Hello everyone, here is the next chapter

Things will progress in this, a special person visits for Christmas and a lot will happen in this; it's the chapter is a bit long because of that

Hope you enjoy

Read and relax

Marco walked towards Ace's room, going to tell her breakfast was ready. She hadn't been seen yet, something which was a bit unusual. She was usually up early, and he thought it would be best to tell her when there were meals, to make sure she didn't miss them.

Ace had asked him about the room thing yesterday, about what he had maybe thought for her if she changed her mind. The first commander had realised she might have misunderstood him before, not being fond of her female side. Marco had had a bit of a bad approach when he thought about it. Ace had seemed unsure, Marco showing her a room close to one commander quarter, knowing there would be more privacy there, and one of the more private bathrooms being there. Ace did want to try it out, and would tell him if she wanted to stay, Marco heading to that room now, hoping Ace was there. It was also closer to Deuce's room, which he hoped the woman would like. When he came to the room and knocked, opening when he heard something like a half-mumble, but not sounding like Ace, he halted for a second as he saw the bed.

On it, laid Ace sprawled out, half under the covers, night clothes on. Not that it was unusual, just a bit weird to see her asleep now.

That, and next to her, half awake, was Deuce, moving to lift himself up with an arm.

Had something happened last night? He knew Ace often went to Deuce for help, the man seeming like a really amazing friend. Ace was lucky to have him. Deuce moved a hand on his face, before looking at him. "'-ommander Marco?" The man seemed tired. Maybe the two had been up late. It did seem so. Marco looked at the man. "It's breakfast, yoi." The man gave a nod, hand moving to his face again, yawning. "Yeah- coming- maybe… tired." Marco almost wanted to give a small chuckle, the man seeming to still be in a sleep fog.

Before any of them could move or say anything, Ace moved and Decue was suddenly on the ground, Ace kicking him off the bed.

Deuce sat up, giving an angry look to the bed. "Ace! The Hell?!" Ace moved to turn around, back to them. "You're speaking and I want to sleep!" Deuce gave a snort. "Prissy bastard. It's breakfast." Ace gave a huff. "Sleep. Go away." Deuce gave a sigh, standing up. "Yeah yeah, you priss." Deuce then stood up and headed out of the room, Marco following, understanding Ace wouldn't wake up yet.

When they were out, Deuce gave a yawn, hand moving in front of his mouth. Marco noticed see-through bandages at his upper arm, seeing Pops' mark there, which had him smile. "You got the tattoo, yoi." Deuce gave a hum, looking half-confused, before seeming to remember, looking at his arm himself, nodding. Marco was proud of that. "How did Ace take that?" Deuce shook his head. "Good. We spoke about it, a lot, yesterday. She's okay with it." That was good. Maybe she would join too. Marco then remembered something the others had spoken about. "We'll soon dock again, and Ace can leave then if she wants, yoi. But it's also Christmas then. Any idea what to get her?"

Deuce gave a snort. "Gonna try and win her over? So she will join?" Marco gave a small chuckle. "If you have the right idea." Deuce gave a small chuckle, grabbing a paper and a pen from him, writing something down on it, telling what it was, which had him glad. It sounded like the perfect idea, to show they cared about her.

When Deuce had explained, but not as much as he wanted and hadn't answered a few of his questions, Deuce gave a yawn again. "Ace is right; Sleep is good. See you later, Commander Marco." Marco gave a nod. "Sleep well, yoi." Deuce nodded as he walked away, nodding. "You too, or something." Marco gave a small chuckle. The man was a good one, caring about Ace and being a laidback person. If Ace joined, it was perfect the man was here too. It would be good for Ace.

Marco looked down at the note he got. It would be a perfect thing if it worked, and would be from everyone. He couldn't tell the others, in case it didn't work. But, he needed to try.

-x-

Whitebeard sat out in his chair, seeing his children still decorating the ship for Christmas. Nothing too much, the captain having told to not go overboard, but a small bit to get into the Christmas spirit. After all, it was only 2 days until Christmas Eve.

