Had originally wanted to post a happy lovely dovely chapter about their trip to Disney but noticed there was a crucial lack of missing info... so this chapter needs to go through first!
hyerina97 - I love them being old too! They're so cute! Yes, while we could have made Ace be magically fully healthy, it seemed better to have a few things like memory loss, it only seems logical. But Marco still very much loves him even if it can get diffecult some times. And even in moments he's forgotten a lot, Ace will always love Marco! A core feeling! Thank you very much enjoying this!
Zoysite - Aaaah I got a chapter out before your free time ends! -little victory dance- It's not the trip, i'm sorry, but I do hope you will enjoy.
It's indeed a little hard on everyone to see Ace's mind go backwards, but they all love and take care of him the best they can. Marco and Ace treasure every moment they have togheter!
Ages:
Marco: 33
Ace: 19
Relationship status: Dating!
Ace
FireFirst - Portal 2 - 01:50:36
"Alright, we solved it! great job chat! let's try the next puzzle!" With his character standing in the elevator, waiting to take him to the next level, he read through the chat and answered some simple questions about his day and plans before a specific one caught his eye, Great work FireFist - BluePhoenix.
Seeing the signature he instantly got a smile on his face, Marco had tuned in to watch, he was pretty sure Marco had barely seen him play the last level, but it was still so nice for him to check on him in his breaks at work!
Not wanting to draw attention to specific viewers, but still wanting to wish Marco a nice meal, since it was about lunch time, he stretched out behind him and put a hand on his belly.
"Aaaah, I'm starting to get hungry! It is around lunch time, I hope everyone is having a great lunch and for those working, have a great workday, enjoy the break haha, unless you're watching this while on time, shh, be sneaky haha!"
Thank you :-) , Be sure to eat something yourself too, and enjoy – BluePhoenix
Smiling that his message had come across he re-positioned himself again at the computer, "let's do another puzzle before I get some food!" If Marco was watching him he should at least play a bit and not leave the computer to get food.
"We can't place the portal here, it-" sniff sniff "Wait up a moment guys, something smells like it's burning, let me check it out." Ace took off his headset and stood up, ready to check from where the smell was coming, however before he was one step away, he could feel how he slumped down in on himself, falling down onto the floor. He was now laying on the floor, looking towards the door, he tried to move some fingers, but nothing would move. Sighing he closed his eyes, paralyses then, so stupid, he hoped it would go away soon.
Marco
Marco smiled at his phone, happy inside that Ace wished him a nice meal. He briefly looked away to take some bites from his food but looked back confused when he heard Ace speak about the burning smell. His eyes widened slightly as he saw Ace fall and not move. Ace had been having different symptoms of his narcolepsy. So far no cataplexy which he was thankful for. The few times Ace had spent the night at his place he had been fine. Other than then the one time when they were going to try to have sex for the first time, his body had paralysed, so every act was stopped and he had simply stayed by his side and stroked his hair, telling him he was okay and safe.
Still, questions swirled his mind. What had he smelt? Had something been burning? Had he forgotten that he made food? His eyes were widening even more when he saw smoke slowly start to fill the apartment.
He stood up, staring at his phone, wanting to shout for Ace to wake up, to stand up and get out! But how he is now, he wouldn't even be able to pick up his phone even if he called. In the stream he could see the chat going nuts, but then... the stream stopped. His heart dropped to his stomach at it. "Ace." He whispered, staring at his phone. What was left of his lunch was forgotten about. Even knowing it was useless he tried to call him but no answer. He had to leave. He had to see if he was okay. He made his way to exit the break room just as a nurse was coming in, "Doctor Newgate!"
"Sorry I need to leave." He hurried out, trying to pass but the nurse stopped him.
"Doctor, several ambulances have been dispatched to an apartment building in the downtown area. We need all Doctors on standby. More than 50 people have been evaluated already."
Marco looked at the nurse... downtown... that's where Ace lived... his boyfriend... Ace's home was on fire, he had to get to him! But... what if Ace had been evacuated by the time he got there, then they would bring Ace to the hospital and he wouldn't be there to comfort him.
"Doctor, please." Marco looked to the nurse and swallowed the lump in his throat. "If a man with the name Ace D. Portgas gets admitted, let me know immediately." He had a job to do, and as much as it pains him to not rush to Ace, he had to stay here.
He had already treated three patients so far, all with various degrees of burns and smoke inhalation. With the number of victims, even if some wounds were small, you were still working on it for longer than you thought. He still had no news on Ace either and his worry was growing worse by the second. On one side he didn't want to see Ace here, because it meant that he was hurt, but he also wished he was his next patient so he knew that he at least made it out of the fire.
"Doctor Newgate, new patient is ready!" Quickly checking his phone he saw he still had no messages, he had left Ace a quick voice message and normal texts for him to let him know if he was alright, but still nothing. "Coming-yoi!" Damn-it, he really hoped his boyfriend was fine!
After the fifth patient he had enough and walked past yet another patient being wheeled in.
"Doctor Newgate? Where-"
"I'll be back-yoi!" He practically ran towards the reception or the ER, the worker there saw him and smiled at him.
"Doctor Newgate, how can I help you?"
"Hi, Has anyone named Portgas D. Ace been admitted?"
"Doctor, you know we can't give out info regar-"
"Please, we've been together for a while, I saw him get trapped in his apartment, he was streaming, I know he was there, I just need to know if he made it out."
"... One moment please."
Rushing out a 'thank you', Marco nervously tapped his foot while the worker searched through the files.
"Portgas D. Ace. 19 years old."
"Yes, yes that's him! Born on the first of January!"
The worker nodded along to the correct date of birth. "Yes, he was admitted a little while ago, he's at the intensive care unit right now."
Marco's eyes widened "Intensive care!? What happened, what's wrong, is he alright?!" And why did no one tell him!? He specifically asked to be notified!
The worker quickly scanned over the limited info she could read. "The only info I can see here is that they placed him there due to him seeming to be paralysed. I'm sorry but I do not know how bad his wounds are."
A small breath left Marco. Okay, he knew of the paralyses and going by standard procedures they don't know that he's narcoleptic yet and placed him instantly in intensive care solely to figure out what paralysed him no matter if he was burned or not. It didn't take away the chance something was wrong, but somehow it soothed him that paralysis was the only listed reason in the general file. "Okay, thank you-yoi, thank you very much."
Taking a breath he slowly calmed his racing heart, he would have to make a note in Ace's file about his narcolepsy, that it triggers paralyses too now. He would go to him once he was done. He was just so glad Ace made it out.
"Doctor Marco," One of his nurses spoke as she walked closer, she must have followed him, "we have a 16-year-old female, eight months pregnant. She was in her apartment when the fire happened. Several burns on her hands and arms. Bruising on her face"
Marco nodded at it, taking the young girl's chart and reading it over, "I'll be there in a moment. Stand by on possible emergency C-section."
The nurse left first, Marco taking another moment to compose himself before he walked to the room, ready to treat her burns. "Angela, my name is Marco Newgate. I'm going to make sure you and your baby are going to be okay-yoi."
The young girl looked over at Marco seeming to be in a lot of pain, yet didn't say anything even if the nurses called out the situation and soon the need for a C-section too.
After an hour Marco removed the baby boy from the young woman and began to stitch her up. Once done he moved on to her burns and treated them. After another hour he was done, helping this young girl. He hoped that whoever wanted to use her as punching bag found a nice place in hell because those bruises were not from the fire.
Leaving the operating room, Marco went and washed his hands and arms to clear them of blood. He scrubbed them down wanting no trace to remain. He needed to see Ace. Leaving the OR he made his way to the Intensive care unit to see his boyfriend.
