Hello everyone, here is the next chapter!

This is a mostly calm chapter

I hope everyone will enjoy this

Read and relax

Ace hummed as he got ready to leave for Marco's place, going to dinner there, and Marco had sent a message he would tell everyone during the dinner, about them dating, and Ace was okay with it. He had also spoken with Benn, who said to not do a deep dive right now, that was probably Lilith's play, but Benn had promised he would do a check for him and hear around. When Ace mentioned the last thing Lilith had said, Benn said she said it to rile him up most likely. The FBI didn't know where he was, no one did, and Ace still wished they would get a break there soon, find him again. It had been so long now, he felt. Ace missed him.

Ace then did the finishing things he needed to do, before he said goodbye to Luffy and Sabo, who would stay home for today and just relax. When Ace got there and said hi to everyone, Izou asked if he could have a word, which Ace said was fine. When they got to the hallway, Izou spoke. "So, I got a surprise visit from Aveil a bit ago." Ace nodded. "She told. I did not put her up to it, and I hope you're happy with the outcome." Izou quickly nodded. "Oh I am! I just, wow. I didn't know you knew Alex Torhild, and that he liked the shirt so much." Ace hummed. "It was a very nice shirt, and so well made, and he saw that and told Aveil. And she has been looking for an apprentice, but has had issues as she is so famous. I am sure you will do great." Izou nodded. "I don't work too much, as I got stuff-" Ace cut him off a bit. "No, Aveil is very happy with what you do, okay? She speaks very highly of your work." Izou blinked, looking shocked. "She… does?" Ace nodded. "Yes. We speak now and then, and she is very happy with you and your availability." Izou blinked, before he smiled. "That makes me more sure. I feel very happy about it." Ace smiled. "That's good, and she is very happy with you."

Izou smiled and looked to feel more confident, which was good. And Aveil had only good words about Izou, Ace spoke the truth. They then went back to the others and spoke with each other, it was nice. And Ace knew Marco would tell everyone about them, which he hoped would go fine.

Before they sat down to eat, Marco and Whitebeard asked him to join them in private, and Ace said it was fine and they asked if he had an update, to which Ace hummed and said. "Not right now. Lilith is on the prowl, so I need to be a tiny bit careful, but I did manage to make small progress here and there, but I am sure none of you will get in any trouble." The two nodded, Marco speaking. "That's good, yoi. How do you know Lilith is on the prowl? The meeting with us?" Ace sighed. "We had a 'random encounter' where she shared some words." Marco and Whitebeard frowned a bit, Whitebeard speaking. "What did she say?" Ace hummed. "Nothing you need to be concerned about. I know what I am doing, and I have control. I just need a bit more time." That seemed to calm the other two a bit, which was good. They then went back to the others, and after a bit, they sat down to eat.

-x-

Marco sat by the dining table, Ace next to him, and everyone was seated and eating and speaking. When they were mostly done eating, Marco hummed, and he felt now was a good time and cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention, before he spoke. "I also have some news, yoi." Everyone looked at him, as most didn't know about them and they looked curious on what he would say. Marco smiled. "I have started dating someone, yoi." Marco saw many blinking, and Jozu spoke. "Who? Someone we know?" Marco nodded and motioned to Ace. "Yes, I am dating Ace, yoi. We've been going out for a small bit now." Ace gave a smile and nod, confirming it.

Everyone blinked, some looking shocked, mostly those who knew what Ace was, that he wasn't just someone who owned a business. Jozu looked especially shocked. But he was a cop and had a lot of pride in his badge, which was something he should have. And Jozu did seem to accept Ace before, so he hoped that wouldn't change. The dinner then went on, and Vista spoke a bit on how he had an annoying customer in his tattoo shop. When Vista asked if he had eaten, he had said yes, but he hadn't and therefore, he got low blood sugar and started to shake and got a bit dizzy, and blamed it on Vista for not informing that that could happen. It wasn't the first time, and Vista therefore couldn't finish the tattoo right away, and that made the guy even more mad. Marco knew a lot of weird people existed, and why lie about eating he wouldn't get.

The dinner then went fine, before it was over and Ace stayed a bit, joining in on conversations, seeming to enjoy himself, and Marco even held his hand a bit, it was very nice. When Ace left a bit later, the evening went on. And as Marco went to his room to check on something, Jozu also did, and when they were alone, Jozu looked at him. "I am not going to get in the way, I just wonder, are you happy with Ace? Do you feel safe?" Marco got Jozu wondered, as for all he knew, Marco was in trouble or in too deep.

