Hello everyone, here is the next chapter

A lot will happen in this and it will move a bit fast, but hopefully not too bad

Hope you enjoy

Read and relax


Ace gave a small sigh, moving a hand to pet Cerberus, who apparently had a nickname that was Stefan, which was a cute one. The dog did lean into his touch, lying down at the other side of the fence, Ace hiding from view behind the doghouse. He was not allowed inside the fence, Marco saying no, but was caught being close to Stefan before, most times hiding as he was now.

Marco had told Ace what had happened, his body reacting to the saliva to the dog, which was a death sentence, even for demons, but he had somehow survived. He didn't remember much of it, but Marco had said he was mostly out of it, the other High Lords and king helping out as Marco was busy. He could maybe half-remember it, feeling more like faint dreams. He didn't get why the High Lords were nice like that. According to Marco, they had been asking for him at dinner, to join them, but he wasn't ready for that.

After he had gotten better, he had taken a stroll with Marco, the man not wanting him to go alone the first days, which was fine. When they had passed Stefan's cage, the dog had acted weird, and Ace had, for some reason, felt the need to reach his hand inside the cage before Marco could react.

But instead of Stefan attacking, the dog had leaned into his touch, shocking both Ace and Marco.

He had petted the dog a small bit before they went on, Ace sending a look to the dog, the dog seeming to be sad he left. When they did mention it to the king, he said it was since Ace survived, that it created a bond between the two. Ace liked that. He had a new friend now. Might be a dog, but still.

Marco was currently at a meeting or something, and Ace hid here, to say hi to the dog and make sure no one saw him. He was sure they wouldn't like him being close to the dog that almost killed him. The high lord, Thatch had also given another apology, but Ace said it was fine.

After being out for a few hours, Ace went inside again, heading to Marco's room, hoping the other would return soon.

-x-

Marco gave a small sigh, going to his closet and putting his prince outfit on, staying in his human form for this meeting, which he really hoped would go well. Ace was playing a game of cards with Pops, Thatch, Curiel, and Izou, starting to really enjoying it here, which Marco felt was good. Maybe Ace would still want to stay here when the bond had settled next week, which he hoped for, but only time would tell. And, in case Ace wanted to leave then, he would do this now, having found out the information he needed and arranged the meeting.

When Marco had changed, he left for the meeting, meeting in a mutual safe place on Earth with the one he was meeting with.

When the one he was meeting with came, the man gave a look to Marco, going straight on point. "Why does the Prince of Hell want someone from our, my, territory?" Marco gave a nod. "I am asking because I have someone they would like to meet in Hell." The man lifted an eyebrow. "Who?" Marco took a picture out and moved it over the table, the man closing his eyes and taking a breath, before nodding, taking some papers out, showing them to him. "I'm guessing this is the reason you want them for a few hours?" Marco gave a small frown, knowing he had stated why, and looked at the papers, soon understanding why.

The man couldn't lie to his boss, the papers telling he would borrow the two for educational purposes and promise to not injure or harm them. Marco gave a nod. "Yes." This was for an alibi and to be able to tell what happened without outright lying. After signing the contract, he didn't speak more to not make it harder for the other to lie to his boss, knowing he was persuasive and harsh in his ways. When it was finished, both stood up and gave a nod, the other speaking first. "I will have them be here at 4 o'clock, them needing to be returned 8 o'clock." Marco gave a nod. "Sounds good."

Before Marco could move, the other spoke. "Watch out for them, especially Ace." Marco gave a small frown, not sure why the man would want that, how he even knew Ace, but Marco would do that. "Of course, Vice Archangel Garp." Garp gave a nod. "Thank you, Prince Marco." Marco gave a last nod, and they left, heading to their domains, Garp most likely heading to inform God, Sengoku, of this.

When Marco got back to Hell, he changed out of his outfit, before heading to the others, joining them in playing cards. The other High Lords did sense something was up as they looked at him at times, seeing that he was in a good mood. Marco was really glad it had gone as good, Pops knowing it had gone well, the man helping with arranging all this. When the clock was closing in on 4, Pops excused them, telling that he had stuff to do, and Marco and Ace headed back to his room.