The captain had already had many visits from the commanders, Thatch especially, about needing to find the perfect gift for Ace. It was her first Christma son the boat after all, she hadn't told the others she would stay, and she wasn't the most open person, so they knew little of her and what she liked. She was also still rough around the edges, having issues with trust, but it was getting better. They still needed to find a gift for her, hopefully one most could join in on, wanting to show her they were a family. But, it was closing in on too late, meaning they would need to try and make something up. Marco had also given a note he might have a gift for her, which would be from everyone, but hadn't said what. The captain hoped it was something that could make Ace's first Christmas with them perfect. Ace was currently helping Haruta inside the galley with decorations, meaning Thatch was trying to ask people on deck on what they should get the woman.

"Hey!" Lance, one of the guys on watch yelling out, had the captain turn, seeing the man had taken his sword out. "Who are you?" Whitebeard looked and saw a person standing on the railing. Where had that person come from? Sneaking up on them was hard, seeing as they had many on watch, but it happened.

The person, a male, had blond hair, a top hat on his head, and something resembling a suit of sorts. Whitebeard frowned. He was sure he had seen this person before, but where? After a second, he knew where. The person was from the Revolutionary Army, having been in it for long and was high up. Why was he here? Were there more close by? The captain could see some others also coming to the same conclusion and inching towards their weapons, especially when the man jumped down to the railing. He didn't seem battle-ready, but this person, who couldn't be older than 20, might be a distraction.

As the captain was on his way to ask, to tell that no strangers were welcome here, a yell from the right had him turn, barely seeing Ace running across the deck and jumping into the man's arms, arms and legs around the person, hugging the other, Whitebeard hearing Ace crying, having her face in the man's shoulder.

Who was this person? It had to be someone Ace cared for. And, why was the person even here or knew they were here?

"How are you here?" Ace's voice was latched with happiness, so much so she was crying. The person gave a laugh, hugging back. "Someone called me, a Marco or something, and asked for me to drop by as a surprise." Whitebeard blinked. Was this what Marco had said could be Ace's present? Who was this person? He obviously meant a lot to Ace. Ace seemed to somehow hug the man tighter. "I'm so glad to see you, Sabo." Sabo? Who was that? The man, Sabo, gave a small laugh. "You should thank Marco." Ace gave a nod against his shoulder. "I will, when I'm ready to let go of you." Ace hugged tighter. "I haven't seen you in ages." Sabo gave a nod, agreeing.

After a minute, Sabo clapped Ace on her back. "You can let go now, Ace." Ace shook her head. "Not ready," She said as she hugged harder. Sabo blinked. "Ace, you're choking me." Ace shook her head again, not letting go. It took 5 minutes, but Ace soon let go, making the man, Sabo, take a few breaths, Ace drying her tears a bit away, still somewhat crying. After Ace had somewhat gathered herself, she looked at Marco. "Thank you, Marco." The first commander shook his head. "It's nothing, yoi." Ace gave a nod, moving to lean her head on Sabo's shoulder, obviously not being finished being close to the other. Who was he to Ace? Boyfriend maybe? How did Marco even figure this out? Sabo shook his head a bit, moving an arm to stroke Ace's back, turning his head to look at the captain.

"So, I have a feeling no one, aside from the first commander, expected me. It would only be right of me to ask to stay, hopefully for a day or two, Mister Newgate." Whitebeard was a bit shocked, seeing as Sabo still asked, something one rarely did, especially when Marco had invited him. "Of course! You can stay as long as you want," Said the captain, a bit glad the other had asked to. It showed he was a good person. Sabo gave a nod and smile, patting Ace on the back, the captain now thinking Ace might have asked, whisperingly, if Sabo could stay.

Ace looked up and at him shocked. "Sabo can stay?" Whitebeard blinked. Did she really think he would deny him? After seeing how much this person meant to her? "Of course he can stay! He seems to mean a lot to you." Ace blinked, as if taking that information in, before she moved and hugged the captain's leg. "Thank you."

