Hello everyone, here is chapter 37
And I know this is really late, and I do apologize for this, but I had way too much on my hands as I had 2 big assignments from school and needed to work a lot too. Life is just hard when school and work is mixing too much. But here is the chapter at last
Hope you enjoy
Read and relax
Marco felt things had been good the last two weeks. Not only on the ship as things had been just adventurous enough, getting in some small fights and no one getting terribly injured, but that his and Aces relationship seemed to be going well. They had shared bed often, either in his or Aces room, both had a decent big bed, although Marcos was somewhat bigger. The most usual thing that happened was that they set to relax or sleep, and when Marco woke up, Ace was gone, either out on deck or on an assignment. But it did happen in rare occurrences that Ace was still there when he woke, but that was at times where he himself wasn't too tired and didn't sleep for long either.
It calmed him to sleep next to Ace, even his phoenix felt at peace. What made him even more glad was that Ace seemed to relax himself, Marco having seen Ace asleep and really relaxing, although it happened way too little, sometimes going farther than him in staying awake, which couldn't be good. He hadn't had the chance to bring this up with Ace, to see if there was anything that he or the others could do to help him sleep more. There were times when he knew he didn't sleep or really relax for days, which couldn't be good. He was waiting for a better moment to bring it up, the other times hadn't felt the best ones to bring this up.
He always had to ask Ace to stay if they were in his room, or if he could stay if they were in Aces room. Ace didn't seem to mind it, but he didn't mention it himself. He knew Ace weren't the one for touch or closeness, not seeming used to it, but he was adapting to it it seemed like. Even the times he slept with an arm draped over Aces body was something he felt was special, it felt much more than just an arm draped over him, seeing as Ace usually didn't like it. Ace did have a hand on his, a way to have some sort of control over it he had realized, but didn't pay any mind to it. He was just happy Ace was slowly opening up and becoming more comfortable around him. It often happened Marco had a hand laying over Aces arm, that not being too much touch for Ace and something he was more comfortable with.
Ace had had some assignments the last week, which was starting to make Ace be more away. It wasn't many, it was just longer ones. Instead of being away some hours now and then as he had, he was often gone many hours, sometimes a day and barely getting the time to be on the boat before he had to leave again, sometimes not even making it back to the boat, Dust coming with a note. He hadn't been able to spend much time with Ace because of this, but the times Ace was going to relax or sleep, Marco usually joined and either slept or kept Ace company as he sat or laid in bed and relaxed, it was something and he was enjoying every moment he could with Ace. They hadn't been able to be intimate, there had been a kiss now and then and the few somewhat intimate moments, but it usually got interrupted. But it was fine by Marco, although it was annoying in the moment. Both was busy people and especially now that Ace had been gone a lot.
When the day passed and supper was finished, Ace showed up and seemed to be in good mood, which was good. Ace had said it was a meeting of sorts before he left. When Pops asked how it had gone, he said it had gone by fine, which was good. There had been a few times he had said it could have gone better, but that was the most they could get Ace to say, he didn't speak to much about his assignments, especially the ones that didn't go too well.
As time passed, most going to sleep or to the night shift, Marco stayed out on deck with Ace for a while, enjoying the good weather for now. There had been some days since the sky was clear, so it was nice as long as it lasted. When the sky clouded over around midnight, they headed inside, going to Aces room for now. When they got to Aces room, Marco closing the door as Ace took the cape off, hanging it on a chair, before he stretched. When the door was closed, Marco went over to Ace and placed a hand on his hip before leaning in to kiss Ace.
Marco was more careful with everything, but Ace didn't seem to mind it, sometimes being the instigator, which made him more confident and sure everything was fine. He was still a bit concerned that he would do something to put Ace on edge or scare him again, but it hadn't happened since that night. When Ace responded to the kiss, leaning into him and moving a hand to his shoulder, Marco felt glad and deepened the kiss more. When Marco moved his hands to Aces back, slowly moving them under his shirt, Ace moved away from him, moving his hands to take Marcos away from him, having a hesitant and almost reluctant look.
