Hello everyone, here is another chapter to the one shot
A few wanted another chapter and I liked the idea, so here it is
I won't focus on the WB/Marco relationship, but it's there
This also is a bit before the last chapter ended, but after the court case with the CPS, as I explain some things there and have a lot of Hurt/comfort
Hope you enjoy
Read and relax
Marco gave a chuckle as he walked down to the toy store, Thatch, Namur, and Haruta running in front of them and yelling for them to hurry, like they usually did. Curiel and Vista were walking with the younger ones. Ace was walking next to him and holding onto his hand, seeming scared to go away from him, even sending him looks at times. He didn't mind it, but he didn't keep Ace back and had told him he could go and run with the others. Though, Ace had just shaken his head and stayed with him. Thatch did try and include him, but Ace never went, seeming reluctant. It was normal for Ace to be reluctant, but not this much. He had asked Ace if anything was wrong, but he had gotten no answer, just a nod and a small "Nothing's wrong." Not that he believed it, but didn't push it now. He would be sure to keep an eye on Ace. Whitebeard was walking a next to him, looking at the other children amused, glad they were excited.
When they got to the shop, he did tell the kids to not go far, not touch everything, not break anything, and to get his or Whitebeard's attention if they wanted anything. It was the regular rules, but he always said it, and it was a big shop. The older ones would be a good help too, but it had happened that Curiel had broken a thing he dropped accidentally. They had the money for most, but while he wanted to spoil the children, he didn't want to spoil them too much. While Whitebeard did support him, it was easier to get him to buy things, but Marco was sure to keep an eye on him too. He could be as bad as the children at times. All the kids agreed to it, wanting to get into the store and look around. After a stern look, they walked into the store.
As they walked in, all the kids ran to their own places to look at things, having been here many times before. But Ace, who hadn't, and was acting hesitantly today, staying with him, walking where he did, never letting go of his hand. It would most likely help when Shanks and Eustass came, the man thinking it would be a good idea to let the two kids shop together. He was sure it would help. Maybe Eustass could help Ace tell why he was acting like he was. The other two wouldn't come for a little while seeing as they were out early, but it meant they could look around a bit before the other two- or three if Benn joined- came.
After they had been walking around in the store and looking at things, he felt Ace let go at his hand at one point, him seeing Ace walking over to a set of toys in a window. There was a mix of plushies and figures standing in a small scene, Ace looking at it in awe. He gave a small chuckle at it, especially when Ace started to follow the small things that moved on a small train track. Maybe he would get Ace something from there; he seemed to especially like a small turtle, which looked cute. He would make sure to not venture far away from Ace, seeing as Ace might not have realised he was a few feet away now. He did seem to forget the world around himself at times like this, and Marco liked to see Ace so happy.
"Marco!" He gave a hum as he looked over to Namur, who was looking at a collection of toys with Haruta in a castle close by. "I want this!" Yelled the kid as he pointed to a collection of superhero figures. "Which one, yoi," He replied as he walked over, thinking one or two was fine.
As Namur was showing him the figures, he walked more to the side, not realising he was walking out of sight from Ace, who still looked at the toy collection.
-x-
Ace couldn't help a small laugh as he watched the small train go with the small turtle on, it even having a small hat. It was really amazing and he really thought it was amazing to see it moving. He really liked the turtle too. Could he maybe ask Marco for it? He did say they could get a toy or two each, but he didn't need toys, at least not more than he had. But, the turtle was really cute. He followed the train a hit as it moved, wanting to look at the turtle closer, but not touch it. Marco had said no to that. He would maybe say he liked it, he just needed to get enough confidence to do so, and see what the man said.
But, as Ace was about to follow the train the other way, a hand grabbed his arm hard, and when he turned around to see who it was, he felt scared when it was an angry man It looked like the manager or something here.
"Your kind is not allowed here," Snarled the man with an angry frown, starting to drag him a bit. "You will leave this place now and be thankful I don't call the cops, street rat." Ace felt himself try and get out of his hold, which was hurting, trying to look for Marco or Whitebeard or anyone. "I'm here with my family. I wanna go to them!" Ace just wanted to get away from this man. He knew this man from before, having snuck in here to steal food when he was on the street. He didn't want to go here in case they recognized him, which they did. Ace just wanted to get away from this man.
The man gave a snort through a deep scowl and gripped his arm harder, trying to pull him away. "Stop with your awful lies. You have no family; who would take in a stealing brat like you." Ace tried to move his free hand to get the man to let go of his arm. "Please let go. You're hurting me." Ace felt himself starting to panic, scared he would be thrown out, feeling tears start to well in his eyes. The man gave another snort. "Stop with the sappy play, street brat. I want you out of here and my store! I never want to see your kind here ever ag-"
"Excuse me, what do you think you're doing, yoi?" Ace looked behind him and saw Marco there, the man having a frown as he was walking towards them.
Ace tried to get out of the hold to the man still, wanting to go to Marco, to just get away from this man. "Don't worry, sir," Started the man with a fake smile. "Nothing's wrong. I'm just getting rid of unwanted people." Ace felt the tightening grip on his arm really start to hurt now, feeling tears start to fall down his cheeks, mostly from panic and hurt at those words. "And why is my son unwanted, yoi?" Ace felt the grip falter a bit, which had him wrench his arm away from the man, moving to Marco and grasping his jacket. Ace was scared he would disappear, glad when Marco moved an arm to hold onto his back. "Are you okay, yoi?" Ace gave a nod, feeling himself breathing hard since he had panicked.
"I'm not sure what you are doing," Started the man whostill had a scowl, "But that kid is nothing more than a stealing street rat." Ace was scared Marco would listen to that man and be mad at him, maybe believing he had touched, broken, or stolen anything. It had him grasp the jacket harder. He felt a bit relieved when Marco moved him closer to him, making Ace feel secure. "I want to know why you are manhandling and calling my son, who I adopted 2 months ago, names, yoi."
Ace was glad Marco was still protecting him, even after that man was calling him names like this.
-x-
Marco made sure to give the man he was looking at a frown, not happy with what he had seen or heard.
He had heard someone mutter, which had him turn to where Ace was, so he went and looked. He was shocked when he saw a man trying to drag Ace away, obviously gripping his arm hard, Ace trying to get away. He felt even more mad at the names the man called Ace. He now got that Ace had been here before and might have stolen a thing or two. He would ask Ace about it later. When he had mentioned he had adopted Ace a couple months ago, he could see the man's face faltering, most likely realising his mistake. Whitebeard and he were known in this store by the ones working here, Marco recognizing this man as one of the knew they were high up and never tolerated anyone being mean to their kids, or any kid. Marco was not a happy man right now.
The manager tried to give a smile, but obviously knew he had messed up, bad. "I'm sorry, sir, Mr Fishback. I had no idea." Marco gave a stern look. "And that makes it okay to manhandle a child? If you say sorry, it's all okay, yoi?" Marco could see the man trying to form a sentence, but before he could, another voice had them turn. "Marco?" Started Shanks, now coming inside the store with Eustass. "What's going on?" Marco looked back at the manager, who knew Shanks was a cop. "I just witnessed this man try and make Ace leave by dragging him and calling him names, manhandling him, yoi." Marco noticed Eustass going to Ace and holding his hand, trying to comfort the other, while Shanks sent a look at the manager too.
