The Moby Dick loomed ahead, its massive silhouette cutting through the waves as Marco and Siren returned from their mission. The long voyage defending their islands from Big Mom's crew had taken its toll-weeks spent in battle, without respite. The islands were safe now, but the weight of the journey still pressed heavily on them.

Siren stood at the bow of the ship, her eyes fixed on the distant form of the Moby Dick. There was an odd, heavy tension in her chest, a feeling she couldn't quite place. It wasn't just exhaustion from the battle or the long days on the sea-no, this was different. Something was pulling her, drawing her in with an intensity that felt almost like a warning.

"Not much longer now," Marco's voice called out, his eyes scanning the horizon. But he could feel it too-the subtle shift in the air, a tension that neither of them could shake. Something was waiting for them aboard the ship.

The closer they got, the stronger the sensation grew in Siren's chest. There was a force here-something powerful. Her pulse quickened. She didn't know why, but she had the feeling that whatever awaited them would change everything.

Marco turned his attention to the ship ahead, where a figure stood at the rail. He had a strong, built frame and dark, messy hair, but there was no immediate recognition. Marco had seen many faces on Whitebeard's ship, but this one was unfamiliar.

"New recruit?" Marco muttered to himself.

Siren felt a stirring deep in her chest as they neared the Moby Dick. She could hear it now-a deep, rhythmic thrum in her very bones, like the sound of distant drums calling to her. Her eyes locked onto the figure at the rail, and in that instant, the world seemed to shift. It was as if the sea itself was holding its breath, the very air growing thick with anticipation.

Her heart raced. The sensation was overwhelming-familiar, yet unlike anything she had felt before. It reminded her of the feeling she had when she first met Marco, all those years ago, when fate's pull had woven their paths together. But this was stronger. It was as if her soul had been unspooled, threading through the ocean, through time itself, and there, in front of her, was the answer.

She couldn't breathe. The air around her was suffocating, pressing down on her chest with an almost crushing force.

"Marco..." Siren's voice was barely a whisper, her eyes still fixed on the figure.

Marco narrowed his eyes, noticing the shift in Siren's demeanor. Her hand gripped the railing, knuckles white, her body rigid with some unknown tension. He turned to follow her gaze and saw the same figure standing at the ship's rail.

"Who is that?" Marco asked quietly, the unfamiliar man's presence already unsettling something inside him.

Siren couldn't respond. Her mind was racing, trying to comprehend the intensity of the sensation. She felt it-this was no ordinary crew member. This was someone fated to be in her life, someone whose path she had crossed before, someone whose soul echoed with her own.

The thrum in her chest pulsed again, stronger, louder, and then-a voice.

"Looks like we've got visitors."

Siren's heart skipped a beat. The voice was smooth, easy, carrying with it a sense of familiarity that made her insides churn. The man at the rail leaned forward, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

"I don't know who you two are, but I'm guessing you've been at sea for a while. Welcome back," he said, his tone warm but with a hint of playful arrogance.

Siren's breath hitched. She didn't know this man. Not really. She didn't recognize his face, and yet, everything in her screamed that he was important. That he was meant to be here, now.

"Are you-" Marco started, but Siren cut him off, her eyes wide.

"I don't know," she muttered, almost to herself. Her eyes never left the man standing before them. "But... I can't ignore it. I have to protect him."

Marco's eyes flickered to Siren, his expression one of concern and confusion. He knew Siren well enough to understand that this wasn't some fleeting impulse. There was something deeply rooted inside her, something she couldn't control.

Before Marco could ask anything further, the man jumped down from the rail, landing lightly on the deck with a confident stride. He was younger than Marco had expected, but his presence was undeniable.

"Name's Ace," the man said, offering a hand to Marco. "I've been with Whitebeard's crew for a while now. You two must be the new faces."

Marco shook his hand warily, still trying to make sense of the situation. There was something about Ace-his very aura-that felt like an echo of something larger, something beyond them. But for now, they had to focus on the crew, on the mission at hand.

