Our perfect family Chapter 8: A whole week!, an one piece fanfic

With68 - Marcy's indeed the cutest, she inherited Ace's charm. She also inherited his ability to create chaos, such as breaking her dad's dick. it was all to protect her papa, Marco, though! The CPS were indeed to rude! They should know better and treat Marco with respect to adopt children!
I'm happy to hear you like this story so much! Not everything will really be accurate of how things go, probably a lot of paperwork you need to cover surrogate mother's and such too what we didn't cover... but well, glad it was well liked! was a little bit scared to the reactions to it. Austin is a very good child, as you'll see in this chapter! He just wants a nice family, and Marco and Ace will give it to him!

Ages:
Marco: 41
Ace: 27
Austin: 8
Marcy: 4

Relationship status: Happily married!

This chapter turned out way to long haha, it took so long to find the full motivation to check it over... But well, it's done now! Most thanks to Kawaii_Chibi_Kai1 for checking most of this chapter! :D

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz - will indicate the start and ending of a slightly more mature theme. (i had to edit these breaks so many times because fanfiction keeps deleting them, so now you get the whole alphabet!)

The following Monday rolled around and Austin had been called to the office to inform him he was being picked up. Walking into the parking lot he quickly found his case worker's car before walking over to her.

"Aus-"

"I don't want to go." He cut her off. He was feeling frustrated. They had asked him about his weekend visiting Ace and Marco. He told them he enjoyed his visit and that they were really nice. So why would he be going somewhere else, he didn't want to go somewhere e-

"Hey Austin-yoi"

Austin froze and looked over behind case worker and his eyes widened. Marco stood there with a smile, Ace stood next to him holding a small girl with black hair and grey eyes with freckles. She looked at him before hiding her face into Ace neck.

The case worker tried to start her next sentence again, only to be interrupted again, "You-"

"Yes." Austin said rushing over to them. "I want to come over again."

His worker smiled and took an overnight bag form the back seat of her car. "It will be just for the week."

Austin's eyes widen. He got to go for the whole week!

Marco smiled and nodded along with Ace.

Getting a bit teary eyed, he laughed and hugged Marco before pulling back a few seconds after, looking embarrassed. It has only been a week since he saw them ... But it has felt like it's been forever... Thinking every day he wouldn't see them again.

Marco smiled at his reaction. They couldn't wait for the day when they could take him home permanently. He bent down and placed a hand on his head gently. In the meanwhile, Ace bended down to be on Austin's hight.

"Austin, this is Marcy. Marcy this is Austin." Marcy looked over at the boy and gave a small shy wave.

Before Austin could wave back, Marcy had hidden away again. Did he do something wrong?

Ace saw the small distraught and quickly spoke "Don't worry, Marcy is a little shy when meeting new people. She'll get used to you pretty quickly." He looked down at the little girl and patted her hair "Won't you Marcy? You're a big girl, aren't you?"

"Yea! Marcy big girl!"

"Haha indeed"

Marco had taken hold of Austin's overnight bag. "I'll see you next Monday, Austin." She said looking to the boy who could only nod.

"All set-yoi?" Only to get a nod again and Marco held the backseat door open for him to get in while Ace went to the other side to buckle Marcy into her car seat. Once settled Ace handed her a plushy which she took happily.

During the ride Austin was looking at Marcy playing with the plushy, she really looked a lot like Ace. Compared to himself, still far to white... but well Ace never seemed sick last weekend, so he believed him that it was natural, and Marcy looked happy and, also not sick, so well... it must all be okay. She also had those little spots all over her cheek like Ace, he may have thought that they are a tiny bit cute, but he won't admit that.

"You like?"

"Huh?"

"Ducky!" Marcy smiled at him, holding the plushy up.

She must have thought he had been watching it. "Ehm yea, it ehm it looks very ehm soft and ehm pretty. Nice ehm... ducky." It was a pretty strange duck. It looked like a beak and eyes put on a ... on a pineapple?

"Hihih yeaa! You can pet ducky!" Marcy held the duck closer to him, he was a tiny bit unsure of what to do. But Marcy looked so happy, so he slowly extended a hand and gave it a little two bumps on the head with his hand.

It seemed like it was a the good choice for the girl laughed and went back to playing with the duck in her lap.

When they got back to the house Ace and Marco had gotten out and Ace opened Austin's door, to let him out because they tend to keep the child lock on. Marco got Marcy out of her car seat, and the four went inside, Ace carrying Austin's overnight bag.

When they got in the house it smelled of chicken being roasted.

While Ace went to put the bag into Austin's rooms, Marco put Marcy down so she could waddle around, he turned to Austin with a smile.

"Welcome back Austin, I hope you want to stay with us again. Since this was unexpected for you, please let us know if you need more of your stuff from the center or just need something in general." Marco hummed "let's see, what else, you still know your way around a bit? Where the bathroom is and such?"

"I -I think so." He held on to his school bag and he watched Marcy making a mad dash into one of the rooms, and as she went in, she didn't shut the door behind her.

Marco had gone over to the kitchen to check on the food that was cooking. He checked both slow cookers. "Do you like spicy foods Austin?"

"Ehm yea, I like them ... or yea I've liked what I had up till now" he slowly walked closer, putting his school bag near the couch. It's where it was put last time he was there too.

He then went closer to Marco "Can I ehm help with anything?"

Marco smiled at him, "Can you set the table? Just the silver wear."

Nodding Austin walked towards the drawers, opening the first one but only finding whisks and spatulas. He closed it and tried another one, smiling when he saw the table ware. He also saw some plastic ones. He took three and looked at Marco, grabbing his attention by speaking "Ehm does Marcy use the plastic things?"

"Hmm yes, sorry forgot to mention. She indeed still uses the plastic utensils, to be safe."

Nodding he grabbed them before setting them up the table. Standing nearby to see if there's anything he needs to do.

"Papa help!" Marcy called from the bathroom as Ace made his way done the stairs, he pulled hair back and out of his face. "I'll get her." He said as he went and poked his head into the bathroom and walked in. Flushing the toilet and ran the water to wash her hands.

Marco had unplugged the slow cooker and took out some chicken pieces and some veggies and set them on a heavy plastic plate before cutting some of the chicken up smaller. "Can you put this in Marcys's spot?" Has he held it out to him with one hand. Marco had rolled the sleeves of his dress shirt up.

Austin took it but didn't move, staring at the ink before looking at Marco and back at the tattoo. "... Did it hurt?"

Marco looked at him and blinked, at what he was talking about.

"That, Ace & Marcy" he pointed at the ink on his forearm

"Oh," Marco chuckled, "yea. Hurt for a bit, but it was worth it." He smiled looking at it. "It was Ace's idea."

"What was my idea?" Ace asked carrying Marcy and setting her down in her booster seat. His own matching tattoo visible.

Marco smiled and pointed to the tattoos

"Haha yea, no regrets." He looked lovingly at his tattoo.

"Oh, you have one too, with Marco. That's so nice."

Marco laughed and made a plate for Austin, not cutting the chicken up. "Here you go. "

"Ah, thank you" he took the plate and set it down at the spot he sat last time.

Ace was putting Marcy in her own special chair, it was higher to reach the table, before grabbing the last plates Marco had made. Setting them down before sitting down himself.

"If it's too spicy you don't have to eat it." Marco said looking over Austin. "Ace likes his spices"

Ace had set water for himself and Marco and milk for Austin and milk for Marcy in a sippy cup.

Nodding he started eating, taking small bites. It was spicy but was double. Until one bite seemed much hotter than the rest, he swallowed not wanting to somehow disappoint or make them think he doesn't like it, even if Marco said he didn't need to eat it. He took a sip of his milk, it helped a bit, but it still burned. What should he do... He doesn't want another bite like this, he'll cry for real he already wants to tear up now

Ace looked at him and gave a chuckle "I may have added to much. I'll get you another plate." As he stood up and reached over to pick up Austins plate.

Austin watched how Ace simply filled him another plate and gave it to him, even saying a small apology. They weren't mad at all. They keep surprising him.

He smiled a bit and started eating again. It was still seasoned, but not too spicy anymore. He made sure to thank Ace and say it's good now

Ace smiled and took his seat once more. Marco who was sitting next to Marcy who was enjoying her chicken.

"What game are you going to be playing tonight?" Marco asked looking at Ace, who gave a smile.

"Starting up Pokémon: Let's Go Eevee. It won my last poll last month."

Austin let out a small gasp before acting as if nothing happened, hopefully they didn't notice. He always wanted to try it too, Eevee is so cute. They only had second hand consoles and games at the adoption center, so they never had the newer, more popular games.

... Would Ace play with him?... Maybe not when working but... Another time...

Marco looked at him, "Want to watch the stream after your done your homework?"

"More chicky papa." Marco looked to Marcy who had finished her chicken but not her veggies. "Eat your veggies and I'll get you some more." Marcy huffed and sat there pouting.

"I can?" Austin nodded happily "I wanna see it!"

Marco nodded, "Sure, just as long as your homework is done."

"More chicky daddy." Marcy asked looking to Ace and who was pouting.

"Finish your veggies first." Ace said looking to their daughter.

Austin looked between Ace, Marco and Marcy, seeing the girl pout and glare at the vegetables.

"Ehmm... I can eat Marcy's veggies if she doesn't want them. Then she can have chicken."

"Chicky!" Marcy looked with huge eyes to Austin and smiled happily at the offer.

Ace blinked and laughed telling him that it's nice of him, but Marcy needs to finish her own veggies to grow well.

Marco pulled her plates over and mashed up her veggies. "You need to eat your veggies." Marcy pouted.

Marco sighed and put some on her little fork before bringing it to her mouth "C'mon Marcy, it's only like 5 bites, you can do it. Then you get more chicken"

Marcy pouted, "You don't eat your veggies you don't get Dino crackers after." Ace said looking at her and could see the fake tears coming to her eyes. "Or you get daddy's spicy chicken." Both him and Marco knew that Marcy didn't like Ace's chicken since it was spicy. Ace cut a small piece of his and set on her plate.

Marcy looked at the chicken piece and could see the specs of evil spicy stuff on it "noo~ no daddy chicky!"

She looked over to the fork of veggies, staring at it before slowly opening her mouth and letting Marco put it.

Marco gave Marcy back her fork so she could finish her meal and Ace took his chicken back eating it.

"Austin, did you want seconds?" Ace asked looking at young boy.