"And why did he do that?" The manager gave a small nervous laugh. "It was all a misunderstanding." Shanks lifted an eyebrow. "That made you manhandle a child?" The manager looked more nervous with that, obviously scared they would press charges, which Marco wanted to do. But, when he felt Ace grab his jacket more, he knew the child didn't want that. He had gone through enough and would let this go, for now. "No matter what, we will leave and take our business elsewhere, yoi." He could see the man still trying to come up with an apology. He knew they were big customers of this place, and he didn't want to have any affiliations with this place if that was how they treated others, even if they had maybe stolen a small thing one time.
Before the manager could speak, Marco got the attention of Namur, Haruta, and Curiel, telling them they would leave now, and to head to the door and wait. He said they would go to the other toy store a bit further away. He knew they wanted that, seeing as it was bigger, but was another half-hour away. The reason they often used this was since it was as close, only 10 minutes away. When the two children went away, he told Curiel why, explaining fast so he could go and get the rest. He was glad Shanks was supporting him, seeming to have realised what was going on and why the man had been trying to manhandle Ace. He would check Ace later, when they were away from here and he was calmer. If he had a single mark from the manager's hand, he would press charges, or at least speak to the CEO of this place who he worked close with.
He would speak to Whitebeard about this later when they were more alone, and then speak to Ace. This was obviously why he was as reluctant, scared something like this might happen. Maybe not this bad, but that the ones here wouldn't be too nice. He would be sure to be on extra alert if they went to a place Ace might have stolen a small thing or two before he was adopted.
When they were all gathered, the manager not saying anything thankfully- just standing to the side half-ashamed- Marco sent a look at Whitebeard, promising he would explain since the man sent a look at him. When they headed out, Marco being sure they all were accounted for, he let them walk first. But, before he could walk, Shanks and Eustass waiting with them, Ace tugged his arm a bit. It had him look at Ace, who still had scared eyes and tear tracks on his cheeks. "I didn't touch anything! I swear!" Marco shook his head, using a hand to wipe the tear tracks from Ace's cheeks. "I know, Ace. I know you didn't, yoi. Even if you had, that was not okay. No one is allowed to do that." Ace was scared he would be mad at him, which was all wrong. It made him more mad at the manager. Ace gave a nod, looking more reassured, but still scared.
Before they could leave, being outside of the door, he turned around when the manager speaking from the doorway. "Excuse me, sir, Mr Fishback." Marco turned around, hand holding Ace's, being sure to squeeze it reassuringly. He would see if the manager wanted anything, and if it was more excuses, he would leave at once. "I'm sorry, and there is no excuse for what I did. I know the kid looked at this." The manager then held out the small turtle plushie, which he took, but still sent a stern look at the man. "It still doesn't make up for the fact you manhandled my son, a child, yoi." The man gave a nod, head bowing slightly. "I know, and I apologize for it. It was wrong of me, but there is no excuse."
He at least didn't come with an excuse, which was good. But still. "Goodbye, yoi," He said as he left, being sure to hold Ace's hand. He wouldn't say a thank you or anything, no reason to do that after what he did.
When they were awayfrom the shop, he looked at Ace. "Do you want the plushie, yoi?" He would get if Ace didn't want it, seeing as it came from someone like that man. When Ace sent an unsure look at him, Marco handed the plushie to Ace, so he could look at it. "...It is cute…" Marco gave a chuckle. "It is, yoi. I see why you like it." It was a small turtle, a sea turtle, which had a smile and looked friendly. "Do you want to keep it?" Ace seemed to be thinking for a bit, before he gave a small nod. "If I can?" He nodded, squeezing Ace's hand reassuringly again. "Of course you can, yoi. What will you call it? It's a pretty turtle." He knew Ace liked to name his plushies, at least the couple he had at home.
Ace tilted his head a bit, looking at the plushie. "How about… Villain?"
He gave a nod. "Good name, yoi. But, why that name?" Maybe he would call the plushie it because of what had happened. "Because of the smile," Started Ace. "It has like a happy smile, but looks… ominous. Like a villain." That was a good explanation. Before he could say it, Eustass spoke, walking closer to Ace to look at the plushie. "I think so too. Especially with the hat, like a disguise!" Ace gave a nod, looking more in a happy mood. He had to give a chuckle, hearing Shanks doing the same. The plushie did still have the small train conductor hat on, which he knew could be taken off since many didn't have it on in the shop. It was like a disguise.
"Maybe he stole the train, yoi," He supplied, which had Ace laugh as he nodded. "Yeah! And he did it to try and rule the world!" Shanks gave a snort. "How would a turtle manage that with a train that goes in a circle?" He saw Eustass pull Shanks' hand a bit. "Because he is that good of a villain!" Shanks chuckled. "Can't argue with that."
When they got to the next store, Ace never let go of his hand, never once loosening his grip on his hand, obviously still terrified. Marco had a feeling that mad had ruined Ace's confidence to go alone, being scared. When they had paid for a few toys, Ace not looking at one, as he was just clutching Marco's hand, Marco decided to still call in that man. If Marco remembered, that man was called Marshall, at least for the last name, he couldn't say he remembered the first. Marco was just mad.
When they did get home and put the kids to sleep, Marco called in to the owner of the store, Mr Fukaboshi, explaining what had happened, the man said he would handle it, which made Marco feel better, knowing the man would take this seriously.
No one messed with his children and got away with it.
When the next morning came, being Sunday, they all stayed inside as the weather took a turn for the worse, raining all day. As they were inside and watched movies, they watched the third movie in the Toy Story series. But, as the movie was starting, Ace wondered what this was as the toys moved, the other kids being shocked he had never heard about the movie, Thatch being the most shocked, saying "How can you not have seen it! Where you raised under a rock?!" It was obviously said in shock, as many did, but Ace didn't take it as that and just seemed shocked and nervous, making Marco step in.
Marco had noticed this a few times, Ace having issues knowing about things that a normal kid knew, seeing as he hadn't been in a household and seen or watched things. Many of the other kids came with a comment on it, which only made Ace more and more unsure and nervous, making Marco not sure what to do. The worst was when Ace didn't know what things was, like electric kettle, iron, printer, or radiator, Thatch often calling Ace out as stupid. Marco knew he needed to do something. He just didn't know what. But, when he brought this up with Whitebeard, the man having pondered on what to do himself, they got the idea to ask Andrea about that child psychiatrist, to see if he could help. Which was a good idea, Marco agreeing.
The next day, they got the number to the man, the psychiatrist, Deuce, having time to drop by on Thursday. It was perfect and when they offered to pay, the man said Judge Andrea had handled that, seeing as they had to go through all that stuff that month ago. They had thankfully gotten past that, Ace being much better, but it still bothered Ace at times.
Deuce did come by before the kids returned from school, so Marco and Whitebeard could update the man on Ace, so he could take it from there. Deuce agreed they should tell the kids something, but they should speak with Ace first, which Marco also agreed on. When the kids did come home, they had a conversation with Ace, who recognized the man, which first made him nervous. But, Ace quickly opened up as the man really knew how to talk to Ace and make him feel comfortable. Ace did understand what the man meant when he said he wanted to tell the other kids a bit about him, that he might not know everything around the house. But, Ace also was unsure about it, Deuce telling they could just tell a small bit, that Ace had been a different place, and might not know everything or understand it. Ace did agree on that, and when that was done, they spoke to the rest of the kids while Ace played in his room, not wanting to be there during the conversation.
