Hello everyone, here is another one shot, this time from Roses in the Waves
This is if Marco and Ann got together and how that would go. This is not a part of the main story, just an idea.
This was a request
Hope you enjoy
Read and relax
Ann gave a chuckle, looking at Marco. The man had invited her out for a drink, and she thought it couldn't hurt. Marco was nice. Izou was watching Luffy. Oh Luffy, he was already one and a half. He grew up so fast. He then looked at Marco when he moved a hand to her hand. "Ann, one of the reasons I asked you out. I like you, yoi." Ann blinked. "I like you too, Marco." Marco shook his head. "No, I like you, as in a romantic way." Ann blinked. "You- you do?" Marco nodded. "Yeah. You're kind, caring, and beautiful. I admire you, and I like you, yoi." Ann nodded slowly, no idea how to react. Marco liked her? Did she like him back? She didn't know for sure. "I- I don't know what to say. I think… I think I might like you too. You're kind and smart. But I don't know." She honestly didn't. Marco nodded. "I get this might be rushed, but I do like you. I hope you feel the same, yoi." Ann nodded. "I think I do. I just, I'm a bit unsure." Marco nodded. "Let's just relax and enjoy this time out. And we'll take things later, yoi." Ann nodded, that sounded to be a good idea. She needed to think about this.
-x-
Marco walked with Ann back to her room, going to say goodnight. He was glad Ann might feel something back to him, which was all he could ask for, and was happy with that. When they got to the woman's room, Marco tried to lean in for a kiss, but Ann pushed him a bit back, shaking her head, looking unsure, making him frown. "Ann, is anything wrong, yoi?" The evening had been going well, and Ann had seemed to enjoy herself. Ann gave a sigh, having a remorseful look. "It's just.. You're an amazing man, Marco, really. And I like you. But… I'm not sure if I like you for you, or because you look like Sabo… I don't want to use you like that." Marco's face softened. "It's okay, yoi. I get it. Let's just say goodnight, and we are going to be docked for another day. How about a dinner out tomorrow? Just the two of us as friends, yoi? Nothing special, just to get to know each other more." Ann blinked at him, before she smiled. "Yeah, that does sound nice. Thank you, Marco." Marco shook his head, moving his hand to Ann's. "No, it's nothing, yoi. I get you're unsure about that, and I don't want you to be around me for the wrong reasons too. I'll see you tomorrow, Ann." As he said the last part, he moved and gave a small and quick kiss on Ann's cheek. Ann gave him a smile. "Yeah, we will. Goodnight, Marco." Marco then left, leaving Ann for herself. She had the night off from being a mother, Izou having Luffy. The woman deserved a break now and then.
-x-
Whitebeard gave a come in when he heard a knock, smiling when Ann came through. "Ann! Please, come in." Ann did, and Whitebeard gave a smile to the woman who sat down on the chair close by. "Ann, what brings you here so late?" The woman sighed. "I don't really know… I think I just didn't want to be alone… Maybe some advice..." Whitebeard gave a calm look. "You have been a lot around Marco the last few days, and he seems to enjoy it and look glad, but I haven't seen much of either of you alone. I'm always glad for a visit and help my children if I can." Ann sighed. "I know, and it's about Marco…" Whitebeard hummed. "I see. What about Marco?" He had a feeling what it might be, having seen the glances and the way the two looked at each other. Even Thatch and Izou had been dancing around the whole thing for a while, just needing a push in the right direction and to realise what they actually felt. Ann let out a breath, moving her hand through her hair. "It's just, he's really kind and nice, and we've spoken a lot and spent a lot of time lately, and I know he has some feelings for me; he told me… It's just… I don't know if I have feelings for him, or the fact he reminds me of Sabo…"
Whitebeard blinked. He didn't expect it, that Marco had confessed his feelings for the woman. And, he got why Ann felt unsure. "I see. I don't have the answer to that, and it's a tough situation. What do you think? What is your heart saying?" Ann sighed. "I don't know. I think i like him… but I'm also unsure. It wouldn't be fair to Marco if I only was with him because he reminds me of Sabo." Whitebeard smiled. "You have a good heart, Ann. I am glad you hold back, at least until you know what you feel; it wouldn't be fair to Marco. Why don't you tell me what you feel about him?" Ann shook her head with a small smile and chuckle. "I feel safe around him, and trust him. He's calm and rational, easy to talk to and speak with, and his advice is always good. Even though he's a pirate he is so calm and caring, the way he always says the truth and the right thing, just how he speaks and acts. And he just loves Luffy; which means everything to me. He doesn't mind it, as so many others do and have said. I know I can always count on him to help with anything, and if he doesn't have the answer, he knows who does." Whitebeard smiled. That did sound like Marco. There was a reason he was the first commander.