He had to restrain himself from running, he was still in the hospital, but every step closer to the ward, his heart rate increased. What if Ace was hurt more? What if more was going on besides the paralyses? Millions of What if's were going through his head.
Reaching the door, he took a deep breath to steady himself before using his own card to unlock the doors, being one of the main doctors had it's good side.
He walked in and nodded at the staff working before making his way towards the patient list, there weren't a lot since this was the intensive care. The moment a patient was steady enough they would be moved to another, lesser emergency ward.
5th on the list was his boyfriend, Portgas D. Ace.
Moments later he was opening the door to his boyfriend 's assigned room.
"Ace" on the bed was the object of his worry. Arms were bandaged and he could even see some poking out from under the sheets at his neck. On one of his cheeks was also a cooling bandage.
Besides all this, an oxygen mask was covering his mouth and nose to help with breathing. Somehow, much to his relieve, Ace seemed to be sleeping peacefully, chest rising and falling in a slow rhythm.
Picking up Ace's chart next to his bed he read through it. It seems they picked up on his notes that Ace was narcoleptic, that was good. Most seemed fine. Burns on arms, chest and a small part of his face, but all in between 1st and 2nd degree. Smoke inhalation was bad, probably due to Ace having been paralyzed, not having been able to even try and block it. They'll probably keep him throughout the night in this ward thanks to this.
Putting the file away he took a seat next to his boyfriend and gently took a hold of his lesser bandaged hand, kissing it gently before his wait started, hoping Ace would wake up soon to show him he was alright.
Marco sat there, holding his boyfriends' hand. Stroking it, so he would know he was there for him. As he sat there, he stared at his freckled face, many of the little spots now being hidden away by bandages. He looked up to see a nurse coming in to check his vitals. "It's alright, I'll take care of it-yoi." Marco said before even realizing it. Even the nurse had to take a moment to blink before she smiled back, "Of course Doctor Newgate."
He wasn't sure how long he sat there for, before Ace started to stir. His hand went for the oxygen mask and Marco brought his hand up to stop it, "It's alright Ace. It's okay. It's going to help you-yoi."
Slowly Ace's eyes opened and he looked at Marco, tears forming in his glossed over grey eyes instantly.
It broke Marco's heart seeing his boyfriend in such pain. "Everything is going to be alright." He brushed strains of hair off his face and got up to gently kiss his forehead.
"Ma-" coughs racked trough Ace's body. Marco was at his side in an instant, helping him sit up and patting his back.
"Calm Ace, try to breath, not too deep"
After a bit the cough lessened but didn't fully stop, Marco saw the tears in his lover's face worsening.
"I'll be right back okay?" He gave Ace a quick peck and went into the small staffroom of the ward, grabbing a cup and filling it with water before returning.
"I am going to remove the mask for a moment so you can drink a little, take small sips"
As said, he carefully removed the mask and brought the cup to Ace's lips. Weak hands gripped at his own while Ace took his time to finish the cup. Once empty Marco made sure to put the mask back on and that everything was still working properly.
Sitting back down he once again took Ace's hand. "How are you feeling-yoi?"
"I...I... I don't know"
"That's okay, do your burns hurt?"
"No?" Ace looked between his bandaged hands and carefully touched his chest before tears started running down his cheeks as he remembered what happened.
"Ace? What's wrong? What hu-"
"M-marco!" Ace sobbed, clenching his boyfriends' hands.
"A-"
"Their was –" he shook "So much smoke…" He sobbed, "it was… it was so hot.." he cried as his body shook. Trembling, he wanted to forget what happened. It scared him so much. "I couldn't move. My-My body wouldn't move." his chest hurt a lot too. Ace sobbed for a few minutes before he spoke again, "So much smoke… I couldn't breath. My eyes started to hurt."
"Ace-yoi ... It's okay, you don't need to think back on it. You're safe now"
It seemed as if Ace didn't hear him as another sob racked trough his body.
"F-fire came from under the door. It touched me, it hurt, it hurt so bad, I couldn't even scream."
Marco tried not to look horrified at the image that was being created and tried to hold back tears just thinking about what his boyfriend had gone through. He stood up and with the utmost care enveloped Ace into a hug without a word. Letting Ace continue his experience, he somehow knew Ace needed to let it out.
"I heard yelling from outside, asking people to evacuate or to yell for help if they were stuck. But I, I still couldn't do anything! I do not know how they knew I was there, but suddenly a firefighter barged into the room and helped me. He carried me outside to the medical staff. They were all asking me questions of what happened, if something fell on me, it was all so much Marco! I think, i think I fainted, i don't know, next thing I know is that you're here... Marco! Thank you for coming!"
At the last part Ace held on more strongly and trembled while hiding his face in Marco's shoulder.
Marco held on to Ace as he cried. Tears slide down his own cheeks terrified for his boyfriend. Feeling so alone. So scared. He knew he didn't want to lose him. It may have only been seven months since they started dating but he loved the young man so much.
After a while Ace's trembles settles down and his body grew slack in his hold.
Marco had no idea if it was a sleep attack or just general exhaustion that made his boyfriend fall asleep. But either way, it was better this way, he needed his rest, as well as physically as mentally.
After tucking his boyfriend back in and making sure he had some water within reach, he dried his own tears and made his way back towards his own office. Planning to simply finish up the reports from the few patients he helped before clocking out early to stay by Ace's side.
While working, he couldn't stop his mind from thinking about Ace, eventually his train of thought also reaching about his living situation. Going by the staff's gossip, the apartment complex was completely destroyed, no part was saved and reconstruction would take months.
He can't give Ace his stuff back that he lost, but maybe he could offer his own home as a new place to live.
They hadn't talked about living together yet, but he already knew he wouldn't mind spending the rest of his days with the man. To come home every day to that freckled face.
Ace
Just like Marco, Ace also got word of the state of his apartment.
He sat in bed just staring at his bandages on his hands. They had takin the big oxygen mask off and now had a smaller one laying next to him. He didn't need it on constantly now, only when he felt he needed it and when he slept. He sat there. He had nothing anymore, not even any clothes, the ones he had on were cut of him. He had no access to money, he had no home, no clothes, no job. 'Marco's probably going to break up with me and I'll be all alone.' he thought to himself, wiping away the tears threatening to fall. He was in love with the older man. He didn't care that there was 15 years between them. Ace loved him so much, the time spend with him made him the happiest he had ever been... but now that would be no more.
Marco
Two days later around 6AM Marco knocked lightly on the door before pushing it open to see his boyfriend sitting on the bed still under the sheets. "Mornin' Ace." As he shut the door behind him and walked over to his bed.
Ace looked up broken out of his thoughts "Oh, morning Marco." Ace looked at the blond and saw a bad in his hand. "What's in the bag?"
Marco smiled, "Just some clothes for when you're discharged later today. Can't have you walking out of the hospital naked. Might be a tad cold."
Ace smiled some, his boyfriend was too good to him. Giving him a brief kiss, he had to bid him farewell for now, duty called.
Later that day around 4PM Marco walked into Ace's room once more, but this time with papers in his hand. Ace looked up at his boyfriend who sat down and looked at him, "Oh. Hey Marco... what's that?"
"Your discharge papers."
"Oh."
Marco looked confused, "You don't seem happy to leave-yoi."
"I don't have anywhere to go." He simply gave a small shrug and looked at the papers. At least here he had a roof over his head, a bed, food. Out there... he had nothing.
"Well, you can stay with me. You're my boyfriend after all. You know I have a guest room you can have."
Ace played with the bandages on his fingers, looking down. Staying silent at Marco's offer of a place.
"Ace?"
