So guys, here it is. The epilogue of 'Until they notice'. Before I start to ramble(because I don't want any ending author notes^^), I want to say Thank you.
Thank you to the people who wrote comments and also to the silent supporters, who favoured/followed the story on fanfic. net and those who left Kudos on AO3. It really means a lot to me that so many were/are interested in this story and that you like it. Especially since I was kinda worried (at the beginning) of not being able to write it well enough, because, I think I said it before but now again, English is not my mother language. So yeah, really thank you
For the bonus chapter. I will upload one a week. Haven't decided on a day, yet. But you will see. The bonus chapter will be published in this story and only when I have all published, I will mark this Fanfic as complete. I am not sure how many it will be. I have some baselines done, but I don't know yet if I don't split them a bit (as one prompt, but two chapters). But remember that this is officially the last chapter.
So now I can proudly present the official last chapter of 'Until they notice'. I hope you enjoy it.^^ But wait, we have the 5th May (at least in my country). That means HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Luffy^^
To Shahana-G, remember your comments in chapter 6 till 8 and my answers to it. Let's see if you can find the idea I got there ;) I wonder if you thought about it.
CelineB: Even if I said it before. Again thank you for your support =)
Mythelfa: That's really good to hear^^
xD so I made it really subtle it seems how Ace noticed that something was up, I didn't even want to write it down directly. I'll copy the part for you.
"But his eyes always wandered to Marco who sat next to Ossan and looked amused over them. He wondered if they would get some time to say good-bye without anyone there. Also, there was something, he felt should say to the blonde, before he started his journey in the New World. Luffy didn't notice that Ace stole some meat from him. Only when his brother started to laugh, which led to a food fight."
Luffy would never let anyone just steal his food. Also, I don't think it is very easy especially meat. But Ace would notice something is up at that moment if it was too easy to steal food and Luffy didn't notice it. He didn't notice that there is a possible relationship, he only noticed how his brother seemed to be more interesting in watching Marco than eating his food. He did not know that they were dating until they told him, he just came to the conclusion that Luffy was interested in Marco possible romantically as he thought about it longer. (Does the explanation sound logical? If not just write me^^)
More people finding out? That sounds like a good idea for a bonus chapter ;) But if I do this, I will probably keep them shorter and put more than one in a chapter. Just be surprised if it does happen ^^
Shanks knows already XD He was there when Blenheim found out.
But no more people finding out in the epilogue expect one and I can tell you that the chapter will start with his PoV and wasn't your numeration ;)
Also to your statement about the new story, if I am in good mood, maybe I spoil a little (even if I normally avoid that to don't disappoint you when I change my mind about certain things) in the last or in the second-to-last chapter :-P Well, I guess somethings won't be much of a spoiler. I already said it on AO3, that my next big project will include MarcoXLuffy again. Seriously I will go down with this ship. They are too cute together^^
mymzsandraa99: no sequel planned. It wouldn't work with my plans at the moment. So sorry, but there will be a few bonus chapter. ;-) pregnant Luffy? I feel like some of you just want to see Marco suffer from dealing with a pregnant Luffy or you just want Whitebeard to be happy when he gets a grandchild. Perhaps it is in a bonus chapter, perhaps not. Just wait and see ;-) but I can tell you are not the only one who wants to see Luffy pregnant. So maybe a bonus chapter is already planned?
~Epilogue - Birthdays~
Sabo felt a bit out of place. There were so many people he didn't know and neither his older brother nor the younger seemed to be interested in introducing them. Well, mostly the older one, because the unknown(to him) people belonged to the Whitebeard pirates.
Luffy's crew, he knew. But he didn't see any of them except Jinbe who was talking with Koala, a curse and a blessing that she came along, and the, if his information were correct, the 8th division commander of the Whitebeard pirates.
He only saw the other nine members of the Straw Hat pirates shortly, before they cornered a blonde, who belonged to the Whitebeard pirates and was one of the commanders.
Marco, Luffy's boyfriend as Jinbe had shortly explained. His little brother had a boyfriend and hadn't told him. He would have pouted if Jinbe hadn't said that they only made it public to everyone on the ship and the crew a week ago and there had been the agreement that Ace would be the first person, they would tell.