The captain was shocked for a second. Ace had never hugged anyone on the ship, not being close to anyone, so this was a big step. Whitebeard could also see many of his children thinking the same, being shocked. The captain gave a smile, moving a hand, a finger, to pat Ace's back, making the girl let go and wipe her eyes a bit again, before moving to Sabo, dragging him to the galley. When the two were gone, Whitebeard looked at Marco. "Who's Sabo?" Marco gave a small chuckle.

"A brother, yoi." Whitebeard blinked. Wasn't Luffy the only brother? And, they don't look alike. "Brother?!" Thatch seemed to be shocked too, not able to comprehend this.

Marco gave a nod. "Yes, yoi. There is a lot there on the two, an accident happening years ago, but Deuce wouldn't tell. He just said she hadn't seen him in long and how to contact him." Whitebeard nodded. That explained how Marco knew about the man and managed to contact him. It was a perfect surprise and present.

They soon moved to join the others in the galley, Ace really happy to see Sabo again, and Sabo looking happy too. They obviously cared for each other.

During lunch, Ace sat next to Sabo, and seemed to really enjoy herself, glad to be with the other and wanting to enjoy it. Sabo did look a bit suspicious at times, but that was normal, since Ace was here, a place she shouldn't be. But, he was sure it would be better, and he was sure Sabo would speak to Ace in private later.

It was good to see Ace happy.

-x-

Sabo looked at Ace as they were eating, just finishing up, having a feeling she was hiding something.

Just the fact she was on this boat was something he wouldn't have believed, not really believing the man who had called, Marco, in the beginning, but he had said a few things that made him believe it to be true. That, and he had taken a call to Shanks, knowing that man had had the usual day out with Ace last week, and he confirmed it. Who would have believed Ace was here? She wasn't a part of the crew, not according to both Marco and Shanks, but Shanks had said she was unsure and wasn't unhappy or being kept here, which calmed him down.

When more finished eating, Sabo sent a look at Ace and made a motion with his head when she looked, telling he wanted to speak to her alone. He wanted to make sure she was happy here himself.

Ace did seem to get it and gave a small excuse to the others, and they walked out of the galley, Ace leading them somewhere, which turned to be Ace's room here. It was good to see her have a room, even looking like a nice one. That was a good sign. When the door was closed behind them, Sabo gave a hug to Ace, just being glad to see her being safe and not injured or anything, being a bit worried when the Spades pirates just disappeared. "How are you?"

Ace gave a nod, hugging back, seeming to be really glad he was here. That could be bad, or good, or just nothing special. "I'm okay- glad to see you again. How are you? Things okay with the revolutionaries?" Sabo gave a small chuckle, letting go of Ace. "I'm fine, Dragon getting on my nerve now and then though." He did know Ace didn't like that Dragon, Luffy's father, was his superior, but the man wasn't the worst and let that be. Before Ace could respond to that, Sabo gave her a look, moving a hand to her face, making sure she looked at him. "But that's nothing new. How are you here? Why are you here? Are you really okay?" He didn't know too much about the Whitebeards, and therefore didn't trust them. He wanted Ace to be happy, and would gladly fight to get here away from here if anything was wrong.

Ace did give a small nod, having a look of something- uncertainty?- in her eyes, sitting down on her bed, making him do it too, her giving a small sigh before she started to speak.

Ace told how she had gotten here, going to try and take the captain's head, failing, making her feel weak. He did move a hand to hers, not agreeing on that. She was strong, just not stronger than the strongest man in the world, which many weren't. She did tell how they hadn't resented her for it, not doing anything mean- just a small whisper here and there- but nothing more. That was good, and there would always be people who whispered, but they didn't seem to have said anything too bad. That, or Ace hid something, which he believed she did.

Ace told on how it had been the last couple of weeks, after them finding out her gender, how no one had brought it up and or seemed to mind, just the small whisper again. She did tell something that the doctor had done, but it sounded more like a mistake, even Shanks having said that, and he did too. Ace also told how they had stood up to her when someone had tried to attack her last week, how they had been nice about it, what the captain had said to Ace when she spoke to the man.

