Hello everyone, here is the next chapter
Last chapter dealt with a lot and more will happen in this, and I'm glad people like Eustass, as he will be here and there
This chapter is also really long as I wanted to have all of this happening now
Hope you enjoy
Read and relax
Marco appeared in Ace's living room, hoping they could speak more today, and ask about eating with the High Lords later today. He was glad about yesterday, and he was sure Ace had appreciated last day and night, being able to be alone for a night, back home. He was sure Ace needed that.
As he appeared, he gave a frown as he took the place in. He felt another person in the house, in Ace's room, with Ace.
Ace hadn't called him yesterday, and there had been a small moment he felt a bit of nervousness, but then it went over, so guessed Ace was just thinking. Maybe something had happened? He walked towards the bedroom, needing to check the situation out. Ace did feel fine, but still. No matter who it was, Marco could fend him off. He was a demon, he couldn't be hurt or injured by a human easily. When he was close to the room, he felt the one in there, which wasn't Ace, moving, seeming to be in a ready stance, standing beside the door, maybe holding something. Marco hoped it wasn't anyone dangerous for Ace.
When he came to the door and opened it, he moved his hand and catched what the person had, a big wrench, the man looking shocked he caught it.
"...Marco..?" He looked at the bed seeing Ace there, a hand rubbing an eye and seeming to wake up. "This is Marco?" Asked the man with the wrench, making Ace nod, who blinked and seemed to wake more up, before looking at the red-haired man shocked. "What are you doing, Eustass? You still go around with the wrench?" The man, Eustass, gave a snort. "Never know when you need it. And I heard someone approaching. Now, go sleep again while I have a chat with this Marco." Before Marco could respond, or Ace for that matter, the red-head pushed him out of the door, closing the door behind them, before giving him a glare as they walked a bit away from the door, for Ace not to overhear.
"What do you want with Ace?" The kid was blunt. He didn't know this kid much, but remember the name, a bit from Ace and from others and himself hearing it in calls. "I want to be with him, yoi. I like him." The kid frowned more. "Like him, or his money? 'Cuz believe me, I am not afraid of you or make you disappear if you hurt Ace." Marco lifted an eyebrow. "What are you going to do? You don't seem like much." The kid gave a small smirk.
"I would gladly use my wrench and gather the gang. What do you say about that?" Marco gave a small chuckle. "I would say you're a good friend and I'm glad Ace has you."
He held his hand out. "I'm Marco. And no, I'm not after his money. I have my own from my father. I like Ace for himself." Eustass took his hand and shook it. "I like that answer. I'm Eustass, I'm Ace's friend." The kid gave him a look. "Why are you here this early?" He gave a hum. "I'm here since Ace and I have a dinner reservation and need to be a place later today for a small trip." Eustass gave a frown. "Are you going to be away for more than 2 days? 'Cuz I hope not." He gave a small frown. "Why, yoi?" Ace hadn't said anything special happening. Eustass gave a sigh. "I see Ace hasn't told. I am sure you know about his brothers and all that, kinda hard not to. But you're obviously not from here."
"It's the anniversary in 2 days. We're having a memorial for those who died, especially his brothers."
Marco gave a nod. He didn't know that. "I will make sure we are here then, yoi. He hasn't told." Eustass gave a nod. "I guessed so." Eustass looked at him. "You are welcomed to join; it does seem like Ace likes you. He really needs support that day, the entire day, especially during the memorial." He gave a nod. He would mention it for Ace, and that he was willing to go with him, for the support. He would tell Pops he was not available that day. He knew Ace had met his brothers recently, but he was sure that day was still hard. They were dead, and that had to be a hard and tough day.
"Are you going to be there too, yoi?" Eustass gave a nod. "Yeah. Me and the entire gang, and more. We haven't been the best friends to Ace the last months; he just seemed to want space, and then he shut off, and then he disappeared and all this. It was a relief he was with you and safe." Marco gave a nod. He knew Ace had been depressed, and they could seem like that. "You are here now, and that's fine, yoi." Eustass nodded, and before he could speak again, Eustass grabbed for something in his pocket, taking a wallet out. "Here. Go buy some food for us, while I have a chat with Ace. The shop down the street with the bagels, Ace likes those. Now, shoo."