"I... I don't want to be a burden on you..."
"You could never be a burden to me. I love you-yoi." The words were out of his mouth before he knew it, but he meant it all and took Ace's hand in his and stroked it.
"I-I love you too Marco" Tears had sprung into Ace's eyes, falling down his cheeks not moments later.
"Ace! What's wrong? are you hurt?"
Taking his hand out of Marco's he frantically tried wiping the tears that kept coming "I thought... I thought you would leave me." Ace sobbed out.
Marco looked flabbergasted at the confession, had he done anything to make Ace think that he would leave him? "Ace, babe, why would I ever leave you, I love you so much. If I've ever given the impression that that was not the case, I'm sorry, I-"
"No, no, you- you haven't, but..."
"But?"
"I have nothing" Ace chocked out "No clothes, no phone, no food, no roof over my head, I don't even have proper work. I was barely making ends meet with odd jobs here and there and now, now I can't even do that. I'm not, I'm not worthy to be-"
Marco cut off Ace's words by kissing him on the lips, making sure he didn't lean on any bandages anywhere, after which he grabbed a hold of Ace's cheeks, making him look straight into his eyes. "Please don't say that-yoi. You're worth so, so much Ace. You're a wonderful person and I love every part of you. I would never leave you for this. God Ace, what kind of person would I be if I left you at the time you needed me the most. I can't replace your stuff-yoi, but I do want to help you with what I can, offering my place, it's the least I can do. I love you so much and nothing is going to change that, and I wouldn't mind spending more time with you either."
Ace sniffed at the whole confession, "I love you too, so so much Marco... You... you really wouldn't mind? I... if it's inconvenient in any way, I could try and reach Garp, maybe he will he-"
"I would love it if you came to stay with me Ace."
With cheeks turning lightly pink, Ace nodded, accepting the offer with a small but grateful smile, squeezing hands in his as much as his burns allowed.
"Once I'm done with my shift we can go and get you a new phone too if you're up for it. Or we can go tomorrow if you want." He just wanted Ace to have a phone back so they could reach each other when he had to go to work, "And at the start of the week we can work on getting you all your cards back."
"I... I would like that... Thank you"
"When we get your phone, call your grandpa, Dadan, and your brothers. They should know what happened."
"It's okay... I don't want to worry them, they're far away anyhow."
Marco kissed him once more, "Call them for me? Please?"
"... can... can I call them when we've fixed things with the bank and such? Then ... then I can tell them that everything is alright and that everything is being taken care of."
"Alright. But call Sabo at least alright? Your brother follows the news, if he finds out it was your building and he hasn't heard anything from you, you know he'll drive right over"
"Okay..."
Smiling Marco kissed his head, "Then, Need a hand changing?" He indicated to the bag he had brought from home for Ace.
Ace raised one of his hands, bringing them over to his other shoulder, seeming to try his movement. A pained expression came over his face right before he could touch it. He looked down, having heard rumours of the fire, he didn't even have bad wounds compared to others and here he was in pain from these, in his eyes, tiny burns. A hand pulled at his chin, directing him to look into his boyfriend's gentle eyes. "It's okay to ask for help babe, even a tiny burn can hurt for a while and your upper body is covered-yoi. It's normal to need some help to relieve some pressure."
After a moment of thought, Ace nodded "please help me."
Marco took a button up shirt out of the bag, one that was long too small for him but it should fit Ace. "I know you usually wear T-shirts, but you might be better off with button up shirts until your burns heal. You need to stretch less to get these on-yoi."
Marco carefully helped Ace sit up, making sure to move slowly and avoid the worst areas of burns on his back to push him up. Afterwards he opened up the hospital gown and gently pulled it off. This was the easy part with these gowns being fully open in the back.
The button up would be a bit trickier since even with his help, Ace would need to move at least one of his arms backwards to get it on.
After helping him with his shirt he handed Ace a fresh pair of boxers and pulled out sweatpants. "If you don't feel up for shopping, I can pick some stuff up for you and bring it home." he offered after seeing Ace in pain from these small movements.
"ehm... Could we go tomorrow, together? I'm already a bit tired today, I'm scared I'll have an attack if I go now... I'm sorry "
"Of course." He kissed Ace the lips briefly. "I'll grab a wheelchair for you to use to get down to the car. We can manage to get you upstairs without one." As he stood back up and helped Ace with his boxers and sweatpants.
After making Ace was dressed, he left for a wheelchair, returning only seconds later with one.
Ace blinked at the sight "that was fast, did you even leave the ward?"
"No, a nurse was just bringing one up for you, guessing we would want it since the exit is kind of far away."
On the wheelchair was a bag medical supply. "The nurse made a bag of stuff up to change your bandages for the next few couple of weeks." He parked the wheelchair next to the bed and put the bag of medical supplies in the bag he had brought with Ace's clothes up in and set it down. "Did you want my help?" He knew how his boyfriend could be if he helped too much, not letting him try things alone.
With quivering eyes Ace looked between wheelchair and his spot on the bed. Why did it seem so far? Was he always this high up? He didn't know if he could make it, just leaning on his arms to get up already hurt him. He had tried moving a bit by himself when Marco had gone to get the supplies and he already regretted that...
Out if the corner of his eyes he looked at his boyfriend. He normally really didn't like asking for so much help, but... Marco was a doctor, he would understand it that he still hurt a lot ... Right?
He however still didn't dare look into his eyes when he spoke. Not wanting to see any pity if it was there.
"I don't think I can make it... Could you... Could you please help me?"
Marco put his arm gently around Ace's back. "It's going to hurt." He warned, as he slowly helped Ace sit up straight, before helping him move his legs over the edge of the bed. He stopped when Ace made a sound, that sounded like he was in pain. "You're doing great Ace." Marco placed a hand on his leg. "We're going to stand up. And take one slow step at time. I won't let you fall. I promise-yoi"
Marco waited for his boyfriend to have taken some deep breaths, preparing himself. When he took a strong hold of his arm on his leg, he knew he was ready.
"Okay, I'm going to lift you up a bit so you can stand up, ready?"
Receiving a shaky nod in return he started to lift Ace up, thus putting most pressure under his armpit and on his back. His other hand, the arm that Ace was clutching, was positioned on Ace's chest, using it to steady him so he didn't fall forward.
When he had started lifting, the hand clutching him instantly tightened and he could see how Ace was squeezing his eyes shut and biting on his lip.
He really hated seeing his boyfriend in pain, but there wasn't any other way for him to hold onto him without touching any burns.
"You're good, you're doing good, just focus on standing, it will be over soon"
He felt how Marco held on tighter. He wanted to cry, but at the same time he felt secure in the hold. Gritting his teeth he took another step, now standing with his back towards the chair.
"Perfect -yoi. The chair is locked, it won't move, so i am going to lower you down now."
The slight chaffing of his cloth over the bandages when Marco pulled his hand from behind him after having been put down, felt like sandpaper. Still clutching at Marco's arm he was breathing in and out deeply, wishing for the throbbing pain to leave him. "I-I don't know if I can go shopping like this Marco. Ha-ha, I can't even stand."
Several tears slide down Ace's cheeks. Everything hurt. He didn't know if he could even make it to Marco's place. Even with Marco's words of encouragement. His chest hurt. His lungs felt like they were on fire. How was he supposed to go shopping if he could barely get out of bed?
A hand touched his cheek, wiping away his tears. "Don't worry, we'll figure it out. I will make sure to get all the basics and we can shop online too you know, then you can still pick out things you like. Just don't push yourself. Let's give it time to heal a bit before going out together."
Marco slowly lowered Ace into the chair after two more steps. He reached over for the oxygen mask and put it on Aces face. "You did fantastic babe-yoi." he said gently, bending down in front of him to hold the mask properly.