When they got to Marco's room, Marco gave a smile to Ace. "Ace, yoi," He started, getting his attention. "Put on some nice clothes, we're going to meet someone." Ace blinked, giving a nod. "Okay. Who are we meeting?" Marco gave a small chuckle. "It's a secret, yoi." Ace did nod, but looked a bit unsure, though he still went and changed into a bit of half-formal clothes. When he had, they headed out, where it was easier for Marco to teleport to and from, soon disappearing. When they got to the place they would meet, appearing outside of the building, which was basically abandoned and protected by shields from both heaven and hell, Marco knew the others were already inside the building, sensing them.

Marco really hoped this would go as planned, and Ace would like this.

-x-

Ace gave a small frown as he looked at the building they were in front of, which looked like an abandoned warehouse. Who could they possibly be meeting here? They hadn't ventured out of Hell yet, so this felt weird for Ace. When they got close to the door, Ace going to wait for Marco to go first, Marco stopped and motioned for him to go first, which had him hesitate. Ace didn't want to go first, not sure what he would find at the other side. But, the comforting and supportive look from Marco had him get enough courage to open the door.

And, the moment he saw who was inside the room, Ace completely froze.

Ace watched in shock as two heads turned to him, one blond with green eyes, the other black hair and blue eyes, both looking shocked for a second, before big smiles came forward. "Ace!" Yelled Luffy, looking so happy and moving towards him, Sabo soon following, looking happy too.

Ace felt his breath stop, tears coming on, hands shaking, and just feeling everything at once, using a second before he moved himself, running and meeting the two halfway, instantly hugging around both, both hugging back, all of them sliding to the ground on their knees. As soon as Ace got his arms around them, feeling them hugging back, now sure this was real, Ace felt a sob leave him, tears falling down his eyes, trying to comprehend this was real; he was meeting his brothers who were dead. Ace didn't care too much at the moment, just so happy to be able to be with them one more time.

Ace felt himself unable to stop crying or sobbing, unable to take a complete breath, feeling his entire body shaking. Ace hugged as tight as he could, scared they might disappear or that this was a dream. Ace felt Luffy hugging back and sounding happy, laughing a bit, sounding as happy as he always did. Sabo was hugging back, but had a more comforting approach, using a hand to stroke his back, giving a few words that Ace was sure were comforting ones, but he couldn't comprehend them right now, way too emotional.

After a while, Ace having no idea how long, Ace managed to calm down a bit, taking a shaky breath. "I- is it really you?" Ace needed to ask, no idea if this was real or not. Luffy gave a laugh. "Of course! We were asked to come and meet you!" This was who Marco had said to meet; Marco had arranged this. Ace moved to have his head between the two, feeling a wave of tears coming on again. Sabo moved his hand on his back. "It's really us, Ace. I promise. I'm so glad to see you again." Ace gave a nod, feeling tears falling again, so glad to know this was real. Marco had made this possible, for him to be with his brothers again.

After another while, Ace managed to get himself under control again, stopping the tears, and getting his breath to stop shaking as bad. When Ace had himself more under control, they parted, Ace sniffing and moving to wipe his eyes. When Ace had, he looked at his brothers. "How are you?" Ace knew his voice was still on the verge of breaking, just full of emotions. Luffy gave a smile, which warmed his heart. "We're good! It's really awesome in heaven! You can eat all you want, and everyone is nice, and there is a lot of cute animals!" Sabo gave a chuckle at that, nodding, agreeing on it. Ace gave a half-laugh and sob, so glad to know they were happy, his biggest wish coming true.

Luffy gave a smile to him. "How about you? Is things fine down here?" Ace tried to talk, but ended up failing, before he tried again. "I'm good. But, I'm a bit… further down than this." Both his brothers gave a frown, before Sabo got it first, looking at him shocked. "You're in Hell? How are you here?" Ace gave a small half-laugh and sob again. "I… sort of made a deal with the son to the devil, and died too, and am now in Hell..." Both looked shocked, before Luffy gave an awed look. "That sounds soo cooool! Is it nice down there?!" Ace gave a small laugh, which was just a laugh, as he nodded. "Surprisingly, yes."