"Marco," Marco replied, his eyes still scanning Ace for any sign of his true purpose. "We've just returned from a long mission."

Ace grinned, his gaze flickering to Siren, who hadn't moved from her spot. She was still frozen, her body tense, eyes wide. He raised an eyebrow at her reaction, his curiosity piqued.

"And you are?" Ace asked, the warmth in his voice now tinged with a hint of playfulness.

Siren opened her mouth to speak, but the words wouldn't come. It was as if the world was pressing against her chest, blocking the sound from leaving.

"I'm Siren," she managed, her voice tight. "And I... I'm sorry."

Ace looked at her, his expression shifting slightly. "No need to apologize," he said, his grin widening. "I take it the journey was a bit more... eventful than expected?"

Siren nodded numbly, still feeling the thrumming pull in her chest, still unable to understand what it meant.

The air between them seemed to hum with an unspoken understanding. Ace, unaware of the storm brewing inside Siren, only tilted his head in curiosity. He didn't know what this feeling was either, but something about this woman... this crew... felt like destiny.

"I'll let you two get some rest," Ace said, stepping back with a light chuckle. "I'll be around."

As Ace walked away, Marco looked at Siren, his eyes narrowed.

"What was that?" he asked, his voice low, concerned.

"I don't know," Siren whispered, more to herself than to Marco. "But it's like when I met you... When fate called."

Marco's expression softened slightly. He had a feeling that whatever this was, it was just the beginning. And fate, as always, was a force neither of them could escape.

...

The Moby Dick creaked softly as the ship docked at the island, the sun beginning to dip below the horizon. After their long voyage defending their islands from Big Mom's forces, the Whitebeard Pirates had finally returned home. There was an air of relief, but also of something unspoken, something heavy. Marco stood at the helm, eyes scanning the familiar surroundings of the island.

Today marked a turning point for him. Today, he was no longer just a member of Whitebeard's crew. After the battle, after the bloodshed, and the endless days of defense, Marco was stepping into his new role as a commander under Whitebeard's flag.

Behind him, Siren stood, her hands clasped loosely at her sides. The breeze tousled her hair, but her mind was miles away. She had been too quiet during the voyage home. And now, standing at the edge of the ship, she could feel it. The pull that had been growing stronger every day, deep inside her chest. The pull toward Ace.

It wasn't just physical attraction. It was something more-something ancient, like fate itself was pulling her toward him. She couldn't deny it. The universe seemed to be shifting around them, whispering that this was where they needed to be. But that didn't change the truth that Marco was still her anchor, still her heart.

Marco turned, sensing her distance. His eyes narrowed slightly, catching the way Siren's gaze lingered on the horizon, the way her body was taut with unspoken thoughts. "Siren," he called gently, his voice like a soft anchor in the storm of her mind.

She turned to him, forcing a smile, though the weight of the moment was still heavy in her chest. "I'm fine, Marco. Just a little tired. It's been a long voyage."

He didn't buy it. Marco knew her too well. "You're not fine. What's going on?"

Siren hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to voice what was slowly consuming her. But Marco deserved honesty. He always had, and always would. She took a deep breath, meeting his eyes, her expression serious.

"I feel it, Marco. The pull. The same one I felt when we were kids. The same one I felt with you."

Marco's gaze softened, but there was a flicker of concern in his eyes. He stepped closer, his voice quieter now. "You're talking about Ace, aren't you?"

Siren didn't flinch. She didn't hide. "Yes. It's something I can't explain. I feel like my soul is being drawn to him." She shook her head, trying to process the words. "But it doesn't change what we have, Marco. Nothing changes that."

Marco's expression was unreadable for a moment. Then, slowly, he reached out and cupped her cheek, the gesture tender but firm. "I know. I know, Siren. I'm not afraid of the pull you feel, but... you're right. It doesn't change us. Not for me. And it never will."

