Second one-shot:
His Voice
Synopsis: Modern AU
Marco's family decide to meet at a bar-restaurant, where Marco goes to often. But, this time, there's someone new working at the bar, who manages to steal Marco's heart.
Marco - 32 y.o
Ace - 25 y.o
Sabo - 22 y.o
Luffy - 15 y.o
I changed their ages... Yep
Word count: 10881-ish
Enjoy reading!
XXX
"Marco! My favorite brother-in-law, how are you?!"
"Stop screaming and I'll be okay, Thatch."
On the phone, talked a middle aged blond man, looking and sounding annoyed as fuck. Although Thatch didn't mind it much, as he was used to it, Marco did sound rude. Kinda.
"Hahaha, hilarious as always, eh? Anyways, stop moping around, blondie! You comin' with us today?" Sighing, Marco massaged his temples and tried to shoo his annoyance away.
"Yes, yes, I'm going. Do you think that Izo would let me be at rest?" Thatch let out another laugh and said he will be looking forward to it. Marco was looking forward to it as well, if he's being honest. He loves his family, even if they are a bunch of loud, nosy brats. Although there are still a few sane ones left, the insane ones are driving them insane too.
For example they finally drove oyaji insane and he joined them. Oyaji.. Their father. The man that holds them together every time. Keeps them under his wings. And he somehow still wants more children.
Don't get Marco wrong now, he loves having brothers and sisters, but... uh... he just hopes this doesn't go out of hand. And no, he's not talking about having birth brothers and/or sisters, all of them are adopted by one man and looked after by only him, including Marco too.
Edward Newgate. He is a very known businessman, so powerful and rich too. In fact, he is the most successful businessman in the world. He owns more than a whole kingdom's treasure. And all he wants in life is.. a family. A loving family that'll be by his side, that'll fill the blanks in his life and heart.
And he made sure to get a family like that. He started adopting different children from different states. He gave them a place to call home, a man to call dad, and people to call family.
Shaking his head, Marco got up and left his office in his own house and went downstairs. He had bought a house that's closer to his workplace, but... he hates it.
It is simply his house. Not his home. He doesn't hear his brothers and sisters playing, running around and laughing, being just themselves. He doesn't hear their father scolding Thatch and Haruta for the pranks they do. He doesn't hear how Izou runs around in the house after little ones to dress them up. He doesn't hear the older ones scold and then say they love the little ones. He doesn't hear his family. So this is no home. Just a house.
...
Okay, now isn't the time to be like this Marco, you still have to go with the others. Quickly standing up, he went in bathroom and washed his face. Then he changed into casual but fancy clothes and put on his shoes to leave. Before he was able to open the door and leave he heard a high pitched 'where?' and went back in the living room, cursing himself for forgetting someone so important.
"Sorry, Phoenix. I won't be home for a few hours, maybe a day. I can trust you with the house, right?" He asked the blue colored bird in front of him. Marco has had this bird for almost 3 years now, and they are best friends. For real. The bird knows Marco's full schedule and how he feels almost anytime, even with Marco's lack of facial expressions. His name is Phoenix and he just resembles a phoenix fully. A blue Phoenix!
'Trust! Trust!' Phoenix screamed out as he nodded, spreading out his wings, making Marco laugh. He patted the bird's head and checked if he has food, changed his water and made sure that the door to Phoenix's room was open and wouldn't somehow close. And yes, of course Phoenix will have his own room. He has been living there for almost 3 years after all, why wouldn't he have a room?
Phoenix is a blue colored indian ring-necked parakeet, he's medium sized and 3 years old. Marco got the bird from a close friend of his when Phoenix was a baby, his friend saying that the mother died and they needed someone to look after this little one. Marco gladly accepted the bird as his new family member.
He lives in a ground house, and he's alone with Phoenix. Sometimes his brothers would come and visit, stay a few days and then leave, sometimes he would go and visit his brothers or father. Other than that, it's only just him and Phoenix. Despite the house having 6 rooms... Marco's bedroom, a spare room, guest room, living room, Marco's home office and another spare room that was turned into Phoenix's personal room.
Marco got in his car and started the engine, driving towards the bar where they'll be drinking. The main reason for their reunion is because some of them, 3 to be precise, came back from abroad, finishing their education. Those three being Namur, Curiel and Rakuyo. Namur is a marine researcher, Curiel is a doctor and Rakuyo is a technologist.
They do also have two sisters, Bay and Haruta. Bay is a talented doctor and tHaruta is one of the little ones, so all of them take care of her like a real princess. And from what he had heard from Thatch, Izo will bring Haruta to the gathering as well, accompanied by Bay. Although they were going to a bar-restaurant, he wasn't too worried because the place had a separate building as a family restaurant, connected to another one, this one being slightly smaller, which is the bar side. That's why it goes as a bar-restaurant.
Anygays. He pulled over the parking lot behind the two connected buildings, and then went to the front door. It was a pretty big building separated into two parts, one part being shorter, probably not to mix one for the other. And they had different doors to enter, one especially for the bar and one for the restaurant part. Each has a different name, which Marco knows why- the building was first opened as a bar by Makino, many years ago. 5 years after that, she married someone, who is somewhat close friends with Marco himself, and that man- Shanks, built another part for the bar and made it a restaurant. The two now are together with managing the building.
'Party's Bar' and 'Redhair's Restaurant'. Marco smiled, happily remembering all the memories he made here. Marco was actually someone who visited this place often, the bar to be accurate. He had made friends with the bartender too, who has been working here for years, since Makino's time when Shanks wasn't around yet. He had also made friends with Makino too, she's a lovely woman.
He entered 'Redhair's Restaurant' and a waiter came to him to ask if he had a preoccupied table. Marco knew oyaji had one on his name, so he gave Edward's name and the waiter took him to a table. He saw that some of his brothers were already here with Edward and Haruta too.
"Hello everyone, yoi." He greeted them and sat down next to Edward. Haruta was sitting on Edward's lap and when she saw him, she smiled and hugged him, Marco hugging back.
"Hi, mother hen!" Haruta giggled, and he heard Thatch cackling and sent him a death glare. When looking back at the little troublemaker in his hands, he smiled at her.
"Hello to you too, princess. We don't call big brother that, okay? Don't listen to Thatch, yoi. Call me big brother or by my name." Marco said as he patted Haruta's hair. She nodded and hugged him tighter, chuckling when Marco said to stop the 'death hug'.
