Hello everyone, here is the next chapter
There is going to be a bit of everything, even a bit of fluff, in this and a bit of build up for the future
Hope you enjoy
Read and relax
Ace held his gun ready, aiming at the target he was after, waiting for a perfect opening.
The target was a man that tried to become a Noble, tried to get the fame, money, and respect a Noble had, but had stepped on a lot of people when he tried to do this, killing and injuring many, and they had now called for Ace, for him to kill the man, and Ace would gladly do that. Ace had half been waiting for someone to tell him to kill the man before it got too far. If it had happened to get too far, the man doing too much, they would have taken him out anyways.
As the man got into position. Ace held his breath, the vapor from his breath stop, seeing as it was a winter island, a really cold one at that. Ace held the gun steady, a sniper one with a silencer, before he pulled the trigger. Ace kept looking through the scope after firing the bullet, to make sure it hit the target. After a second, the target being far away, the bullet hit, going straight through the man's head, him falling to the ground, the guards around him shocked before panicking, looking for the perpetrator, who they wouldn't find. Ace was too far away. As Ace was sure the bullet hit, he moved to stand up, going to pack the sniper away and head back to the boat to write the report.
But, before he could even take the barrel off of the sniper to pack it away, Ace heard a shot behind him, barely managing to move to the left, making so the bullet hit him in the shoulder and not the chest.
Ace kept the pained sound inside, his first thought was to use his powers to get away, but the bullet was a seastone one, and it was lodged into his shoulder. Ace needed to get it out as fast as he could. Ace quickly hid behind a crate, reading the sniper and looking the way the bullet had come, seeing a man there, looking for him to see if he made the shot or not. Ace quickly held his breath, taking the shot, glad to see it hitting the target in the chest, making him fall down, hopefully dead. But, as Ace moved to see if he could get the bullet out, yelling had him turn to look out a window, seeing a bunch of people, most likely guards to the man he just killed, on their way to Ace's location.
Ace gave a small swear, the sniper most likely having a Den Den and having alerted the others, and they were now heading towards him. Ace quickly broke the barrel to the gun, not going to let the others use it as it was a really good gun, and Ace could replace it. As the gun was useless, Ace moved and jumped through a window, sidling across a ledge there to a half-broken wall he could run across, and get away. After a few seconds, Ace getting half across the wall to another house, which would be a safe place as he could hide there and remove the bullet, Ace heard yelling behind him, before a gunshot.
As the gunshot was sounded, the half-broken rock he stood on on the wall broke lose, the bullet hitting it and causing it to shift.
Ace tried to make a jump to the left, to safety, but didn't make it, and fell down with the rock, too far away from the wall to grab onto it, and his powers drained from the bullet in his shoulder. As Ace fell, he managed to grab a small hook he had, and throwing it towards the wall, hoping it would manage to find something to grab onto, moving to wrap the rope around his wrist.
A second later, Ace felt all his breath leave him as he fell into ice cold water, the coldness numbing his body, almost sending him into a shock.
Ace held his breath, closed his eyes, and did his best in concentrating on the rope he held, moving his other hand and dragging on it, glad to feel it being secured in something, hoping it was on land. Ace was thanking his Azuruko in his mind, having taught him to be half-able to move in water, if he held on something. But, the cold and bullet in his shoulder didn't help at all. After way too long, Ace not sure how long as he tried his best to focus on the rope and nothing else, Ace's head resurfaced and took a few deep breath, trying to make as little sound as possible, before he dragged himself to land, which thankfully weren't far away.
When Ace got to land, he quickly dragged himself up on safe ground, faintly hearing voices that were getting further away, them most likely thinking he had drowned in the ice water, and now left to handle everything. Ace would still be careful, in case one or two were left to search, meaning Ace needed to hurry.
Ace's body was thankfully numb, making it easy for him to dig two fingers into his shoulder, dragging the bullet out. When the bullet was out, Ace quickly dropped it, fingers numb and shaking, Ace feeling his entire body being almost frozen. A second later, he felt his powers come back, and quickly disappeared, appearing back into his room. When Ace landed in his room, he looked at Dust and told him to get Trevor, the bird quickly flying out of the window. Ace couldn't feel his hands or feet anymore, seeing his fingers had a blue hue, seeing his lips blue in his mirror, frost on his hair and clothes. everything just frozen.
Ace really needed a warm shower.
-x-
Trevor was out on deck, talking to Blenheim about some random things as it was a calm day. It had been calm for most the last days, but a few still had stuff to do, like Ace and Daisuke, the two getting a lot of work the last few days. But, they would soon set their plan in motion, just waiting for the call.
As they were just relaxing, Dust suddenly landed on his shoulder, giving a caw at him and pecking at him.
