Hello everyone, here is the next chapter

I am glad people are liking this story, and I know things have been a bit sad, but things will get better for Ace now

Hope you enjoy

Read and relax


After Marco had cleaned the wound on his arm and put on some bandages, Ace felt his headache getting better, which had Marco feeling relieved. As Ace felt better, he soon fell asleep, feeling tired from the last few days- the fact he had had a headache for almost 2 days now, it felt good to not be in pain for a moment, Ace glad Marco sat beside him until he fell asleep.

When Ace woke up, he was alone in the room. And, when Ace stood up from the bed, noticing he felt even better, he noticed a box by his bed and a note on it.

When Ace read the note, he saw it was from Marco. 'Had time to drop by your house and grab a few things. Tell me if you miss anything important' Ace gave a smile as he put it away and opened the box, immediately recognizing his own clothes and everything. Ace went over to the closet and used an empty shelf to place his clothes, placing a few on the bed since he wanted a shower and have his own clothes on. When he had taken everything out, he looked in the box, taking a bit of other things out, such as small memorabilia and stuff, but gave a frown when it was empty.

His picture of him, Sabo, and Luffy wasn't there. Ace really wanted to have that, even if he would only stay here for 3 or so more weeks.

Ace looked at the note Marco had written, seeing Marco had said to just tell him if he needed anything else from his home, and Ace wanted his picture. He would dare to ask Marco to go and get it, wanting to have it.

Ace carefully walked to his door, opening it and hoping Marco was close by, maybe in the office that was close. Marco had been there before as it was his office. When Ace got there and knocked, but got no answer, he gave another knock, without much luck, and decided to head back to his room and wait for Marco to return; he would hopefully return soon. As Ace turned around to head back to his room, he noticed Thatch there, which had Ace nervous, not wanting to meet anyone right now. Ace decided to just not say anything and head to his room, not going to do anything if he could.

But, as Ace was about to walk, the man spoke up. ¨Hey, what are you doing? Looking for something?¨ Ace didn't want to speak, but didn't want to be rude either. ¨I-, nothing. I was just…¨ Ace decided to take a small chance, the man didn't look mad, and Ace would just head to his room and stay there. ¨Um, have you seen Marco?¨ The man gave a mall frown, which had Ace more uncomfortable, wanting to leave. ¨There was an emergency he needed to handle. Why? Do you need anything?¨ That made sense; Ace was sure Marco wouldn't leave unless it was an emergency.

Ace quickly shook his head. ¨N-no. It's nothing. I'll just wait for him to return.¨ Ace was just about to leave again, hoping he could, managing to take a step, when the man spoke again. ¨Wait. I'm sorry for earlier; I didn't mean for you to be injured. I really want to make it up for you, if I can do anything.¨ Ace didn't want to bother the man, but didn't want him to feel guilty either. ¨Umm… I-, there is this picture at home and I want it….¨ Ace shook his head, he was being stupid; it was just a picture, he shouldn't bother the man with it. ¨It's nothing. Just forget about it. And, I forgive you from before; it's fine.¨

With that, Ace left, leaving before the man could speak again, heading back to his room and grabbing the clothes, heading to shower. It would be good to get his own clothes on, also changing the bandages on his arm, the wound looking much better.

Ace hoped Marco would return soon.

-x-

Thatch blinked after the kid, on his way to yell after him and say he could go and get the picture, but also saw the kid looking really uncomfortable, so he let it go.

How could the kid just forgive him like this? Thatch had really messed up, he didn't deserve to be forgiven like that, neither did he deserve the protection the kid gave him for Marco. Thatch would be sure to tell Marco what he had done later; Thatch deserved to be punished for it. After thinking for a few seconds, he decided he should go and get Ace's picture-it was just a picture; how hard could it be to find? But, he didn't know where Ace lived, so he decided to go to Curiel and ask, the man hopefully knowing since he knew things like this; he had access to certain files.

When he got to Curiel and asked, the man asked why he wanted to know, Thatch explaining why. When he had, Curiel gave a nod. ¨I can see what I find, but I want to join. I feel as if I should, and I also need to speak to Ace and ask him something.¨ Thatch gave a nod to that, not going to pry on it. As Curiel went to check, he thankfully found what he looked for and they were off.

When they got to Ace's house, they were stunned to see the size; I was huge. Did Ace really live here alone? How did he even afford it?

