed you. Like you did with Shanks," he said.

"Do I sound like that?" She raised her eyebrow.

"Yes you do. Now get lost. Whitebeard says you'll stay until tomorrow. You can see Shanks then if you want," said Benn.

Lucinda smiled and took the hand of Marco and walked with him towards the cabins. She knocked on the door of Ace, only to get a grunt from the young man. She sighed and pushed the door open. Ace lied on his bed and gazed towards the ceiling. He looked at Lucinda and then at Marco.

"So you fought?" he said.

"Yes," answered Lucinda.

"And you won?" Ace looked at her and she nodded.

"I'm not quite sure about that. I think Marco won," smirked Ace.

"We both won," she said.

"Saw it coming. Took you long enough though," said Ace.

"I know I'm stubborn, but I'm just starting to be a part of this world again. I stopped living in the shadows and now in the sun," said Lucinda.

"I know that. I was talking to the pineapple," grinned Ace.

"Oi Ace, just shut it -yoi," said Marco a bit annoyed.

Lucinda, shook her head and smiled, before she left with Marco. However he was tired of being dragged around, so he dragged her into his room and kissed her passionately. She wrapped her arms around his neck, as he pulled her closer. He loved her taste and her smell. He caresses her back, wanted to show her how much he loved her. He didn't know how to tell her otherwise. She moaned lightly. After the kiss, she laid her head on his chest.

"I want to enjoy this feeling. A feeling I haven't had for many years," she whispered.

Marco pulled her closer. "I have no rush –yoi."

She closed her eyes and smiled. It had been too long since she last felt this secure around a person. And she had felt it the first time she saw him, even though he didn't know who she was or that she existed. That had also been a reason why she never stayed so long at Moby Dick so Whitebeard could introduce her. She had been afraid of those feelings. Afraid to lose control. Afraid to be a part of life and to lose love once more. She somehow had known what awaited her here.

"Somehow you make me feel complete," she said.

He lifted her face up, so he could look into her eyes, before kissing her again.

"Pure and true love does that –yoi."

She smiled. "I guess I can't run anymore."

"I will always be here –yoi," he said and held his hand against her chest.

Finally. Marco and Lucinda are finally a couple. Do you think she can settle down? Well, you just have to read on to find out.

And don't think I've forgot about the revenge ;)