Welcome back to the next chapter ;) It is like I said a bit of flashback chapter. But I also now knew which two commanders next. I'm kinda curious how people react to the ending of the fifth chapter before one asked. I haven't written it, yet. But I have a sweet little plan for it.

sdkop21: Thank you. Now I feel some kind of pressure that I do not succeed with the full potential ... but I'll do my best ^^

Shahana-G: Yep, Thatch is fun to write and from the beginning, I wanted him to be the first one who witnesses them kiss each other. The little kisses on the head or the cheek Izo and Jozu saw do not count xD

Different paragraphs? Mh~ I tried to format it a bit like I did on AO3. But it didn't work here like I want to... So I'll think I let it stay like this until I get an idea how to make it better.

Thatch won't be quiet with his teasing. That much I will tell ;)

Guest(02.03): Thatch can think if he wants to. But most of the time he is just blunt (like with telling Ace that they beat up his crew) and likes to play pranks. I can imagine him to be very serious if his family is involved. From the character, I'll guess he is a bit like Luffy. Everything is fine until you hurt his friends or family.

I didn't want it over quick. It is fun to think about different ways how they could find out. My personal favourite at the moment is Izo.

I searched my account-dates just for you. I did make an account there some time ago. But didn't really used it. It is already posted there and with this chapter, both sides are in the same chapter.

Thank you. It makes me happy hearing that subtle hints are adorable. It can be hard sometimes to write about them. Because it should be subtle, but still people who knew a bit of them should be able to pick it up if they watch closely.

Staticy Fox Atra: So curious how it goes on? ;) Well, this chapter will be posted on the same date on both AO3 and here. So there is no reason to switch;)

~Chapter 4 – How it started ~

Marco was annoyed. More than usual. If he didn't have Luffy on his lap, he would probably chase Thatch around the ship. But because of this sweet obstacle, the blonde was still in bed with his lover.

The cook sat on a chair in Marco's room and smirked. He seemed happy about scaring the blonde with breakfast in bed and then had the nerve to say: „I thought you would like it more that way. Since you two could have been busy, even if no one heard you."

Izo, who sat on another chair next to Thatch, looked apologetic at Marco. He didn't blame the cross-dresser. He knew how hard it was to stop Thatch sometimes when the cook made up his mind.

„Why, Thatch, yoi?" „Shouldn't I ask this question, dear brother? You didn't even tell me that you were even interested in someone. I always thought you weren't capable of a romantical relationship. I mean you stood in front of Boa Hancock and didn't even bat an eyelid. It was like you didn't care and we know that even Jozu did blush when we met her again." Thatch lip's turned into a pout. Marco groaned.

Why? Why did Thatch have to see them last night? He thought the cook was up in the crows nest and wouldn't be able to see them. Marco didn't want his brother to find out like that. He knew that it would be trouble this way. Because Thatch couldn't be quiet. It wouldn't surprise Marco if the whole crew knew by now.

„Don't bully, Marco. He is already thinking too much", Luffy said sleepily and snuggled more into the blonde. The boy's face was buried in Marco's chest while his hands were on the shoulders. A soft smile ghosted over the Phoenix's lips before he pressed them onto his lover's head for a short kiss. And for a short time, he forgot that the two others were in his room. But he stopped when he heard Thatch cooing.

„Look, Izo. They are so cute. I don't want them to hide." Izo elbowed Thatch before he said: „I apologize again for him. He already noticed something was up before he saw you two kissing. He even thought about a parental relationship." „Oi, Izo. You weren't supposed to tell them that." Thatch pouted again.

Marco shook his head lightly and felt Luffy giggling in his chest. Well, good to see one of them still have fun and was happy. He didn't like to see Luffy sad. He hated it.

„But I can't say that I'm also curious how it started. Your relationship, I mean", Izo wondered and Marco could see how Thatch's pout stopped and the redhead turned his full attention to the blonde. „And I want to know why you two hide it."

„Because Marco won't get any sleep if Ace know. We still don't know how to tell Ace about the relationship and I'm not sure about my crew either… So we decided to let it be secret. Even if it isn't easy. It's hard not to cuddle with Marco when I want to because people are there."

