The ship swayed gently on the Grand Line's turbulent seas as life settled into a new rhythm. Marco, now fully recognized as a commander, found himself juggling his responsibilities with moments of reprieve alongside Siren. She was always at his side, their bond unshaken, yet Marco couldn't ignore the subtle undercurrent of tension that Ace's presence brought.
Siren, in her element, often used her devil fruit powers to help soothe the crew during long days. Her connection to the sea allowed her to calm the waters and summon gentle currents to steady the ship-a blessing on rough days. The crew admired her for her otherworldly abilities, though they often joked she could be just as tempestuous as the ocean itself.
Meanwhile, Ace had grown comfortable aboard the Moby Dick, though his own fiery powers demanded constant attention. The crew watched in awe as he practiced control, often sparring with Vista or Jozu on deck. His laughter was infectious, his passion undeniable, and yet, there were moments of quiet introspection where his eyes seemed to burn with an inner conflict.
...
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Marco sat alone in the infirmary, reviewing supplies. Siren appeared silently, her presence a balm to his restless thoughts.
"You're thinking too hard again," she teased, settling beside him.
Marco sighed, running a hand through his blond hair. "I can't help it. This thing with Ace... it's getting under my skin."
Siren tilted her head, her silver hair catching the lamplight. "Why? You don't trust him?"
"It's not that," Marco admitted. "He's a good kid. Strong, determined... but he's young. Too young to understand what this really means. What we mean."
Her expression softened as she reached out, her hand brushing his. "Marco, love... you know what's between us doesn't fade. It doesn't change. Ace isn't replacing you."
Marco exhaled slowly, the tension easing from his shoulders. "I know that, but... does he? Or is this just a fleeting obsession for him? I can't let someone hurt you, Siren. Not even him."
Siren leaned forward, pressing her forehead to his. "He's not like that. I feel it. There's something in him, Marco... something burning. He doesn't just want me-he wants to belong. To be seen, understood. Loved."
Marco closed his eyes, their bond humming between them. He could feel the faint echo of her emotions, her certainty. "If you trust him, I'll try. But he has a lot to prove."
...
The next morning, Ace approached them on deck, his usual swagger subdued. He looked between Marco and Siren, his gaze steady.
"I need to talk to you both," he began, voice serious.
Marco raised a brow but nodded, gesturing for him to continue.
Ace hesitated, his hands curling into fists. "I know I come off as reckless, and I probably annoy the hell out of you, Marco. But I'm not playing games here. I'm serious about this. About you both."
Siren's lips curved into a small smile, but Marco remained impassive, studying him.
"I've been on my own a long time," Ace continued. "My brothers... they're the only family I had before this. Luffy, he's going to be a pirate someday-says he's gonna be the Pirate King. And Sabo..." His voice faltered, and he looked away. "Sabo's gone. He died trying to protect me and Luffy."
Siren's heart clenched at the raw pain in his words. She stepped closer, her hand resting lightly on his arm. "Ace..."
He looked back at her, his eyes burning with unshed tears. "I don't want to lose anyone else. Not you. Not Marco. I know I've got a lot to prove, but I'm not giving up on this."
Marco finally spoke, his tone softer than before. "You've got guts, kid. I'll give you that. But words only go so far. It's actions that matter."
Ace nodded, determination etched into his features. "Then I'll prove it. To both of you."
...
That evening, the three of them sat together on the ship's bow, the stars stretching endlessly above. Ace opened up about his past, sharing stories of Luffy's wild antics and Sabo's unwavering resolve.
Siren listened intently, her laughter ringing out at Ace's tales of Luffy's clumsiness and his unwavering dream to become Pirate King. Marco, though quieter, found himself smiling at the warmth in Ace's voice.
"You're lucky to have brothers like that," Siren said softly.
"Yeah," Ace agreed, his smile tinged with sadness. "I just hope Luffy's okay out there. He's stubborn as hell, but he's got a good heart."
Marco leaned back, his gaze thoughtful. "Sounds like he takes after you."
Ace blinked in surprise before grinning. "Guess so."
Siren reached out, her hand brushing Ace's. "Thank you for trusting us with this. It means a lot."
Ace met her gaze, his heart pounding. "You mean a lot."
The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning. Marco's eyes flicked to Siren, their bond humming with shared understanding. This was only the beginning, and they all knew it.
...