Marco nodded and gave an honest smile. "I do, yoi. Ace is very kind when needed, and he is an amazing person." Jozu nodded and smiled. "Then I don't have anything else to say. I am happy for you." Marco nodded. "Also, Ace is on this sort of gift spree, yoi. He is used to buying people's love, I am trying to have him calm down, but he might buy you, or give you, something, and it might be a lot." Jozu blinked. "Like what?" Marco sighed, before he told about the gifts so far, which had Jozu blinked. "Wow… And he thinks he needs to buy our love?" Marco nodded. "I think so. I am trying to have him calm down, and I will warn everyone about it, yoi." Jozu nodded. "Sounds like a plan. I am glad you're happy." Marco smiled. "I really am, yoi."

They then parted ways, and the evening went on. Pops did also come to ask him if maybe he should do the same he just did, tell everyone that Ace wasn't just a company owner, he also was an informant. He was unsure about telling everyone he was a hitman, but start off by telling he was an informant/PI. Marco thought it over, and it did seem like an idea, and did send a message to Ace about it, if it was okay for him, to which Ace quickly replied yes, it was fine, and if possible, they, as in Ace and his brothers, could come over during the weekend, on Saturday, and that sounded like a plan and Pops agreed. It sounded nice, and they could have a barbecue outside as the weather said it would be nice outside, and that sounded good. Ace did also ask if they could meet tomorrow, but that didn't fit unfortunately for Marco, but they could call, and that was better than nothing.

The next day, Pops sat down with those who didn't know, Marco with him, and told them Ace was an informant, and gathered information, and was a Private Investigator, as that wasn't a total lie he felt. Marco also told Ace didn't just do it for the money, he always did a thorough check before he did anything. Everyone took it in and seemed sort of okay with it, a few saying that Ace seemed to know a lot and was so calm, so it made sense. It was good they all took it well. A few did ask if Marco had been in trouble, seeing what Ace was and that they were now dating, or if the FBI had to do with Ace, to which they loosely explained that the FBI believed lies, and it was going to go fine, it wasn't because of Ace. Marco was just glad it went fine. Marco also told Ace was on a gift spree, and it might be a lot. He didn't go into details on stuff already given, just saying it might be something large, and they got it and would be on the lookout.

When Saturday came, and not long until Ace and his brothers would come, Marco took up his phone and answered it when he saw it was Ace who was calling. "Hey, you still coming?" Ace hummed. "Yes, we are. But a quick question. Is Jozu there?" Marco blinked. "Yes, he is. Why, yoi?" Ace hummed. "Just, got a small surprise for him. And before you say it, no, I haven't bought him anything or going to give him a gift. Just going to show him something." Marco gave a breath, he still didn't like it when Ace really spoiled him, but was glad he didn't have another expensive gift. "Good, see you soon, yoi." Ace chucked. "We will." Then he hung up and looked at Jozu. "Ace got something he wants to show you when he comes, yoi. Any idea what it is?" Jozu blinked. "No, he didn't say?" Marco shook his head. "No. But they are leaving now, yoi." Jozu nodded and Marco was curious what this was.

After half an hour, Ace's car came and Sabo was driving and stepped out with Luffy who was in the passenger seat, but no Ace. Marco said hi to them, before he asked where Ace was, to which Sabo said with a chuckle. "Soon here, he took a motorcycle." Well, Ace did like them. They then all said hi, before he heard a motorcycle coming and soon saw a red one coming, most likely Ace on it.

But as it closed in, Jozu gave a gasp. "Is that-!" Sabo nodded. "It is." Ace was now by them and parked the cycle and took his helmet off and looked at Jozu. "I had a feeling you would like to see one of my bikes." Jozu walked over. "Is it real?" Ace nodded and used a hand to motion to it. "Yes, it is a real Kawasaki Ninja H2, fastest bike in the world as of right now. One of my collections." The motorcycle did look special, and it was. And he knew Jozu liked motorcycles.

Jozu looked at Ace. "I don't want to be pushy, but can I try it?" Ace hummed. "No. You don't have the license to drive this large of an engine, and before you ask, yes, the difference is huge, especially when it comes to this one. One move with your hand, even an inch, and you're off like the wind." Jozu nodded, and while he looked crestfallen, he also seemed to get it, and Marco did as well. A few did seem shocked Ace knew Jozu didn't have the license, but soon they remembered what Ace was and he had probably done a background check on all of them. Ace then hummed. "But should you ever take the license to drive this kind of engine, be my guest. Also, you can sit on it or take some pics, as long as I have the keys." Jozu nodded and took up on trying it out without driving it and seemed to like it. Ace then took off his motorcycle gear and put it by his motorcycle when Jozu was done checking it out.

