Witch68 - Smut never harmed a soul... besides Ace... he got a broken... nevermind.
Yes! you just chilling and your to-be-dad just drops! Man, i would have freaked out so bad too, not even knowing what to do.
Happy family! And yea, cried so much when writing Ace thought Marco was dead, but needed some of the emotions! We don't want to write Marco actually dying so... we made it a dream!
Thank you! hope you'll keep enjoying!
Ages:
Marco: 41
Ace: 27
Austin: 8
Marcy: 4
Relationship status: Happily married!
*Insert crazy cackling* - It's finished! The chapter is finished correcting! God... This was so long... Correcting took so long, I'm dead. We wrote so much in this one chapter, but it all so important!
Wipes sweat off forehead - But it's done! One more chapter and Austin's adoption is complete!
"How did I let you talk me into this again?" Marco muttered to his husband as they were taking baking supplies out of the pantry and setting them on a little severing cart. Thatch had given it them when his business had gotten newer ones and with Ace's appetite and the amount of stuff needed to cook, it was very welcome.
He loved his husband wholeheartedly and the kids but... All four of them were wearing matching Pokémon onesies. He kept pulling the hood down so he would look less ridiculous, but Marcy would get upset telling him he had to keep it up. So as the good papa he was... he would put it back on.
Ace laughed and gave him a quick peck as he pushed the card towards their kitchen, their kids waiting at the table, "You wear it because you love me and love to make the kids happy. And," he smiled as he turned a bit "I know you secretly like it!" Ace laughed some more at the grumbles as he walked further, a big orange fire tail swaying behind him. He walked into the kitchen "Are my little Eevee and Jolteon ready to make some cookies?"
Marco in the meanwhile pulled a bit at his. His was short in the arms and the legs but it was the biggest size the store had and Ace wanted to match. Taking the hood off and running his finger through his hair he sighed, he loved his hubby to much to deny it. Picking up some aprons to not get their clothes dirty and pulling the hood up as to not get his daughter on his case. He joined Ace and could hear the kids cheering, smiling when he saw them "Hey Flareon, you forgot the aprons."
"Ooh, thank you my dear Vaporeon, can always count of you!" Ace grabbed his apron saying 'caution extremely hot' and put it on before grabbing the two child size ones and showing them to the kids "who wants th-"
"Mess! Mess!" Marcy called out as she accidentally pushed over a flower bag. At least it was still closed... Ace walked forward and put it on her, and stepped back with a chuckle, yes, this will definitely fit her and with Marcy standing proud in her 'I will totally be making a mess ' apron, it was perfect.
This left the 'cookie tester ' for Austin. "You good with this one, Austin?"
As he nodded Ace walked up to him and helped him put it on and make a big bow in the back.
"You got yours too babe?"
"Yeap!" Marco posed for him, showing off an apron with a roasted chicken on it, the text 'Papa's cooking' on it.
Smiling brightly Ace gave the counter a slap, "There, everyone ready! Let's get started!"
Setting a few mixing bows on the table they all got started. Both kids making their own sett of cookies. Marcy wanted Christmas cookies in the middle of May and Austin wanted to make chocolate chip cookies.
Since they couldn't do it fully by themselves the parents split up, Ace was helping Marcy with hers and Marco was helping Austin. Just as they were measuring the ingredients the doorbell went off.
"I GET!" Marcy shouted but Ace stopped her and told her that Papa will get it.
Marco made his way to the door, none of his brothers dropped by unannounced and Haruta just let herself in. Opening the door, he stared for a moment. Shit. It was Austin's case worker.
Just like himself, the worker started back at him before clearing her throat, "Good afternoon Mr. Newgate..."
Awkwardly he pulled his hood down, maybe it would make him a tiny bit more presentable... "Good afternoon-yoi... Can I help you?"
After a moment of silence, the worker blinked and answered "Ehm yes... I am here for a visit to see if everything is going well with Austin... Even if unannounced, would it be alright for me to enter?"
Marco blinked and quickly scanned his memories, cursing silently. In one of the papers they signed it was indeed mentioned they could visit at any time to check in on the situation, with and without notice. He took a step aside and opened the door more. "Of course, please come in." He couldn't possibly deny.
Stepping inside she thanked Marco, who shut the door behind her, and he led her to where they were making cookies. Ace was bent over mixing Marcy's dough for her since it was really hard and her little arms wouldn't do much. Even if he had been gone less then 5 minutes, she already had flour spots all over her face. Austin luckily still looked clean and was eagerly working, looking between the suger he was pouring into a bowl and the recipe.
Since Marcy was free at the moment, she was the first to notice Marco's return and climbed off her chair to run to him "PAPA NO! EAR, EAR, UP!"
"Marcy, I-"
Without looking up, Ace piped up "Yes papa, put your ears up, it's very important, right Austin?"
"Yea, can't be Vaporeon without ears" Austin remarked absent-mindedly as he was focusing on his task.
It was only when Marcy yelled a "HIIII!", as she always does when they have a visitor, that Ace looked up.
Ace's cheeks went pink and he stopped what he was doing, watching Marco pick up Marcy in his arms and held on to her. In doing so she brought his hood up. "Better! She cheered and looked to the lady who was all dressed up, and she waved, "HI! Making cookies!"
Austin looked over to who Marcy was talking too and frowned seeing his worker. He didn't want to go. They still had one more day left...
Ace reached up for his hood to pull it down too, now getting a bit shy, but Marcy was onto him instantly, calling from Marco's arms "Daddy, ears!" So he swallowed and kept them on, slowly starting to mix again "Ehnm, hello..." he glanced to Marco for answers. He just mouthed back 'visit'. Before anyone could say something, Austin walked to his case worker, fidgeting with his yellow tail as he looked up "I ehm ... I don't need to leave right? My stay was untill tomorrow?"
His worker bent down so she was at his eye level. "I'm just coming to check in on you." she patted his head gently in between his ears, before standing up once more and looked to Ace and Marco whom was holding Marcy. "Sorry for such bad timing. I won't keep you too long from baking." She said before pulling out a note pad and pen, and started to take a few notes, about the environment where Austin was in. "Could you show me Austin's room?"
Ace started to put down the whisk when Austin himself spoke, "I'll show you! It's really nice, Ace surprised me with a figure on my night stand too!"
"Alright" she chuckled lightly, "then lead the way, Austin."
Austin happily lead her upstairs and walked to the end of the hall, not caring the lady was writing away about what she all saw. As he showed her his room, he also showed her the PJ's that they got for him too and slippers, clothes, the figurine, telling about the game and series.
The worker smiled as she gave small replies back, not having seen Austin this happy before in a family. His usual foul mood nowhere to be seen.
"Have you been eating good?"
Austin nodded. "Yup! Ace is a really good cook! Marco makes supper too sometimes and it's good too, but Ace's is better... Don't tell them I said that!"
Nodding her head she made a few notes, "I won't. This is good for me, let's head down, shall we?"
Austin nodded his head and lead her back down the steps to where Ace and Marco were waiting Marco still holding Marcy in his arms, so she didn't try bother Austin and his case worker.
"Aussy!" Marcy yelled when they re-entered, holding her hands out. "Marcy, not now-yoi" Marco tried to shush her a bit, "Austin is talking to the lady."