"Ah ehm, if that's okay I would like a bit"

"Of course, it's okay!" Ace got up and took Austin's plate for a moment filling it up some more. "Just say if it's not enough okay"

"Marcy did you want some more chicken?" After she had finished her vegetables. "Please daddy." Ace picked up her plate and put a small piece of chicken on her plate and cut the chicken up before bringing it back and setting it down.

Marcy smiled seeing her chicken and instantly dug in. Only stopping a moment to look at Ace "Thank Daddy!" After they were done eating and the dishes were done, Austin settled himself at the table to do his homework, wanting to work on it immediately so he will be done for Ace's stream.

Marco took a seat on the couch with Marcy to read a book. While Ace went into his game room to set up his stream.

Before Ace started his stream, he came out for a moment to give Marcy a goodnight kiss since he'll be streaming past her bedtime. Done with Marcy, he leaned over to give his husband a kiss too. "See you later"

"Have a great workday babe-yoi"

"Haha I will, thank you"

"Night, night daddy." Marcy waved to Ace, and he waved good night back. He looked over to Austin, "Once you're done, Marco will set the TV up so you can watch the stream." Looking up from his homework he gave a nod.

Sometime later Austin wrote the answer to his last exercise, happy to have finished so he could watch Ace. He looked to Marco and back at the paper "ehm Marco? Could you maybe check my work? Just a bit."

Marco stood up and walked over to the table to check his work while Marcy turned the TV on.
After a moment he put the work down he had grabbed and pointed in the middle "Everything is correct, only this one is off." Austin looked at it and almost instantly saw the mistake, it was a stupid one, he corrected it and looked up. Marco smiled and nodded "You can clean your stuff up, I'll set up the tv. If it's still needed, Marcy's getting good at finding Ace's stream."

Marcy was indeed pushing buttons on the remote and soon Ace came up on the screen. "Daddy!" And she sat on the floor. Marco chuckled as he made his way over and picked up Marcy and sat on the couch with her before setting his alarm. "Bath time when the alarm goes off."

Once he put his stuff in his bag, he went and sat on the couch with the others. Austin was almost glued to the screen, stars in his eyes watching Ace playing and joking with the people in chat. It made it even more amazing knowing that the famous FireFist was streaming in the same house as him, just casually having eaten with him. Ace was hunting for a shiny Eevee right now and Austin was cheering for him, trying to spot the grass even if he couldn't do anything. He almost jumped out of the couch when an alarm went off close by.

Marco shut the alarm off and stood up with Marcy, "Alright, I'm going to give Marcy her bath. If you need something, let me know." Someone in the chat asked when Marcy will come back on screen, Ace had laughed and made a comment that she wouldn't sit still long enough to play a game.

"Marcy comes in streams?" He would remember to ask when Marco came back. About half an hour later Marco came back in, carrying Marcy on his side. He came to stand next to him. "I was going to put her to bed, but she wanted to come say something. Right Marcy?" Marcy nodded while rubbing her eyes, the bath had made her tired. "Hmm, night, night Aussy." She smiled tiredly at him while leaning into Marco.

Austin smiled at the nick name she had given him. "Night, night Marc." And waved good night to her.

After this Marco walked away and put Marcy to bed. A few minutes later he returned and sat with Austin on the couch. He watched Austin for a bit who looked very happy, he remembered his reaction from a little while ago "you know, Austin." The boy turned to him "If you want to play some games that Ace has, all you have to do is ask him. He would even be very happy to see you're interested and probably start rambling if you like the same games"

Austin smiled; he'd like that. He'd like that a lot. He nodded his head and looked back to the TV.

It was nearing 10 and while Austin was still happily watching, Marco knew it was time to send him to bed, there was still school tomorrow and Ace could stream until midnight.

"Austin."

"Hmmmm?" He hummed not looking over.

"I know you're enjoying yourself, but its nearing 10."

"Until when does Ace stream?"

"It will still be for a while longer, until after 12."

"Oh... Can I watch him finish this battle?" Ace was just battling a trainer he had passed.

"Hmm, sure, that's fine." These battles never took long anyway.

It wasn't long after that it finished and Austin, like he said, got up without complaints, wished Marco goodnight and went to get ready for bed.

Austin went to his room after passing Marcy's room who was sound asleep with her night light on and turned his light on in his room, only to freeze when he saw something. On his nightstand was a little figure of Eevee on a Pokéball. Tears already welled up in his eyes as he went over to it. He picked up the little note that was with it and smiled.

Hey Austin!

I noticed you seemed to like the Eevee stuff in my room, I couldn't find the exact one I had, but I hope you like this one! I'm very, very excited you came here again, we'll have a great week together!

Greetings from the light skinned parent :P

After a while he put it back down. Laying down in bed, he reached out and turned the figure a bit so he could see the front. He fell asleep watching it not long later, a smile on his face through the whole night.

Tuesday

In the morning Ace had come in to wake him up. They'll have to get him am alarm clock.

"Austin, it's time to get up." Ace said as he pushed the door open slightly.

Austin jumped and looked around. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." Ace said looking at him frowning. "It's okay." Austin said and started to get out of bed as Ace went to get Marcy.

When he got downstairs Marcy was rewatching Ace's stream from the night while eating some berries while Ace was making eggs.

"Sorry." Austin said walking down the stairs and went and sat at the table. "It's fine." Ace said and put two slices of toast and some scrambled eggs on his plate and sat it down with a glass of milk.

As Austin was eating, he looked around, "Where's Marco?"

"He was in early this morning. But we'll be there to pick you up after school."

"Oh okay" he started eating at a calm pace before remembering the figure. "Ah, Ace. Ehm Thank you very, very much for the figurine, I -I didn't expect it, it's very cool! And ehm ehm" Austin blushed a little "could we ... Could we play it together some time? Pokémon?"

Ace grind and nodded "Your welcome! And of course, we can!" He said with maybe a tad bit more excitement than he meant. He put eggs on his own plate and four slices of toast. He looked over at his daughter watching the stream, "Marcy, come have some toast and eggs"

"Nooo~ watch daddy!"

"Marcy, daddy's saying you need to come and eat. You can watch it later." He wasn't angry but he had to use his dad voice.

Marcy frowned and carried her dish of berries with her to the table. Ace picked her up and sat her on his lap and gave her a few bits of his eggs and waited for Marcy to swallow before giving her a slice of toast.

Austin couldn't stop smiling the whole meal at hearing Ace's excited reaction, Marco was right about it.

Oh, Austin looked at Ace and Marcy's interaction "Ace? Are you actually always home? With Marcy?"

Ace smiled and nodded, "Yup. But she goes to daycare now, so I have time to clean the house, work on a few things for my videos or go out with my brothers if they not busy."

Ace looked at his phone and gave Marcy a few more bites. "We're running late. Shoot. Once you're done, go brush your teeth, okay?" He stood up and went to wash Marcy up and put her back on the living room couch before getting her stuff gathered and in her bag for day care. "Austin, do you have a cafeteria at school?"

"Ehm yea, I do."

Ace nodded and reached into his shorts and pulled his wallet out and gave him $10. "Just make sure you get something that's good for you, okay? We'll work on picking out lunch items for the rest of the week tonight."

Austin looked stunned at the money, they actually gave him money to buy his own food. He clutched it and thanked Ace, saying he'll take the healthiest option there is!

Ace smiled and ruffled his hair and waited for him to go and brush his teeth. While he finished getting Marcy ready. He'd take care of cleaning up after drop off.

Not long later all were seated in the car, Marcy in her seat in the back, and Austin in the front. Since Austin had more of a time limit to get to school, Ace dropped him off first.

"We'll see you after school!" Ace called to him as Austin got out, and Marcy called bye-bye. Austin waved and rushed up to school. Ace smiled as he saw him disappear and went to drive Marcy to daycare. "Daddy will see you later. Have a good day." And he kissed her head as she hugged him before going to see her caregiver. Ace then made the journey home to clean up.

The day flew past faster than Ace thought. Before he knew it his alarm went off to get ready to get the kids. Which means Marco should also start arriving home soon since he already started early and wanted to join getting them.

He had gotten the dishes done the floors cleaned and started writing out meals for the week after he took a nap. He waited for Marco to come by and pick him up outside so they both could go and get the kids.

A ring from his phone got his attention, looking at the screen Marco had sent a message that he had arrived in front of the house. Ace quickly put on his shoes and jacket before leaving and locking the house. Smiling at the blond waiting for him

Getting in the front and buckling up he gave his husband a peck on the cheek. "How was work?"

Starting the car Marco pulled out of their driveway and made way for Austin's school. "It was okay. A few operations took longer than planned but it wasn't too bad in the end."

"Well, that's good. Everyone worked out, okay?" He gave him a smile, "We were running a little late this morning, so I gave Austin some money to buy his lunch. I told him we can work on lunch ideas tonight. Sorry." He rubbed the back of his neck, then swore, "I forgot Marcy's sheets in the wash." He rubbed his face.

Marco glanced over briefly and put a hand on Ace's thigh, squeezing it. "Don't worry about it, it can happen. And the sheets won't run away, we can take care of it tonight or tomorrow."

Ace smiled at his husband. "I don't have a stream planed for tonight. Thatch told Marcy they make a cake tonight over at his place. So, she was really excited about it when he called after we dropped Austin."

"Will Thatch pick her up or are we bringing her over?"

"We'll bring her over since Thatch isn't on the pickup list." They could only have four people, so it was the two of them, Haruta and Sabo. "I called him after I dropped Marcy off and told him if she's chalk full of sugar, she's your problem for the night." He laughed

Getting to the school, Marco parked the car and they got out and walked towards the gate of the playground, waiting for the bell to ring together with some other parents.

As the bell went off, kids left the school and started to flood the school yard.

Austin walked out of the building at a more leisure's pace than the other kids, letting them run past him. Getting out he looked around if he could see Ace and Marco. He quickly spotted Marco and smiled while making his way over, he stopped when he saw Ace surrounded by a bunch of kids around his legs. "What?"

Ace was answering their questions, like it was no big deal. He looked up and smiled and waved to Austin.

Austin did a small wave back and walked up to Marco, still looking confused at the whole situation. Marco was grinning at Austin's face.

"Ehmm... What's going on?" He looked up at the tall blond

Marco chuckled, "Seems like Ace as a bunch of fans." He looked to Ace, "Ace, we need to go and get Marcy."