Marco gave a small chuckle, taking the money he was handed, and headed out. The kid seemed like a good friend, and he would let them speak for a bit more while he went and got breakfast. He knew there was a shop much closer, and they probably had some bagels too, but he had a feeling Eustass sent him to the one further away to keep him away for a bit longer.
It was good to see Ace had a friend who cared enough to threaten him if he had done anything wrong, or seemed to want to do anything wrong.
-x-
Ace blinked as he sat up in bed, trying to wake up. He and Eustass had been up late last night, and he felt that now.
He understood Eustass wanted to speak with Marco, and he was afraid that the other would do something to Marco. He knew Eustass could be… harsh if he didn't hear or see what he wanted. Eustass had, more than once, beaten someone up for nothing. But, it was Marco, he was sure he could protect himself, but what if he left? What if he didn't like this and thought it to be too much? As he finally got his head with him and was about to stand up and grab a shirt, the door opened and Eustass walked in, making him blink when he only saw Eustass. "Where is Marco?" Eustass gave a small snort. "Sent him to buy some breakfast for us; he'll be gone for 10-15 minutes." As he was about to ask what they spoke about, Eustass looked at him.
"That guy, Marco, I like him. He seems like a good man."
Ace blinked. "Did… did you just say you like someone?" Maybe he heard wrong? Eustass had never liked it when someone tried to be friends with him. He remembers when the other had almost attacked Zoro for being on a project at school with him. Eustass gave a chuckle. "I did. He answered my questions good. He'll do you good. It's just his family I don't like, aside from his father of course." Ace had told Eustass of what had happened since day one, just keeping the devil and Hell stuff out and making up they had visited Marco's family in Europe, telling what had happened. That hadn't made the other happy, which made him even more surprised why he was saying he liked Marco. Eustass gave him a look.
"He really does seem like a good guy. And you clearly like him, and he seems to like you too. You should really give him a chance."
Ace gave a nod. He was thinking that himself, but still wasn't too sure, this was all new to him. Before he could respond, the other spoke again. "And, if he even looks at you wrong, tell me and I will go at him with my wrench." That had him chuckle. Eustass was a good friend. "Yeah, I will." Eustass gave a small snort, not believing it most likely, before looking at him. "He told you two were going on a small trip again. I told him what happens in 2 days. He said he will make sure you will be here for that." Ace tightened his jaw, giving a small nod. He knew his brothers were fine in heaven, which still was a relief, but to know they weren't here and was dead was still hard, and he was sure the anniversary and memorial would be even harder. That was the reason he had called Marco after all.
Eustass moved and sat beside him on the bed, hand moving over his and giving a small squeeze. "You won't be alone. I, and the others, will be there. I also said Marco he could join, but you decide that." Ace gave a small nod. He kind of wanted Marco to join. He felt safe around the other and was sure it would help a lot.
The two spoke a bit, before Marco came into the room, holding a bag of bagels. As he went inside, Eustass stood up and headed over to Marco, taking a bagel and looking at him. "You two have fun, and if you ever disappear like that again, I will be mad." Ace gave a nod. "I won't. I will be sure to tell when I leave, and when I'm at home." The red-haired kid gave a nod, taking a bite of his bagel and giving a wave as he left. It had Ace chuckle. This was how Eustass was and he wouldn't change it.
As the red-haired one was gone, Marco walked over to him, sitting down in the bed next to him, handing him a bagel, taking one out for himself. "He seems like a one of a kind, yoi." He gave a chuckle as he nodded. "Yeah. Eustass have always been like that. He's caring in his own way." Maroc gave a nod. "I noticed. He threatened me about 6 times in 2 minutes." He gave a laugh. "Yeah. He does that. I hope he wasn't too… forward." Marco gave a small chuckle, shaking his head a bit. "No, yoi. I'm glad to see you have caring friends." He gave a nod. He was glad about that himself, still a bit shocked Eustass still cared.
"And Ace," Started Marco, making him look at the other. "Yesterday, I spoke with Thatch. He wondered if you wanted to have dinner with all of them today, with me and Pops too. They want to have a small welcome dinner for you, yoi." He gave a small nod, before shaking his head.