Marcy pouted but nodded, getting distracted by trying to grab one of her Eevee ears that had dropped before her face.
"Marco, Ace might I speak with you in private, please?" she looked at the two men and while she had to be professional, she thought it was adorable that they were all matching.
"Of course-yoi" Marco placed Marcy down who instantly ran to Austin, giving him a quick hug as if he had left them for ages.
Ace pushed the bowls he and Austin had been working on more towards the centre of the table so Marcy couldn't reach them and pull them down. "Austin, are you okay watching Marcy for a tiny bit?"
The boy nodded, holding Marcy's hand in his own. Smiling Ace told Marcy to be nice before turning to the waiting worker and his husband. Austin then brought Marcy over to one of the toy baskets, taking out a few to play with her as the adults talked.
Marco and the worker followed Ace to the back deck, she instantly took a quick glance around as Ace slid the door shut. "Austin is the happiest I've seen him in a long time." she pulled out his file and looked over it. "I would like to arrange another visit, if possible in the coming weeks? Next Sunday till the following Monday?"
Both Marco and Ace were a bit surprised at the offer for another stay, they were always told it could get difficult to get them and they would be few and far in between. They didn't dislike it though. Ace smiled "I'm happy that he likes it here" Marco nodded along "Yes, and of course he's allowed to come then."
Though, Ace slightly pulled on Marco's sleeve, whispering 'cabin' as he looked at him.
"Oh, right-yoi." He turned to the lady "I have that week off from work and we were going to spend time at our cabin, it's still in the city, just more towards the forest a bit further east. Would it be alright if we took Austin with us? If not we'll just stay home."
Blinking she nodded, "As long it's possible to view the space beforehand."
Ace was the one who replied "I am always home so if you just give me a time that is good for you, I will be happy to show it to you before the next week."
"Of course." she put her note book away as well as Austin's file, before pulling out a calendar book. "Let see... Is it possible to view it this coming Friday?"
Writing down the information about the location she nodded and pulled her phone out to look for the location to make sure she had it right. "Alright then. I will be by around 10, is that okay?"
"Ah" normally he would take a tiny nap after bringing the kids away, he fidgeted a bit as he asked for a different time, hoping she wouldn't be mad. "Would 10:45 fit for you too maybe? I can make 10,if necessary, but it would throw off my sleeping schedule for the day."
Looking at Ace she nodded, "Of course. Right, my apologies. Yes, I can be there for 11 if that is better."
Ace let out a breath of relief and smiled as he felt Marco pat his back out of sight of the lady "Thank you, that would be perfect, I'll make sure to be there at 11 to let you in."
She nodded, "I will be sure to call you." And close the book and put her phone away. "Thank you both for your time. Again, I apologize about the interruption."
"It's fine-yoi" Marco reached forward to open the sliding door, letting the lady and Ace go first before joining. The worker walked up to Austin and crouched before him "Austin, would you like to come over here again, not the coming week, but the week after?"
Austin blinked and looked at Ace and Marco for a moment before looking to the worker, quickly nodding "I wanna come again!"
Smiling the worker nodded too, "Alright, then I'll be sure to bring everything in order for that. Mister Newgate, Portgas. Thank you for your time and my excuses once more."
Marcy ran and hugged Ace's legs, the raven picking her up and bopping her nose "You hear that, Austin is going to come over again, do you like that?" Marcy cheered loudly and hugged Ace.
Laughing Ace hugged back before stretching out an arm to Austin. "C'mon Austin, get in here!"
As Marco came back after seeing the woman out, he walked in on Ace hugging both Austin and Marcy. Pulling his phone out he took a quick photo before joining them. A few moments later Marco as the first to let go "Yoi, anyone want to continue with their cookies?"
"ME!" yelled Marcy.
"Haha come here then," Marcy ran to him, and he picked her up. As he walked past Ace to Marcy's bowl, he winked at him "switch kids-yoi"
Ace laughed at that and walked with Austin back to the table and looked to see where he was at with the instructions. Thanks to a tip from Thatch, they had the sheet for the recipes laminated as not to ruin them, which they were thankful for they listened because there was already an egg laying over it...
Each helping their own kid finish up, they soon put the cookies in the oven, cleaning up as they were baking. When done they placed them on some small trays and got out decorations. Sitting around the table everyone had some cookies in front of them as Ace was showing how to pipe the Icing. However, moments later he dropped face down in his freshly piped Christmas tree, still squeezing on the piping bag in his hand above the table.
Marco snorted at his husband before he got up and freed the bag from his clenched hands. "Austin stand next to Ace." He said suddenly as he pulled his phone out. Austin blinked before moving over next to a sleeping Ace, and Marco snapped a picture.
"Ehm is Ace alright?" Austin asked slowly, looking between the puddle of icing on the table and Ace.
"He's fine-yoi"
"Daddy sleep" Marcy said as she patted Ace's head. Somehow having gotten on the table and walked right over, definitely not standing in the icing Ace piped onto the table. A few moment later Ace shot up, cookie stuck to his cheek, everyone looking at him "Huh, what did I miss?"
Marco snapped another picture before the cookie fell from his cheek, good thing he had a lot of storage. "Mmmm not much." He chuckled and lent over, bringing his finger over to some icing on freckled cheeks, scooping it with his finger before licking it off.
"Ah" Ace blushed as he watched Marco lick the frosting off his fingers. When he saw him smirk, he quickly took back the fallen cookie and continued his explanation as if nothing happened, even as his cheeks stayed tinted pink.
Marco could only smirk at his husband as he helped Marcy with her cookies. As they made the last cookies, Ace made sure to put them aside safely so the icing could harden a bit, they could enjoy them later, even if the amount had already decreased since they got out if the oven. He picked up Marcy "I'm going to wash Marcy for a second" seeing as she had more flour and icing on her then that she had actually put on her cookies
"No bath~" Marcy whined as Ace picked her up.
Ace sighed "Really Marcy? The moment I put you in and you get a ducky that will change to you never wanting to get out, won't it?"
"Nooooo."
Marco looked over at Austin as he started to put the dishes in the sink. "Want to give me a hand while Ace takes care of Marcy?"
Austin nodded and watched how Ace disappeared up the stairs before walking over to Marco to help.
While Marco washed the dishes, Austin dried them and put them on the table to be put away later.
"Marcy get back here!" Suddenly echoed through the house together with giggled from Marcy.
Marco laughed but continued to do the dishes while Austin stopped to listen to the thumping of steps and laughs. "Ehm, what's going on?"
Marco chuckled, "Ace turned his back and she bolted. He probably had taken her outfit off too." he chuckled and laid one of the bowls on the drying tray.
"Do we ehm need to help him?"
"Naw. He's fine. She won't do the steps without help yet, unless she slides on her bum. But with Ace on her heels she has no time to sit down."
Not long after they heard a 'Gotcha!' And a squeal.
"See-yoi, all is fine haha"
Austin too laughed a tiny bit before continuing drying things off. They just about finished up the last item as Ace walked down the steps with Marcy in his arms. Seeing as they were about done, he settled Marcy on the couch and started setting up the TV, they had already decided to watch movie after baking.