Ace laughed and said goodbye to the kids. "Sorry." He rubbed the back of his neck. As they sat in the car, Austin spoke up to Ace. "You're famous"

Ace laughed, "Not really. Just well known."

Austin squinted his eyes, isn't... Isn't that the same thing? But he let it be, they were getting closer to get Marcy anyway.

"Marco's more well-known than I am."

Austin blinked "Wait what?"

"Marco has done talks at different medical schools, and at conferences that he gets invited too."

They soon pulled up to Marcy's day care and Ace got out to go and pick her up.

Austin looked at Marco, still a bit wide eye. Marco was rubbing a hand on his neck under the stare, not really knowing how to react.

They drove past Thatch to drop of Marcy. Austin was still staring at them. Ace and Marco looked at each other before whispering "What's wrong with him?" - "I don't know-yoi"

Marco drove to their local Walmart and parked the car and looked back at Austin, "Let's go and get some snacks for a school."

Austin nodded and got out, following the apparently famous duo inside. Would people stop them? Ask for photographs or autographs?! Will there be paparazzi!?

Ace grabbed a cart and lent on it, and they made their way for the snacks. No one had come up to them to talk to them. "Alright, Austin, pick out a couple of snack options for the week-yoi." Marco said looking to the boy as Ace put in a few things in the cart for Marcy, Marco, and himself.

Ace smiled, "You can get whatever you want as a snack, it's fine really." Marco had walked down the aisle to look for something.

Austin looked up and nodded. Scanning the shelves. He looked a tiny bit nervous but reached for a package of some kind of cakes with chocolate. He looked at Ace while putting it in the cart. Ace simply smiled at him.

Marco came back with two boxes of Dino crackers and set them in the cart.

"Dino's? Are they good?" Ace smiled "They are! They are actually Marcy's favorite, but if I find then I'll stop whatever I am doing to snatch one haha." Marco rolled his eyes at his husband, they were just cookies, "And that's why I got two boxes-yoi."

Austin smiled, maybe..."Could I have some this week?" Ace nodded and smiled. "Of course." As they left the snack isle Marco looked down at Austin. "What do you normally have for lunch? Sandwiches, soups or something else?"

"Ehm just some bread with chocolate paste or something"

"Did you want something else?"

"No that's fine" he played with his fingers "but... Ehm.. if we need to buy paste... Can we get the duo color?"

"Sure!."

Austin smiled as he followed the two adults in the store, he didn't know simple shopping could be so fun.

"Pick which ever one you like." Marco said as they walked up the aisle.

Austin hummed happily as he scanned all the option as if it was Christmas. He was debating between a mix with dark chocolate or lighter hazelnut one. He looked to the duo that was simply giving him time, not annoyed that he was taking longer to choose a paste. "Ehm, do you guys have a favorite?" He showed the two he was deciding between "I like both, but both is too much."

"We can get both." Ace said smiling, "I like both, and Marcy will eat the light one. Marco will eat both too. And it will change up your lunches too."

"Oh..." he didn't expect that, "Thank you" he gently placed the items in the card next to the snacks

Marco smiled, "Let's go take a look at the shoes. Marcy needs new ones. She blew the side out of her other ones." Ace looked to Austin "Did you need new shoes for school?"

"Huh, no? Mine still fit okay"

Ace nodded and three of them made their way to the shoes and Marco places a few ones in the cart for Marcy to try on. "You sure you don't need shoes? I mean we can always come back." Marco said looking to him.

"Y-yea, I'm sure. I don't need shoes." He was very surprised at the offer and that they even asked again, they haven't even adopted him yet and they want to get him new clothes, they don't mind spending money on him.

As they walked by Ace detoured into the games and walked down the aisle looking for something.

"We'll pick you up some new pj's, your other ones looked a little short on you last night." Marco said as they walked behind Ace.

"Huh, o-oh, it's ehm alright. They are a little short, but they fit everywhere else" he doesn't want to bother them for this "It's okay"

"New pj's are always fun to get-yoi."

"I ehm I guess?"

Marco looked at Ace who was talking with and employee about a game before the guy unlocked the cabinet and pulled out the game and handed it over to him and Ace placed it in the cart thanking the guy. "We're going to look at the pj's." Marco said to his husband as he turned the cart around.

"Okay. You two do that I need to go and pick up Marcy nighttime pull ups." Ace said before going in a separate direction, leaving Marco with the cart.

"Then let's go, Austin" he smiled down at the boy who simply followed. They soon reached the sleepwear section. "Do you know your size? And anything specifically you like to wear, like shorts or rather long pants...?"

"Oh uh.. I'm not sure..." he thought for a moment, not not dure of his size, "I like pants" He was looking at the different colour selection.

Marco hummed and walked over to pajamas showing longer pants, going through them, Austin following him. By some miracle there were Pokémon themed ones... He thinks, it could also be that look-alike-show... No matter, he picked one out and held it before Austin, trying to figure out a size before taking 2 different ones and handing them to Austin. "Let's try these-yoi. We don't need to get this design if you don't like it, but then we know what size to look for."

Austin looked at them wide eyed before slowly taking them and looking at the dressing rooms. Before slowly going in and shutting the door to try them on.

First, he put on the smaller size, it was a teentsy bit tight, bearable, but tighter then loose fitting. So, he decided to try the bigger one. This one felt very comfy, and he smiled at himself in the mirror, maybe even getting a bit teary eyed. He quickly stopped it and wondered for a moment if he should show Marco. He could see his shoes from under the door, so he knew he was nearby. After a moment he decided to poke his head out, catching Marco's attention. "Does one fit?"

"Ehm I think the bigger one is good." He carefully opened the door a bit more allowing Marco so see him. Marco hummed and stepped closer, making him turn around and telling him to raise his arms and such. He nodded before asking if it was comfy for him. "Yea, the other was a bit tight, but this one is good"

"Alright, then we know we need to look for this size. You can look around and whatever catches your eyes you can put in the cart. Maybe look for three pairs, and don't worry about the price okay, just pick what you like"

Austin just looked at him wide eyes, he shut his eyes before going back and changing back to regular clothes. Wiping the tears from his eyes he came out and put the size that fit him in the cart, really liking the set and put the other one back and went on looking at the other colours. He found a spider man one in his size and then found the hulk. He looked at Marco wondering if this was really okay. To spend money on him when he wasn't even adopted yet.

Marco smiled and ruffled his hair "Nice choices. Ace will probably be jealous they don't sell them in his size anymore haha." he laughed while pushing the cart forward. When passing some in home slippers he paused for a moment to look between them, confusing Austin. He pulled back with a pair of simple ones, but on the top was a picture of different superheroes, he smiled at Austin and put them in the cart. "There, now you can match your shoes with the pj's" he had already checked Austin's shoe size himself when at home, taking one size bigger now since he'll grow quickly, and they don't know how long before he'll come again after this.

Austin smiled, some before a bit of blush showed up. "Um.. could... I... could I get some...underwear? Mine... mine are getting tight." Marco blinked. "Of course, you can. Go on." He said and Austin went and picked out a plain package of new underwear in the size of his pjs before setting them in the cart. Ace walked over to them with a single box of pull ups and set them in the cart. He noticed the pj's and laughed. "Aww. Those are cool!"

Marco laughed and gave his husband a quick peck, "I'm sorry hun, but there were only children sizes, I checked for you-yoi."

Ace pouted, and then smiled. "Alright." He looked at Austin that standing next to the cart. " All set?"

"Ah ehm yea, I'm good"

"Then off to the register!" Ace said while raising an arm, as if he was instructing a whole team to save the world. Marco snorted and nudged a slightly shocked Austin out of his trance. Smiling and raising his shoulders for a moment as if to say 'that's just Ace' before starting to follow after Ace, Austin not far behind. Having paid, they loaded in the groceries in the cart. Austin offered to put the cart back in its place. Not a moment after having put it back, he turned around to walk back to the car, but saw the duo already parked behind him so he didn't need to.

Getting in the car they made their way home, "What did you make for supper tonight?" Marco asked looking to Ace, who smiled. "I put the leftover chicken on with potatoes."

"Oh good, thank you Ace, I'm sure it will be lovely." Getting home Marco and Austin got everything out of the trunk, while Ace already went to start on dinner. With the shopping trip after school, it had quickly grown late in the day. After taking in the last groceries, Austin was taking of his shoes and prepping to put his slippers on. "Oh, Austin wait a moment." Sitting on the floor, slipper in hand and foot raised, Austin watched how Marco left in the house, returning a bit later with a smile. "Here you go!" Extended to him were the new slippers they had gotten at the store.

Austin's eyes widened slightly, having forgotten about them before he slowly took them and put them on. He stood up smiling at them. "Thank you." He whispered looking down.

"Suppers ready!" Ace called and sat Marco and Austin's plates on the table and then went to the laundry room to put Marcy's sheets in the dryer before he forgot again.

Once everyone was seated, Ace had given everyone a nice portion. Which both thanked Ace for. While enjoying dinner Austin eyed Ace "Are you streaming again today?"

"No, not tonight. I'll be working on editing a video actually." Ace said rubbing the back of his neck and went on eating.

"Oh, okay ehm what do you do Marco, after dinner?"

"I'll be going to get Marcy from my brothers when he calls." Marco gave a smile, "till then I'll probably watch tv."

"Can I watch too, with you? I ehm already finished my homework in class today."

"Sure." Marco agreed, while Ace stood up to get seconds.

Finishing the food Ace, as told disappeared into his gaming room, while Marco and Austin cleaned the table and sat in the couch. At the start Austin had sat very straight but he slowly slumped down and relaxed next to Marco.

Marco looked at his phone as it went off 20 minutes later, and picked it up, and started to speak, "She's not full of sugar, is she?" Then laughed. "Alright I'll be over in 15 minutes." Before hanging up and stood up. "I'm going to get Marcy. Why not take a shower or a bath then you can get into your pj's?"

"Oh okay, that's a good idea" While Marco left, Austin got his pajamas set and went into the bathroom before realizing he would need towels... He doesn't want to open all doors, that feels rude... He walked towards Ace's gaming room, reaching for the knob before seeing the bell "ah..." Does he need to ring right now?

Marco left sending Ace a text that he left to get Marcy and Austin would getting in the bath.

Ace looked at his phone when it went off and blinked and called him, "Hey babe did you show him where the bath stuff is?" Before laughing, and telling him he loves him, and getting up.