"Hey Bay, been a while since you could join us." Marco also greeted Bay, since she is always busy working at the hospital, being the head surgeon and all. Bay said she was happy to be back, and had taken a week off of work for them.
"Hey, Marc." Thatch had the audacity of calling for him and he looked up, giving a hum and a glare. "Me and some of the boys will be going to the bar after eating, wanna join?" He asked. Marco thought a bit, he hasn't been able to go to the bar for a while now. A drink would be nice. The bar had really tasty drinks, and their coffee is unique too.
"Sure, yoi. I don't see why I wouldn't." He said, seeing Thatch look shocked- which is unnecessary, very unnecessary.
"Woah, you are for once not a party boomer." Thatch said, making a vein pop up on his head, more so when the others at the table laughed. Even oyaji and Haruta laughed! Betrayers!
After a few minutes all of them were now present, and they started eating and chatting. The three, Namur, Curiel and Rakuyo talked about their adventures abroad, telling them about their livings and things they saw there.
After an hour and a half, the boys decided to go to the bar. The ones who went are Marco, Thatch, Izo, Vista, Rakuyo and Curiel. The rest: Edward, Haruta, Jiru, Jozu, Rakuyo, Fossa, Namur, Kingdew and Bay stayed in the restaurant.
There was a door which led to the bar, and they used that door to go in. The bar was almost old-fashioned, one which you can see in western movies, other than the platform where people dance and the DJ is, which is purple and red themed. It might sound ugly but it sure isn't ugly.
Once inside, they scattered around, and Marco went to the bartender he always goes to (there are four bartender for each sides). He sat down and when the bartender saw him, he smiled and went to Marco.
"Hello there, Marco-san. It's been a while, busy with work again?" He said and Marco nodded, sighing.
"Sadly, yeah. I'll have something light, please. You pick, whatever is recommended." The blond man nodded and started preparing his drink.
"How are things going? And how long until you graduate, yoi?" Marco asked after a minute, not remembering the detail about him graduating.
"Hmm.. 3 months... Yeah, I'm graduating soon. Ahh, I'm so happy that college is finally over." Marco chuckled, agreeing with that. Honestly, the kid is so talented for what he is doing. He has been working here for almost 6 years, and also has been studying in college. He also helps his little brother to study and pays his school, but fortunately he isn't alone in this. He had mentioned that they have a big brother, who is also helping and working. From what he had learned, the big brother worked through highschool and university, which he respects a lot. It's a bit sad; since they didn't have any elders help him through the tough days, but they've managed.
"Here you go, hope you'll like it." He said, putting a drink in front of Marco. He smiled at him.
"Thanks, Sabo." Marco thanked him and started drinking, it tasted really good. Just expected from Sabo. When he was on his way to take another sip, he heard the music change into something he hasn't heard and then a new voice, probably someone new, started talking to the mic.
"Hello everybody! Who is ready for some party?!" The person screamed, gaining a lot of 'yeah!'s from the crowd on the dancing platform, them seeming energetic and some super drunk. Then the person started singing, he was probably a new DJ or something, but... Holy shit, isn't his voice just.. beautiful..
Marco put his cup down for a bit, his gaze looking for the person, to see who held the power of having such a beautiful voice like this. And then his eyes finally found what he was searching for,
He had slightly wavy black hair, a pair of black eyes, his cheeks blessed with beautiful freckles, lips looking soft even from a distance.. The flashing disco lights were reflecting on him, making him look more.. fascinating.
And once again, when he started singing after the music pause, Marco fell in love with his voice. He coughed a bit, took a sip from his drink and called Sabo over.
"Yes, Marco-san?" Sabo came as soon as he finished the other customer's drink, asking what he needed. Marco looked at him and then pointed to the DJ.
"Who is he, Sabo?" He asked, and Sabo chuckled. Looking at the kid, Marco saw a fond smile and he raised his eyebrow.
"Well, people call him Firefist. That's his DJ name, at least. But, if you want to know, which you look like you do, his real name is Ace. And a small information... He is my big brother." Sabo said and he winked at him, making Marco sigh. This kid.. he was too observant for his own good. But.. really? That's Sabo's big brother, Ace? Marco looked at Ace once again. He stared, not being able to stop staring. He stared and listened to Ace's angelic, beautiful voice, watched him until his turn was over and another DJ came up. His eyes followed Ace as he put his gear away and slowly started approaching this corner of the bar. Marco quickly stopped staring, as it would be rude. Ace came and sat right next to him, but Marco kept his calm.. thankfully.
"Saboo~! I'm thirsty~~!" Ace whined as soon as he sat down, not minding his surroundings, making Sabo sigh as he shook his head.
"And you're supposed to be the big brother here.." The blond kid mumbled as he made a cold drink for Ace and gave it to him, Ace instantly drinking it all.
"Well, my sweet little brother, I am still the big brother here so I don't want you to complain." The man smiled widely and gave thumbs up to his little brother, who huffed and ignored him for the moment.
"Ah, Sabo. Could I get another drink?" Marco asked once Sabo and Ace were done talking, or well, Sabo was done talking with Ace. The blond smiled and started making the same drink for him. On the corner of his eyes though, Marco saw Ace looking at him.. weirdly? He didn't know. Ace was just.. staring.. he also looked observant..
"Ace, don't stare." Marco heard Sabo talk to the DJ, giving him a warning. And just after that he stopped staring and looked at him sheepish.
"I'm sorry for staring, sir." Ace apologized and Marco waved his hand, saying it was nothing.
"Here you go, Marco-san." Sabo said as he handed him the drink and Marco thanked him, taking a sip. Then one more. Then another. And he was on his way for the fourth sip, when he realized Ace was staring again. He put the cup down and took a breath, then smiled and looked at Ace.
"I must say, you're an amazing DJ." He complimented, and Ace smiled, a small tint of pink seen on his cheeks. He thanked him and looked away a bit. Marco had to admit that was cute. Too cute. The older blond heard his mind give a screech, felt his heart crush- CUTE!
"My name's Marco. Marco Newgate, yoi." -Yoi?- Ace thought in his mind as Marco continued, "It's nice to finally meet Sabo's big brother." The blond man introduced himself with a smile and offered a handshake. Ace, forgetting his shyness, gladly shook his hand and smiled at him.