Marco, not sure what was wrong, was about to ask if anything was wrong, when Ace closed his eyes, seeming to be thinking of something, before he slowly turned around and lifted his shirt, taking it off. Marco was about to ask what he was doing, as Ace was acting hesitant and tentative, something he didn't usually do. But as soon as the shirt was off, all words died in his throat as he felt his brain halt for a second as he saw the back.
Ace had 5 brands. Ace had gotten a new brand.
Marco was in shock for a second, not expecting anything this and could only stare at the new brand on Aces back. When his mind somewhat got back on track, he slowly moved a hand to the new brand on Aces left side on the upper back, almost at the shoulder blade, feeling Ace tensing for a second, before somewhat relaxing. The brand wasn't hot or swollen or anything. It was maybe a bit redder than the other 4 and felt to maybe be tender some places, but it wasn't something he just got, it was almost completely healed.
When Marco looked back at Aces head, he saw it was somewhat downcast, clearly not liking that he had a new brand to show. Marco had a feeling it wasn't the brand itself that made hesitant, but what kind of reaction he would have to it. He knew Ace was at peace with his wounds, he didn't seem to mind them and Ace had said it himself.
Marco moved his head to lean on Aces shoulder, using a hand to stroke carefully over the brand. ¨Does it hurt, yoi?¨ He felt Ace shake his head. Marco nodded, not really sure what to do next. It did seem to be healed and fine, but it felt tender and he knew burn marks could be tricky. ¨Did you go to Bay?¨ He did have 4 other brands, but thought having someone look at it was good, someone who knew how to treat it. Ace shook his head, and before Marco could speak, Ace spoke. ¨I went to someone else, it's been treated.¨ Marco gave a nod. That was good, and Marco thought it might have been one that Ace had went to before, maybe someone who he worked with. A thought hit him and he took a breath before he spoke.
¨Did they do anything else, yoi?¨ Marco asked slowly, head still leaned on Aces shoulder.
He didn't want to say the exact phrasing for it, seeing as Ace had stopped him the last time, most likely not wanting to hear it. When Ace did nothing, Marco was about to lean back and look at Ace, to see if he had had any reaction to the question and maybe ask again. But as soon as he was about to move, he felt Ace shaking his head. ¨No, nothing like that.¨ Marco gave a nod. That was something good at least. He was certain Ace was being truthful, as if they had, Ace would most likely not answer.
Marco stood still, trying to figure out what to do or say, but couldn't come up with anything and just stood in silence, leaning his head on Aces shoulder, his hand stroking his back, just to make sure he was fine and knew he was there. After some time, he felt Ace moving and Marco lifted his head and moved his hand as Ace turned around. When Ace was turned around and gave a small smile, Marco hugged Ace, not wanting to let him go just yet. He felt Ace tensing for a second, but did relax some. Marco wasn't sure on how he liked the 'it's fine' attitude Ace had about this. he shouldn't be this okay with getting branded, he should have some reaction to it.
After some seconds, Marco spoke up. ¨Do you want to talk about it?¨ He felt Ace shaking his head, something he did expect, but still needed to ask. Marco gave a nod, ¨Want to head to bed, to relax, yoi?¨ Marco had learned Ace more often said yes if he said relax and not sleep or anything. He felt Ace give a nod, ¨I would like that.¨ Marco felt himself smile at that, wanting to be close to Ace now, not liking he had a new brand. When he did let go of Ace, something that took some will as he really didn't want to let go, he watched as Ace walked to the bed and took his shoes off. Marco couldn't help but watch the back, seeing all the scars and not understanding how Ace could be at peace with them. Most of them, maybe all of them, was something he had gotten from captures, torturing and such. It was good Ace was at peace with them, but Marco wished Ace had a reaction, not acting like this was an everyday occurrence.
Marco gave a small sigh inside himself as this was maybe something Ace viewed as normal. He did have 4 brands already and a lot of scars, for him this was maybe something normal.
Marco had a feeling Ace hid some of his feeling about the scars, especially the brands, seeing as those where given to mark him, a horrible thing way too many did. When Ace had taken his shoes off, Marco slipped his sandals off, before he went to the bed and moved to lay down closest to the wall, having learned Ace liked to be the one sleeping away from the wall. He didn't seem to mind being the one closest to the wall when that happened, but Marco noticed Ace relaxed more when he was closest to the edge.