Deuce just told the children what Ace had agreed on, just formulating himself different, telling Ace might have issues with things they knew, like the iron, kettle, and movies, and to not bother Ace about that as it made Ace feel bad. The kids seemed to get it, and when the man had explained, Marco added to it and told if something happened with Ace, seeming not himself, to get him, Whitebeard, or one of the older ones to help, Marco knowing how Ace could get. Deuce also told to not change, just hold a few comments back.
After the conversation, which went really well, the evening continued normally, Deuce staying for dinner.
The next day went fine, no one giving a comment to Ace, just helping him around if he was unsure about an item, like when Jozu asked Ace to get some paper clips, Thatch helping to find them. It made Ace look happier, most likely feeling closer with Thatch. Marco was sure things would be fine.
When the weekend came, still being a bit of bad weather, they headed to the flower shop on Friday, buying some flowers to plant in the garden, the old ones' dead. All of them picked some flowers and helped plant them, Ace seeming to enjoy planting and helping around like that. The kids did play outside for a bit, even after it started to rain, before coming in for dinner, before they played inside for the reminder of the day.
When the kids had gone to bed, Marco gave a sigh when he looked in the hallway, seeing a few jackets and shoes muddy, taking the shoes to be cleaned in the washroom, while the jackets were put in the washing machine, really needing to be washed.
Marco was glad things was going fine now, feeling relaxed as he lain in bed with Whitebeard, listening to his heartbeat as he laid on his chest.
Marco loved his family.
-x-
Ace moved to the hallway, thinking of heading out for a small trip. No one was awake yet, and he didn't know why he was awake- he just couldn't sleep- but he was, and he was a bit bored. He didn't know what he could do here, or how things worked. He knew there was a TV in the living room, but he didn't know if he could use it. Same with the toys here and there, if he was allowed to play this early, the clock just past 6. He had never been the first one awake. He thought of maybe going to get the mail, maybe see how the flowers were outside, knowing they were growing. Maybe something had happened with them and they had sprouted or something.
But, after a couple minutes of being in the hallway, he felt his heart start racing as he couldn't find his jacket. He knew it was here. He knew he had hung it up on the wall yesterday. Why wasn't it there?
Ace felt his mind panic a bit as he started to look behind all the coats and everything, needing to find his jacket. He needed to find his jacket! Marco and Whitebeard would be mad if he lost it; they had used a lot of money on it. He didn't want for it to be lost; he wouldn't get a new one. He couldn't use all the money to Marco and Whitebeard since he was careless. What if someone had taken the jacket? He didn't want to lose more jackets; it was really cold without it. He hated being cold.
He really needed to find his jacket, and he needed to find it before someone noticed it was gone.
-x-
Thatch gave a yawn, walking down the stairs to the kitchen, wanting something to drink, and then maybe go watch some TV. He had woken up since he needed to toilet and didn't feel like going back to sleep. He hated when it happened, never liking to be up earl. It was boring before the clock was 7. That was when the funny things started at the TV and the others woke up.
But, when he got down the stairs and was almost at the kitchen, he heard something from the hallway, sounding like someone moving clothes. Who was awake now and going through the clothes? Marco never did it this early; he always went through the jackets and such at the evening. Curiosity got to him and he went to the hallway, shocked to find Ace there, looking at the clothes and looking behind all the jackets. It looked like he was searching for something.
"Ace? What are you doing?" The other kid turned around fast when he heard him speak, looking scared for some reason. "I-I can't find my jacket." Thatch blinked. "So? It's just a jacket, it's probably close by." That was no reason to cause a ruckus this early. It was just a jacket. Ace looked nervous at that, and scared. "N-no. I can't lose the jacket. I got it from Marco. He will be mad if I lost it, and it will be cold."
Thatch couldn't make the sense of that. Why would Marco be mad if Ace lost his jacket? Thatch had lost many, and Marco had never gotten mad. It wasn't his fault if it got lost. Well, most times. Marco and Pops would never let them go cold. "He won't be mad about that. You can get a new one." Ace shook his head, looking more and more scared and nervous. "B-but, he already used so much money- and- and I can't ask for a n- n- new o-one." Thatch had to blink as Ace started crying, looking really nervous and scared. Why was he this nervous? It's just a jacket.
Oh. Maybe this was what that man, Deuce or something, had spoken about? That Ace might have issues with a few things and not understand them and react to it.
"Hey," he started, not really sure what to do. "Maybe it's in your room? Maybe you forgot to hang it up?" That could happen, and he had done that himself a couple of times. Ace gave a nod, wiping his eyes a bit. "Come, come. I'll help," said Thatch as he motioned for Ace to follow. When they got to Ace's room, he helped look it over, but, aside from a few clothes here and there under the bed and in the closet- and a small fridge he was curious about- they found none, which made Ace more and more nervous, now crying again as he looked scared. "Erm. Maybe the closet? We do leave our jackets there at times." They only did when they didn't need it anymore, but he didn't know where else to look. But, when they still found none, Thatch had no idea what to do, especially as Ace even started shaking and crying, looking really scared and nervous. "Wait here," said Thatch as he headed up to the second floor again, knocking on the door at the end of the hall. He knew they shouldn't knock unless it was important, walking in when he heard a "Yes?" When he went inside, he looked at Pops and Marco, who looked at him in curiosity.
"Ace is scared and nervous about something and I don't know what to do to help." Marco looked at Pops. "I'll take it, yoi." Pops nodded and Marco walked out with him. "What happened?" Thatch gave an unsure sound. "I don't know. He was just upset, and then it got worse and he's scared for something." He knew Marco didn't like to be bothered in the morning, making him a bit nervous if this wasn't anything. They weren't supposed to bother Marco or Pops before it was past 8 on holidays and weekends, unless it was important. Thatch felt this was important.
When they got downstairs, Marco immediately went over to Ace, who was still crying. "Hey. What is it, Ace?" Ace did his best to dry his tears, Thatch staying a bit to the side. "I-I can't find my jacket. I-I d-didn't mean to l-lose it."
Thatch still didn't get this, why that was a big deal. Marco gave a soft look as he moved to dry Ace's tears. "Come here, and I'll show you something, yoi." Ace nodded, and Marco walked down the hall to a room with Ace, Thatch also following behind.
They walked to the washing-room and Marco went to the drying rack and lifted Ace's jacket to show. "It's here, yoi. After you and Haruta played in the mud, it needed to be washed, both of them." Marco also showed Haruta's jacket still on the rack. "But, they're not dry yet, so they need an hour or two more." That made sense; they were washed. He should have thought of that.
Marco hung it back and walked over to Ace, moving dry the tears a bit again. "You didn't lose anything, so no reason to worry, yoi." Ace nodded, looking better, but still crying and shaking a bit. Marco stroked Ace's back a bit. "Why don't you head up to Whitebeard, and we have a small chat when I get up? I need a word with Thatch." Thatch didn't like that. Now, he was sure this wasn't anything he should have bothered Marco and Pops with. Ace gave a nod and walked out, still slightly teary.
When Ace was out of the room and Marco looked at him, he took a breath as he tried to explain himself in case Marco was a bit annoyed he had bothered him. "I didn't know what to do and he was crying and shaking and I tried to help and look but didn't think to look here and I-" Marco held up a hand, which made him close his mouth, waiting for a response from Marco. But, instead of an annoyed look, he got a smile as Marco crouched a bit down to him. "You did exactly what I wanted you to do, yoi. You tried to help yourself, but when you realised you couldn't, you got me. That is what I want you to do. To get me, Whitebeard, or any of the other older ones if this happens. I'm proud," Said Marco as he gave Thatch a hug. "I am proud, I know that it might have been a hard situation."