Trevor gave an annoyed sound, waving the bird away. ¨Yes yes, I'm coming.¨ The bird always did this when Ace needed him, and Trevor had learned to not ignore it. The bird could be mean. Trevor gave a small apology to Blenheim, seeing as he left in the middle of the conversation, before he headed to Ace's room, Dust following him. When he got to Ace's room, he didn't knock as he walked in, knowing Ace expected him. When he saw Ace, he gave a whistle. ¨Well, look at you. Trying to chill?¨ He said with a small chuckle.
Ace was covered in a small layer of ice, his hair and clothes having frost and ice on it, clearly having been on a winter island and gotten close to something wet. Lips and fingers were blue, body half-shaking. Ace gave a tired look to him, not appreciating the joke. ¨Just help me get the clothes off. I can't feel my fingers.¨ Trevor gave a small chuckle. ¨Just your fingers? How about entire body, Frosty?¨ Ace gave an unimpressed look, which had him chuckle as he moved to help Ace. ¨So, Ice Stick, how did this happen?¨ Asked Trevor as he moved to get the shirt off.
Ace gave a small sigh. ¨Fell into water at Yanggu.¨ Trevor gave a hum. That was a really cold island, always laying on negative 22 fahrenheit. No wonder Ace was an Ice Stick. As Trevor started to lift the shirt, he was amazed to see the shirt frozen to his body. Trevor gave a small look as he looked at Ace. ¨You're probably too numb to feel this, Icicle, but this might hurt.¨ Ace gave a small frown, and before he could speak, Trevor dragged the shirt up and off, tearing it off of Ace. Ace gave a startled breath, half-mixed with a small pained one.
When it was off, Trevor saw Ace's entire upper body was a bit red, slightly bleeding at places where the shirt was frozen extra hard to his skin. Ace looked at Trevor. ¨Did you have to do that?¨ Trevor gave a chuckle. ¨Well, it was frozen to your body, Icy.¨ Trevor looked down at Ace's legs, seeing the pants being equally as bad, if not worse. ¨And, the pants are probably frozen too. Wanna take it off here or in the shower, Glacier?¨ Ace gave a nod. ¨Shower.¨ Trevor gave a nod. ¨And, you probably need help with the doorknobs. You fingers are probably icicles, Ace-berg.¨
Ace gave a tried look. ¨Trevor. I swear. One more pun, and I will end you.¨ Trevor gave a chuckle, having reached the limit. But, it was all in good fun, at least for him. Trevor then helped Ace to the showers, it thankfully being empty, and helped him pry the frosty clothes off, before making sure Ace was fine. Ace gaves a note that he would just stay in his room for the night, trying to warm up, which Trevor agreed on that he should do. When Trevor got back out on deck, The Captain asked him if everything was okay, seeing as he had been away for a small while.
Trevor gave a chuckle. ¨Bunny fell into some water at a winter island and became an Ice-Bunny.¨
The pirates looked shocked at that, before the captain looked at him in worry. ¨Is Ace okay?¨ Trevor gave a nod and a chuckle. ¨He's fine. Bunny's taking a shower now, to warm up, and will most likely stay in his room for the rest of the day to warm up.¨ Trevor gave a small chuckle again as he looked at the pirates. ¨You should have seen it. The shirt was frozen to his body! Amazing,¨ He said as he walked over to Mika, who only shook her head. The pirates did look a bit worried by that, but was calmed by his calm demeanour.
Ace would be fine. He was just a bit cold at the moment.
-x-
Whitebeard sat in the galley, eating breakfast, most of the family present as it was getting a bit late. There were a few missing, most of those being those who had nightshift. Ace was also missing, which was a bit of a concern; Ace was always present during the meals if he was at the ship. But, the captain wouldn't worry. Ace might be busy with something, or decided to relax. He had been doing a lot the last days, even having the accident yesterday.
After a few minutes, the door opened and Ace came in.
The captain didn't think much of it, but something seemed a bit off. He brushed it off as Ace being a bit tired. When Ace got to the table, he didn't sit down, but grabbed a plate and put a bit of food on it, before turning and walking away, making the captain blink. Before he could speak, Thatch did. ¨Hey Ace! Where are you going?¨ Ace didn't stop or turn as he answered. ¨Back to my room.¨ Whitebeard blinked at that. They didn't allow people to eat in their room without a reason, which had to be good. ¨But, you're not supposed to eat in your room. It's a rule.¨ Said Thatch, looking at Ace and him, knowing this was a rule and thinking the captain might speak up.
But, before he could, Ace spoke. ¨Don't care.¨ Then Ace got to the door and left.
Whitebeard was shocked at that. Ace had never acted like this before, never just outright said he didn't care and left. And, the captain knew Ace knew the rules about meals, being told as he was a commander. Before the captain could think more of it, maybe ask someone to check on Ace, Trevor, who was present, spoke up.
