This story has a lot of uncomfortable topics, swearing, and lots of mention of schmex (without detail, thanks to the rules by fanfiction - another more detailed version may be uploaded to adult fanfiction at some point instead), etc, so read at your own risk. It also follows the current One-Piece timeline, with little to no divergence, just an added character.

I appreciate any honest, constructive criticism.

One Piece owned by Eiichiro Oda.

22 years old, an island in the New World

Day 1

The sun was slowly setting, creating a stunningly beautiful pink and blue sky interspersed among an abundance of wispy clouds. The weather couldn't have been better; mildly breezy, not too hot or cold. My long brown, which stopped mid-back, was moving wildly with the wind as if it were waves in the sea. This weather was what made life.

I was walking along a small foot path made by animals in the forest, tall trees guiding me as I headed away from the small town at the eastern side of the island. I rotated a small map around in my hands, my bright green-yellow eyes looking at it curiously, with a hint of frustration. Maybe reading maps was something I could've used some more training on…I eventually figure it out, but I seem to always go the opposite direction… I sighed at myself.

This common scenario of needing some extra time to get my bearings could also be a bit frustrating, as my bounty at this point was 400,000,000B. This easily drew a bit of attention to myself, so I had to be relatively diligent with my surroundings since I was usually alone. I was a crew member of the Red-Haired Pirates, a free spirit, but undeniably strong. Unless I was needed as part of the entire force, I was out and about, running tasks, getting shit done, and running reconnaissance.

I began folding up the map, stuffing it in my back pocket of my jeans, excited to take a snack break…and smacked right into a hard wall, my hands going up instinctively against it as a protective measure.

'Ahh…' I looked up, my eyes went wide, staring up at the face of Marco the Phoenix who looked bored as hell, with a possible hint of shock? I couldn't tell. God damn he was tall, at least compared to my average, bordering on the slightly shorter side, self. This island was controlled by the Whitebeard Pirates, but there was no indication they were around! I wasn't doing anything nefarious, just tracking some treasure…on their island…with the map my crew had found on a recent excursion.

'What the hell are you doing on this island, yoi?' He stared down at me, donning a small frown. Realizing I still had my hands on his chest, I quickly pulled them away blushing slightly. It'd be one thing if I were in the town grabbing a few things, but walking around and up to something more than that….

'Uhh, well, just a pit stop.' I fumbled over my words as I turned away quickly, walking back towards the small town I was previously walking away from… 'needed to grab some supplies and this was the nearest island. Not causing any trouble, didn't think it'd be an issue…' I said as I waved my hand flippantly.

'Oh no, not at all…' I felt a brush on my ass, as I whipped around, to see him now holding the map that I had stashed in my back pocket. He held it up near his face, peering down at me. 'Except you're on our island, taking treasure that belongs to us, no? Even if you are joking, don't treat me like a fool, yoi.' I reached up to grab the map, and he grabbed my wrist with his free hand.

My eyes narrowed as I glared up at him. 'Give me the map back and fuck off.' My fingers started sparking with electricity, indicating my heightened annoyance and being over this interaction.

'Yea, nah.' The hand holding onto my wrist suddenly pulled me forward into him. I reached up, yet again putting my free hand onto his chest to instinctively push myself away. I suddenly felt cold metal around my wrist being held up in the air by Marco, energy draining, a small wave of nausea overcoming me before quickly dissipating. I looked up and saw the tell-tale sea stone cuff. Without even a second thought, I had grabbed the dangling accompanying cuff and immediately snapped it onto the wrist of the hand that Marco was holding onto mine with. He gave me a look of mild amusement and pure disbelief.

'I can't… haha…' He said, laughing lightly. 'I guess I set myself up for that. But now we're stuck, and I don't have the key, yoi.' He looked down at me, smirking darkly as he shook his cuffed fist at me to remind me of the scenario I just got us both in. I looked at the cuff on my wrist, suddenly feeling very exhausted and annoyed. I looked around, then back at Marco, his mostly shirtless self and his ridiculous hair. Did he shave it that way, or was it some kind of hereditary fuck up?