Everyone gave a small laugh at that, before Luffy moved and hugged him again. "I've missed you, Ace." Ace gave a nod, hugging back, feeling teary-eyed again. "Me too, Lu." As Ace hugged Luffy, Sabo, who Ace saw behind Luffy, gave him a worried look, and mouthed 'Are you okay?' Sabo was checking to make sure, and Ace nodded, mouthing 'I am now,' back. Sabo did nod to it, but still gave a small frown, not liking he had said now. Sabo must know Ace got depressed after they died. The two were his world, and it shattered when they died. Sabo must have known that with the look he had, but was still glad to see him now.

When Luffy and Ace parted, Luffy started to tell about how heaven was, how much fun they had it there and how nice most people were. There apparently were some stern angels there, especially those in charge, but that was it. And, God was apparently not around, which had Ace give a small snort. Everyone did say God abandoned the humans, and he wasn't even with the angels in heaven. Ace was really glad they were happy.

When Luffy had finished, he asked how Ace had been, and Ace started to tell a bit, telling how nothing much had happened after they had died, the funeral being really sad and so full of mourning people, so many being friends with the two. When Ace mentioned he got a settlement for their deaths, apartment burning, and for the pain they must have been in, Luffy tilted his head. "We weren't in pain. We just noticed smoke, and then fell asleep, before waking up in Heaven." Ace gave a nod, really glad they hadn't been in pain.

After that, Ace told on how he had lived on for a while, before getting a bit down, not going into detail about that, and called for a demon. It was the prince of Hell, and he sold his soul for someone to hang out with, which Luffy found funny, liking he had become the prince of Hell's friend. Sabo gave a frown to it, understanding it was more to it, but didn't ask.

Ace then told them that someone had broken into his house, most likely since Ace had a big house and it seemed empty, and stabbed him, Ace now being in Hell with Marco. Luffy did frown at that, asking if it had hurt, which Ace denied, not going to say how much it actually hurt. Ace had felt the knife enter and leave him, then to lay on the ground and know he would die, every breath being painful. Luffy seemed glad that it hadn't hurt, and glad he was happy now. When Ace was finished, Luffy tilted his head. "That blond guy, who was that?" Ace turned around, not noticing Marco wasn't there, most likely giving them some private time. Ace looked at his brothers. "That was Marco, the Prince of Hell."

Luffy tilted his head, before giving a smile. "He seems nice!" Ace gave a nod. "He is. He made this happen." Luffy gave a smile at that. "Then, I really like him! It's so good to see you again!" Ace gave a nod and laugh at that, feeling the same. He was so glad to see his brothers again, to know they were fine and happy. Sabo then gave him a look. "Do you like Marco? As in like like? You speak about him in a certain way." Ace blinked. He did? He didn't notice that. Ace was a bit floored for a second. Yes, Ace had had a bit of emotions at times, really feeling glad Marco was there, but trying not to think of it. Even if Ace might like him, Marco didn't like him back. Marco had made it clear they were friends and only that.

Ace shook his head. "He's like my best friend." Sabo did give a frown at that, not believing it. Luffy tilted his head a bit, having a half-frown. "Is he more your friend than us?" Ace gave a small laugh, looking at Luffy. "You are my brothers- no one will be more my best friend than you two." Luffy gave a smile and small laugh at that, seeming happy by it.

They then spoke about everything they came up with, Ace savoring every second of it, knowing it wouldn't last. Ace was in Hell, and them in Heaven. They would need to leave at one point. After a couple of hours, Marco came back inside, giving a small smile. "We need to leave soon, yoi. Same with your brothers, they are being picked up soon." Ace gave a nod to that, looking at his brothers and feeling a bit emotional that they needed to say goodbye again, but this would be a more happy goodbye.