¨Bunny is sick. Let him be for now. He'll be good in a day or two.¨
Whitebeard looked at Trevor. ¨Sick?¨ He hadn't heard about Ace being anything close to sick before. Not even when they were close to a winter island or in the change to summer island, when most got sick or just got a bit under the weather. Trevor gave a nod. ¨Yeah. It's something that's rare. But, it will pass fast. It will last a max of 3 days, most likely only 2.¨ The fact Trevor acted as calm, not at all bothered by this, helped calm them down, knowing it wasn't anything bad. The captain was sure Ace's fruit helped Ace get better faster than a normal person. Had someone else fallen in ice water, one usually got pneumonia. Ace didn't look really sick, probably only the flu or something like that.
After a few seconds, Trevor turned to look at Marco. ¨You should probably use this chance. Bunny actually acts like the kid he is when sick. Likes to be around others when he's sick.¨ Marco gave a nod at that, taking that information in, before continuing to eat. Whitebeard was sure Marco would go to Ace's room when he was finished with eating.
No one did ask more about Ace being sick, letting it be. It was normal to get sick once in a while, even though it was rare when it came to Ace apparently, even Trevor saying so. After around 10 minutes, Marco stood up and left, most likely heading to Ace's room.
-x-
Marco knocked at Ace's door, using little force. If Ace was sick, one was usually tired and slept a lot. Marco didn't want to wake Ace up if he was asleep. After a couple of seconds, and not hearing anything, Marco carefully opened the door and went inside.
When Marco got inside the room, he saw Ace was lying in his bed, lying under the blankets, looking to be curled a bit together and asleep. Marco gave a small smile as he went inside the room, closing the door carefully behind him. As Marco headed to the bed, he saw the empty plate at the desk, and would take that later. Marco removed his shoes and such as he moved, so he could easily slip into the bed as he was close enough.
As Marco was lying down in the bed, Ace stirred a bit, eyes opening and looking up at him, before closing again. As Ace closed his eyes, Ace shifted a bit, moving closer to him.
Marco was a bit surprised by that. He had laid down close to Ace when he first laid down, so Ace moved closer, even so close he was actually lying close enough to touch him. But, Trevor had said Ace acted more like the twenty-year old he was, and might be a bit as when he was drunk, not minding closeness.
Marco moved his hand to be over Ace and stroking his back, Ace seeming to like it as he moved a bit, giving a breath. As Ace relaxed, seeming to fall asleep again, Marco closed his eyes and relaxed himself. Ace was lying close to him, head almost lying close enough to touch his arm. And, even though it was completely touching, Marco could still feel the heat from Ace. Marco knew Ace was usually cool, most likely from his powers, so this was a clear sign Ace had a fever, and Marco hoped it would pass fast as Trevor had said. Being sick was never good. Not that Marco remembers much from when he was sick, but knew from seeing others being sick.
Ace didn't move much or seemed to wake up, staying asleep, which he knew was good when one was sick. Marco enjoyed the fact Ace laid as close, Marco slowly stroking his back as he relaxed. After a few hours, maybe 4, there was a knock at the door, Marco turning around and giving a come in. He was sure it had to be serious for someone to come and bother them.
When the door opened, someone from sixth division was there, Evan, if he remembered. The man gave a nod to him. ¨I'm sorry to bother you, Commander Marco. But, Pops says he needs you, and possibly Commander Ace. There is an emergency meeting.¨ Marco gave a small frown, sitting up in the bed. ¨Did he say what about, yoi?¨ Evan shook his head. ¨Unfortunately, no.¨ Marco gave a nod, sitting more up. ¨Thank you, Evan.¨ The man gave a nod, understanding he had done his job, and left.
When the door was closed, Marco looked down at Ace, who had woken up from the noise and was using a hand to massage his face. Marco didn't want to have Ace at the meeting sick, but Evan had said Pops had asked Ace to possibly come too. ¨Ace, yoi. Do you feel up to join the meeting?¨ Ace gave a nod, sitting up. ¨I can. I don't feel that bad.¨ Marco gave a nod, glad by that.
They soon got out of bed, taking their shoes and such on, Marco noticing Ace taking his cape and holding it a bit around himself, as if cold, but not too much. Marco wanted to tell Ace to stay, that they didn't need him. But, Ace had said he felt okay enough for the meeting.
When they got to the meeting room, everyone was there already, even Trevor and Mika being there. The two had often been present in meetings that were about things off the boat, since they had a lot of information, sometimes about things Ace didn't know too much about. When they sat down, Pops quickly told why he had gathered everyone, telling that one of their islands in the Grand Line had a pirate ship, which was neither an enemy or friend to them, visit, and an enemy of them had attacked them and the island, burning the flag they had there, which was a declaration of war.