'If you're done staring, maybe we should find a place to get comfortable until we get picked up, yoi. Pops should be a day or so out, I just got here ahead of time to scout.'

'Lucky for me…and we? I'm not going with you.' I half laughed.

'Oh, you are. You can explain to Pops what you're doing here, and how best to handle it. Best to avoid any confrontation between two yonkos.' Ugh.

Walking silently through the forest, tethered by the short chain of the cuffs, we came across a small clearing where the trees had left way to a small, grassy clearing. I looked around, deciding it looked comfy enough. I tugged on the cuff, moving forward and attempting to pull Marco my way. He stopped short and stood strong, causing me to jerk back and fall to my knees. The unexpected fall, and my short stature, caused him to topple over and on top of me, had I not taken the opportunity to head butt him on his way down. The crack rang throughout the forest, his free hand coming up to his now aching jaw, wincing.

'What the fuck?!' He yelled, looking at me angrily, continuing to wince. I smirked, turning and planting my ass on the ground, with him kneeling in front of me angrily.

I looked at him bemusedly, and his cuffed wrist yanked me towards him, my face against his chest as he wrapped his arm across my neck and held me tightly to his chest. Not in a loving embrace sort of way, but an angry, almost painful way.

'You need to grow the fuck up. You look like a woman, but you sure as hell act like a child, yoi.' Still pressed against his chest, I looked to the side and whispered out an apology. He let go, pushing me away from him lightly. Sighing, he sat down on the soft grass facing me, spitting blood out from his mouth. It was my turn to sit now, free hand grabbing the bag strapped across my chest. I pulled it over my head, and set it in front of me. He watched me carefully, as I pulled a large flask from it.

'I never go anywhere without it...' I said with a smile, shaking the flask. I grabbed the cork with my teeth, pulling it from the bottle and taking a swig before I handed it to Marco, 'Might help with your jaw.' He grabbed the flask, a small snicker escaping his lips, before he took a good man-sized swig.

'That's some pretty good stuff, where'd you get it from?' Marco asked. I took the flask back, going at it again. 'From the town right over there. They've got a pretty good selection of stuff, and even got some decent food.'

Marco had nothing on him, probably expecting a small, quick visit pre-emptively before heading back to the ship and arriving with the rest of the crew. It didn't take long before my eyes were wandering over his chest… more so exposed with how he was sitting, tilted back with his arms out behind him on the grass, allowing the sides of his open shirt to fall away and expose more of his chest. I'd seen plenty of men, but none were as chiseled as him…I was more than distracted, and it hadn't gone unnoticed.

'Like what you see?' I looked up, my eyes locking with this. A proud shit-eating smirk on his bored face. I didn't answer that.

'I should have enough food for us both….' I quickly changed the topic, almost glad he had said something when he did, or my eyes would've continued to wander south out of pure curiosity. The way he was sitting likely accentuated everything, everywhere. My face began to heat up. My eyes almost drifted again. I cleared my throat. I reached into my bag, grabbing some sea-king jerky, and then holding it out to him.

'Thanks.' He replied, taking the bag, his other finger pointing at my butt. 'You know, that map doesn't actually lead to anything anymore, we'd already found it years ago.'

I looked at him. 'So, why'd you grab the map from me? To touch my ass?'

He laughed, chewing a piece of jerky. 'I wanted to make sure it wasn't a map that led to something I didn't know about, though the ass was a nice perk.'

'Oh, you're cute.' I grabbed a piece of jerky as Marco offered up the bag to me. I grabbed a big chunk between my teeth and started chewing. 'So why were YOU coming here? Supply run?'

'It's our island, I don't think that constitutes an answer…' he paused, looking at me. 'More or less, it's nice to get off the ship at times. Have some fun with more than just the crew. Marines had also been patrolling the area recently, so wanted to check in and make sure they stayed off the island… didn't cause any problems. Looks like you did that for them, yoi.'