"And my name is Portgas D Ace! It's nice to meet you too, Marco." The raven head said, stopping the handshake. So, to not have an awkward silence between them and to start up a conversation, Marco decided to ask Ace a question.
"So, how did you end up here? I know Sabo has been working here for almost 6 years, yoi," -Yoi again- "I've been coming here before he started. But, I've never seen you around. Sabo talks about you sometimes." Ace nodded, and went on to explain a bit to Marco. He sensed the man was of no harm, and he knew Sabo for, as he says, almost 6 years now, so he should be okay to talk to. He's not a complete stranger.
"Well, I've been working at a different bar until today, and I lived with my friends away from here in an apartment. I actually just moved back in with Sabo and our little brother, Luffy. Decided to work here. Makino knows both- well, three of us." He talked with a smile on his face. Marco nodded, happy with that explanation. It epxlains some things as to why Ace didn't start working here sooner. But still it left some blanks, but whatever.
"I've heard. From Sabo and Makino herself too. Oh, talking about her... Sabo!" Marco remembered he had promised Makino about something, but it was just hidden somewhere deep in his mind and he couldn't remember much. So, he wanted to ask Sabo if Makino was here today. Sabo shook his head and told him she was out, Shanks was in charge todah. He nodded and thanked him, he would remember to call her about it later on.
Just as he was about to go back to their conversation with Ace, something, or- someone who is very much annoying, decided to interrupt them.
"MMmaaRRcoOoO~!" The annoying voice he knew so well came from his behind, and suddenly he felt dead weight on him. Well, of course. It was a very-drunk-Thatch-slumping-on-him scenario. Happens almost every time when this fucker gets drunk.
"Thatch, did you seriously get drunk this fast, yoi?!" He asked, feeling a migraine coming after him all of a sudden. Thatch just laughed and propped himself beside him, or well, as much a drunk person can do to sit. He helped his brother sit properly and sighed.
"BarrRtENdeRr-chwaann~! I n- *hiccup* need another dwink!" Thatch blurted out, raising one finger and laughing. Marco shook his head and turned to look at Sabo.
"Please don't give him anymore drinks." He said, and Sabo nodded, understanding why. Well, you see.. Thatch was a messy drunk. And noisy. Too noisy for Marco's likings but if he left Thatch alone he would totally 100% either fall unconscious somewhere crowded or get into a BIG problem. Which both happens a lot. And Izo would be mad at him for leaving his husband alone like this... That also happens a lot.
"I should have came here alon-"
"HUHH? Oohhh~ it's just mother heennn...*hiccup*" Marco sighed and tried to calm down.
"Even when you're drunk, you never fail to irritate me, Thatch." He said to Thatch but it was no help- the man just fell asleep on the counter. He heard someone chuckle, and turned to see it was Ace. He smiled apologetically.
"Sorry about my brother, he's always like this, yoi." Ace shook his head and said it was no problem. But, then he looked curious about something and Marco waited for him to ask. He looked like he wanted to ask so bad.
"Uhm.. Marco.. If it's no problem, I have a question." Ace finally called after a minute, and Marco told him to go on. He nodded and asked,
"What's a yoi?" He heard Sabo laugh and send him a look, making the blond go back to his work with a nervous smile on. He then turned to look at Ace again, smiling.
"It's a speech-tick, yoi. Ah, just like that. I can't really stop it. Happens, like, every few sentences. Sometimes more when I'm emotional or stressed, yoi." He explained for Ace and he made an 'o' shape with his mouth, understatement hitting him. He then smiled at Marco, offering another handshake which Marco accepted.
"You are an interesting person, Marco! I would like to be friends with you, maybe we could go and have a meal together sometime. But, I've gotta go now, my time is up and I'm needed for the next song." He said brightly and Marco nodded, smiling himself.
"I'd enjoy it, I'm happy you want to get to know me. I'll learn your schedule from Sabo, yoi, and I'll also take your number, if that's okay." Ace nodded and said it was okay, telling his goodbye and then hurrying to the stage. Marco watched him until his gaze lost Ace in the crowd, and turned to see a very amuzed Sabo smirking at him.
"I see what this is. Love at first sight... Seriously, Marco-san?" The younger blond asked, seeming to enjoy this too much. Marco shook his head instead, and smiled fondly.
"It's not love at first sight. It's love at first hearing, yoi. Your brother's voice is one of a kind." Sabo chuckled and took Marco's now empty glass, passing it off to the others so they can clean it. Marco looked at him a bit, Sabo has been observing him the whole time after he asked about Ace, actually. Is.. Is Sabo fine with him liking Ace? Like, it's not a 'like' like, it's.. different. Marco has never felt like this with any other boyfriends he has been with.
Ace.. He just met Ace, Marco understands. It's something that would sound cliche and overly used to most people. But this is different. It's not love at first sight. He first fell in love with Ace's voice. And then Ace. He wonders if that's the real Ace or not, but doesn't ponder much. He then decides to ask Sabo about it.
"Sabo." He calls, hearing a hum from the young man, muffled from all the noise. "Are you okay with a middle aged man wanting to go out with your big brother?" He stated out nonchalantly. His stoic expression didn't help much, as it seemed funny to Sabo, all of a sudden he laughed after hearing that and looking at Marco's expression.
"No, not at all, Marco-san. I've known you for years, I know you're a nice person. I don't know if things with Ace will work out, he has the luck of a very tall tree in the thunderstorm when it comes to love. But, I'd want to see if things do work out. I mean, I know Ace. He doesn't have a type, he says, but- don't tell him I told you this, he has a.. thing for blondies. I think you have a chance. And he doesn't really care about the age if both are past 18. Ace is 25. You'll be fine." Marco sighed, happy about that answer. It was all he needed, not like he would have taken a step back if Sabo didn't approve. But it's good that he does, he wouldn't want Ace's brother to not like their relationship- that is, if they'll even have one. He hopes they will. He thanked Sabo and tried to wake Thatch up.
Then, not even a minute after their conversation ended, he heard Ace's angelic voice again. Seems his turn came. Marco's gaze fixed on the DJ's stage, and there was a shine in his eyes that went unnoticeable to him. But it had to stop because he just noticed that his brother was watching him.
"Izo, yoi?" The kimono wearing man gave a huff.