„And I didn't feel ready to tell you guys. Yeah, you are family and I know you got my back. But how to tell your family that you are in love with someone who is some kind of a friendly rival? I didn't know. I'm not sure yet how to tell the others, yoi."

„Just tell them. Anyone who disagrees gets to swim for a while!" Thatch looked serious. „Like you said, Marco. We are family and anyone who doesn't think you deserve that is an idiot and shouldn't be called family. I know I shouldn't probably break into your room this morning. But do you know how it feels to find out your brother is hiding something? I felt like you didn't trust me. So I had to get you back for that." Thatch's speech ended in a pout again.

Marco was quite surprised to see the cook pout so much. „Sorry, yoi…" The blonde did feel a bit bad for not telling his brothers. But he had his reasons. Thatch grinned. „That was all I wanted to hear. Now I want some sweet, sweet details about you lovebirds." Marco looked a bit angry at Thatch and hugged Luffy closer to him. Like he would have to protect his lover from the questions.

But the boy had a different idea. He turned in Marco's arms and leant his back against the blonde's chest. Marco wasn't happy with that but calmed when he felt Luffy's hands on his arms. „I guess we answer Izo's question and give you some details with that?", the boy offered. Thatch thought for a moment before he nodded with a grin.

„We somehow got together when Marco helped Rayleigh to train my Haki." Luffy then turned his head to look at Marco. The blonde sighed. He noticed the unspoken question. He should continue the story. „Nothing about this story leaves the room until we make it official, okay, yoi?" „I promise on my honour!", Thatch exclaimed and even put a hand on his heart. Izo chuckled but promised, too.

„I guess the right point to start is after the Paramount War, yoi."

-Flashback after the Paramount War two years ago-

Marco flapped his wings as he glided through the air. It was only a few days after they escaped from Marineford with Ace and Whitebeard still alive. Both were still injured and had to stay under the watchful eyes of the nurses. Which wasn't easy as Ace was worried about his little brother who got hurt deathly by Akainu and then disappeared with Jinbe and Trafalgar Law. Since then no sight was seen by the boy.

So the Phoenix volunteered to look for Luffy so Ace could rest, but the others had to be on their guard otherwise they would be attacked by another Yonko. They were already lucky that Shanks had stopped Kaido from interfering and helped a bit with their escape and the medical treatment for injured ones. Perhaps the redhead wasn't so bad.

But thinking about his family wasn't his top priority at the moment. Three days ago he started his search and yesterday he found a little clue with the newspaper.

The leading article and picture shocked him. Luffy had returned to Marineford and had rung the Ox Bell. Sixteen times. A sign for the new era. After that, the boy had disappeared again. But Marco knew this article wouldn't be enough to make Ace stay put. The boy had bandages all over his body. It was clear to see in the picture.

But it meant the boy was still in paradise. He had to be somewhere close to Marineford. Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to appear there again so quick.

So Marco decided to check the nearer islands. He also was careful trying to feel Rayleigh's Haki signature. As the newspaper said that the Dark King was with the boy during his second visit at Marine Ford. So it was a safe bet to ask him about Luffy.

He flew over an island, he believed it was called Rusukaina, in the calm belt close to Amazon Lily. He hoped, he didn't have to land there. Marco didn't want to be shot by the Kuja pirates. The blonde didn't believe they would be friendly enough to answer his question. Even if the pirate empress Boa Hancock seemed to have a weakness for Luffy and protected the straw-hatted boy during the war sometimes.

He was so deep in his thoughts that he noticed in the last moment that something flew at him. He dodged it only to see that it was an arm. A very long arm. Too long for a member of the Longarm Tribe. But long enough for a certain paramecia devil fruit user, who happened to be a certain logia user's little brother. The person, who Marco was looking for.

The Phoenix flapped his wings before he went down. He was careful to be not taken for a threat. The commander did not overlook the presence of Silvers Rayleigh, the so-called Dark King and formerly first mate of the Pirateking Gol D. Roger. He landed on a tree and watched.