When both were settled in the bed, Marco moved a hand to Aces and held around it, wanting to keep telling he was there, that it was okay. Ace didn't seem to mind and they settled in some small conversation before Marco drifted off to sleep, seeing Ace was almost asleep himself.
As long as Ace was fine, it would turn out fine.
The next week was calm, nothing special happening. Ace had gotten less work than the week before and was more on the boat, seeming to be enjoying the peace himself. Marco didn't bring the new brand up, not seeing any reason to. Ace seemed to be really at peace with it, not minding he had a new brand that was on his back. he probably did mind it some, but it seemed like he was more concerned or minded how people reacted to them, the reason he always wore a shirt that covered the scars. The most one could see at times, was one of the longer and bigger ones peeking out from his shirt when he wore something with less neck and short arms. Not that anyone commented on it, everyone had some scars, and those who knew he was an assassin wasn't surprised he had some. They just didn't know the full extent of it.
-x-
The next few months was calm, the weather being bad at times and causing some damage to the ship, as well as some minor battles, but nothing too bad, it would be easy fixable when they got the materials they needed.
They had met up with Jimbei, the fishman being not too far away and wanted to drop by to say hello and see if there was anything interesting happening. Jimbei had some information about the marines that he shared, not that he usually shared much, not wanting to lose the somewhat trust he had to some of them. There wasn't anything dangerous, just some people being moved around. They spoke to Jimbei in the meeting room, just so others didn't overhear some information as some things wasn't for everyone. Not all of the commanders was in the meeting room, but some was there, about half of them, the rest having other things to do. As Jimbei spoke about where he had been the last months, mentioning some people and places they weren't so familiar with, Jimbei was stopped by Ace who was present.
¨Could you repeat the last thing?¨
This got everyone's attention, especially the captain's, as Ace rarely interrupted. The fishman nodded. ¨I met this man, Carlos, on Hand island. He was speaking about some things that didn't make sense, as well as starting some fights. He mentioned this angel that was a demon angel or something, it didn't make sense as he mentioned twins, exploding bodies and psychic rain. None of it made sense.¨ The captain saw Ace nodding, and he was about to ask why that was special, even Jimbei seemed to want to ask why that was the thing he was interested in, not the other things, the captain thinking this was connected to Aces work somehow. But before he or Jimbei could ask, Ace stood up from his chair and headed for the door.
¨Excuse me, I need to go kill a man on Hand Island.¨ And as soon as the sentence was finished, Ace was gone in black smoke.
Whitebeard stared at the spot Ace had been, not having this happen before, and looked to Jimbei when the man spoke, having a frown. ¨Why did he say that? And how did he disappear?¨ The captain thought for a second, thinking on how he could explain this without revealing Ace was an assassin. ¨Ace does some private business now and then. And he can travel though his devil fruit.¨ That wasn't saying too much he thought and was curious on how the fishman would take this information. He saw the fishman frown more as he thought himself, ¨Private business involving killing people?¨ the captain nodded, not saying anything more as he was unsure what to say right now.
Jimbei gave a shook his head, giving a small laugh. ¨You make him sound like an assassin.¨
It was made as a thought, nothing by it, but how some of the others froze and looked shocked at the fishman, he could see Jimbei giving a shocked look to him. ¨He is an assassin?!¨ The captain gave a small sigh inside himself, not wanting to lie and say no. Whitebeard have a nod, ¨He is. But you cannot tell others.¨ The fishman gave a nod, before he gave a small snort. ¨Knew he was way too smart to be a regular kid, but never thought he would be an assassin. How old was he again? 20?¨ Whitebeard gave a nod, almost surprised the fishman took it as calm. But he was a calm person, and based on how he saw they knew and still had him in the family, told he wasn't a danger to them. Jimbei gave a nod, before looking at him. ¨What's his name? Hs assassin one, if you know.¨ Whitebeard decided not to answer that, sure Jimbei knew who the assassin was and knew what everyone told about him. ¨That is not my place to tell.¨ The fishman nodded, respecting that.