"Finally! I've been here for at least a minute, Marco! Let's go. The others are waiting, but I can't find Th- Oh. He's here. Anyway, come on." The blond nodded and quickly payed Sabo and tipped an extra for him, before the two brothers help the drunken idiot to get to the car. Their father and other brothers and sisters were already waiting for the three. Despite Thatch being married to Izo and being a brother-in-law to them, he pretty much grew up with them, actually. Thatch and Izo were childhood friends before being lovers, and he was occasionally with them at almost all times. So Thatch is by no means a stranger, or just his brother's husband, he is a precious part of their family. To be honest, Marco imagines it would never be the same without Thatch in their lives. Not only it'd affect Izo greatly, but also it'd affect all of Edward's children too. Mostly the little ones, though, Thatch is like the family's number one troll big brother followed by Namur.
Once they all got to their cars, Thatch going with Marco since he couldn't drive and Izo driving Thatch's car, they all went to Edward's, their father's house. Well, actually, it was a mansion but whatever. And how else would Edward have separate rooms for all of his children and more rooms if they don't like sleeping alone? Also a few more bathrooms because they needed it, a big kitchen, two big living room areas, laundry room, gaming room because the boys whined for it when they were teens, a garage, yard, many more left to point out but yeah, basically a big mansion. He is, as said, a wealthy man.
Back in the mansion all of Edward's children grew up in, they all decided to have a movie night. Edward has asked all of his children to spend the night, and they all agreed happily. Tomorrow was a saturday so it wouldn't be any problem. Marco had to stop by his house to check on Phoenix. They had a movie night, talked about a lot of things and laughed together, played games together and then all went to bed once it was past 1 am.
After they grow up, everyone gets a choice of either moving out or staying here in the mansion. Whichever they chose, their rooms stay the same unless it needs to be changed- which won't for a while, since the only need to change rooms would happen when they adopt a new child and don't have rooms left, but, they still have 4 empty rooms for that.
Marco's room also stayed the same. Every once in a while, the maids would clean his room and it still looked good as new. He loved this room, he had so many memories here. He remembers his first night here, feeling in his home for the first time.
XXX
"Oh come on, Mar! It has been a while, I want to stay over! It's not like I'm going to do anything!"
"The last time you said that, you messed with Phoenix's precious room, yoi! That bird is so picky, you know it!" It was already the next day, early in the morning and Izo and Marco were arguing about Izo going with Marco. The kimono wearer huffed and shook his head, before looking somewhat defeated.
"Fine! I promise I won't change anything." He promised, and Marco raised an eyebrow at him. He huffed again and rolled his eyes.
"If I do change something, you are free to make me wear whatever you wish, including doing my make-up." Happy with that response, Marco smugly took out his phone and turned off the recorder.
"I can't believe you Marco!" Izo screams at him with utter shock as he walks out of the kitchen. He heard one last sigh and chuckled, loving to mess with his siblings.
"Gurararara, lively as always. I miss having all of you here at all times." He heard his father laugh, and saw their old man sitting on the couch in the living room. Smiling, Marco sat on the other couch besides Edward, and hummed in agreement.
"I miss this too, yoi. Remember how I kept coming back here when I first moved out? It was hilarious, yoi." They both laughed and Edward agreed, saying he thought Marco would just sell his house and won't move out again. But he is happy that his children are learning life, Edward knows that he won't live forever and won't be by his family at all times. He wants all of them to be capable of living without him once that time comes..
XXX
"Did you have to come as well?" Marco boredly asked as his brother and that idiot went inside with him. They were already back in Marco's house, but it wasn't only Izo who came along. Thatch decided to come too.
"Aww, come on, Marc! You love me, don't youuu?" Thatch giggled like a five year old and ran inside before Marco could, leaving him to just sigh and accept his fate.
"You know where everything is, yoi. You can put your things in the guest room, I'll check on Phoenix." Izo nodded and Marco walked to the bird's room, as he wasn't in the living room and saw that he was in his cage eating some nuts. Phoenix screeched once he saw his owner, opening his wings and hurrying to the cage door so he can fly. Marco smiled and raised his arm, Phoenix flying and sitting on the spot. He gave the bird a small kiss and patted his head.
"Hey there Phoenix. Sorry I'm late. Were you okay alone?" He asked the bird, Phoenix climbing up to sit on his shoulder. He played with Marco's hair and once in a while pulled his hair and bit him a bit less gently, as if it was a punishment for coming home later than usual. Marco laughed and walked to the living room with Phoenix and talked to him for a bit with Thatch staying fifteen feet away from the bird until Izo came down. They talked a bit and Thatch went to quickly prepare tea and once done, he poured it into three cups. He saw that Marco had some sweets, so he took them. He also cut the some fruits into pieces, some smaller for Phoenix so he could eat too. Despite being afraid of the bird, Thatch still cared for Phoenix's health and such.
They sat and ate, talking about basically everything they have been doing and they plan to do.
XXX
"Marco! Come here!" Marco heard Ace calling for him and smiled, going to him. It has been a few days since they met, and they are already having breakfast together. Of course it wasn't a date, but Marco thought of it as one. He would love to go on an actual date with Ace.
"Good morning, Ace. How are you, yoi?" The blond asked as he sat down in front of Ace. They were in a different restaurant, one that's known for the delicious breakfast they serve. The reason why they chose this place. Ace smiled and gave a thumbs up.
"Doing great! You?" Marco chuckled and said he is doing great too. They gave their orders and talked while waiting, enjoying their time.
"A quick question, Marco. Do you have a girlfriend? Or boyfriend, for that matter." Ace asked after they talked for about 10 minutes, and Marco smiled.
"No. Been single for 5 years now. And I am gay, Ace. I never dated women, yoi. How about you?" Ace nodded, humming. He then smiled, a bit nervously, and answered Marco's question,
"I- I'm also single.. And I am gay too." Marco ignored the stutter and nervous manner Ace gave and smiled at him. He had a chance. He had a big chance, actually. Ace agreeing on having breakfast with Marco and being single..
Their breakfast came after a few more minutes so they started eating. And it was worth is as everyone else said, the breakfast was heavenly delicious. Marco and Ace had a great time that day, going to see a movie after breakfast since they both had the time. It was overall the best day of the week for Marco, and he was able to make a move to Ace as he continued giving him compliments on how beautiful his voice is, how handsome he is, etc.