"Could we… not today..? I kind of want to be here until night, it's good to be here again. Maybe we can tomorrow…? If not, I can-." Marco cut him off by shaking his head. "We'll take it tomorrow, yoi. You decide this, not them. And you can still decline." He nodded. That sounded good. He was still glad Marco was as understanding and let him do things in his own pace. "That sounds good." Marco gave a nod, standing up. "Let me get someone to tell Thatch it, so he doesn't make anything special today, and we can leave for a walk, or stay here, yoi." He gave a nod, and Marco gave a small whistle. As he did, a small burst of fire happened, and a small gremlin was there, Marco telling they would come back to Hell late, and to tell Thatch to not do anything today. The gremlin nodded, before Marco snapped his fingers, making the gremlin disappear in a burst of flames.
As that was done,Marco looked at him. "What do you want to do, yoi?" He gave a small hum. "What- how about we stay here a bit and watch TV, and then go out?" Marco nodded. "Sounds perfect, yoi." It had Ace smile. Marco was a good person, and he was glad Eustass agreed. As he was on his way to move, he gave a yawn, still feeling tired. "Are you tired, yoi?" He shook his head a bit. "It's nothing. I just stayed up long with Eustass. I will be fine." Marco shook his head a bit. "If you're tired, you're tired, yoi. You might also be since I was so far away. If you want to relax more in bed, it's fine." He gave a small nod. "Is it..?" He didn't want to stay in bed if Marco didn't want that. Marco gave a nod. "Yeah. I wouldn't mind relaxing for a bit, yoi."
As the other said that, Marco moved to the bed and sat down, half-lying on some pillows, looking inviting. "Come, you can relax here, we both can."
Ace gave a nod, moving towards Marco, carefully moving to lie with his head on Marco's chest. He have done this a lot with Eustass and his brothers, which helped him do it. He was unsure if it was okay by Marco, though. "Is this...Is this okay?" He fet Marco nodding, a hand coming to his back. "Yeah. You can lie however you want to, yoi. As long as you are comfortable, I am." Ace gave a nod, before moving himself a bit more comfortable, before giving a breath and trying to relax, feeling really tired. As he felt comfortable, Marco moved the hand to his head, stroking through his hair, making him give a breath, relaxing more. He enjoyed the way he could hear Marco's heart beating, as well as the hand on his head. He felt comfortable with this. It didn't even take a minute before he was asleep.
Marco gave a small chuckle when he noticed Ace falling asleep instantly. He guessed Ace was really tired.
He didn't mind this and had a feeling Ace was extra tired because of the bond being strained a bit as he was away. It never got bad, as he would have felt that, but it wanted them close. He would let Ace relax for a small bit now, and then they would take the rest when it came. He snapped his fingers, making a book appear in his hands, settling to read it with one hand, the other on Ace's head, doing a small stroking motion with his thumb.
After a few minutes, maybe 10, the door suddenly opened. "I forgot my…" Eustass blinked, stopping in the doorway, looking at them. Ace didn't stir, which was good, and he gave a calm look to the redhead. "Ace is tired, yoi. You two stayed up late apparently." The redhead gave a nod. "Yeah. And, it's good to see him relaxing. He doesn't really do that with many. Anyway, I forgot my jacket." The redhead grabbed a jacket from a chair, taking it on, before looking at him with a glare. "And, as I have said, you hurt Ace, you have me to deal with." He gave a nod. "Glad to know it, yoi." The other gave a nod, before leaving, making him chuckle, looking down at Ace.
He was glad Ace had a good friend like this, and would be sure to remember it. He gave a small caress to the black-haired kid, before he returned to his book.
-x-
Ace gave a breath as he felt himself waking up, feeling rested and calm, moving a hand to rub an eye. He could hear a sort of heartbeat, which felt relaxing and calming. When he opened his eyes, moving to sit a bit up on an arm, he was met with dark blue eyes.
"How do you feel, yoi?" Ace gave a nod, sitting more up. "I feel good. I think I needed a nap." He really felt better, much more awake and relaxed. The blond gave a nod. "I think it might be because of the bond. It hasn't been stressed like this, and it is a bit early, yoi. I had hoped it would have gone completely fine." He shook his head. "It's fine. I feel much better now, and I really enjoyed the night home, especially as Eustass came." He would have done it again if he could, even if he would have been tired. That wasn't too bad. "How long was I asleep?" Marco gave a small chuckle. "Almost 2 hours, yoi." Ace blinked, before nodding. That was way longer than what he had believed. He must have been more tired than he thought.