Opening the door, he was surprised to see Austin standing there, almost bumping into him. "Oh Austin, hello"

"Ehm hi... I didn't know if I needed to ring the bell... Ehm I wanted to ask where the towels were and such... I wanted to wash..."

Ace chuckled, "Yea. Marco forgot to show you before he left. You can use the upstairs one." Before leading Austin, upstairs and opened a small door across from the bathroom revealing different towels on the shelfs and bath toys in a basket at the very bottom. "We also have bubble bath." That was up on a higher shelf.

Austins eyes shone "Bubbles!?" Ace laughed and took it down, "you want to use it?"

"Yea! Ah ehm yes please... How does it work?"

"Well, first we get the bath water going," He took out a fluffy green towel and a face cloth and gave them to Austin. Leading him to the bathroom he started the water. "Once it's warm, you pour a small bit in." He poured a small amount which instantly started bubbling and slowly became a large amount.

Austin leant over the bath, almost falling in looking at it. With starts in his eyes he looked between the bubbles and Ace. "It's becoming so much hahaha!"

Ace smiled, "Did you want to use a bath toy?"

Austin blushed and shyly nodded.

"Go ahead a pick some." He reached for a timer, before shutting the water off.

Austin nodded and went towards the basket of toys. Rummaging around in it he got something with cups, different sizes and a small boat. Getting up he almost dropped what he was holding seeing a huge wall of... Ducks... So many rubber ducks in different outfits in one big shelf. "Ehm" And all sorts of rubber ducks.

Ace looked over to see what was taking Austin so long and chuckled and went over. "Yea. We like our rubber ducks."

"Are they also for in the bath?"

Ace nodded. "Yup."

At Ace's answer he carefully took a step forward and looked at them taking a tiny one in a pirate's outfit before looking at Ace to see if it was alright

Ace smiled, "Good choice, that's my favorite one too." He stood up "I'm going to set the timer for 20 minutes, okay?"

"o-okay, thank you" Ace nodded and left, closing the bathroom door.

About 30 minutes later, Austin came down, fully dressed ready for bed. "Was it a good bath?" Ace smiled at him from his spot on the couch.

"Yea, it was fun! I dried the ducky and put it back in the shelf thing. ehm the boat I left next to the sink, I couldn't get in the cracks to dry it. But ehm... how... how do I get the bubbles out of the bath? I pulled the plug, the water left, but all the bubbles are still there..."

"That's fine, I'm going to give Marcy a bubble bath when she gets home anyway, usually if you let a bit more water run into the tub, they'll take the bubbles with them," and as he said that Marco came in carrying a cake container and a sleepy Marcy. He went to greet them and took Marcy from Marco's arms while he set the cake down and took both their shoes off and set them aside.

"Hey sweetie, did you have fun with Uncle Thatch?" She gave a sleepy nod, and Marco carried the cake into the kitchen.

"Did you have a good bath-yoi?" He asked looking to Austin, as Ace followed wanting to see the cake his daughter helped make.

"Yea, I did... oh, Ace even gave me bubbles! There were so many!" He then blushed a bit "ah ehm... You have an ehm... nice collection of ducks."

Marco laughed and rubbed his neck, "Yea, we started collecting them back when we first started dating. It got a little out of hand."

"A little?" Ace laughed and snuggled Marcy, "we had to get rid of some because we had so much. Then we just got more when Marcy was old enough to enjoy them." He kissed her head.

Marco chuckled and opened the cake container and smiled at it. She even had Austin's name on it at the bottom in green icing. Papa was at the top in blue, Daddy was under it in orange, then Marcy in purple.

Marco tilted the box a small bit so Austin could see into it too. "Oh, I...she- My name is there too? Wha, why?"

Marco looked to see Marcy was already asleep in Ace's arms. Ace kissed her head, "I'm pretty sure it's her way of saying she likes you." Ace said looking down to Austin.

"Oh I..." he didn't know what to say, he just looked to Marcy and smiled. She had been so shy at first and now she was already including him on the cake.

"We'll have this for dessert tomorrow night." Marco said and put the cover back on, sealing it up.

"I'll put her to bed for now, might skip daycare tomorrow." Marco nodded at his husband as he set the cake aside.

Austin shuffled a bit around, not really knowing what to do now. It was too early for bed

Ace brought Marcy upstairs to put to bed, and Marco went and set the TV up. He wasn't big into video games but would still play simple ones with Ace. "Did you want to play a video game?"

"Oh, you play games too? And I would love to! Do we play together?" he looked to Marco with hopeful eyes.

Marco laughed some and rubbed his neck, "I play some. Nowhere near as good as Ace." He set up the N64. "We can play Diddy Kong Racing, or we can play Pokémon Stadium?"

"ehm maybe the racing now? Maybe... Maybe Ace can join too then when he comes back?"

Marco gave him a smile, "I think Ace is going to head to bed too. He didn't get much sleep last night."

"ow okay..." Austin looked at the clock "It's only 8?"

"If he wakes up before bed, he'll be down." Marco set the game up and slowly sat on the floor resting his back against the couch, the cables of the controllers were too short to reach all the way to the couch. "It's been a while since I've played. Have you ever played it?"

Austin copied him, sitting next to him on the floor. "Not this one, but I played other racing games." He accepted the controller offered to him with a smile.

Marco smiled and let him pick the first character. "You pick first."

Austin hummed going through the characters before deciding on the chicken and pressing x on it.

Marco frowned slightly that Austin had picked the chicken, stupid chickens. He picked the tiger, and pressed start. "Let's start on land, how's that?"

"That's fine by me" Austin started focusing on the screen as the race was getting close to start.

They had a lot of fun playing, even if Marco wanted to do unspeakable things to the chicken. But he played a normal way, not trying to push him of the road, that would be mean especially for their first game. He held back, like a good adult.

When it started nearing 10, Marco said they could do one more race before it was time for bed.

Austin agreed and put everything he had into the last round, after the race was over, Austin didn't complain once again and simply handed the controller back before wishing good night and going to brush his teeth and heading to bed.

Marco looked at his retreating form and really wondered if any of the stories were true the orphanage had told them. That Austin was a problem child, making the lives of other families hell, wreaking havoc, not listening...

Marco shook his head. They probably just treated him with little respect and in turn got that in return. He shut the game down and went to get a glass of water for himself before cleaning up some small things, he too got ready for bad, making sure all doors and windows shutters were closed. He had an early shift again tomorrow.

Wednesday

In the morning, Marco had already gone to work when Ace woke up. Getting out of bed he threw some clothes on, Marcy was still asleep in their bed since he forgot to make her bed the night before. He would wake her once he had gotten Austin. Leaving his room, he went down and knocked on the door frame lightly. "Austin, time to get up."

A tired voice reached through, "5 more minutesss~"

Ace chuckled, "Sorry bud, but we need to get up." He walked into the room leaving the light off and bent down next to the bed. "Maybe we should move bedtime to 9:30?"

"nooo~" Austin moved to sit up and threw his arms around Ace's neck "10 is good~~!"

Ace laughed and hoisted him up and sat him back down on his bum. "Let's get ready. What do you want for breakfast? Toast, oatmeal or cereal?"

Still asleep Austin snuggled into Ace's neck mumbling a quiet 'cereal'.

Ace smiled. He may have to secretly put the clocks ahead half an hour. "Alright bud. Get dressed, okay? I need to Marcy ready."

After hugging closer a final time and nodding into the warm neck, he pulled back while rubbing his eyes. Ace smiled at him and left to get Marcy ready for the day.

Marcy was not having any of it this morning. Screaming that she didn't want to go anywhere. After getting finally get her dressed, he carried her downstairs with her still crying and hiccupping. Keeping her on his hip he got a bowl out and spoon and set them on the table. "You can pick any cereal you want, Austin." He said as he opened the fridge and pulled out the milk and set it down, he then pulled out a small bowl of berries for Marcy. "They are in the pantry. "

Austin had been blushing, embarrassed by the way he had just hugged Ace earlier. He was glad Ace didn't mention it or seemed annoyed by it. Hearing Marcy screaming and crying pulled him out of his thoughts though. Did anything happen? He hesitantly got some cereal and sat at the table, pouring some in and eating while watching Ace and Marcy. In a quiet voice he asked "Ehm, is Marcy, okay? did something happen?"

Ace shook his head, "Naw, she's just being cranky." He kissed her head. "She gets like this sometimes." Ace held her with both his arms wrapped around her as she ate a few of her berries.

"Ow... okay..." they kept surprising him. Marcy was screaming and had been kicking a tiny bit, but Ace didn't even seem mad? He just accepted she was sometimes in a bad mood... He ate his cereal while keeping watch on the duo, noticing Marcy to quiet down little by little, seeming to be enjoying the berries.

Ace held her and rocked Marcy some. They weren't getting off on a good foot so far this week, this was twice that he had woken up late. Looking at the clock and went to make Austin his lunch and placed everything in a superhero lunch bag. He seemed to have done this before with Marcy on his hip.

"Mine daddy." She pointed to the lunch bag.

"I know sweetie, but Austin needs a lunch bag to. You're not going to daycare today, so Austin can use it."

"MINE!" She shouted and tears starting to fall.

"Marcy, you need to share." As he placed some Dino crackers in a bag and placed it in the lunch bag and zipped it up. Sharing was hard for a child that didn't have to share with someone before.

Austin fidgeted a bit, a tiny bit nervous at Marcy's reactions, not instantly knowing what to do, he didn't want to make her cry. "Ah ehm Ace, it's okay. I can just take it in a plastic baggy or something, it ehm it doesn't need to be a real lunch bag." he said quietly, looking at the crying Marcy in his arms that was reaching for the hero's bag.

"It's fine." Marcy hit Ace in the chest with her small fist. Ace sat her down on the ground. "No. We don't hit people, Marcy. What do you say?"

"Mine!" as she pointed to the lunch bag, still crying and dropping some of her berries on the floor.

Ace gently took the container away from her and set it on the counter. "No. You share. You let Papa use it." Marcy sniffed and plopped herself on the floor. "Now, you hit daddy, what do you say?"

Marcy was quiet for a moment, "Sorry daddy." And she held her arms up to be picked up once more, which Ace did and carried the lunch bag over to the table, handing it to Austin.

Austin looked between them, unsure, but still picked up the lunch bag and thanked Ace and Marcy, saying he'll take good care of it before leaving the room to put it in his bag.

"All done?" Ace asked looking to Austin as he switched arms to hold Marcy.

"Yea, I got everything I need."