XXX
"Oh, Ace. You're not performing, yoi. I thought you wouldn't be available, want to have a drink? On me." Marco asked Ace, the man he'd started to love so much, as soon as he saw him approach Sabo's side of the bar. It was Marco's day off and he wanted to hang out with Ace, thus, seeing Ace not performing was his chance. But Ace didn't answer him and just sat a seat away from him, making him sad.. Did he do something wrong?
"Ace, yoi?" ... Still no answer. Sabo noticed that Ace was acting strange too, so after serving another customer he went to Ace.
"Give me something refreshing, Sabo." Ace talked before Sabo was able to ask what was wrong. But Sabo didn't immediately start prepping a drink for him, he put his hand on Ace's shoulder and gave him a stern look.
"What is wrong."
It was not a question, it was a demand. Sabo demanded Ace to tell him what was wrong but Ace hung his head. He shot a quick look at Marco, who was looking at him with worried eyes and looked at Sabo again.
"...Let's talk later." Sabo sighed, understanding Ace wouldn't talk right now. Whatever it was, it must have something to do with Marco.
Just what happened?
XXX
"Here's your order, Marco-san." Sabo gave a drink to Marco, him taking a sip from it. Marco was back in here again. Party's bar. A place he often came to when he felt down. And now... he had yet another reason to come here. Ace. It's been a few weeks since he had breakfast with the man, they became close, but... But the past week, there was something off with him. And Marco didn't understand what was wrong. Sabo knew of it too, and he was supposed to talk with Ace, actually.
The younger blond had talked with him, asking if he did something bad to Ace. But Marco promised that he would NEVER do something like that to anyone. And yet, this was Ace- He loved Ace, why would he do something bad to him?!
"Uh, Marco-san?" He looked up and saw Sabo looking worried, and asked what was wrong. Sabo sighed and pointed to a room.
"Let's go to somewhere quiet, I have something to tell you." Marco had a sinking feeling this 'something' wouldn't be good at all. He nodded and downed his drink in one gulp, going with Sabo to a staff only room. After closing the door, Sabo sighed again and looked at him.
"I'm sorry, Marco-san." The younger blond said after a minute. Marco raised his eyebrow and asked,
"Sorry for what, yoi?" At first, Sabo just stared. And then he shook his head and took out his phone. He then lend his phone to Marco and the older blond took it, looking at the screen. It was Sabo and Ace's talk on WhatsApp, he felt like he would be invading their privacy if he looked more, and so he looked at Sabo to ask what it was. But Sabo beat him to talking first.
"Start reading from there. It's important." Marco didn't question and started reading, just as Sabo told him to. But.. as he was reading.. he saw why this was important. He saw why Sabo showed him this. Why Ace had been acting strange and why the raven head started ignoring him.
He had a boyfriend now.
Ace has a boyfriend.
Ace is taken.
Not single.
And Marco lost his chance with Ace.
Why didn't he tell Marco about this? He told that he was single, too.. Maybe he just started dating? After clearly flirting with Marco..?
XXX
"Hello guys! How are you?" Ace, the DJ of the bar he worked in, asked as he went inside with someone following closely behind. He noticed someone inside, a person that he stopped talking with. But he wanted to talk to him.. Marco.
It has been a few weeks after Sabo talked with Marco. Ace had stopped talking with the older blond. Marco... He was close to giving up on his love when that happened, but there was one thing stopping him. His guts. His guts said that there was something wrong with everything, and he wanted to know what the fuck was actually going on. So he continued coming here, to the bar. And right now...
The restaurant-bar owners, Shanks and Makino were holding a small party with their closest ones. It included him too, of course, as for whatever reason of his, Shanks was obsessed with Marco. Not in a loving way. In a friendly way, of course. Knowing Shanks from when the redhead was just a kid, also being one of the few people that attended his wedding with Makino, of course, Shanks had invited him too. And Ace was here as well. How nice. And.. that guy,
Is that Ace's boyfriend?
...
"Hey there Ace. Oh, you brought Teach too.." Makino called for the two, and they sat at the table near Makino. Marco eyed the other one, he was a big man, had a disgusting smile if Marco was being honest. Ace really dodged him for this guy? They were holding hands, and it made Marco so angry and broken to look at them. He loved Ace. Ace loved Teach.
"Haha, yea, he wanted to come along and I couldn't say no." Ace told them and Teach leaned in to give him a kiss on the cheek, the raven head looking down in what seemed to be embarrassment. Maybe he was blushing too, Marco couldn't see it from here. But he just looked elsewhere. Shanks must have realized that something was up with him, he moved closer to him and hit him lightly on the arm.
"Cheer up, Marco. Maybe he's not the right one for you." Shanks said, giving him a glass of wine. Marco simply ignored the fact that Shanks knew of his love, probably found out by observing or Sabo accidentally told him. He didn't mind Shanks knowing, he is a good man.
"I don't think so, yoi. It has been 5 years since the last one. You know how that went with the asshole. I.. I thought with Ace things could be different, but he already has someone, yoi. When did they even get together?" Shanks gave a sigh, knowing Marco wasn't the best with love. He always found people that damaged him, fell in love with wrong people, loved so long without realizing that it won't work out. Every time it did something that would hurt him, be it the impossible love, or the asshole boyfriend. But still.. He is Marco. He'll find a way to cheer up, he'll find a way to fill in all the blanks in his heart. Hopefully. Maybe Shanks should talk with old man Newgate sometime about this.
"I think it was a few days after he started working here.." Shanks said, watching Marco nod sadly and drink his wine. The blond then put the empty glass down and stood up.
"I'll get some air." He said, sounding sad, and left the room, on his way to the balcony. Shanks just looked at him leave and sighed, feeling bad for his friend. He then looked over at Ace and Teach, they looked like a happy couple. But there was something in Ace's eyes that he couldn't pinpoint, hidden under his other feelings probably. Maybe intentionally, maybe unintentionally. The redhead saw Ace looking around a bit, seeming to search for something or someone. That someone being Marco, as Ace walked out after seeing Marco from the window. Shanks just hummed and stood up, going to where Sabo and his sweet wife are talking.
XXX
"Hey, Marco." Ace called, slowly approaching the blond. Marco turned back and stared with his stoic expression. Never changes. But.. Ace noticed he was sad. So sad and broken.
"Hello, Ace, yoi. It's been a while since we talked." Marco pointed out, looking back at the scenery from the balcony. Ace sighed and nodded, looking at Marco.