I situated myself closer to Marco's side, allowing more tether for me to plop down on my back, the soft grass embracing me. He looked down at me, chewing a piece of jerky.

'Why does it seem like you're never actually with your crew? They sick of putting up with a child?

I ignored the smart-ass comment. 'I'm more of a free spirit. I like to wander. Can't stay in one place long. I end up handling things that doesn't take the whole crew. I suppose. If anything, Shanks drives me fuckin nuts, but I think he sees me more as a daughter.' I closed my eyes, I couldn't get enough of this breeze. I took another swig from the flask, setting it down between us so we could partake as we pleased.

Marco sat the bag of jerky down, propping his free hand up on his bent leg, looking off to the ocean somewhere in the distance. The tuft of hair on his head was lightly blowing in the breeze, and he looked absolutely beautiful. I sweat dropped, looking away. People always associate this horny crap with men, but it's just as bad for women…it's just not as obvious, since our parts aren't out in the open. Good thing for that. And definitely a good thing for me. Time for another swig.

The sun was almost completely set, and I found my eyes closing. I was exhausted. I heard a thud on the grass next to me, Marco's big ass self joining with a content sigh. I couldn't really see him well anymore, but I turned my head towards him, looking at where his face likely was.

I sleepily asked, 'What's your favorite food?' I could hear the soft rustle of grass as he turned to attempt to look at me.

'Pineapple. You?' What? Was he serious?

'Uh…' I paused, still taken aback by his favorite food which resembled his appearance. 'Uh, probably anything with bread.'

He laughed, 'you ARE a child, yoi.'

'Well, bread is amazing, you can't deny that! You can put anything in it…or on it. Seriously, what better food is there?... Even pineapple is good on bread…' I was fading fast.

'Yea, you have a point. So, surely there's a preference of bread, yea?' Silence.

MARCO POV **************************

I looked in Fury's direction, being met with silence. She fell asleep. I looked up at the night sky, not being anywhere near sleep, wondering when Pops and the rest were likely to show up. It wasn't horrible being cuffed to her, mostly…such a fiery little shit. Sigh. Lots of thoughts going on, lots of stuff to get done or together…being the first commander came with a lot of responsibility. The number didn't correlate to strength, but number 1, the vice-captain, had a lot more responsibilities. Left a little less time for fun and creating maps, the things I really enjoyed.

Unsure how much time had passed, I noticed my cuff shaking ever so slightly. It had definitely gotten colder, Fury was probably feeling it. Couldn't take my shirt off, thanks to the cuff. I turned on my side, facing Fury, though I couldn't see her through the dark. I scooched over and wrapped my arm around her, holding her close to me. I rested my head on top of hers, feeling her push herself as much as she could against my body. Whether she was awake, or acting instinctively, hopefully she wouldn't mind… better than being cold and in a shallow state of sleep, surely. And sure I'm a pirate, but I'm relatively well-mannered and wouldn't force myself on anyone. Having a soft, warm woman in my arms was never an unenjoyable thing. My eyes closed as I now drifted off to sleep.

Day 2

MARCO POV **************************

The sound of snickering woke me up. I opened one eye, looking up towards the sky and seeing Jozu looking down at me. Next to him, Haruta was snickering, Izo smirking. …What the fuck was so funny?

Oh. Took me a second to realize I was still holding onto Fury, who was still fast asleep, and me spooning her. I sat up suddenly, forgetting about the tether around my wrist, and quickly fell back ontop of Fury, waking her up with a yelp.

Jozu reached down, unlocking the cuff from my wrist.

'I said you should keep the key with you if you're going to keep those on you.' Jozu said.

FURY POV **************************

I yelped, quickly sitting up, and seeing some of Marco's crew around. My first reaction was to wipe my mouth, as I knew I probably drooled while I was sleeping. I saw Jozu unlocking Marco's cuffs.