The weight of his words settled on her shoulders, and for a moment, Siren could breathe again. She nodded, grateful for his unwavering faith in them. She knew, deep down, that their bond was something unshakable, something that no force in the world could tear apart.

But then the atmosphere on the deck shifted as Whitebeard's booming voice echoed across the ship.

"Gather round! We have much to celebrate tonight!"

The crew's energy exploded into cheers, and Siren let out a small laugh, shaking off the heavy thoughts. They had earned this moment-Marco had earned this moment. She squeezed his hand and followed him toward the gathering of commanders, where everyone was coming together for the celebration.

As the crew began to assemble, Siren's heart fluttered, her eyes darting toward Ace, who was standing with the rest of the commanders. He wasn't a commander yet, but there was something in the way he stood among them-something undeniably magnetic.

The commanders gathered around Whitebeard, and Siren stood beside Marco, feeling Ace's gaze on her like a physical weight. She could feel the pull between them, stronger than ever. But she refused to let it distract her. Not now.

"Today, we celebrate!" Whitebeard bellowed. "Our strength. Our unity. You've all earned your place here, and you'll continue to fight by my side. For this, we drink!"

The crew cheered, raising their mugs high. Marco stood tall, his posture relaxed but proud, as Siren stood close beside him, a quiet understanding passing between them.

Ace's eyes were on her, though. Siren couldn't help but notice the way he watched her and Marco, the way they moved together-seamless, natural, like they'd known each other for lifetimes. It wasn't the first time Ace had seen the two of them interact, but something about it now made him uneasy.

It was hard to explain, but he felt it-the way Marco's every movement seemed to be an extension of Siren's own, how she seemed to anticipate his every word, every gesture. It was as if they were one, and Ace couldn't help but feel like an outsider. But at the same time, he felt an undeniable pull toward both of them.

Siren and Marco, they were more than just partners in battle. They were in perfect sync-understanding each other with the kind of intimacy that only time and trust could forge. It was something beautiful, but it was also intimidating. Ace had never felt like this around anyone before.

For a long moment, he watched them, unable to tear his eyes away. He wanted to move closer, to understand what it was that made them so... connected. But part of him hesitated, not sure if he was welcome. Not sure if there was space for him in their world.

It wasn't until Siren turned to him, offering a smile that was both warm and challenging, that Ace finally snapped out of his thoughts.

"You're staring, Ace," she said teasingly. "Something on your mind?"

Ace grinned, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes. "I was just thinking... about how you two work together. It's like you've been doing this forever."

Siren raised an eyebrow, glancing at Marco, who was smiling as well. "We've known each other a long time. You get to know someone pretty well after all that time."

Marco's voice was low and steady. "It's not just time, though. It's trust. A bond that can't be broken."

Ace blinked, suddenly realizing the weight of what they were saying. He had never had that kind of bond with anyone. Not like what Marco and Siren shared.

He was intrigued. And maybe... maybe a little intimidated. But at the same time, it fueled something in him-something that urged him to dig deeper, to see if he could understand the connection between them.

As the night wore on, the tension between the three of them only grew. Marco and Siren were inseparable-moving together, breathing together-and Ace watched, captivated. He could feel it, the unspoken understanding that passed between them, the way they didn't need words to communicate. It was both beautiful and maddening.

Siren felt it, too-the intensity of Ace's gaze, the growing tension in the air. But even with the pull toward him, she knew one thing: her bond with Marco was unshakable. She would never lie to him, never hide from him. And Marco... he understood.

But what of Ace? What would he do when he realized just how deep their connection went?

...

The night was alive with the sounds of laughter, music, and the clinking of mugs. The crew of the Moby Dick was celebrating their return, the long voyage finally behind them. Whitebeard sat in his usual chair, surrounded by his sons and commanders. His weathered face glowed in the firelight, a man who had seen more years than most could ever imagine.

Ace, however, wasn't entirely focused on the celebration. His eyes kept flickering toward Siren and Marco, who stood near the center of the crowd, together yet separately. The way they moved, the way their very presence seemed to align-it was captivating. He couldn't quite understand it, and yet he knew there was something there, something beyond his reach.