"What about Sabo?" Ann took a small pause, before speaking with an enamored look. "He- Sabo was amazing. He always made sure I was fine and had everything I needed. He was a huge support through everything, and I could always count on him to make me feel better. He was a good fighter and always used a pipe or pole. He could be a loudmouth and rash, but he never acted out of his way, he always thought things through. He always stood with me through thick and thin. He was caring for me and would help me with anything I asked for." Whitebeard nodded, Sabo sounded to have been a good person, which wasn't surprising if Ann fell for him. Ann was a loving and caring person.
They then sat and spoke for a bit, before he gave a smile to Ann. "And Ann, even if you and Marco decide to at least try, remember Marco will never even think of replacing Sabo. Marco will always be there for you and Luffy, but he will never be Luffy's father. Sabo will always be your biggest love, and Luffy's father. Marco will always be there for you and Luffy, but he will never try and take that spot." Ann looked to be thinking for a couple seconds, before she got a sheepish smile. "Yeah, you're right." Whitebeard gave a supporting look. "It's no harm in trying. You feel different about Sabo and Marco, and I can see you feel something about Marco, and as you said, he feels something about you. It is your decision, but all Marco is asking for is a chance, nothing more. I know you're scared, that you only like him because of the reministance to Sabo, but you say you feel different when you explain it. And maybe, even though you might not be sure of it, that you're scared to be with someone again. It's not long ago since you lost Sabo, a loss no one should have that early." Ann nodded. "Maybe you're right."
Whitebeard smiled at Ann. "Do what your heart says. If it says to try, give it a try. If it doesn't work out, part as friends." There were many on the ship, and there had been romances here and there, some that worked out, and some that did not. But everyone was still friends. But, he did hope Ann would give Marco a chance, both deserved happiness.
Ann stayed for the night, which was nice. When day came, she headed out early, probably since Luffy was awake early. The child was usually up around 6-7ish. Now, he could only wait and see what happens.
-x-
Ann moved and knocked on Marco's door, which opened after some seconds, Marco standing there and giving a curious look to her. "Ann, what brings you by, yoi?" Ann took a breath. "I just… I am willing to try, try a relationship. I can't promise it will last though." Marco shook his head a bit. "That's fine. I just want a chance." Ann nodded. "I know, and I want to try myself. I do think I like you for you, I do." Marco nodded, looking glad. Ann then took a step towards Marco and connected their lips, closing the door behind them. When they were inside the room, Ann moved a bit backwards after a minute, looking at Marco. "And, no matter how much I love Luffy, I don't want another Luffy." Marco nodded. "We'll be careful, yoi." Ann nodded, that was good, they were on the same page.
Ann was glad and she wanted to give Marco a chance and she had a feeling it would go fine.
-x-
Whitebeard sat out on deck, enjoying a sunny day. Many, most, were out and enjoying it too. Marco and Ann were also out, Luffy running around somewhere. He was glad Ann had given Marco a chance, and it seemed to go fine and had for the last 3 months. They had kept it a secret for a bit, before they came out. He understood that. But as the two had shared a kiss, Luffy blinked at Marco, before holding his arms out towards him. When Marco lifted the child, the child continued to look at Marco, before he looked at Ann, before back at Marco, tilting his head. "Dad?" Whitebeard saw Marco blinking, before he shook his head. "No. Marco." Luffy tilted his head more. "No. dad." Marco shook his head again. "No. Marco, not dad." Luffy frowned with that, before he nodded slowly. "Marco… not dad?" Marco nodded. "Yes, Marco, not dad." The child nodded, looking confused still. The captain then looked over at Ann, who looked worried and upset for some reason. But the look quickly disappeared as she looked her normal self. The rest of the day went by calmly, and when evening came, Luffy was out with Izou, which was weird as Ann was usually out with Luffy now, but he couldn't see the woman. Marco looked a bit worried too, before he headed away, probably to find Ann, the captain wondered where she was.