As they knew they would soon leave, they went in for a group hug again, Ace feeling tears threatening to fall, but did all he could to keep them at bay. As they hugged, a light suddenly shined in the room, Ace looking over and did a double take. Was it really? The man, Garp, gave a look to Luffy and Sabo. "Come one now. We're late." Luffy gave a pout and small whine, but walked over, giving a look to Marco. "Prince guy! Make sure we meet again!" Marco gave a nod to that. "I will try my best, yoi." Luffy seemed satisfied with that, giving a nod and going to stand beside Garp.

Sabo gave a small chuckle, hugging him again, whispering in his ear. "Tell him how you feel." Ace was sure he spoke about Marco, but Ace would never do that. Marco didn't like him like that, but nodded nonetheless. Ace was happy with how things were now. Sabo then let go and went to stand beside Luffy, both of them giving a big smile and waving. "Bye!" Yelled Luffy, looking glad. Ace waved back, really glad he got to meet his brothers again. Garp gave a smile and nod to him, before they all disappeared in a light.

When they were gone, Ace took a calming breath. As he did, he felt a hand touch his shoulder and turned to see Marco there, and Ace instantly hugged him, feeling tears threatening to fall again. "Thank you so much, Marco." Ace knew his voice broke, but didn't care about that right now. He was just so glad to have met his brothers again, to know they were happy now. Marco gave a nod, hugging back. "I was sure you would like to see them, yoi. To make sure they are fine." Ace gave a nod and a sniff, really glad Marco had made this possible.

When they let got of each other, they headed out and went back to Hell, walking back to their room, not meeting anyone. When they got there, Marco asked if Ace wanted to eat in the kitchen or in the room, which Ace shook his head too. "I… I'm really tired, Marco. Could I maybe just sleep for a bit?" Ace felt close to exhausted, having been crying for hours, and just being really emotional from seeing his brothers again. Marco gave a nod to it. "Of course, yoi. I can bring some food back." Ace gave a nod, glad by that.

As Marco left to grab some food for later, Ace laid down, going to sleep for a bit, falling asleep almost immediately, a smile on his face.

Today had been a really good day.

-x-

Marco gave a smile as he walked to the kitchen, glad Ace had been so glad to see his brothers again. When Marco saw Ace running for them, them hugging, he had left, leaving them to have a bit of privacy, but staying close in case. Ace seemed really thankful for it, and Marco would do his best to make sure this happened again. It made Ace so happy, and Marco wanted Ace to be happy.

When he got to the kitchen, everyone was already there, eating. Marco decided to eat a bit in the kitchen with everyone, feeling Ace was exhausted and would be asleep for a bit.

When he sat down, Thatch gave a frown at him. "Is Ace joining us too? He hasn't eaten yet." Marco shook his head a bit. "No, yoi. He's sleeping as he is tired. It's been a long day for him as we've met a couple of people." Everyone gave a nod to it, not asking more, letting them have their privacy. Pops did give a smile to it, knowing it must have gone well for them to have been away for the entire time. Marco would be sure to tell Ace Pops helped in making this possible, so Ace knew it wasn't just him.

When Marco had finished eating, he brought a bit of food back to his room, placing it on the desk. Ace was still asleep, sleeping with a smile on his face, which he had rarely done. It made Marco glad to see Ace being happy. As he didn't have anything else to do, Marco decided to relax a bit himself, and laid down on the bed, on his side. After a few minutes, he was asleep too.

-x-

The next day was spent doing calm things, Ace still a bit tired from yesterday. Ace did go visit Stefan again, and was there for a bit, until Marco came and got him, knowing of this place. He still didn't know what to think of what Sabo had said. He didn't like Marco like that… right? And even if he did, Marco would never like him back. He was just a nobody who Marco had gotten stuck to. He did like the others' company and hoped Marco did too, at least seeming to.

The two had then played cards with the king for a few hours, teaching Ace new game, which was way harder than what they had tried until now, Ace half-grasping it after a few hours, really needing to concentrate. He and Marco were now back in Marco's room, just walking through the door and would head to bed as it was starting to become late.