The days aboard the Moby Dick stretched long, filled with work, camaraderie, and the ever-present sway of the sea. Siren found herself caught between Marco's steady presence and Ace's fiery passion, though the lines between their bonds were becoming clearer.
Marco and Ace began to form a rhythm of their own, rooted in respect and shared responsibility for the crew and Siren. Their interactions were still tinged with the occasional tension, but the more they worked together, the more Marco began to see Ace as a younger brother-a brash, impulsive one, but one with a good heart.
One afternoon, Marco and Ace worked side by side, helping oversee the crew's preparations for an incoming storm. Siren was nearby, assisting the deckhands with her powers, coaxing the waves into a gentler rhythm as the winds picked up.
"She's something else," Ace said, watching Siren with an almost reverent look.
Marco glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "She is. And she's been through more than you can imagine."
Ace's gaze shifted to Marco. "I get it. She's everything to you."
Marco nodded slowly. "Not just to me. To the crew, to Pops. She's a cornerstone of this family. If you're serious about her, Ace, you need to understand what that means."
"I do," Ace said firmly. "I know I've got a lot to learn, but I'm not just here for some fling. She deserves more than that."
Marco studied him for a long moment, his sharp eyes searching for any sign of insincerity. Finally, he gave a small nod. "Good. Because I'll always protect her, even if it's from you."
The words were heavy, but Ace didn't flinch. Instead, he nodded, his respect for Marco growing.
...
Later that night, Siren found Marco alone in their quarters, his expression thoughtful as he gazed out the small porthole. She approached quietly, wrapping her arms around him from behind.
"What's on your mind, love?" she asked softly.
Marco placed his hands over hers, sighing. "Ace. He's trying, I'll give him that. But I can't help being... cautious."
Siren pressed a kiss to his shoulder. "I know. And I love you for it. But you don't have to guard me from him. I can feel his heart, Marco. It burns, but it's steady."
He turned to face her, his hands coming up to cup her face. "I'll never stop being protective of you. You're my everything, Siren."
Her lips curved into a tender smile. "And you're mine. Always."
Their kiss was slow and deliberate, a reaffirmation of their bond. Marco's hands moved reverently over her, worshipful as ever, and she met him with the same devotion.
...
The following evening, the three of them found themselves sitting together after dinner, the crew's laughter and singing fading into the background. Ace leaned back, a rare look of calm on his face.
"You two are incredible, you know that?" he said suddenly.
Siren raised an eyebrow, amused. "Is that so?"
"Yeah," Ace said earnestly. "You work like a team, move like a team. I've never seen anything like it."
Marco smirked. "Comes with time and trust. Something you'll figure out eventually."
Ace chuckled but then grew serious. "I want to, though. I want to be someone you both can trust. I want to prove I'm not just some hotheaded rookie."
"You've already started," Siren said gently. "Trust takes time, Ace, but you're on the right path."
Ace hesitated, then glanced between them. "There's something I've been meaning to say. About my brothers."
Marco and Siren exchanged a look but stayed silent, waiting for him to continue.
"Luffy and Sabo," Ace said, his voice softer now. "They're the only family I had before this. Sabo... he's gone. But Luffy, he's out there somewhere, and he's going to be a pirate someday. A great one."
Siren tilted her head, her silver hair catching the light. "You must miss them."
Ace nodded. "Every day. But being here... it feels like I've found something again. A place. A family. You two... you're part of that now."
Marco's eyes softened, and he gave a small nod. "You're part of it too, Ace. But don't forget-you have to earn your place."
Ace grinned, his determination shining through. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
...
As the weeks passed, their bond continued to grow. Marco and Ace developed a brotherly rapport, their banter and teamwork becoming seamless. Siren watched with quiet pride, her heart full as the two most important people in her life began to understand each other.
For Marco, his doubts were slowly being replaced by a cautious optimism. He saw Ace's resolve, his willingness to learn and grow, and it was impossible not to respect him for it.
For Ace, his admiration for Marco deepened. He saw the strength and wisdom in the man, the way he moved through the world with quiet confidence, and he aspired to live up to that standard-not just for himself, but for Siren as well.
And for Siren, the balance between them was becoming clearer. Marco was her anchor, her steady foundation, while Ace was the spark that ignited something new and vibrant within her. Together, they were shaping a bond unlike any other, one built on trust, respect, and love.
...
The next few weeks aboard the Moby Dick brought a mix of calm seas and turbulent skirmishes. Big Mom's forces, while not as aggressive as before, still sent probing attacks to test Whitebeard's defenses. It was during one such confrontation that the unique synergy between Marco, Siren, and Ace truly shone.