It didn't sound like she was unhappy here, at least not from what she had just told. "But you can leave when you want to, right? They aren't keeping you here?" Sabo needed to make sure. Ace shook her head. "They aren't. I can leave when we dock next, at the island we're heading towards, seeing as it would be easy for me to get my own ship and all that there." He nodded, that made sense, also knowing they were heading to Fishman Island, which would be a perfect place for Ace to leave. "But…" Sabo didn't like that but, especially since Ace looked down and uncertain, as if trying to figure out if she should say something and how. "What, Ace?" No, Sabo didn't like this as all.

Ace gave a sigh, turning around on the bed, back to him and lifting her shirt, Sabo now realizing she had loosened her binds. When they also fell away, the undershirt being lifted too, Sabo could only stare. "I don't think I want to leave."

Ace had taken the mark to Whitebeard, on her back, where he knew she had most of her scars.

The tattoo was covering them perfectly, not seeing them unless one looked hard or knew they were there. There was the occasional single scar that was a bit longer, but no one would think much of that, that was normal for a pirate. Ace had decided to stay? They had managed to make her feel this comfortable? He moved and hugged Ace, being sure to drag her shirt down again, Ace seeming a bit shocked. "I'm so happy for you! They must be happy to have you here. Marco didn't say you had joined." Ace gave a small nod. "Only the captain knows… I did it -this- two days ago. I'm not ready to tell yet. ...and the tattoo is on my back..." He nodded. He got why Ace was worried about that, not liking to show her back, since it had scars before, and it meant she couldn't wear her binds.

"How about you try to show today or tomorrow? While I'm here? I can help you through it. Just so you can show it to the others."

Ace looked divided. "I don't know... " Sabo shook his head. "Think about it. No need to decide now." Ace gave a nod. "Okay." She gave a smile. "Thank you, Sabo. For being here." He gave a laugh, clapping her shoulder. "What are brothers for, right?" Ace gave a laugh back. "True. But still, thank you, Sabo, for dropping by. I really needed that now." She then moved to lay down on the bed, legs still on the floor. He shook his head, giving a small noise, also moving to lay down too, head next to Ace's, moving a hand to hold onto hers. "Don't thank me for stuff like this. It's what I do."

They stayed like that a bit, just staring at the ceiling and enjoying the moment of silence together, before Sabo moved to sit up. "Let's go do something! How about go look around? Maybe look at the ocean?" Ace gave a nod, sitting up too. "Yeah. Let me just put my binds on again." He gave a nod. He didn't like it, that she still wore the binds and fake bob, but he wouldn't make a deal out of it. Ace wouldn't like it, still having issues.

Maybe the Whitebeards would be good for her.

-x-

Marco was out on deck after lunch, just keeping an eye on everything. Things was usually calm at this time, seeing as it was close to Christmas. It was good to have everything a bit calm. There were only 2 days left before Christmas Eve, everyone excited for it.

Ace and Sabo had been away a bit, the commander thinking the man wanted to speak to Ace in private, seeing the look he had given his sister during lunch. He got that, the man wanting to be sure Ace was fine. Seeing as both looked happy now, walking around and looking, Ace showing the man around, was a good sign. It was good that Ace seemed to enjoy it here, Sabo seeming glad on her behalf.

After a couple of hours, Deuce had come out and sat down on the deck, Ace soon joining him, Sabo speaking to someone who had watch, Kent, seeming to ask how this was. The man was from the Revolutionary Army, and was interested in how things worked with duties as such. He was also sure Kent wouldn't reveal anything dangerous. The male did this for a few minutes, before he looked to be bidding his goodbye for now, heading towards Ace.

Sabo walked to Ace, taking her hat off. "Pin. Out. Now." Ace blinked, before giving a small frown. "Why?" Sabo moved to sit behind her. "I want to braid it. Koala taught me a new braid." Ace gave a small nod, moving to take her pin out, letting her hair fall down her back, Sabo moving his hand through it. Her hair was still magnificent.

