Hello everyone, here is the next chapter!

I hope you enjoyed the last one and will enjoy this one as well

This also got a bit long

This is also out early because I was so excited for it!

And without further ado

Read and relax

Marco gave a satisfied breath as he got on dry clothes. He had just taken a warm shower, which felt great, and he was now heading to the office, where Pops should be, and he was, looking over some papers. When Marco closed the door, he gave a hum. "So, what do you want to talk about, yoi?" Pops looked at him and blinked confused. "Son, you just told me you jumped from a bridge. And from what I remember, it is a very tall bridge." Marco hummed. "Ace said it was 118 feet high, yoi. And, it went fine. Ace told me what to do."

Pops blinked. "What do you mean?" Marco hummed. "He said how to have my hands and what to do to do it safely. And, it went fine, yoi." Pops blinked. "But what if it happens again?" Marco hummed. "Then I will at least know what to do, yoi." Said Marco with a chuckle. Pops blinked. "Son, I am not sure you're thinking rationally." Marco hummed. "Pops, I get you're worried, but I have this under control, yoi." Pops didn't look convinced, so Marco spoke again. "Pops, please just trust me, okay, yoi? If I get in to deep, I will come to you. I promise." Pops nodded a bit. "You do?" Marco nodded. "And should it be very bad, I will go to hou and Benn, yoi. He is in this as well it seems like." Pops nodded and looked to feel better, which made him glad.

Marco hummed. "Can I leave now? It is getting a bit late, yoi." Pops nodded. "You can, and I will have faith in you." Marco smiled. "Thanks, Pops." Pops nodded. Marco got Pops was worried and he felt Pops wanted to speak about something else. "Is there anything more, yoi?" Pops seemed to think for a second, before he shook his head. "For now, no. I am just glad you're fine." Marco nodded. "And I am, I promise, yoi. I am sure it won't be a normal thing." Pops nodded. "I hope so. You can go now, son. Just, if it gets too bad, you will tell me, right?" Marco nodded. "I will, yoi." Marco knew there were a few things he should tell, but he wouldn't do it now, he would try and find a way to bring it up later. For now, he would be cautious and keep things low, he knew the FBI might come again, and Marco didn't want to deal with them right now.

-x-

Whitebeard sat in his office, looking over some papers, when his phone rang, and Whitebeard moved to see who it was, and Whitebeard blinked as he saw who was calling, it was his bank. He instantly answered it. "Edward Newgate." He said, and the other line spoke. "Hi, Mr Newgate, this is Holly with your bank. We are calling to inform you of something about your status as a customer with us regarding loans." Whitebeard blinked, had he forgotten a payment? "What is it?" The woman hummed. "We were wondering if you wanted to take up some loan to do some remodeling or such, seeing as you are loan free right now." Whitebeard blinked. "What do you mean?" He had a mortgage and a consumer loan, which had around 2,3 million left together. He had almost had it paid down, but then Thatch had tried to make food when he was 14 and burned the kitchen down, then 5 years ago they had a huge leak and needed to fix the bathroom and remodel it. As well as other things that needed to be fixed or bought for the house of business. The reason it was still so high all together.

And who had… then he remembered what Marco had said, but this was a lot. And it was going okay, he didn't get why Ace would pay it down. He did ask the lady if she knew who had paid it down, and she said it was an Ace D Portgas, and Whitebeard said he would call back if he needed anything and then they hung up. He needed to ask Ace about this, but first, he would call Marco.

So Whitebeard got his phone up and called Marco, who picked up and Marco spoke. "What is it, Pops?" Whitebeard gave a breath. "I just got the gift from Ace." Marco sighed. "What was it? I hope it wasn't too much, yoi." Whitebeard gave a nod to himself. "About that, he paid off the house mortgage and a consumer loan I had." He heard a groan. "How much was it, yoi?" Whitebeard sighed, he hadn't told anyone the mortgage full price or his consumer loan. "It was close to 2,4 million." Marco groaned. "You got to be kidding me. Ace is insane, yoi. I will have a talk with him. I know it is too late to go back, but he can't give everyone close to a million in gifts and such, or multiple millions in gifts." Whitebeard nodded. "It is quite a lot. I don't get why he does this." Marco sighed. "I do. He is used to being used for his money, body, or fame. I don't think, beside his brothers, he's been given true and unconditional love, yoi. This is only a theory though. But based on what Sabo has said and how Ace has been, I think this is true."

Whitebeard frowned, that didn't sound good. He knew many were just after that and not true love, which was awful. "What makes you think that? You sound sure." Marco sighed. "Sabo said it, and I once had a date, as in we just stayed at our house, ordered cheap pizza and drank some wine, yoi. He was so shocked when I didn't want to go out to a fancy palace, offered to pay if money was tight, and just shocked. When I then didn't want to have sex since we had drank some wine, he was so confused and asked what I was getting from this relationship. I honestly think he has never been loved for being him. Not his money, his fame, or his body. And I just need to show him we don't like him for his money or fame, yoi. I think he's trying to buy our love. That usually works for him." Whitebeard felt saddened that Ace had never had someone love him for him.