He had seen bonds like theirs before, but nothing quite like this.

After a while, Whitebeard noticed the way Ace kept glancing toward the pair. He hadn't missed it, not for a second. The old man was far sharper than anyone gave him credit for.

"Ace," Whitebeard's voice rumbled, drawing the younger pirate's attention. "You've been staring at them for a while now."

Ace blinked and met Whitebeard's eyes, realizing he had been caught. But rather than looking away, he leaned closer, curious and cautious.

"I don't get it," Ace admitted, his voice low enough for only Whitebeard to hear. "Siren and Marco-there's something between them. Something powerful. I've never seen two people so... connected. Not just in battle, but in everything. It's like they're one. But they've been here longer than me, right? How old are they really? They don't seem to age."

Whitebeard chuckled softly, the sound of it deep and knowing. He took a long sip from his cup before responding, his eyes sharp as he looked at Ace.

"They're not as old as you might think, Ace. Physically, they stopped aging around the age of 18. They're approximately 35 now, though you wouldn't be able to tell just by looking at them. Their bodies have remained youthful, but their minds-those are as sharp as they come."

Ace frowned, still not entirely grasping it. "What do you mean? They're not like the rest of you?"

Whitebeard's expression softened for a moment, as if weighing how much he should reveal. "They're not the same as the rest of us in certain ways. They've been with this crew since the beginning, yes. But their powers, their knowledge-especially their bond-give them an edge that most can't even begin to understand. They've been gifted with the Voice of All Things, and it's given them a profound wisdom, an insight that most people would never know. They're not just fighters, Ace. They're... protectors. And they've carried that responsibility for much longer than anyone truly knows."

Ace nodded slowly, trying to process the information. He had known there was something off about Marco and Siren's age, but now it made sense. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more he didn't understand.

He looked back at Marco and Siren, who were engaged in quiet conversation with a few of the other commanders. "They're... connected, aren't they? More than just partners in battle."

Whitebeard's gaze was steady as he followed Ace's line of sight. "They are. More than you can understand. Their love isn't the same as what you're used to. It's deep, it's unyielding, and it's a bond that has been forged through countless trials. They don't hide from each other, and they don't lie to each other."

Ace felt something stir inside him at the mention of the word "love." He had never been great with matters of the heart, but he couldn't deny the undeniable pull he felt whenever he was near them. And the way they moved, the way they interacted-it was almost like they were one soul split into two bodies.

He leaned back in his seat, his mind racing with questions. "But they're not exclusive to each other, right? I mean... I've seen the way they look at other people too. They've never been tied down by just one."

Whitebeard's chuckle was low and knowing, as though he had seen this sort of thing play out before. "No, they're not exclusive. Not in the way you might think. They've always been open, always been free, and that's how they've survived. But that doesn't mean they don't care. It doesn't mean they don't love each other in their own way. What they share isn't bound by the same rules you might expect."

Ace felt a strange tension in the air. He didn't know if it was because of the way Whitebeard spoke or the way Siren and Marco's bond seemed to stretch out before him like a vast ocean-something vast and unknown that he wasn't quite sure how to navigate.

Ace's next question was more direct, almost searching. "What about me, Whitebeard? Where do I fit in?"

Whitebeard's eyes darkened slightly, and for the first time, there was an edge to his voice. "You're young, Ace. Too young to understand what it means to love that deeply, to be bound like they are. You don't have the experience, the depth, the insight that they do. And that's not a slight against you-it's just the way things are."

Ace's jaw tightened, a spark of frustration igniting inside him. "So what? You're telling me I'm not ready for whatever this is?"

Whitebeard's eyes softened, but there was still a weight in his gaze. "I'm telling you that you're playing with fire, Ace. That's what I'm telling you. Marco and Siren are more than just a pair. They are the heart of this crew. They're what keeps us together. And if you're not careful, you'll get burned trying to play the game they've already mastered."