Sabo then started to braid her hair, seeming to try and concentrate, Ace sitting still and letting him, seeming to have a small content look. Maybe she liked it? He knew many liked to have their hair braided, as it felt good. But, it might also be because it was Sabo who was doing it, seeing as he was her brother, and Ace seemed to really like her brothers. Sabo did seem to have a bit of issues at times, needing to undo the braid and start again a few times, before he managed to do it it seemed like. It almost took an hour, but he soon clapped his hands. "There!" Ace moved a hand to her head, feeling the braid.

"Here," Said Izou, handing the woman a mirror the man had, Ace looking at the braid with it. "It looks really good, Sabo. You've gotten better." Sabo gave a nod. "Practicing. And Koala has been teaching me, and she is amazing at braids." Ace gave a nod, feeling the braid a bit more, before turning her head to speak to Sabo, giving them better view of the braid, and it was a beautiful one.

There were 3 small twists from her front hair, from each side, which were braided into a larger loose braid that went down the middle, using about a third of her hair. It was amazing and fit her perfectly.

The commander had a hope they would manage to see more of her hair, especially if she stayed. It was really amazing.

The two siblings spoke a bit together, before it was dinner, which went by fine, the rest of the day being calm, Ace being mostly around her brother. If she hadn't seen him in a while, it was understandable they wanted to catch up now. When night was closing in, he did ask the blond male of he wanted a room to stay in, which he politely said no to, saying he would stay in Ace's. The two seemed to be really close, which was good to see.

Marco really hoped Ace would stay.

-x-

Sabo walked towards where the sixteenth commander, Izou, sat, Ace half-dragged behind him, her not to sure about this, but she really should try this. When they were close to the commander, he looked up at them, understanding they were heading to him, and just sat silently and waited for them. Acting normal would be the best. When they were close, he looked at Izou. "Could you braid Ace's hair? But do it in an updo? And away from her face, but not all?" He had an idea how Sabo wanted Ace's hair to be, and hoped the commander could do it.

The man gave a nod. "I can try. Anything special? Aside from what you just said." He gave a nod, moving Ace to sit down, her looking a bit unsure, and Sabo sat down at her side, taking her hat off, and removing the braid he had made yesterday. Sabo tried to explain what he wanted, moving Ace's hair a bit up to show what he thought, Izou seeming to be thinking too, nodding as he explained. When most was explained, Izou nodded. "I think I get what you want, but how about I start and you just help through it?" He nodded. That sounded perfect, meaning he could stay here too, which would be best for Ace.

The man did start carefully, thinking for a few seconds, before starting, doing a braid from the front to the back first, before doing the back. The commander did ask at times on how it should be, giving examples, making it easier to decide. He also kept an eye on Ace, to make sure she was okay. She did seem okay with it, and Sabo knew she liked people doing her hair, and Izou seemed good at it, having smooth motions. Ace was starting to seem comfortable with it. Him being here helped too.

It took an hour, but it was now finished. When it was done, Izou handed a mirror to Ace, her looking at the briad, seeming impressed by it.

It was an amazing braid with one big one that took most of her hair from the front and going to the back of her head, where it went into a different braid, which was more loose, a bit of hair hanging down from it. There also was a bit from the braid at the side, but only a small bit of the shorter hair, reaching just a bit past her shoulder.

It looked perfect.

Ace seemed impressed too. "It looks good," Half-mumbled Ace, most likely to herself. Sabo gave a nod and looked at Izou. "It looks perfect. Thank you." The man gave a nod. "Glad you like it. Haven't worked with that long or smooth hair before, but I think it will stay." The man looked back to Ace. "It's also really beautiful." Ace only gave a small nod, not saying anything. He gave a nod, looking at the other. "It is. It's really beautiful." He hoped Ace would understand how beautiful it, she, was. He would never stop saying it. She gave a small nod again, giving a small smile to him, it looking half-forced. Sabo really wanted to kill a few people for making Ace think she wasn't beautiful.

He gave a last nod to the sixteenth commander, before he stood up and grabbed Ace's hand, dragging her up and after himself. "Come on. Let's do the rest." Sabo was so going to do his best for this to happen. He could hear Izou gave a chuckle after them, most likely amused by this, seeing him dragging Ace around to do things.