Ace was about to walk and head over to the bathroom, to clean up and ready himself for bed, maybe take a quick shower, when he tripped over something- maybe the rug that had a bump- and tripped towards Marco, who caught Ace, or more like half-caught him, moving so he was against the wall, the only thing keeping them from falling to the ground.

Ace looked at Marco, seeing they were way close, maybe only 4 inches apart, Marco not looking bothered by it all, hands on his sides to keep him from falling, Ace having his hands on the wall next to Marco's head. "You okay, yoi?" Ace was on his way to answer, to nod. He was okay, but it was just so close, and Ace didn't know what came over him, know what possessed him in the moment. But, when he felt Marco's breath on his face, the other being so close and Ace's thoughts coming back at full force on what he thought of Marco.

Ace leaned in and kissed Marco.

Their lips were only connected for a second, but Ace clearly saw the utterly shocked face of Marco, and Ace realized what he was doing, realizing he actually did it, that he actually kissed Marco. This was no dream, this was no hallucination or anything. Ace actually kissed Marco. Ace shook his head as he moved a few steps back, Marco still standing there shocked, not seeming able to speak. Ace had messed up. He knew Marco didn't like this like this; Marco had clearly said they were only friends.

Ace shook his head. "I- I'm sorry." Then Ace turned and ran out, not able to see the shocked look on Marco turn into something else, most likely to a mad one. Ace had ruined the one friendship he had.

Why did Ace always need to mess things up?

-x-

As Marco looked on Ace, concerned if he was fine or not, seeing as he didn't answer, he was shocked when Ace suddenly leaned in, giving him a soft and quick kiss.

Marco was shocked, not sure if it really happened or not, not able to form words right now. When Ace leaned back and looked scared, Marco was still too shocked to speak, no idea Ace felt like this. When Ace did apologize and just ran out, Marco still stood still. Ace liked him?

Marco looked at the door Ace ran out of, now realizing he had frozen. Marco quickly moved to the door and followed after Ace.

-x-

Ace ran out of the house, going back to the fence Cerberus was in, hiding behind it and sitting down, bringing his knees up to his chest and placing his head on his knees, arms around them. He heard Stefan give a small sound of concern, but couldn't respond to it right now. He had fucked up bad.

Ace had royally screwed up- he had ruined the friendship he had Marco had- Ace had fucked everything up, as he usually does. And, it had been going so well, he had really enjoyed being around Marco when he had time, the man being really busy the last few days, almost the last week. Ace didn't want to go back being alone, he still didn't know the others here and was sure most still didn't like him, only trying to be nice since Marco said they should and he was the prince here. Ace wanted to go and leave, or just disappear.

After a minute or so, he heard footsteps and knew who it was, only one person knowing of this hiding place.

Ace didn't look up or move as he spoke, hearing the footsteps stopping for a second, Ace wanting to speak before Marco. "C-can we just pretend we didn't meet today? That this didn't happen? Please? I don't want to ruin the friendship." Ace tightened his hands on his legs, knowing he was crying, but didn't want to seem weak or emotional to Marco. Ace heard some movement and felt Marco move to crouch down next to him, Ace preparing himself for Marco to tell him to leave, or stay away, or something. "Ace, look at me, yoi." Ace really didn't want to, but knew he had to face this. Ace moved his head to look at Marco, knowing he was crying and hoped Marco didn't think any less of him.

But, as Ace was on his way to apologize again, he didn't get a word out before Marco moved to place his lips over his, kissing him.

Ace was confused for a few seconds, not sure what happened or if it was real. Marco was kissing him? After he had accidentally done it?I Did Marco feel the same? Could Ace be allowed to hope for that? When Marco moved back a few seconds later, Marco quickly brought Ace in for a hug, holding around him and holding him to his chest.

"I will go and speak to Pops and tell him I need tomorrow off, yoi. And, we will just be together, go away from here for the day, to speak and just be the two of us. I'm sorry I've been so busy."

