Hello everyone, here is the next chapter

And before you read. Yes, this chapter is really short. The world hates me at times and makes life hard. But I guessed a short chapter is better than nothing, at least that's what I think right now. Next will be longer

This is mostly plot based, not having time for much else (sorry), and things are moving along

Hope you enjoy

Read and relax

Ace laid in bed and tried to relax, hoping he might fall asleep again. He had already slept for about an hour, but he had hoped for at least one more, but it didn't seem like he would get that. He did feel a bit tired still, but he couldn't get tired enough to fall asleep, or relaxed enough. It wasn't unusual for this to happen, but he always hated it, especially when he wanted to sleep. With a small sigh, Ace turned around, making so he was facing Marco.

The other male was asleep, as one usually was during the night. Ace had gotten used to sleeping in the same bed as Marco, and he found it nice. He still wasn't at a point where he felt comfortable laying too close, about a foot or so away was close enough for him. He was glad Marco didn't mind it, letting him get used to everything in his own pace. The last days had been a proof of that too, Marco just being there for him through the hard day of the anniversary of Azurukos death.

Ace had just left in the morning without telling anyone, knowing he wouldn't be able to tell anyone with a straight face why he was not going to be around, hoping they would understand. When he had returned in the evening, not wanting to be alone for a moment, and didn't want to go to Daisuke, knowing he also had issues on the day, he took a leap of trust and went to Marco. He was a bit surprised when Marco didn't ask about anything, just holding around him, which was what he wanted at the moment. Even though he had gone to the other male for comfort and to not be alone, he still kept some of his mask on, not wanting to completely give himself away, not trusting Marco on that level yet. Ace had a hope he might get there one day, but not yet, and everyone seemed to get this, letting him use the time he needed.

Ace had a feeling someone had told the pirates why he wasn't around that day, or the next day, Marco even seeming to know when Ace mentioned he would leave again. His first thought was that it was Shanks, him being the most plausible. He wasn't too mad he had done it, he knew why and Shanks knew he most likely wouldn't tell he was going away for a day or so, and told so the pirates wouldn't worry. It was fine by Ace, Shanks meant good, and he was sure he didn't say much. He was just glad everyone was as understanding, no one bringing up the fact he was gone for two days.

With a small breath, Ace closed his eyes, trying to relax and hoping he could fall back asleep again, he should get another hour at least. He would try for half an hour, and if he couldn't, he would get up, not liking to lay in bed awake for long.

¨Ace?¨ Ace opened his eyes, hearing Marco speak in a small whisper. When he opened them, he saw the first commander was awake, looking at him. How had he known he was awake? Ace had tried to fall back asleep for some minutes. The man gave a small smile, ¨Your foot, you're moving it, yoi.¨ With a small sheepish look, Ace realized Marco was right, Ace was moving his foot. He did it out of habit, and stopped it as he thought about it, thinking he had woken the first commander. Marco shook his head, ¨It's fine, I don't mind it.¨ Ace gave a nod, slowly starting to do it again.

Marco gave a small breath, making some small movement. ¨Why do you do it, yoi? Just habit?¨ Ace sent a look at Marco, giving a nod. ¨Habit, and it's calming. Comforting in some way.¨ Marco nodded, not asking more about it. Ace didn't know why it was as calming and comforting as it were, but it was and he had been doing it for years. He thought it might have something to do with the fact it kept him in the moment, keeping him form dreaming before he was fully asleep. After a minute, Marco spoke up again. ¨Can't sleep, yoi?¨ Ace thought for a second, debating if he should tell or not. He couldn't sleep, that was true. But he didn't like to admit it, to admit he couldn't do something as easy as sleeping. But he knew Marco had his own sleeping issues, as well as he did trust him, and he should try to trust him more.

Without looking at the man, Ace shook his head. He still didn't like to admit things like this.

He could see Marco giving a nod at the edge of his vision. ¨It's fine, yoi. Sleep is overrated anyway.¨ Ace couldn't help a small chuckle, Marco doing the same. Ace usually thought that when he couldn't sleep and gave up, and he had a feeling Marco did the same when he couldn't sleep. It was good Marco was as understanding, not making him speak about it, something Ace didn't want to do. Not yet at least, maybe later when he got more used to everything and trusted them more.

A minute later, Marco slowly moved a hand to his back, moving it up until it was on his head, slowly threading through his hair.

