Hello everyone, here is the next chapter

This is again a bit early, still as a small apology for being so late for some weeks. I'll get into my regular schedule from now. Hoping that will go painless

We see how the straw hats are, the crew members learning new things about the two captains

And we have a lot of hurt/comfort in this, haven't had too much of it and we need it, although I might have gone a bit overboard with it. I'm sorry

Hope you enjoy

Read and relax

Nami sent a look at her so called 'captain', not sure how he would react to this situation. He was the captain on the ship, alongside of Sabo, but he wasn't the brightest. But he was strong and determined, he, alongside the others, had managed to take out Arlong, getting her home island out from trouble. She was thankful for that, and was thinking of not joining them, staying behind. But she wanted to see the world, to map out every island they found, and they could help her do that. And no matter how stupid the brat might seem, he had still somehow also managed to beat Crocodile on Alabasta. The strength in such an idiot was terrifying at times.

Nami used the debt Luffy and Sabo was in as an excuse to stay on the ship, knowing they would never be able to pay it down. They owed her around a few hundred million now, seeing how she had the money and bought most of what they needed, placing it on their debt every time. She did go overboard with it, doing it to make sure they could never repay it. She was almost surprised they kept her there, thinking it might be because of the money she had, but she felt… accepted in some weird way. Even though she had sort of betrayed them, they still came back for her. She felt okay with traveling with them for now, and hoped they didn't mind it too much, thinking of what she had done.

But all that might some to an end now, as they met some bandits that refused to let them go until they payed up for them.

They couldn't run or fight as they had Usopp and Chopper as captive, and Nami knew Luffy and Sabo would never leave them behind. One of the bandits looked at Luffy, most likely the leader. ¨We want money, give us ten million for each one of your little crew.¨ They didn't have that kind of money, that would be seven million! She barely had two, and she couldn't just give that away. But instead of hearing a whine or angry sound from Luffy, he rather just tilted his head, before walking inside the ship calmly. The bandits stared in shock after him, obviously not expecting that. ¨Where us he going!¨ Yelled one of the bandits, and none of them had an answer to that. Well, maybe Sabo had, he didn't seem too concerned himself. Which was weird.

But it wasn't more than a minute later that Luffy came back out, carrying a big bag of something, handing it to the bandits. ¨Here.¨ The bandit took the bag, slowly opening it, most likely thinking it was a trick. And Nami hoped it was.

But no. It was filled with money, way more than Nami knew she had. Where had Luffy gotten that?

The bandit looked shocked at the money in the bag, before swallowing, mentioning for the others to release the ones they had captive, before they left. When they were out of sight, Nami turned to the black-haired captain. ¨Where did you get that money?! Did you take my savings?!¨ She had some saved up for an emergency, but nowhere enough to pay them off. If Luffy gave the wrong amount and they found out, they would come back mad. The kid tilted his head at her.

¨Me and Sabo got some money too. I used that.¨ Nami blinked. They had money? ¨How much do you have?¨ Maybe he used most of it now and was broke, meaning she might needed to use more of hers. She knew the kid sometimes managed to buy way more than he should have. The kid made an unsure sound, looking at Sabo, who gave a sigh. ¨How much did you give them, Lu?¨ The kid thought, before looking at Sabo. ¨Eight million!¨ Sabo gave a sigh. ¨That's a million more than they wanted.¨ Luffy blinked, ¨Oh… Sorry.¨ How was they so calm about giving so much away? Sabo shook his head, thinking.

¨That means we have about ten and a half billion left.¨

Nami blinked. She must have heard wrong. ¨What?¨ Maybe he meant thousand, just said wrong in the moment. Luffy tilted his head. ¨I thought we had thirteen billion.¨ What?! Sabo shook his head, sending a small glare. ¨You bought a stuffed penguin for a billion! Then a squid!¨ Luffy laughed. ¨Oh, right. Shihihi, I forgot.¨ Yep, Nami was insane. Why would they have that kind of money and not pay down their debt? She looked at Luffy. ¨If you have money, ten billion as you claim, why haven't you paid down the debt?¨ There was no way he had that. Luffy tilted his head at her.