They carefully went inside the house, looking for a picture that stood out, knowing it had to be a special one if Ace really wanted it. As they looked around, they were saddened to see the house being really empty. There were no pictures or anything on the walls, no stuff lying around; just big an empty. The house looked really lonely, it didn't seem to have any memories or anything in it. Was Ace really this lonely? Did he really have no friends? The place did look untouched, seeing blood stains on the carpet, most likely where Ace had died. That had been 4 days ago. Had no one checked? Ace should have someone caring about him, right?

Thatch decided to not think to hard about that for now, feeling himself growing more sad at that, feeling even more horrible for what he had done to Ace; he was just a lonely kid.

After searching for almost an hour, Curiel yelled for him from a room, Thatch going and finding the man standing in a bedroom, a picture in had, Curiel turning to him when he got in. ¨I think I found it.¨ Said the man as he handed the picture to him. Thatch took and looked at it, blinking at the happy image he saw. It was a picture of a smiling and really happy Ace, a blond kid on his left, looking equally as happy, and a dark haired one at his left, looking really happy too. They looked really happy, looking to have been friends for a long time. Why was Ace so lonely if he had friends that made him look this happy? And, it wasn't an old picture.

Thatch looked up at Curiel. ¨There is nothing else here?¨ If not, this had to be the picture Ace wanted. There was no other picture in the house. Curiel shook his head. ¨Nothing. Has to be that one.¨ Thatch gave a nod. They still did a small look around again, to be sure. But, when they found nothing, they headed back to Hell and to Marco's room, knocking at the door. When they got the ¨Come in,¨ which sounded unsure, they opened the door and immediately saw Ace looking uncomfortable.

They had messed up so bad Ace got uncomfortable by just seeing them. They would really try and fix this somehow, this hopefully being a step in the right direction.

Thatch took a step in and looked at Ace, doing his best to look kind and give a smile. ¨Hey, Curiel and I decided to go and get you this.¨ He sad as he held the picture out, Ace carefully taking it. When Ace took it and looked at it, the kid smiling a bit as he looked at it. ¨Thank you.¨ Thatch felt a smile come to his face, so glad to see something looking like a smile on Ace's face. He really wanted to ask who it was, but was sure Ace didn't trust him or want to talk to him, which was his fault; he would try and fix that.

Thatch decided to bring something up and looked at Ace. ¨Hey Ace. Why didn't you tell Marco I told you to go to Cerberus? You shouldn't protect me.¨ Ace shook his head a small bit, a hand moving over the picture, looking longing at it as he spoke. ¨Because he is your brother, you shouldn't make him mad, because one day, he or you might be gone, and both will have regrets. You should care about each other.¨ That had Thatch clench his teeth, seeing Curiel doing the same, understanding who the picture was of.

It was a picture of Ace and his brother or brothers, and he had lost them.

That was why Ace was alone now. The sentence and revelation made them feel even worse. Ace didn't want to make Marco mad at them in case something happened, so they wouldn't think bad or have any regrets to the other. Ace was trying to have them happy, even if it cost him his happiness. Ace was really innocent and trying to make people around him happy.

As Thatch was on his way to apologize and give his respect, the door opened and Marco came in, the man giving a frown at them, clearly not happy they were there.

Before any of them could speak, Ace did. ¨Marco, you're back.¨ Marco looked at Ace and gave a smile. ¨Yes, yoi.¨ Before he looked at them. ¨Why are you here?¨ As Thatch was on his way to answer, Ace did. ¨They got me something I wanted from home, a picture.¨ Marco gave a look to them at that. ¨That's nice of them, yoi. And, if they have nothing more to do, they can now leave.¨ Thatch gave a nod, on his way to leave and say a goodbye, when Curiel spoke up, looking at Ace. ¨By the way; how does your head feel?¨ Ace gave a small smile. ¨Good, thank you.¨ Had Ace had a headache? Curiel nodded. ¨ Marco if it comes back. Goodbye, Ace.¨ Ace gave a nod and a goodbye, Thatch giving a goodbye himself, and they left.

When they were in the hallway, Thatch looked at Curiel. Both had learned new things about Ace, that he had one or two brothers that he had lost, and he was protecting them in case something happened, not wanting Marco to be mad at them or them disappointing Marco. They decided that when Marco spoke to them, which he knew the man would; he had said so himself, they would come clean.