...
The warning bell rang across the ship, signaling an incoming attack. Marco, Siren, and Ace were among the first to leap into action, their movements almost instinctive.
The three of them stood at the bow, watching as a small fleet of Big Mom's ships approached.
"Looks like they're not done testing us," Marco muttered, his eyes narrowing.
Siren smirked, a hand on her hip. "Let's remind them why they shouldn't try."
Ace cracked his knuckles, fire already licking at his fingertips. "I've been waiting to cut loose. Let's show them what we're made of."
As the enemy ships closed in, Marco launched himself into the air, his phoenix form blazing bright against the sky. Siren stepped forward, her voice carrying on the wind as she called the sea to her command. The water rose in great, spiraling columns, crashing into the ships and throwing their crews into disarray.
Ace followed her lead, sending torrents of fire to meet her waves. Steam hissed and billowed, creating a screen that obscured their movements. Marco dove through the steam, his talons tearing through masts and sails with precision.
The three of them moved like a well-oiled machine, their powers complementing each other in a dazzling display. Ace's fire ignited the enemy cannons, while Siren's water snuffed out any return fire. Marco provided aerial support, picking off stragglers and ensuring the enemy's retreat.
By the time the skirmish ended, the enemy fleet was in full retreat, and the Moby Dick remained unscathed.
...
That evening, the three of them sat together on the deck, watching the sunset as the crew celebrated their victory.
"You two were incredible out there," Ace said, his admiration evident. "I've never fought alongside anyone like you before."
Siren smiled, leaning against Marco's shoulder. "You're not so bad yourself, Ace. You adapt quickly."
Marco chuckled. "Don't let it go to your head, though. There's always room for improvement."
Ace grinned. "Yeah, yeah. But seriously... do you ever think about what's next? After all this?"
Siren tilted her head, considering his question. "For us, the sea is home. Protecting our family, our crew, will always be our priority. But... sometimes, I think about what it would be like to find a place to rest. To settle, even if just for a while."
Marco glanced at her, his expression softening. "We've talked about it before. Maybe someday, when the world is a little quieter."
Ace leaned forward, his gaze distant. "For me, it's about my brothers. Luffy's got this crazy dream of being the Pirate King, and I... I want to be someone worthy of standing by him. Of protecting him, even if he doesn't need it."
Siren reached out, placing a hand on his. "You're already someone worthy, Ace. But I understand. Family drives us all."
Ace looked at her, his expression a mix of gratitude and determination. "What about you, Siren? What's your dream?"
She hesitated, her silver eyes reflecting the dying light of the sun. "My dream... is to protect what I love. To keep this family safe. And maybe, one day, to see a world where that's possible without constant fighting."
Marco nodded, his hand finding hers. "And I'll be there with you, every step of the way."
Ace smiled, the sincerity in their words resonating with him. "You two... you're incredible. I'm lucky to be here."
...
As the days turned into weeks, Ace found himself growing closer to both Marco and Siren. Their bond was unlike anything he'd ever seen-strong, unshakable, yet welcoming. Marco's protectiveness and Siren's openness drew him in, and he couldn't help but feel like he was becoming part of something bigger than himself.
For Marco, his initial doubts about Ace were slowly fading. He saw the effort Ace was putting into earning their trust, the way he treated Siren with respect and care. And while Marco remained vigilant, he couldn't deny that Ace was proving himself.
And for Siren, the connection she felt with Ace continued to deepen. It wasn't the same as what she had with Marco-nothing could ever replace that-but it was something new and vibrant. Together, they were finding a balance, each of them adding something unique to the dynamic.
...
The sun hung low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the Moby Dick. A rare moment of calm enveloped the crew, laughter and camaraderie filling the air. Ace lounged on the deck, idly flipping through the latest bounty posters delivered by the news coo.
A poster fell into his lap, and his casual demeanor froze. His fingers tightened on the paper, his sharp eyes scanning it over and over as if trying to confirm it wasn't a dream.
Monkey D. Luffy.
Bounty: 30,000,000 Berries.
A slow grin broke across his face, pride and nostalgia swelling in his chest. "He did it... the kid finally set sail."
His voice, quiet but filled with emotion, carried across the deck. Marco and Siren, standing nearby, turned toward him. They both approached, their curiosity piqued.