¨Because if I do, you'll leave, and I don't want that.¨

Nami blinked. What? Before she could speak, Luffy shook his head, smiling at her. ¨You say you'll stay until I pay my debt. But if I don't pay it, you won't leave!¨ Nami was stunned. They wanted her to stay? She couldn't react for a second, trying to grasp what Luffy just saud completely. They had over ten billion? She looked at Sabo again. ¨Billion? Not million?¨ Sabo nodded, ¨Billion.¨ Nami continued to look at the blond. ¨9 zeros?¨ Sabo nodded. Nami was floored, ¨How-! Where-! How did you get that kind of money?!¨ Luffy shrugged, ¨Our big brother got it.¨ Another brother?! ¨Who's this 'big brother'?¨ Luffy smiled like a fool. ¨Ace! He's a part of Banana Mustache's crew!¨ That made no sense. Sabo gave a sigh. ¨Banana mustache is Edward Newgate.¨ Then sent a glare at Luffy, who only laughed.

¨Woah woah woah!¨ Started Usopp. ¨Ace on Whitebeard's crew? As in Portgas D Ace?!¨ That was a familiar name, Nami had heard people speak about him, even reading a small bit. That Ace was strong and was able to take on captains, vice admirals and such alone. And he was their older brother?! Well, that did explain the money. That Ace had done a lot from what she had read, raided and killed many, and he probably shared it with his brothers. She swallowed and looked at Luffy. ¨Can I see the money?¨ Luffy tilted his head, ¨Why?¨ Nami tried to act causal. ¨Just to know it's there in case we need it.¨

Luffy tilted his head the other way. ¨Nami's good with money. You can use it, but don't take it to pay down my debt! Or Sabos debt!¨ Nami nodded, ¨I won't.¨ Luffy really didn't want to pay off the debt, almost seeming scared she might leave. Did they really want her here? Why else wouldn't he had paid it off. Or maybe Luffy was just crazy, that was logical too. Luffy gave a nod, and showed her to his and Sabos room, opening a closet.

And it was full of bags with belly. Nami stared in shock, before bringing hand up to her face, seeing all that money. She had struck gold! They would never have any issues with money.

She heard Luffy laugh, ¨Namis eyes are bellys again!¨ Nami shook her head, looking at Luffy, before hitting him, making him whine as she glared at him. ¨Why did you give one million too much! You can count!¨ Luffy gave a whine. ¨I thought we were 8!¨ How did that make sense, they were only 7! They had been so for a while. It was a miracle they had gotten away from Alabasta all in one piece, not losing anyone. That was still scary in Namis opinion, she was sure they were doomed. She sent a glare. ¨I'll forgive you for now. But count next time!¨ Luffy nodded, before he went out and whined to Sabo about her being mean, Sabo not caring much as usual, saying he did give the wrong amount.

But Sanji did? For some reason, he had been acting really weird since Alabasta. Like he was afraid that something might happen to Sabo or Luffy, seeming on edge around them.

But then again, this entire crew was insane.

-x-

Whitebeard looked around during breakfast, not seeing Ace there. He was usually always present during the meals, so this was not something that happened often. And to his knowledge, he didn't have any work today. It did seem like Marco had noticed too, as he had looked a few times around, also not liking that Ace weren't here. After some time, he had left, most likely to go and see if Ace was in his room or something. Breakfast wasn't done yet, and it was still early, Ace might be sleeping. But at the same time, he couldn't help the thought he wasn't. Ace didn't sleep much. But not many minutes later, Marco returned, having a small frown. When Marco sat back down, he sent a look at him, shaking his head.

Ace wasn't in his room. But if he wasn't there, where was he?