Marcy sat on the couch waiting for Ace to come back. Marco and Austin soon joined them. The moment Ace sat down on the couch Marcy climbed on his lap and rested her head on his chest. "You okay Marcy?" Ace asked.
"Snuggies."
Ace smiled at her and kissed her head. "Alright." Unzipping his onesie he opened it and Marcy stepped into in, koalaing herself to Ace as he zipped up his onesie once more. He made sure to get his little bit bigger just so he could have Marcy inside too. Marco just chuckled at the two and sat down, leaving space for Austin to sit.
Austin looked at the scene before him and melted a bit, that looked comfy. He was a bit too big for that though ,but... He looked at the fluffy onesie of Marco next to him and carefully snaked his arms around Marco's bicep, hugging it. He had his face a bit hidden, and eyes shut, hoping he would let him do it, cuddle against him.
Marco looked down and smiled at Austin as he ruffled his hair. "Austin," he called out for him to get his attention. As the boy looked up, he patted his leg "do you want to sit on my lap, to watch the movie?"
"I-I can?" He hugged the arm tighter.
Marco smiled "of course you can, c'mon" he held his other arm out as an invitation. Once Austin was settled, Marco put one arm around Austin making sure he didn't react bad to it before pulling him a bit more into him so he would lean back and get comfortable.
Austin was filled to the brim with excitement and happiness. He held onto Marco's arms as he smiled and watched the movie. He felt so warm and cosy inside. And while before he had been a bit sad that this was his last day again, now that he knows he is allowed back soon, all of that disappeared and made him look forward to it. Now he could enjoy sitting in Marco's lap without worry that he may never see them again.
Ace smiled at Austin's reaction. He dug in his pocket and pulled out his phone and reached his arm out and snapped a photo, before continuing to watch the movie.
About halfway through the movie, Ace announced quietly that he was going to put Marcy to bed, pointing to her sleeping form on his chest. He joined them again and leaned against Marco as they finished the remainder of the movie before it was also time for Austin to go to bed and it was just Ace, and Marco left.
This also however didn't take long since Ace also quickly fell asleep. Thus whilst smiling at him, he took his husbands sleeping form into his arms and carried him to the bed, kissing dark locks when they laid down. He had saved a bit of icing for some fun together, but well, that would stay good until tomorrow too. For today just cuddling was enough. With the heat of Ace at his side he fell into a comfortable sleep in no time.
Monday morning soon came as Marco and Ace got the kids ready for school and daycare. They were making good time this morning dropping Marcy off at daycare first before bringing Austin to school. Ace would work on his latest video after running around with Marco before he headed off to work later that afternoon. As they pulled up to the parking lot of the school Marco parked the car and shut it off.
Austin looked sad, he knew would see them again, but he had so much fun with them. Other than Saturday's scare when Ace seemingly died, it was a great visit.
"Come on bud." Ace said as he got out of the car, Marco walking over from his side.
Looking down at his shoes he played with his fingers. "Can... can I-" he was cut off when Ace wrapped his arms around him. "We will see you on Sunday." He let go and ruffled his hair, allowing Marco to also bent down and give him and hug of his own and kissed the top of his head. "We love you bud. We can't wait for these short visits to be over. When you can finally call our home, your home too. But as far us, our home is already and will always be your home."
Austin nodded his head as tears gathered in his eyes, he held onto him tightly, not wanting to let go. This is what his friends talked about when they talked about their parents loving them. After a bit he slowly let them go and wiped his tears. "Thank you." He took a breath and smiled at them, "See you Sunday!" He yelled before running up to the school.
Marco stood there with Ace as they watched him run up to the door, before getting back into the car. Marco took Ace's hand and held it, and Ace looked at him as he cried. "I want him to come home with us tonight."
"I know babe, I know. I want him to come back with us too." He picked up his husbands hand and kissed it. "Let's go. We need to go and get a bunk bed sett and hope they can have it delivered before friday-yoi." Ace sniffed and nodded.
They drove off and pulled into a furniture store 15 minutes later. Walking in they made their way to the beds. Standing next to all the options they tried to acts as if they were tucking someone in, still wanting to be able to do to whoever slept on top. After talking with a sales associate, they paid for it and the delivery fee as well.
Leaving the store Ace looked at Marco, "We should get new sheets too." Marco chuckled, "Alright. Then we need to go home. It's almost time for you to sleep, darling."
Ace smiled at it and lent over to kiss his husbands cheek, always looking out for him. They went to another shop and picked out superhero bed sheets and two new pillows before they made their way to the checkout to pay.
"Do we need more pillows and sheets?" Ace asked looking to his husband and blinked. "I think we should be good. We have sheets for our bed at the house and we can just take our pillows with us." Ace nodded "Alright. I'll take my nap when I get home before starting to pull the stuff out of the shed." Marco nodded, after paying for their small bit of stuff, they made their way back home. Where Ace went to take a nap and Marco tossed the new sheets in the washer with salt. He then went to make his supper for that night.
Later when Ace had picked Marcy up from daycare, she spoke as they were driving home, "Daddy, go to park with Aussy?"
Ace licked his lips and frowned. Shit. He knew him and Marco forgot to do something... explain to Marcy Austin wouldn't be home after school today... "Not tonight sweetie, maybe another night."
She nodded and went on telling her story about her day. When they pulled up to the house and after Ace took her out and brought her inside, she took off her shoes off and took off running. "AUSSY!" She yelled looking around but not seeing him. "PAPA!" She then called out instead, also not seeing him.
Ace walked over "Sweetie, Papa's working tonight."
She frowned and went to play with her toys, "Where Aussy?" she looked around the room again.
"Austin had to go back to-" he was cut of Marcy starting to crying.
"NO! AUSSY BACK!" Her crying got louder as well as her screams. "Mar-" the cracking of glass hit his ears seconds after Marcy threw what had been in her hand.
She sat on the floor crying. Ace walked over and picked her up, and while she cried he brought her up to her room and set her on her bed. "No. Marcy. We do not throw things." He said sternly and left the room, leaving the door open so she didn't feel locked up, only to turn around at it being slammed shut, hitting the back of his foot.
Ace rubbed his face, going into Marco's office he grabbed the child proof doorknobs and the baby gate. Placing the child proof doorknobs on each of the doors other than Marcy's door and the bathroom door before he set the gate up at the stairs.
Going downstairs he could still hear his daughters cries. Pulling his phone out he sent Marco a text 'Call me soon please'. Sitting down on the couch he felt warm tears slide down his cheeks, taking a few breaths as he saw the shattered pictures on the ground and a huge crack in the TV.
Just as Marco reached his office for a tiny break, he heard his personal phone go off as he entered. Taking it he saw the message from Ace and was alert, he normally doesn't text if nothing is wrong and especially not without any info. He put the phone to his ear after pressing call. Ace picked up in the second ring. "Ac-"
"M-Marco" the other end of the line sobbed out. His eyes widened instantly
"What's wrong Ace-yoi, are you okay? What happened? Do I hear screaming?"