As he moved to sit up more, he felt Marco move to sit up more too, him no longer lying on him. As Ace was now sitting up, a hand on his eye and massaging as he rid of the sleep in them, he suddenly felt a pair of lips at his forehead, blinking, seeing Marco give him a smile. "Good morning, and I'm glad you're fine." He gave a nod and a smile. He really liked Marco. "Yeah, good morning." Marco gave a small chuckle, standing up. "Want a cup of coffee, yoi?" He gave a nod, looking at the other. "I would like that." Marco gave a nod. "I will go and make a pair while you prepare yourself." He gave a nod, and Marco left to make coffee while he got out of bed and put his clothes on. He did it in a somewhat quick motion, but used a bit of time as he found and put on clothes.
When he had dressed, he walked out to the kitchen, seeing Marco there, having just finished pouring two cups of coffee, looking at him as he came into the kitchen. "I don't know how you make it, yoi. So it's just normal strength without anything." He gave a nod, walking over to a cabinet and taking some sugar out, before some milk. "Just a couple teaspoonsof sugar, and small dash of milk is perfect." The blond gave a nod, "I will remember it, yoi." As he put the two ingredients in the coffee and had put it away, he took a sip of it, giving a hum. He had missed coffee, just starting the day calm with a cup. As he done that, Marco gave a chuckle, taking a sip as his own.
They moved to the livingroom, sitting down on the couch and turning the TV on, they just enjoyed a calm morning. After a bit of time, maybe 15 minutes, Marco spoke. "What did you and Eustass do, yoi?" He gave a small hum. "Just the normal. Speaking what had happened around here the last week's, him complaining about school, and such. ...He also helped me… figure things out." Eustass had been a huge help, and he knew the redhead always said what was on his mind. Marco gave a nod, putting his cup and and looking at him, a hand moving to his leg. "What did you figure out, yoi?" He gave a nod, taking a breath, before looking at Marco.
"I really like you. I'm just not… sure what to do with that fact. I've never… liked anyone..."
He had never liked anyone like this, only being comfortable around his friends and such, like with Eustass. The only ones he had loved being around, was his brothers. Marco gave a nod, moving his thumb reassuringly on his leg. "I'm glad you figured things out, yoi. And there is still no rush. Let's take it slow and in a pace both are comfortable with. Just do what you feel comfortable with, and always remember you can tell me anything." He gave a nod and smile. He was really glad Marco was as calm, supporting, and understanding. That was one of the reasons he liked Marco as much. Marco kept his hand on his leg as they turned back to the TV. After a minute, Ace moved his head to rest on Marco's shoulder, Marco moving the thumb on his leg reassuringly, Ace liking the notion. He could get used to this.
After relaxing home for a couple hours, they headed out, heading to walk a bit around in the park.
It was still really good to be back to earth again, to feel more at home. He was, slowly, getting used to Hell too, but nothing felt better than being home. As they were walking around, seeing how things looked and just walking around, Marco moved his hand to his, holding around his. Ace gave a smile, giving a small squeeze, getting one back. He really enjoyed the pace they took, and was glad Marco was okay with it too.
After they had walked around for awhile, talking about small things, they headed to the usual restaurant to get a bit of food and relax. As they got their usual table and ordered the usual, they got into some normal conversation until their food came. As they had started to eat and were relaxing and talking about small things, he looked at Marco. "You mentioned… Thatch wanted to have a dinner..?" Marco gave a nod. "Yes, yoi. He wants to have it to try and make up for what happened, to show they didn't mean to shun or be mean to you. We don't have to go." He shook his head.
"I want to try and go. They have tried to be nice." He had noticed the other High Lords trying to be friendly, and he felt they deserved another chance.
Marco gave a nod, giving a smile. "I will tell Thatch you will join, yoi. You can still change your mind." Ace gave a nod. He was glad he had the option in case he changed his mind, but he wanted to try. They continued to eat and relax after that, staying in the restaurant for a few hours, talking about normal things and enjoying the day and each other company. As they asked for the bill, he felt Marco move a hand to his, and when he looked over to the other, having just been speaking to the waitress, Marco leaned over the small table between them, making him lean towards Marco too, their lips connecting in a kiss, lips moving slowly in the kiss, before they parted.