Siren, her vibrant red hair catching the sunlight, leaned over Ace's shoulder to look at the poster. Her forest green eyes widened slightly, the faintest flicker of something unreadable crossing her face.
"Is this your brother?" Marco asked, his tone neutral but curious as his sharp gaze flicked between Ace and the poster.
Ace nodded, his grin widening. "Yeah. That's Luffy. My little brother's finally out there, chasing his dream."
Siren's gaze lingered on the poster, her expression slowly shifting from curiosity to something else-distant, almost hollow. She stepped back slightly, her hands trembling as she clutched the railing for support.
"Siren?" Marco's voice sharpened with concern, his attention snapping to her.
Suddenly, her knees buckled, her body folding as if an invisible force had drained her entirely. Marco was there in an instant, catching her before she hit the deck.
"Siren! What's wrong?" His voice cracked, his usually calm demeanor shattered by raw panic.
Ace was beside them in seconds, kneeling beside Marco as Siren's head lolled against his chest. Her lips moved faintly, but no sound came out. Her green eyes fluttered closed, her face pale and clammy.
"This has never happened before," Marco muttered, his voice shaking as he cradled her close. "She's never-Siren, wake up! Please."
...
Inside her mind, Siren felt submerged in a torrent of light and sound, her body weightless as visions overwhelmed her. She saw a boy with a straw hat standing defiantly amidst chaos, his laughter unbroken in the face of impossible odds. The world around him seemed to tilt, change, and reshape, as if he were the axis upon which fate turned.
There was a heaviness in her chest, a sense of both dread and hope warring within her. Images blurred together-clashing swords, roaring seas, and a beacon of light that refused to dim. The boy wasn't just important; he was vital. He was the one who would reshape everything.
When her eyes finally fluttered open, she gasped for air as if surfacing from a deep ocean. Her gaze landed on Marco's frantic face first, then Ace's worried expression hovering just behind him.
"Siren!" Marco exhaled in relief, his hands cupping her face as he pressed his forehead to hers. "You scared the hell out of me."
Ace leaned closer, his brow furrowed. "What happened? Are you okay? What did you see?"
Siren's voice trembled as she tried to speak, her fingers tightening in Marco's shirt. "It's him... the boy in the hat. He's going to bring change to the world. I felt it-every fiber of my being screamed it. He's... he's destiny itself."
...
Marco carefully helped her sit up, but his arm remained firmly around her shoulders, his usually composed expression shadowed by lingering fear. "You've had strange moments before, but this... this is different. What's happening to you?"
"I don't know," Siren admitted softly, her green eyes filled with a mix of awe and fear. She turned to Ace. "But your brother-he's important. More than you can imagine."
Ace's hand clenched the poster tightly, his jaw set. "He's my little brother. I've always known he's special, but this... Are you saying he's in danger?"
"Not yet," Siren said, her voice steadying. "But he will be. The weight he carries... it's immense. And if he falls, the world will fall with him."
Ace's lips pressed into a thin line, his emotions roiling just beneath the surface. "Then I'll protect him, no matter what. Just like..." He paused, his gaze shifting to her, his voice softening. "Just like I'll protect you."
...
Marco watched the exchange carefully, his protective instincts bristling but tempered by the sincerity in Ace's voice. He reached out, brushing Siren's hair from her face, his touch tender. "You're the one who matters right now. We can deal with the rest later, but don't ever scare me like that again, Siren."
"I'm sorry," she murmured, resting her hand over his. "I didn't mean to-"
Ace, emboldened by the moment, leaned in and pressed a kiss to her lips, cutting her off. It wasn't rushed or thoughtless; it was deliberate, filled with unspoken promises and an intensity that made her breath hitch.
Marco's sharp intake of breath was audible, but he didn't intervene. When Ace pulled back, his gaze met Marco's directly.
"I know I've got a lot to prove," Ace said quietly, his voice steady. "But I'm not playing games. I'm serious about her. About both of you. I just need time to show it."
Marco's gaze was unreadable for a long moment before he gave a short nod. "Then don't waste that time, Ace. And don't think for a second I'll let you take this lightly."
Siren, still recovering from the emotional whirlwind, reached for both of their hands, her green eyes shimmering. "You two... You're both ridiculous. But I wouldn't have it any other way."
...
The Moby Dick was quiet, save for the lapping of waves against its hull. The crew had gone to bed, leaving only the night watch on deck. Inside Marco and Siren's shared quarters, the atmosphere was heavy with unspoken words and lingering tension.