They didn't want to have secrets and they would apologize greatly, even going to tell why Ace had hid it, going to tell Marco to not tell Ace they had told, to not make the kid more worried about them. Thatch would rather have a mad Marco for a bit, knowing he deserved it, than have a secret like this and possibly hurt him more if he found out later.

Ace was just an innocent kid that had lost the most precious thing one could have; family. They would do their best to make him feel comfortable and welcomed here; he deserved it.

-x-

Marco gave a look to Ace as he sat down on the bed. ¨Does your head really feel better, yoi?¨ Ace gave a nod to him and a smile. ¨Yeah; it really does.¨ Marco gave a nod; that was really good. Based on the fact Ace looked okay, he was sure the two hadn't done anything, Marco would still make sure to speak to them later. Right now, he didn't feel comfortable with having them around Ace alone.

Marco looked at the picture Ace held, seeing it was a picture of him and two others, them looking really happy, the picture looking recent too. Maybe a year or so old. Marco had seen this before in Ace's room, but never asked about it. It must mean a lot to Ace. ¨Who is it?¨ Ace gave a sad smile, looking at the picture and moving a hand over it. ¨It's… It's my brothers.¨ Marco gave a small frown. Ace had said he didn't have any family. ¨Your brothers, yoi? Where are they now?¨ Ace gave a sad smile, a thumb stroking the picture. ¨They… aren't around anymore.¨

Marco gave a small frown, before he understood it and ghave a somber look. ¨I'm sorry, yoi.¨ They must have died; that might be the reason why Ace was so lonely before.

Ace shook his head a bit. ¨It's okay, they are happy now, I hope.¨ Marco gave a nod, deciding to ask a bit more. ¨How did it happen, yoi? You don't need to tell.¨ Marco needed to make sure Ace knew he could chose to not tell. Marco knew family was a sore topic for Ace, and this might be why. Ace gave a small nod. ¨I- it happened a bit over a year ago, a fire in the apartment next door. They burned inside. I was out. I wish I weren't. Or that I could trade places. I got really lonely after that.¨

Marco gave a nod, moving a hand to Ace's back, stroking a bit, hearing Ace give a sniff and a tear falling at the picture. Ace gave another small sniff as he continued.

¨I'm really glad you came when I summoned you, and that you accepted. I was so lonely; If you didn't, I was going to end it all. I had nothing to live for.¨

Marco felt something cold settle in him. Ace had been planning to kill himself if Marco hadn't accepted? If it hadn't worked? He didn't know Ace was depressed or suicidal, but he clearly had been, maybe even was depressed still. The fact everyone had been mean to him could have turned really bad.

Marco moved his hand to Ace's hand, clutching it. ¨Ace, yoi," Started Marco, making Ace look at him with red eyes and a stray tear mark on his cheek. ¨I'm really glad you summoned me, that you are here. And, I promise you, I will never leave as long as I am alive, I promise.¨ Ace gave a nod, another tear making its way down his cheek. ¨Thank you, Marco.¨ Marco shook his head. ¨No, yoi. This is nothing to thank me for; this is what friends do.¨ Ace gave a teary smile, wiping at his eyes when a few more tears made its way down, Marco clutching Ace's hand. Marco was glad Ace shared this, so he knew Ace a bit more.

Marco would do his best to make Ace be happy and never think thoughts like that again, never doubt he was liked.

Marco was now even more glad he had accepted the request Ace had. Ace was his friend, and nothing would change that.

-x-

Marco gave a small sigh, just finishing a meeting. Marco had had a lot of meetings the last few days, which happened now and then, especially seeing as a pack of demons had messed a few things up at level 1 and 2 in Hell, placing a lot of people wrong after their death, which caused them a lot of issues, and most landed on him. It wasn't too hard of work, but it was tedious and would take time to fix, especially as they needed to figure out exactly how it happened and ensure it didn't happen again.

Marco had been busy most of the day, only having the meals off, and he spent those with Ace in their room, understanding Ace didn't want to eat out of the room, which Marco understood. Ace wasn't comfortable around the others, which Marco knew was because of the High Lords behaviour. Marco knew Pops had said a few words to them, but would leave most to him. Marco had also spoken a bit with Pops, about what Ace was like and what might be the reason for that, the man understanding that. The hardest thing to lose was family. When Marco got back into the house, changing back to his human form, he saw the clock wasn't too late, being only 8.