Well, he couldn't really blame Luffy or Marco for that idea as they didn't know he was alive when they came together and decided on the deal. Also, it wasn't easy to contact him. His baby brother had been lucky that Ivankov was able to come and had time to pick him and Koala up.
Sabo corrected his hat before he looked around for an option to look for a talk with at least one person, he knew. Not that he had a problem with strangers, but he shared a bit his brother's trait to get people mad and him for no real (in his opinion) reason. So it would be better to have one person who knew how he was around him.
He crossed out his girlfriend and the two Fishman. They talked about Fishman Karate if he heard that right. The fighting style was cool to look at, but the basics didn't interest him.
Luffy was also a no. Since his baby brother decided to stand by his boyfriend while his crew was trying to roast the blonde. He didn't want to participate in that. Ace would already have made enough threats for both of them and he wanted to live up to his title as ‚the nicer/kinder older brother'. Even if it was possible that Luffy would cling more to Ace as to him. But that was a different subject.
Ivankov was crossed out quickly from his option. Just reasons… Well, he wasn't in the mood for dramatic acts. It could be funny, but no. He hadn't seen enough to suggest Ivankov's mood so better to stay until he knew how the Okama ticked today.
That left only Ace. But he hadn't seen his older brother, yet. Well, best idea to look for him and gave him a little piece of mind for leaving his ‚younger' brother alone around the stranger. That would poke his complex a bit and perhaps made him say that Sabo was the older one.
He found the logia user next to Whitebeard's chair. The giant man sat in it and laughed about something that Ace had said while drinking from a huge bottle.
Sabo felt a bit small and somehow also intimidated just by the sheer power the Yonko seemed to have. Even if he just did something simple like drinking sake. He briefly wondered how many people were scared by just looking at Whitebeard.
He shook his head. Why should be scared of Whitebeard? The man had become Ace's father and would probably be somehow a father-in-law for Luffy. It was like meeting extended family, so he should make a proper introduction.
„Ace, you wounded me. You always pried yourself to be the older one, but leave me to all the strangers", Sabo greeted his brother as he stood in front of his brother and his brother's captain. He bowed slightly towards the Yonko. „It is nice to meet you, Whitebeard. Thank you for taking my reckless and sometimes stupid older brother in and thank you for making sure both of my reckless brothers survived the war at Marine Ford. I am also sorry for the loss you had to take."
Whitebeard laughed and nodded to him. „You are definitely like your brothers, cheeky brat."
That surprised Sabo a bit. What did the Yonko mean?
„Oi, Sabo. Are you talking about yourself with stupid and reckless? Also, I had to deal with a problem in my division. This is the first time I have a few quiet minutes to drink something", Ace said. Grey eyes glared at him before his brother offered him a jar with a red liquid. „Thank you", Sabo said and sat down next to his brother.
„Where is your girlfriend or didn't you bring her along?" „She is over there with Jinbe and the 8th division commander, I think. They talk about Fishman Karate." „So you are going to introduce her as your girlfriend to Luffy? Please let me be there. I want to see the reaction", Ace said and took a sip from his jar.
Sabo lifted an eyebrow before he grinned. „You are quite interested in my love life. Are you that interested in Luffy's as well? Might the non-existing love life of you be the reason for that?", the blonde guessed and watched when Ace choked on his drink. „How did you get that idea?" „Intuition." „Are you a woman or a cross-dresser?" „No, but your brother."
A laughter interrupted them. Whitebeard seemed to have listened to them. The yellow eyes showed amusement. So if Ace's father figure was amused, he could probably take this further.
„Oyaji, that isn't funny", Ace said. „Come on, Ace. It is clear that even your father finds that funny. But back to the topic. Since you have a non-existing love life. How about we set you up for some dates? I mean, I bet there a lot of people who would want to date you", Sabo told his brother and watched how the fire user paled a bit but also blushed lightly. „If I remember right, Nefeltari Vivi seemed to be interested in you." Ace blinked confused at him. „Who was that again?"
Sabo had to suppress a laugh. Luckily there was someone who explained his brother who Vivi was.
„I believe Sabo-kun is talking about the princess of Alabasta Nefeltari Vivi", Robin said as she appeared next to them with Nami. The black-haired woman had one of her innocent, yet devilish smiles.