When they got to Ace's room again, he went to her closet and searched through her clothes, finding a red and somewhat baggy one, making Ace put it on after she had undressed, only her bra left. He then took a dagger out and moved to her back, carefully cutting the back of the shirt, making sure not to injure Ace. He knew she trusted him enough to not do that. It took a small while, wanting it to be perfect, before he stepped back. "There." Ace then went to look at the big mirror, looking at what he did.

He had cut the shirt's back open, so the mark was visible, trying to make the scars that were near the mark not visible, only a small part of the bottom of the mark not visible, being sure to leave a bit of the shirt on the top to make sure it wouldn't slide of her shoulders, trying to make it look good.

Ace gave a small frown at him, looking unsure and maybe half-scared. "I… I don't know if I can do this, Sabo." He shook his head, walking over to her and holding her shoulders, making her look at him. She had been a bit more confident last night, telling she wanted to try it this morning, to show the mark. But to do it would be hard for her. He was glad the commander had managed to braid her hair, making it perfect and away from her back, not in a fake bob for once. She had amazing hair and should show it.

"You can do this. You don't need to, but you can do it. And I will be with you the whole time, I promise." Ace gave a small nod, looking back in the mirror. He shook his head, moving his hand to her face, making her look at him again. "You look wonderful, okay? Just for an hour or two, nothing more. If it gets to be too much, we go change. Just tell me and we'll leave."

Ace gave an unsure look, before she took a breath and nodded. "Okay. I'll try."

Sabo nodded, giving a smile, moving to hug her. "Just tell me when it becomes too much." He felt her nodding, and he let go, giving her a bit of time to gather herself. She did look amazing. The shirt and hair went together perfectly. Ace didn't seem to mind the hair too much. It was up and out of her face, which she liked. It was really long. But it was so beautiful. She shouldn't hide it with a fake bob.

After a couple of minutes, Ace said she was ready, making him smile. He knew the others would like this, no one aside from the captain knowing about the tattoo. Well, Deuce did, but he didn't count.

He was really happy for Ace and hoped everyone would be happy on her behalf too.

-x-

Whitebeard sat out on deck, relaxing as it was still early. There was only a day left before Christmas and everyone was starting to really get into the mood for it, being happy and carefree. It was good to see. He had seen the two earlier, Sabo getting Izou to braid Ace's hair in an amazing braid. He hoped she still had it when she came back out again. Just as he thought that, he noticed the two coming from around a corner, Ace looking uncomfortable and Sabo close to her.

It was understandable the woman was uncomfortable, seeing she didn't wear her binds, having a loose shirt on now. The braid was still in, which still looked amazing. As they walked more out on deck, Ace looked more and more uncomfortable, which had him frown. And when they passed Rakuyo, who stood by the railing, the commander looked really shocked, mouth hanging open, before getting a big smile, clapping his hands and cheering. It had him frown, not sure why. But the sound had the woman turning, and he got why.

She had an open back, the tattoo showing. She was showing she had accepted to be a part of their family.

It had him smile, a feeling of proudness in him. Ace was showing the mark, showing she was now a part of them, that she would stay here. He did have a feeling Sabo had a big part in this, that she did it now, the man being close to her.

As others noticed Rakuyo clapping and cheering, looking his way, making them also see Ace and the fact she had the mark on her back, had everyone cheering and clapping, being happy. They all wanted this. The woman did seem confused for a second as everyone clapped, him also seeing Sabo whispering something to her, which had the woman nod, making her look a bit more confident. This was big. Not only that she was telling everyone she would stay, but showed the mark on her back, binds off, and looking amazing with the shirt and braid. She was a beautiful woman.

Thatch was the first to move and moved up to the woman, hugging her. "Welcome to the family!" The woman did give a small nod, looking startled. "Y-yeah." Touch might be a bit much, especially as she was most likely way out of her comfort zone. After the chef had held the woman for a few seconds, being happy about this, Sabo made him let go, telling something that the captain didn't hear. He was watching out for Ace, and that was good to see.