The meeting had ended a bit early today, and Marco decided to use the time he had now to go and speak to Thatch.

When Marco got to the High Lord's room, he knocked at the man's door, Thatch opening after a few seconds, face clearly showing he knew why Marco was here. Marco didn't even have to say anything to have Thatch let him in the room, looking to be preparing himself for the conversation they would have. When both were seated in a set of chairs, Marco on his way to speak, Thatch spoke first, hands out to halt him. ¨Before you say anything, I have something I need to say. And, please, don't tell Ace.¨

Marco gave a frown. If Thatch was on his way to come with excuses, Marco would be even more mad.

Thatch seemed to get this, as he shook his head. ¨I'm not going to make excuses, I promise. I have something I need to tell, which I should have done earlier, but you've been busy, and I know Ace doesn't want me to tell.¨ Marco gave a nod, going to hear what Thatch had to say. ¨Okay, yoi. What is it?¨ Thatch gave a nod, taking a breath and seeming to try to figure out how to start.

¨Okay. I know I've done wrong, I just kind of jumped to conclusion, which is no excuse. Curiel told me Ace got close to Cerberus, and it was me who sent him there. I didn't think he would actually go...¨

Marco blinked, taking that information in. Thatch had sent Ace to Cerberus? That was the reason Ace was close to the beast? That was not what Ace had said, and why did Thatch say Ace didn't want Thatch to tell him this? ¨What, yoi? You sent him there? And, why wouldn't Ace want you to tell? Why would he hide this?¨ This was all baffling to Marco, and if it was true, Marco not sure why Thatch would lie about this, he should ask Ace about it. Thatch nodded before he continued.

¨When- When I found out Ace hadn't told you why he went to the beast, I asked him why he didn't when I gave him the picture. Ace… said he didn't want to tell since you are my brother, and didn't want us to fall out in case something happened and would make both have regrets.¨

Marco closed his eyes when Thatch finished, moving his hands to massage his face. Ace had lied to protect Thatch, so Marco wouldn't be too mad, in case something happened to either one of them. Why did Ace have to be so kind-hearted? Why did he sacrifice himself to make others happy? Ace should value himself more than this. Marco got why Ace did it, but he shouldn't have hid it. ¨I was going to tell you,¨ Continued Thatch. ¨I had decided that before I knew why Ace hid it. I feel really awful for it, even worse since he actually got injured. Please don't tell Ace I told; he really doesn't want you to know.¨

Marco gave a nod, looking back up at Thatch. ¨I won't tell Ace, yoi. But, what in the world would make you send Ace to Cerberus?¨ Thatch gave a nod, looking really guilty as he spoke. ¨He asked if he could help with anything, and I really thought he had done something to you, and decided to just sent him away, and mentioned he could take Cerberus inside his house… I didn't expect him to actually go and do it when he saw the dog. I really didn't mean for him to get injured. I feel even worse since he didn't do anything. I will take any punishment you'll give. Just please don't hate me.¨

Marco shook his head a bit. ¨I won't hate you, yoi. You are my brother, and you just made a really bad mistake. It doesn't make me any less mad, but I'm not going to hate you or hold this against you.¨ Thatch gave a breath at that. ¨That's all I ask for; to not make this ruin everything. I know I messed up, messed up bad, and I will take responsibility for what I did and try and fix it, and whatever punishment you think is necessary.¨

Marco gave a nod, glad Thatch really knew he had messed up. Marco was also glad Thatch had come clean about the Cerberus thing, Marco knowing he would never have known if he didn't tell. It showed Thatch was willing to take responsibility for his actions. Marco told Thatch that if he ever thought anything like this again, to speak to him, or to speak to Pops- the king usually knew what was happening around- telling that he had really messed, which the man seemed to know himself, apologizing as Marco spoke, making Marco keep it a bit short, glad Thatch understood it.

After Marco had told that, he told Thatch that he would be the one to handle the rest of the mess with level 1 and 2, meaning a lot of meetings and paperwork, which he knew the man didn't like too much, but needed more practice in. It would serve as a good punishment, and make Marco have more time off, but would keep an eye on it and maybe still join a few meetings, but leave most to Thatch.