"I'm sorry about that. I didn't want things to turn out like this." The DJ said. Marco nodded, a sad glance in his eyes but he hid it well behind his stoic expression. He turned to look at Ace, his gaze firm.
"Were you just playing with me, Ace? Did it feel good to know that I loved you, yoi? You aren't single. Yet you told me you were, yoi." Marco spit out, now angry eyes staring into Ace's soul. Ace didn't talk, just looked down and shook his head. Marco sighed and left him alone on the balcony.
"Shanks, yoi." He called for Shanks as soon as he went in, seeing he was talking with Sabo and Makino. He went to them and said hi before turning to Shanks.
"I have to leave now, yoi. Sorry that I can't stay longer. I think you know why though. I promise to stay another time, yoi. See you all later, yoi." Marco said in one-go and left before they were even able to say goodbye. Sabo looked to where he came from, and saw Ace coming inside too. He knew it had something to do with Ace. He had done something he shouldn't have. Sabo was going to have a talk with Ace soon.
"When will you find the true person to love, Marco?..." Shanks mumbled as his friend stormed out, his anger and sadness were now visible as one can not hide his true feelings forever.
XXX
"What did you do?" Sabo asked Ace. The party was over and they were back home. Their little brother, Luffy was sleeping upstairs and Sabo wanted to talk with Ace right now. He will hear no excuses, and Ace will talk to him. Willingly or unwillingly.
"I.." Ace started, wanting to talk but.. he just couldn't. Words wouldn't come out of his mouth and Sabo was getting impatient with him.
"Well then, if you're not going to tell me, I'll assume things." Sabo told his brother, and Ace's head spun up, staring at him with pleading eyes. Sabo just shook his head,
"You clearly flirted with Marco-san, didn't tell him that you have a boyfriend. Let him know that he was being used and left him on his own to figure what the fuck was going on. And, why didn't you even tell me that you have a boyfriend? I'm your brother, Ace. You trust me, right?" Sabo said, maybe a bit too harshly but it was needed. Ace just looked down, ashamed of himself. 'Good', Sabo thought, 'he should be ashamed'. But there was something off with the situation.. Sabo knew something was wrong, but what?
Ace wanted to tell him everything. Of why he never told Sabo about having a boyfriend, to why he played Marco. It was not intentional. He never wanted these to happen. But, then again... He must keep it to himself if he wanted his family to be safe... So he didn't talk. He just accepted his fate and whatever came with it. Hopefully, this nightmare would be over soon. And... hopefully, Marco would forget about him soon.
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"He wouldn't tell me why. I don't understand him, it's obvious that something is wrong but why doesn't he trust us... trust me to help him?!"
Sabo was back at working again, and just as every other fridays, Marco was in here too. They were both trying to help Ace, even if he hurt Marco greatly. The older blond accepted it, and saw it in Ace's eyes that something was wrong. He wanted to talk, but for whatever reason, he won't.
He chose to be lonely, maybe. But that doesn't sound like Ace, Sabo had pointed out. Or he just hid his true self behind a loving, caring person. But Sabo disagreed with that, saying Ace wouldn't be able to hide his 'true self' from Sabo since when they were just brats. Then.. Marco said that maybe this Teach guy had done something to him. He already looked suspicious enough, with his villainous aura. Sabo agreed with him, saying that is possible. But how can they help Ace with it?
"I'll try, yoi." Sabo looked up at Marco, who had determination in his eyes. He was on his way to ask what the older man was going to try, but Marco just payed him and left the bar.
Marco knew that something had to be wrong with Ace and Teach's relationship, he had to find out what. He decided to do some digging with the help of his family to find out about Teach and if he has any ill intentions.
Turns out, Teach is an escapee from a prison break that happened about 5 years ago in the Impel Down and the escapees were never found. Teach is one of them, successfully hiding his true identity. But, what does he have to do with Ace..?
One of Marco's brothers, Jozu, decided to give him a helping hand and assured him that he will help find what's wrong. Their father also agreed to help his son, who seemed to love this Ace guy more than anyone he had met before. Edward hoped things would turn out to be okay with them, since he wanted his son to be happy.
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"Did you find anything, Jozu?" Marco asked in a low tone on the phone. He had just been waken up by his phone ringing, and it was Jozu calling so he answered him.
"Yea, found something that might be helpful. One of the other escapees, Burgess or whatever his name is seems to be following Ace's little brother... I'm guessing they are threatening him."
Marco felt his anger greatly increasing, but he calmed himself down. He had to be calm in this situation, he must not let his emotions take over him. He had to be brave for Ace.
"Those fuckers! I knew something was wrong! Ugh! I want to punch Teach's brain out of his head!"Marco shouted in anger despite his previous trys of calming down. Jozu agreed with him but told Marco that he had to be calm and collected. Teach is not an idiot man, he may seem like he is but despite how dumb one can be, you can't disagree that someone who escaped Impel Down can be that stupid to oversee one's visible anger targeted at himself.
That being said, Marco somewhat calmed down and sighed. They had a lot of things to do now, main one being a talk with Ace. They also needed proof that Teach and Burgess were threatening Ace, otherwise the police won't look into this case.
And so on Marco wanted to follow Burgess who is following Luffy, but Jozu didn't let him go. He is a well known business man, after all, his sudden disappearance at work would definitely cause trouble for their old man and the company. So, they had to give this important task to someone who can do this with the utter concentration. Someone who isn't relied on for most of the times, as in, someone who has the time to do this task. Someone who can easily defend themselves and hide. Someone who moves fast and silently. Someon-
"Your beautiful and elegant brother won't accept this job for free, dears! You owe me a complete set of the best make-up products!"
"Joz, wanna share the bills, yoi?"
"Nope, it's on you."
"Ugh.. whatever."
XXX
It has been about a week since Izo started following Burgess, and they were able to gain a lot of information from just that. Since Izo dislikes to show himself in the company, not to mention that he joins company meetings with make-up on- making everyone believe he is actually a girl. While that's wrong, Izo loves wearing make-up and kimonos with his hair done beautifully, all by himself. This time though, since make-up and kimonos would attract so many unwanted eyes, they made Izo wear a hoodie and jeans for the first time in many years.
But, overall, if you ask Izo how his week went, he would just scream 'HORRIBLE!' at your face. Needles to say, Izo hated every damn second of it.