Ace nodded and set the bowl in the sink, "Alright, let's head out."

Moving to the hallway Austin put on his jacket while Ace put one on Marcy before taking one himself. After getting the keys he picked Marcy up again and headed out the door, locking it once Austin was out. He dropped Austin off at school and while he was about to leave, he thought of the lunch bag. They should get one for Austin too, he looked at the backseat to Marcy who was still a tiny bit grumbly. "Marcy, do you want to go to the store to choose a lunch bag for Austin, you can surprise him with his own?"

Marcy who was sniffing her car seat gave a nod.

Ace smiled a bit and looked in front of him, starting the car and heading into a store nearby. Getting there he took Marcy on his hips and walked in, not bothering with a cart since they're only looking for the lunch bag, and he knows that if he gets a cart, he WILL get distracted and buy more.

Marcy held her dad as they made their way in and down the isles to look at the lunch bags. When they got to the right spot, Ace pointed to a superhero and a Pokémon one. "Which one?" Marcy looked at them staring. And pointed to the superhero one.

Just to be sure that Marcy knew it wasn't for her, he made sure to tell her again, to see if the choice stayed the same. It would be another crying festival if she thought it was a new one for her only for him to give it to Austin. Marcy simply pointed to the hero one again "Aussy!"

"Haha alright, alright" he put the Pokémon one back and started his way towards the registers.

"DINO'S!" Ignoring the ring in his ears he turned to look what Marcy pointed at "ah..." It was a sale on the dinosaur crackers... 2 for the price of one... They had just bought two new boxes but... they could always use more right...? Marco will forgive them, probably. He went towards the stand, but before taking one he looked at Marcy who was almost drooling.

"Marcy. Marcy. You won't be mad at Austin for using your bag, right?"

"..."

"Marcy?"

"Not Mad."

"Okay, good girl" He patted her on the head and grabbed a box, giving it to Marcy who held it tightly, already knowing she's not allowed to eat it in the store. He grabbed a second box and then made his way to the register, not getting distracted again.

After paying for the stuff, they made their way to the car, opening to door Ace put everything in on one side and put Marcy on the other in her car seat.

"Dino!" She reached for the box on the seats next to her.

"No Dinosaurs still after lunch."

As Marcy pouted for the cookie, Ace pulled out of the parking lot. Luckily, she was quickly distracted seeing a person walking a dog on the sidewalk, "Doggy! Big!"

"Yea, it was a big dog, wasn't it?"

"Fluff fluff!"

Ace smiled and hummed, asking some questions as to what noise it would make to keep the little girl busy and entertained until they reached home.

At home Ace carried the crackers, while Marcy proudly carried the lunchbag.

"Alright, thank you Marcy, I'll put it away now." he reached out, but Marcy didn't give it... It seemed that mentioning it extra that it wasn't hers didn't help. "Marcy, it's not for you, it is for Austi-"

"Make pretty!" Marcy yelled holding the bag up.

Make pretty? "... You want to wrap it? In the gift paper?"

Getting fast nods in return, Ace blinked, "we can make it pretty later. Daddy needs to take a nap first."

He had forgotten his medication that morning, so postponing it wouldn't be a good idea right now. He picked her up and set the lunch bag on the counter before going into her room and shutting the door, placing her back on the floor. Picking up one of her blankets he laid down, he already knew the answer to his next question, the whole reason he didn't go to his own room, but making it the little girl's choice always worked better. "Marcy going to nap with daddy?" He asked as he set his alarm for 20 minutes.

"Yea!" Ace smiled at lifted Marcy into the bed, she quickly crawled on top of him, making him smile more brightly as he pulled up the blankets, just in time for everything to go black.

Marcy looked at her daddy's eyes closing and gave him a kiss of the forehead "night daddy". She then laid down herself to sleep on the soothing warmth of her father.

When his alarm went off 20 minutes later, Marcy was still cuddled up to him. He had to think what he still had to get done today. He needed to make Marcy's bed with the sheets in the dryer. He needed to start making meals for the rest of the week and for Marco's lunches. Him and Marcy needed to do some reading. He should get the snacks ready for daycare for the next two days and get Austin's stuff ready for school. And then he had to post a video too.

He wiped a hand over his face, he didn't know if he would be able to do all of this, especially with not having taken his me- aw sh-... He's not going to be able to pick up Austin ... Missing his meds would make driving far too dangerous.

Pulling up his phone he went to Marco's contact that was listed as Hubbyand opened the text-app.

'It's been a morning. I just realized, after I drove Austin to school and went out with Marcy, that I forgot to take my meds 💊. Marcy and I are home and just woke up from taking a nap. Could you pick Austin up after school please?' He didn't like asking Marco when it was decided already on who would pick him up, but he didn't want to endanger anyone by driving without having taken his meds. Not himself, not Austin, and not anyone else on the road. After a moment he typed out another message and send it quickly, 'I love you, 😘😘 Thank you already, we can have fun when the kids go to bed in my 'office' 😏😏😉😘🍆'

Not long later his phone went off with a notification.

Message from 💙 Hubby 💙

'Alright, I'll pick him up directly after work. Be sure to take it easy today, don't worry if you aren't able to finish everything you had planned. I'll be there to help with anything in the evening.' He smiled at the message, Marco always knew when he was worried about something even if he was here. But tch, the man ignored his advances, stupid bir-

New message from 💙 Hubby 💙
'Love you too firefly. I'll be sure to warm you up in the evening. :-)'

"Ah" he blushed at the message, 'Marcooo!~', he wiggled a bit and then looked at his sleeping daughter, eyes softening instantly.

"Marcy, time to get up. We'll do some reading together before daddy does some cleaning."

Marcy shifted and opened her eyes slowly and sat up slowly. "Book?" She said sleepy.

"Yup. Go pick one." And Marcy was suddenly awake far more then seconds before. With a laugh Ace set her down on the floor and turned on the lamp on her night stand, sitting up while she picked a book. When she came back she climbed back up and snuggled with her daddy as the two read it. Ace made sure to follow along in the book with his fingers as to what he was reading, so the girl may start to link the words to the sounds.

After an hour Ace got up to go and do the chores around the house, like making Marcy's bed, cleaning the kitchen, making their lunch, find the wrapping paper so Marcy could wrap the lunch bag,...

He let Marcy play outside while he finished planning the meals.

Pulling up to the school Marco got out of his car and walked to the fence where the kids would be running out of any moment. Ah, there was the bell, right on time. Marco watched for Austin to come out and smiled when he saw him.

Looking up Austin saw Marco waving at him and he ran over to him. "Marco!" He called out. Reaching him he looked behind him, "Ace not here?"

"Hmm not happy to see me-yoi?"

"Huh ah no no no no! I- ehm I-!"

"Hahahhaha, it's okay Austin, I am just joking. Ace is simply a bit too tired to drive so he asked me to come and pick you up."

He relaxed instantly, "ah, okay okay"

"Haha c'mon, let's go home-yoi"

The drive was a short one, one Austin was quickly getting accustomed too and wouldn't mind if he drove this road forever. Once home they were greeted by a very happy Marcy.

"Papa!"

Marco swooped the running girl off her feet and kissed her cheek

"Well, hello sunshine, you're happy this evening, aren't you?" He booped her nose, making the little girl giggle.

"Dinoooo!"

"Hmm, you just had crackers? Before dinner?" Marcy hummed happily while they walked in the house.

"Ah, I see-yoi" Marco laughed. In the house, Ace was asleep at the table, laptop in front of him and a small, empty, bowl next to him. He was probably doing small edits in the kitchen to be able to watch Marcy while having a snack, fell asleep, and the little girl took her chance.

He smiled and booped her nose again, "you're a smart one, aren't you?"

Marcy simply giggled before wiggling out of his grasp, running to Ace and pushing his leg. "Daddy! Daddy! Pretty, need pretty bag. Pretty for Aussy!"

Ace's eyes fluttered opened to see his screen was black and reached forward and moved the mouse and sighed in relieve seeing it hadn't died on him. He then turned his head to the consistent pushing at his leg and blinked, "sweetie we don't have any pretty bags."

He picked her up and frowned when he saw his empty dish, he was pretty sure where the contents had gone too, but it was far too late to scold now. Looking up he smiled when he saw his husband and Austin. "Hey you two, Sorry I couldn't pick you up, Austin."

Austin smiled. "It's okay."

"Daddy pretty bag!"

"Marcy, we don't have any pretty bags." He stood up with Marcy in his arms and picked the gift up that was on the counter and gave it to Marcy before setting her down once more.

"Go on." Looking down at the gift then to Austin who just blinked, Marcy held the package out to him to take. Ace got down next to her and whispered, "remember, don't tell him what it"

She nodded, "Not tell pretty bag!"

Ace sighed and Marco let out a short laugh, while Austin was looking confused at the situation.

"Aussy!" Marcy took a step forward, pushing the gift up higher to Austin.

"Huh, I ehm..." he looked at the adults, both smiling at him.

"You can take it, it's for you. Marcy and I went to the shop and she choose it for you, even wrapped it herself."

Nodding Austin took it "ehm thank you Marcy."

"Open!"

Austin took a moment to look at the wrapped item, it wasn't pretty, lots of tape and rips, but it meant that Marcy really did it on her own and it made him smile.

He started peeling off the wrapping gently. Not long after, it revealed a lunch bag with pictures of superheroes. "Marcy, what I-"

"For Aussy!" She smiled brightly and hugged Austin's leg.

"A-ah" he stood frozen in place, looking between the bag and Marcy. Carefully he brought a hand down on her head, moving it in a slow ruffle, making Marcy laugh.

"I ehm, thank you Marcy. I love it. ... It's really a pretty bag."

"Pretty bag haha!"

"Yea..." He looked at the bag with moist eyes. He didn't know how long until he heard a voice, "Haha c'mon Marcy, let Austin move a bit."

It was only then that he noticed he was still staring at the gift, absentmindedly petting Marcy's hair as she hugged him. Marcy let him go and ran up to Ace, asking to be picked up, which he did instantly.

"I'm glad you like it. We can put it in the kitchen, or you can take it to your room. Just remember to bring it downstairs in the morning. It's fully yours."

Austin who still looked confused held it, and gave a simple nod at the words. "Thank you."

Marco smiled at the interaction and bent down a few moments later, "how about you get started on your homework? I'm going to make us supper in the meanwhile, while Ace can finish up some of his own work."