Ace wasn't the one to leave without telling, he always did. Even when he only left for real short assignments in the middle of the night, when no one would notice he was gone. He knew Ace had been here last night. He did maybe look a bit more secluded than normal, but he wasn't sure if it was something he imagined or not. But as he now was not to be found, the captain was sure he was more secluded, seeming to not speak as much and preoccupied himself in a book more often, looking more reclusive too. Ace hadn't been out during the night either, something he usually were. But again, this might just be the worry speaking, as this hadn't happened before. Ace might just be checking something out.

But when lunch came by, and no Ace was seen, he was starting to get worried. This wasn't like Ace. He might not know the kid too much, as he was hard to read, not the most open person, and he hadn't been a part of their family for long. But this wasn't a normal event, this had never happened during the months he had been here. But he wouldn't worry too much about it, not yet. There might be a reason why he was gone. Maybe he just forgot to tell them he needed to leave, it could happen. Like when he had gotten the letter about that leader of such, Ace had left without saying anything. For now, they would just wait, and if no sign of him was seen or heard before evening, he would do something.

When it was closing in on dinner, Claus came out on deck, heading towards his chair, holding a Den Den.

When the captain asked who it was, thinking and hoping it might have something to do with Ace, Claus said it was Shanks, and he wanted to speak in private. The captain didn't like it, and his first thought was that something was wrong. It was usually only when things were wrong or serious that the red haired captain wanted to speak in private. The captain gave a nod, taking the Den Den and heading to the meeting room, some of the commanders that was out, like Marco, Izou, Namur, Jozu, Rakuyo and Curiel, also coming with him, wanting to know what this was about.

When they got to the meeting room and sat down, the captain looked at the Den Den. ¨Shanks. Why are you calling?¨ The Den Den was quiet for a second, before speaking in a somber tone. ¨Is Ace around? I have a feeling he isn't.¨ The captain was sure Shanks knew something. Whitebeard shook his head, ¨He isn't around and we don't know where he is. Do you know?¨ Maybe Ace was with Shanks or doing something for Shanks. The Den Den shook its head. ¨I don't know where he is. But,¨ The Den Den gave a sigh.

¨Ace won't be around today. Maybe not tomorrow either.¨

The captain blinked, shocked that Ace wouldn't be around today and that Shanks knew. Ace hadn't said anything to them, he was just gone. ¨Why?¨ There had to be a reason Ace wouldn't be around. And since Shanks knew he wouldn't be around, he might know why. ¨It's because of today. I had a hope he might have told, but I guess he hasn't.¨ The captain gave a nod. Ace hadn't said anything, he just was nowhere to be found. ¨He hasn't said anything. What is today? If you know and can tell.¨ He hoped Shanks knew and could tell, so they knew why Ace weren't around, what was special about this day, and if they could help. The Den Den gave a small nod. ¨I don't know if Ace wants me to tell, but I think you should know.¨ The Den Den gave a sigh.

¨Today is the death anniversary to Azurukos. He died 4 years ago today. Ace doesn't handle this day too well.¨

Whitebeard gave a nod, understanding why Ace was gone. He knew that Aces mentor had been a person who Ace was really closed too, he was the person Ace trusted and leaned on. His death, even though it was 4 years ago, would be a tough day for him. This day probably reminded him a lot that he was gone, and he didn't want to be around others, most likely because it was a hard and emotional day for him and he didn't want them to see. He looked at the Den Den. ¨So Ace won't be around today and tomorrow?¨

The Den Den gave a sigh, ¨Maybe. He might come back today, or he might not come before tomorrow, or the day after that. Just, if he does come back, don't push him. Let him be for today and tomorrow. Be there if he wants it, but don't force him.¨ Whitebeard nodded. He understood that Ace might not want any comfort from them, no matter how much they wanted too. Ace was more comfortable around them, but Ace might still not show up today or tomorrow.