But, he did gather information like he was asked to. And he did fortunately receive his demand of the best make-up products, otherwise, Edward Newgate would have lost two of his precious children. It was a prototype of hell for their family when Izo came back home just to scold Marco and Jozu for what felt like hours. No one dared to talk Izo to calmness, they would end up hospitalized. They know it very well.
DO NOT MESS WITH IZO.
Okay, the warning and the Whitebeards' lovely family bickering away, they had a lead on to where Teach and his subordinates' whereabouts might be. A house that is.. on Ace's name? That confused them, but it also did make sense. What confused them is, how did Ace end up in this kind of situation? Why did Teach decide to play Ace's boyfriend? Most importantly... Why didn't Ace at least try to get help or tell this to his brother, Sabo?
They needed to find a way to help Ace...
So they did.
XXX
"Hello there, little one. You're Luffy, right? Ace-kun's little brother?"
"Eh? Why do you know my brother and my name, bread haired old man?"
Thatch felt annoyed when the kid, Luffy, gave him a nickname like that but he endured it.. for now. His beloved brother had asked him to go and get this little guy, who is apparently Marco's soon-to-be boyfriend's little brother. Hmm...
"Don't worry, I'm a friend of his. He asked me to come and get you, he and Sabo are waiting for you at the restaurant." Thatch said with a big smile on and for a moment the kid had stars appearing in his eyes. For a moment though. Then he was all serious and such.
"Why aren't they here, then? And which restaurant?! Is it the one with seafood?! I wanna eat meat though!" Luffy's seriousness only lasted for the first sentence, then he was very much excited because of food. Thatch knew that this boy loved food, his favorite thing. He kinda thinks of food all the time. He dreams of an island full of food, all for himself. Not a bad idea. But surely can't be better than an island full of beautiful women, right? Right?
Ahem. Where were we? Yea I shouldn't get carried away, I know, I know. These are just random thoughts, continue reading and don't mind my ranting please.
"Don't worry, we are going to Red-hair's restaurant. You love their food, don'tcha?" Upon hearing that, Luffy instantly went into 'inaudible happy yelling and jumping' mode. Thatch just laughed at the kid, loving his energy. Luffy stared at him seriously for a moment and then grinned so big that it must have hurt.
"Let's go already, I'm starving!" Luffy yelled and held Thatch's hand, dragging him away from the school's gateway where they have been staying in front of for the whole time. Luffy's classmates just shook their heads, already knowing that the nut-for-a-brain idiot is always like this.
XXX
While Thatch was going to get Luffy and come back to the restaurant, Marco and Izo were going to take Ace and Sabo. Izo would deal with Sabo, as Marco wanted to handle Ace himself. The beauty of a brother didn't have a problem with it and went to get Sabo, who should be working now. Prior to this event, they had talked with Makino and Shanks for permission to 'steal' Ace and Sabo for the day. Maybe a few days more, they would ask for that later but the two were happily dismissed seeing their hard work.
"Hello, dear. You must be Sabo-kun." Izo greeted the blond as he sat, the latter looking at him with a warm smile.
"Ah, yes. And I reckon you are Izo-san, Marco-san's brother, yes?" Izo chuckled while nodding, moving his fan to protect his face and sent Sabo a.. loving look. The young man is quite handsome, Izo thought. Had it been another time, he would have made a move. Maybe later he would..
"Would you come with me then, Sabo-kun? Your brothers will join us too, and don't worry about your boss.. We have talked with her, you're off work for the day." Izo said, raising his hand towards Sabo so he could take it. Sabo just looked at him dumbfounded and the only thing he could say was nothing at all! Funny, isn't it?
"Just come with me and you will understand, dear." Since he could feel no menacing aura or ill intensions from the man, Sabo decided to follow him.. Or, in this case, take Izo's hand. And Sabo was surprised at how soft Izo's hand was.. As if he was holding a princess's hand or something!
Izo led him to the restaurant side of the building and they sat together, Izo sitting right next to Sabo and staring at him. They talked a bit until the rest if the brothers arrived.
XXX
His task is rather simple: all he had to do was convince Ace to go with him, make him meet up with Sabo and wait for Luffy and Thatch to arrive, then tell them that they are in danger. Or well, tell the younger brothers, since Ace already knows.. He's guessing Ace already knows. After a few minutes of walking, he found Ace alone in a staff only room, drinking water. Perfect. He approached the man and called for him, making Ace turn around in a surprising speed.
"Hi, Ace. I need to talk with you, yoi. It's important." Marco said, keeping his tone gentle and being as friendly as possible. His lack of facial expressions helped him so much. (In reality, Marco loves being 'mysterious', or that's what I think)
"Uhm.. Hey, Marco. About what.. are we going to talk?" Ace asked, suddenly feeling nervous for some reason. Maybe because he broke Marco's heart and was waiting for a firm beating by Marco's brothers instead of a calm talk.. But Marco smiled warmly and it almost melted his heart-
"Please. Nothing dangerous, I promise, yoi. But it is serious and important. Your brothers will join too, actually." At that, Ace took a step back.
"Huh? But why?"
"Like I said, it's important. Now let's go, come on. I talked with Makino, yoi, she let you have the day off."
XXX
"So, what did you want to talk about?" Ace asked as soon as Thatch came with Luffy and they sat, wanting this to be over already because the three older men were being sus. And he was getting uncomfortable as he was seated so close to Marco.
"You are getting threatened, aren't you?" Izo asked without waiting for a second. Ace's eyes widened when Izo directed the question at him. Sabo also looked at Ace with a questioning gaze, Luffy was just... being Luffy.
"What does that mean?" The younger blond asked. But the three didn't answer, they wanted Ace to answer so they waited for him to talk. A few minutes later, Ace cleared his throat and looked at them. He then started talking,
"I'm..." The raven head gulped and continued, "I'm being threatened..." Sabo gasped and the older three nodded, accepting it. Marco then did the rest of talking for Ace before Sabo was able to ask dozens of questions.
"We know. And we will help you. I promise, yoi. First things first we need to know what else they did, Ace. They have been following Luffy, right? What else? Tell us." Ace took a deep breath and started telling them about everything they did, starting from how he met Teach and others. They were three men at first, but Ace isn't sure if there could be more or not.
When Ace was about to move out of his apartment with his friends, he accidentally met Teach and Burgess in front of an abandoned building a bit away from the city. Ace went there because of a request from his boss, the man wanted Ace to go to their old bar and fetch a package that was accidentally sent there. It seems that they couldn't fully get rid of their old address.