Thatch gave a nod as Marco let him go. "I just don't get why… It's just a jacket." It sounded weird to him, that Ace would be this upset about a jacket.
-x-
Marco gave a small breath, trying to think of what he could tell Thatch. "Because, where Ace was before us, if he lost his jacket, he didn't get a new one. He's scared to lose it and then have to be cold. I shouldn't have taken it without telling Ace; that was my fault."
He thought that was the reason, seeing as Ace didn't have a home. Losing clothes must have meant he didn't get new ones, which must be harsh and something that was hard to forget, most likely something that haunted Ace. He should have realised he shouldn't have just taken the jacket to be washed. Thatch gave a nod, seeming to understand it, at least a bit. "Also," Started Thatch, seeming unsure, "Why does… Why does Ace have a fridge? In his room?" Marco gave a small sigh, now realising he never talked to the kids about this. He didn't know how much he could tell Thatch, but he needed to tell something. Thatch was 14, so Marco felt he could explain something.
"I think you are old enough to hear this, but I don't want you to go tell anyone about it, or ask Ace about it, yoi. Okay?" Thatch gave a nod, making him continue. "You know you can just go and take food if you're hungry?" Thatch gave a nod, making him continue. "Ace hasn't been able to do that before he got here, as he often didn't have food, and is scared to go take food. That's why. It's not to be favorable to him." Thatch gave a small nod. "Why… Why didn't he have food? What about his parents? Or guardians?" Marco tried to think of what he could say on that. "Ace didn't have any guardians or parents that he lived with, yoi." Thatch blinked. "But, where did he live? Where was his house?"
Marco pondered for a couple seconds, before deciding Thatch was old enough to hear this. "Ace didn't have a home, yoi. He lived on the street. That's why he didn't have food or clothes if it got lost." Thatch gave a small "oh…," seeming to take it in. Marco gave a small sigh. "That's why we had Deuce speak to you and the others, since Ace doesn't know all that you do, or watched kids shows, or those things. He hasn't had a home in a long time." Thatch gave a nod. "...Why?" Marco took a breath. "I won't tell that, since I won't tell anything about Ace." He also didn't know, not having gotten that far with Ace.
"But," Continued Marco, "I don't want you to go to Ace and tell him I told all of this, or tell others. This is private, really so." Thatch nodded. "I get that. I just didn't know that. That Ace didn't have a home… That must be sad… I promise to do my best to help!" Marco gave a smile; sure Thatch would do that. He was a good kid. "I am sure you will. Now, I'll head up to Ace and Whitebeard. But, before I do, why are you awake this early? You usually sleep late." Thatch nodded and explained he was thirsty. As Marco was sure Thatch was fine, he gave the other a pat as he headed up to his room again, finding Whitebeard and Ace chatting a bit as the TV was on some kind of show. When he got inside the room, Ace looking at him, he saw Whitebeard shaking his head, a sign Ace hadn't told the man what had happened.
He moved and sat down on the bed, moving a hand to be behind Ace's back. "Want to talk about what happened, yoi?" Ace looked down to his lap, obviously not wanting to speak about it. "I just thought I lost it…" When Whitebeard looked at him, Marco mouthed 'jacket' to the other, which Whitebeard nodded to, now knowing what it was about at least, before he looked back at Ace. "I get that, yoi. But, why did that make you so nervous? We would have just bought you a new one if you lost it, or if it was gone." Ace blinked and looked up at him, Marco seeing his eyes were still a bit red. "But… That one was really expensive. I shouldn't lose it." Marco shook his head. "If you lose it, or if it gets torn, it won't be your fault. You will never not have a jacket. We will buy you everything you need, never be afraid of that."
Ace gave a small nod. "I just… I shouldn't make you use a lot of money on me." Marco shook his head, and so did Whitebeard, who moved a hand to Ace's back. "That is not something you should worry about, son," started Whitebeard, "Marco and I will always make sure you have everything you need, and you don't need to worry about money." Ace gave a small nod. "Okay… I'm also sorry for worrying Thatch." Marco clearly noticed the diversion on the subject, and accepted that. He wasn't going to prod more, having gotten an answer, although it was a vague one. "It's fine, yoi. He was just worried for you, and he's glad now that you're fine."
Ace gave a nod and seemed more calm that Thatch also was fine. The kids cared for each other, which was good. Marco didn't pry more on the jacket topic, but did mention again he would always have a jacket, to never be afraid of losing it or telling he needed anything. Although Ace did nod to it, Marco knew it would be hard for Ace.
When the clock was a bit more, closing in on 9 and they had eaten some breakfast, Marco joined Ace outside to look at the flowers, Ace seeming really glad the flowers were fine, especially the red ones he had picked.
Marco loved to see his children happy.
-x-
Ace walked into the kitchen, not sure what he was looking for, but felt a bit hungry. He was hoping on maybe finding Marco, so he could ask when food was, knowing Whitebeard was busy and Ace didn't want to bother the other. But, when he found no Marco, he gave a small sigh as he thought of maybe heading to his room and take something from his closet, but didn't want since he didn't want to waste it.
"You can take an apple." Ace blinked and looked at the table, now noticing Haruta there, working on some school thing. "Dinner is in an hour and half, meaning you can eat an apple. They're really good." The girl pointed at the bowl of apples at the counter, Ace not sure what to do now.
He couldn't just take food like that. Right? Not something as big and fresh as an apple, which did look good. But, Haruta had offered, and he didn't want to make the other child sad if he declined. Haruta was so kind and nice.
Ace stared at the bowl, thinking what would happen if Marco or Whitebeard saw, how mad they would be, if they would be mad. He knew Marco and Whitebeard said he could take food if he was hungry, but didn't know if it was a play to make him take food and then punish him. Marco had been so mad at that in the start. Ace shook his head, needing to move soon and tried to gather the courage to grab an apple. If Haruta offered, he would take that offer and hope he didn't do anything wrong. Ace moved and grabbed a red apple, one that didn't look as fresh as the others, even though all looked new, and took a bite, not sure how to react.
He just took food from the counter. He just took food from the counter and ate it.
The reaction to that, which he didn't control, was to feel tears start to go down his face, both from fear and relief, mostly the latter that he had dared. He had dared to take food, something he never had before, not unless it was on a plate served to him.
"Haruta, how's it going?" Ace blinked, turning around to the voice, seeing Whitebeard walking into the kitchen, no idea how to react to the man's presence, if he would react to the fact Ace took food. As Haruta started to answer, the man looked at him, which had every sound around him go quiet, Ace only hearing the ringing in his ears. Whitebeard looked shocked for a second, before the man went over to Haruta, shielding him from her view, Ace hearing what the man said mumbled, Ace feeling like he couldn't hear properly. "Haruta, daughter, you've done good. End it for now, and please go get Marco for me. I need him here for a moment."
Ace felt he couldn't move, afraid what would happen. When the younger girl went out of the kitchen, Whitebeard turned to him, making Ace just hear the ringing in his ears. He saw Whitebeard speaking, but now he couldn't hear it, making him try and concentrate, especially when the man moved to dry some of his tears away, making him flinch. When Ace flinched away, the man looked a bit shocked, obviously not realising he was so scared, the man moving his hand back and giving a worried look. "Calm down, son." It sounded muffled, Ace barely hearing it. Ace just shook his head, not sure what to do now. "I- I- I didn't me- mean to- to take f- food. I- I'm s- sorry." Ace felt he couldn't breathe.