Ace sobbed at the last part as he chokingly started speaking "I-I picked up Marcy and she searched for you and Austin, I told her Austin went back and she threw the picture globe from out wedding day at the TV, br-breaking both. I've put her in her room and and-"
"Ace babe, breath" he could hear his breathing picking up and that wasn't good "Listen to me, it's okay, just breath, like me. Ace please, breath in for me" He heard not long later Ace taking a quivering breath "that's great, now out... And in... Out... You're doing so great, love." Once Ace calmed down a bit he asked where he was, "O-on the couch, I'll clean i-"
"No Ace, leave it-yoi I'll do it. Just stay there okay, I'll be home soon."
After Ace confirmed and promised to stay put, he ended the call and told his team he needed to leave for an emergency at home. Getting home he quickly entered, not bothering to take of his shoes if there were maybe shards all over the floor. He instantly ran up to his husband as he saw him huddled up on the couch legs pulled up to his chest, head in between them with tears streaming down his face as he had his hands over his ears and eye squeezed shut. And he knew why, Marcy was wailing upstairs. He quickly enveloped Ace into a hug, and he latched onto him.
Ace cried into his chest "I-I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have called. Y-you work, and I need to take care of the kids and-"
"Shh Ace it's okay, you don't need to take care of her alone. We're both parents, please don't hesitate to call for me, it's okay." Marco held his younger husband and swayed them back and forth. One hand tightly on his head. After his cries became sniffles, he pulled back to wipe over a freckled cheek.
"You a bit better now?"
"Y-yea, thank you for coming home"
Marco smiled softly and gave a quick kiss "Always."
Ace looked over to the shards, specifically a broken globe "O-our picture."
The blond also looked at it sadly, they had had it since their wedding, a picture of them at the altar in a glass globe, even adding a smaller globe later with a picture of little Marcy. They already had plans to get one made for Austin too. But nothing could be done now. "We'll get a new one made. New ones made, with us and the kids, Austin included."
Some minutes later Ace spoke up, "Marcy is quite."
"I guess she is, maybe she fell asleep, shall we go check?"
Nodding Ace got up after Marco, hissing a bit when he put pressure on his foot, Marco instantly noticed.
"Are you hurt-yoi, did you step in glass?"
"No, it's fine"
"Ace. Please"
"... When Marcy threw the door, she hit my foot..."
"Sit down, I'll check"
"It noth-" seeing Marco's look he simply sat down. Marco kneeled and took the shoe of.
"A bit of skin rubbed off. It will be more annoying than anything else. Let me grab a band aid"
"You really don't need to"
"But I want to-yoi"
Marco stood up and held his hand out for Ace to take after applying the band aid. (Let's maybe clean quickly in case we take Marcy back down."
"Smart" Marco went to take a broom and started to swipe up the mess as Ace stared at the broken tv. It was the same tv Marco had when they first got together. It worked perfectly so there was no reason to change it.
With a sigh he stood up slowly and got a bag to put the broken tv in. After making piles, Marco set the broom aside. "Alright. I'm going to get Marcy. Can you put hot dogs on for her?"
"Yea." Ace said and set the bag down over the tv, going into the kitchen, and tossed some hot dogs in the pot and let them boil while Marco went to check on Marcy.
Walking up the steps Marco noticed that Ace had out the baby gate up, probably to avoid Marcy trying to do the stairs alone. Tapping on her door he spoke, "Marcy, it's Papa I'm coming in." And he opened the door to the room to see her toys all over the place and her sheets pulled off the bed, clothes all over the floor.
Ace would have cleaned up her room this morning. He didn't know how to feel about her on purpose ruining it... He slowly bent down to in front of her, "Marcy."
She looked down at the little plush she held in her hands, ignoring him.
"Marcy, look at Papa." Marcy shook her head. "Marcy."
Sniffing Marcy looked up and the eyes broke his heart. Her face was red from screaming and crying. Blood shoot eyes. But she was in the wrong here so he had to be firm, even if she probably just had a bit of trouble controlling her emotions, "You hurt daddy, so you need to say you're sorry."
Marcy shook her head, "No!"
A silent sigh escaped him and he stood up, taking Marcy up in his arms.
"Down!" She started to cry once more as she kicked around.
Ignoring her crying he brought her down and sat her in her booster seat at the table, as Ace placing a few cut up hot dogs in front of her along with her sippy cup. They weren't going to skip out on her snack or dinner just because she had a tantrum.
Sniffing Marcy stared at her plate before picking up a piece and eating it, tears stopping as she kept taking more.
While she ate Marco had gone and got another bag. The one Ace had taken was over the Tv that was somehow still standing so Marcy couldn't touched it. He in the meanwhile cleaned the dangerous pieces like glass and tiny shards, but left the piles that contained a few bigger plastic pieces.
Once Marcy was done eating, Marco went to her and picked her up, carrying her to the mess and placing her down. "We're going to clean up-yoi."
"No." She looked away from Marco only to see Ace sitting on the floor holding the bag open to put the garbage in.
"Yes-yoi. You broke this earlier by throwing the picture ball, so we're cleaning it together." Marco told her and handed her the dustpan to keep in place. Even whilst crying she held it in place as Marco swept the few pieces on it, helping Marcy drop it in the bag.
After cleaning the mess Marco took the dustpan away and pointed to Ace and the mess, "Marcy, you hurt daddy earlier when you slammed the door, what do you say?"
"..."
As she looked away he simply repeated his words once more.
"No!" Marcy yelled and crossed her arms over her chest.
Standing up he picked Marcy up and carried her back to her room, crying starting again. He sett her down on the bed, "You're in time out until you say sorry to daddy for hurting him-yoi and throwing things." He turned around and left her on the bed, once again not closing the door so she could still go out and to the bathroom, but he did close the baby gate so no accidents happened.
As he got downstairs his phone went off. Shit, he had to get back to work. He took the call and said he would be there as soon as possible. Hanging up he gave Ace sad eyes. "I'm sorry-yoi." He said and Ace went and kissed him, already knowing what was up.
"It's fine. Thank you for coming home."
Marco gave him another kiss telling him he loves him and not to worry too much, they'll get the stuff replaced and Marcy would also be better in a bit before taking off back to the hospital.
To pass the time, Ace had brought his laptop out and worked on editing video's at the kitchen table, close by the stairs so he could hear Marcy if she called.
It was around 8 when heard rambling at the baby gate. He turned to see Marcy trying to unlock it. Carefully he got up and went to open it, helping her down the stairs.
He watched her as they made it down, she stood quietly for a moment, squeezing a duck plushy in her arms. In the end she held her arms up to be picked up.
Ace looked at her, he could tell that she was still upset about it all, and maybe he shouldn't pick her up when she hadn't apologized yet... but he just couldn't do that.
So picking her up he kissed her cheek and took a seat on the couch, placing her in his lap and holding her close. It took maybe another 10 minutes before she actually said something.
"Sorry daddy." she said quietly
Gently he ran his fingers through her hair, "What are you sorry for, Marcy?"
"Being a bad girl... Throwing and giving daddy an ouchi."
With a small smile Ace kissed her head, "Daddy forgives you. Thank you for apologizing Marcy, you're a good girl. You broke something, hurt me even if an accident, but look, you helped clean and came to apologize. I love you baby" He gave another kiss before standing up.