There on the ground was Luffy and Rayleigh. The boy looked tired and didn't even noticed Marco. But Rayleigh did. The grayhaired man turned his head and looked at him. He grinned lightly. „So Whitebeard is curious about the boy, isn't he?" Luffy turned his head 180°. His brown eyes wandered to the tree and then up to the Phoenix.

Marco could see the confusion in the boy's eyes before he shouted: „Pretty bird!" And in the next moment, Luffy was next to him on the tree. „How is Ace? Is everything with Ossan? How is the rest?" The boy spoke with a speed that the blonde blinked a few times before he transformed into human form.

„Slow down, boy. Ace and Oyaji are resting. The nurses keep an eye on them. The rest is recovering, too, yoi." Marco looked at the boy. He could see the bandages around the body still showed how much damage the boy had gotten through the war and Impel Down. „But Ace is worried for you, yoi. And Oyaji, too. So I decided to check how you're doing."

Luffy grinned. „So Ace is fine. Did hear that Rayleigh? Ace is fine and Ossan, too." The boy jumped down and ran back to Rayleigh. „Now I have to get stronger for them, too. So they don't get hurt again."

Marco was a bit baffled but didn't show it. The boy was definitely interesting. The blonde jumped down, too.

„Marco, would you like to give us a hand? I think it would help Luffy with his Haki-Training." The Phoenix lifted an eyebrow. So this was the reason why Rayleigh was here with Luffy.

He sighed. He knew why Rayleigh would want him to help them. In his Phoenix form, he was some kind of a logia devil fruit user. Blunt attacks wouldn't work on him.

„I have to call Oyaji before I can say yes or no. I don't think it is wise if I don't report back soon." The blonde looked for his mini den-den mushi. The little snail was seconds later in his hands.

„Can I talk to Ace, too?" Luffy was next to him and jumped a bit up and down. He looked at the blonde with big puppy eyes. Marco groaned. The boy didn't need Haki-training. He already did have a dangerous weapon, his puppy eyes.

„If he is awake and the nurses don't have any problems with passing the den-den-mushi around, yoi." Luffy nodded. The perspective to talk with his brother seemed to lift the boy's spirit. The blonde turned his head to Rayleigh and the Dark King nodded. He dialled the number for the main den-den mushi on the ship and waited.

The den-den mushi ins his hands changed its face to the one of Thatch. „Marco! Good to hear from you. Ace is going nuts and the nurses are searching the sea stone on our ship to tie him to the bed."

Marco shook his head. „How is Oyaji, yoi?" „Wait a moment, I'll bring this snail to him. He wouldn't care if we wake him up to a talk with you." The den-den mushi's face got neutral again before his eyes turned yellow.

„Good news on your side, Marco?" „Hello, Ossan. Get better soon. Because I want to battle you when my training is over." „I guess, this answer your question, Oyaji, yoi."

The den-den mushi started to laugh and Whitebeard's laugh boomed over the island. „Cheeky brat. You got some of us worried. Your brother won't be quiet for long."

„Was that Luffy's voice?" Another voice was heard over the den-den mushi and the eyes turned grey for a few seconds. „Ace!" Luffy chirped his brother's name.

„Commander Ace, stay in bed before we tie you to it!" A strict female voice was heard. Some mumbles from Ace, more laughter from Whitebeard. It sounded like a normal conversation in the sickbay of the Whitebeard pirates.

Luffy giggled next to Marco and nearly fall over if the blonde didn't put an arm around the boy to hold him up. „Ace's Nakama are funny." The black-haired one stated.

The eyes of the den-den mushi's eyes turned grey again and had some tears in its eyes. „Luffy, you idiot. Why did you have to do that? I was worried about you! Don't you dare to do this again." „I told you. I don't want you to die. I'm your little brother. I don't want to lose another person."

Marco looked at his side. The boy's face turned from happy to sad. It didn't felt right to see this look on Luffy's face. His „mother-hen"-instinct, like Thatch like to called it, told him to hug the boy. Softly he hugged the boy closer to him. A confused look ghosted over Luffy's face before a small smile appeared.