When they did part, the waitress was beside their table, smiling, making him turn away in embarrassment, hand over his mouth. He heard Marco give a chuckle, paying for the food, the waitress giving a "Thank you, and hope you return again" before she left, leaving them at the table. When he looked at Marco, the man gave a chuckle, making him give one too. When he felt a bit less embarrassed, they stood up and headed out, getting a goodbye from the one at the entrance. He really liked this place and the ones working here were all really nice and inviting.
The two walked a bit more around and enjoyed the day, before they headed home to his house, relaxing and watching a bit of Tv, him sitting close to Marco, and the other having his hand on Ace's leg, just what Ace felt comfortable with. They ordered some quick food when they got hungry, and just stayed inside. When it started to become late and Marco mentioned to head back to Hell, he went and got his phone, sending a quick message to Eustass he was leaving for two days, returning for the memorial, and would not be available on phone.
Marco had said a few in Hell had a cellphone of sorts, those who had task to do up on the earth, and he would ask them if they could get Ace one, which he would really like. A few seconds after sending it, just before he and Marco left, he got a message from Eustass, telling he had made a dinner reservation after it, which had him smile and tell Marco, who agreed. As he sent a thank you message to Eustass, for making the reservation, he looked at Marco.
"Eustass said he told you what happens… in 2 days. I would like if you would join… if you want to." He hoped Marco would join, that would be a great support.
Marco gave him a smile. "Of course I will join if you let me, yoi." He gave a nod. "I would really like if you joined." Marco gave him a nod, moving over and giving him a small kiss on his forehead. "I'll come with you then, and I will leave if you want to." He shook his head. "I could really use the support…" Marco gave a nod, moving to hold onto his hand. "I understand, and I will be there if you want to." He gave a nod, glad Marco wanted to join. He sent a quick message to Eustass that Marco would join too, the other telling he expected that and had already reserved a seat for him, making him chuckle.
As that was done, they headed back to Hell, Ace a bit sad he needed to leave, but was sure he and Marco could take more trips like this, him maybe even able to stay here longer when the bond settled.
When they got to Hell, they relaxed a bit by walking around, Ace still really liking how the place looked. After a small bit, they headed back to Marco's room, Ace getting ready for bed, Marco telling he needed to leave for a few minutes to speak to the King, which was fine. As the man left, Ace went to bed and laid down to sleep. He felt relaxed here, which was good. And just before he completely fell asleep, barely being awake, he felt the bed dip and an arm being draped over him, making him feel more safe and comfortable, before completely falling asleep.
He was really glad Marco was so nice.
-x-
Marco had a smile as he walked to Pops' office, glad the day had gone as well. He was glad Ace had been able to think and figure a few things out, also connecting with his friend, Eustass, who really seemed like a good friend.
When he got to Pops' office, the man gave him a small update that everything had gone fine here, before asking how things had gone with him and Ace. Marco explained how he had met Eustass, the man also recognizing the name, seeming glad Ace had a good friend like that. Marco also told the bond had gotten some strain, making Ace tired, but that had gone well, the King understanding that. He did also tell they were going to take things slow, and to not tell the others anything yet, also that Ace would join for dinner tomorrow. Pops seemed really glad about that, glad Ace was giving them a second chance.
Before he left, he told that he and Ace would be gone for half- or maybe most of- in 2 days, telling it was the memorial for Ace's brothers. The King said that it was fine, and that he was glad Ace was opening up and wanting him to join as support, which he was glad by too. After speaking a bit more, he left back after a small goodbye to Pops.
When he got back to his room, he noticed Ace had already headed to bed, seeming to be asleep, making him give a small smile as he got himself ready and moving to lie down in the bed too, lying down close to Ace, moving an arm over Ace's body. He felt Ace shift a small bid, giving a breath, before stilling, glad Ace seemed okay with this as he wasn't completely asleep. It didn't take him long to fall asleep.
When he woke up the next day, Ace was still asleep, and Marco gave a quick kiss to Ace's head, before he stood up and prepared himself for the day. He didn't have much to do, but had a bit of things to check up on, and headed out to do that. When he had a break a couple hours later and went back to his room, Ace was awake and seemed to have found a book to read, sitting in bed. Ace seemed glad to see him, which made him feel happy. They spoke a bit, before Marco needed to go and check up on small things with a few others, and invited Ace with him, to not have him in the room all day, and to show more around in Hell. Ace seemed glad to be able to look more around.