"Let's get you to bed, you're tired right?" It was already past her bedtime but she probably couldn't sleep because of the emotions.
Standing up he passed by the kitchen to get her a sippy cup with water and made for her room. Seeing she had tried to clean a bit, toys were messily put away and clothes were sticking out of the dresser, but pushed inside. He saw she even tried to make her bed, but the fitted sheet wasn't staying in place on all corners. Marco had told him about the state of the room.
Setting her down he removed the sheets and started to remake her bed, tucking in the fitted sheet all around before he put her other blankets on, and picked up his sleepily daughter and tucked her into bed. "Love daddy, and papa." she said sleepily as she cuddled her duck.
"We love you too, sweetie." Ace kissed her head, making sure her night light was on before leaving, shutting her door almost fully and made his way downstairs. Finishing up his editing he posted the video and shut his laptop off. Looking at the clock it was just passed 11.
After cleaning up his work stuff, he looked to the garbage bag next to the tv the bag. Some moments of deliberation later he walked over to it and opened it, searching through it carefully and pulling out the pieces that formed their wedding picture. Cradling them close he kept them as he tied the bag back up.
He sent Marco a quick text that he was going to bed and that he loved him before making his way upstairs.
When Marco came home, it was nearly 3am. He tried to as quiet as possible as he took of his shoes, having seen Ace's message that he was already asleep. After putting his stuff away, he went to check on Marcy for a moment, seeing she was sleeping, and her room had been a cleaned up a bit so there was a clear walkway, he smiled since it did mean Marcy had least calmed down and apologized.
He then went to the bathroom to brush his teeth and get ready for bed. Entering the bedroom he saw Ace sleeping peacefully on the bed, as he got closer he saw something reflecting light on the night stand, "oh...". It was the picture of them in the snow globe, the biggest pieces messily put together on a towel.
He would make sure to get a new one made soon. While dangerous maybe to keep the glass there, he didn't take it away, Ace obviously wanted to keep it since they had put it in the trash bag so he had taken it out again himself after he left. Crawling into the bed he gently gave a soft peck to uncovered hair and whispered a goodnight before trying to fall asleep himself.
Sunday morning soon rolled around, Ace having done a deep clean of the cabin and made sure to stock it full of groceries the day before. Beds were all made, everything is ready for their week over.
Pulling up to the orphanage, Austin already stood ready with his case worker, a large overnight bag with him.
Austin smiled brightly and waved at them the moment he saw them arrive. They waved back and walked towards the duo, Ace carrying Marcy in his arms. Getting closer Marcy squirmed a bit to be let down so Ace let her down. She instantly ran up to Austin, barrelling into him while yelling his name and laughing.
His case worker walked over to them, smiling at the children. "I need you both to sign these forms." As she showed them a single page document.
"What are they-yoi?" Marco asked accepting them and reading them over "Temporary release form?"
The worker saw the confused look, since obviously they already had had Austin with them a few times and never needed to sign these. She smiled, "It's because you will be staying with him in a different location then your actual living address."
"Ooh, alright, thank you very much for taking care of this then." Marco accepted a clipboard and signed his name at the bottom with the pen attached before giving it to Ace to do the same. The worker thanked them when he handed it over again.
"Austin, I hope you will have a very fun week, be nice to Ace and Marco."
The child smiled "Of course!"
Ace and Marco once again thanked the worker before Ace crouched before Marcy, "want daddy to carry you again."
"ehm... no, Aussy carry!"
"Ehm... I don't know if Austin can carry you sweetheart." Marcy pouted before Austin went to stand in front of her, bending down. "I ehm, I can't carry you like Ace, but I can give a piggy back ride? Probably..."
Marcy's eyes shined, "Piggy back!"
Marco chuckled and took Austin's bag from him. "Marcy missed you last week." Ace said looking at the boy as Marcy crawled onto his back.
The blushed at it and with slightly wobbly steps he started walking to the car, happy it wasn't too far away even if he liked playing with Marcy.
Ace walked behind them, making sure they didn't trip and picked up Marcy off of Austin's back once they got to the car. Rolling his eyes as Marcy whined, "Get in your seat, Marcy, we're going to the cabin."
Instead of placing her in himself, he had Marcy do it herself, they had been practising letting her get in her car seat by herself more often. Thus, while it took longer, they watched Marcy crawling into the car and settled herself in her seat, fighting with the buckle for a bit. Ace of course made sure she did everything correctly before getting into the car himself.
After getting everything loaded, they took off, stopping at the store to pick Austin up a few things like warmer clothes and some new shoes even though he kept saying he didn't need them. After getting back to the car, loaded everyone up once more and were soon back on the road.
"Huh" Austin watched them pass the intersection. They... they just passed the street they normally turned into when going to the home, did they miss it? He looked between the older duo, but none seemed to be aware of any harm as they were driving further and further away from the house. "Ehm... Ace, Marco? I ehm, aren't we going to ehm you guy's house?"
Ace smiled a bit at Marco before looking to the backseat, "Well, technically we are going to our house. It just not the house you were at last time."
"What?"
Marco laughed "Ace, you're confusing the poor kid hahaha. But Ace is right though, we are driving towards a property owned by us, and it's kind of a house. But just enjoy the drive, we'll be there soon."
Confused he nodded and looked out the window as the busy city streets lined with houses and apartments thinned out to make way for more and more trees. He's never really gone into the forest, there's nothing really there.
"We're here!" Marcy cheered at Ace's enthusiasm and it made Austin look out of the other window. "Ah, a tiny house?"
Marco got out and unbuckled Marcy and picked her up from her car seat. Ace had gotten out grinning wildly as he opened Austin's door. "It's our cabin." Ace said smilingly and went to grab Austin's thing out of the trunk.
Marco set Marcy down, she bolted for the swing on the front porch quickly.
A little dumbfounded, Austin got out of the car while looking at the tiny house... cabin... "You... have a place in the woods? Why?"
Marco scratched his neck "Well, the city life is fun and all, but we both just wanted a break every now and then. When we found out about this old forgotten place, we got it and cleaned it up, making it into something hopefully cosy."
"It... it's nice."
"Haha thank you, now, I think someone has been calling for you for a while-yoi"
"huh" now that they mentioned it, he did hear his name, or well a shorter version of it, being yelled.
"AUSSY! COME! COME SWING!" Marcy giggled from her place on the swing. It kind of looked like a normal wooden bench attached to the ceiling with chains. Getting a nod from the adults, he walked towards Marcy and slowly got on, sitting next to her.
"Move! Move legs Austin!" Marcy started swinging back and forth, making the swing... well... swing.
Marco chucked along with Ace as they walked up, Marco took his phone out and took a picture of them having fun. Walking up the few steps Marco unlocked the door and Ace went inside. "Come on you two. We got a surprise for you." Marco said looking at the kids and Ace was grinning. He had set Austin's stuff down on the floor. The cabin was an open floor plan with a table that sat four in the middle. On the left was the kitchen and a moveable island, over to the right was a couch a recliner and they faced a blank wall. No TV to be seen. Across from the entrance were three doors. And on the far right was a ladder that led to loft.