And the captain could understand that.

Ace weren't the one to open up, or show emotions or weakness, and therefore would use this day alone, to relieve his emotions alone. The captain didn't like it, that Ace would do this alone, to be in pain, although emotional pain, alone. But he hoped Ace might show up and come to them for comfort. But he could only hope.

-x-

Daisuke walked through the forest on Amegakure, heading for the cliff side. He had an umbrella, to keep himself from getting soaked in the heavy rain. He knew Moor always kept the rain at full today, just at seeing which day it was. When he got to the clearing, he headed up to the grave there, crouching next to it and the shape there, holding the umbrella a bit to the side.

When he was crouched, he brought his hand over Aces shoulder, bringing him in for a small hug.

Ace always did this every day of this year. Just sitting in front of Azurukos grave, hands around to his knees that was pressed to his chest, head placed down in his arms. This was a day he knew Ace would not be able to do anything, a day that the assassin was not going to do anything. This was a day where Ace just let his emotions show, just sitting out in the rain in front of the grave, face hiding in his arms as he cried. When he felt a tremble go through the body, he tightened his arm a bit, closing his eyes as he did his best to comfort Ace, all the same while letting himself mourn somewhat.

He did like this day himself, he and Azuruko had been working together for years, been friends for many years. His death was hard for many, he was someone who had been there for many, especially the regulars of them, but Azuruko had been Daisukes friend since the beginning. But his death was the hardest on Ace. Azuruko hadn't just been like a friend and mentor, he had been like a father to Ace, he had taken Ace in and cared for him, helped him through everything in the years he had had Ace. And Ace being Ace, tried to keep like nothing was wrong, the only day he let himself feel sad, was this day. And since Azurukos death had been so sudden, he never got the same connection to Ace, he could never help Ace like Azuruko could, Ace never let him. There had been a few times where he half had gone to him, but it wasn't the same way. And although he tried, he knew he never could.

But today was a day where Ace accepted it, a day where he accepted some comfort.

It wasn't much, but it was something. Today was a day where the age showed on Ace, the burdens he carried showed. And Daisuke tried to do all he could to help Ace. To let him know he weren't alone. That he didn't need to carry all the burdens alone. Ace never spoke, but he let himself feel the burdens and let some of the emotions go, and Daisuke could feel that by the soft trembling of the shape, and hearing the shaky breathing at times. And Daisuke tried to be there for Ace, for once be the strong one, but he still had the stray tear or sniffle himself. It was a tough day, and seeing Ace this distressed didn't help. But he could handle it, and he usually went to Moira and stayed with her.

Daisuke stayed out with Ace for a couple of hours, holding around him in a hug. When he thought of heading back to the base, he tightened the hand for a second, looking at Ace, who still had his head in between his hands. ¨Don't stay out too long, Ace.¨ As usual, he didn't respond. And with a last stroke of comfort on his shoulder, Daisuke stood up and left, leaving Ace to mourn. Ace needed that too, and even though he was soaked, he wouldn't let Moira let the rain up, but he wouldn't get sick thankfully. Things would go back to normal in a couple of days. This was the worst day, but Ace often needed a day to gather himself. Only letting himself have one day to be emotional and how weakness wasn't easy on him.

He hoped Ace would come to him, or to anyone actually. It wasn't good to go through this alone. And while many might say it was wrong of him to leave now, it wouldn't do any good to stay longer. But he did his best, and he always hoped it would make Ace open more up.

-x-

Marco sat in his room, doing some paperwork before his night shift. Ace still hadn't returned, and he didn't think he would return today. He hoped he would, but it didn't look like it. When Shanks had called and told why Ace weren't around, he understood it. Ace didn't like to show weakness, so instead of staying around them, maybe show some weakness, he went somewhere and stayed there. Not even Shanks seemed to know where this was, but it seemed like this was normal, that he did this this day. And he would come back and everything would go back to normal in a day or two. They had gotten closer to Ace, especially he and Pops, and Ace had opened more up, but this would maybe be too much for Ace. And that was fine, it would take the time it took.