'Oi, unlock mine, too.' I offered my cuffed hand up to Jozu. Marco and Jozu both looked at me, then back at eachother.

'Nothing incredibly suspicious going on here, except her. Can't say I've gotten anything else done.'

'Seriously… Don't ignore me, unlock the cuff!' I stood up, shaking it at Jozu.

Marco pushed my hand away from Jozu. 'Nah, I think we'll keep you cuffed for now. We'll take you back to our ship, and like I mentioned, you can chat with Pops. We'll decide what to do with you at that point.' He turned back to Jozu. 'She had a map on her, albeit an old one, but she was snooping around looking for what wasn't hers.'

'Ah, I see. Is that all?' Jozu eyed Marco. It seemed that Fury wasn't aware of how Marco was cuddling with her last night.

'Eat shit, Marco!' I kicked him in the leg, as he jerked forward a little. He turned around so fast, kicking my foot with his, causing me to spin and fall on my ass.

The commanders snickered. Marco looked down at me with a smirk. I scowled angrily at him.

'Stop trying to fight me. You won't win.' He said, grabbing onto the cuff and yanking me up. I yanked back on my cuff, trying to get him to let go, to no avail. The commanders turned, making their way back to the boat as I struggled with Marco and the cuff, trying to keep from being pulled towards the boat that'd take us to the Moby Dick.

Marco yanked at the cuffs, snarling at me. 'STOP IT!'

I stood there, eyes wide and silent, briefly looking around. I wasn't expecting to be yelled at! Marco sighed, quickly grabbing and tossing me over his shoulder, so my legs were over his chest, his hand coming to a rest right above my ass.

I growled. Marco smirked.

'You fucking bored-faced pineapple flavored bird shit!' I yelled at him.

'Ooo, says the fucking alcoholic half pint.' Marco responded.

Marco and Fury bickered back and forth, coming up with an array of insults.

'Little tiny, fuckin whore! I bet an elephant couldn't get pleasure from you!' He yelled.

'You're a bigger whore, in both size and age! I bet your balls are so saggy you have to wear them as scarf so you don't step on them!' I yelled back.

'I AM NOT THAT OLD!' He screamed.

The commanders up ahead were giggling to themselves.

'I bet you are! I can read the future in your fucking deep ass wrinkles!' I continued.

Marco almost gasped. 'Excuse me!?' He stopped walking. 'What does it say then, you fuckin bitch!?'

'It says your balls drag on the ground and you can't get it up. It will only get worse.' I snickered.

Marco's eye twitched. He set me down on the ground, looking around briefly. The commanders stopped and turned, watching. He looked back down at me, grabbing my cuffed arm and pulling it behind me. He then set his sandled foot on my back, pushing me forward as he grabbed my other arm and cuffed both of my hands behind me.

'What the fuck, Marco?!' I looked back at him. Marco thought for a moment. He took off his shirt, as I stared up at him and raised an eyebrow. Where was this going? He made a wad in his shirt, putting it in front of my face and tying it over my mouth and around my head.

'Kinky…' I said before he stuffed his shirt in my mouth. 'Mmmmph!' I shook my head, trying to get the shirt off my face. Marco grabbed me again and tossed me over his shoulder, back to my original position.

'Keep your fuckin mouth shut! You're so annoying, yoi!' Marco tsked.

The commanders were whispering amongst themselves, smiling and nodding.

'Keep walking, yoi!' Marco yelled at them as he turned to face them.

I walked onboard the Moby Dick, Marco standing closely behind me, his hand holding onto my cuffs. Jozu, Haruta, and Izo were in front of us, chatting away. We approached good ole Whitebeard, sitting in his chair. Imposing as ever.

Thatch popped up from nowhere, right next to me, leaning over and eyeing me closely up and down. 'Damn Marco, you caught a Fury. I've never seen her in person, but damn. The wanted posters are hot, but she's even better in real life!' He stood up. 'I call dibs on offering my bed, AND my body…' He laughed. I just stared at him, annoyed. I started looking around at all the men on the ship. So many good looking guys…with so few clothes on. Fuck me. I looked at Whitebeard, all dirty intentions flying out the window when looking at the huge, old man. Marco undid his shirt from around my mouth, finally.