"Marcy-yoi, can you show Austin the room you usually sleep in please?" Marcy hummed and smiled, pulling Austin along to one of the closed door, "This one!" She reached for the doorknob to twist it open. "Here sleep Mar- aaaah! More bed!"
Marco and Ace followed and watch their daughter squeal, "Now, no fighting over the top bunk." Ace said looking at them. "They have the same sheets, and we can still tuck in who's on the top bunk."
Marco patted Marcy's head as she had ran into his legs to hug him as Ace walked over to Austin. "We hope you don't mind sharing a room with Marcy over here, there's not enough rooms to give you your own for now."
"N-no, I don't, this ... this is actually pretty cool." he took a step forward and touched the bed, looking up, very cool indeed. He suddenly felt a weight around his waist, looking down it was Marcy who was looking up at him "Aussy want top -unk?"
Austin smiled at the girl, he did. But if the small girl wanted it to, he'd let her. "Does Marcy want it?"
Marco and Ace both smiled at the interaction, they had feared a little that Marcy would instantly yell to have it, not even giving a chance to Austin, but it looks like they were very, very wrong. The little girl looked up at it and nodded but before anyone could speak, she ran up to Marco "Papa! Both top -unk!"
"Both-yoi?"
"Hmmm, Aussy and Marcy!"
He ruffled her hair "It's very nice that you want to share, but I don't think both of you will fit together."
Austin spoke, "Marcy, it's fine, you can have it if you want."
"Nuhu!" The little girl said loudly before making a face of deep thought "Ah! Marcy today, Aussy tomorrow!"
Marco and Ace looked at each other and chuckled. Their daughter was learning fast. "Alright. How about daddy takes a nap and you two play on the swing set? Not the bench. Then we'll go for a walk." Marco suggested looking at the kids after they came to the decision.
While the kids nodded and Marcy dragged Austin outside, Ace pouted at Marco. "I feel like a child... I need even more naps than the kids..."
Marco laughed and gave Ace a kiss "I think it adds to your charm. Makes you so adorable."
Ace blushed "D-does not!"
Marco chose not to react and simply also pulled Ace outside and sat down on the bench swing, Ace joining after him. He put a hand around Ace's waist as Ace rested his head on his shoulder and hugged him back.
Not much longer he was already asleep. Ace could practically sleep anywhere, this way, Marco could still keep an eye out on the kids and cuddle with Ace, it was a win-win.
As Ace slept, he watched over how Marcy told Austin all about the little toy house, slide and swings they had in the garden. He could see how Austin often looked confused, probably not understanding Marcy with how fast she spoke, skipped and butchered words and simply didn't make sense, but still always tried to reply and look happy which in turn made Marcy extremely happy too. She never really had a play partner before at home.
Not long after she was done with the introduction to the playsett, they both switched around to different things, climbing the house, going off the slide, sometimes even going together. He made sure to take pictures of that and take videos to show Ace later. After a while they were both on the swings, good thing they got a sett with two seat on it.
After Ace had woken up, Marco called the kids over to change their shoes. Marcy pouting that they couldn't play more. "You can play when we get back." Marco said looking at her smile again an run off.
Ace groaned as he sat up, he slept well as always but his body hurt from his position. Marco gave him a quick few presses on the shoulders to help a bit with the tension before kissing him "Sorry sweetie, should have put you down a bit more comfortable somewhere."
Ace simply groaned again, stretching out with pops resonating from his back making Marco laugh and kiss his head, "Haha c'mon Ace, you start sounding more like an old man then me!"
Checking in on the kids after getting up, Marcy was just pulling at the velcro of her second shoe. Marco made sure to check that both were tight enough before ruffling her hair "Good job, all by yourself!"
"Your shoes fit well?" Ace asked to Austin after he tied them.
"Yea, thank you." They felt a bit weird, he wasn't used to new shoes.
"Everyone ready to go-yoi?"
"Baggie!"
"Ah right, one moment, Marcy" Ace walked off to grab a small bag with a flower on it and gave it to Marcy. Marcy always collected some rocks and stuff. Marco in the meantime had grabbed a backpack with some drinks and snacks in them. "Let's go then."
They left the cabin and made their way into the forest Marcy walking a few steps ahead. Picking up a few flowers along the way, adding rocks in the bag later... definitely squished the flowers.
"Are we going anywhere?" Austin turned to Ace.
"Hmm, nah, not really. There's a little creek near here if you want to see that?"
Austin nodded and Ace smiled, "Then we have a destination! Marcy! To the creek!"
The girl yelled in joy, holding up a pretty stick she just found and changed direction a bit.
"Papa, look!" She pointed with her stick to a snake that was sleeping.
"Good find Marcy, let's walk around it and let it sleep." Marco said watching his daughter.
Marcy waved at the snake, wishing it goodnight as they passed.
Not long after they made it to the water and Marcy instantly started looking for frogs. Ace running after her to watch over her. The creek wasn't too deep, but you still needed to be careful. Marco went to sit not far away on a rock, telling Austin he can explore the area if he wants to.
The moment Marcy yelled, Ace froze. Oh no... Why did he follow Marcy again? She was going to- "Daddy look!"
Oh god here she comes!
"Marcy, Marcy, stay there, daddy can see it from here, it's ehm very frog like. Very ehm good catch."
"Daddy hold!" She came bolting for him.
"Noo!" Ace turned around to run to his husband, screaming like a little girl, "Marco! Save me!"
Snorting Marco got up, putting Ace behind him and crouching before Marcy. "Sweetie, put Froggie down, okay? Daddy doesn't like them."
Ace stood behind Marco clutching his sleeve as he looked at the green brownish creature. How is she even holding it, they are so slippery and slimy and aah it gave him goosebumps!
Marcy looked at the frog "... Good froggy."
Marco hummed "that can be, but daddy just doesn't like them."
"Hmmmmm. Show Aussy?"
"Only if Austin wants to and be careful not to hurt the little frog."
Marcy nodded and bolted to Austin who was poking in the creek with a stick. Marco smiled at Austin's enthusiasm seeing that Marcy had caught a frog and let them be. He turned around to Ace after getting up, "You okay?"
Ace looked at the kids play with the frog. "They are so gross."
With a chuckle Marco kissed his head. "She probably got that from Haruta."
"... You're probably right. Of course, she would inherit these things... "
"It could be worse-yoi. ... She'll probably be a little devil as she gets older with your and Haruta's DNA combined." He whispered and gave a light chuckle.
"... Oh man... You probably right... What have we done Marco..."
"bye-bye Froggie!" They looked over to see Marcy letting the frog go and putting her hands into the creek before wiping them on her pants.
Ace pulled up his nose a bit "At least she dipped them in the creek for a hot second..."
"How about I do the laundry of the slimy frog pants-yoi."
"My hero!"
With a laugh Marco picked Ace up, carrying him to some rocks next to the creek and sat down, pulling of their shoes to soak their feet as they watched the kids play. After a while they called back for them to start heading back, so they could have lunch.
Marcy ran to the cabin when they got close "Potty daddy!"
Marco passed the keys to the door to Ace. "She said daddy, better run before it's too late haha"
Ace looked stumped for a moment before grabbing them and running after Marcy, "Hold it in, Marcy! Hold it!" He ran past, opened the door and then picked up Marcy to run further inside.