The oxygen helped immensely but ... They didn't have that at Marco's apartment.
"Feeling better?" Marco asked after he removed the mask.
"Y-yea, that really helped. It's a pity we don't have that at home."
"Hmmmm, you do know your boyfriend is a doctor here, right?"
"Yes?" So? They couldn't pull it out if the wall? He looked towards the connection points.
"Hahaha, no I can't take this one" he ruffled his adorable boyfriend's hair "but, we do have portable setup's. It's basically a gas tank, but then filled with oxygen, with a mask connected to it. I can rent it out from the hospital."
Ace just stared at him, "I fucking love you." He said on a low voice that only Marco could hear.
Smiling at his adorable boyfriend, he gently kisses his freckled cheek. "I love you too."
Picking up the bag with medical supplies, Marco swung it over his shoulder, ready to push Ace.
"Wait, give it to me" Ace said while pointing to the bag.
"Huh, it's okay -yoi"
"No, no, my legs are fine, let me help"
Not able to resist the pout he put the bag on Ace's leg, watching carefully if he showed pain. Since there was nothing, he stood back up, thanking Ace before pushing him out of the ward.
Before wheeling them to the car, he made a small stop at a storage room, grabbing a set of the oxygen tanks and masks, signing off on a paper for it.
He did carry this himself, not handing it over when he was asked for this too by Ace, it was too big to just lay comfortably in Ace's lap.
Reaching the car he once again lifted his boyfriend up and helped him in the car. Praising him when he was seated and handing him the oxygen tank, he had already removed the seal before passing it over. He told his boyfriend he just needs to hold the mask and press on a button for it to release air, it was really an easy system.
While Ace was calming down, Marco folded up the wheelchair and placed it in the trunk, he would call in later that he took it with him.
Getting into the driver's seat he looked at Ace who smiled at him, oxygen mask already taken off.
"Let's go home-yoi"
Arriving home Marco looked to his boyfriend who had fallen asleep at some point. Smiling some he got out and gently closed the door. He went to the trunk and pulled out the wheelchair and the medical bag of supplies. At least Ace didn't need someone to come and change his bandages since he could do it himself. Opening up Ace's door Marco took the oxygen tank and hooked it up to the wheelchair before gently, trying his best not to touch any of his burns, picked him up and sat him down in the wheelchair. Closing his door gently and then the trunk Marco made his way to the elevator, to take them up to the top
Groaning Ace slowly started waking up. He was laying down on his belly on something soft. He opened his eyes, blinking away the sleep and touched the soft fabric underneath him.
"What?" He had been in the car? Driving to Marco's apartment? He coughed, his throat a little irritated, he would kill for some water right now.
Marco whom had been sitting on the other side of the bed set his laptop aside and went over to him. "Here." He handed him a bottle of water.
A little stumped at Marco's sudden appearance, Ace numbly took the water and took a sip, blessing the soothing that it gave. Handing the glass back to his boyfriend "Thank you... Ehm... So... You were watching me? This whole time? While I slept?"
Marco chuckled, "No, I just came in about five minutes ago. My receptionist called and told me she was going to be leaving in two weeks and I'll have to find someone to replace her. She said she would be more than happy to train them." He took the glasses and set it back down on the nightstand.
"oh... That's not a long time to find a proper replacement thought. Right?"
Marco nodded his head sadly, "Yea. I'm going to have to do a job posting. Took several months to get my last one."
Ace seemed to be thinking for a little while before stretching out a hand towards Marco. He got the hint and helped Ace to turn around and sit up.
After re-gaining control of his breathing Ace spoke up "Maybe... Maybe I can help? Your receptionist doesn't need to walk around a lot right? it's computer stuff at a desk... I think... and it's still two weeks away so I should be able to just sit down on my own then, right?"
Marco nodded, "Yea. That's right," he smiled and lent over and kissed his forehead, "if you're up for doing it that would be amazing. Even if you sit in the wheelchair you would be fine. We'll give it a few days. I'll email her and see if she can email me what she does each day." He rubbed the back of his neck, "I pay her but even I'm not completely sure what she does each day. But then again, a lot of patient data is entered, also emails to be done up, and answering the phones and booking appointments as well."
"I want to at least try to help. Even if it doesn't work out, but I hope it does, but if it doesn't maybe I can still just help so you have more time to look for someone else. aaah, I don't want to push myself onto you" Ace fiddled with the blanket "I just want to help you..."
"You have no idea how much I appreciate it." Before chuckling, "and I have no problem with you pushing yourself onto me. Besides, when I'm in the office I will get to see you more."
Ace smiled and reached for Marco to come closer. Obliging to the request Marco did and they pulled each other into a gentle hug. "Love you Marco." - "Love you too-yoi." The moment was interrupted by the grumble of a stomach. Ace blushed "Ah... ehm..."
"Hahhaha, let me get some food for you-yoi, you can eat in the bed if you want."
Ace blushed and gave nod.
"I'll make you some soup. It won't be too hard to eat since your throat is still healing from the smoke." Marco stood up and went into the kitchen to make them both some soup.
Some time later, Marco returned with two steaming bowls and a bed-tray that Ace could put over his legs to eat more easily on the bed and didn't need to hold onto his bowl.
"Thank you." He slowly picked up the spoon and filled it, blowing on it before eating.
"Take you time with it-yoi." Taking some more soup, Ace made sure to blow on it until there was no more steam before eating it, humming at the taste.
"Good?"
"Hmm, yes, thank you"
Marco slowly ate his own taking his time. "I'll get you a pair of my pj's. They'll be a bit big, but to big is better than being tight."
Ace tried not to blush at the thought of using his boyfriends Pj's, "Thank you"
"It wouldn't be the first time you worn a pair." He grinned thinking back to when Ace spent the night for the first time, he let Ace borrow a pair and the shirt alone was long enough to go to Ace's thighs.
"Don't mention it! And it was so long ago... maybe it fits better now..."
Marco smiled and lent over and kissed his head. He stood up with his empty bowl. "I'll go grab a set." It hadn't even been a year since he had met the young man, but he was so in love with him.
When he returned he helped his boyfriend further to get his shirt off, Ace already having undone the buttons himself while he was away. Marco hummed while looking at the bandages "When were they last changed at the hospital?" He had forgotten to ask himself and wasn't sure if he should put on some clean ones before bed or leave it for in the morning.
Ace blinked and thought about it. "I think they changed them before I was discharged."
"Okay, then I'm going to leave them on for the night if that's okay with you. We'll change them in the morning. We need to make sure everything stay's clean, but we also shouldn't disturb it all more than necessary."
Ace nodded his head. "I trust you." He honesty didn't know when they have to be changed. Marco moved the bed tray aside and helped him put on the top, it was a bit easier since it was a larger size. "Did you want the pants too or do you just want to sleep in your boxers?"
"Maybe just the boxers" He kind of didn't want to bother with the pants and it was warm enough in the apartment and under the blankets to not need it. Marco nodded and helped him take off his sweatpants, folding everything and putting it aside. "Alright-yoi, I'll be sleeping in my own room so you have some privacy in here, but my door's always open if you need anything okay. And just yell if there's anything and I'll come myself, no need for you to try and get up-yoi."
Ace nodded and Marco helped him lay back down. "I'll move the oxygen tank closer so if you wake up you can easily grab it yourself if you need it."
"Thank you" Ace smiled and closed his eyes for a moment when Marco leaned down to kiss him.
"Moving may be a bit uncomfortable, but just try to relax and get some rest." He leaned down to give one more kiss on his boyfriend's forehead after wishing him goodnight and leaving the room, flicking off the light when he passed the switch.