Marco gave a breath. "I think it is an adjustment for him, and I hope he will calm down with these gifts. It is… insane, yoi." Whitebeard gave a small nod. "Yes, it is a lot. I guess we, especially you, need to show him you aren't with him because he has money, that we like him." Marco gave a breath. "Yeah, I am doing my best, yoi. I will have a chat with him. I feel this is way too much." Whitebeard nodded. "Sounds good, because this is a lot. But if he thinks it is what he needs to do, we need to help change that thought." Marco hummed. "Yeah, we do. I will have a chat with Ace, as this is so much." Whitebeard nodded. "Sounds like a plan. Speak to you later, son." Marco gave a goodbye as well and Whitebeard hung up.

As he had, he thought a bit. Had Ace really never been loved for himself? He did have money, fame, and was a handsome man. And he knew there were many gold diggers around. He felt bad for Ace, but would do his best to show Ace he liked him for him, and not since he had a lot of money and fame. And he was sure Marco would do the same.

-x-

Marco gave a breath and moved a hand to his nose as he called Ace, who picked up. "Hey, Marco. How are you?" Marco sighed. "Good, But did you really just pay down Pops' debt of over 2 million, yoi?" Ace hummed. "I did. I saw he had it and I had some money to spare." Marco massaged his face a bit. "Ace, please, don't do this, yoi. Don't throw money at us." Ace was silent for a bit, before he spoke, sounding confused. "Didn't he like it?" Marco sighed. "He is in a bit of shock, yoi. Ace, I am not with you for your money. We don't like you for your money. I told you to not go overboard with the gifts, and this is way overboard." Ace spoke. "I'm… sorry? I don't quite get this."

Marco sighed, it was so obvious Ace had been used for his money before. "Ace, please, don't go more overboard like this. It is a lot for us to take in, okay, yoi? We like you for you, not your money. You don't even need to get us any gifts. We already like you." Ace made a small sound. "But I like to do it." Marco sighed. "I get it, but just, try and calm down with the gifts, okay?" Ace was silent for a second. "...okay. I will try." Marco nodded. "That's all I ask, yoi." Ace hummed. "And I promise I will try. Now, I know we will meet this weekend, and I was thinking of taking my motorcycle to the event? That okay for you?" Marco nodded. "Yeah, that sounds nice, yoi. Still pick me up at 1pm?" Ace chuckled. "You know it. Might come a bit before." Marco nodded and smiled. "Sounds good, can't wait, yoi." He really liked to be with Ace.

They then spoke a bit more, and decided to try and meet for lunch on Friday, before they hung up, and Marco called Pops and told Ace would try and calm down with the gifts and how the conversation had gone. Pops gave a breath. "It really does sound like he has been around a lot of gold diggers." Marco nodded. "It does. We're also going out in 3 days, on Saturday, yoi. Going to an event. We're taking his motorcycle it seems. We might also meet on Friday for lunch." Pops chuckled. "Izou will be so worried, you know he hates motorcycles." Marco nodded. "I know, but I am sure Ace is a safe driver." Pops hummed. "I hope so." They then spoke a bit more, before they hung up and Marco went on with his day.

-x-

The next day, on Thursday, Whitebeard had home office today, most of them did. Whitebeard moved to the door as the doorbell rang, not sure who it could be. But as he opened the door, he blinked as he saw Aveil there. Why was she here? "Aveil? Ace is not here, but I can get Marco. Do you have some business here?" Aveil hummed. "No, I am here for Izou. Please show the way." Whitebeard blinked. "Why are you here for him?" Aveil looked at him with a sort of glare. "I am here for Izou. Show the way." Whitebeard had a bad feeling, and knew Aveil was Izou's favorite designer, and she seemed… not the happiest. Whitebeard nodded and showed her in and if she acted out, Whitebeard would get her out.

They then walked to Izou's room and Whitebeard knocked and Izou said come in so he opened it. Izou looked at him. "Pops, do you need anything?" Whitebeard was on his way to speak when Aveil walked past him and into the room, shocking Izou who spoke. "A-Aveil?" Aveil spoke. "Show me one of your pieces." Izou blinked, not moving, before Aveil spoke again. "Hurry now." Izou nodded and looked around, before he grabbed a shirt that was by a mannequin. "It is not done bu-" Aveil grabbed it and looked at it, before she moved to a mannequin which had a dress on, looking at it, before looking at another mannequin that had a top on, one Izou was making for Jozu, before Aveil nodded to herself and moved a hand into her purse and took out a letter.