Ace just made in time before her little bladder bursted as she sat on the toilet, going number 2 as well soon.
Breathing out a sigh of relief, he told her well done for keeping it in and cleaned her up once she was done and washed her hands before letting her run off again. Seeing Marco, he gave a thumbs up that they made it. The blond chuckled as he was putting some simple things on the table to eat. Bread, chocolate paste, cheese,...
Washing his hands, he joined his husband in getting stuff ready for lunch.
Ace made some tiny sandwiches for Marcy before calling everyone to the table to eat. Enjoying the meal, they listened to Austin talking about his past week to them.
"After lunch you two can go play on the swing set, daddy has some work." Marco said looking at the kids. Both nodded while continuing the meal. Marcy dragging Austin off to play the moment they were done.
Marco gave Ace a peck on the lips before following the kids outside watching them play, wishing Ace luck, he was going to work on a few video's.
It was already nearing dinner when Ace finally came out to join them outside. "What should we do for dinner babe?" Marco asked as his husband sat next to him.
Ace snuggled up to him, instantly reaching for a hand of his to fiddle with, the blond never seemed to mind. "Hmmmm, pasta? We got everything here for it."
Marco smiled, "That sounds good" He pressed his lips to his head, "You alright?"
"I'm good, just a bit tired, I made sure to finish up enough video's in the last days and do final edits today so i can enjoy the rest of the week" he was opening and closing Marco's hands as he spoke, holding his own against it to compare the size, not that he thought he would ever beat the man, but it was fun.
Marco smiled at the fingers being intertwined. "How about you stay here and watch the kids and I get dinner started?"
"Thank you, Mar."
Somehow, he had manage to snooze in for a minute because he woke up to pats on his leg. Opening his eyes, he could see Marcy there "Daddy, food done!"
Blinking a few times, he stood up, picking Marcy on pure reflex to carry with him.
Austin, who he had not even seen waiting for him, held the door open so he could enter easier while carrying Marcy. He thanked him as they all went inside and sat down to have dinner.
Marco had set a plate for everyone with pasta already on it. He had a platter for Ace and regular plates for the rest. He placed a salad in the middle of the table.
Enjoying their dinner, they talked a bit about the plans they had for the week, if there was stuff Austin wanted to do or not.
"I'll set the screen up after so we can watch a movie." Ace said and grinned, he looked at Austin, "What's your favourite Disney movie?"
"eeeehm, I like big hero 6 a lot!"
Ace nodded and smiled, "Alright the we will watch Big Hero 6. It's one of my favourites too."
Austin smiled at that, he was sure it was going to be an awesome week again!
"You two go play as we clean up. Then we'll take a bath and watch the movie." Marcy cheered and started to wiggle to get out of her chair, Marco picked her up and sat her on the floor.
"ehm don't I need to help?" Austin looked towards all the dirty dishes and food remaining on the table. And somehow professionally ignoring the little girl pulling at his arm as he looked to the adults
Marco and Ace chuckled, "It's fine. We'll take care of the clean-up." Ace said ruffling his hair. "We'll call you in when we get everything set up." Marco nodded along with his husband.
Austin blushed a tiny bit, it's been a week since he got his hair ruffled again. It still made him feel warm and cosy inside.
"Go!" Marcy tugged at his arm again, and he let her pull him out the door to play more. After an hour Marco came out and called them in. Ace was hooking everything up and had the screen projector set up on a little table, and a white sheet was hanging on the hall.
"Anything you want to get comfortable before we start the movie?" Austin looked confused, "comfortable?"
"Ace brought your and Marcy's onesies, the pokem-"
"EEVEE!"
"Yes, the Eevee ones. So, you can put them on to be more cosy, if you want-yoi."
"I want, papa!"
"ehmm.. I want it too... It was really warm and soft."
Ace smiled at the conversation, using it to get his husband involved, "Then, let's get changed, c'mon Marco!"
"Huh? One person is enough to help Marcy?"
Ace laughed and Marco could see a hidden smirk "You didn't think I only brought the kid's onesies, right?"
Marco groaned but scooped Marcy up, "Before Eevee, we need to get you all cleaned up." before carrying her off to the bathroom and shutting the door.
"After Marcy is done you can take a bath too, then you can get into your onesie."Ace said looking to Austin.
After several minutes Marco came out carrying Marcy who looked cosy in her Eevee costume. He gave Austin his own to change into when he was done. "Your towels are the green ones. You can just shower if you dont want to take a bath."
Austin opted for a shower, not wanting to take too long, he could also bathe another time. When Austin exited Ace called for Marco "Marco, you can use the bathroom first, I'll get us our setts and more towels from the suitcase and bring them to the bathroom."
Smiling Marco thanked his husband and disappeared to get clean. Thanking him once more when he saw him place a little basket inside the door, towels on top. Some time later he got out and dried himself of before reaching for his pj's. Only... Why was it so .. fluffy? He picked it up and held the shirt up, only for it to fold open. Oh right, he forgot, he should have known Ace would pull this stunt. With nothing else to put on, he put on his Vaporeon onesie, only... He pulled at it a bit, it seemed a lot bigger then last time. The sleeves and legs were long enough and nothing pulled into places it shouldn't pull... Weird... normally things shrunk in the wash...
Ace smiled when he saw Marco come out, his onesie fit a lot better now, he had ordered a bigger size online and switched them out. He laughed at Marco's deadpan look at being tricked into it.
"Papa!" Marcy squealed as she ran into him. His look turning into a smile, how could he every complain about anything of this.
"Hello to you too sweetie"
"Soft!" She rubbed her head against his legs. "Haha, it really is." He bent down and pulled Marcy's hood up, making her giggle. He let her reach for his own hood and put it on. He made a tiny 'roar' sound once it was over his head, getting a lot of giggles from the little girl. ... Maybe Ace was right... maybe he really secretly loved these things...
Picking Marcy up he walked over to the couch and plopped her down. "I think we need some popcorn, what do you two think-yoi?"
Marcy cheered, "Yay! Poppy corn!" Austin too looked excited and nodded furiously.
Marco nodded and went to make some while the kids sat on the couch. Ace came out wearing his Flareon onesie with the hood down drying his hair.
"The hairdryer died." He said to Marco and chuckled. "It's going to take a few hours for my hair to dry."
"I'll see if one of my brothers can fix it." he said taking some drinks.
After everything was sett up, Marco went up to Ace who was still towelling his hair. He grabbed the towel and started rubbing Ace's hair through his complains. Taking it away after a while, the hair was still damp but not dripping anymore. He kissed lips that were pouting at him "it's good like this, I'll keep you warm So you don't catch a cold."
Ace chuckled, "You keep me warm? You're the one that's always cold." He grinned and opened Disney+ on his phone and chrome casted to the projector.
"Well, I guess we don't need to cuddle on the couch-yoi." Marco shrugged as he went to the couch , sitting purposely in between Marcy and Austin
Ace pouted before making sure everything was working Marcy crawled on to Marco's , "Papa snuggies." Ace plopped down on the other side of Austin and put his arm over the back of the couch.