„I'm sorry, Luffy. But the next time I kick your ass for doing it!" Ace's voice sounded more softly now. He really cared for his little brother. Marco could relate to that. He was worried most of the time for his brothers. So this call did not only do something for Luffy's and Ace's happiness. It also calmed his nerves that everything was fine without him on the ship.

„I'll get stronger and stronger, Ace. Someday I will be able to beat you in a fight. I promise you that. I will become pirate king and be strong enough to protect anyone dear to me!" Luffy's face was full of determination. It reminded Marco that Luffy was able to use Haoshoku Haki.

„I'm sorry to cut this conservation short. But Oyaji, Silvers Rayleigh is also here. He agreed to train Luffy in Haki and he asked me to help out with the Busoshoku Haki I think, yoi." The grey eyes of the snail turned yellow again. It also looked like it was thinking.

„Okay, but call us some time so we know that you are safe and also to make sure Ace can recover without being worried about his little brother." There was something from Ace in the background again, what they couldn't understand, but it did make the black-haired boy next to him laugh again. „Understood, Oyaji. Don't worry, Ace. Your little brother is safe with Rayleigh and me here. So stay put and get well, yoi."

„Bye-bye Ace, bye-bye Ossan, bye-bye Ace's Nakama." Luffy chirped and ended the call before Ace could get it again to speak with them.

So Marco stayed on Rusukaina with Luffy and Rayleigh. The blonde mostly helped out with training fights. The boy didn't really have good control over his Haki, yet. He could activate it, but when he then tried to punch Marco in Phoenix form it faded and went through his wings. The blonde could see that the boy was frustrated if he lost the fight. But it disappeared quickly and he ordered a rematch but until his injuries got better, Marco denied him more than one match a day. But that didn't stop Luffy from asking more.

Yeah, the boy could be an idiot. But he worked hard to get better. To get stronger. To be able to protect everyone dear to him. His face showed pure determination and this was a motivation for Marco to help him. Not only with Haki but also with the devil fruit. The boy didn't have much resistance to seawater or sea stone. Since there was no sea stone on the island, Marco took Luffy flying to get to a safe shore to train while Rayleigh swam to Amazon Lily for a few days to get new clothes for Luffy and fresh bandages.

Yes, Rayleigh swam the whole way to Amazon Lily. The first time Luffy and Marco saw that. The blonde had to hold the boy back otherwise he would have jumped into the ocean, too. Which wouldn't be a good idea since Rayleigh was already too far away to help him and Marco was a devil fruit user like Luffy. He wasn't sure if he would be able to stay in Phoenix form when he touched the water. But he really did not like to try finding out by letting Luffy jump into the ocean.

All in all, Marco didn't notice how the time went by. He first thought, he would only stay a week or two, but now it was slowly turning into the second month of him staying there and help Luffy.

He wasn't sure about his reasons. But he felt like he had to stay. His instincts told him that he was in the right place at the moment. He wasn't sure why. But even with all the training and the animals on the island, he felt relaxed in the boy's presence. He couldn't explain why exactly he felt like that. But he couldn't bring himself to care or think about it. Even as they were alone again.

Rayleigh was on his way to Amazon Lily again and it was raining. Marco and Luffy sat in a cave with a little fire. As the rain got harder, the blonde decided it would be better to find a dry place so they wouldn't catch a cold.

„Ne, Pineapple. Tell me about your Nakama." Luffy looked at him with a curious look in his eyes. Marco blinked a bit confused. „I want to hear about them. They were cool in the war. Especially the sparkle guy and the flower guy. And this big one with his fire sword and the one with his weapon, which seemed alive."

Marco lifted his hand to stop Luffy from rambling. „The sparkle guy is our third division commander Jozu. Diamond Jozu, to be precise. He ate a paramecia devil fruit, which allows him to turn his body into diamond. He is one of the oldest members. He was already there when Oyaji declared that Fishman-Island is under his protection. The one you named flower guy ist Vista. Flower Sword Vista. He didn't eat a devil fruit and is our fifth division commander. Before you asked our fourth division commander wasn't in the war. He was the one who was nearly killed by this traitor, which led to the whole war." Marco's fist clenched. Just the thought of Teach made him angry.