Ace's chest tightened, but something in his gut told him Whitebeard was right. This wasn't something he could rush into. This wasn't just about attraction or curiosity. There was something more at play here, something far deeper than anything he had ever known.

The conversation hung in the air between them for a long moment. Finally, Ace spoke, his voice quieter now, but with a sense of determination. "I just want to understand them. I want to know more about them, about what makes them... tick."

Whitebeard gave a slow, knowing nod. "That's what you should focus on, Ace. Understanding them. And don't rush it. You're still learning. You're still figuring things out. But in time, you'll see."

...

Back near the center of the celebration, Siren caught sight of Ace talking with Whitebeard. She could see the way he was leaning in, the way his posture had shifted. She wasn't sure what they were discussing, but she knew it was about her and Marco. She could feel the eyes on them, feel the unspoken tension building.

Marco, ever the observant one, glanced over at Siren, sensing her unease. "You can feel it, can't you?" he said, his voice low, just for her.

Siren nodded, her expression thoughtful. "He's... curious. I can feel it in the air. He doesn't understand yet. But he's starting to."

Marco's lips twitched into a small, knowing smile. "Let him. We can't rush him. But we also can't hide what we are."

Siren turned her head to meet his eyes, a silent understanding passing between them. Whatever happened with Ace, whatever course this path took, she knew they would face it together. Their bond was unbreakable, and no one could take that from them-not even time.

...

The celebration was winding down, but the night still felt alive with energy. Marco, Siren, and Ace found themselves at the edge of the crowd, the noise of the revelry fading into the background as they gathered around a small table on the deck of the Moby Dick. The firelight cast flickering shadows, and the sea breeze was gentle, carrying the salt of the ocean with it.

Siren sat with an easy grace, her eyes flicking between Marco and Ace, feeling the slight tension in the air as they all settled into their seats. It was a curious moment-three people who had yet to fully understand each other, yet who were undeniably drawn together by fate.

Marco leaned back in his chair, his gaze shifting between the two with an ever-present warmth, but his eyes remained sharp, always assessing. He had known Ace for some time now, but this was different. He could feel it-Ace was more than just curious; there was an intensity behind those dark eyes, a drive to understand what made Marco and Siren tick. It was something new.

Ace, for his part, was still processing everything he had learned. The bond between Marco and Siren was so unique, so... untouchable. It wasn't just about their strength or the way they fought together; there was something deeper. He didn't understand it, but he felt an undeniable pull to understand more.

"So..." Ace started, his voice cutting through the soft sounds of the evening, his eyes fixed on Siren. "I've been meaning to ask. I can't really place it, but there's something about you two. You've been here since the beginning, right? But you don't seem to age. Or rather... you look... how old are you really?"

Siren smiled, a soft, almost knowing smile. "We're older than we appear," she said, her voice calm and steady, "but not in the way you might think. Our bodies stopped aging when we were 18. We're physically around 35 now, but our bond, our Devil Fruits-those things give us a sharper edge. We've lived through countless battles, but it's the knowledge and experience that comes with them that shapes us more than anything else."

Marco nodded beside her, his eyes fixed on Ace, his expression unwavering but understanding. "Our Devil Fruits, and the Voice of All Things, they give us insight and wisdom beyond the normal. It's not just our abilities that keep us sharp-it's the way we've connected with the world around us. The same connection that links Siren and I. It keeps us grounded, keeps us whole."

Ace absorbed the information slowly. It wasn't the kind of thing he was used to hearing. He was familiar with Devil Fruits, but the way Marco and Siren spoke about theirs-there was something sacred in their words, something he couldn't quite place.

Siren looked at Marco before answering, as if silently asking for his approval. He met her gaze, his calmness apparent, and gave her a small nod. She turned back to Ace, her expression softer now.

"It's the bond we share with each other. It's more than a partnership. More than a friendship or love. It's something that was forged over years of trust, sacrifice, and shared battles. We can sense each other's thoughts, emotions, and actions. In battle, it's like we move as one. There's no confusion, no hesitation."