Marco laughed and helped Marcy settle in his lap, "you like snuggles with papa?" He glanced to Ace, smirking as he asked it, poking a little fun at the fact that Ace could have sat here.
"Love pap's snuggles!" She turned around solely to hug him more. Marco hugged back and heard Ace give a breath, making him laugh silently.
"I ehm..mm" Marco looked up after hearing Austin mumble something, only to see Ace now smirking at him as he now somehow has a blushing Austin settling down between his legs.
Jealous Ace he laughed and shuffled a but closer, putting a single arm around as as they started up the movie.
Marcy fell asleep nearing the end of the movie. Marco figured she was fine and would put her to bed after the movie. He hugged her softly to not wake her up as he enjoyed the movie himself.
By the time was over Austin had started yawning too and was about to get up but Ace stopped him, "Shall i carry you, bud?"
"Carry? But .. I'm heavy?"
"Haha, no you're not! And I am practising to be able to carry Marco, so I have to be able to pick you up! Marco, can you tuck in Marcy? And I'll do Austin." It was an extra convenient he wouldn't need to awkwardly step on one step of the bunk bed to tuck Marcy in.
Marco nodded and stood up keeping one arms under Marcy's bum and the other around her back and made started to the kids room. Ace followed closely carrying Austin in his arms. Stepping on the bottom step of the ladder Marco tucked Marcy into the top bunk, while Ace tucked Austin into the lowest bed.
Austin shyly thanked Ace before they all wished each other goodnight. Getting out and gently closing the door Ace was next to Marco in a instant looking up at him and pouting. Not saying anything.
Marco rolled his eyes and took his hand, leading him back to the couch. "Come here firefly."
Smiling Ace instantly crawled into Marco's lap as he sat down, hugging him closely and rubbing his face against his.
Marco wrapped his arms around him, "Is this what my hubby wants, hmmm?"
Ace laid his head on Marco's chest and closed his eyes, simply resting. "Yea, this is nice and, you do have the best warmth."
Smiling Marco pulled back Ace's hood so he could run his fingers through his hair and kissed his head. "You think the first day here was a success with both kids?"
Ace hummed as he felt fingers cares him "I think it went great. They are getting along so well too. I was really scared Marcy would kind of... Make more of a problem sharing her room."
"Yea. I know right? I was more scared of her not wanting to share either of us with him too, you know, getting mad if we would play with Austin." He looked at his husband. "You want to go to bed?"
He was only barely getting tired and Marco already noticed, he's the best husband. Ace tightened his hug for a bit before looking up, placing his chin on the man's chest "only if you go too. I don't want to let go yet"
Marco smiled, "And what would my hubby like for me to do about that?"
"Carry me?"
"And where would my Firefly liked to be carried too?"
Ace rubbed his cheek against Marco's chest before settling once more against him "bedroom, please, getting sleepy" laying on him, hearing his heartbeat, it always made his whole body relax. If he was already close to sleeping, it was the best lullaby he could have.
Marco smiled and kissed his head. "Of course darling." He adjusted Ace and stood up carrying him like a koala to their room.
Smiling he let himself be brought to bed and laid down on it. Crawling under the covers first, he lifted them for Marco to join him. When he did the blond automatically opened his arms and smiled, not hesitating Ace shifted closer and pushed himself against him. Only leaning up a bit to give a kiss before settling in his chest"I love you so much."
Marco smiled into the kiss, "I love you too." As he wrapped his arms around Ace and held him close.
It was the middle of the night when Marcy sat up crying, wiping her eyes. Looking over the edge of her bed, she could see the floor even with the nightlight, it was so far away! And it was raining outside.
Austin slowly woke up, noticing it was still dark, he moved to turn around to get back to sleep when he heard a small sob and some sniffles close by. "Marcy? Is that you?" While he asked, he was already lifting his blankets to get out of the bed.
Marcy was sniffing up in her bunk. "I...I...no get down.." She gave another little cry. "Scary dream." She started to cry once more.
"ah" should he get Marco and Ace? But it was probably the dead of the night, both sleeping. And getting them would mean to leave Marcy alone. Getting Marcy out bed was also no option, he wasn't confident that he could get her down the ladder safely. Hearing another cry he decided on the only thing he could think of, "Marcy, I am coming up, okay?"
"Okay" She sniffed, wiping her eyes.
With a nod Austin climbed the few stairs, the mattress really was small for two people. He still carefully got on, making sure to be the one in between Marcy and the edge of the bed so she would stay on the safe side that had the wall. The little girl had sat up and was still crying. He carefully pulled her into a hug and stroked her hair just like he saw Ace and Marco do often "shh, its okay, it was a dream right, nothing bad is here. I... i'll protect you from anything!"
He kept patting he hair and holding her as she cried, not really knowing what else to do. After a while he pulled the covers aside with one arm and then laid down with Marcy still in his arms, "I'll stay with you. Just sleep Marcy, everything will be fine." He had felt Marcy flinch a bit when the rain hit the window hard and he unconsciously started humming.
Marcy's cries soon turned to sniffs as she tried to fall back asleep clutching at Austin's arm.
Feeling Marcy relaxed, Austin let out a breath of relief only to get spooked when their door opened.
"Everything okay in here?" Austin looked over to see Ace coming in. He had taken his onesie off and was in his boxers.
Hearing the voice Marcy sat up. "Daddy!"
Ace walked quickly over to them and stepped on the bottom step of the ladder, "What happened?" He looked to Austin then to Marcy.
"Scary dream" - "Nightmare." They both said at the same time. Ace frowned, "Come here," He held his arms out and Austin helped Marcy crawl over to Ace who picked he up and carefully got her down to the ground before doing the same to Austin.
He patted Austin on the head once he was down, knowing it was Marcy that had been scared by her tears. "Thank you, Austin."
"n-no problem"
"Marcy, do you want to come sleep with daddy and papa, or stay with here?"
Marcy thought for a bit before hugging Austin. "Aussy... Aussy said would protect Marcy."
Ace smiled and nodded his head. "Okay." He reached up and grabbed her pillow and duck plush. "I'll tuck you both in again." As he laid the pillow down next to Austin's but on the other side, closer to the wall.
After laying down, Marcy instantly hugged Austin close. Ace inwardly cooed at the sight and tugged them in. Kissing each on the head. "Sleep well, if there's anything, don't hesitate to wake me or Marco "
"Okay." Austin said and rolled over and put his arm over Marcy, who held her duck in her other arm. Ace smiled at them before leaving, and shutting the door.
The next morning Ace told Marco about what happened overnight. They were both so proud of these kids.
Just like the other day, they started the day with a nice breakfast before going out into the wild. Throughout the week they enjoyed lots of different activities such as building a campfire, mud fights, playing in the rain, stargazing,...
All in all, they had an absolutely amazing week.
When they got back home on Sunday, they made sure that Austin had everything he needed before he went back to school the following day. Marco had to set Marcy down and explain to her in private while him and Ace played a game that Austin would be leaving but he would be coming back.
Thanks to Marco's talk, the only thing they had to deal with was a slightly sad and more down child for a few days. When they finally got a new date when Austin could come back, they let the girl know and she was over the moon, asking every day how long it would be before her big brother would come back. It was only a matter of time before Austin wouldn't need to leave every again.