Ace couldn't help but give a small breath. He always enjoyed when people did that, it always made him relax. When he looked at Marco, Ace saw he had closed his eyes, looking to be relaxing. Ace slowly moved a hand to Marcos, to know it was him as he closed his eyes too. He did trust Marco more, but he still liked a reminder who it was and where he was, and contact gave him that reminder. Marco didn't stop moving his hand, and Ace tried to relax again, feeling the hand alternating between threading through his hair and massaging his head. It felt good and it made him able to relax some more, and Ace hoped he would fall back asleep again. It took time, almost twenty minutes, but Ace slowly fell back asleep.

When Ace was asleep, Marco gave a small smile, continuing to move his hand, glad to see Ace falling asleep again.

-x-

Ace gave a small sigh, reading an article about Nico Robin being seen with the Strawhats, and Ace was sure she had joined Luffy and Sabos crew. Ace knew she could be bad news. He knew she had had a troubled a past, seeming to go after information the most. The reason she was wanted was because she had been with those who studied the Poneglyphs and the Void Century, even being able to read what the Poneglyphs said. She had learned this at a young age, being called a demon child and hunted. Ace knew she didn't need to be on the ship to be able to get around, and he hoped she might not do anything to Luffy or Sabo. Luffy was probably glad to get a new crewmember, but Sabo was more cautious, he was sure Sabo would have reacted if she was bad news.

But he would still keep an eye on her. He knew the navigator they got, Nami, had sort of half betrayed them, belonging to Arlong. But Luffy being Luffy, had fought for her, every one of the crew joining in, freeing her and the island from the mad fishmen. They were strong, and he was glad to see them being able to handle themselves. He had just found about Alabasta and Crocodile, Luffy managing to beat him alone. Which he didn't like. He shouldn't be fighting alone like that, Crocodile was strong. But it had gone fine, so he was glad about that. they had apparently also run into Smoker again, but things had gone fine, no one getting too injured. He had wanted to drop by, but decided to wait a bit more, letting them settle more and get more used to being alone. He had met them at Alabasta, which made him decided to wait a bit longer before dropping by.

He wanted to make sure his brothers didn't get used to him being close by, although if they needed it and was in trouble, he would go and help them. He knew the world wasn't a kind place, they might run into something too big for them to handle. He would always be there for them.

He looked to his side when he heard a chuckle, looking at Marco who had an amused look. ¨Luffy and Sabo doing stuff you don't agree with, yoi?¨ Ace gave a small chuckle himself as he nodded. ¨Apparently Nico Robin joined them now, as well as they took on a marine captain and Crocodile on Alabasta.¨ Marco looked small shocked for a second, before giving a chuckle as he shook his head. ¨That's what siblings do, yoi. They make you worry.¨ Ace gave a nod, closing the newspaper. ¨I know, Luffy always done stupid things. But I had a hope they wouldn't get into too much trouble.¨ Marco gave a laugh, and Ace couldn't help but give one himself. It was Luffy after all. He was just glad they were having fun and Sabo would watch out for him, being a sort of reasoning to keep Luffy away from the worst stuff.

-x-

Thatch gave a small snicker as he snuck towards the first commander's room, planning to do a prank involving in placing eggs in his bed. He had done it before, but it was always funny, especially when he came out with the eggs, making so Thatch could ask if he was the mother to the eggs. It did always make the first commander mad, but he took it with some amusement after calming down. He usually hid behind Pops until Marco had calmed down. Then take the punishment Marco came up with, and the chef hoped it wouldn't be scrubbing the deck, which was the worst punishment. But it was still worth it. When he was at the door, he slowly opened it to sneak inside. He knew Marco had had the night shift for 2 nights in a row, so he would sleep and not wake easily, meaning he could sneak inside.

But as soon as he saw the bed, he froze in shock, before quickly turning around and out the room again, leaning against the wall.

There was no way! He must have seen wrong. He wasn't supposed to even be here yet! With his mind still in shock, he made a quick peak inside the half cracked door, before going to Izous room, shocking the crossdresser as he barged in. ¨Did you know about this?!¨ Izou looked at him in question. ¨Know what?¨ Thatch grabbed Izous arm, almost dragging him out of the room and too Marcos door. ¨T-This!¨ It was a whisper yell, not wanting to yell out loud in case he woke up the two in bed. Izou gave a normal and not at all shocked look as he slowly closed the door.