'Hey, old man.' I uttered. He laughed loudly. Marco pushed his foot against the back of one of my knees suddenly, making me buckle. I immediately fell onto my knees, the momentum causing my face hit the floor, unable to do anything with my arms behind my back. Marco apparently didn't like my disrespect. I growled, narrowing my eyes and looking over my shoulder at Marco, getting back up to my knees. My hair had fallen all around my face, and I shook it aside as I slowly turned back to Whitebeard.

'Fury! Gurarara! I hear you've been causing trouble on my island…unsuccessfully.' He mused.

'I always try my hardest…your first division commander is a good, watchful boy and foiled my intentions.' I mockingly said, as Marco rolled his eyes.

'Gurarara! Do you think you can behave yourself on my ship?'

'Anything for you, Whitebeard.' I looked innocently to the side.

'Uncuff the girl, Jozu.' He said, matter of factly. Marco piped up, 'I don't think that's a good idea Pops, she can't be trusted.' He walked closer to Whitebeard, his arms out. 'She's strong enough in her own right. And she never shuts up.'

Whitebeard looked at Marco. No more words were said. Marco's arms went down, defeated. It wasn't like Whitebeard actually believed what she said, or maybe he did, but he sure as hell wasn't concerned. Jozu uncuffed me.

Marco was still standing behind me, close enough for me to elbow him right in the gut.

'Ack!' He winced, smacking me upside the head. 'Could you show a little more respect?'

'So where will she be staying? I don't think she needs the brigg…' Whitebeard boomed. Fury turned back to Whitebeard after snickering at Marco's pain.

Thatch just about piped up, when Marco put a hand to Thatch's mouth and pushed him over before speaking up. 'I brought her on board, she's my responsibility.' Silence. All of the commanders looked at each other, and I looked back at Marco.

I followed Marco down the hall, coming to a door on the right, not far from the entrance to the main deck. He opened the door, walking through as I followed behind him. A sparse room, but lots of books and maps strewn across his desk, a quill pen resting in its hold. An ash tray full of cigarette butts, with the lingering smell of smoke. A stack of neatly organized papers in one corner. One large bed.

'Can pick a side of the bed, or sleep on the floor. Your choice. I sleep naked, yoi.' And there it came. I sweat dropped.

'Well, it's not like I haven't shared beds with men before. Watch out, I might whore you up.' I brought my hands up, making groping motions. He turned and looked at me. He shook his head. There was a knock at the door.

'Yea?' Marco spoke up. One of the nurses opened the door, smiling brightly. 'I heard we have a guest! And a woman!' I'm sure they were excited to actually have another female around. 'We have some spare clothes for you, if you'd like to try them on.'

Thinking about this carefully, and knowing the clothes they were already wearing, I opted to see what they had to offer.

MARCO POV **************************

The world suddenly got silent. My mind immediately imagining Fury in one of those nurse outfits and my blood ran south. I quickly pushed her out of the room towards the nurse and slammed the door shut.

I ran my hand through my hair, frustrated. What was this? Barely known this woman for 24 hours and she's driving me crazy. She's annoying as fuck! But she is intriguing…and so wild…maybe I felt the urge to tame her? More like tame me, the chick was feral. I sweat dropped. I put my back against the door and slowly fell down against it until my ass hit the floor. I felt a serious uncomfortable tightness in my pants, looking down and noticing I was pitching a massive tent.

Thoughts went back to Fury in a nurse's outfit, legs on each side of me as I sat in the chair at my desk, her distracting me as I attempted to get work done…. I banged my head against the door. It was shower time. Damn this woman. And I just made the mistake of torturing myself with her in my own damn room.