Siren sat on the edge of the bed, her red hair falling around her face like a curtain, masking her emotions. Marco stood in front of her, arms crossed, his piercing blue eyes scanning her face for any sign of distress. Ace hovered near the doorway, unsure whether to stay or leave.
"You're still pale," Marco murmured, crouching before her and gently taking her hands in his. His touch was warm, grounding. "I've never seen you like this. I don't like it."
"I don't either," she admitted, her voice softer than usual. "I don't know what happened, Marco. It wasn't just a vision. It was more... visceral. Like the world itself was screaming through me."
Ace stepped closer, his brow furrowed in concern. "You said Luffy is going to change the world. What exactly did you see?"
Siren hesitated, her forest green eyes flicking between the two men. "It wasn't clear. Just fragments. Luffy standing against impossible odds, his laughter echoing even in the darkest moments. The world around him breaking, shifting... rebuilding. He's light in a way I've never seen before, but it's dangerous too. The weight he carries..." She trailed off, her hands trembling slightly in Marco's grasp.
Marco squeezed her hands, his voice low and steady. "If this is about destiny, then it's not just about Luffy. It's about you too, isn't it?"
Siren nodded, her gaze distant. "I felt connected to him, like a thread was tying us together. But it's not the same as what I feel with you or even Ace. It's bigger, broader, like he's a part of something I can't fully comprehend yet."
...
Marco exhaled slowly, his jaw tightening. "You've always been the one to understand things beyond what the rest of us can see, Siren. The Voice of All Things, your instincts-they've never steered us wrong. But this time, you're not handling it alone."
She smiled faintly, her fingers brushing against his. "I know, love. You've always been my anchor."
Marco tilted her chin up, his gaze softening. "And I always will be. But that doesn't mean I'm not scared out of my mind right now. You're everything to me, Siren. If something like this is going to put you in danger, we need to prepare for it."
...
Ace cleared his throat, stepping closer. "And that goes for me too," he said firmly. "I know I'm still proving myself, but you don't have to carry this alone, Siren. Whatever Luffy's involved in, I'll be there for him-and for you."
Marco's sharp gaze snapped to Ace. "This isn't just about promises, Ace. It's about action. You say you're serious, but you have to understand what that means."
Ace met his gaze head-on, his voice steady. "I do. You think I don't feel it? She's not just someone I'm drawn to-she's someone I want to protect, to stand beside. I don't take that lightly."
...
Siren looked between them, her heart aching at the intensity of their words. "You two," she murmured, shaking her head. "I don't know what I did to deserve either of you."
Marco smirked faintly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You're you. That's all you've ever had to be."
Ace crouched beside Marco, his dark eyes earnest. "We're not going to let anything happen to you. Not now, not ever."
Her lips quirked into a faint smile, though tears shimmered in her eyes. "I believe you, both of you. But this... it's bigger than me, than us. If Luffy is going to change the world, we need to be ready. And I need to be strong enough to face whatever's coming."
Marco pressed a kiss to her forehead, his hand still holding hers. "Then we'll make sure you're ready. Together."
Ace, emboldened by the moment, rested a hand on her shoulder. "Whatever it takes, Siren. We're in this with you."
...
They spent the next few hours dissecting Siren's vision, trying to piece together what it might mean. Marco's sharp mind analyzed every word, every detail she could recall, while Ace offered insights into Luffy's character.
"He's reckless," Ace admitted with a fond smile. "But he's got a heart bigger than anyone I've ever met. He doesn't give up, no matter what. If anyone can change the world, it's him."
Siren nodded thoughtfully. "He'll need people like you-people who believe in him, who'll fight for him when he can't fight for himself."
Ace's expression darkened slightly, a flicker of guilt passing through his eyes. "That's why I have to get stronger. I made a promise to Sabo that I'd protect Luffy, no matter what."
Marco's gaze softened slightly at the mention of Sabo. "You've been carrying a lot, haven't you?"
Ace shrugged, his smile bittersweet. "We all have our burdens. But now I've got you two. Maybe it's time to share some of the weight."
Siren reached out, placing her hand over his. "You're not alone anymore, Ace. None of us are."
...
The night was heavy with quiet, the kind that presses down on the soul and demands acknowledgment. After the emotional revelations, Siren still felt a lingering tremor in her chest. Vulnerability wasn't something she wore easily-it wasn't in her nature-but tonight, it felt like a storm had cracked her open.