Leaving the door slightly opened he took a seat in the living room, it was still early. He opened his laptop that he had brought out when he made the soup. Opening it up and logged in and the first thing that appeared on the screen were gaming computers. He had wanted to get Ace one for his birthday but wasn't sure what would be best. He had wanted to surprise him with it, but now after all this, Ace might not want him to buy one.
After a few more hours of browsing and making a list of some necessary things he would need to buy if Ace was going to be living with him, he closed his laptop and made to sleep himself. Having stripped of his clothes, mostly sleeping in his boxers when the weather allowed it, he went to brush his teeth into the bathroom. Just as he was finishing, he heard whimpers coming from the next room over. The guest room, Ace's room. He quickly spit out the froth and walked towards the room at a fast pace. Quietly he opened the door and peeked in. His lover was laying stiff on the bed, only moving his head from side to side while trembling and whimpering every few seconds.
Marco pushed the door opened and made his way inside, "Ace? Babe what's wrong?" As he got to the bed and sat on the edge.
Ace didn't react and simply continued his whimpers, tears forming in his still closed eyes. Should he wake him up? He didn't want Ace to have a nightmare which was seemingly the case.
"Ace, it's okay-yoi." He brushed his hair back. "You're safe. You're here with me, Marco. Your boyfriend." He kept repeating the same words over and over.
Moments later grey eyes blinked open and looked around in fear.
Marco sat where he was and brushes his boyfriend's hand lightly. "Everything is okay. You're safe." He used his other hand to brush sweaty hair back before reaching for the oxygen mask. "Ace I'm going to put the oxygen mask on alright."
With trembling hands and still slightly wider than usual eyes, Ace held onto Marco's hand that were holding the mask to his face, doing his best to breath in and out at normal pace. Calming down he looked at his boyfriend as new tears sprang to his eyes "M-Marco" he mumbled behind the mask.
"I'm right here." He left the mask on a bit longer before taking it off. He was highly concerned for his boyfriend.
Ace led out a sob and reached for Marco "I-I Marco, there was fire! So bright, so warm!"
Tears formed in Marco's eyes. The fire had terrified him. "Shhh it's okay... do you want me to turn the heat down? Do you want me to stay with you?" He hated seeing the young man before him cry.
A shaky nod left his boyfriend, and he quickly went over to the heater in the room and turned it off, he would leave the rest of the house on so it didn't become too cold, before returning to the bed and sitting down, just in time to hear Ace's quiet words. "Ssstay, please." He sniffed "I don't want to be alone."
"Of course I will...did you want some more oxygen first? It's okay take your time."
"... Just a bit maybe" Ace accepted the mask being pressed to his face and took a few deep breath before pushing the mask away again "Thank you."
"Of course." Marco set the mask on the side table, before going around and climbing in the bed next to Ace. He rolled on to his side and held Ace's hand. "I'm right here. I'm not going to leave you." He brought it up and kissed the back of it. "I'll be right here in the morning when you wake up."
Sniffing once more Ace squeezed Marco's hand and softly thanks him once more before closing his eyes. He wished he could roll over too and hug his boyfriend, but that was still too difficult and hurt too much right now. But holding his hand and feeling the dip in the bed beside him already comforted him so much. Not long later he could feel himself drifting back into dreamland, hopefully until till the morning this time.
In the morning Marco laid their next to Ace still holding his hand. Maybe they should hold off on going out. It may put much strain on his body, and he didn't want him to be walking around right now... Maybe using the wheelchair to bring him out could work, and he could hook the oxygen tank up to the wheelchair. Ace did need a new phone, so he could contact his family. Wait... Ace mentioned he had insurance on his place incase anything did happen. That was taking up the last bit of money he would normally have each month. He hoped he could claim as much as he could. He smiled some at his freckled face boyfriend. He had planned on asking him to move in with him when Ace's lease was up in another two months.
It was really a pity they those plans couldn't be fulfilled anymore... but nothing they could to about it. He stayed in bed, brushing his thumb over the hand he held, not wanting to wake up his boyfriend by trying to leave, he needed all the rest he could get.
Ace stirred some, and his eyes slowly start to flutter open, 'where am I?' blinking a few times he slowly turned to face his boyfriend who had been staring at him. 'right I'm at Marco's.' he blushed as his boyfriend stared at him. "Uh.."
"Sorry." Marco's cheeks tinted pink from being caught staring at his beautiful boyfriend.
"D-don't worry... it's your house..."
"..."
"..."
"Yoi... ehm... do you want to eat something already? or do you want to change the bandages first? I will need to rinse your wounds a bit before re-applying them, it could... it probably will hurt."
Ace frowned, he knew it was going to hurt. "Can... can we do that first?"
Marco nodded, "Sure. I'm going to get a chair from the kitchen for you to sit on. I really don't want the nurses yelling at me for washing you up in the wheelchair." He could see his boyfriend was uncomfortable with that. "You can keep your boxers on. I'm just going to clean and put some medication on the burns a then wrap them once more."
Ace nodded and Marco went away for a moment, setting up the bathroom with everything he needed. Returning he went to stand next to stand next to Ace's bed. "Do you think you can hold onto my neck-yoi?"
"Yes? I think I should be able to do that."
"okay, I want to carry you to the bathroom instead of using the wheelchair. It wouldn't only go faster, but if I carry you at my front, I won't need to put as much pressure on your back to lift you up to get you into the chair. I'll only do it if you're fine with it."
After thinking for a moment, Ace stretched out his arms, giving the okay. Marco bended down and first shuffled Ace a bit closer to the edge, getting his legs off of the mattress. He kneeled down in front of his boyfriend. "I want you to put your arms around my neck and hold on, you can also link your feet together behind me, but that's up you. I'll then lift you up by your butt. If you lean a bit forward, on me, you won't tip over."
Ace did as he was asked and once Marco had picked him up, he had his head just a little above Marco's. Marco carried him out of the room and started for the bathroom, "Marco?"
Marco stopped before they got to the bathroom, "Everything alright? You're not hurt-" he was cut off when Ace kissed him. He stood their holding his boyfriend like that for several seconds, before Ace broke the kiss, with pink cheeks and a grin. "Thank you."
Marco smiled at his boyfriend, "If you keep kissing me like that we may not get out later. … I might not even make it out the door." He joked and went on carrying Ace to the washroom and set him down on the chair.
Ace chuckled at his boyfriend, so happy they could still have some fun in a situation like this and simply let him be carried be put on the chair close to the showerhead. "Isn't it bad for the chair to become wet?"
"Don't worry about it, it's mostly a plastic one anyway so it won't really damage it, and I'll be sure to properly dry it later... Since we're here, do you want me to wash your hair too? I can't spray your body with the burns, it will be more of a sponge bath, but I could try to carefully just rinse your hair?"
Ace nodded some, "That would've great, thank you."
Tilting Ace's head back he started washing his hair, he decided to do this first, that way even if some shampoo dripped, it wouldn't go into the wounds. He did take his time massaging his boyfriend's head since he was melting in the feeling. He did need to change the bandages eventually, so after rinsing and patting the hair dry a bit, he warned Ace that he will pull off the bandages and that he shouldn't try to pull back. Carefully Marco removed all the bandages, making sure to not rip away at Ace's wounds, but also not dally too much, not wanting his lover to be in pain longer than necessary.