They continued to speak together, the captain seeing everyone was glad the fishman didn't think too much of Ace being an assassin. But Jimbei was one of those who saw people for what they did, not what others told. But then again, if he found out Ace was the Ace of Spades, things might be different. Jimbei was a lot around marines and they were someone who really didn't like the assassin. He could guess the things that got to the newspaper was nothing compared to what they told between themselves.
It was an hour later that Ace came back, walking through the door as he had appeared on deck.
Ace seemed in good mood as he sat down, not saying much, giving a nod when the captain asked how it had went, but nothing more. Jimbei did look more at the kid now and then, especially when he spoke, but didn't say anything about him being an assassin, probably not thinking it was as big of a deal. Whitebeard hoped this was how his children would take the news that Ace was an assassin, calm and collected. But he knew some of his children, a lot actually, didn't like assassins. He heard so himself when they were in the newspapers, them often grimacing, scoffing or others things as sometimes a comment was made. The captain hadn't done much with it, not sure what to do when it happened. He couldn't say the assassins weren't bad and the newspaper lied, people would question how he knew. And Ace never bat an eye to it himself when it happened and he was close by and heard it.
He was thinking of trying to slowly bring it up sometimes when he thought it could be wise, but he would need to think more on what to say.
Jimbei stayed for some time, leaving when the sun started to set. It was always nice to get a visit from Jimbei, or anyone they often spoke to for that matter. When the night rolled around, Whitebeard walked out on deck as he couldn't sleep. When he got out, he saw Ace standing at the front and went up to him, starting some small conversation. When he was sure no one was close by, he had asked why he suddenly spoke so openly about his work before, when Jimbei was there. The kid had given a small laugh, before answering. ¨Honestly I forgot he didn't know, and I was preoccupied with getting to the man.¨ The captain nodded, a bit shocked Ace just forgot a thing like that, thinking he was more careful.
After a second, he asked who the man was. Ace didn't give any emotions away as he spoke. ¨Just a man I really do not like.¨ Whitebeard nodded, and before he could say anything else, Ace gave a small sigh. ¨I didn't kill him though, just gave him a piece of advice.¨ He guessed there was more than just some dislike there, Ace usually went for horrible people, and if Ace didn't like this man, even saying so himself, he was probably someone bad. But maybe not like the ones he usually went for as he wasn't dead. But he had a feeling it was more than just words Ace had given in his advice.
The stood out on deck for some time, before Ace headed inside when the sun started to rise, hopefully going to relax. The captain left not long after that, but he went to the galley instead, not feeling like going to his room.
-x-
Marco laid in his bed and relaxed, Ace not too far away, a foot or so away from him, but it was close enough, even though he would have liked to have him closer, but he knew Ace still wasn't fond of that. There had been a few times where Ace had laid closer, but it was rare, but this was nice too, just being in the same bed was nice. It was early in the morning, around 6, and Ace had returned from an assignment not long ago and had wanted to relax, or rather said yes when Marco asked. Marco had slept before, but didn't say no to be able to relax some more, especially if that meant Ace would join. He thought Ace might be asleep, or at least close too asleep as he was breathing slowly and seemed to relax. Marco liked to see Ace relax and closed his own eyes, he could maybe sleep some more himself.
But half an hour later he felt some shifting in the bed as it dipped. When he opened his eyes, sure it wasn't Ace who was moving, he saw a mass of black hair slowly moving to lay between him and Ace.
Marco was mildly confused on who it was, but when he heard some shifting and saw an arm being draped over the black haired person, he remembered Luffy and Sabo came by today and it was most likely Luffy. The kid had probably checked Aces room and checked here when he didn't find Ace in his room or out on deck. He wasn't surprised Luffy thought Ace might be here, he seemed to know, or was at least really perceptive to certain things like this. He saw the kid make some movement with his head, ¨Why are you and Birdy Blue Breast in the same bed?¨ Marco wasn't sure if Ace would like that Luffy found the in the same bed, so he was curious on how he would answer that.
He heard Ace give a small breath, ¨Because we're trying to sleep, Lu.¨ The thing that surprised Marco the most was how Ace had said sleep, not just relax. It was something that made him give a small smile, Ace not seeming to mind to tell Luffy he was sleeping. He heard Luffy give an ¨Oh.¨ As if not expecting something as simple. He heard Ace give another breath. ¨Where are the others?¨ Luffy gave a hum. ¨Sabo's in the library and Rayli is speaking to people.¨ He heard some shifting, which most likely was Ace nodding. When he heard Luffy on his way to speak, Ace let out a hushing noise. ¨If you want to stay, sleep.¨ He saw Luffy nodding, before seeming to relax. Marco was not surprised Luffy wanted to stay, but he would have liked if he didn't lay between them.