Luffy seemed to pick that up and sat closer to the blonde. The boy weighed his head to the left and to the right before he hugged Marco. It surprised the Phoenix. „Sorry… for making you remember…" His eyes widened. He never expected this. But he didn't refuse it. „It's fine, yoi." The blonde lifted his hand and patted the black hair before let it sink to his side again. Unsure what to do exactly.

The boy looked at him and grinned. „Good. Because I don't like my friends to be sad. It makes me want to beat the people who make them sad." Marco blinked. The boy didn't just tell him he would challenge Teach if he makes his friends sad. He studied the Luffy's face. Everything was clear to read. Yes, the straw-hat-wearing boy would challenge the one who was able to beat his big brother.

„Luffy, promise me something. Don't fight with Teach. If you see him, run away. But don't fight him. He gave Oyaji a hard time and would have killed Oyaji if Sengoku didn't start to fight the traitor's crew. Something is fishy about the Yami-Yami-no-mi. So promise me, you won't fight Teach under any circumstance, yoi." He met the boy's eyes with his one.

Luffy pouted and opened his mouth to protest. But Marco didn't want to hear the protest. He wanted to hear that he promised him. He didn't want the boy to fight Teach. He heard what the traitor said during the war about becoming king of the pirates. He knew that there would probably be nothing to stop them from fighting at one point if they didn't deal with him first. But he didn't want to hear it now that Luffy will fight against the traitor. His own instinct was against it. If the boy wanted to fight the traitor, he would kidnap the boy and hide from everyone and everything, just for the safety of the boy.

Before neither had a chance to think again Marco's hand was on the back of Luffy's head. Softly he pressed the boy to him. There was no resistance to be seen in Luffy's body language. The boy even moved closer himself and let his hands rest on Marco's shoulders. And then their lips met.

For a few seconds, they just stayed still. Not moving a bit. The eye contact was never broken. He noticed the light red blush which appeared softly on Luffy's cheeks. His hand slowly moved to Luffy's cheek and with his thumb, he brushed over it. Slowly their eyes closed and the kiss, which was mostly just touching each other's lips, developed into something deeper as soft movements were initiated. Luffy's arms snaked themselves around Marco's neck. One arm of the blonde found its way around the boy's waist and pulled him with a soft pressure into his lap while his other hand stayed at the straw-hatted one's cheek.

-Flashback ends-

Marco sighed and made Luffy stand up. „Hey, don't think we are down, yet. We only know how you two get you first kiss and damn it, you can't stop there!" Thatch pouted. It was obvious that the cook wanted to hear more. „Next time. Leave the room now, so we can get ready. Izo? Can you watch Luffy later? I'll have a little scouting mission. I should be back in the afternoon, yoi."

Izo nodded and then pulled Thatch with him. The cook complained a bit but didn't fight against it.

When the door closed, Luffy looked at Marco with a pout. The blonde groaned. „I'm sorry. But I already agreed before I knew you would come, yoi." Luffy folded his arms. The pout was still there. „The next island shouldn't be far away. I guess I can ask Thatch to fill a picnic basket and we will hide somewhere on the island. Sounds good, yoi?" Marco went closer to the boy who now seemed to think about the offer. „Will there be meat?"

The blonde chuckled. „Of course, yoi." Luffy grinned and jumped Marco for a hug with his arms around the blonde's neck. „But promise me something. No pranks against my division or the second division. Otherwise, there will lots of paperwork for me, yoi." He had warning tone in his voice, but he hugged the boy closer to him.

Luffy laughed. „Okay. No pranks against first and second division otherwise Marco don't have time to cuddle. Understood." He also saluted to him. The Phoenix laughed and kissed his lover softly on the lips.

It would be a long time for Luffy alone on the ship. Even if Izo was watching him. The boy was a magnet for trouble. But it should be fine as long as he stayed on the ship. Marco just hoped that their relationship is still a secret to most of the people when he comes back.

Normally I don't do author note's at the end. But a question, which is a bit important for the next chapters, even if it is perhaps a bit of a spoiler. Should Haruta be a boy or a girl? I know Oda said Haruta was a boy but I saw both in FFs. And personally, I'd like Haruta as a girl. But I let you guys decide ;)