Whitebeard shook his head. "No. Don't be. You're in no trouble. Just breathe." Ace tried to, but couldn't. "I- I didn't didn't didn't me- mea- mean t- too." Whitebeard crouched down, or more than he had, being on eye level with him now, making Ace feel more panicked. Whitebeard moved a hand to his shoulder, stroking. "Relax. Breathe, son. I'm not mad." Whitebeard moved his other hand to his back and did a small clap, making him gasp and take a breath as he coughed, starting to cry more and sob, scared and panicked. Whitebeard shook his head a bit. "Just calm down, Ace. I'm not mad. No one is mad. Promise." Ace at least heard him better now, not completely grasping the words.
The man gave a comforting look before he brought Ace into a hug, a hand stroking his back. "Shh. Calm down, son. Just calm down. No one is mad." Ace tried to breathe, hearing the words and getting them, hoping and trying to believe that it was the truth. Ace tried to tell himself Whitebeard would never lie to him, hoping, desperately, that those words were true. Ace tried to take deep breaths, managing to calm down some, still sobbing and crying, trying to stop. When Ace felt a bit calmer, Whitebeard moved a bit back, keeping his hands on his shoulders, stroking with one. "Calm down. I'm not mad." The man moved to grab the apple, giving a reassuring look. "You can eat, son. Never be afraid of that." Ace didn't know what to do, trying to believe the words.
When another person crouched down next to Whitebeard, Ace turning to see it was Marco, who looked worried, Ace felt panicked again. "What happened, yoi? What's wrong Ace?" Ace tried to stop crying and sobbing, to get his breathing under control. "I- I- to- took so- some- some of- food. I- 'm I'm so- sorry." Ace couldn't help a loud sob after it, not sure how Marco would react. Marco looked a bit shocked at first, before Whitebeard spoke, stroking his hand on his shoulder again. "And that is okay, son. No one is mad about it." Ace looked back at Marco, feeling his breathing ragged as he was crying, trying to keep it in. Marco nodded, giving a reassuring look. "He's right, Ace. You can eat. We will never be mad about that."
Ace tried to believe those words, that no one was mad, trying to calm down. When he felt himself more calm, managing to take calm breaths, but still crying, Marco moved a hand to stroke his cheek. "You can eat when you want, Ace. If it's close to a meal, half an hour, I don't want you to spoil your appetite, yoi." Whitebeard gave a nod. "Marco is right, son. You can always eat, never be afraid of it. If you're unsure, just ask. We can even help you make food or make food for you." Ace gave a small nod, doing his best to believe those words. Whitebeard moved a hand to stroke his cheek too. "Always remember you can eat. Never be afraid of that." Ace gave a nod, no idea what to say or do, still scared.
Marco gave a comforting look to him. "I'm about to start dinner, why don't you stay here with me until you feel better, yoi? And you can help." Ace took breath as he nodded, not too sure what would happen, but generally liked to be in the kitchen with Marco. But, was also scared this would change everything.
When Marco started dinner, Whitebeard heading out, Ace sat at a chair, scared to move. After a few minutes, Marco suddenly crouched down in front of him, offering a new apple. "Want one, yoi? You can eat it, it's still an hour until dinner." Ace swallowed, not sure what to do. He was really hungry, but scared this was a trick. Marco gave a smile when he didn't answer and reached for the counter. "Why don't I slice it up, and you can choose how much you want to eat." The man then did that, placing apple slices on a plate beside him on the table, before starting back on dinner.
Marco did say he could take, right? And Eustace said he had a lot of fruit to eat home, all the time. Marco was kind, mostly, and really had been that the last weeks, making him more sure. When he saw Marco cooking something in the pan, he took a slice and ate it quick before Marco noticed, feeling better, but also scared. He mostly sat at the chair, but when Marco said he could do something, he did. After a small while, Namur came into the room, asking about dinner, which had Marco hum. "In half an hour, there are apple slices at the table. Remember to share." The other kid gave a smile as he took one slice, and when Ace stared at him, thinking the other brave, the kid suddenly handed a slice to him. "Here, eat. They're good." Ace blinked and stared for a few seconds, before Marco spoke again. "It will get brown if you two don't eat them soon, yoi. It would be a waste." That was basically a tell he could take, and carefully took it and ate it, feeling glad when nothing happened.
Ace really liked it here.
-x-
Ace gave laugh as Eustass and he walked down the path beside the small water lake thing, looking at the ducks in it, the others behind them and a few relaxing at a bench. It was a nice day to be out, and Eustass had talked about this place, Shanks apparently taking him here now and then. Shanks was slightly near the back with Whitebeard and Vista, the three talking, Marco being over at a small playground with the others, Curiel not far away from them.
As Eustass and he followed a couple ducks, a couple having those really pretty colors, Ace noticed a truck moving towards them, which had him slow down and grab Eustass' arm, not liking it. When he looked behind himself, he saw the others were now much further away, making about to head back to them, still holding on Eustass arm.
But, when he turned to tell Eustass they should head back, the truck was closer to them, and before Ace could say anything, the door to it opened as it drove quickly to them, Ace feeling hands grabbing him and something being put over his face before things went black, faintly hearing someone yell.
-x-
When Ace felt himself wake up, feeling confused, he saw he was on the ground in a half-dark room, Eustass next to him. When he remembered what had happened, he quickly checked on the other kid, who was waking up too. As he helped the red-haired kid up, he looked around and couldn't say this was familiar. Where were they? He didn't like this. When Eustass was up, the smaller kid held around him, obviously scared. Ace tried to act brave and tell they were going to be fine, they would get out of here somehow.
When he heard a door open, he moved towards the sound, placing Eustass behind himself, going to protect the smaller kid. He didn't want Eustass to get hurt. When the door opened, a large man with a hood stood there, Ace not sure who it was. Ace swallowed as he was on his way to ask who it was, when a hand moved out and hit him, hard, sending him to the floor. That really hurt. Ace quickly got himself up again and placed himself in front of Eustass, who was crying now and had walked backwards. "You little shits!" Yelled the man, taking his hood off as Ace ignored the pain in his cheek, sure Eustass was behind him, feeling more scared when he recognized the man.
Ace didn't like this man. Ace hadn't liked him in the shop, no matter if he got a plushie or not, he never liked this man.
"I wanna go home!" Ace really did, and knew Eustass did too, who was still hiding behind him. The man gave a sneer. "Why would I bring a couple stealing street rats home? Worse, a couple street rats that got me fired!" The man took a step closer to them, making Ace hide Eustass more behind him, not going to let him be hurt. "It wasn't my fault!" He didn't know Marco and Whitebeard would make him get fired. He wasn't a good man, so he didn't mind it. But, he didn't like this, that he was mad at them. "It was!" Yelled the man, walking closer, moving his hand out to and slapped Ace, hard. "You just had to tell your stupid guardian! I would still be a manager if you didn't come along!" The man hit him again, but Ace refused to move, not going to let him get to Eustass.