Thatch accepted that punishment, and when that was finished, Marco looked at Thatch. ¨I'm glad you realized you did wrong, yoi. Not making this harder. But, please try to mend it with Ace if he's willing. Ace isn't good with people, and he feels really uncomfortable since he is sure you don't like him.¨ Thatch gave a nod. ¨I know when I've done wrong, and I really feel bad for it. And, I will try to fix this, without making it worse, or push Ace or anything. I've noticed he is uncomfortable and not too sure around people. He kind of told who the picture was of, and I connected the pieces with that. I am sure you know of it. One shouldn't lose family that young.¨

Marco gave a nod. He guessed that made Thatch feel even more guilty. Thatch really valued the family, loving every second of it. That was probably also one of the reasons Thatch was now scared he had messed up really bad, and that Marco would be beyond mad. Thatch saw that one could lose family quick and go from looking as happy as Ace did in the picture to the one he was now, not used to people and locking himself away, filled with guilt and sorrow.

Marco gave a smile to Thatch. ¨I am still mad; I'm not going to lie about that, yoi. But, you are still my brother, and that won't change because you made a mistake, albeit a big one, but it won't change that. I still love you as my brother.¨

Thatch gave a breath again at that, looking relieved. Marco knew Thatch was an emotional person, and usually reacted to things like this. When Marco stood up to leave, they shared a quick hug, which Thatch just went for, apologizing again. When they parted, Thatch gave a small look to him. ¨Could you try and talk to Curiel next? He has something to tell too.¨ Marco gave a nod, giving a sigh, sure there was something more there too. They wished each other good evening for now, and Marco left, glad it had gone as easy as it had. But, he was now a bit worried what he would find out from Curiel, and would take that tomorrow.

When Marco got back to his room, the clock was closing in on 10, Marco seeing Ace already asleep in the bed.

Marco went to the bathroom and prepared himself for bed, before he went and laid down in the bed. Marco only had one bed, which was a large king-sized bed, meaning there was still a lot of space between them. Ace also didn't mind it, staying on the side he slept on, having almost 3 feet of space between them. Marco was sure Ace didn't want to have a private room now, especially after everything that had happened. But, Ace might get that later, when, and if, he got comfortable here. There was still the chance, which was big at the moment, that Ace would leave when the bond had settled.

Marco really hoped Ace would stay, but wouldn't force Ace to stay if he wanted to leave then.

-x-

Ace blinked as he woke up, hearing something sounding like knocking. When he sat up in the bed, he noticed Marco wasn't in the room, most likely having gone to do his job. When Ace heard the knocking sound again, he looked at the door, unsure if he should go and open or not. Marco had said basically no one would bother him, not anyone aside from Marco or the king, or if there was an emergency. Ace got up and quickly took on the clothes that laid on a chair, before walking to the door, taking a breath before he opened it.

When Ace opened the door, he saw a gremlin was there, who gave a bow to him. ¨Master Portgas, The King would like to see you.¨

Ace gave a small nod, not liking that the king wanted to see him, thinking he had done anything wrong, but couldn't say no. ¨O-okay. Where is he?¨ The gremlin gave a nod. ¨I will show you the way, Master Portgas.¨ Ace gave a nod, and started to follow the gremlin when it started to walk. Ace wasn't too comfortable with the fact he was called Master Portgas, but didn't want to bring it up. When they got to a door the gremlin stopped at, the gremlin giving a bow before moving on, Ace understood they were here, and prepared himself for this. After a few seconds, Ace gave a knock, hearing a ¨come in," and Ace opened the door.

When he opened the door, Ace saw the man, the king, sitting by a table and looking at some papers or something, looking up and him and giving a smile when he took a step inside. ¨Ace. How are you? I hope I didn't wake up. I thought we might could spend a bit of time together if you would like to.¨ Ace blinked, before he nodded. ¨I'm good. And, I would like that.¨ Ace liked the man. He hadn't seen or spoken much with the man, but he seemed like a good man, and it would be something to do other than walking around or just staying in the room.

The man gave a smile, looking glad by that, and invited him to sit, asking if he might want to do a card game, which Ace agreed on, even if he didn't know many card games. He had only known Idiot, go fish, and other easy-ones that Luffy liked. The man who said to call him Whitebeard, seemed to be patient and taught him some games, Ace liking one, that seemed like a solitaire of a kind, but with two players.