Marco got why this would be an emergency meeting, seeing as someone had declared war on them. But, at the same time, it could have been done accidentally. They had never heard about these pirates, the captain's name being Philip Roche, the crew called Grinning Rats pirates. When that was said, Trevor gave a hum, telling that they weren't known too much, seeing as they killed everyone they went up against, leaving no one to survive, often attacking in the night, as rats often did. They were also in great numbers, having more than one ship, each ship having a different flag and mark, but all having a grinning rat in it somewhere, the thing that gave it away.
That was information that didn't sit well, known that if they killed everyone they went up against, they might go for everyone on the island, which would mean they really declared war on them, and they would make sure they lost. One doesn't mess with their islands; they were protected for a reason. As the meeting went on, them trying to figure out what to do, Marco noticed Ace moving to have his cape more and more around himself, moving to half-curl up in his seat, looking to get worse. Ace also hadn't said anything, which was a bit concerning, seeing as Trevor was sending Ace looks.
Marco knew they would have a break in around 15 minutes, having been in here for almost an hour and half, and knew they were nowhere finished. They would need a small break, and they had already changed their position to head to the island.
But, after about 5 minutes, Ace shook his head and looked at Trevor, looking pale, sweaty, and generally sick. ¨Trevor, I feel like shit.¨
Marco felt concerned by that. Ace never admitted he felt anything but fine, so to hear him admit he felt that bad didn't sit well. The others also seemed concerned by this, looking at Ace in concern. Trevor lifted an eyebrow at Ace. ¨Well, you look like shit too.¨ Ace gave a tired face to Trevor, making the man give a small chuckle. ¨Yeah yeah, you're sick, I know. You can probably leave- the rest is easy planning. And, you can probably take Birdy Boy with you.¨
Marco let the name slide for now, knowing Trevor sometimes let it out to lift the mood. Marco did give a look to Pops, who nodded, letting both him and Ace leave. Pops did look at Ace after giving the nod to him. ¨You should go back to bed and rest, Ace.¨ Ace gave a nod at that, and looked at Trevor. ¨Trevor, carry me.¨ That had many of them blink, while Trevor moved his hands up and towards Marco in astonishment. ¨Me? Why me? The first commander is joining you! He should carry you!¨ Trevor sounded a bit baffled and humored by it. Ace just moved and gave a look to Trevor, looking tired, annoyed, and just sick. Trevor shook his head as he stood up. ¨Fine fine, Bunny. I get it. Noisy little brat.¨
Then, Trevor went up and just lifted Ace, throwing him over his shoulder. ¨And, I swear, if you move, I will drop you.¨ Ace just made a small sound at that, Trevor moving and walking out the door with Ace, Mika shaking her head, this seeming to be a normal thing. As they were gone, Marco on his way to stand up, Thatch spoke up. ¨Why did that look like something normal?!¨ Mika shrugged a bit. ¨'Cuz it is. They just work like this.¨ Thatch gave a nod. ¨Have they always been like this?¨ Marco was sure they had, as they seemed so close. Mika shook her head a bit. ¨No. Trevor didn't… like Ace in the beginning.¨ That had many look at the assassin, wondering. But, Mika shook her head, not going to tell more. Marco might ask Ace about it later, or Trevor.
Marco gave a last look to Pops, who gave a nod, before he left too, wanting to be with Ace.
When Marco was entering the commanders hallway, he met Trevor, who gave a look to him. ¨Don't take it badly that Bunny didn't want you to carry him; it's just more normal for him it's me.¨ Marco gave a nod. ¨I understood that, and it's fine, yoi.¨ The man gave a nod, before Trevor left, heading back to the meeting room, Marco heading into Ace's room.
When Marco got into Ace's room, Ace was already under the covers and curled up, looking to be cold. Marco carefully moved over and slipped into the bed, Ace instantly moving to lay closer to him, Marco moving to have his arms around Ace, knowing Ace might be seeking both comfort and heat, and Marco would gladly provide both.
Marco carefully moved one hand stroking on his back, Ace seeming to fall asleep fast, breath a bit heavy, cheeks tinted, most likely from the fever Ace had. Marco was maybe thinking of getting some antipyretic, but wasn't sure how or if it would work on Ace. Ace obviously healed fast, and Marco knew drugs like that didn't work on him, so it might not work on Ace. And, Ace would have maybe asked for it, or hinted he might have wanted it. That, or Trevor would have told him to get it for Ace.
After a few minutes, Marco felt Ace moving closer to him in his arms, Marco moving them a bit to let Ace lay against him, Ace giving a breath at that, seeming happy. Marco had never laid this close to Ace before, not even when Ace was drunk. It was almost in a small clingy way, especially when Ace moved a hand to hold onto his shirt. Marco did his best to comfort Ace, Ace seeming to like it, relaxing more. Ace felt really warm, a bit clammy too, but it wasn't too bad. Marco relaxed as he held Ace, stroking his hand on his back, keeping it between his shoulderblades, knowing Ace liked that. After a few minutes, he noticed Dust coming in and lying down in a pillow above Ace, relaxing.