As they were walking around and checking up on things, Ace seemed interested in how everything looked, seeming to like the trees, colours, rivers, and such. He would remember to take Ace on a proper tour of the place and show more of Hell, but they couldn't do that today. They met a few more people, none of which seemed to have issues with Ace, who mostly stayed silent and a bit behind while he spoke to others. When he was finished, they headed back to the house, Ace going to his room to relax a bit before dinner, which was soon. Ace still said he wanted to try and join, which was good.
When dinner time came, they headed to the dinner room, Ace seeming nervous.
He did try and tell it wasn't anything to be nervous about, telling he was sure everyone would behave, and they could leave at any time. Ace seemed reassured by that, and they went inside the dinning room, everyone already present. As they came into the room, everyone gave a welcome, all of the High Lords introducing themselves to Ace properly, even those he had met before, and the few he hadn't seen or met. As they sat down at the table, him sitting next to Ace, he felt Ace holding onto his hand under the table, seeming nervous.
But, as the dinner moved on, everyone chatting with each other, a few speaking to Ace, especially Thatch, Izou, and Haruta, Ace seemed to calm more down, the grasping hand slowly letting go as Ace seemed to genuinely enjoy himself, which was really good.
What was also good, was that the High Lords didn't try to force being nice, but were themselves, not trying to be close to Ace or speak to him, only if he responded, which he tried to in his best manner, not seeming too used being around so many. He was sure that was one of the reasons this went as well as it did and would be sure to tell Thatch he was glad he did this and Ace really enjoyed himself.
He was glad things seemed to go well for now, and hoped they would continue to do so.
-x-
Thatch gave a smile, glad the dinner went well. Well, it could have gone a lot better, but he felt it was something. Ace had joined and had seemed to enjoy himself.
Thatch looked over at Ace. "So, you going to be eating with us tomorrow too? We can have whatever you like." Ace gave a small fidget. "I don't know… I don't think I will be out much…" Thatch blinked. "Why?" Ace shook his head a bit, standing up. "... I don't want to speak about it…" Then, the kid left, looking down. As he left, Marco gave a sigh, making them look at him. "Tomorrow is not a good day for Ace, yoi. He might not eat here, and just let that be." Then Marco left too, making him blink. What was happening tomorrow? As he was about to ask the others if they knew, Pops spoke up.
"Ace had two brothers, but they died in a fire a year ago. Tomorrow is the anniversary. Marco and Ace are going to the grave for a memorial."
Thatch gave a nod. That made sense. Ace seemed to care for them a lot. It must have been really hard for him to lose his brothers. He couldn't imagine how that would be like, he really values his family, and couldn't imagine losing any of his brothers or sisters. A thought hit him and he looked at Pops.
"I know it might not be our place, but can we join? To give our condolences and support?"
He knew it might not be their place, as they hadn't been nice to Ace earlier, and they weren't close. But, he wanted to try and help Ace and show they were there and wanted to be nice. He would understand if he got a no. It wasn't their place to intrude on something they shouldn't be at or was welcomed. Pops seemed to think for a second, before he gave a somewhat nod. "We can go and at least give our condolences and some flowers, but we leave if Ace even hints at it." Thatch nodded. "Of course!" He was glad they were able to do this, and would be sure to tell the rest, seeing only Rakuyo, Namur, and Curiel left at the table, the rest having left too. They needed to see how many they could get and come. And they needed to find clothes.
They would show Ace they cared, and if he wanted them to leave, they would.
-x-
When Ace got back to his- Marco's- room, he went and relaxed in bed, already feeling nervous about tomorrow. They would leave from here tomorrow morning, the memorial at the grave starting early.
After a minute or so, the door opened and Marco came in, moving to sit down in the bed next to him, looking at him. "How are you, yoi?" He gave a nod. "I'm okay. I really liked the dinner. I'm just a bit… nervous for tomorrow." Marco moved a hand to his, shaking his head. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. And it is normal to feel nervous, but I will be there, same with Eustass, yoi." That was true and that helped a lot. "Yeah." They stayed in Marco's room for the night, Marco leaving once for a small bit to fix a few things, before coming back. They soon headed to bed, Ace trying to mentally prepare himself for tomorrow, holding onto Marco's hand that was draped over him.