As they were playing, Ace starting to understand it more, Whitebeard spoke up. ¨Ace, I need to ask. Why didn't you tell Marco what was happening? The others acted way out of their way.¨ Ace gave a small fidget. ¨Um. I didn't want to cause any trouble.¨ That was his reason, not wanting to cause any trouble or stir with Marco and his family. Whitebeard shook his head. ¨You wouldn't have caused any trouble in telling. We want you to be happy here too, as you need to be here for a bit. Don't be afraid to tell if anything makes you unhappy or uncomfortable.¨ Ace gave a nod. He would try and do that to do that, as long as it wouldn't make things worse. Ace didn't want to be in the center of attention.

The man seemed okay with that, giving a nod, and they continued to play, speaking about small things, Ace really enjoying himself. As they were continuing, Whitebeard gave a small sigh. ¨I know this isn't something that's concerning me, but Marco told me you lost your brothers. He didn't tell how, but that you did.¨ Ace gave a nod, tightening his jaw. He didn't like to speak or hear about this, but didn't want to cut the man off as he continued. ¨I checked a bit around, and I wanted to tell you they aren't here, hoping it might bring you some peace.¨ Ace blinked, before he got what that meant.

His brothers weren't here, in Hell. That must mean… Ace looked at the man, feeling his eyes being a bit teary. ¨They are… in heaven?¨ The king gave a nod, giving a smile. ¨Yes, they are.¨

Ace closed his eyes, holding tears back, giving a breath, feeling relieved. Ace was really glad they were in heaven. Everyone knew heaven was a calm place, a place where one was happy. Ace really felt more at peace, knowing they were there, most likely and hopefully together. Ace moved a hand to his eye, wiping a tear that threatened to fall, looking at the king. ¨T-thank you for telling me.¨ Whitebeard gave a smile, shaking his head. ¨It was nothing. I thought it would bring you some peace, knowing they were in a good place, not in pain.¨ Ace gave a nod, giving a small sniff, really glad he knew they were happy.

The king didn't comment on his emotional state, which Ace was thankful for, using a couple of minutes to gather himself, trying to concentrate on the card game, Whitebeard starting a bit of conversation up again when he had gathered himself.

Ace really enjoyed this, and the man was really kind. Not what one would think of the king of Hell. Ace could handle a few more weeks of this, going to remember this man was as kind.

-x-

Marco gave a sigh, just having spoken to Curiel, as he had promised Thatch he would speak to Curiel next.

Marco was not happy that Ace had gone to the man and Curiel had just brushed him off, not wanting to help, even sounding annoyed by it, which Marco knew Ace wouldn't like at all. He probably made it even harder in the future for Ace to tell if he was in pain. Curiel had apologized, and Marco had given a stern lecture, not at all happy with all this, giving the man the same punishment as Thatch, to help out with the mess that had happened in levels 1 and 2. Neither of them liked things like that, and it would take a lot to fix, making it easier for all of them in a way.

When Marco got back to his room, he gave a frown as it was empty, Marco knowing Ace wasn't out at this time, seeing as it was closing in on dinner. And, if he was out, a gremlin would inform him of it. As he turned around, he saw a gremlin and got its attention, asking where Ace was. The gremlin gave a nod. ¨Master Portgas is with The King, Whitebeard. The King wanted to speak to him.¨ Marco gave a nod, the gremlin giving a bow before running off again. Marco then walked to Pops' office room, sure that the two would be there if Ace was with Pops.

When Marco got there, he gave a quick knock before walking in, giving a smile when he saw Pops and Ace playing a game of cards, a bit of food on a plate next to them. Pops gave a smile to him when he came in, Ace turning around to see who it was, giving a smile himself. ¨Hi, Marco.¨ Marco couldn't help but give a smile himself. ¨Hi, yoi. How have you been?¨ Ace gave a smile and said he had been fine, being with Pops since he woke up, playing cards and talking about things. Marco nodded to it and Pops looked at him. ¨Would you like to join for a round or two, son?¨ Marco gave a nod. He had finished his duties for today, seeing as both Curiel and Thatch would help out the rest of the day.

When Marco joined the next round, they spoke about random things, just conversing and enjoying themselves, even Ace looking happy, having a smile and really seeming to enjoy himself.

Maybe things would be better now. Marco really hoped so.


And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed

Things are going to be better for Ace now; things will calm down, everyone will try to get to know the kid, and they'll try to fix their mistakes, hoping Ace will stay

And, this chapter became longer than I thought it would be. The chapters won't be as long in the future, but a few will

If you have the time, I greatly appreciate feedback