As he was almost finished with the paperwork, there was a knock on his door, and he felt a sigh leave him. it was most likely Rakuyo coming to get him for his night shift, as they had it together and he might have gotten himself preoccupied with paperwork and was late as usual, either that, or the ones on watch left early, that happened. As he moved to the door to open it, to head out for his night shift, he noticed it was almost half an hour too early, he rarely was asked to come this early, the earliest that was normal was around 10-15 minutes. But something might have happened.

But when he opened the door, ready to head out. He wasn't met with Rakuyo, he was met with Ace.

Ace looked melancholy. His eyes were a bit red, his body language showing he was worn, no longer holding himself with the usual strength and power, just looking tired and worn. Marco didn't wait for Ace to move, he had come here. So Marco took the step forward, moving his hands to hold around Ace, bringing him into a hug. He felt glad when Ace leaned his head in his shoulder, giving a breath. Marco moved his head closer to Aces, moving a hand comfortingly on his back, using the other to close the door, before taking a few steps backwards into the room.

As he was thinking of moving to the bed and sit down, he felt Ace move a hand to his jacket, clutching on it, giving a shaky breath, Marco feeling a small tremble move through his body. Ace weren't crying, he felt no wetness or anything on his shoulder, but he was barely keeping it together, trying not to lose the last bit of strength he had. Not that Marco would think any less if he did, everyone had days that were hard. But as he felt the hand on his shirt tightening more, feeling another small tremble, he decided the floor was good enough, and slowly moved to sit down, Ace moving with him.

When they were sitting on the floor Marco still having his hands on Aces back, he moved on in a comforting motion, keeping the other still on his upper back as support. Ace had his head on his shoulder still, hand clutching at his shirt. There sometimes still happened that a tremble went through Aces body, or he gave a shaky breath, but that was it. He never gave more away, but this was still the most he had willingly given away. Marco slowly moved his head closer to Aces, closing his eyes, keeping himself calm for Ace, not going to talk or anything, just going to be here for Ace.

There was a time when he moved his head, looking at the door, sure he heard something. But there was nothing there, and he moved it back to Aces, closing his eyes. when and if Rakuyo came by, Marco hoped Ace wouldn't notice and that Marco could make the man leave with a look. He didn't care what the others wanted, he wasn't going to leave Ace tonight, he was going to stay here. He was a bit surprised when Rakuyo never came by, but guessed he knew something was up since he never showed, Marco usually always being on time. They was still a rule about checking, but he decided to not think about it for now.

He didn't speak at all during the time he sat on the floor and comforted Ace, Ace never letting more go than he was now. He was sure Ace was on the verge of not keeping it together, but managed to do it. When he felt Ace calming down some, managing to breath more calmly, he slowly headed to the bed with Ace, laying down with him. He kept a hand on Aces back, softly stroking Aces back. Ace was more composed it seemed like, but he was still clearly worn and on edge, and Marco wanted to do everything he could to make Ace more comfortable, give the comfort he could. He knew talking wouldn't help, but this was good enough for now, it seemed to work, and that made him glad.

-x-

Izou stood next to his father, bout to head in for the night, but just had a conversation with the man before he left. They needed some more clothes and such, and Pops had asked if he could sow the mark into them if he had the time and materials he needed. He could do it, but would like some help, and was speaking of who he could use. As the conversation was coming to an end, Rakuyo came up to them, looking at him. ¨Izou,¨ He started, getting his attention. ¨Can you take Marcos shift tonight?¨ Izou blinked. Marco never skipped his shifts, especially the night shift, he liked the night shift. ¨Why? Is something wrong with him?¨ Maybe he was tired or something, although that never happened, only on rare occasions. And even Pops looked a bit shocked by that, him being the one that knew Marco the best. Rakuyo shook his head.