He could already feel Ace squeezing his shoulders at every pull and see the deep rising and falling of his chest. Once removed he made sure to sponge Ace clean with lukewarm water before re-wrapping the burns. He had gotten some cooling ointment from the hospital and applied it to the bandages before wrapping them around his lover. This was a part many often did wrong, they often put the ointment directly onto the wounds, only irritating them more, he was glad he had some knowledge on this and could hopefully sooth his boyfriend's pain as much as he could. Taking a fresh sett of clothes, he slowly re-dressed Ace, finishing up he looked at Ace's form. "... Do you want the oxygen for a moment in here? Before I carry you out?"
All Ace could do was give a nod, and Marco retreated back to Ace's room and came back moment later and put the mask on his boyfriend who gladly breathed in the air. After a few minutes Ace took the mask off and gave it back to Marco.
"Do you want to sit in the living room? It's snowing a bit." Marco asked gently setting the mask aside
Once again Ace nodded, not wanting to speak right now. Marco just gave a gentle smile before kneeling in front of him again to which Ace replied by putting his arms and legs around his boyfriend. allowing to once again be carried by strong arms. Carrying Ace towards the living room, he put him in the couch opposite the window, allowing for his boyfriend to look at the beautiful flurry's outside.
After making sure he was settled he went to the bathroom and grabbed the oxygen tank and mask and brought it to him. He collected pillows and brought a blanket out from his own room and set them on the couch. "Want me to make you some porridge?"
"Please"
"Give me a few minutes-yoi."
After several minutes Marco came back and set the tray down over Aces lap with some apple juice. "I'm going to get in the shower myself, I won't be long." He kissed his head before making his way to the bathroom.
Ace finished the food, thankful for all his boyfriends help already, and it wasn't even past morning yet. When he was done he placed the tray next to him, not wanting to drop it by trying to get it onto the coffee table. Just like Marco said, he was back not long later, a towel around his neck and waist.
Ace was suddenly blushing madly on the couch, hiding his face into his hands.
"What's wrong-yoi?"
"You.. you're... you're naked." Ace peeped between his fingers at his boyfriend. It's not like he hasn't seen it before, they by now even already had sex. But it wasn't like he saw his perfect body every day and it still somehow embarrassed him. Marco barked out a laugh and his hands went towards the towel around his waist, taking a hold of a corner.
"Oh, I'm sorry-yoi, am I blocking your view." He laughed once more and let the towel drop to the ground.
"MARCO!" Ace screamed out and hid away, beat red cheeks underneath his hands. Laughter echoed throughout the house before Marco spoke up "Ace... babe... hahah, c'mon, open your eyes-yoi."
Reluctantly Ace did and "huh"?"
"You didn't think I would prance around naked now did you?" Marco settled a hand on his side, fingers touching the rim of a fresh pairs of boxers. "I'm sorry to disappoint you."
"Aaaah, nooo... I... I aaah Marcooooo~" Laughing once more Marco moved towards the couch and took away the tray.
After cleaning the tray, he sat down next to his boyfriend. Even while still embarrassed about his actions, Ace snuggled into him gently while looking outside when suddenly a thought entered his head. "Shouldn't you be leaving for work?"
Marco hummed, "I should." He kissed his temple. "But honestly. I just want to sit here with you."
Ace just wanted to curl up with his boyfriend and watch the snow fall. But he knew that Marco had to go work. Marco gently wrapped his arms around his boyfriend. "I love your laugh." He kissed his head, it was tempting to kiss those beautiful freckles and those lips. He knew he shouldn't make out with the young man since he may need his oxygen tank.
Out of reflex he left out a small laugh at the statement and hugged back to the best of his abilities, kissing Marco on the cheek. "When do you need to leave?" He shouldn't try and keep Marco here when he had to go, he didn't want him to get into trouble at work.
Marco smiled and opened his mouth to answer when his phone started to ring. Rolling his eyes at it he stood up and to answer, "Hell-"
"Your late."
"I'm sorry Amy." He apologized to his receptionist
"You're lucky you don't have any patients in."
"I'm really sorry"
"Were you up all night again with your boyfriend?"
Marco coughed some, "His place went up -"
"MARCO!" He pulled the phone away from his ear. "You know better than to sleep with someone with smoke inhalation!"
"All we did was share a bed, we didn't do anything else!" Why was he defending himself from his receptionist?
Ace smirked, "He rocked my world!" He called out, and instantly regretted it by coughing.
"Marco!" He was being scolded by a 23 year old.
"I'll be in within the hour."
"You better be, or you're going to have to brush up on your computer skills."
"I promise I'll be there within the hour."
"Alrighty then. I will see you then. And don't forget the coffee." And then a click and the call was ended.
After putting away the phone, Marco took a hold of Ace's not burned cheek and slightly pulled at it. "What was that-yoi? Having fun?" Ace laughed and spoke muffled thanks to his cheek being squeezed "But you do rock my world!"
Marco's cheeks were pink as he pinched his boyfriends. "Amy didn't need to know that. You do know now while she's training you, you are going to be tormented and asked a lot of personal questions now." He let go of Aces cheek and kissed him.
"Ah, I didn't think of that!"
"haha, you did this too yourself-yoi. Now, i'm going to get ready for work. Do me a favour and try to think if there's anything special you need. I'll make sure to put some water and food within reach of the wheelchair, but think if there's anything else while I get ready."
"Okay!" Kissing Ace once more, he could never get enough of it, he stood up to get ready like he had said.
Marco made his way back to his room and pulled out a pair a dress pants and a button up shirt. He still had to look professional even if he wasn't seeing any patients. After doing up his shirt he pulled out a tie and put it on, then slipped on some dress shoes. Five minutes later he walked out and back over to Ace who looked at him.
"You look hot." Not even thinking as the words left his mouth.
Marco smiled and lent over and kissed him again. "Think of anything?"
"Could I use your laptop?" Marco normally didn't have any problems with Ace using it, but he just had to ask.
Marco blinked. "Of course you can." He went to the table and picked it up and brought it over along with the wall charger. He went into the kitchen and got some water and brought it over, then went to retrieve the wheelchair. "Anything else love?"
"No, I think that's fine. I'm going to call Sabo and tell him what happened like you said I should." Ruffling Ace's hair he bended down to give a kiss "Good. I don't know his situation fully, but you can tell him that he's always welcome here to visit if he wishes too. I'll leave for work then now, if you need anything, use my laptop to send me an e-mail, mark it as 'priority', I'll keep an eye on it okay. Don't worry about bothering me okay, just send it, no matter how stupid or silly you think it sou-"
Pulling his boyfriend down to kiss him, Ace interrupted his speech "I will send a message if I need anything, i'll even send a message when my foot itches okay?" Ace smiled at him "now, get going before Amy comes to get you personally"
Marco smiled and gave him one last kiss before leaving, "I should be back in the next 2 - 2 1/2 hours. Love you." Ace blew him a kiss. "Love you too."
Not long later Ace opened the laptop and logged into his account that Marco had made for him a few months ago. Looking at the background of him and Marco on their first date. Smiling at it he opened WhatsApp and clicked on his brother's name, and before pressing the call button he took a slowly breath. He knew that Sabo didn't really dislike Marco, but he didn't like the age gap. Sabo didn't think he'd noticed but he did. Clicking on the call button he sat there and waited for him to answer.
After several ringers Sabo picked up. "Hey Ace. Long time no talk. What's up?"
"Hey Sab. Not much, apartment went up in flames living with Marco. Same old same"
"Oh nice nic- WHAT!? ACE!?"
Ace scratch his cheek some. "Don't tell Lu, Gramps or Dadan! I- I'll call them once I get my shit together."
Ace could practically picture his brother's mouth drop "That- that's not important now Ace! What the hell do you mean with your apartment went up in flames? And you're living with Marco? That means it was a bad fire, are you hurt, are you okay?! Do I need to come!?"