The man then grabbed his shirt and dragged him to a room, throwing him inside, and Eustass soon after. "You stay here and be quiet! I will get my money for this!" Then the door closed, the red-haired kid moving to hold him, scared. "I want to go home." Ace nodded, holding back around Eustass, trying to ignore the burning in his face, moving a hand to it and feeling something wet on it. It was too dark to see, but had a feeling he was bleeding. It really hurt, the man really punched hard, but it wasn't too bad, he had had worse. "I know. We'll get out somehow. Marco, Whitebeard, and Shanks are probably searching for us." He hoped they were, but couldn't stop a thought that maybe they were glad they were gone.
He hugged Eustass tighter, now scared he would be stuck here, or get to a worser place if no one came. He didn't want that. But, he would watch out for Eustass.
Nothing happened for a while, before loud sounds suddenly was heard, making both him and Eustass scared, Ace trying to act brave. If the man came back, he would stand up, to make him easier to get to than Eustass. When he heard someone start opening the door, Ace stood up, readying himself, trying to ignore the pain in his face.
But, when the door opened, Ace was shocked before he smiled.
-x-
Marco didn't know what to do or where to even place himself. Someone had taken his child, and also taken Eustass. Shanks was doing his best and using his status to get as many as he could to help, but he couldn't join himself. That made the police man mad, same with Vista, who also wanted to join, but was kept since this was about family. Curiel had taken the other kids back home, keeping them calm as they were handling this.
They were running a search in the park they were at, but it wasn't prioritized apparently. Something about it just happened and they were probably fine, the cops mentioning it might be a family member playing a prank. That had Shanks threaten to fire the man who said it, but Benn had calmed the man down. They just needed to wait now, seeing the case was being made and they didn't want to speak much with them yet, to see how the scene where it happened looked. They had already used way too much time there and it was getting late.
As Marco was waiting for news, his phone rang, an unknown number, making him sure this would be a call about a ransom. He took a breath as he answered the phone, turning away from the noise around him. "Marco Fishback." He answered, not sure what to expect. Instead of a gruff voice or a computer voice answering, a soft woman's voice was heard. "Mr Fishback, this is Makino from Party's bar downtown. I have a feeling you, and the guardian to Eustass, should be here." Marco had to blink. "Why?" There was a small chuckle on the other side. "No reason to be worried. Nothing is wrong. Just come, okay? I have to go now, customers." Then the line hung up, leaving the long beep there.
He locked his phone and looked at Shanks. "Party's Bar downtown, ring any bells, yoi?" The man nodded. "Yeah. Often get a call from one of the owners, telling there are many homeless out there that is bothering them. Why?" Marco gave a small breath. "I don't know. But a woman said we should get there." Shanks gave a frown. "Ransom?" Marco shook his head. "No, yoi. Just said we should go." Whitebeard gave a nod, also having a frown. "Should we tell the cops?" Shanks and Marco shook their heads. "No. It will take too long. Let's just go." Said Shanks, already moving to their car, all of them taking the large one. Marco had to say he was really worried about what this might be. It might be to lure them, or to get them there and then give a ransom, or just nothing, maybe someone hoping they would tell the cops and it was a mislead.
When they got to the bar, far down in the downtown and where the more ruckuses and troublemakers. And, as Shanks said, many homeless ones, which Marco didn't know was a good thing or not. When they got into the bar, he saw a few shady looking guys there, sending them looks. They did look a sore thumb, not fitting in. When they got closer to the bar and Marco was about to ask if there was anything here for them, when the woman in the bar, who had short green hair and brown eyes, a petite woman, spoke. "I have a feeling you are the guardians to Ace and Eustass." Marco gave a nod. "Yes, yoi. Why did you want us here?" As he spoke, the woman dried her hands a bit, looking at a guy at the bar. "Watch the bar for a few, Buggy?" The man nodded and the woman walked out from the bar and over to a door. "Follow me." They did, not sure what was happening.
When the woman opened the door she was with and they walked in, Marco felt his entire body relax with a breath as he saw Ace sitting on a chair a bit away, back to them, a guy next to him.
"No, hand higher." Said the man next to Ace, moving his hand a bit, on a guitar he now noticed, before Ace moved and strummed it. "Right. Now try again." Ace gave a nod, before he started to play the guitar, soon starting on some lyrics too.
"You had your maps drawn. You had other plans. To hang your hopes on. Every road they let you down felt so wrong. So you found another way. You've got a big heart. The way you see the world. It got you this far.
"You might have some bruises. And a few of scars. But you know you're gonna be okay. And even though you're scared. You're stronger than you know."
"If you're lost out where the lights are blinding. Caught in all, the stars are hiding. That's when something wild calls you home, home. If you face the fear that keeps you frozen. Chase the sky into the ocean. That's when something wild calls you home, home." (Something wild, By Andrew McMahone)
Then Ace slowed down with the playing before stopping, giving a sigh. The man next to him clapped him on the back. "It's good." Ace gave a small sigh again. "I don't know how to continue it, and the guitar is so big." The man next to Ace chuckled. "There exists guitar for kids." Ace shook his head as he tried to grip right again. "They cost a fortune." Ace strummed a bit again, the man next to him helping. Ace was really good. The woman, Makino, gave a look to them. "He used to play to get money. Good for his age." Marco nodded, agreeing. Ace was amazing. He could see Shanks having a frown, most likely since Eustass wasn't here.
The woman, Makino, clapped her hands. "Okay, Sweetie, your parents are here." Ace turned around at that, a shocked look, before smiling. Marco smiled too, but felt the smile fall a bit as Ace's face was swollen and a bit blue on the left side and a band aid and strips over a few cuts on his cheek and beside his eye. "Mo-Marco! Pops!" Marco had to give a small chuckle at the start, hearing Ace almost saying mom. That still happened and he didn't care, he liked it. Ace handed the guitar to the guy next to him, before he got up and headed to the right and not to them, which had Marco frown more.
But, a second later, they got it as he moved to something on a couch they only saw the back to, and Eustass stood up, seeming tired as he used a hand to rub his eye. Eustass looked fine, which was something.
When they got closer to them, Shanks walked and lifted Eustass, who instantly leaned on the man and closed his eyes, Eustass did seem tired. Whitebeard was the one to meet Ace, lifting the kid up, who hugged the man, looking glad. Marco walked over and brushed Ace's hair away from his face, looking at the bruises and wounds. "What happened, yoi?" Ace gave a small flinch when his hand went over a bruise, before he answered. "This guy was mad since he told I got him fired." Marco frowned. "Who?" Ace seemed unsure. "Um. That guy at the store?" Marco frowned. Who? "Guy's name was Teach, worked at a toy store or some shit." Answered the guy on the couch, who had sat beside Ace. Oh. That guy. That was the man who had tried to throw Ace out and manhandling him. "Where is he now, yoi?"
The man on the couch gave a snort. "Remember how I said his name was Teach, and not is?" Marco blinked. The man didn't mean what he thought? Benn spoke up then, heading over to them, carrying Eustass. "I can take Ace and Eustass to the car, and you guys have a chat." Marco and Whitebeard nodded, the latter handing Ace to Benn, who carried Ace and Eustass out.
When they were out, Marco looked back at the guy, and before he could speak, Shanks did. "You're Kuma Bartholomew, right?" The man nodded and stood up, almost reaching Whitebeard's size, which was saying something. He had black hair and dark eyes and didn't look too friendly.