After a few hours, Marco feeling himself starting to half-fall asleep, he woke up as Ace quickly sat up, moving to lean over him, leaning on his arms, throwing up at the side of the bed.
Marco sat up, moving from underneath Ace's body as he was leaning over him. When Marco was in a sitting position, Marco moved a hand to stroke Ace's back as Ace heaved, choking a bit at times, which had Marco stroke harder, especially when Ace gave a half-sob between two heaves. It lasted for almost two minutes, which was really long. When Ace seemed to be finished, he took a few deep breaths, giving a small half-sob again.
Marco moved his hand to Ace's upper back, close to his neck, massaging, knowing that helped when one had thrown up. ¨It's okay, yoi.¨ Ace seemed really stiff, even shaking a small bit. When Ace gave a small nod, moving a bit back to lie down, breathing hard, Marco noticed Ace had a bit of tears going down his cheeks, which had Marco moving a hand to Ace's face, wiping them a bit away. ¨It's fine. Just relax.¨ Marco knew throwing up was really uncomfortable, and Ace seemed to react badly to it. Ace gave a small nod, still trying to catch his breath as he breathed hard, swallowing at times, most likely saliva that piled up.
After Ace seemed to calm a bit down, relaxing where he lay, Marco having his hand on Ace's arm and stroking it, seeing as Ace laid on his side, Marco looked at Dust, who was up and looking at Ace in worry. ¨Could you go and get Trevor, yoi?¨ The raven gave a nod, before flying up and out a window. Marco didn't want to go far from Ace, and didn't want to stay in this room as the puke smelled. Marco was going to move them to his room, asking Trevor if he could maybe clean this up.
As Dust was going to get Trevor, Marco moved to sit more up, looking down at the floor for a safe place to stand, seeing the bottom of the bed was best, and moved there, taking Ace with him, the assassin not seeming to mind, not having much energy left. As Marco was about to stand up and lift Ace, the door opened and Trevor was there.
Trevor looked a to be in a mixture of perplexed and worried, a hand moving to move through his hair. ¨Oh boy. Bunny threw up?¨ Marco gave a nod, moving to stand up and bringing Ace up in his arms. ¨Yes, yoi. Is it bad?¨ He felt as it was something here, seeing the reaction to Trevor. Trevor shook his head a bit. ¨Not in a bad way, sort of. Bunny is just not good with it. He hates it, and is even a bit scared to do it.¨ Marco gave a nod, looking at Ace with a small frown. That was probably why he seemed so bothered by it. He wouldn't ask Trevor why Ace was that, not wanting the man to reveal it in case Ace didn't want that.
Marco looked at Trevor when he was up. ¨Could you clean it up, yoi? If it's not too much.¨ Trevor gave a small sigh as he nodded. ¨Yeah, I can handle it. You go to your room and I'll fix this.¨ Marco gave a nod. ¨Thank you, Trevor.¨ The man gave a nod. ¨It's nothing. I've done it before.¨ Marco gave a nod, not too surprised by that, and walked past Trevor and to his room. When he got to his room, he placed Ace in his bed, grabbing a cloth and a glass of water, putting some water on the cloth and quickly wiping Ace's mouth a bit, offering a bit water for Ace to clean his mouth, and spit in the cloth, before Marco also moved to lay down in the bed, Ace instantly moving to lay closer to him.
Marco moved to hold around Ace again, trying to find a comfortable position for both him and Ace. Ace seemed to want to lay close, wanting to be as much under the covers too. Marco tried to find a position where he could also hold around Ace, wanting to use this opportunity to be close and comfort Ace, as Ace didn't mind it now.
It took a few minutes, but Marco soon found a comfortable position, having a smile as he had his hands on Ace's back, one stroking Ace's back as Ace relaxed and soon fell asleep.
-x-
Whitebeard sat out in his chair, dinner just finished. He hadn't seen Marco or Ace the last two meals, but guessed Ace didn't want to eat as he was sick and Marco probably didn't want to leave. Ace would hopefully get better fast.
The captain was relaxing out on deck, trying to figure out how they would do it when they reached their destination, when they got to their island. If there had been much damage done to their island or anyone who lived on the island was dead, they would go to an immediate attack on the pirates there, the Grinning Rats. One didn't mess with their territories without consequences. It would take them 8 days to reach the destination, Whitebeard hoping it would go fast.
After a few minutes, Trevor came walking across the deck, looking tired. Mika gave a look to Trevor. ¨Where have you been the last few hours?¨ Trevor gave a small tired look. ¨I have been cleaning puke for over an hour, because someone thought shoes next to the bed is a good idea.¨ Mika looked a bit stunned at that. ¨Ace threw up?¨ Trevor gave a nod. ¨Yup. And, it would have been fine if it was just the floor. But no! Of course there had to be shoes there!¨ Trevor moved his hands as he spoke, sounding a bit exasperated, moving to go through the door to the room Trevor had, which had become his private room, same with Mika who had the one next to it.