This was going to be fun. If the two woman of Luffy's crew were here now. That meant Luffy would probably join them, too. Then Ace would be lost as his older brother wasn't able to get mad at his baby brother for teasing him.
„Why should I go on a date with a princess? That would mean I have to behave and become some sort of a noble", Ace cringed. The thought made Sabo also cringing. No brother of his would become a noble. „Vivi isn't like that. She values a person's character more than his political standing. She also developed a pirate side when she travelled with us for some time. She was the blue-haired girl on board when we met you in Alabasta", Nami said.
Ace shrugged his shoulders. „Still not interested in dating her", the second division commander of the Whitebeard pirates said. „So no royalty. That makes it easier", Sabo joked and sent a silent apology to Robin for his next word: „Well, Robin, I head you are single. Would you go on a date with my …" Ace's hand interrupted him. The black-haired woman just laughed, while his brother glared at him.
„Well, I have to say that Mister Fire Fist isn't bad looking, but he isn't my type", she said.
„What about Jewerly Bonney? She belongs to the Worst Generation and I heard that she likes to eat as much as you and Luffy", Nami suggested. „As much as an eating competition would be then. I'll say no. Never met her", Ace said slightly annoyed.
„How about some star-crossed lover? Enemy to lovers. We could get into contact with Smoker. The clash between you two in Alabasta was quite a sight", Sanji offered as he went by them to get to the kitchen.
Ace threw a death glare after the cook. „I don't have any death wishes at the moment. So even if he is a decent marine, he would probably just gave me to the higher-ups to get me on an execution platform again." Sabo tensed and he felt that the Whitebeard pirates in hearing range tensed, too. That was something no one ever wanted to see again.
„Ne, I can set you up with Torao. He looks lonely sometimes just like you", Luffy piped up.
His baby brother appeared with his blonde boyfriend.
Sabo was a bit surprised to see his brother a bit dressed up? Well not really dressed up. Just decorated with a few accessories. Instead of his usual sash, he had a thread belt around his waist. The belt was decorated with pearls, which formed some pirate skulls. The threads ended in a knot on Luffy's right side and fell down along his leg in single threads. His sandals were missing and he only wore some kind of bracelet around his right angle. It didn't seem to bother Luffy much and from Ace short studying look there had been worse.
Marco had taken a seat on the other side of Whitebeard, while he had studied his baby brother, and Sabo could now see him picking a bottle from the strong liquid. Luffy's crew seemed to be able to scare some division commanders of the strongest man in the world into trying to get drunk. Luffy sat down on Marco's lap and seemed happy when the blonde put an arm around him.
„Torao?", Ace asked and looked at him for help. But he was just confused as his older brother. „Trafalgar Law, captain of the heart pirates and a good friend of Luffy". Robin explained. „But that's a good idea, Luffy. I can call him tomorrow", Nami offered.
„Oi, I didn't agree to anything", Ace protested. „Maybe a friend to lover-story would be better?", Robin suggested and nodded slightly towards Jinbe.
Sabo had to bite his lips harder to prevent him from laughing. Seriously he didn't expect that. He just wanted to suggest a few names of people who he heard was interesting in his brother, but now Robin and Nami seemed to like picking out people just for a good love story. Which was funny, when you don't sit next to a certain fire user. But he also pitied his brother a bit.
„Then I have a few good guesses, too", a nurse said as stepped closer to them. She had her arms crossed and looked at Whitebeard, who took a sip from his bottle. Not even caring that she looked like she wanted to break the bottle. The man just laughed it off. That must be the reason why Luffy likes him and why he was able to get Ace under his command.
„Tess, please not you, too", Ace whined. „Why not? This seemed more interesting than the shipping pool of our sisters", Tess laughed.
Many confused glares were sent to her and only Ace voiced his confusion: „Shipping pool?" „Just some ideas to make the boredom go away and it helps some to stop ogle after a few commanders. Until it became public that Marco is dating your adorable little brother, there were many nurses who shipped you two as a couple", Tess explained and shrugged slightly.
„WHAT?!" Ace and Marco looked both shocked. „Are you serious?! Marco is old enough to be…", his older brother started but stopped when the grey eyes were focused on Luffy.