"I... I had an attack..." he bit his lower lip. "Paralysis. I couldn't move or call for help..." tears started to form, "I have some burns on my arms and back. Some on my hands..." he took a breath, "Sab, if I didn't move in with Marco I would be homeless." His chest was starting to hurt. "Marco said you can come and visit If you want." He took a breath. "Just a sec oxygen." He reached for the oxygen mask and put it on.
Sabo was speechless at was he was hearing, his brother could have died, without even getting a chance to get away. "O-oxygen? Ace, tell me honestly how bad is it, you don't just need oxygen for nothing right? And the burns, what degree? ... I ... Is Marco... Asking for anything in return? If he is, I can send you some money so you can go someplace else!"
Taking the mask off Ace could tell Sabo was a combination of mad and worried. Probable mad since he didn't hear anything of him sooner. "Mostly first degree and a few second degree. I need oxygen because inhaled a lot smoke because I couldn't cover my mouth." He understood why Sabo was worried and a little mad, yet he couldn't believe what his brother had just said. "He's not asking for anything! How could you think that!"
He could hear Sabo sputtering before cursing. He had known there was something Sabo didn't like about Marco, but this was on a whole other level. "Sabo, why would you even think that" He repeated himself when the other side of the line stayed quit.
"I... He... Damn it Ace! He's 15 years older than you! He's just using you for your body!"
Ace was shocked, Sabo thought... Sabo thought what of Marco!? He could hear Sabo apologizing for his harsh tone but he didn't want to hear it.
Ace rattled off the address of Marco's place. "Sorry for loving someone!" He snapped "Bye." And cancelled the call. Tears were streaming down his face. He held the oxygen mask back to his mouth as he tried to regain his breathing. Did his brother think he was that stupid? Marco was the one who was hesitant on their relationship because of the age gap. Ace told Marco he didn't care. Marco promised Ace he wouldn't do anything that Ace was uncomfortable with. Hell, they didn't have sex till after six months of dating, and that only because he insisted to Marco that he was ready!
After his breathing calmed down, he placed the laptop away and slumped in on himself. Pulling the blanket Marco always kept on the couch over him to hide away as silent tears didn't seem to want to end anytime soon.
It seemed as if he had fallen asleep, for the next time his eyes opened, worried blue ones were looking back at him, asking if he was hurt, probably thanks to his puffy eyes. Seeing the worried look, he remembered Sabo's harsh words, his brother hadn't even personally met Marco and yet he said all those things, he started tearing up again at the memory.
Marco sat on the couch next to his boyfriend worried. Why had he been crying? He managed to get all his work done and stop by the game store and pick up something for Ace, wanting to give it to make Ace happy, but he arrived to him with tear tracks on his cheeks. "What happened babe?" He brushed his hair aside.
"I- I called Sabo. And I told him what happened. He started asking if- if you were asking for things in return to let me stay here. I denied it but he sounded a bit angry so I asked what he meant and-and" Ace started weeping louder and Marco took the oxygen mask ready, knowing Ace would need it. "He-he said you were just using me for my body. I know Sabo didn't like something in our relationship but but, you would never do that to me. I dont know how he could think that!"
Marco looked a tiny bit shocked himself. He could only guess that Sabo didn't like the age gap, but for him to also think he was using Ace made him think if he had ever done something to give the impression.
"Shhhh" Marco pulled him into a light hug only for Ace to bury his head into his chest sobbing. He hadn't ever got the chance to even meet Sabo. He figured Ace could tell him anything. "I'm sorry." Marco kissed his head , "I'm sorry I made you call and tell him what happened." He felt horrible and responsible for the pain he caused his boyfriend.
After a few moments, Marco could hear Ace had some difficulty with his breathing and pulled away a little, silently offering the mask. Ace took it gratefully and placed it over his mouth before his face in Marco's chest again, as much as he could anyway. Marco held onto him again, softly stroking his hair, simply giving Ace time to cry.
After several Marco took the oxygen mask away from Ace. "What do you want to do? We can watch a movie, go for a drive, play a game, shop online."
"Can we just watch a movie or something, I don't really want to do anything right now."
Marco kissed a freckled cheek, "of course we can. Do you want to order something too?"
"... A pizza"
"A pizza for my lovely boyfriend it is." He would cut it into tiny pieces so it would hurt Ace's throat too much.
"You pick whatever movie you want. I'm going to change." He lent over and kisses his forehead. "Pizza should be here in 30 minutes."
Ace sat on the couch looking over the movies trying to find a good one, while Marco sat down next to him. "Have you gone to the washroom at all today?"
"No... I called Sabo after you left and I fell asleep while cryin' after that..."
"That's okay, do you want me to carry you there? You could freshen up a bit, it would make you feel a bit better too maybe."
Ace nodded and thus Marco stood up to pick up Ace just as they had done that morning
After Marco got Ace settled on the toilet he took out a wash cloth and ran it under some cold water and set a hand towel aside. "Let me know if you need any help. I'm not just a doctor, I'm also your boyfriend."
Even if he was a little embarrassed, he thanks Marco for his help.
Marco simply smiled, "I'll be right outside the door." He left the door open as he stepped outside as to not pressure Ace by standing right in front of the door, he went towards the kitchen to take some plates, napkins and some drinks, putting them ready on the coffee table for when their food would arrive
Five minutes later Ace called out for Marco to come and help him he used the wash cloth to wipe his face and then used the hand towel to dry his face. Marco came back and used another wash cloth with warm water and soap and washed up Ace's hand, and Ace dried them. Marco helped Ace get his boxers back up, before picking him back up and carried him back to the couch.
Once seated Ace leaned in to give Marco a peck on the cheek "Thank you for all the help"
"Don't even worry about it. I do it all with love" Marco replied while returning a kiss of his own. "Now," he said while picking up the remote "is there any specific movie u want to watch?"
"Something fun. I don't want to watch anything with too much fire in it." Marco flipped through the movies.
"hmmmmm, there's Ice age or Hotel Transylvania."
"boss baby and Rio, the blue birdy"
"Let's watch Boss baby" Ace smiled he did like how boyfriend also enjoyed animated movies as well. Pressing play the movie slowly started. A sudden knock on the door however caused them both to jump slightly, and Marco paused the movie, and went to the door, and it was the pizza, giving the guy the money and a tip he thanked him before closing the door and setting the food down. Making plates up for them he brought them over to the couch and set them on the tray before getting their drinks. "Take your time eating."
"..."
"Something up Ace?"
"Can I sit on your lap, to eat and watch the rest of the movie?"
Marco smiled at his adorable boyfriend and pulled him into his lap "there we go. You comfy like this?"
Settling back against Marco's chest, ace smiled "Very, thank you"
They sat there and cuddled while they ate they pizza and watched the movie. Only twenty minutes left of the movie and knock was at the door. Ace looked at Marco and blinked. "Was one of your brothers or Haruta stopping by?"
Marco shook his head, and gently moved Ace off his lap and went to answer the door. Opening it up he found a blond hair young man who was bowing and a brown hair woman. "Uh.. can I help you...-yoi?"
"I'm sorry!"
Ace head turned at the voice.
Marco blinked, kind of confused, the young man stood up, a big scar over one of his eyes. He knew Ace told him of someone like this. "Oh... Sabo….?"
"I'm sorry! I overreacted in a way I shouldn't have! Please forgive me!" He bowed his head once more. The young woman slapped his head for the apology apparently wasn't enough. "I'm a shit brother for upsetting my brother, and I have no right to speak of age gaps."
Marco took a moment to look up and the duo "Ehm... You're Sabo then, right? and You're..."