¨No, but Ace is there. I am not going to bother them or make Marco leave.¨

Izou blinked. Ace was back? that was a relief, but based on how Rakuyo was, he didn't think Ace was in the best state. Before he could ask, Pops did instead. ¨Ace is there? Did Marco say anything?¨ Rakuyo shook his head. ¨I knocked, but got no answer, so I looked inside, thinking Marco was occupied with paperwork or asleep as he has been a few times. But when I looked inside, Marco sat on the floor with Ace, and I left at once. I don't think they noticed me, I hope they didn't.¨ Izou gave a nod, seeing Pops doing the same. It didn't sit well that they sat on the floor, the first thought was that Ace wasn't in the best emotional state. He was sure Ace didn't like this day. Pops looked at Rakuyo. ¨Did Ace seem fine?¨ Izou could see Pops was worried. Rakuyo made a small motion, not nodding or shaking his head, but something in between.

¨I don't know. But I think Ace was trembling. Marco was holding around him and comforting him it looked like.¨

Izou gave a nod. That was good, really good. Not that Ace was like that, it was never good when some of them was distressed, but that he went to Marco was good, and he was doing his best. Pops seemed to think the same, giving a nod. Izou looked at the seventh commander. ¨I can take Marcos shift tonight, it's fine for me.¨ Rakuyo gave a nod, ¨That's good, thank you Izou.¨ Izou gave a nod, and the seventh commander left, most likely going to prepare to start his shift as it was still a bit early.

When he was gone, Pops looked at him. ¨Thank you for taking Marcos shift, son.¨ Izou shook his head. ¨It's nothing, Pops.¨ He would gladly take the night shift tonight so Marco could be with Ace.

-x-

When Marco woke up, Ace was still laying next to him, back facing him. Marco could hear Ace moving his foot, just slowly moving it forward and backwards, he had noticed he did this at times. Not that he minded, but it did mean Ace was awake. Marco had a feeling Ace wouldn't do much today, and Shanks had said Ace might not even return before tomorrow, so it did happen Ace needed more than a day to gather himself. And that was fine, he was just glad Ace was here.

Marco slowly moved, moving more to lay on his side, moving a hand to drape over Aces waist, to tell he was awake and still here. He felt Ace make some movement, before he felt Ace move an arm to his, slowly moving his fingers along it. But he didn't do much more than that, not moving more. Marco had a feeling Ace would like to stay in the room for most of the day, not wanting to be around too many. It might happen Ace left again for some alone time, and Marco would understand if he did, but he would still like if Ace stayed, or if he could join Ace. It wasn't good to go through hard things alone, but he would understand if Ace wanted to be alone. It was hard to trust someone enough to share some things and show that kind of weakness.

After some time, Marco moved a bit forward and gave a small kiss to Aces shoulder. ¨Should I get some food, yoi? We can eat here.¨ It was normally not okay to eat outside of the galley, especially in their rooms. But he was sure Pops would understand, and it was closing in in the end for breakfast, so many was not left in the galley, and they should eat. it was never good to skip food, and he wasn't sure if Ace had eaten yesterday. He saw Ace giving a nod, and Marco nodded himself, not really wanting to leave when he thought about it. But he had said he would go get food, so he should. With a last look to Ace, Marco got up from the bed, heading out to the galley to fetch some food.

As he left the room and headed to the galley, he hoped Ace would still be there when he returned.

When he got to the galley, there wasn't many there thankfully, and Marco walked up to the table where the commanders usually sat. Pops was there, and he sent Marco a look. When Marco was up by the table, Pops looked at him. ¨How's Ace, son?¨ Marco blinked, not sure how he knew Ace was back. before he could ask, Pops gave a small smile. ¨Rakuyo came by yesterday, but left when he saw Ace. Izou took your shift.¨ Marco gave a nod, going to make sure he thanked Izou later. He looked at Pops. ¨Ace is okay, but won't be out today, yoi.¨ The captain gave a nod, sending an understanding look. ¨Are you eating in your room today?¨ Marco gave a nod, Pops usually knew wat he was up too. ¨Yes, yoi. I know it's usually not okay, but it's only for now.¨ The captain gave a nod, ¨It's okay, I get why.¨ Marco gave a nod, glad Pops understood it and let them do it for now. Marco grabbed some food, before heading back to his room.