But some minutes later, he heard some shifting and saw Ace grabbing around Luffy and rolling over, placing Luffy on the other side of him. and as Luffy was now on the other side, Ace shifted closer to him to give the kid some space.
There was some more small shifting before they seemed to settle, Ace moving to lay on his stomach and having an arm over Luffy it seemed like, the other laying on the pillow beside him, facing him. Marco couldn't help a small smile in seeing Ace giving a breath before he relaxed, glad Ace had moved Luffy to the other side and moved closer to him. As Ace was laying closer to him, he couldn't help but drape an arm over him. He saw Ace opening his eyes for a second, looking at him, before closing them, the arm on the pillow moving to lightly touch his arm before giving a breath, relaxing again. Marco relaxed himself, enjoying the moment.
It was some minutes later that he felt the hand Ace had close to his arm eased down to lay on the bed, Ace falling asleep as he breathed slowly and really relaxed. It was about half an hour after that that he heard some shuffling and saw Luffy standing up and slipping out of the bed and slowly walking out of the room. Marco had a feeling he was headed to the galley, the clock closing in on 7, when most went to eat. Ace hadn't stirred as Luffy moved away, still asleep, which was good. Marco knew for a fact Ace hadn't slept for at least 3 days. Ace did usually go two days without sleeping, he could relax in between, but he never slept. It did happen he went three or four days, but that was rarer, something he thought was good. Ace needed to sleep too, even though he had issues with it, which he didn't talk about or even mention. Not that Marco had brought it up, not wanting to bring it up yet as he knew he would get nowhere. He would just enjoy this moment and be sure Ace slept when he could and help if he could.
After some time, around half an hour or so, he saw Ace move to look behind him, before giving a breath as he laid down again, seeing Luffy was gone. When Ace shifted some more, Marco was sure he would get up, but instead he just settled some more, a hand moving to his arm and relaxing again. It made him smile, seeing Ace still staying and relaxing and hoped he might fall back asleep again, but this was better than nothing. Marco just laid still and relaxed himself, glad Ace was staying and still laying as close and let him have the arm draped over him still, it felt nice. As it was silent and Marco relaxed, glad Ace was relaxing too, it wasn't long before he fell asleep himself.
When he opened his eyes again, Ace was gone, the bed empty. Marco gave a yawn as he sat up, seeing the clock was now nearing half past eight.
Marco stood up and gave a stretch as he walked out on deck, sure Ace was there if he didn't have any work, Luffy and Sabo close by, maybe Rayleigh too. When he did get out on deck, he soon found the assassin sitting on the deck, reading a book with Luffy on his lap, listening to a story Pops told. Sabo was standing next to Ace, leaning on the railing and relaxing. He couldn't see Rayleigh, and guessed he might be doing some things on the boat they had. Marco went up and stood beside Sabo, leaning on the railing himself, listening in on the story Pops told. When it was over, Thatch came out with some small snack for them to eat, Luffy taking half of everything, before settling back into Aces lap. When the plate was empty, Thatch looked at Luffy. ¨Whatcha doing now, Luffy? Going to the end of the New world?¨ The kid shook his head, before giving a big smile.
¨We're taking a small stop before me and Sabo set out tomorrow!¨
Everyone looked at the kid in shock, seeing Sabo shaking his head with an amused smile, knowing it was the truth. Thatch blinked, before he looked at Luffy and Sabo. ¨You're setting out in the New World alone?!¨ Luffy shook his head. ¨No. Ace is taking us to Foosha later today, and we'll set out from there tomorrow!¨ Marco nodded and saw may also nodding. That made more sense. If he remembered correctly, that village was on Dawn island in the Easy blue. It was better to set out from there it was calmer and work their way to the Grand line. Marco heard Whitebeard gave a laugh. ¨When you reach the new world, you need to drop by, brat.¨ Luffy nodded as he smiled. ¨We will! And then I can show how strong we are!¨ That made everyone laugh and was now looking forward to seeing how the two would be after being captains on their own for a while. And when they met again, they would have t east gotten through the grand line. If they used some time getting there, they might be in the grand line too, seeing as they would turn around and head back in a month or so.