When morning came, they got ready and found some dark clothes, Ace feeling nervous and down as he didn't want to leave, not wanting to face this. He did ask Marco if they could drop by a couple places, wanting to see ff he could find what he was after, and Marco agreed to it, meaning they left now. As they went to the places, Ace thankfully finding what he needed, they headed towards the graveyard, trying to do the last part of preparing himself mentally for this. Marco had moved a hand to his, giving him some reassurance and comfort he needed.
As they waked more, Ace gave a small sniff, trying to keep his tears at bay for a bit longer. They weren't even at the graveyard yet and he already felt like crying. He felt Marco give him a squeeze with his hand, which was a great support, making him give a half-smile to the man. He was glad he wanted to join him, it meant a lot.
They were only a few feet away from the gate to the graveyard, and he was preparing himself to go through. He wanted to go, he just needed a bit of more time. After a few seconds and taking a deep breath, he gave a nod to Marco, and they headed inside the gate, him feeling as prepared as he could be for this. When they walked a bit and saw the grave, he noticed Eustass, Perona, Law, Zoro, Brook, and Mihawk there, Perona noticing them first and coming over and giving him a hug, giving him her condolences, and telling she was glad he was fine. Ace gave a nod, hugging back. He was glad they were here.
Eustass gave him a hug himself, before staying close to him, on the other side of Marco, hand on his shoulder. Law, Zoro, and Brook gave him a handshake and their condolences, Mihawk going by the courtesy nod. He was like that, and that did mean a lot for him. He noticed all of them had a flower or two, and they walked together to the grave. The others moved and placed down their flowers first, a few giving a few words on how they missed them. Luffy and Sabo had been friends to many, especially Luffy.
Ace wanted to wait a bit more before placed his flowers down, wanting to that in more private. He had a red and yellow Sunflower for Luffy- he always liked those the best. And, a Sapphire Blue Dahlia for Sabo- he always loved those the best- and Ace had managed to get his hands on one. He also had a small vase for his flowers.
When Zoro was on his way to put down his flowers, he heard something to his left, and saw Officer Smoker there, coming towards them. The officer gave him a nod, before he went over to the grave, placing a rose down, before giving him his condolences, making him nod and saying a thank you. It meant a lot. There were a few flowers already at the grave, noticing a few of them from being from Hancock, Nami, and Chopper. He was sure more flowers would appear during the day, even a few paintings and pictures. He would see if he could come back in a day or two, and see what was here and clean up if anything had died or gone bad.
Smoker gave him a last nod, before he left, giving a goodbye. As the man left, Perona moved and hugged him again. "Stay positive, Ace. Things will get better." Ace gave a nod, hugging back, giving a thanks for coming. Mihawk gave him a pat on the back, before he gave his condolences, before leaving. Zoro, Brook, and Law left soon after, giving him their condolences again, before leaving. As they were gone, Eustass gave him a small squeeze on his shoulder, making him take a deep breath, before walking over to the grave, crouching down.
When he was crouched down, he put the small vase down, and placing the sunflower in it. "I hope you are happy where you are at, Lu. I really miss you here, everyone does. I miss your sweet eyes and big smile, lighting up my day. All of your friends are doing fine, too."
He took a shuddering breath, feeling a few tears falling down his cheeks, placing the Blue Dahlia down in the vase too.
"Hey Sabo. It's lonely without you here, and it's hard without you. I know I promised to finish school, but I just couldn't, and I'm sorry. I promise I will try to do something. Everyone else is doing fine, though. I know you always care, same with Lu. Everyone misses the both of you, especially me."
He stayed crouched for a few more seconds, moving a hand to wipe a bit at his cheeks, giving a small sob. He really misses them, and this say always got to him, remembering what had happened. He knew they were good in heaven, but still. This was still hard for him, emotional.
When he stood up, he took the two steps back to the two there, instantly hugging around Marco, moving his head to his neck, crying and not managing to keep a sob inside. He felt Marco hug back, one hand moving to his head and stroking, comforting him. He felt Eustass having a hand on his shoulder, giving him his comfort too.