Marco could see it in the way her hands trembled slightly when she touched him, the way her breaths came a little too shallow. He was holding her now, sitting on the bed with her cradled in his lap, his hand gently rubbing circles on her back.
Ace stood near the doorway, awkwardly shifting his weight from one foot to the other. He was still reeling from what he'd witnessed. Siren, who had always seemed unshakable, had collapsed earlier, her strength seemingly ripped from her. Now, she was asking for something unusual.
"Will you stay?" Siren's voice was soft, but the words carried weight. She turned her forest green eyes to Ace, her vulnerability stark and raw. "Just for tonight. I need to feel... safe."
Ace blinked, startled by the request. He glanced at Marco, unsure if he should agree, but Marco gave him a small nod, his expression unreadable.
"You want me to...?" Ace's voice trailed off as he gestured vaguely toward the bed.
"Yes," Siren said simply. "On the other side. I just... I need you both close tonight."
...
The bed was large enough to accommodate three, but the closeness was still palpable. Marco laid Siren down first, tucking her beneath the covers before settling himself beside her on one side. His hand rested protectively on her waist, his thumb brushing over her skin in soothing strokes.
Ace hesitated for a moment before climbing in on her other side, his movements careful and deliberate. He felt out of place, yet strangely drawn to the quiet intimacy of the moment. He kept a respectful distance at first, lying stiffly on his back.
"You can relax, Ace," Siren murmured, turning her head slightly to look at him. "You're not intruding."
Ace let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding and shifted slightly to face her. "If you're sure..."
Marco's gaze flicked over to Ace, assessing. He didn't say anything, but his steady presence spoke volumes. He trusted Siren's instincts, and if she said Ace belonged here tonight, then so be it.
...
The room was dark, the only light coming from the moon filtering through the window. For a while, there was silence, save for the rhythmic sound of their breathing. Siren's body was nestled between them, her warmth a tether that kept both men grounded.
"Do you still feel weak?" Marco asked quietly, his voice a low murmur.
"A little," Siren admitted, her hand resting over his on her waist. "But I feel better with you both here."
Ace's brow furrowed as he watched her, his heart twisting. "I've never seen you like this, Siren. You're usually so... strong. It's hard to see you like this."
Siren gave a faint smile, her voice tinged with self-deprecation. "Even I have limits, Ace. Today was just... too much. The vision, the weight of it-it's like my body couldn't handle it all at once."
Marco's hand tightened slightly on her waist. "You don't have to carry it alone. That's what we're here for."
"I know," she said softly. "And that's why I'm not afraid anymore."
...
As the minutes stretched on, Ace found himself speaking, his voice low and hesitant. "You know... I've never been good at letting people in. Even with Luffy and Sabo, it took me a long time to trust that they wouldn't leave me. But you two..." He glanced between Marco and Siren, his expression conflicted. "You're different. I didn't expect this, but now I can't imagine not having you around."
Marco looked at him, his gaze sharp yet thoughtful. "It's not easy letting someone in, especially with everything we've been through. But you've proven yourself, Ace. You've earned your place here."
Siren reached out, her fingers brushing against Ace's arm. "You belong here, Ace. With us. And not just because of your strength or your loyalty. You're a part of something bigger now."
Ace swallowed hard, his chest tightening. "I don't want to lose this. Lose you."
"You won't," Marco said firmly. "Not unless you walk away. And something tells me you're not the type to run."
Ace chuckled softly, the tension in his shoulders easing. "No, I'm not. Not anymore."
...
Eventually, the conversation faded, and the room settled into a peaceful quiet. Siren's breathing evened out as she drifted to sleep, her body relaxed between them. Marco watched her for a moment, his expression soft with love and protectiveness.
"She's something else, isn't she?" Ace said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Marco nodded, his gaze never leaving Siren. "She is. And if you're going to be a part of this, Ace, you need to understand-she's not just someone you care about. She's someone you protect, someone you fight for. Every day."
Ace met Marco's gaze, his dark eyes burning with determination. "I get it. And I'm not going anywhere."
For the first time, Marco's lips quirked into a faint smile. "Good. Because if you hurt her, Ace, you'll answer to me."
Ace smirked, his confidence returning. "Fair enough. But don't think I'm not just as protective of her."
Marco's smile widened slightly, and the two men settled into a companionable silence, the bond between them quietly strengthening as the night wore on.
...