After a bit, them speaking about the motorcycle for a second, Luffy gasped. "Do the motorcycle thing with Marco!" Ace looked at Luffy. "No, Lu. Not right now, it doesn't fit." Luffy puffed his cheeks up. "But it only requires trust! You said so! Don't you trust him?" Ace gave a breath. "Lu, it isn't that simple." Luffy shook his head. "No! You said it only takes trust! Don't you trust him?!" Ace moved a hand to his face. "You will bother me all night if I don't try, right?" Luffy nodded and Ace looked at Marco. "Just, you trust me, right?" Marco nodded, not sure what this was about. "Of course I do, yoi." Luffy piped in. "See!" Ace sighed. "Fine." Ace then looked at him. "Just trust me okay? Go to the road, middle, and stand still. Just trust me." Marco nodded, but felt confused and went to the middle of the road as Ace got on his motorcycle, no helmet on, before he started his motorcycle and Marco wasn't sure what would happen.

-x-

Whitebeard watched as Ace moved to sit on the motorcycle before he started it, no helmet on. Before he could voice his concern Izou spoke. "Your helmet, Ace." Ace hummed. "Can't use one for this." Then Ace took the stand up and looked at Marco. "Just trust me, okay?" Marco nodded again and Ace moved the bike to drive a bit off, down the road, before he sped towards Marco, and Whitebeard didn't know what would happen.

But seeing that Ace was very fast nearing them, heading straight for Marco, made him feel unsure, and he could see that everyone felt the same, but Marco stood still. As Ace got even closer, Izou told Marco to move, but Marco didn't. Ace wold be soon on him and probably run him over or crash badly, but then Ace used the breaks. It was still too late, he would still hit Marco fast. Just as he was a few yards away from Marco, the bike slowed down a lot, before he was barely in front of Marco as Ace slammed only the front brake, making the bike tilt and almost flip, but somehow didn't, instead he made it so while the motorcycle was on one wheel, Ace was in perfect position to give a kiss to Marco, who looked shocked but kissed Ace back, before the motorcycle fell down on the back wheel and was normal again. Ace quickly turned it off and got the stand down.

Ace then got off the bike and slammed into Marco, hugging him. "Thank you for trusting me and not moving." Marco hugged back. "Don't thank me, of course I trust you, yoi." They all then cheered and Whitebeard could see the slight shaking in Marco and Ace, which was understandable as that did take a lot of trust and proved how much both trusted each other. And the fact Ace seemed to understand that Marco truly trusted him, and Ace trusted Marco to not move. It was amazing.

-x-

Jozu clapped his hands. He felt shocked. That stunt showed how much control Ace had on the bike and knew when to brake and it all, and this wasn't a light motorcycle either, so that took a lot. And it said how much they already trusted each other. It was amazing. If he had any doubts about this relationship, it was now gone.

-x-

Izou cheered with his siblings as that had been amazing and this in a weird and dangerous way proved how much Ace and Marco trusted each other, this was a relationship he was sure would last, and Izou couldn't help but already start to think of wedding suits for them. He needed to tell Aveil about this as well.

-x-

Marco felt shocked and felt he was shaking a bit, but he also did trust Ace wouldn't run him over, and he hadn't, and that had been… something. It was amazing and showed how much control Ace had. Ace then leaned back and smiled at him. "I am so glad you trusted me enough for that." Marco smiled, on his way to speak, when Luffy ran and hugged Ace. "See!" Almost yelled the kid. "It went fine! And it was awesome!" Ace chuckled and hugged Luffy. "Yes, it was. But we won't do it again." Luffy pouted a bit, and Ace chuckled. "Don't pout, you'll survive." Luffy nodded, but still pouted a bit.

The barbeque then went on, and after a bit, Sabo's phone rang, and he went to the side to answer it, before he came back with a small frown and looked at Ace, who spoke. "What was it, Sabo?" Sabo sighed. "It was one of those who has our newest generators and is having some issues with it. I think it needs to be looked at." Ace looked at his watch. "It is after 6pm, so remember-," Sabo chuckled. "Yes yes, since it is after 6, it costs more for help. I'll go see what the issue is." Luffy pouted. "But Sabo! We're here now!" Ace hummed. "You can join Sabo, I also don't have a spare helmet on me." Sabo nodded. "True. Lu, you're coming with me." Luffy blinked, looking at Ace, who nodded. "It's fine, go cheer Sabo up since he has to work. I'll be fine." Luffy nodded and hugged Ace, same as Sabo, before they left.