As the chef let go, he gave the woman a clap on the shoulder, giving a happy laugh, others soon joining, congratulating Ace and giving her a clap on the shoulder, a few going for a hug, Sabo always close. As everyone was congratulating her, the captain looked to his side when he heard someone speaking. "Why do I have a feeling you knew about this, yoi?" He gave a chuckle to the first commander. "What kind of father would I be if I didn't know." The commander gave a small chuckle at that. "How long?" He looked back at Ace. "Three days." He noticed Marco shaking his head in his peripheral vision, having a smile and giving a small chuckle. "It looks good, yoi."

He gave a nod. It looked amazing, the woman choosing the best place possible to place the tattoo for herself, going to look forward.

There were a few who declared to party tonight, to celebrate this, but before everyone could cheer for that, Sabo spoke. "How about we wait until tomorrow? You know, since it's already Christmas and a party will happen." That was a perfect idea, most likely to not overwhelm Ace. Everyone cheered for that, agreeing it was a good idea.

The captain was sure tomorrow would have a big party, bigger than normal, to celebrate this and Christmas.

Everyone congratulated Ace and were in a good mood, Ace smiling and doing her best to show off the mark, but she also did look uncomfortable. Sabo never ventured or moved from her side, which had to help a lot, the woman needing that support. It was an hour later that things calmed down, most having congratulated Ace and going on with their day, being happy. Thatch did try to get close a few times, but Sabo helped keep him off. The chef wasn't good at knowing when he went too far.

Half an hour after things calmed down, he heard a Den Den ringing, seeing Sabo give a sigh as he took a Den Den out of a pocket, most likely from the Revolutionary Army. He gave an apologetic look to Ace, which she shook her head to. "Go. It's fine." The man gave a nod, taking his jacket off and giving it to the woman, her putting it on and shielding her back, giving a thankful look to the blond, before he went away, giving a sigh to the still ringing Den Den.

The captain got why the man gave his jacket to Ace, to make her feel more comfortable as he left, her not liking to have her back open, or generally be without her binds.

Things were a bit calmer after that, many still congratulating Ace, her handling that good. Deuce had come up to her and somewhat took over what Sabo had done earlier, but not as much as the other. Deuce was also getting a bunch of congratulations of his own since he also had the mark now.

It was a good day.

After a few minutes, Thatch came and asked if Ace could help with something in the galley, which the woman agreed to, putting the jacket on more and following the man, giving a goodbye to Deuce for now.

It was good to see everyone being glad that Ace joined, the woman seeming shocked by it, most likely not expecting that. They would do their best to make her feel comfortable here.

Today was a really good day.

-x-

Sabo gave a laugh, seeming in a good mood as he came from around a corner, which was good. The man had just returned from a call of sorts, most likely from the Revolutionary Army. It didn't seem like anything bad based on Sabo's mood.

Ace was just doing something with Thatch and some other people, asking if she could help with a few things. Marco had noticed the chef being a bit too forward at times with Ace, being closer to her and trying to touch her and giving a few comments, which really wasn't good, and he would speak to the chef if it got worse or he didn't stop. Ace hadn't said anything to it, yet, but one could see she was uncomfortable at times. The chef meant good, but he wasn't good at understanding when he went too far.

After a few seconds, Ace come from the door to the galley, Sabo giving a smile, before it changed to a frown. "Do you have tears in your eyes?"

That had Marco looking at Ace too, seeing her eyes being a bit blank, looking like tears. Had anything happened with Thatch? Ace blinked. "What?" Before she could think more, Sabo moved and hugged her, giving her a kiss on her head. "What is it?" He asked when he let go, Marco also wondering, worried it had to do with Thatch. Ace shook her head a bit, moving a hand to maybe wipe something that looked like a tear away from her eye. "It's nothing. It just got a bit overwhelming at the end. Long day- morning." Sabo shook his head. "That's not nothing, Ace. You need to tell when it gets too much." Marco agreed on that.