FURY POV **************************

Walking back to Marco's room, I had a few things of clothes, thankfully something not as scanty or leopard print-y. Simple tight pants and shirts. I wondered what Marco was up to, what he did in his spare time. I wonder if the nurses get it on with the crew…

I opened the door, and there was Marco standing there in a small towel just barely covering his bits, hair wet and outlining his lightly stubbled face. FUUU!

'Do you not know how to knock!?' He yelled at me, grabbing onto his towel.

'I thought we were sharing the room, didn't think that was necessary! You sleep naked anyways!'

'Of course, it's necessary!' He grumbled, realizing I had a bit of a point, pushing me towards the door, then out of it. 'Knock next time!' He shut the door.

I stood there, staring at the door. I heard foot steps to the left of me, and saw Izo and Thatch, who had also gotten out of the shower and were only barely covered with small towels, both of them had their hair down. I looked away quickly, they were both attractive, and basically naked. Was it getting hot in here? Maybe a bit more humid?

'Hey, Fury! We're all meeting in the mess hall soon, to play some games, drink. You need to join us.' Izo spoke, Thatch nodding, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.

'You're more than welcome to come in a towel like us, too, I think that'd be the polite thing to do. The towels are only large enough to cover one part of you though, so think about it carefully.' Thatch smirked.

I was blushing, before seriously asking, 'Which part would you prefer I cover, Thatch?'

He stopped smirking for a second, thinking about it. I don't think he was expecting that. 'Better yet…' he said, 'I think you'd look better under my sheets.' He wiggled his eyebrows, before laughing. Izo rolled his eyes. 'Thatch, stop being such a fucking creeper.'

I smiled, stifling a laugh. 'See, Izo, she finds it funny!' Thatch yelled defensively.

'Yea, she's probably laughing out of discomfort!' Izo yelled back.

Marco opened the door, fully clothed, and punched Thatch in the shoulder. 'Fuck off, Thatch. Go find someone on the island to harass.'

'You guys are so mean to me! I'm just being polite… and honest.' Thatch looked back at me, wiggling his eyes suggestively again. 'Come, come, let's get this party started.'

'You're still in your towel, Thatch.' I said. He suddenly grabbed the towel and whipped it off, extending his arm straight out from his side before dropping it to the floor.

'Not anymore.'

I instinctually looked down, and saw more than I bargained for, blood spraying from my nose. Marco and Izo looked at Thatch incredulously before Marco punched him through the wall. I couldn't help but laugh. Marco was absolutely furious, and Izo was laughing hysterically.

Izo spoke up, smiling still 'I'm going to go get dressed myself… I'll meet you guys in the mess. You are coming, Marco?'

'Yea, I'll be there.' Izo walked off, Marco looked down at me. 'Did you need a shower? You can use the one in my quarters so you won't need to worry about seeing anymore dick…a perk of being first division commander. You'll have privacy.'

'I may as well. But who said I had seen enough?' Marco shook his head and sighed, as he ushered me towards his shower, grabbing a towel. I grabbed some of the clothes the nurses gave me. 'Shampoo and soap is in the corner, you can't miss it. I'll set the towel on the stand here.' He turned, exiting the bathroom and shutting the door behind him.

I stepped outside of the bathroom, donning my new clothes. A pair of dark skinny jeans, a black v-neck t-shirt, and the typical dark brown mid-calf leather boots. My hair was still glistening with moisture. Marco was sitting at his desk. 'You ready to…' he turned and looked at me, setting his quill down, pausing for a brief moment…. 'go to the mess?' He finished carefully.

'Yes!' I said excitedly. Marco stood up, about to wave for me to follow, when he tripped over a stack of books he had sat down on the floor, falling over and onto me, and subsequently landing on the bed. Marco was situated ontop of me, each hand on either side of my head, looking down at me and blushing madly. My hand was up and pushing against his chest. We laid there, staring at eachother, his crotch directly pressed to mine, and I could definitely feel it. Perfect timing. Vista, Haruta, Thatch, and Izo walked by the open door, seeing the situation and gawking.