Once they were gone, the evening went on and they had fun, speaking a lot. As they were all seated and eating dessert, Haruta spoke and looked at Ace. "I… got a question. It's about… your work." Ace nodded. "Sure. What is it?" Everyone did now know Ace was an informant, and everyone seemed okay with it. And those who knew more were told not to spill to the others who didn't. Haruta hummed. "Have you ever been asked to do something… stupid? As in dumb and makes no sense." Ace hummed. "Oh, I know. This woman called me, a couple years ago, asked me to do a check on her boyfriend's roommate, boyfriend of 4 years. When I asked why, she said she believed he was a she originally, and needed to know. When I asked more, as that isn't a good enough reason, if she was worried her boyfriend was cheating, she simply said 'if it is one of those trans people, he needs to move away, as they aren't people. And if he accepts it, I need to leave him'." Ace shook his head a bit. "I said no to it, even when she offered 3 times the amount, as that is just dumb. Let people live their own life. She was just being close minded and transphobic, I don't help those."

Everyone blinked, and Jozu spoke. "She really felt that strongly about it? That she would leave her boyfriend if her roommate was trans?" Ace nodded. "Seems so yes. She was very odd. I really do hope the guy broke up with her, as he deserved so much more." Everyone nodded as they agreed, and Marco agreed as well. People could do what they wanted, and if they wanted or felt more comfortable in the other gender, he felt it was their choice, no one else's. The evening went on, a few more asking for a few stories Ace had, which he responded to with some interesting stories. After a bit, Ace's phone rang and Ace answered it. "Hey, Sabo. Did it go fine?" The line spoke, and Ace hummed after a bit, "I see. Now?" The line spoke and Ace nodded. "I see. See you soon." Then Ace hung up and looked at them. "It seems the issue was larger than first believed and I am needed now as well. It is to do with a mechanic I am good with." Ace then looked at him. "Send me your availability and I will check it with mine." Marco nodded and smiled. "I will, yoi." Then Ace gave a goodbye to everyone, before he left with his motorcycle after taking on his gear and leaving.

They then enjoyed the evening a bit more, before they started to clean up, and going inside. When evening came for full, Pops did say that went well, and Marco agreed, then Pops looked at him with a smile. "And it is obvious you trust Ace, son. You didn't move, he almost ran you over." Marco hummed. "I do trust him, and I trusted he had control, yoi. I didn't know his plan, but I knew he wouldn't hurt me." Pops smiled. "I am glad you trust him, and that he trusted you to not move." Marco nodded. "I am glad about that as well." Marco looked at his father with a fond look. "I really like him." Pops smiled. "I see that, and I hope this will last, and I think it will." Marco nodded. "I hope so as well, yoi." This had been a good evening and he was glad the motorcycle stunt had gone well.

He then sent a message to Ace about when he worked, and Ace said back they could meet tomorrow, which sounded very nice, and he took up on that right away. He really liked Ace a lot. The day then went on, and they planned out the next week, and Haruta would have her first introduction to the University. She had said she would use her dorm room now and then, but would also live at home, which Pops said was fine, she was always welcomed, which had Haruta smile. They all loved it here and Pops.

When the next day came, he headed out with his date with Ace, them heading to see a movie, and when they got there, no one else was there, which had Marco blink. He had believed this was a movie many wanted to see, even though it had been on for a bit. When he commented on it, Ace hummed. "I was going to watch this with Luffy and Sabo, and I always buy out the entire room if I can. I don't do it on opening nights or first weeks, but yeah. But we will watch it on Thursday, so we got the entire place to ourselves." Ace then gave a sly look to him. "You thinking what I am thinking?" Marco blinked. "But aren't there people watching the room, yoi?" Ace hummed. "Not always." Marco frowned a bit. "I am not too sure I want to chance it, yoi." Ace chuckled. "It's fine. We can head to a hotel afterwards? Have some fun?" Marco hummed. "That's more my style, yoi." Ace chuckled. "Good to know. Now, is kissing off the books?" Marco hummed and leaned in and kissed Ace, moving back after a bit. "Does that answer it?" Ace smiled. "Oh yeah." And then he leaned in again and connected their lips. This was nice.

When the movie was over, they went to a close hotel, checked in, and had some fun, before they went to sleep, holding hands. Marco felt so lucky to have met Ace and then get to date him.