The woman stuck out her hand that Marco simply took out of reflex. "Koala, this idiot of a man's girlfriend. I'm sorry we've come unannounced, but he wouldn't stop crying about having fucked up and that Ace would hate him for life now. Plus he also needed to stop by to apologize to you no matter if Ace would hate him."
Marco just blinked, "Nice to meet you…." He said slowly... and looked over his shoulder. "Ace do you want to see your brother?"
"Is he hurt?"
He looked over the blond and besides the scar also saw a bruise forming, "Well his girlfriend gave him a hefty bruise... he seems fine otherwise"
"Fine."
Marco opened the door to let the pair in, after removing their shoes Sabo ran over to Ace, crying on his hands and knees.
Koala shook her head. "I really do apologize for showing up unannounced."
Marco just blinked at the blond begging forgiveness before he looked to the woman. "Ehm it's fine-yoi... Do you want something to drink?" It was the only thing popping up in Marco's mind to do with the duo of brothers being in their own little world
"Water would be great thank you."
"...and Lu and Law are ten years apart and I'm sorry!" Sabo cried, Koala had gone over and pulled him to stand back up.
After getting water for their guest Marco went and stood next to Ace. Seeing his boyfriend come close, Ace instantly grabbed a hold of his pantsleg, giving it a light tug. Marco complied to the silent request and took a seat next to him. As Ace grabbed onto his side, Marco reached an arm over to pull him closer. Ace pushed himself against him while looking at Sabo with angry, but also sad eyes. "Why would you say that about Marco? You hadn't even seen him before today, did I ever say anything about us that made it seem as if he doesn't love me? Cause he does!"
"No! Nothing at all! I don't know why I said those things!"
Koala sighed, "Ace, Sabo doesn't think before he speaks. He's a big idiot. And I can tell you I told this idiot that your boyfriend was great." She shook her head. "I'm not defending him in anyway."
Ace looked towards Koala for a moment before settling his gaze onto the ground. He sniffed "I-I thought you would like him... Marco's smart, you could have your fancy talks with him about research and stuff that Luffy and I never get...
Sabo looked down. "I'm sorry... I... I think you telling about your situation made me think the worst."
"But Marco didn't have anything to do with the fire... He's the only reason I now got a roof over my head and won't have to worry about a thing. He even got me this fancy thing!" He pointed towards the oxygen tank next to him "Solely because it soothed me to use it every now and then, he rented it from his hospital with his personal card!"
"I know! I'm sorry!"
Marco put a hand on Ace's head and spoke softly to him "Ace, I think it's okay. I can see he is really sorry about it all, why don't we enjoy your brother's company, and his girlfriend's too of course, since they are here. You always tell me how you don't see him a lot since he moved away."
Ace looked to his brother who was still crying, and looked away for a moment, and looked back to him "Okay."
"Thank you, thank you Ace!" Sabo flew up and hugged his brother.
"Ow ow ow, Sabo!"
"Aaaah, I'm sorry!"
Blinking away some tears in his eyes, Ace accepts the oxygen mask from his boyfriend and took a few breaths.
Sabo was uselessly waving his arms around "Aah, sorry, I didn't think!"
Since Ace was breathing in the mask for the moment Marco answered "He'll be okay, the oxygen helps him get his breathing under control. Most of his burns are on his arms and back, so be careful of those area's."
Sabo frantically nodded at the explanation.
Koala sighed, thankful for Marco for settling this. Sabo sat on the couch and started telling Ace about something that had happened with Luffy the other day while on video chat.
Even though they had both been practically crying minutes earlier, both brothers were now enthusiastically talking about their baby brother's antics, Ace even needing to take a breath of oxygen to keep going. Giving his boyfriends hand a quick squeeze, he stood up and went to stand with Koala. "... So... Are they always like this?"
"Yep, pretty much."
Koala looked at Marco and smiled seeing Ace do happy. "Ace is a great guy. I'm really happy for you two."
The comment made Marco look at his own boyfriend while smiling fondly "Yea, he is. Just seeing him happy makes my day every time, I'm glad we've met-yoi"
She smiled and giggled, "Didn't your sister hit him?"
"...ehm... maybe-yoi..."
Koala laughed some, and smiled. "Well let us know when the wedding is and we'll be make sure we're there."
Marco, who had just been taking a sip from his drink, almost choked on it.
"Marco! Are you okay?" His boyfriend was looking at him with worried Eyes, conversation with Sabo forgotten for the moment.
"I'm fine" a few coughs escaped him.
"... Do you want some oxygen?" Sabo offered making Ace muffle a small laugh at Sabo's unsure voice.
"No thank you, I am really fine."
When the two went back to their conversation, Marco turned back to Koala who was smiling at him with a knowing look. "... I'll let you know..."
Koala smiled, "So you're a doctor at the hospital? Do you go to other hospitals or just at the one?"
She looked over at Ace and Sabo, "Their little brother is also seeing a doctor. Well they hang out a lot but not really dating of sort. You may know of him. Law?"
Marco quirked up an eyebrow at the name "Trafalgar? The famous Heart surgeon? If it's him, I haven't met him yet, I'm mostly only stationed at the hospital here in town, but I have read some of his works that he published and seen his talks on them. He works in a very... interesting way"
Koala nodded, "He's even more interesting in person. But he is a really good guy. Luffy won't stop talking about him with Sabo when they video chat. He's currently about a ten hour drive away so seeing him in person gets hard."
Marco hummed "I heard you say something about 10 years earlier. They also have a bigger gap in age? Isn't Luffy even younger than Ace?"
Koala giggled, "Yea. Luffy will be turning 17 this year. He ends up at the hospital every so often I'm pretty sure he goes in just to hope to see him. But that's my only guess. He's also accident prone."
Marco shook his head with a laugh "They're all the same then haha"
Koala laughed and smiled, she looked at her watch and frowned, "Sabo time to go."
Sabo frowned, Ace was just in the middle of telling him a story. "Can-"
"No. It's getting dark early and we have an hour drive back home, now get your shoes on before I throw them at you."
"Yes ma'am." Sabo got up from the couch and gave his brother one last light hug. "Once the snow is down falling we'll hang out again."
Ace smiled and nodded to his brother, and returned the hug.
Sabo went over and shook Marco's hand, "It was really great to meet you in person. Thank you for everything, and for taking care of my brother."
Marco nodded and Sabo dashed to get his shoes on and Koala said goodbye to Ace by giving him a light hug. "You take care of yourself."
Ace nodded and whispered 'thank you.' in her ear, standing up and shook Marco's hand "Thank you Marco. Again I'm sorry for the unannounced visit."
Marco shook her hand, "Nice meeting you. And do take it easy on your boyfriend."
She just gave him a smile. "He only gets hit when does something completely stupid."
Marco chuckled and walked to the door. Marco waved them goodbye as they left, shut and locked the door before going back to his place next to Ace and pulled him gently on his lap.
"I'm kind of glad he came... to apologize and talk it over." Ace said softly.
"I'm happy for you two too." Marco kissed his boyfriend and gave his waist a squeeze. "Shall we finish the movie and head to bed?"
With an affirmative hum Marco started up the movie again, enjoying the last minutes together. He should have expected it, but in the last five minutes, Ace had fallen asleep on his lap. The whole rollercoaster of emotions, plus still healing, having exhausted him.
Trying not to wake him up, he gathered him up in his arms and slowly made his way towards his room. He would sleep together with Ace again, not wanting him to wake up in the middle of the night only to find himself alone or with another nightmare. Putting Ace in some sleepwear, he gently tucked him in before laying down next to him himself. After making sure Ace wouldn't wake up from the way he positioned him, he took a hold of Ace's hand so he could feel he was there too before closing his own eyes and drifting off.