Ace leaned forward, eyes wide with interest. "That's wild. You can really feel each other that strongly?"

Marco's gaze softened. "It's not just a feeling. It's the foundation of our existence. When you've been together as long as we have, it becomes second nature. It's more than emotional-it's like... instinct. We don't need to speak to know what the other is thinking. It's in the way we breathe, the way we fight. It's almost like we become the other."

Siren's lips curved into a faint smile at Marco's words. There was no hiding the depth of their connection in his eyes. It was the kind of thing that went beyond words. They had been through too much together, their bond unbreakable.

Ace took a long breath, his mind racing as he tried to process it all. "I can tell there's more between you two than just power and wisdom. You don't have to say anything, but... I feel it. When you're together, it's like the world just... shifts."

Siren gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, her gaze shifting toward Marco. "It's not just power. It's trust. We rely on each other in ways no one else can understand. We're each other's anchor. And we've both made a promise to protect this crew-to protect the people we love."

Ace's expression grew serious, a flicker of something dark and determined in his eyes. "And that's where I come in, huh? To prove myself. To earn that trust?"

Marco studied Ace carefully. "You've already proved yourself, Ace. Your actions speak louder than words. What you do, how you fight-it shows your strength. But understanding the bond we share? That'll take time."

Ace's gaze never wavered as he met Marco's eyes. "I'll earn that. I'll prove I'm worthy of it."

Siren smiled softly, her eyes glinting in the low light. "It's not about proving anything, Ace. It's about understanding. We're not expecting you to be like us, but we can show you how we work together. We can show you what it means to fight for something bigger than yourself."

There was a moment of silence before Ace spoke again, his voice thoughtful and quieter than before.

"You two... you're more than I imagined. I've seen a lot of bonds between pirates, but this..." Ace trailed off, shaking his head with a small grin. "I never thought I'd meet two people who could be so... connected, so in tune with each other. I don't know if I'll ever fully get it, but I think... maybe I'll start to understand."

Marco chuckled, shaking his head. "It's not something you just 'get,' Ace. It takes time. But if you're willing to learn, we'll show you."

Siren turned to Ace, her expression kind and yet firm. "And don't think you'll learn it all at once. But we're open. We're all part of this crew. We fight together, we live together. If you're with us, then you're part of something more."

The conversation turned into a quieter exchange as the three pirates sat together in the soft light of the Moby Dick's deck. It wasn't just the power that made them who they were-it was the understanding that had formed the foundation of their bond. Ace, Marco, and Siren were now three pieces of a puzzle that had just begun to form, and in time, the pieces would fall into place.

But for now, the night was young, and their story was just beginning.

...

The Moby Dick was quiet now. The revelry had died down, and only the soft crashing of the waves against the ship's hull could be heard, accompanied by the distant calls of seabirds. Siren and Marco walked quietly through the dimly lit hallways of the ship, heading toward their quarters. The sounds of the crew's celebrations had faded into the background, but their own thoughts lingered in the silence.

Siren could feel Marco beside her, his steps in rhythm with hers. Their bond was as natural as breathing, and it comforted her to know that even after all these years, they still moved together so seamlessly. But tonight, there was a different weight to the air. Ace's presence had stirred something inside her-an undeniable attraction, yes, but also a deeper, more ancient sense of connection. She could feel the thrum of his soul, the pull that echoed through her own.

And Marco had felt it too.

Once inside their quarters, Siren closed the door behind them and turned to Marco, her eyes searching his face, tracing the familiar lines with a tenderness that never left her. She could sense the tension in his shoulders, the tightness in his jaw-he was trying to be strong, but there was a shadow in his eyes, a trace of doubt that hadn't been there before.

"Marco," she whispered, reaching out to touch his cheek gently, her fingers brushing the stubble along his jawline. "It's not what you think."