Their younger brother clung to Marco and had a look in his eyes that definitely said ‚Mine' and ‚Come on, I dare you to say it'.
Awesome, his baby brother showed possessiveness over something other than food. Also, whatever Ace wanted had been stopped by Luffy's glare.
„I don't want to know what you imagine, but Ace is only like a little-lost brother to me. Or better, the older brother of my boyfriend, yoi", Marco said, after he had taken a big sip from his bottle. Luffy grinned slightly and pecked the blonde's cheek.
Tess laughed. „Don't take it seriously. There was only one other person Ace was shipped with. And that was Thatch and we all know that Izo is the only one for our cook", she said.
„Are there more …" Nami started to ask but was interrupted by Ace: „I don't want to know. Please, no details." Tess looked amused but seemed to have pity on his older brother.
„Sabo-kun?"
He winced. He didn't like that voice his girlfriend used. Sabo turned his head to look at her.
„What are you doing?", she asked. „Just discussing my older brother's non-existent love life", Sabo said and hoped that it was a good answer for her. His cheeks still hurt from yesterday when he was ‚reckless' as she liked to point out.
She didn't look amused.
„Mh~ why don't you sent him on a vacation with Ivankov?", Koala said and blinked innocently.
Oh, he remembered why he loved her sometimes, when she wasn't angry for a stupid, from his point of view, reason.
„Koala, did you …"
Sabo jumped Ace. He knew that voice. That was Ace's voice he used when he teased someone. That was not going to happen. At the moment was teasing Ace time.
Marco could only shake his head about the behaviour of Ace and Sabo. Both of them were now rolling over the sand.
His boyfriend and birthday boy, well now a bit closer to being a man, was luckily still on his lap laughing. But he could see some amusement glinting in this brown eyes. „You don't intend to join them, do you, yoi", Marco asked a bit worried. His only answer was a grin at first. That could mean both that he would join them by just jumping out of his lap or drag him into the mess, too.
„More fun to look at the moment. Also, it is nearly present and food time", Luffy cheered. That relieved Marco. He didn't have to worry at the moment about one of Luffy's genius ideas.
„Luffy, be quiet. Food won't be ready, yet. Since we thought our talk with your boyfriend would be longer", Sanji screamed from the kitchen.
Marco shivered. Talk, he said. More like threaten him. Not even Ace was that way. Well, maybe they had to take it to the next level to be able to keep the promise to Ace.
„You don't get to cook him!", Luffy said and glared Sanji's way. Marco felt how Luffy's arms tightened around him. The blonde chuckled.
Maybe Luffy's crew wasn't the crew you should get mad at you for dating their captain. But as long as Luffy would be on his side, he could deal with their antics.
Even if he didn't like Robin's subtle hint to ‚clutch' where it hurt. Especially since the cyborg did make a painful face when she hinted it.
„Well, since the cooks need some time and your brothers are being idiots. I'll be the first to give you a present from our whole crew", Izo said and gave the boy on his lap a present. Luffy grinned brightly.
He stopped Luffy's hand from ripping the paper of the box. „I know many pirates don't have manners, but what to say when you get something, yoi", Marco said lightly teasing. Luffy looked with a pout at him. „But I want to see the present first, before saying thank you", his lover whined.
This whining tone got Ace's and Sabo's attention. He was met by two lightly angry glares. Seriously, did they both have a slight brother complex when their baby brother, his lover whined? Well, he shouldn't talk. He was probably as worse as them when he wasn't the reason for Luffy's behaviour.
He heard laughter from Luffy and then he felt two lips on his own. A smile ghosted across his lips. So his lover had noticed the glares and now wanted to piss off Ace and Sabo more or he wanted to show them something by kissing him.
Well, … he wasn't complaining. At least at the moment and later, he could hope that Ace and Sabo were drunk, no just tipsy in Ace's case.
But kissing his lover was better than dealing with worries. He let go off Luffy's hand in favour of letting one arm rest around the boy's waist and a hand on the boy's cheek.
„Oi, stop making out. We want to see the reaction to the present. You can do that later in your room if you can keep quiet", someone said. But Marco couldn't pin down who it was. Well, pity… or not as he heard someone screeched courtesy by Ace and Sabo. Good thing, that he didn't have to deal with that person.