"I am." Started the man, Kuma Bartholomew, "If I remember, you are Shanks Akagami. You were in the courtroom last time before my prison time. Helped reduce my sentence." Marco wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing, seeing as the man had been in prison, sounding to be more than once. Shanks nodded. "Yeah. You got time for beating a child molester, he died in the hospital. I didn't think you needed a sentence, he deserved it. But since it wasn't your first, they were harsh." Shanks gave a small frown. "Why did you help them? How did you even know?" The man chuckled. "He was an idiot. He told others, bragging, proudly at that, cocky bastard. Rumors spread quickly on the street, and no one messes with those I know." Marco blinked. "You know Ace and Eustass, yoi?" The man nodded. "Lived together out on the street. Well, when I wasn't in prison. Which isn't that much. They're nice kids." That explained a bit, but not why they were here.
But, before he could respond, the door opened and Makino stood there again. He hadn't even noticed the woman leaving. She sent them a look. "It's nice you're here and the kids are safe, but please try and hurry a bit." She then looked at Kuma. "Alvida will be here in 30. She'll call the cops if you're here." Kuma nodded. "We'll be out in 10, Makino."
The woman nodded and left again, and when she was, Kuma looked at them again. "She let us stay here when she works a single shift. You know, some roof over our heads. Only bad part is that she only works 10%" Another guy stood up and started cleaning a few things up. "A kind soul." Kuma nodded at that. "Anyway. He's not dead. Ran away like the rat he is, he won't come back." Shanks gave a nod. "Meaning I have no one to press charges and I never heard anything." Kuma gave a small laugh. "Sounds good. Nice meeting you, the kids talk highly of all of you. Also, ebon- Ace's injuries, well, they are just as they look. He made sure copper-Eustass- sorry, used to nicknames- didn't get injured." Of course Ace would, he really was protective for Eustass.
The man then turned around, looking at the other guy as he started cleaning too. "If we hurry, we might get the spot under the bridge." The other guy gave a laugh. "Shotgun for the corner!" Kuma threw a small bottle at the other. "Hell no! That's my spot! You can borrow Ivankov's spot while he's in prison." Both laughed at that as they cleaned up, seeming way to cheery for someone who got thrown out on the streets. It was weird and a bit sad to see, that they were so calm and cheery about it. He was glad they were around Ace when they could, as they seemed to care, but did guess they were in and out of prison a lot.
Marco took a step forward, needing to say thank you somehow. "If we can do anything, please let us know, as thanks for helping our kids." Kuma shook his head. "We are good, really. Might not look like it, but we have what we need." The other spoke up. "Yeah. Unless you can help my hearing next week, which I doubt. We're just glad the kids are fine." The guy then went to another room. "He got a hearing next week, yoi?" Kuma nodded. "Yeah. Stole a bread and got caught. Since he's done it before, they will just send him to jail."
Kuma gave a sigh. "I know you want to help, but I am sorry to say you can't. No one can, we fall outside everything. You should leave, we need to clean anyway, and leave." The other guy came back and gave a sigh. "Wish we could stay longer." Kuma gave a sigh as he nodded, "Just a place to be." Kuma then looked at them. "Now, goodbye." Marco gave a nod. "Goodbye." The two other behind him also gave a goodbye, before they left, heading out. Makino gave a goodbye and smile as they left.
When they got to the car, both kids were asleep, Marco and Shanks going in the back with them as Benn moved to the front, Whitebeard taking the driver's seat and starting the drive back, while Benn called the cops off the search. Marco looked at Ace's face, not touching as he didn't want to wake the kid up, looking tired. He would be sure to put some ice on it and check the wounds and clean them. When they were closing on their home, Whitebeard spoke up. "Shanks, how about you stay at our place tonight? No reason to stress to get back home. And, the kids will like it." Marco gave a nod. "I agree, yoi." Shanks looked at Benn. "What do you think?" Benn nodded. "If you agree, I do too. Better than going all the way home too."
As that was decided, they all headed home to their place, Shanks trying to not wake Eustass when he walked inside. Marco did the same, but also knew he would wake when he looked at his face. When they got inside, they met the others inside, everyone glad to see Ace and Eustass fine, Marco being sure to hide Ace's face from the kids for now. "Go play with Curiel, kids. Ace and Eustass is tired. They'll come if they wake up." The kids nodded and went with Curiel, and when they were gone, Marco looked at Vista. "Go get the emergency kit, yoi." The man nodded as he frowned, getting it.
Marco then woke Ace up as he placed him on the counter. "Ace, I need to look at your face, yoi." Ace gave a small protest as he woke. "Just don't touch." Marco gave a small sigh. "Sorry. I need to, yoi." Ace gave a small protest. "I'll be careful. Promise, yoi." Ace gave a small nod, but didn't seem to want him to touch. When Vista returned, he could see the man worried. "Do you need help, Marco?" Marco gave a small nod. "Could you prepare some disinfectant, yoi?" The other nodded and did that.
Marco then took the band aids and strips Ace had on off, making the kid flinch. "Sorry, yoi. I need to see." When he had the band aid and strips off, he frowned inside himself as it didn't look good. It wasn't that bad he wanted to take it to a doctor this late, but almost. He would see how it looked tomorrow, and take it from there. Marco then took the cloth with disinfectant from Vista, before looking at Ace. "Okay, honey, I'm going to clean the wounds now, and that might hurt. But, I promise it will be over fast, yoi." Ace looked nervous, but gave a small nod.
When Marco moved the cloth to the wound, Ace flinched and moved away. "It hurts." Marco nodded. "I know, honey, I know. But it needs to be done." Vista gave a soft look to Ace, holding his hand out. "Hold my hand and squeeze it. It will be over quick." Marco was thankful for Vista's help. Marco moved a hand to half hold Ace's head, so he wouldn't move away. It needed to be cleaned, he could see it wasn't. But, it had been patched, and that was good.
When Marco started to clean the wounds again, Ace tried to move his head again, but couldn't, flinching and giving a few whimpers as some tears made its way down his face. "I know, Ace. Just a bit more, yoi." Ace still tried to move away, Marco making sure Ace wouldn't, trying to finish as quick as he could. He could see Vista not liking this, feeling bad for Ace. But, it needed to get done. "Just one more now, then we're done." The last one was the largest, and would hurt. When Marco moved to wash it, Ace really struggled, more tears coming as he shut them tight, looking to want to cry more, but didn't want to. Ace probably tried to look tough and not weak, not that he would have cared of Ace had cried and yelled. Ace was a really brave kid nonetheless.
When Marco was finished, he moved the cloth away, and when Ace moved his hand to his cheek, Marco stopped it. "No, you can't touch it, yoi. If you do, I need to wash it again." Ace gave a nod, still crying a bit. Marco gave a smile when Ace moved his hand down, Marco moving and stroking Ace's head. "You did amazing, yoi." As he said that, another hand came to Ace's head, Whitebeard also leaning and giving a kiss to Ace's head. "You did really amazing. I know that hurts, son." Ace gave a nod, giving a small sniff. Shanks, who also had come into the room, moved to look at the wounds. "Don't think it need stitches. Does it hurt?" Ace nodded, moving to dry a few tears from the side of the face that wasn't injured.