As Trevor was gone, Mika shook her head a bit, not seeming too worried, which was a bit of comfort for the captain. He knew Ace was sick, but not this sick. But, he had seemed to get more and more sick during the meeting. And, it might sound like Ace had gotten worse in the last hours. The captain guessed Marco had moved them to Marco's room, letting Trevor clean the mess up and so Marco and Ace could relax in peace.
After a few minutes, Whitebeard decided to go and check if everything was fine with Ace and Marco, wanting to see how Ace was.
Whitebeard knew Marco would tell someone if something happened, or Ace got really sick. But, to know that Ace had gotten more sick during the day, and getting sick so fast, had his worry grow. He just wanted to check and see for himself if things were fine, which he hoped was true. When he did get to the commanders hallway, he gave a small knock at Ace's door and checked there, just to see if they might be there. But, as he suspected, there was no one there. The captain then moved to Marco's door, giving a small knock, trying to not knock too hard, in case Ace, or both, was asleep, and waited for a few seconds for an answer. When he got none, he carefully opened the door and looked inside. What he saw had him smile.
On the bed laid Marco on his back, Ace on top of him, tucked in the blanket, head lying on Marco's chest, fast asleep, a bit of a tint on his cheeks, most likely from a fever.
Marco had his hands around Ace and on his back, one hand moving a bit up and down, stroking Ace's back on top of the covers. Marco had a smile on his face, seeming content with the fact Ace looked as comfortable in the position they were in, looking to be half asleep.
Whitebeard gave a smile, glad to see things were fine and the two being comfortable, and he slowly closed the door, leaving the two to relax together.
-x-
Marco felt himself waking up, realizing he had fallen asleep, feeling movement on top of him from Ace.
When Marco opened his eyes, he saw Ace was shifting a bit, giving a yawn and having a hand moving over his face. Marco gave a small smile, moving his hand on Ace's back. ¨Hey, how are you feeling, yoi.¨ Ace gave a small nod. ¨Better.¨ Marco gave a nod, moving his hand on Ace's back. ¨That's good.¨ Ace gave a nod, before moving to lay beside Marco, but still close. Marco moved to sit a bit up, moving a hand to have on Ace's back, stroking it, the other moving to a book, not feeling tired as he had just slept. Ace laid close to him, only a few inches away, a hand on his shirt, relaxing and seeming to fall back asleep after a small bit.
It was quiet for a bit, Ace seeming to be asleep for half an hour before he stirred, shifting and just relaxing for a while. After another half-hour of Ace being awake, Ace spoke up. ¨Marco?¨ Marco gave a hum, which had Ace continue. ¨Could you go and get some food?¨ Marco gave a nod, putting his book down. ¨Of course, yoi.¨ Marco moved out of the bed and moved to the galley, going to grab a bit of food, for both of them.
It was starting to get a bit late, supper going to be in an hour or so. Not that it didn't mean Marco couldn't go and get food now, as they could go and do that at any time, but most ate during the meals. It was a bit of good it wasn't a meal now, making it easier to go and grab some food. When Marco got to the galley, he headed into the kitchen to grab something that was there, seeing a few chefs, including Thatch. As Marco came through the door, Thatch turned to look who it was and dried his hands on an apron when he saw it was him.
¨Ah, Marco. Are you here to get food for you and Ace?¨ Marco gave a nod. ¨Yes, yoi.¨ Marco was about to ask if they had any dinner left maybe, when Thatch spoke first. ¨I have something that would be easy on the stomach, which would fit as Ace threw up earlier.¨ Said the chef as he moved to a fridge.
Marco blinked, not knowing anyone knew, but soon got an idea on how. ¨Trevor told?¨ Thatch gave a nod, grabbing a plate and putting some food on it. ¨Yeah. Complained about it since Ace apparently threw up on his shoes, and Trevor was stuck cleaning them for an hour.¨ Marco gave a nod, not knowing Ace had done that. It was nice of Trevor to actually clean the shoes, and would be sure to thank Trevor again later. When Thatch stood up, he handed him a plate with different kinds of bland food, which Marco had heard was good when one was nauseous. Marco took it and thanked Thatch, before moving back to his room, Ace moving to sit up when he came through the door.
They sat and ate and had a bit of small conversation. Ace did look better, but still had a small tint on his cheeks, the fever still there, and looked tired. When it was finished and Marco moved the plate away, Ace moved and laid down again. When Marco moved back to his half-sitting position, Ace moved close to him again, a hand going to hold onto his shirt again. Marco moved his hand to Ace's head, going to try something out, and moved his hand to Ace's forehead, making flames come from his palm, knowing his flames had a cooling effect, and calming effect at times.