Luffy just grinned at him, before the boy ripped the paper from the box and opened it.
In there was a black captain's coat with the Straw Hat jolly roger on the backside.
„Treasure it, it's handmade from Izo with some other people", Thatch said. „Also you can't sail after the One Piece without owing one to wear when you really want to become the pirate king", Curiel explained. „But also it is just a sign that it is getting serious if you let it drop off from your shoulders", Haruta said.
Luffy's grin had widened and his eyes sparkled. „Thank you", the boy chirped happily and stood up.
Marco sighed and stood up as well when he noticed the glance of his lover towards him. Luffy held the cloak towards him and the blonde knew what the other wanted. The first division commander took the clothe and laid it on Luffy's shoulders, being careful that it did look placed the straw hat on the boy's black hair before he studied him.
„Ladies and gentlemen, we are happy to present you the possible future pirate king Monkey D Luffy with his future queen Marco", Thatch said and laughed loudly.
„I'll deal with him, yoi", Marco whispered to Luffy, who didn't seem to like the second part either. He pecked the boy's lips before he transformed his arms and legs.
The scream coming out of Thatch's mouth when he threw his brother into the ocean was satisfying. Especially when he heard the laughter from the beach. Marco flew a circle above Thatch, before returning to Luffy's side. After all, food should be ready soon and everyone wanted something, so someone had to hold Luffy back a bit.
Ace watched the interaction between his baby brother and his ship brother carefully. It was strange to see someone other than Sabo and him really understand what Luffy thinks about it. Most of the crew would probably just think Luffy had hoped for a kiss but didn't get it because of Thatch.
Well, Luffy did look unhappy because of Thatch. But it was the cook's words. For a reason, most likely something simple like someone should choose their title not get it appointed to them, his baby brother seemed to dislike it if Marco is called the future pirate queen. Someone also whispered something if there would be any pirate prince or pirate princess.
But the titles made Ace wonder. Was his mother called the pirate queen for a short time? Probably not or they would have found and killed her just because of the chance of caring a child. The ‚pirate prince'. Him.
Ace clenched his fist. Just the thought how he possibly would have been the reason for the marines to kill his mother even if he hadn't been born, yet. Also, the title pirate prince made him want to throw up.
„Everything alright, Ace?", Sabo asked quietly as the others laughed about Thatch's fall in the ocean. The second division commander looked at his blonde brother. „Yeah, everything is fine… Just had to think about something…", Ace answered honestly. Knowing it would be useless to lie at Sabo. The blonde would probably poke around until he got to bottom of his thoughts.
„The titles bother you, too? Well, I think the bird of the pirate king or something like that would have a better ring. Also, I don't think we two are ready for nieces and nephews and Luffy wouldn't think about it either", Sabo said with a grin. Ace had to laugh about that.
Yeah, that title would fit Marco better and Sabo was most likely right that their baby brother wouldn't think about children, yet. But there had been this call…
His grey eyes wandered then back on Luffy, who got a present from Ivankov. For some reason, he felt like he wasn't going to like the content of the box. His baby brother would have talked with the Okama about this topic, wouldn't he? But didn't Ivankov need to inject hormones directly into the body for body changes? So this wouldn't be connected with the male pregnancy topic, Luffy found interesting for some reason.
When his baby brother opened the box to peek inside, Marco, who stood behind the young captain, became slightly.
„Ne, Iva-chan, what is that?", his baby brother asked. No, why did Luffy have to ask? „In the box is nothing that should be named in public, yoi", Marco said while he closed the box.
So nothing linked to this special topic was the present. Ace felt a little eased by that. But that didn't change his mind about wanting to know the content of the box.
„Ivankov, don't give something like that to Luffy", Sabo said a bit scolding. Looked like his blonde brother knew what is inside. Luckily Sabo hadn't said it out loud.
But the Okama looked like he didn't care. „I think your brother is old enough to experiment a bit. Especially if he has a seasoned pirate as his boyfriend. Don't you think some spice can be good for a relationship?"
Ace blinked. He had to stop his brain from working. No, he didn't want to finish the thought.
Some commanders were red now, Jiru looked like he was about to faint and Oyaji coughed while seeming to be torn between laughing and being shocked.