Anyway, there, Teach found him and manipulated him into believing that he and his 'brother' didn't have a home anymore and it was burnt down. Being Ace, he believed them and told them that he could help them get a new home. Teach was happy with it, and thanked him a million times but in reality he was just going to use Ace more.
In the end, Ace ended up telling Teach about his whole life including his brothers and helped them buy a house, which was in his name because Teach told him that they couldn't since their house was burnt. Ace didn't question it much, but he should have.
And then, it started right after that. Teach started being too touchy with Ace, even if Ace warned him to not touch. He was wary of others, but for some reason he decided to help Teach and Burgess. Even after when Teach started being so touchy in inappropriate ways. And then, that happened... It was the day after he started working at the bar, he was with Teach at their house. The latter showed him a video, a very disturbing video...
It was Luffy in the video, walking out of the school with his friends, a huge smile on his face, unaware of whoever was taking this video. Ace was instantly alarmed, demanding to know what kind of shit this was, but Teach just laughed in response and a second later he looked so serious, almost angry, and said,
"Agree to be mine forever or lose your brother, Ace."
Ace couldn't afford Luffy or Sabo getting hurt, he would hate himself if something was to happen to them. And yet.. this guy is telling him to be with him in exchange of his brother's life... Of course he has no other choice but to agree!
"Oh, also.. Tell this to someone and you'll lose Sabo too."
It was the start of Ace's nightmare.
He pretended to be that bastard's boyfriend for the longest time, until somehow Marco and others found out about it...
What will they do?
XXX
"WHAT?! WHAT DID YOU SAY?!"
"Repeat what you said please, Marco-san."
"I want to kill Teach with my own hands, yoi."
...
Well, that's understandable. I want to kill Teach too. :)
Okay, for real now, their plan isn't to just kill Teach or something. Sadly , that'd be illegal. They planned on revealing his real identity to the police so he and the other guy can be imprisoned again.
Luckily for them, the trio's grandfather is actually the chief of police. Yes, chief of police. Why Ace didn't seek help from his grandfather, is a question, but they'll see. First, they need to talk with Garp...
...
It seems, not seeking help from Garp was the best thing to do, actually, since the old man is pretty much crazy. But, this'll have to do, they don't know who else would be able to help them in this scenario.
And Garp was surprisingly willing to help, (After beating the shit out of Ace) so they had the chance to capture Teach.
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A/N: Don't want to bore you with all the planning and shit, soo... Fast forwarding to after Teach's actual capture!
[On the news]
"Today, the three men who escaped Impel Down prison were finally found and captured with the help of Chief of Police, Garp-san. Marshall D Teach, Jesus Burgess, Laffitte. All three were caught before they were able to damage civilians. Our detectives are still trying to find out how they made their way into the city, but furth-"
Marco turned the TV off after hearing the main part, smiling at their victory. He was back in his own house, but he wasn't alone this time. He had Ace, Sabo and Luffy with him to ensure their safety untill they were sure that Teach wasn't coming back ever again. Looking to his side, Ace was staring at the screen still. Sabo and Luffy were fast asleep, both slumping on Ace. The latter didn't seem to mind, but it was obvious that he was still shaken after everything that happened. And Marco made sure to let Ace know that he won't be alone.
"Ace, yoi." He called, but the man didn't take his eyes off of the black screen. Marco sighed and stood up, going in front of the TV to block Ace's sight of it. He smiled at him and moved Sabo and Luffy on the couch so he can support Ace. The couch was big enough for the two to lay down, so it was no problem. But Ace still wasn't moving. So Marco once again stood in front of him and opened his arms with a warm smile.
"It's okay, Ace. It wasn't your fault. I'm not mad, Sabo isn't mad, Luffy isn't mad. They love you, Ace. And I love you too, yoi." Ace snapped out of it at that moment and looked up at Marco with teary eyes. The blond couldn't hold it anymore and hugged Ace tightly, stroking his back. After a few second, Ace hugged him back and he heard a soft sob from him. They hugged each other for minutes like this, Ace crying in Marco's arms until he calmed down..
XXX
It has been a while since Teach was imprisoned and Ace could be fully happy now. He started smiling truly again. He also started talking with Marco too, apologizing abi the past. Marco understood him and told him to not worry over it and that it was in the past.
They became closer and in no time, Marco thought that it was finally the time to be more than close friends with Ace. So he set up a date with the raven head, told him that they would go somewhere special but didn't say where exactly. Which is a part of his plan for Ace to not know where they are going.
In a small village that's a bit away from the city, there's a mountain where you could camp on the top. He wanted to take Ace camping for their first date. It might not be suitable for a first date but Marco wanted to enjoy watching the stars with Ace. He wanted to feel free with Ace. Just the two of them, under the stars and alone, the only light coming from campfire and the moon.
He had everything ready in his car: A tent spacious enough for them, two sleeping bags, firewood and firestarter, some coal/fuel, ground cloth, an axe, a knife, cookware and utensils, water, meat, seasonings, some snacks, clothes and a few more things.
All that was left to do was telling Ace that they'd be gone for at least two days so he can get things he might need, such as clothes or extra items.
XXX
"I can't believe we're camping, Marco! The view is so beautiful up here!" Ace excitedly ran around, looking at the forest down below them. They finally reached the top and Marco was taking the items from the back of the car. Ace went to help him and together they set up the tent, then started a fire and ate some snacks. The weather was cold so it's a good thing Marco brought blankets with him.
After talking and playing some games for a while, the two decided to cook the meat Marco had brought so it doesn't go bad. They did also have canned food, which would be perfect for tomorrow.
Their simple plan was to stay the night here at the top, and once morning came they'd leave the mountain to go through the forest and into the small village to spend the rest of the day there. Maybe they'd stay one or two more nights in the village and then go back home, since both of them had the week off.
Soon enough after they ate, the night fell and they put the lanterns around their surroundings so it isn't too dark. Marco and Ace watched the stars under one blanket, holding each other's hands. Ace smiled at Marco when he noticed the blond was watching him instead of the stars, and put his head on Marco's shoulder.
"I love you, Marco."
Marco smiled, moving his arm behind Ace and putting his hand on Ace's shoulder, giving him a small kiss on his lips.
"I love you too, yoi."
XXX
A day late, but here it is! I hope you enjoyed this one too! :)
Stay safe and lots of loveee~