-x-

When Monday came, Vista sat in his tattoo shop he owned, waiting for his next appointment, which would be nice as it was a full sleeve, which meant it would be a large amount and time consuming, and it would test his skills as it had a lot of details and shadows. It was not long before the door opened and a man came in, who halted in the doorway and looked at him. "I have a service dog, is it okay if he joins?" Vista nodded. "Yes, it is. Come in!" The man nodded and did, walking inside and a labrador came with him, with a service dog vest. The man came over to him and shook his hand and said his name was Tony. Vista knew that, but he liked to hear it as at times, they put the wrong name or a fake name in the emails.

They then got ready, and while he did, the dog did sniff on him, and when Vista tried to say hello to it, it backed off and didn't seem interested, which was fine. It was a working dog. They then got started and it would take about 4 sessions, he believed. When they were done for today, the man left, and would come back tomorrow to continue. Vista also got half the payment today, and the rest when it was done.

When the next day came, Tony came back and again stopped in the doorway. "I got a new service dog, he has long hair, is that okay?" Vista nodded. "Sure. As long as he is a service dog and behaves, it is okay." Tony nodded and got inside, and this time, he had a white very fluffy dog with him. It looked to be a samojede. He had never seen a service dog that was that, but it seemed very well behaved. As Vista did the last preparations, the dog tried to smell him, and when Vista tried to say hello, the dog seemed to like that and licked his hand, which made him smile. Vista like dogs. Then they started the next tattoo session and the dog was very friendly as well, which was nice.

When it was done, Tony and the dog left. The next session was in 2 days, and he hoped the dog would join again. When Tony came, he had the dog with him again, and Vista asked what his name was, and Tony said it was Stefan, and Stefan was very friendly and Vista liked him, he was very cute.

After 2 days, Tony came back, and Vista did the last session with him, and when done, Tony was very satisfied, and paid the rest, before they said goodbye, and Vista even got to pet Stefan, and was a bit sad to know he most likely wouldn't see Stefan again.

When Sunday came, he was at dinner at Pops, which would be nice. When they got there, everyone besides Ace, Sabo, and Luffy was there, as they would join as well. He hadn't really met Ace much, only a few times, but he seemed nice, and he knew Ace was dating Marco, which seemed nice, even though there was an age gap, but love was love. He hadn't been there at the barbeque as he was working, but had heard about the motorcycle stunt Ace and Marco had done, and Vista wished he had been there. It was a bit later that the doorbell rang and Marco went to open the door, before he heard Marco calling his name, and Vista went to the door, and blinked. Ace and his two brothers stood outside, but in Ace's hand was a leash, which went to what looked like Stefan, even had the service dog vest. Vista blinked. "Stefan?" The dog wagged its tail and came to say hello, and Vista felt so confused.

Ace smiled. "You mentioned one time that you've had a few who shake because their blood sugar plummets, and they shake very badly and blame you. This is Stefan, he is a blood sugar service dog, and if you want to, he is yours. You can keep him, or I will have someone drop him off at your workplace every time needed." Vista blinked. "What about Tony?" Ace hummed. "Works for me. It was a plan I made, and Tony wanted a new tattoo, I paid for it, and no one currently owns Stefan. Would you like to own him or become his new employer?" Vista blinked, before he spoke before he could think. "I would love to. But what if someone needs him more?" He really did need this sort of, so no more would pass out or start to shake and blame him for it, he had had two who had passed out for a bit. But he didn't want to take it from someone else.

Ace hummed. "He is fully qualified, but he failed one test, which is to be a good service animal in heavily populated areas, so he didn't qualify for that, but he can be your dog if you wish." Vista nodded. "I would love to have him." Ace nodded. "Good. He has his own bed, just say 'go lie down', and he will go to the bed until he either smells blood sugar is down or you call for him, and there are more commands, and I have a book for them you will get, so here." Ace handed the leash, before he gave a small book, and Vista felt so shocked. "You're really giving this to me?" Marco sighed. "Ace is giving everyone something, yoi. It is yours if you want to." Vista nodded. "I would love this." Ace smiled "Then it is yours." And then Ace looked at Marco. "Not many left now." Marco sighed. "You still don't need to do this." Ace walked up to Marco and gave him a kiss. "I do. It is how I do things. Accept it." Marco sighed, but nodded and seemed to accept it, at least for now. Vista wondered what the others had gotten and what the rest would get. He would ask around.

And that's the chapter! Hope you enjoyed!

I hope this chapter was good and it made sense!

If you have any ideas, don't be afraid to share them!

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