„Iva-chan, can I get some of that spice, too? Maybe it will make Sabo-kun less reckless", Koala asked innocently.
This was the first time in his life that Ace saw Sabo blushing like mad. He didn't even know his blonde brother's face could be so red. But it clashed a bit horrible with his scar.
„Sabo looks like a tomato", Luffy said laughing, while Marco took the present from Ivankov out of Luffy's hands. Probably to hide it. This would be the best and he hoped that he never was told about the content.
Ivankov seemed to think about Koala's request. „I think I can help you", he said and lifted his hand. Ready to inject some hormones when Sanji shouted: „Food is ready. So come over if you want some."
This saved his blonde brother from getting a hormone cure and them from watching what would happen.
Luffy had his fun by jumping and dancing around the bulk of dancing people. His eyes wandered around to look at the others and sometimes to copy their moves.
Luffy noticed Izo and Thatch dancing together. The cook's hair was now braided after this unintended bath in the ocean. The cross-dresser laughed about something which Thatch had whispered into his ear. They looked happy. A sign that made Luffy grin.
His grin grew only wider when caught sight of Koala, Sabo's girlfriend and colleague as she was introduced to him, pulling Sabo towards the dancing people while Ace laughed over their blonde brother's face.
Luffy felt a warmth in himself by just watching this scene. He felt happy to see both of his brothers in one place again and alive.
His eyes then caught the sight of his crewmates. They all looked more relaxed as they did back on Fishman Island. Sure the Straw Hat pirates and the Whitebeard pirates had gotten along during the part back then. But now the atmosphere felt different. It was lighter.
Curiel had turned down the music for Brook to play Bink's Sake to which nearly everyone sang or danced, well more singing as dancing. Some still seemed more happy to drink and eat.
Luffy thought about getting another nice piece of meat and sat down next to Ossan. Maybe also tasting the stuff Marco drank. It did look interesting.
But a hand grabbed his hand and he was pulled along by Haruta. The female commander had a bright grin on the face like she knew the best prank in the world.
„I don't play any pranks today", Luffy said quickly. „Luffy, what are you thinking, my dear future brother-in-law. It is not a prank. It is just a nice idea and I am sure you will like it, too", she told him innocently. The boy just tilted his head. Even if she said no, it did sound like a prank. Also future brother-in-law? What did Torao have to do with the name?
She looked around before she mumbled: „Good, your bird is still busy hiding or burning the present from Ivankov." Haruta turned her face to him again. „Listen, Luffy. We have a plan to get Marco off his grumpy anti-dance ass and dance with you."
This surprised Luffy. There was a possibility that Marco would dance with him? He had asked his boyfriend yesterday But the blonde didn't look happy about this question.
„Don't worry. We all thought that Marco isn't able to date someone, but we were proven wrong. So it will be possible to get him to dance with you. And don't you dare to say you don't want to. I saw how you studied Izo and Thatch, and at your blonde brother. It wasn't only happiness in your eyes", Haruta said and dragged Luffy a bit with her.
The boy sighed. He didn't seem to have any other choice. „But I am not dressing up again. I had to promise Marco that I don't do it in public again", Luffy mumbled with slightly red cheeks.
He wondered what kind of plan they did have? He could only hope that he didn't have to break the promise.
Harutastopped in front of Curiel. She grinned at him before she said: „Give me the den-den mushi for a bit."
The 10th division commander looked a bit worried. So he wasn't involved in the plan or maybe he was, but didn't think positive about it? But Curiel gave the den-den mushi to Haruta and turned the music a little bit down. So he did probably know.
„Hi there, we all know we have some buzz killers on the sides who think drinking is more fun than dancing. Well, to bad for you then. Because we allow ladies' choice. That means our sweet nurse sisters can pick whoever they want to and they have to do it without complaining. But since it is Luffy's birthday, we include him in ladies' choice. And well, we all know who will be the lucky chosen one by Luffy. So don't you dare to hide, Marco, or we dress Luffy up in this sweet dress from the Fashion show and maybe some other man will be lucky to dance with little Luffy."
Luffy starred at Haruta in shock. No, he couldn't do that and he didn't want that. She knew that he hates to break his promises, well better that he wouldn't dare to break his promises.