The rest of the day went in a calm fashion, Luffy being energetic and putting a smile on many faces with his antics. Rayleigh had come by one point, and when Whitebeard asked what he would do now, seeing as Luffy and Sabo would set off on their own. The man said he would sail around for a small bit, maybe head back to Sabaody Archipelago and stay there for a while. That sounded like a good plan, and the man might stay there for a while. They had heard rumors of the man being seen there from time to time, no one knowing what he was doing. The captain did ask what h was going to do there, but Rayleigh didn't answer that, which they kind of understood. One usually didn't give away plans like that.
When the night came closer, Ace, Sabo and Luffy left, Luffy waving and seeming to be really enthusiastic about setting out. Ace said he would come back later tonight, just going to drop his brothers off and say his goodbyes. Marco wondered why Ace didn't stay the night with them, but thought it might be because he didn't want to get them too used to being around him again. They would maybe not see Ace for some time now, and that as something he wondered how Luffy and Sabo would take, especially Luffy. He was really clingy to Ace. He was too Sabo too, so it would probably go fine.
He really did look forward to seeing how good they were when they met up again.
-x-
Ace gave a hug to Luffy, who was almost vibrating in ecstasy in knowing he would set out tomorrow. They had a small boat at the docks, ready for the in the morning when they did set out. Ace patted Luffy on the back. ¨Now be good and try not to get into too much danger.¨ Luffy gave a laugh. ¨We're going to be pirates! They have a lot of fun and cause trouble.¨ Ace gave a chuckle. ¨Yes. But try not to cause too much.¨ Luffy laughed. ¨No promises.¨ Ace then let go of Luffy, giving a hug to Sabo too, knowing he wouldn't see them for a long time now, going to try to stay away from them. They needed to get independent and learn things on their own. And he knew Rayleigh had done a good job in teaching them. ¨Make sure he doesn't do anything stupid.¨ Sabo gave a snort. ¨It's Luffy. But I'll try.¨ Ace gave a small laugh at that, he knew Luffy was Luffy. He hoped he would hear too much about them in the newspaper, nothing too dangerous at least.
He let go off Sabo a few seconds later, and Luffy went to stand beside the blond. Ace looked at them. ¨I won't be here when you do sail off, but I'll read about it. I know Makino will be here, maybe Dadan and the others too. So be nice and be good pirates.¨ Luffy and Sabo nodded, Luffy looking really excited to set out. Sabo did too, but he didn't vibrate and run around like Luffy. He couldn't wait to see what kind of crew they would get. He hoped they got some good crewmembers.
After being sure they were fine, Ace gave one last hug, before sending them to Makinos bar, Sabo and Luffy staying with the woman for the night. it was weird knowing Luffy and Sabo was setting out on their own, they had grown so fast. When they went inside the bar, Ace left back to the boat, excited to know his brothers were going to officially be pirates from tomorrow off. It was a weird thing that he was sure would take some time to get used too.
When the newspaper came the next day, Ace read the part about the setting out with a smile. Next time they were mentioned in the newspaper, was most likely when they got their first bounty. And Ace would make sure to keep every poster Sabo and Luffy got, to see how he grew on his journey.
He was glad things had gone so well up until now. He only hoped it would last.
And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed
And I know this was way shorter than normal, and I do apologize for this. but things have just been way to hectic and hard the last few weeks. The next chapter might be longer, but I don't make any promises on when I post it. I will try to post it next week, but it might take another week as things are still somewhat hectic and I need to gather myself some. I might change the update schedule to every other week, but I will see how things move along
Hope you still enjoyed and I apologize again that the chapter was so late and short. I am also currently working on the one shots and hope to post another chapter there tomorrow
If you like this story, please check out Ace of Spades One Shots, which contains one shots and different events from this story.
If you have any requests, questions or if you're wondering about something in the story, feel free to ask. And if you liked the chapter, feel free to leave a review/comment