'Marco!' Izo yelled, looking angry. Marco quickly looked over at them, then back at Fury who had a wide-eyed stare like a deer in the headlights, blushing, with her hand still on his chest, arm extended. It looked almost as if Marco had pushed her over, and Fury was trying to push him off. But that's just the way they landed, no intentions. Izo knew that, but much better to play the part.

'Marco, fuck! Didn't think you were the type of guy, get off her!' Haruta yelled.

'You're trying too hard, Marco…' Thatch said, shaking his head. Thatch knew him too well for the situation to be anything but a hilarious, perfectly timed accident.

'I didn't do anything!' He yelled back. He pushed off the bed and stood back up, blushing furiously as he kicked the stack of books. Fury laid there, as the other men just watched her. She sat up a little, looking at them and then away quickly, still blushing. Marco turned to the guys watching them…

The guys laughed as they continued their trek to the mess. Marco brought a hand down to me.

'I'm really sorry, yoi.' He said, helping me up.

'It's alright, Marco…' I huffed.

'You ok? I know I'm likely a bit of weight to be landing on you suddenly…' Marco said.

'If you wanted to get close to me, you just had to say so, Marco.'

Marco blushed, 'I didn't do it on purpose...' he said lowly, looking away. 'I have no interest in a child like you.' He added.

Marco turned and looked at me, being caught. I walked up to him and pressed my breasts against his chest. Marco looked down at me, then my breasts, seeing the upper parts of them being pushed together and up from my shirt. His nose bled a little.

I smirked and laughed, smacking his chest lightly. 'Suuuure, Marco, no interest at all.'

Marco looked at me with narrowed eyes, saying nothing.

We walked down the hall, arriving at the mess where all the other commanders were noisily chatting away, cards out, and drinks pouring. Izo looked over his shoulder, hearing us come in. He quickly grabbed a large mug, pouring wine into it. He slid out of his chair and walked over to me, smiling, and handing me the mug.

'Glad you could join us, Fury! Wasn't sure if you and Marco'd make it.' He laughed lightly, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. He ushered me back to the table and offered me a chair next to him.

'It wasn't like that, Izo…' I said. Izo just smirked.

I sat, taking a long swig from my mug. At the end of the swig, I closed my eyes and let out a contented sigh. 'Damn that's gooood!'

Marco had grabbed himself a drink and sat on the other side of me, pushing Thatch away. He sat against the back of the chair, crossing his legs and taking a drink, barely giving me any notice other than forcing Thatch away from me.

'What're we playing?' Marco asked, Thatch looking at him sadly.

'Poker, as usual, to start.' Izo chimed in, handing Marco and I a set of cards.

Marco continued to win, game after game, apparently the normal. Jozu looked at me.

'You're Silver Rayleigh's daughter, yea?'

I looked up at him. 'Yea?'

Jozu laughed, and apparently sick of losing, added 'Marco may win at most things, but he got his ass kicked every time by your dad! Haha.'

Izo nodded, chiming in, 'yea, with just one finger, too!' Izo stuck his forefinger up in the air and wagged it back and forth. Marco glared at them.

'That was also almost 20 years ago, yoi.' He added. Thatch barged in, platter of snacks in his hand. He lowered the tray down to me, giving me first dibs.

'Didn't know that, he's never mentioned you, Marco.' He narrowed his eyes, staring off into space. 'Speaking of which, you guys must be old if it was that long ago.'

Jozu piped up. 'Marco and Izo are almost 43, Thatch and I are 40.' The others looked at him, as if wondering why he just divulged that so easily.

'Yea.' Marco said, turning to me. 'And you, Fury?'

'22.' I didn't care about divulging this information. The commanders looked at Marco. He ignored their stares.

'Older than I thought.' Marco said, taking a drink. 'You don't act it.'

'Yea yea, old man, do you even remember what it's like being 22?'

'Ouch, I feel like that was directed at me, too, Fury.' Izo laughed, lightly banging on the table.