-x-
Marco knocked on Ann's door, hearing a small come in, and when he opened the door, he saw Ann sitting on the bed, looking somewhat upset. "Ann? Are you okay, yoi?" Ann let out a breath, head moving down in her hands as she looked really upset, shaking it. Marco closed the door and walked in, sitting down beside Ann and a hand moving to her back. "Ann? What is it, yoi?" Ann gave a sniffle. "I just, I feel like I'm betraying Sabo." Ann said teary, and Marco frowned. "Why?" Ann took a breath, lifting her head and wiping a tear. "I just, Luffy thinks you're his father. But you're not. I feel like Sabo is forgotten." Marco shook his head. "No no, he's not. He never will be. Luffy is just a bit confused, he probably thinks that since we're together and seen it on islands, seen mothers and fathers. Listen, Sabo will never be forgotten, he will always be in your memory, and when Luffy is older, in his. When he can understand it." Ann nodded, before she shook her head. "I don't know. I think I need some time." Marco nodded, he got that. He moved a hand to Ann's leg, stroking it. "I get it. Know I'm here for you no matter what, yoi." Ann nodded. "I know, I just need a bit of time." Marco nodded, he understood that, and moved to kiss Ann on her cheek. "Take all the time you need. Izou can watch Luffy tonight, yoi." Ann nodded. "Yeah, thanks."
Marco then moved out of the room, closing the door behind him. He got that Ann needed some time to understand what she felt about this. When he got out on deck, he said to Izou he and Thatch would watch Luffy for tonight, when he asked why, Marco said Ann just needed to be alone for a night, which the man didn't question, which was good. He really did hope Ann would sort through this, and he hoped they would still be a thing when she had.
-x-
Ann moved her head into her hands as Marco left, needing to think. Marco was kind, he was, and Ann did like him. But she didn't want Sabo to be forgotten either. She didn't want Luffy to think Marco was his father, because he wasn't. Sabo was, but he wasn't here to be a father, and never would. What if he would be forgotten? She didn't want that. True, Luffy was only one and a half years old, and he probably couldn't understand death or all that, but still. He didn't want Luffy to grow up thinking Marco was his father. He liked Marco, but he didn't want him to be Luffy's father, because he wasn't. But, maybe Marco was right. When Luffy was old enough, she would explain why his father wasn't around. Marco was smart and usually had an answer. He was probably right, and he had said to Luffy that he wasn't his father, so she knew he didn't think to take Sabo's place as Luffy's father. Not that he wasn't amazing with Luffy, he really was. And that meant a lot to her. He wasn't thinking of taking over after Sabo, but be himself and be there for her, which he had been. Marco really was amazing.
Ann took a breath, she had an answer she thought, but she would still like to be alone for the night, to think through this clearly. She really needed an answer for herself and then be sure of that answer.
-x-
Marco sat in his room, doing some paperwork, when there was a knock at his door. It was early, the clock barely past 6, and he didn't know who it might be. "Come in!" He yelled, and the door opened to show Ann, which had Marco smile. "Ann, how are you?" Ann nodded. "Okay… Could we talk?" Marco nodded, and motioned to an empty chair, where Ann sat down with a sigh, before she spoke. "I've been thinking a lot the last day, and I think I understand what I want. I still… want to be with you, but I need Luffy to know who his father is." Marco nodded. "And I completely agree. When Luffy is 3, 4, or 5, depending on how he develops, we have a long conversation with him, and tells him about Sabo, yoi." Ann nodded, looking a bit unsure. "But, will he understand it?" Marco nodded. "Children understand more than you think, and 3, 4, and 5 years old, depending on development, understand death." Marco knew this from experience. Ann nodded. "Okay. I believe you." That was good.
Marco then moved a hand to Ann's leg. "How are you feeling, yoi?" Ann sighed, before she nodded with a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just needed the night. Sorry for coming so early." Marco shook his head. "No no, it's fine. I was awake, yoi." Ann nodded. "I guessed. I am sure Luffy's soon awake too." Marco chuckled. "How about we go out and wait for him, yoi?" Ann smiled. "Yeah I like that idea. But before we leave, what did you think when Luffy called you dad?" Marco hummed. What did he think? He did feel weird, seeing as he wasn't the young child's father, the reason he had corrected Luffy. But there was something inside him which felt happiness too. He might want a child one day. He knew Ann didn't want more children, being a stepfather for lack of words for Luffy, would have to be enough. And it probably would be enough. But overall, he felt it was wrong of Luffy to think that, since Sabo was his father, not him. "I thought the idea was misplaced. I'm not his father, so he shouldn't think of me like his father. I got why Luffy thought it, but it was still wrong, yoi." Ann nodded. "That makes sense. Shall we go wait for Luffy?" Marco nodded. "We should.
Ann then stood up, and Marco did as well, moving over to give a quick kiss to Ann, before they headed out. Not that many were out, and it was only half an hour until Luffy came running out on deck, instantly running to Ann and hugging her.
Marco was sure things would be fine, Luffy seemed to be a smart child.
And that's the one shot, hope you enjoyed
I know it might have been a bit much breaks, but I hope it was readable
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