Marco moved a hand to Ace's good cheek, stroking. "I know it hurts, and I'll patch it up now, and then we'll cool it down. That will help with the pain and swelling, yoi." Ace gave a nod, giving a sniff. Marco then patched the wounds up, Ace giving a small flinch when he fastened the stripes on the large wound, but it went fine. "There. And here, yoi." He said as he handed a cold-pack to Ace. "Have it on your cheek for a bit." Ace gave a nod and moved it to his cheek, flinching the first time, before slowly doing it again, this time keeping it there. Marco helped Ace down from the counter. "Now, let's go watch some TV or something, just while the cold-pack is in your cheek, yoi." Ace gave a nod, walking over to the couch and sitting down.
"I'll get some snack for him." Said Shanks as the man moved to the kitchen. Marco had to agree Ace did deserve a snack, but also knew all the other kids would cause a ruckus if they found out. As he followed to see what Shanks would make for Ace, not sure if the man even knew where they had the snacks. But, when he got to the kitchen, he was shocked when he found Shanks cutting a large piece of cucumber. "What are you doing, yoi?" The man looked at him, before chucking as he put the rest of the cucumber back in the fridge. "Making a snack. Eustass told me. For them, cucumber is the best, probably what they got on special days. Kid don't like chocolate or such, never had it before I offered. I just assumed Ace was the same."
Marco had to think, now realising Ace had never asked for sweets, or any of that, even when the others got it. "I don't know, yoi. I never thought about it, but he has never asked for sweets." Shanks gave a chuckle, cutting the piece of cucumber in halves on the long side. "He will like cucumber, milk- plain-, boiled eggs, and berries in a general. Oh, and orange juice. That is what Eustass likes at least." Shanks then walked to the living room again, to Ace who sat and watched TV, teary eyes still with the bag on his face. "Here, kiddo. Since you were so good and brave."
Marco had to admit he expected Ace to just look at Shanks weirdly for giving him cucumber. But, he could clearly see Ace lighting up, eyes shining and a smile coming on. "Cucumber!" Ace looked just like when Marco offered candy bars to the other kids. Marco felt a bit saddened that Ace felt stuff like that was special, when it wasn't. But, for them, it probably was. He would remember that. He did now remember he never touched the candy bowl they had out in the weekends, Ace probably didn't think it was any special, and might not even like it. But, he couldn't help but smile when Ace looked like a kid on Christmas eve as he ate the cucumber. Whitebeard looked as amused and a bit confused, but looked glad Ace was.
They just sat and relaxed for a bit, relaxing and watching some TV show, and when it ended, about half an hour passing, Marco asked to look at Ace's cheek again, hoping the swelling had gone down. When Ace moved the ice-bag away, Marco gave a breath as the swelling had gone down, and the bruise a bit smaller, not as blue and purple as it had been. If it didn't come back and didn't look any worse, they wouldn't have a doctor look at it. He knew it would most likely look a bit worse tomorrow, but not by much. If it was, they would take a trip to the doctor.
After another hour, the other kids came into the room, shocked at how Ace looked, no longer having the ice bag at his cheek, Marco explaining he was in an accident, and to not touch. Everyone looked worried for Ace and did their best to help him and make sure he was fine. All of their kids were caring and amazing for each other, and it made Ace smile. Ace still only stayed with him on the couch, but Marco was okay with it. The other kids did seem to realise Ace wanted to be close with him, and they let Ace. When the clock reached bedtime, they put the kids to sleep, Marco staying a bit in Ace's room, just glad he was fine. He had been so scared. Almost as much when Thatch had suddenly disappeared from school having gotten lost on a trip and twisted his ankle.
Marco loved his children and would make sure, with all his power, nothing bad happened to them.
-x-
When the next day came, Ace and Eustass played together, even joining the others a few times. The two seemed to play the best together, which was no surprise. The bruising on Ace's face also didn't look too bad, which was perfect. Ace even showed Eustass the flowers out in the garden, Eustass liking them too.
All of them played and fun the entire Sunday, and while the kids had fun, Marco, Whitebeard, Shanks, and Benn spoke about something Benn had thought off last night, looking at ads for buildings for sale, before finding a perfect one. They had a plan, but wouldn't tell anyone yet.
The day went by fine, Eustass, Shanks, and Benn leaving after dinner, Whitebeard driving them home. It had been a good day, and Ace seemed really happy.
When Monday came, Marco was sure to join Ace to school, informing the teacher and principal why Ace had such bad bruises, just to make sure no misunderstand happened, all of them being understanding. Ace didn't seem to mind the bruising much, but hated it when Marco needed to look at it and make sure it healed and didn't get infected. Ace still tried to play brave, but still let a tear or whimper out. Marco made sure to always give Ace a snack afterwards, having found out Ace didn't like chocolate. He had tasted some chocolate, but only liqueur chocolate, which did taste horrible. It was no wonder he didn't like it then.
It was now Thursday, Marco on his way to head into the kitchen to start dinner, Whitebeard beside him as the man was going to help. They were making lasagna only, but enjoyed to small things together at times, small romantic things like that. And, it sped up the time a bit. But, when he was about to walk through the door to the kitchen, Whitebeard stopped him, and before Marco could ask why, the man smiled as he pointed inside.
When Marco looked inside the kitchen, he was shocked to see Ace standing in front of the counter, starting at the bowl of fruit. The kid was probably hungry. They were already late for dinner, needing to finish some paperwork that took more time than expected. Marco could see Ace extending his hand, before retreating it, scared to take fruit. Marco really hoped Ace would take some food, having told many times he could, knowing he had issues with that.
After a minute, Ace took a deep breath as he grabbed a pear, taking a bite with closed eyes. When Ace started chewing, eyes still closed, a few stray tears made their way down his face, bit Ace had a smile, which was good.
Ace dared to take food, which was a gigantic step. He was smiling and glad, but still scared, or maybe just a reaction. When Marco saw Ace moving for another bite, still eyes closed and few tears going down his face, he walked inside the kitchen. "I hope they taste good. They're fresh, yoi." Ace moved around shocked and startled, before he nodded after a second. "It- it does, really." Marco smiled as he moved his hand to Ace's head, giving a proud smile, moving the other hand to wipe the tears away "I'm so proud of you. Want to help with dinner?" Ace blinked, shocked, before smiling and nodding. Ace really liked to help, and Marco didn't mind.
As Ace went to grab a few things, still eating the pear, Marco went over to Whitebeard. "Why don't you go and look the papers over again, yoi. It seems like I have a new partner to make dinner with." The man chuckled, moving his arms around him. "I can see that. I'm also proud of him." The two chuckled and shared a kiss, before Marco went back into the kitchen. He liked to make food with Whitebeard, but nothing beat making food with his children. He and Whitebeard often made food together when they had lunch anyway.
They needed to look at those papers too, being sure they had enough to make the deal and hire those people they wanted. They would call Makino tomorrow, sure most would be fine by then.
Marco was sure the woman would love to help run a shelter for homeless in the city, knowing who many was and who was good and not. It was both a thanks for helping Ace and Eustass before, for those who had, but also since they needed a place those who didn't have a home could have some roof and shelter. They would do all they could to help and with the little things, knowing that was the most important to those who didn't have a home. Shanks had even made sure to have guards there, so no one did anything bad.
Marco couldn't wait to tell Ace, who really was doing good, same with Eustass, who even enrolled in school next month, same as Ace.
Marco loved his happy family.
And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed
I know this might have been fast paced and a bit everything, but I wanted to make more hurt/comfort and explain a bit more and include more people. I had planned for more in this, but figured I couldn't have everything now. If there is a big request for it, I can make a third and last chapter, but doubt it
If you have the time, I greatly appreciate feedback
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