Nodding the boy went and sat at the table, putting his gift close to him and pulling the bag he used today, the one from Marcy, out of his bag pack and handed it to Marco to wash before he pulled out his school-books.

In the background he saw Ace kissing Marcy's head. "Go play till supper, okay?"

"Daddy play?" Ace frowned, and shook his head. "Daddy has work too do. Once daddy is done, I'll play with you."

Marcy pouted, on her way to argue, but Marco quickly countered, knowing his husband would break and play for '5 minutes only,' "Marcy-yoi." He said sternly and looked at her.

"...okay" Marcy turned around and went towards some toys laying in a hamper in the living room.

Walking up to Ace, who had already gathered his laptop and stuff, he gave him a quick kiss. "Take it easy, okay, call me if you need me." He smiled gently as Ace nodded at him before thanking him and disappearing into his streaming room to finish the last edits so he could post the video.

Marco looked in the fridge to see if Ace had anything planed and smiled when he saw the fish. Ah. Home-made fish n' chips. He started to get everything ready and took about 10 minutes to batter the fish before placing them on a wax sheet and putting them in the oven. He set the temperature and then the timer before washing his hands.

Normally they made their chips themselves too, but it was a lot of work. Frozen ones would do for today.

Having everything prepped, he went and ahead emptied out Marcy's lunch bag that Austin had used that day. After having cleaned the bag, he put it away and took a moment to check on Austin and Marcy before cleaning the dishes Ace and Marcy used at noon.

He blinked when he saw a message come up on his screen,

New Message from Firefly

'can you take the kids to get some books 📚 ? I need to do a second video to let my subs know that I won't be streaming tonight. I know you worked hard all day and I feel bad for asking 😖 😖 😖 when you get back, I'll wash Marcy and take care of bedtime. I love you ❤️❤️'

Marco looked sadly at the phone, not because he was asked to do some tasks, he would do those happily, he would also still take care of Marcy's bath and bedtime, he didn't need an exchange for taking them to the library, but it always saddened him to see Ace's Narcolepsy get in the way of doing what he loves to do. He'll make sure he takes it easy after dinner.

He quickly typed out a message before hitting send.

Message to Firefly

'Ace, don't worry about it. I'll gladly take the kids to the library. I'll leave once Austin finished his homework. Give or take 5-10 minutes. We'll be back by dinnertime, I'll finish it up when we return so you focus on your work. The oven is on the automatic timer so it will turn off on its own. I love you so much!

He didn't specifically want to leave Ace alone when his narcolepsy was bad... But Ace was an adult, he wouldn't treat him as a kid. It did ease him a bit that he would just be in the streaming room, filming, he would be sitting and there wasn't anything too sharp to fall on at the desk.

Smiling he read Ace's reply 'love you so much 💙 ' before finishing up the last things.

Seeing Austin working on the last exercise, he walked towards Marcy and crouched down, getting her attention. "Want to go to the library?"

"Book place!"

"Haha yea, you want to go"

"Yes, papa!" Marco dropped her toy to jump onto Marco. Marco laughed in return and picked the discarded toy up and stood up, Marcy still in his arms. He put the toy in the hamper and walked towards the stairs, looking back at Austin for a moment. "I'm going to put something warmer on Marcy, once you're done and have put away your stuff, we'll be going to the library, so if you want to get changed or something too, feel free to do that."

Austin looked at Marco confused, and blinked. The library? He'd gone there before to look at the books in the daytime, but they were going now? Finishing up his homework he put it away. After putting his bag aside along with his new lunch bag, he went and put his shoes on and pulled on his jacket. No point in changing when he would just change again when they got back, he was wearing normal clothes already anyway.

After a bit Marco came downstairs and saw that Austin was already done and ready to go. "Alright, let's get in the car-yoi."

In the middle of the drive, Austin spoke up "ehm Marco? Why are we going to the library now, in the evening?"

Marco smiled and looked to Austin, "well, we don't really have books for your reading level at the house. So, this way you can pick whichever ones you like and you can read them before bed."

Austin was stunned "we -we're going for... Me?"

Marco nodded, "Marcy will get two or three herself too."

"Books!" Marcy giggled from the back seat.

"oh" a smile took over his face. They're just going for books, but this made him so happy! He wonders if he's allowed to bring a comic too. Or read it there before they leave

Pulling up to the library and parking he got out and helped Marcy out of her car seat, and went around the car to Austin. "What kind of books do you like?" he questioned the three walked inside.

"ehhm I like those with dragons! And adventure! But not those were the people kiss" Austin made a gross face at the last part. "Superheroes too! But well, those are comics... Not books..."

Chuckling the blond smiled, "Ace would beg to differ. He enjoys comics too." He pressed a finger to his lips. "We need to be quiet now, okay?" He set Marcy down and held her hand so she didn't run off.

Marcy copied him and put a finger to her lips making a shushing noise too. Who knows why, but Austin copied it too and Marco had to keep himself from laughing at how adorable they were. "Well, Austin, you're free to walk around, pick out some books, be sure to take some comics too if you want, it's okay. I'll be with Marcy in the children's section if you need me."

Austin nodded and wanted to run off to the comics, but held back and first walked to the normal books for his age. After skimming through some and reading the backs, he chose around 5 of them before making his way to Marco, showing the man what he got and if they were alright.

He got a smile in return and was told to leave the book with him so he could browse further, also pointing him in the direction where the library kept their games.

Ace had many and if he picked one he had, Marco would let him know. In the end he somehow succeeded in picking a game Ace didn't have, Freddie Fish, it surprised even Marco. It seemed like something Marcy could play too, which was fun.

Making one last stop at the comics, they rented everything and drove home. While Austin put away their findings, also putting away Marcy's stuff, Marco went and got started on finishing up dinner and setting the table.

When it was almost finished, he called for Austin and Marcy to come take a seat and rang at the door bell to Ace's room so he knew it was done. It didn't make a sound, but it gave a notification and a small vibration on Ace's phone a computer, so it wouldn't interrupt if he was still filming, but he knew that someone was at his door.

After helping Marcy up and into her chair, he looked towards the still closed door and checked his phone. Strange. If Ace couldn't come out, he would normally pop a small message. Not seeing anything, he told the kids he would be back in a bit as he went to the door and slowly opened it, sneaking a peek inside.

His eyes softened instantly and he walked inside, closing the door. "Oh baby..." Ace was once again head first on the table, computer buzzing away with a hand om the mouse. One look did show him that he was on the uploading screen, only needing to press confirm to upload it. At least this meant he was able to finish up the videos.
He carefully lifted Ace in his arms and sat on the couch, Ace in his lap. Stroking his hair, he talked softly to the freckled one in his arms to wake him up. Not even a minute later, grey eyes fluttered open, blinking at him.

"Mmm Mar~co" he yawned and blinked a few more times. "I fell asleep, didn't I?"

Marco hummed affirmative and gave Ace a kiss on his temple. The other groaned and hugged his husband, "urgh I'm sorry"

After depositing another kiss he made Ace look up at him "Ace, don't be sorry, you don't control this, it's okay. And look at your screen, it's ready to post, you finished it-yoi"

Ace gave him another kiss and smiled at his computer. "Thank God." But didn't move to get up right away, but slowly got up and went and hit confirm.

Marco looked a bit worried after him, getting up to stand close if he fell, "Are you really okay, Ace? You can nap longer if you want, I can eat with you later."

"I'm okay. I just... haven't forgot my meds in a long time."

"Ace..." Marco was worried, but Ace just smiled at him as he slowly made his way out of the room, Marco close behind him. Marco would watch him closely, he would think of something to tire Marcy out soon too so Ace could also sleep. He knows he can't talk Ace out of playing with Marcy if the girl wanted it because he had promised it.

"Sorry kids, I got side tracked." Ace said as him and Marco made their way to the table, Marco shutting the door to Ace's room.

Without giving Marco a chance to help, Ace made Marcy plate, cutting the fish into small pieces and put some fries on her plate, while Marco went and made Austin's and Ace's plate.

Ace set Marcy's plate in front of her and kissed her head. "Remember to blow on it. It can still be very hot." He went and got their drinks while Marco had set up the rest of the table, giving Austin, Ace, and himself a plate of food. Sitting down they, as a family, all ate the same things together.

Throughout the meal, Austin had been looking over at Ace worriedly, he seemed off? And... "Ace, are you okay? You look ehm... More white..."

"I'm okay. Just trying to get more work done so I can make sure to spend the weekend with you two." Ace smiled and started eating, after a few bites he smiled at Austin "so, did you get any good books?"

"Okay ... and I did! I have some about dragons! And ooh I found one about pirates, I didn't read it yet, but there were a few pictures and one character turned into a blue fire chicken!"

A small choking noise and coughs echoed from a person on the table. Ace laughed while Austin panicked a bit at Marco seeming to have choked. "Don't worry about it Austin haha, he'll live, right?" A few coughs later Marco wiped over his mouth and made a tiny smile "y-yea, I'll live... Ehm a ehm fire chicken you said? In-interesting-yoi"

Ace smiled at his husband. "Why not start tonight?" He said looking to Austin.

Marco glared at Ace, if Austin now asked for him to read, screw Ace's narcolepsy, he would do something to him. "Hmmm yea! It would be a good one to start!" Austin smiled and continued eating, not noticing anything wrong.

"Daddy sleepy." Marcy suddenly said looking to her dad as she had been picking at fish.

Ace looked over seeing Marcy hadn't actually eaten a lot yet and he frowned and placed a hand on her forehead "no fever, okay. Are you feeling fine Marcy? Aren't you hungry?"
He looked to Marco and spoke fast "did she move around a lot at the library?"

"Ah yes-yoi, she also played in the little house they got."

He nodded while listening to Marcy babbling. Apparently, a bit hungry, but too tired to eat. He picked her off her chair and into his lap, taking some fish on his fork before offering it. "Let's eat a few bites and then you can go to bed, okay?"

Marcy took a few bites of off Ace's fork before turning away from the next scoop and resting her head on Ace's chest. "Sleep with daddy."

Ace smiled and kissed her head "okay sweetie, let daddy finish his food and we can go to bed early"

Marco was silently thanking Marcy with his whole being for suddenly being tired, giving Ace the chance he needed to rest too. "You can leave when you've finished. I'll clean the table and such-yoi." Ace smiled at his husband "Thank you".

After clearing his plate, he stood up with Marcy and bid Marco and Austin good night.