Marco's eyes softened at her touch, but there was still a hint of concern. "Siren... I know you. And I know you won't lie to me. But I can't ignore it. You felt it, didn't you? The pull between you and Ace. It's like... it's like the world is pushing you toward him."

Siren let out a soft sigh, stepping closer to him. "I did feel it. But it's not what you're afraid of. I can't ignore the connection I felt to him-his soul resonates with mine in a way I can't explain. But that's all it is, Marco. Just a pull. A recognition. It doesn't mean I'm going to leave you."

Marco met her gaze, searching her eyes for the truth. "But it does mean something. Doesn't it? That feeling... that pull. I can't pretend I didn't see it in your eyes."

Siren smiled softly, her fingers trailing down the side of his neck, her touch light and reassuring. "It means something, yes. But not what you fear. You're my home, Marco. You always have been. You are my constant. This bond we share-this life we've built-there's nothing that can replace that."

She stepped closer, her chest brushing against his, and wrapped her arms around his waist, holding him tightly as if to prove her words were true. Marco closed his eyes, letting out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. He wrapped his arms around her in return, pulling her closer, as if he never wanted to let her go.

"I feel it too," Marco whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "That pull. It's like an echo through our bond. Like the world is trying to force me to see something I don't understand."

Siren nodded against his chest, her hand resting gently on his back. "I feel it too, Marco. Ace has a soul that calls to mine. But it's not a threat to us. I promise you that."

They stood there for a long moment, wrapped in each other's arms, letting the silence speak the words that neither of them needed to say. But Marco couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that lingered in the back of his mind. He was a man who had seen too much, fought too much, and loved too deeply to ignore the stirring in his soul.

"You know," he said after a moment, his voice quieter, "I can't help but feel the way you do. That pull. But I also see what you mean. There's something about Ace. I don't know if it's just curiosity or something else, but his soul feels... different."

Siren tilted her head up, her eyes meeting his once more. "I think Ace's soul is still finding its place. He's young, Marco. He's still learning. He's got potential, yes. But he doesn't know the weight of what it means to truly be connected to someone. Not like we are."

Marco nodded slowly, his gaze distant for a moment, as if contemplating Ace's unspoken struggles. "I can feel that. It's like he's still searching for something. Something he hasn't found yet."

Siren's fingers threaded through his hair, gently tugging him closer. "He's looking for something. But what he's missing isn't something I can give him. Not in the way I give it to you, Marco."

Marco placed a hand on her cheek, his thumb gently stroking her skin. "I don't want to lose you, Siren. I don't want anything-anyone-to come between us."

"You won't," she said softly, her voice filled with certainty. "I'm yours, Marco. Always have been. Always will be."

She kissed him then, slow and soft at first, feeling the reassurance of their connection flood through her. Marco responded with the same tenderness, as if he were grounding himself in her presence. The kiss deepened, and for a moment, all the doubts and fears faded into the background. It was just the two of them-Marco and Siren, as it always had been.

And then Marco pulled back slightly, resting his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling in the cool night air.

"I feel you, Siren," Marco murmured. "You're my anchor, my home. I don't want to share that with anyone. Not in the way you and I are connected."

Siren smiled softly, her hand tracing the lines of his jaw. "You don't have to, Marco. What we have... what we've built... there's no room for anyone else in the way you think. Ace doesn't change that."

Marco's lips curved into a smile, the tension in his shoulders finally easing. "Good. Because I'm not going anywhere."

Siren leaned in, kissing him again, this time with more urgency, as if to seal her promise. And Marco, with all the love and trust in his heart, kissed her back just as fiercely, knowing that whatever the future held, they would face it together.

They lay together in the quiet of the night, a peaceful understanding between them. Siren's heart beat in sync with Marco's, and for the first time in a while, she allowed herself to feel the depth of that connection. It was enough to know that no matter the challenges ahead, they would always have each other.

And as they drifted into sleep, Marco's mind quieted, the echoes of Ace's soul fading into the background. He had his fears, yes, but he also had Siren. And that would always be enough.

...