When the door was closed, Izou sent him a look, lifting an eyebrow. ¨Did you think I didn't know?¨ Thatch was at a loss for words. ¨B-but-, no-, what?¨ People knew Marco and Ace were a thing? Why didn't anyone tell him?! People should know this. It was Marco! He never had any interests. He didn't know about Ace, but this was big! Before he could go out and tell others, needing to share this amazing thing he was sure people didn't know about, Izou grabbed his arm and dragged him into his room, closing the door and sending a glare. ¨And you are not to tell anyone.¨ Thatch looked at Izou stunned. ¨What! Why? This is- is amazing! We need to tell! We need to celebrate!¨ Before he could leave, Izou placed his hands on the sides of his head, staring at him. ¨No, Thatch, no. We won't.¨ Thatch saw the serious look, understanding there was more here than him going overboard. There was a reason behind Izou stopping him. ¨Why not?¨

Izou let go of him, seeing he was listening. ¨They're still settling, especially Ace. I know you mean well, but you making a deal of this, might make things worse.¨ Thatch blinked. ¨What?¨ He knew they might use a bit of time to get used to things, but they were surely past that. ¨How long have they been a thing?¨ Izou gave a small sigh, ¨Since New year, but I don't think Ace is used to have people around him like this. He's still settling to being a part of a crew, a family, and he's having issues with that. It's probably harder to adapt being with someone in a relationship for him… If they are in one. No one's really sure, and we don't want to bring it up, knowing how it can turn out.¨

Thatch looked at Izou, giving a slow nod. He had seen how Ace had issues adapting to them, to being around them normally, even more so the few times he had a small injury, like the leg a few months ago. What Izou said made sense, being with someone took a lot of trust, and Ace did have issues with that, he knew that much, he just forgot about it in his excitement. He didn't want to mess things up for them. ¨I get it. I won't bring it up.¨ Izou gave a nod, giving a proud smile as he gave him a kiss. ¨Good. You can celebrate it later, when they are more used to everything.¨ Thatch gave a nod, he would do that. He wouldn't bring it up to them or anyone, let them be. At last try too. Thatch weren't the best at keeping himself silent. But he would try his best.

When Izou let go of him and seemed to be on his way to head out, Thatch grabbed around the skinny waist, lifting him to hang on his shoulder. ¨What are you doing, Thatch?¨ Thatch gave a small chuckle, heading to the bed. ¨Easy, taking you too bed. I suddenly got time since I don't need to hide from Marco.¨ Before Izou could say anything, Thatch carefully threw him onto the bed, moving to lay over him.

Izou gave him a look, folding his arms. ¨So you prioritize Marco over me?¨ Thatch gave a small groan, ¨Come on, babe. I didn't mean it like that!¨ Izou gave a chuckle. ¨I know, but I like watching you squirm.¨ Thatch looked at Izou, seeing him looking smug. ¨You little minx!¨ Izou chuckled again, ¨But only for you.¨ He said before taking his hands around his neck and bringing him down for a kiss, which he gladly returned.

Izou was his little minx, and he wouldn't have it any other way.

-x-

Sabo gave a sigh, seeing Luffy making Sanji make food for the hundredth time today. He didn't know why, but Sanji had acted weird the last weeks, as if scared of something, and this something was connected to him and Luffy. He had no idea why, but it was a bit amusing too. The chef fidgeted a lot and when Luffy got an injury, which he got all the time, Sanji got a small look of horror as he almost dragged him to Chopper. Even when it was just a small scrape. Luffy being Luffy, didn't mind it at all, enjoying the attention.

Sabo looked to his left when he heard a chuckle, seeing Robin there, having an amused smile.

Sabo was still a bit on edge around the woman. She had been on the enemies side before. She hadn't outright tried to kill them, but still. Robin seemed to not want to do anything bad to them, not for now at least, and it was good to have someone who was a bit more… smart to speak too, adult like. Sabo liked that. The others weren't the same in the sense Sabo could have some world based conversations without it trialing off to swords, food, medical lecture or random lies, it was nice in his opinion. Robin turned and looked at him. ¨Seems like Cook-san is still acting scared. Wouldn't you say so too, Captain-san?¨ Sabo gave a nod. ¨You don't need to call me captain, not san either. And you're right, Sanji is still acting weird.¨ Robin gave a chuckle, ¨I think titles are there to be used, and you are the captain, as well as Luffy-san.¨ She sent him a look,

¨And don't you think his behavior might have anything to do with your brother? What should I call him? Commander-san or Assassin-san?¨

Sabo blinked. How did she know? Robin gave a chuckle again, turning to look at Luffy eating something Sanji gave him. ¨You and Luffy-san have a protection, not just any, but the great one. And how your brother suddenly was so known, got around at a young age, as well as rumors and dying words, it wasn't hard to figure out. I think Cook-san found out about the protection.¨ Sabo gave a small chuckle. Robin was smart, and she had been around a lot too, she's seen a lot and read a lot. Sabo wouldn't be too surprised if she had been affiliated with some assassins at one point. She probably knew how the protection worked, and had heard the rumors. And she was smart, she had probably managed to connect the dots. She might not know which assassin Ace was, but that he was an assassin.