It seemed to work as Ace gave a breath, body relaxing and moving into the hand. Marco moving his thumb in a stroking manner, hoping Ace could fall asleep again. Sleep was the best thing one could do when one was sick.
After ten minutes, it seemed like Ace had fallen asleep again, lying relaxed, the hand not holding onto his short anymore and breathing calmly. As Ace seemed to be asleep, Marco moved his hand to be on the top of Ace's head, continuing to move his thumb and stroke Ace's head, hoping it might help keep him asleep. Ace had been asleep almost the entire day, which was a bit amazing seeing as it was Ace. But, Marco was sure it was due to the fact Ace was sick. One often slept a lot when sick, and Ace most likely used his powers to get healthy faster.
Ace didn't wake up during the next few hours, only half-stirring and shifting a bit, before falling back asleep. When the clock was nearing midnight, Ace still not having woken up, Marco moved to put his book back on his desk, before moving to lay down himself, carefully moving to have an arm over Ace. Ace didn't wake, but half-stirred again, before settling. Marco just laid and relaxed for a bit, using the hand to stroke Ace's back, before he fell asleep himself.
When Marco woke up, it looked to be morning and Ace was gone, Marco being alone in the bed.
Marco sat up and gave a yawn, seeing the clock was a bit past 6 in the morning. Marco sat up and was on his way to stand up, when the door opened, Ace coming through, looking to having taken a shower. When Ace saw he was awake, Ace gave a smile. ¨You're awake.¨ Marco gave a nod. ¨Yes, yoi. How are you feeling?¨ Ace gave a nod. ¨I'm feeling fine.¨ Marco nodded, watching as Ace moved and took his cape on, which was draped over his chair. Ace did look fine, not looking to be sick, tired, or anything anymore. Ace had looked really sick most of yesterday, so he didn't expect Ace to be fine. But, Trevor had said Ace would be good in a day or so.
When Ace had the cape on, he looked at him. ¨Want to head to breakfast?¨ Marco gave a nod, standing up. ¨Yeah. Breakfast sounds nice.¨ When Marco was up and took on his shoes and such, Ace looked at him. ¨By the way, have you seen my shoes? I can't find them.¨ Marco looked at Ace. ¨When you threw up yesterday, you apparently threw up on them too, yoi. Thatch said Trevor took and cleaned them, and complained about it. He probably knows where they are.¨ Ace gave a nod. ¨I'll ask him where he placed them when I see him, and thank him. I'll just use the spare ones for now.¨ Marco gave a nod, having finished putting his things on. When he was ready to leave, Ace looked at him.
¨And, thank you for yesterday. You didn't need to stay the entire day.¨ Marco gave a small chuckle, shaking his head. ¨It was nothing, yoi. I wanted to.¨ Ace gave a smile. ¨Still, thank you.¨ Said Ace, leaning in to give a quick kiss on the cheek, before they moved to the galley for breakfast.
It was calm during breakfast, everyone looking happy that Ace was fine again, no longer sick and looking to be okay.
Ace did get better and better during the day, seeming to get more energy and becoming more and more himself. When it was closing on on night, they got a call from the island in the Grand Line that had the issues with the Grinning Rats, and was told that they had left after taking care of the other crew, and apologizing for accidentally burning the flag, which had been an accident. Pops did accept it, which was good, and they headed towards the New World again.
When they were close to the Sabaody Archipelago, Ace got an assignment, and was away during the entire time there, Trevor and Mika joining Ace. They did return half a day before they got to Fishman Island, and everyone was just out and relaxing for now, the assassins having been inside and relaxing for a bit earlier.
It would be good to get to the New World again.
-x-
Whitebeard sat out in his chair, looking at the island they were closing in on. They would reach Fishman Island in just a few hours, meaning it would happen after lunch or during lunch. The captain knew they would have a lighter lunch, seeing as many would go and eat at the island, and they would also restock some things and buy food, even some snacks as they had the money to spend. Almost everyone was out on deck, watching as they closed in on the island in the distance, also enjoying the sight around them since it was light and they could see fish, corals, and much more.
Two and a half hours later, they docked at the island. When they did, the captain noticed a few specific people out at the dock, seeming to wait for them.
They recognized two of them to be Evie and Jacob, yet there were 5 men beside them in red suits and bowler hats, looking unsure. Ace and Trevor each gave a snort and chuckle, seeing the man there, having a big smile.