As he was trying to gather himself, he heard some movement to his left, and turned to look, being shocked at who he saw. The king- Whitebeard, Thatch, Haruta, Izou, Namur, Rakuyo, and Fossa, was there, all having on dark clothes, Whitebeard, Thatch, and Izou holding a few flowers, him recognizing them as flowers from Hell. When they came closer, the three who had the flowers, went and placed them on the grave, not speaking.
That was a really nice motion of them, and he didn't know them well, but it was nice. He had seen them really trying to be nice, and this was something they didn't need to do, but they did. And, he was sure Luffy and Sabo would have loved those flowers from Hell. Ace took a breath and moved to dry a few tears away, looking at those who came. "Thank you," He managed to say, although it sounded a bit raw from him crying. Whitebeard shook his head. "It's nothing. We wanted to give our condolences and support." Thatch gave a nod too. "Yeah. And we want to say, and show, we are here too." He gave a nod, moving his head to Marco's shoulder again, giving a sniff. That was nice of them.
After a few minutes, he felt better and moved away from Marco, wiping his eyes. Eustass still had his hand on his back, which was nice. Eustass was a good friend.
As he was more gathered, Eustass spoke, looking at the newcomers. "So, who are you?" Whitebeard gave a smile. "I'm Marco's father, Whitebeard-" Before the man could continue, tell who the rest was, Eustass gave a frown. "That means the rest are Marco's brothers, meaning they weren't the nicest ones to Ace." The frown became a dangerous grin, hand moving inside his jacket, taking the wrench out and holding it towards the High Lords. "If you even look at Ace funny, you will regret it." Ace looked at Eustass. "You took your wrench with you?" Eustass looked at him like he was stupid. "Yeah. Of course. Never know when one needs it."
Ace couldn't help it, and laughed a bit, making Eustass laugh too. The kid was like this and he usually managed to lighten the mood. Ace liked him. It didn't seem like Whitebeard minded the threat, which was a real one, as he knew Eustass and he would do it for him. He was a really good friend.
When they calmed down, Ace shook his head a bit as he looked at Eustass. "I didn't know you still brought your wrench everywhere." Eustass gave a small shrug. "As I've said, never know when you need it. I've used it often in weird situations." That was true. Eustass has used it often. Eustass looked at him, a soft look at his face. "Should we go and eat now? Or do you want more time here." Ace sent a look at the grave. He had said his things, and he had even seen them last week. He hoped to do that again sometime. This was still a form of closure to him. He needed to ask if they knew he did this, if they could hear it.
He shook his head a she looked at Eustass. "We can go. Thanks for coming too, Eustass." The redhead shook his head, moving a hand over Ace's shoulder. "Nah. What are friends for, right?" That had him give a small chuckle. He liked Eustass, he was the best friend he could have.
He gave a last look at the grave, before they left.
He walked between Eustass and Marco, Eustass having his arm over his shoulder, Marco holding his hand, Ace liking both as it helped him calm down. As they were out of the graveyard, Eustass looked at the group of demons a bit behind them. "Now, we appreciate you coming here, but now, leave. We have a dinner reservation and you're not invited." Ace looked at the other. "Eustass," The redhead gave a small shrug. "It's the truth." Ace shook his head. "But don't be so mean about it." Eustass gave another shrug, and before Ace could speak again, he heard the King speaking up. "It's fine. We just wanted to come and give our condolences. Hope you stay well, Ace." He gave a nod and small smile to the man, eyes still a bit teary. "Thank you for coming, really." The man, and the others, gave a nod, and they left, walking the other way as they headed towards the restaurant they would eat at.
The day had gone fine and Ace was glad Marco had joined him, also glad the other High Lords and king had come. It really meant a lot.
And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed
This chapter got really long and I hope you enjoyed it. And I want to say that this story won't be a too-long one, meaning there are about 5 or so chapters left before it is completed, and I wanted to ask if anyone had any scenes or idea you want to happen in this, and if you do, leave it as a review, send a PM, or leave it on Discord (Link underneath and on my page)
And if you have the time, I greatly appreciate feedback
Also, if you're interested and have it and maybe want to share something or anything with me, come join my Discord server. It's called Azuruko's Fiction. It has a small channel for all my stories, and one main channel that's general. If I'm late with a chapter, I will tell there, and updates will be posted there. You can come with requests, questions, or just join for fun. Everyone is welcomed. (Instant invite: discord . gg / 6hzMhbR)