Once in Marcy's room he got her dressed in pj's and went to lay in bed with her, him already wearing comfy clothes. They were both out cold within seconds. Some time later Ace woke up and groaned, he reached for the clock to check the time but stopped when he heard voices "-ight Austin" - "goodnight Marco" before he heard the closing of a door and footsteps down the stairs. He grinned, perfect.

Getting up slowly, not waking Marcy up in the process, he slowly made his way downstairs to see his husband and smiled.

Seeing movement from the corner of his eye he turned around and saw Ace walking towards him "Ace? 'evening, aren't you going to sleep more?"

Ace simply smiled and licked his lips while crawling onto Marco, straddling him. He laid his head on his shoulder and whispered close to his ear, "I'm here for your promise. You were going to warm me up right?"

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Marco raised a brow at him and kissed his cheek. "Mmmm. I don't know, you might fall asleep on me."

Whined the freckled one hugged him closer, "but I am sooo cold Marco~"

"Are you cold or just horny-yoi?" He whispered into his ear as he ran his fingers through dark hair and down the back of his neck.

Ace shivered at the touch, drooping more into Marco "b-both~"

"How 'bout some cuddles tonight, and as long as you're doing okay tomorrow night, we'll have some fun, k?" His lips brushed the shell of Ace's ear as he whispered.

"a-ah, w-why are you so re-responsible. Stu-pid doctor"

Marco smiled, and ran his fingers down the back of his neck again. "I just care about my lovely husband's health... I mean we could do things, but if you fall asleep on me, we won't be doing anything tomorrow night." He gave him a knowing grin.

Whining was heard again, Ace was getting hard already from his lover's touches. Why is he teasing him if he's not going to do anything! "S-so mean~" he's pretty sure himself he won't stay awake the whole evening, Marco knows too, so he's mean to put today's fun as a price for tomorrow's

Marco kissed him, "I'll help you out if you can make it to your room."

"hhhheeerree!~" A small sob came out of him, he doesn't know if he can make it to his room, he's already feeling a pull at his limbs now.

A breathy laugh later and Marco wrapped his arms around his husband and in one motion he stood up with him in his arms. "Don't need you waking the kids up." And walked over to the gaming room and fiddled with the doorknob before pushing it open and walking in.

Depositing his husband onto the couch, he took a moment to go and shut and locking the door. Turning around Ace hadn't moved but was still awake, barely awake.

"I'll finish you quick so you can sleep." Marco said and gave him a kiss as he gently pulled his husband's hardened member from his shorts before instantly going down on him. Taking in as much as he could he ran his tongue over his length, humming to send vibrations through it. He normally loved trying to get his husband to last as long as possible, but he was about to fall asleep on him so he couldn't postpone too much. He could hear Ace's moans resonate through the room, quickly becoming louder as he worked his mouth on him.

With heavy limbs, Ace managed to raise an arm and grasp at the blond locks. Not having any strength to push or pull, not that he wanted to, his husband was doing an amazing job. And he had spoken the truth of getting him off quicker. When he wanted to, the blond was very skilled at what he did. Even om the verge of sleep he moaned lewdly, arching his back at the touches and vibrations he received, loving every moment of it.

He would love to return the favor, but knew it wouldn't be for today, but he would make sure to pay him back for this. For putting in the effort to please his exhausted body while he barely does anything. Not long after they started, he felt his climax near and pulled at the hair as much as he could to warn the other. He knew he got the messages when the throat relaxed and he could shoot his load deep into the blond's throat as he moaned his name.

He watched as Marco swallowed everything he had to give and wiping his mouth before kissing him. He was grateful as the other helped to dress him again, gently putting his softened dick back in his shorts.

Staring at Marco with loved filled, but tired eyes, he smiled at him. With whatever strength he had left, he raised his arms for Marco to carry him. His husband obliged and gently cradled him in his arms before standing up, leaving towards what Ace presumed was their bedroom. He never knew for sure since he never even felt himself being put down and tucked in, darkness already taking over before they had made it to the stairs. He hopes his whispers of 'thank you' and 'love you' somehow still made its way across before it happened.

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In the morning, before Marco left for work, he made sure to set Ace's alarm for a good time and even set his medication out on the table. He even made sure to call Ace later to see if he was awake just to tease him and to tell him he loves him, maybe to ask if he had taken his pills too.

Ace may or may not have cursed at him, but did tell him he hasn't had any attacks and shyly thanked him for the alarm and putting the meds ready, also saying he loves him. His husband is so adorable.

This time Ace had a good day. Woke up on time, took his meds, brought the kids to school and daycare, did some shopping and cleaning and worked a bit, all went well.

While working, he remembered Austin had wanted to play Pokémon with him. He could do that tonight since no stream was planned. Nodding to himself he put the whole setup for it ready in the living room. By the time it was done, his alarm went off to get the kids back from daycare and school. Finishing up he quickly got in his car and pulled out of their driveway, only to return shortly after with Austin and Marcy.

"Why don't you start on your homework? If you're done, we can play Pokémon tonight since I don't have a stream." Ace said looking over to Austin as he picked Marcy up and carried her over his shoulder.

"We" he booped Marcy's nose, "are going to read one of her books."

As he brought his giggling daughter over to the couch. After sitting down, he noticed Austin staring at him with wide eye, "Unless... you don't want to play it with me?" he tilted his head to the side and blinked, he thought Austin would have been excited to play.

A moment of seemingly stunned silence, a big grin appeared, "I would love too!" The boy put his bag out and pulled out his homework faster than any other day and started on it with concentration.

Some hours later the front door opened and Marco came in carrying McDonald's. He had four milkshakes, two bags and a happy meal. "I'm home-yoi!" he called out as he shut the door behind him.

Ace looked up to the sound "'Evening Ma-!" He quickly placed Marcy down and told her to stay before running to Marco, who knowingly already put the bags down, and jumped him.

"I looovvveee youuuuuuu~~", He started kissing him all over his face, making Marco laugh.

"Haha I love you too, my fire, but, is it me you're loving right now, or the food in the bags?"

"Always both, but you brought it home, so extra love for you!" He accentuated it by kissing Marco deeply on the lips.

They were only interrupted by the crackling of paper. Looking down they were right on time to see a small hand holding a chicken nugget retract from a bag.

"Ah Marcy! Don't steal the nuggets, they could be mine!"

Marcy ran away squealing while Ace jumped down to chase her. Catching her a bit later and throwing her up on the air before holding her still and booping her nose, earning lots of giggles from the little girl.

"You 're such a sneaky one! Do you still have it?"

Marcy proudly showed her hand holding the, now slightly squeezed, nugget.

"Aha, just like Daddy! Never let go of food. You can have it now, you deserved it." Ace smiled as Marcy munched on her well-earned nugget and carried her to the table.

Marco had by now already placed the bags on it and was grabbing some plates while Austin was making some room, moving his school stuff.

He had watched the other's when Marco returned, they hadn't expressed their love for each other in front of him before…. It was nice to see that they really did love each other and it didn't seem... fake... forced... Like it did with other couples he's been at.

Once everything was ready at the table, Ace walked over to Marco who was taking some food out of the bags and hugged his side and looked up at him with a smile. "Welcome home"

Smiling down Marco leaned down to give a small kiss back before giving a, hopefully out of view from the kids, tiny hit on his ass, "Thank you, now get seated before it gets cold, the others are already waiting"

With a laugh he quickly sat down, not yet reaching for anything, he would let Austin choose first what he wanted, not yet knowing his taste was.

Austin was staring at everything and noticed Marco had already set a small cup aside in front of Marcy. Who had her meal already in front of her and was eating her chicken nuggets happily. He just kept staring. He hadn't had McDonald's in a really long time... His last time was when his own mom had brought it.

He reached for some fries and placed them down on his plate, adding a few chicken nuggets too.

"I didn't know what you liked-yoi, so I got a few plain hamburgers that you can kind of build yourself, put on them what you like." Marco said taking a seat. "And would you like a chocolate or vanilla milkshake?"

"ehm chocolate, please" Build his own burger? He hadn't done that before, not even with his mom.

Nodding the blond gave him the chocolate one, "you can go and pick what you want on your burger, there's more in the fridge too."

Austin nodded and picked a plain burger with a chicken patty before he went to the fridge to see what they all had. Marco smirked, good, it seemed Austin was taking revenge on chickens too, even if he didn't know it.

Ace, who was on his second hamburger already, could not help but smile as Austin took different things out. "If you want tomato, let us know and Marco or myself will cut it in slices for you."

"Thank you...", He took some lettuce, cheese, some pickle slices and one of the smaller tomatoes, bringing them all to the table, sauce was already on there too. He handed the tomato to Marco who already had a knife ready.

He quickly cut up a few slices for him, and set the knife down. "There you go."

"Thank you" The boy put his burger together and happily started munching on it, he didn't know he had missed this so much, it was so good!

Ace and Marco smiled as they watched Austin enjoying the chicken burger, happy that just this meal brought him joy.

"Papa."

Marco looked to Marcy who was reaching for the hamburger in his hands, but it was out of reach for her, probably the only reason she called out. "Do you want a bite-yoi?"

She nodded and he held his burger a bit lower for her to try. At least she was trying new things. He chuckled as she struggled a bit, but took a small bite getting some lettuce, tomato and bacon with the hamburger too.

Both him and Ace watched her chew wanting to see if she would like it or not. "Good!" She giggled and turned to look at Ace who was already shaking his head. "Daddy's is spicy. Marcy wouldn't like it." And he took a very, very, small piece of his chicken and set it on her plate. He knew she would want to try it anyway. She picked it up and ate it, but instantly made a sour face, reaching for her sippy cup, "No like."

Ace laughed, he knew Marcy wouldn't like it, but the faces she makes are always so funny.

"Hhmm? You can take another one, Austin, don't hold back." Ace commented as he saw how Austin had finished his first burger and was looking at the rest of the burgers on the table.

"Aren't they yours?"

"No, no, don't worry, just eat, there's more than enough!"

"Plus,", Marco spoke up, "this black hole won't even notice one more or one less-yoi"

Ace laughed at his husband, and rolled his eyes. "Go ahead and have another one. It's fine really."

Austin smiled and stood up with another chicken burger and went to make another one, Marco once again cutting some more tomato slices for him.

"Were you almost done your homework-yoi?"

"I still have a reading assignment." Austin responded after he had sat down and swallowed his food.

Marco nodded. "Alright, I'm taking Marcy to the park after supper, did you want to join us? We can wait for you."