He could hear a few laughs, saw his older brothers glaring angrily at everyone who had even the slightest blush and saw that his own crew looked a bit confused. Guess he had to tell them later.
„Don't even think about it, Haruta, yoi."
Marco appeared next to him. He had his arms crossed and looked a bit annoyed. It made Luffy wanting to cuddle with him to get his lover more relaxed.
So the boy opened his mouth to say something, but he was only able to address Marco by his name. The rest of his words were drowned by a loud
„SHUT UP AND DANCE WITH ME!"
„There go dancing", Haruta said and pushed Luffy into Marco's arms.
A bit unsure he looked up at the blonde. He had his hands on Marco's shoulders.
Mh… there was no tension he could feel under his fingers. He heard the blonde sighing. A look of defeat flashed over his lover's face.
„Next time, we will celebrate your birthday alone on an island far far away from these idiots, yoi", Marco grumbled.
This made Luffy laugh and he leant himself up to kiss the blonde's cheek. This statement meant that Marco would dance with him. Nothing about the length. But that was fine. His dancing skills with a partner were limited. But he was happy to be able to train a little.
„You had no trouble to walk in stiletto heels, but nearly stepped on my feets", Marco mused as a slow song started and Luffy leaned more against the blonde copying other couples there.
„Maybe I should try dancing in them. Perhaps then I'll dance better", Luffy teased and stuck out his tongue. A lifted eyebrow told him that Marco wasn't happy about this comment.
„Sometimes, when you get ideas like that, I seriously think about hiding you for some time away from the whole world, yoi."
These words were only whispered in Luffy's ear and it made him shiver. He bit his lips to hide a grin. Even if he didn't like the basic of being hidden somewhere. But there was another hidden meaning in these words.
„You know, that you don't need to go that far, Marco. I already promised I only wear that hidden from the public's eye in your room", Luffy teased and kissed his boyfriend.
At this moment someone started the firework. But neither Marco nor Luffy were interested in that at the moment.
A little sad Whitebeard looked after the Sunny as the boat became smaller and smaller. A pity that the brat, well his future son-in-law (he was sure of that), was away again. He hoped this time wouldn't be so long until they met again. Whitebeard didn't think that his first two division commanders would be able to sit still for long if there were rumours that the brat was in trouble.
Some of his other commanders were talking about the birthday party and a present. A present which wasn't what many had expected. So it seemed.
„Pity, I seriously thought Marco would have proposed when he gave Luffy the little box", Haruta said. She sounded disappointed. „He would have put a lot of pressure on Thatch", Kingdew said and laughed. „Hey, I will do it, when I think the time is right", Thatch protested.
His commanders laughed.
But Ace looked thoughtful and unsure. It was unusual to see him that way. He followed Ace's eyes and wasn't surprised to see them fixed on Marco. So it had something to do with the brat and his first division commander.
His first son seemed to ignore the gossip about proposals in favour of looking the way Luffy's ship took.
Ace then moved to stand next to Marco. Whitebeard wasn't able to see their faces. But when the other commanders went inside the ship, he was able to hear their voices perfectly to guess their emotions.
„Marco? Can I… Can I ask you something?"
Ace's voice was a little shaken. Like he wasn't sure, yet, if he wanted to hear the answer.
The captain watched Marco turning his head to look at Ace before the blonde nodded.
„Did you… no…", Ace shifted his weight from feet to feet. „Have you think about proposing to Luffy?"
This question seemed to surprise Marco. But Whitebeard himself couldn't find much surprise in it. Even if he hadn't known it from the first moment, but it was kinda obvious that Ace would think about that if the others were talking about a possible proposal.
Whitebeard's yellow eyes were fixed on Marco's face. The answer interested him, too. He saw a small smile appear on the Phoenix's face.
„When he is the pirate king. When he achieved his dream. Then will be the perfect time to start to get a new dream. And this new dream can start with a simple question, yoi."
I know I said no author note at the end...
But I couldn't say it in the beginning. That would spoiler you for the chapter...
I don't have anything against any Ace-pairing I hinted at. I even came to like a few of them. It is just Ace being Ace. Doesn't really want to say anything about it. So before someone goes all out on me for that. Here is the explanation ;)