Ace gave a nod. "I know. I just- Thatch really just wanted me to try this thing and see the mark, and it became a bit too much with everything and everyone." Marco gave a nod to himself, going to go and speak to the chef. Sabo also gave a nod. "I get it. Let's go and relax in your room for a bit, Ace. At least until lunch. You look like you need it." Marco agreed on that; Ace could need a break. Ace gave a nod and a small sniff, going with Sabo to her room.

When they left, Marco headed and spoke to the chef, telling he had been a bit too much for Ace now, and he needed to give her space and not be as handsy or intrusive as he was at times, Ace reacting bad to it as she didn't like it.

When Marco told about what had happened outside of the galley and what Ace had said and how she looked, the chef looked guilty, not meaning to make her feel bad or be emotional. Marco got that, and said it was fine, but to be more careful, which the chef agreed on, also saying he would apologize to the woman later.

When lunch was ready an hour later, Marco moved towards Ace's room to tell the two there, seeing as they hadn't come out yet and dimmer was a bit early as things were finished.

When he knocked at the door, he got a "Come in," from Sabo, and Marco opened the door. When he saw inside the room, he noticed the lights were off, the only light coming from the window, which lighted the room a bit up, Sabo sitting on the bed, a book in a hand, which was lowered as Marco came in.

But Ace, she was lying on the bed, head in Sabo's lap, asleep. Sabo had a hand stroking her head.

"Hi, why are you here?" Asked Sabo, looking at him. Marco gave a nod. "Lunch is ready, yoi." Sabo gave a nod, looking down at Ace, hand moving along her head. "I don't think we'll come now. Ace is tired." Marco gave a nod. "I understand. You can come when she wakes up." Sabo gave a nod, giving him a smile. "Thank you, Commander Marco. You're a good man." Marco gave a nod and small smile, glad Sabo thought that. He hoped Ace thought that too and that she had made Sabo come to that conclusion.

Marco then left, heading to the galley. When he got there and Pops asked where Ace and Sabo was, he said the two were relaxing in Ace's room, Ace asleep and seeming tired, and they would come when she woke up. Pops nodded to it, not saying anything as Ace had been doing much today and she was probably tired, mentally, from being nervous and everything since she showed the mark on her back, which was amazing.

Thatch did look more guilty at the fact Ace didn't show up and was asleep, thinking he was at fault. While he was a bit at fault, it wasn't only that. Marco would still be sure to have a more thoroughly talk with the chef later.

-x-

An hour after dinner, Ace and Sabo came out again, Ace having her usual clothes on, same with the binds. The braid was still in her hair, which was good.

Thatch did look guilty again, and Whitebeard was sure Marco would fix it, already seeing the first commander speaking to the chef before, Marco having explained what had happened. It would take time for Ace to do certain things. He would ask Izou to make some clothes for Ace, which had the mark on them, so she could show it without having an open back.

As they came out, Deuce looked at the blond. "What was the call about?" The blond gave a sigh. "Dragon giving me a hard time since he wants me back- now." Maybe the blond would leave now? He had hoped he would stay for another day, for Christmas. Even Ace seemed a bit shocked by that, looking at Sabo. "Are you leaving now?" Asked Deuce, an eyebrow lifted. Sabo shook his head. "Nope. Told the man to fuck off until tomorrow, when I will leave." A chuckle came from Deuce. "What he say to that?" Sabo shrugged. "No idea. Hung up before he got a chance to speak."

Even Ace gave a small chuckle to that, but still gave a small look to the man. The captain didn't know the blond, but this did sound like something he would do, especially for Ace. He really cared.

Whitebeard was sure tomorrow would be a good day too.

And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed

So this got way longer than I intended, but wanted to tell everyone this now. Christmas was supposed to be in this too, but it's not since I thought that would be too much, so that will be in the next chapter

If you have the time, I greatly appreciate feedback

Also, if you're interested, have it, and maybe want to share something or anything with me, come join my Discord server. It's called Azuruko's Fiction. It has a small channel for all my stories, and one main channel that's general. Pictures related to stories will be posted there too, like Ace's braids and clothes. (Instant invite: discord . gg / 6hzMhbR) Link is on my profile too