"Ehm" Austin glanced at Ace for a moment, it would be rude to decline, but... "Ace already asked me to game... Ehm"

Smiled Marco reached over to ruffled Austin's hair, "That's fine, then me and Marcy will go by ourselves and you enjoy your time with Ace. Just make sure your reading is done before bed." He told the other nicely as he handed the small had on his plate the fries she was trying to reach.

Austin nodded "I will finish it after dinner." He inwardly laughed a tiny bit as Marcy kept reaching for Marco's plate even if she had her own food, the blond giving up his food without question.

Not long later Marcy finished eating and whipped her hands on her shirt. "Papa potty." As she started to push herself away from the table, Marco stood up and picked her up and placed her on the floor. She took off running to the bathroom second after. Taking his seat once more he finished his fries.

Even if Ace had eaten many times more than the other two at the table, they all finished eating around the same time. While Marco went to check on Marcy and help her finish up, the others cleaned the table so Austin could use it and finish his homework.

Marcy rushed over to Ace once a she was done in the bathroom, "bye-bye daddy." She hugged his legs before rushing back to Marco standing close to the hallway already. "We'll be back in a few hours." As he helped Marcy get her shoes on, and he slipped on his runners.

Ace smiled at them, "have fun you two!"

"Byee Aussy!" Marcy yelled for Austin as Marco picked her up to leave. Austin shyly waved at her as they disappeared outside.

"I'm going to gather some stuff to be washed around the house and put it in the laundry and do some small chores, just let me know when you've finished up your assignment and we can start gaming at any time" Ace said as they finished cleaning up the table. Austin nodded as he got his bag back out.

At the table, Austin was reading the book he was given and started to fill in the blanks. Even if he wanted to game, he still took his time and was able to finish twenty minutes later, "Ace can you come look it over it please?"

"hmm, sure, be there in a second!" Ace called from the laundry room. Not long after he appeared and read over the stuff slowly, it almost took him five minutes. With a sheepish smile be told him it was all okay and apologized that it took so long, saying he's not such a fast reader ad Marco.

Austin only nodded since he had a hard time reading too so it didn't really bother him if one took longer to read, but even if he had some difficulties, he enjoyed it. "Can… can we play Pokémon now?"

"Of course! You put away your books and then you can join me on the couch, I'll start it up already"

Austin nodded and smiled as he started cleaning up at an insane speed so he could join Ace quickly. After bringing his bag upstairs, he almost ran down and plopped next to ace on the couch, grinning happily

Ace chuckled at how happy Austin was. Everything they were told about the boy was a lie. And they couldn't wait to adopt him and make him officially their boy, their son.

"Ready?"

Austin nodded and he handing him a controller just as the start screen popped up.

"Do you want to make your own account or play on Marco's for now? We could gather you your own team if you start anew. Or we can simply start in a zone we've already explored if you go on Marco's account."

Austin looked at Ace wide eyed "I... I can have... my own team...?" He asked slowly.

Ace blinked, "of course you can! The game allows multiple accounts and there's memory space enough, so no reason you can't have your own!" Ace smiled at him as he pressed the 'new account'-button.

"Can... can we do that, really?" Austin asked looking at Ace and then looked back at the screen.

"I wouldn't have clicked this otherwise, right? Go ahead and customise your character a bit and choose a name and such."

Aussy? How Marcy calls you?"

Austin blushed "y-yea... I like it..."

Ace smiled, he was happy they were getting a long even with the four year age gap. He ruffled his hair and smiled.

"Then let's go!" Ace started up the game through his account, making it the main one. They would have some more access to other areas, he then told Austin to shake his controller to join, making his character appear.

"I got an eevee!" The boy yelled excitedly as he saw hit starter buddy.

"Haha well yea, it's the eevee version of the game. You can name it too later." Ace smiled at the soft mumble of 'it's cute'.

The two ventured out exploring and capturing different Pokémon. "Did you want to name your Eevee? You got a female."

"hmmm yea, maybe, you can do that at the poke Centers right? I'll do it when we pass one the next time." He smiled at Ace, this was fun! "You think we will encounter a shiny?"

"Maybe once we get a capture chain of the same Pokémon," He grinned, "or sometimes one might randomly appear." As if the words summoned one, moments later a shiny Charmander appeared.

Austin almost jumped in his seat and patted Ace on the shoulder "ACE! ACE ACE ACE! A SHINY CHARMANDER! Can I!?

"Go for it bud."

He stood up from the couch to catch it.

"Give it a berry first." Ace said chuckling, and Austin looked at his berries and looked at Ace, "any one is fine." And he selected a golden one and threw it. Before lining up as best as he could before he threw pokeball. The pokeball shook once... twice... three times CAPTURED.

Austin laughed loudly and turned to Ace, jumping in place "I got it!"

"Good job!" Ace smiled brightly and high-fived the other. He then pressed some buttons to see its strength "ooooh, it's a strong one too! You going to add it to your team"

Austin sat back down and nodded, a big smile still on his face as he swapped some pokemon out for the Charmander.

The two played for another hour making it by the first gym and entered the second gym when Marco came in carrying Marcy, both of them drenched in water. Marco looking miserable while Marcy was happy as ever, wanting to go outside and play.

Pausing from the fight both Austin and ace looked up to the duo.

"Hi Marc- oh wha?" Austin called excitedly before growing confused at the sight.

Ace cocked his head, maybe laughing a bit at his husband's expression "what happened? There wasn't any prediction of rain, right?"

Marco shook his head as he kicked his runners off, and took Marcy's jacket and shoes off. "Suprise rain showers mixed with the park sprinklers that this munchkin ran through." He laughed some. "So, we are going to take a nice warm bath then get in our pj's."

Ace laughed, wheezing almost, at their backs as they went into the bathroom, he could practically visualize Marcy making a run for the sprinkles, going through them, and Marco running after, trying to catch the girl. Marcy was surprisingly fast and good at dodging when she wanted too.

"One moment Austin, I am going to put some milk on a low fire so by the time they're done, we can all have some. Warm everyone up on the inside"

20 mins later they both came down in their PJs. "Daddy!" Marcy called and ran over to Ace with her hair brush in hand.

Having sat down again he pulled his daughter in his lap and accepted the brush, gently going through her hair. "Did you have a lot of fun? You sure seem to have made papa tired. Oh and Marco, I put some milk on the stove, it should be done, thought some nice warm chocolate milk would be nice"

Marcy giggled "yea!" And let Ace brushed her hair as she told of her fun time in the sprinklers.

Smiling Ace hummed along as he brushed her hair and watched Marco prep the milk, putting some for Marcy in an insulated sippy cup.

"Thank you" Ace smiled at his husband when he put their drinks on the table and had a seat next to Austin.

"So, you had a good evening, Austin?"

Austin hummed loudly and smiled "yea! I even caught a shiny Charmander! Wait, I'll show you, the battle is almost finished!"

"-ood" Marcy smiled after taking a sip.

"Hmm is it, that's nice. Oh, Marcy, look at what your brother... ah ehm Austin caught! It's a shiny dragon!"

Marcy who had started to nod off looked at the screen, "Pretty!" Not even realizing her parents slip up.

Austin however did and looked with wide eyes at Ace before switching to Marco.

The blond simply smiled at him and ruffled his hair, not saying anything about it.

"I'm going to tuck her in. Will be back in a few minutes." Ace stood up and looked down at Marcy "Marcy, say good night to Austin. " Marcy waved lazily, "night night Aussy." As she rested her head on Ace shoulder.

Austin waved back at her. Once they were out of the room, he looked to Marco, still slightly stunned. It was just a word... But it had so much meaning.

"Marco? Ace... Ace said..."

Marco smiled and shuffled closer to Austin. "I know. Ace and I both want you to be our son. For Marcy to be your sister. For you to be Marcy's brother. We want to get you out of the system and with us."

Austin sat there quietly for a few minutes not looking up to his game. Ace came down a few minutes later and set Marcy's cup in the sink before sitting back down on the other side of Austin. Ace was about say something, but the boy beat him, "you... you two really want to adopt me?" He said just above a whisper.

Ace spoke soft and honest "we do, both me and Marco would like you with us, as part of the family"

Tears got in his eyes, looking at Marco when he spoke next "if we could-yoi, we would have already adopted you after the last weekend. But as you probably know, there's a lot of steps for it to become official. But, if you want, we will do all we can for you to have as many stays with us as possible until we can finalize everything."

Austin looked at them, blinking as he sniffed, trying to see through his blurry vision.

"Ace and I will do everything we can so we can have you as part of the family as quickly as possible."

Some small tears fell and Ace immediately enveloped Austin into a hug. The boy instantly hugged back, hiding his face in Ace's chest as tears fell. Marco joined not long later in putting their arms around them.

The three stayed huddled together, Marco kissed the top Austin's head. He would e-mail his social worker and tell her they want to adopt him as soon as possible. Marco let go of them and rubbed Austins back, "Why don't you show me your team-yoi?""

Austin wiped his tears and nodded, taking his controller again and calling for his team to appear. Telling Marco about how he caught them and their strengths. Showing him his name was Aussy too.

The whole evening Marco and Ace kept one of their arms around Austins back, the boy never even trying to pull away, even melting away in it while telling everything he was doing in the game.

Marco smiled at the boy and looked at his watch, seeing it was after 10. He didn't want to send the boy to bed now, but he still had school the next day and they had been watching him play for about two hours. "Alright, Austin, it's time for bed."

Without complaint the boy saved the game and went to a safe place before shutting it off. He stood up and turned around to say goodnight only to stop for a moment, watching the adults on the couch.

"Austin?"

The boy made his decision and hugged both of them, "Thank you... Goodnight" he pulled away and smiled before making his way to his room.

Ace looked stunned at Marco and mirrored the smile he had.

"Third best decision of my life-yoi."

"Huh?"

"You, Ace, are the best decision I've ever made in my life. Second is becoming a dad to Marcy, now becoming a dad to Austin." He gave a light laugh. "I never thought I'd have my own family but here I am. I have a wonderful husband who looks after me and our two kids, our home. Everything I ever wanted is right here." Even if Austin wasn't fully theirs yet, he's sure that will be soon enough.

Ace melted at the words and leaned in to kiss the blond, crawling into Marco's lap when he had extended his arms in an invitation for it. His waist was immediately circled by strong arms and he rested in his embrace as they watched some show. Turning in for the night when it finished and they had checked on the kids.