When they did dock and moved to go off the boat, Ace and Trevor walking at the front and the rest behind them, Jacob walked closer to the boat, clapping his hands. ¨I give you,¨ Jacob moved to the side and showed off the unsure men behind him. ¨THE ROOKS!¨ Jacob grabbed a guy and held him with a hand, using the other to pinch his cheek. ¨Aren't they just fabulous?!¨ The man Jacob held was shocked and seemed to be unsure, being displayed like this. Trevor gave a snort. ¨Why red?¨ Jacob opened the jacket the man had, touching the fabric. ¨Because it's velvet.¨ Trevor lifted an eyebrow. ¨Fine. Why velvet?¨ Jacob winked at Trevor. ¨Why not?¨
Jacob moved up to Trevor and Ace, moving to have an arm around their shoulders. ¨Now, my Rooks, these are my friends. Be nice to them. If not,¨ Jacob brought a knife out. ¨I'll kill you.¨ The guys, the Rooks, looked shocked at that. Ace removed Jacob's arm, Trevor sending Jacob a look. ¨Threatening them?¨ Jacob waved a hand at Trevor. ¨Nah. It's all in good fun. Right, Rooks?¨ The Rooks nodded slowly, still looking shocked. The man Jacob had grabbed looked at Ace and Trevor in uncertainty. ¨Sir, why are they your friends? Aren't they… you know, assassins?¨ Whitebeard blinked. They didn't know?
Trevor gave a choked laugh, before he burst out laughing, looking at Jacob. ¨You haven't told them?!¨ He managed to say between his laughing. Jacob used a hand to massage his neck. ¨I haven't gotten there yet...¨ Trevor continued to laugh, holding around his stomach. ¨You haven't told them! Are you crazy?!¨ Jacob gave a small laugh. ¨I will when the time's right.¨ Trevor laughed more, finding this really funny. Ace shook his head, sending a look at Jacob with an eyebrow lifted. ¨And, now might be a good time. They deserve to know.¨ Jacob hung his head, nodding. ¨Yes, Ace.¨ The man Jacob had grabbed had a frown. ¨Tell what?¨
Jacob gave a nervous laugh. ¨I may, or may not, be an assassin too.¨ Jacob held his hands out, as one did when one came with a surprise. ¨Tada.¨
Trevor looked at Jacob, still laughing. ¨May not?! What's 'may not'?! It's not 'may not'!¨ Jacob just gave a nervous laugh at that. The man, the rook, gave a shocked look. ¨What about the girl?¨ Jacob gave a shocked sound, moving to hold around Evie, as if protecting her. ¨It's Evie! Not 'girl'. And, she may be one too, and she's your superior!¨ Evie used a hand to punch Jacob in the gut, making him let go with an 'umph', and Evie walked past Ace and Trevor. ¨I have nothing to with this. I'll be with Mika.¨ The woman said as she walked on the boat and towards Mika, who stood at the railing. Evie didn't seem too happy with this.
Jacob soon stood up straight again, a hand still on his gut, looking at the Rooks that looked shocked. ¨Now, my Rooks. This doesn't change anything, I'm still the same leader, who just happens to be an assassin. No hurt feelings… Right?¨ The Rooks didn't answer, looking at each other.
Ace shook his head, walking past Jacob. ¨Have fun with this. I'm going to go see Hanzo.¨ Jacob perked up at that, looking at Ace and following. ¨What?! Hanzo's here?! I wanna see that guy! Hanzo!¨ Jacob stopped when Ace turned around. ¨No. You are going to go and speak to your Rooks.¨ Jacob hung his head. ¨Yes, Ace. Can I see Hanzo later?¨ Ace gave a sigh. ¨Maybe.¨ It looked and sounded like Jacob was being scolded by a parent. Jacob gave a nod and turned around to his Rooks, trying to look happy as they walked off to speak, maybe with the rest as the captain was sure this wasn't everyone, Ace making sure they left.
When they were gone, Ace looked at Trevor. ¨You want to see Hanzo?¨ Trevor gave a shrug. ¨Why not. Haven't seen the man in a while.¨ Then, the two walked off, heading towards a tavern or something.
The captain couldn't help a chuckle, seeing the funny display that just happened between the assassins and Rooks. Whitebeard did hope the Rooks wouldn't be too unhappy with Jacob. He was so fond of them.
Whitebeard soon walked after Ace and Trevor, many others also joining him, heading into the tavern. The boat was being guarded by Speed Jiru, Blenheim, and Atmos for now, and their divisions, and they would change later.
They would enjoy a day here.
And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed
I know it was a bit short, but I didn't have much more to add that wouldn't be too long and I know it have been so long since the last update
For those who read it, Black Heart and Dark Flame will be postponed by a week
And, a quick question. This will not happen now, or not at all if you don't want it. But, I kind of regret killing off Azuruko, and I have many scenes where he would fit, and wanted to ask this: How would you feel if I brought him back? I won't just do it on a whim, there will be a thorough explanation on how it's done and able to happen. Please tell me what you think about this
And, if you have the time, I greatly appreciate feedback
If you like this story, go check out Ace of Spades One Shots, which contains one shots and different scenes from this story
And, over at Archive of our own (AO3) There is a person called ScandinaviantTrash that have made this story into a podic. Please go check it out. It is amazing