Sabo gave a small chuckle. ¨I think just Ace is best, or maybe commander if you must.¨ He knew she wouldn't go anywhere with this information, or use it against them. It was spoken in a humorous way, as well that if she was going to use it against them, she would have told someone already, not joined them. Robin gave a chuckle, ¨Commander-san it is then.¨

When Luffy said he got a splinter from running barefoot on the deck, Sanji looked like he would have a heart attack, and both Sabo and Robin chuckled. It was funny to watch the chef squirm.

-x-

Ace walked around on deck, having a night off from his work and had the night shift. When he didn't have work and had a feeling he wouldn't get some for a while during the night, he sometimes took up on the night shift, to do his duties. If something came up and he needed to leave, there would be a step in, but it hadn't happened yet. The times Ace had a feeling he wouldn't get any work for a night, he was usually right. And things had been a bit calm lately, which was good. And he liked to be doing something during the nights, he couldn't sleep anyway, so it was something he liked. And they were in the New World, there happened that some tried to attack them, some even sneaking on the ship during the night, which had happened now and then the last week, annoying most. This was one of the reasons commanders was now more on the night shift, having 3 out at all times. They didn't keep the ones they caught, some got killed off, while others were just left to run away.

As he was doing a round, he noticed a shape crawling over the railing, hiding in the shadows.

Ace gave a small sigh. They apparently weren't finished with sneaking and trying to infiltrate them and kill them or something. From what he had gathered from the ones they had caught and the fact everyone had the same kind of mark, he guessed they sent one and one, to see if there was a chance to get onboard without being noticed. With a look to the person sneaking on board, Ace held his hand out and made a small motion, sending some of his shadow his way, trapping him easily. They weren't strong or to smart, just trying to find an easy way to get known, and they thought taking out the strongest crew in the world would be easy.

As he was trapped in an illusion, standing still with blank eyes, Ace walked up and looked at him, seeing he looked scruff, not too old and had a makeshift gun by his side. With small caution, he took the gun and saw it was a silenced gun with seastone bullets. Probably coming to try a sneak murder, to sow he was capable. He took the gun and placed it in his belt, it was a half decent one, so he might as well keep it, maybe give it to Sabo. With a look to the man, he moved his hand in a motion and made a small smoke cloud around him.

And with a snap of his fingers, he was gone in a small burst of smoke and dust, blowing away in the wind to never be seen again.

He would be killed anyway, and this was way easier too, saving a lot of trouble and work. No one would miss him anyway, he was just a person thinking he could do a sneak attack, and if he weren't smart enough not to get caught or find a better way than sneaking over the railing, he got what he had coming anyway in Aces opinion. With a small hum, Ace continued his round, hoping he wouldn't have anyone else thinking they were smart enough to sneak on board.

But what he didn't notice was a pair of shocked blue eyes watching from behind a corner in small horror. And with a small swallow, the first commander retreated, too shocked to do anything else right now.

What was that?

And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed

Needed to have a small cliffhanger of such, need to be a bit mean too. The pirates are figuring more and more out. Wonder how they will react to this and what Marco will do with what he just saw

And for the length of the chapters, as I mentioned I might keep them shorter as I said in the last chapter. And I have made a decision on this. The length will be based on how much I get to write and how much other work I have. If I have a lot of work, like now, the chapters will be a bit shorter, but only have plot based stuff. When I have more time off and time to write more, I will put in fillers to make the chapters longer and more flowing.

For now, this is the best solution for me, as I sometimes have the time to write a lot, and sometimes not. And it keeps me a bit from stressing from making a length. Know some might not like this, but as I am now in the middle of exams, school and work, this is the easiest to not overwork myself and still keep updating at the moment

That being said, the next chapter will be longer, I promise. There will be much more happening

Hope you enjoyed, and if you have the time, I would greatly appreciate some feedback on the chapter or 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

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