When he got back, he was glad to see Ace still there, having moved so he was sitting up in bed.

Marco gave a small smile as he moved to sit in the bed too, placing the food between them. Ace still looked melancholy, not as bad as yesterday, but still looking down. They sat an ate mostly in silence, Marco talking a few times to not sit in complete silence. Ace didn't talk back at times, but gave a nod or shook his head, the times he answered or talked it was cut short. When they were finished with the food, they mostly sat in silence, Marco sometimes talking about random things he came up with. When it was a bit past noon, Ace gave a small sigh, sending a half look at him. ¨I'm going to leave for a bit again.¨ Marco gave a nod, moving a hand to Aces, giving it a squeeze. ¨You don't need to be alone in this, yoi.¨ Ace gave a small nod, ¨I know, I just…¨ Ace gave a small breath, shaking his head.

Marco shook his head, ¨It's okay. It's okay if you're not ready for this yet.¨ He knew the hardest thing to show others was pain and personal issues, he got Ace might not be ready to give them or him that trust yet. Marco gave a small squeeze with his hand again, ¨Just come back, yoi.¨ That was the most important thing for Marco right now, that Ace retuned to them. Ace gave a slow nod, not looking at him. Marco was okay with that, and slowly stroked his thumb on Aces hand as they sat in silence. After a small bit, Ace got up and left, Marco giving a small kiss on Aces cheek before he left.

When Ace was gone, Marco gave a sigh. Ace did trust them more, but he didn't trust them with his pains, and he knew that would take the longest. But it was fine, even he had used a long time to get to that point when he first joined. Although it was only some months, around 5 or so. Ace had been a part for almost 8 now. But it would take the time it needed to take.

After a minute, Marco brought the plates back to the galley, before staying out on deck. He decided that if he saw Dust, he would head and see if Ace was back, no use in staying in is room all day, Ace might not come before tomorrow. E would take that as it came. He managed to find Izou, thanking him for taking his shift last night, giving a promise to take him shopping one day. After that, he spent most of the day outside, doing is duties and making sure everything was fine. He didn't see any sign of Ace being back, checking when it was night, but Ace was still not back. He guessed Ace would be back tomorrow, most likely pretending this never happened.

And when the next day came and Marco walked into the galley, Ace was back. And as Marco had thought, he acted like yesterday never happened, acting like his usual self.

But it was fine. If Ace weren't ready to trust them with some things, they could manage. Especially as long as it wasn't anything dangerous. They couldn't force Ace to trust them, that wasn't ow trust worked. Ace needed to open up with time, and they just needed to be there and do what they could. Everything would turn out good in the end, Marco had a good feeling about that.

And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed

And I know this was a bit short, but I've decided to maybe have some chapters a bit short, but try to make a lot happen in them. This is so I don't try to make fill in as that can make the story boring, or I think it can be. What do you think about this? Are people okay with me make a few not too long chapters, or should I try to make them my usual length?

They might be a bit later than normal if I make them my usual length, also one of the reasons I think this might be a solution for now. Also because I just went out in project at school and it's taking up a lot of my time

Hope you enjoyed, and if you have the time, I would greatly appreciate some feedback on the chapter, to know what you thought of it. Know it was basically almost only hurt/comfort, but that is a part of everyday life

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

And please go check out Ace of Spades One Shots if you haven't already. Where I post different events and missing scenes from this story

Or check out my other works. I got a mental health series going and like feedback on those too