Ace gave a nod, giving a sniff, really happy about this, that Marco might feel something back for him, and they would have a day together, a day away from here, just the two of them, to sort this out. "I- I'd really like that," Ace managed to say, nodding against Marco's chest, still having a bit of tears going down his cheeks, both relieved Marco was so understanding and might feel something back for him, and just from the stress from the last two weeks catching up to him. Ace felt Marco give a nod. "Why don't we head back to the room, so you can relax, yoi? You feel tired." Ace gave a nod at that too, feeling tired.

Marco helped Ace stand up and they walked back to Marco's room, thankfully not meeting anyone, not even the gremlin-devils that were around. Marco had an arm over Ace's shoulders the entire way, which was a huge comfort. When they got to the room, Ace laid down in the bed, feeling tired from everything. Ace looked up when he felt the bed dip, seeing Marco having sat down on the bed and looked at him. "Want to join me speaking to Pops, yoi? I won't tell him about this." Ace shook his head a bit, giving a small sniff; he felt really tired, and wanted to just lay in bed and relax. He trusted Marco.

Marco gave a nod and moved a hand to stroke his head. "I'll be back in a few minutes, I promise, yoi." Ace gave a nod. "Okay." Marco gave a nod, standing up. "Try to relax." Ace gave a nod to that and curled a bit up in the bed, liking to do that when he was emotional. He felt a last caress to his head before Marco left, Ace falling asleep really quickly from small exhaustion.

Ace couldn't wait for tomorrow to come.

-x-

Marco gave a small sigh as he walked towards Pops' main room, knowing the man was there as it was late.

It had been a revelation that Ace liked him, a good one at that. but, they still needed to talk about this, and Marco knew he had been busy the time Ace had been here. Even worse by the fact how everyone had acted in the beginning, Ace still wary around the others. Marco was also weary of having them close to Ace, knowing they made Ace uncomfortable, and Marco was still mad at them. Ace also seemed really tired and needed the sleep now. They would leave first thing in the morning.

When Marco got to Pops' room, he knocked and walked in after the "Come in".

When he got inside the room, Pops gave a smile to him. "Marco, how are you this evening? Is everything alright?" Pops knew Marco would never come this late without a reason. Marco gave a small sigh. "Nothing is really wrong, yoi. But, I want tomorrow off, to use it with Ace. We need it." Pops gave a small frown as he nodded. "Of course you can get tomorrow off, son. You have been doing a lot the last days. But, may I ask why? You seem troubled." Marco gave a small sigh. "It's not my place to tell alone. But, tomorrow will help both of us."

The king gave a nod. "I understand, son. You can have the day off; I can make someone else take over your duties. Do you only want tomorrow off?" Marco thought for a second. He would maybe like a bit more, and was sure Ace wouldn't mind a day or so away from this place. "Could I maybe have a day and a half, yoi?" Pops gave a nod, before shaking his head. "How about you take two days off? We can handle that. You and Ace should get the time to relax and enjoy yourself. I think Ace needs the break too." Marco gave a nod, agreeing on that. "Thank you, yoi."

The king shook his head. "Nonsense, son. You deserve a break now and then too. I hope everything is fine with both you and Ace." Marco gave a nod. He was sure Pops knew something was up, and would maybe tell the man after their two days away, to relax and speak of a few things; they really needed that.

Marco gave a goodbye to the man, before he left, heading back to his room.

When Marco got to his room, he saw Ace was asleep in the bed, and Marco moved to lay down next to Ace. He didn't think much of it as this was how they had been sleeping the entire time Ace was here, Marco only having one bed, although big. Marco didn't want Ace in a private room, or somewhere else after everything that had happened, and to make sure the bond was doing fine. When Marco was lying in the bed, he moved a hand and caressed Ace's head a bit, the kid mumbling something and moving in his sleep, before settling again.

Marco was sure the next two days would be good days.


And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed

So, Ace was able to meet his brothers again, which he really needed, and just be happy for a moment himself, also the reveal between Marco and Ace. Much more of that will happen on the next chapter as Ace and Marco take a day out

If you have the time, I greatly appreciate feedback

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