'Never, not you Izo.' I said. Izo closed his eyes, cocking his head to the side and smiling.

'Time for the old man to sleep.' Marco said, looking at me briefly before throwing his cards on the table and standing.

'Don't worry, Marco, you don't look too bad for 'almost' 43.' I added, looking at him over the back of my chair. The others piped up, begging for him to stay. He quickly turned around, waving his hand as he walked out.

'C'mon, Marco!' Thatch yelled. 'You never go to bed THIS early, even if you are old!'

The other commanders looked at me once Marco left. Thatch sighed, his head falling. 'He's awfully testy tonight…I guess this means I can't call dibs on her. He gets first pick.'

I laughed nervously. 'OK, you guys.' Marco wasn't bad looking, not at all, and his personality could be endearing. Like the quiet, strong type.

Fury continued. 'He's just tired, and he tripped on books earlier! Doesn't seem like he ever has anyone sharing his room judging by the looks he got earlier. I think it's reasonable to be a little bit of a wreck and want to sleep…It must be hard having to share his shit, show me around, watch over me.'

'Yea, hard is right…' Thatch snickered, poking at Izo with his elbow. Izo was rocking back and forth from Thatch's jabs, his eyes closed as he desperately ignored Thatch.

Fury chimed in, 'Anyways! Let's keep drinking.' Was Marco really that upset about his age?

Izo, Jozu, and Thatch looked at eachother.

'KEEP DRINKING!' I yelled as I grabbed my drink and downed the entire thing, reaching for the bottle to refill. I took this opportunity to burp loudly, the guys looking at me with morbid amusement before they started laughing. The night was just beginning.

MARCO POV **************************

I shut the door behind myself as I walked into my room. I could hear the laughter and noise from my room. I let out an exhausted, defeated sigh, sitting down on my bed. I reached over to the bookcase nearest me, grabbing some wine off the shelf, and picking up a book I had yet to finish. Both in hand, I stood back up and walked over to my desk, sitting in the chair. One leg propped up so that my was foot was resting on the chair, I opened the book and started reading, taking swigs from the bottle from time to time. Or at least I attempted to read.

I had 'read' some 40 pages, but didn't remember a thing. My mind was wandering and I couldn't focus. At some point Fury was likely to end up back in my room. I'd rather be asleep when that happened. That woman was driving me nuts! Maybe I should pawn her off to someone else…

I stood up, taking my shirt off, followed by the rest of my apparel, tossing it over my chair. I crawled into bed, naked as per usual. Nothing was changing that. Clothes are too damn uncomfortable when sleeping.

FURY POV **************************

After hours of fun, the guys drunkily walked me to where Marco's room was.

'You two better be good, don't be too loud!' Thatch yelled, snickering.

'The only loud thing you'll hear is myself…with myself!' I yelled drunkenly at him before they disappeared around the corner.

I actually managed to open Marco's door quietly, AND managed to shut it quietly. I then proceeded to trip over the bed, falling on Marco, and then rolling off the bed completely. A beautiful moment. I heard Marco stir.

'Sorrrry' I slurred, a whispered giggle escaping my lips. I crawled back onto the bed, seeing Marco's bare chest. I crawled over to him, situating myself under his arm, gripping around his chest, with my head coming to a rest on his neck. 'Hmmm.' My eyes closed, his warm body was just the perfect fit.

MARCO POV **************************

I woke up, hearing the door open and close, pretending to still be asleep until she fell on me and off the bed. I smiled, stifling a laugh. Heard some slurry words and then felt the bed shift as she crawled back onto it and…was suddenly wrapping herself around me. My eyes snapped open, completely unexpecting that, and as annoyed as I wanted to be, it wasn't entirely unwanted. My eyes softened a bit, rather enjoying this. I laid there for a bit, eyes open and staring at the ceiling. I noticed her breathing becoming steadier, body going limp as she went to sleep. I smiled, reaching up for her hand and resting mine on top of it.