Aveil then looked at Izou. "You got a week, this letter contains what you need to reach out, all the information about payment, and where and when to show up should you agree." Izou blinked. "Is this a bill? Or a court hearing? Did I rip you off? If I did, I am so-" Aveil shook her head. "No. This is an official letter of me wanting you as my apprentice. The pay is 65 000 dollars for now, prove yourself, and I will raise it. You get a week to see which times you can work, I offer a flexible workplace and hours. If you say yes but can only work half a week, or once a week that is also fine, but the pay will be a bit less. You will answer to me and should you have any concern, I hope you feel comfortable to bring it past me."

Izou blinked. "I- I would love to. But why me? Did Ace do this?" Aveil hummed. "Yes and no. Alex Torhild saw a top Ace had on and loved it, and Ace said you made it. Alex told me, and now I am here." Izou blinked. "I just… this is amazing. And 45 000 per year is… wow." Aveil hummed. "No, dear. Not 45 000 a year, a month, if you do full time that is. So, you got a week, get back to me. If you can't work full time, that is okay. Even if it is only a few hours a week, I would love to have you as an apprentice." Izou spoke as soon as she was done. "Yes!" Aveil lifted an eyebrow, and Izou took a breath. "I mean, yes, I would love this opportunity. I just, I- I don't know what to say." Aveil hummed. "You've already said yes. So, get back to me with your availability." Then Aveil took out a card from her purse. "Here is my personal number. Goodbye for now, Izou." The Aveil left.

As she was gone, Izou looked at the card, before back at him. "Pops… is this a dream?" Whitebeard smiled. "No, it is not." They then heard the door open and close, and Izou started to jump up and down as he cheered, before he hugged him. "I am Aveil's apprentice! Oh my God! Ahhh!" Whitebeard chuckled and hugged back. "You are, son. How does it feel?" Izou shook his head a bit, looking at the card. "It feels so… unreal. I can't believe this! All of this just because I gave Ace a shirt? This is… insane." Whitebeard blinked, before an idea came. Was this Ace's gift to Izou? He wouldn't say that now. He then shared a few more words with Izou, before Izou went to look over the documents he had gotten from Aveil, and Whitebeard went to find Marco.

When he found Marco in his room, Whitebeard told about what had happened, and Marco blinked, before he sighed. "Is this a gift, yoi?" Whitebeard hummed. "I don't know, I am unsure. Aveil did say Ace sort of did it, but he did it since someone called Alex saw a shirt Izou made." Marco nodded. "Yeah, I remember that. I was with him, yoi." Marco sure remembered it and the comment he made. Marco hummed and took up his phone and dialed Ace, who didn't answer, it went to voicemail, which had him sigh. "He will probably call later, yoi." Whitebeard nodded and he went back to his office to continue his day.

It was an hour later that Marco came and told this was not a gift from Ace, as he had just spoken with Ace. And it had Ace a bit miffed, as he now felt he needed to upstage this for the gift, which had Marco say no to, to not go overboard, to calm down, and it may seem like Ace got it, Marco at least said he hoped for it. Aveil had been impressed by Izou's work and therefore hired him, it only proved how amazing Izou was. He was sure Izou would take up on the offer and he would bring it up with Izou in a bit.

When evening came, he had a chat with Izou, and it was decided Izou would take up on Aveil's offer and work for her for 10-15 hours a week, as he could take some half days at the company. Izou was so excited and happy, which made Whitebeard glad on his son's behalf.

-x-

The next day, Marco hummed as he got a message from Ace that he could have lunch with him today, which made him smile and went to meet Ace at a place close by after an hour. When he got there, they ordered some light food and spoke. Marco really enjoyed this, and when they got on the topic of who knew about them, Ace hummed. "Why don't you just rip off the band-aid and tell them all?" Marco hummed. "Maybe I should, it would be the easiest way maybe, yoi." Ace nodded. "It would be, and make it easier for me to know who to give gifts to." Marco sighed. "And as I have said, you don't need to, yoi." Ace hummed. "But I want to." Marco moved his hand and held Ace's. "Ace, I like you, not your money, yoi. And if anyone disagree with that, fuck them." Marco could see something shine in Ace's eyes, before it went away and Ace smiled. "I like to spoil, but I promise to try and not go overboard." Marco sighed. "Please try not to, yoi. I am not in this to know how much you would spend on me. I am in this since I really like you." Ace hummed. "And I like to spoil, so let me spoil." Marco sighed. "If you must." Ace chuckled. "I do."

They then enjoyed the lunch, and decided that tomorrow, Ace would pick him up around 4pm with his motorcycle, and it sounded nice. Then lunch was over and they headed their open ways after sharing a kiss, then the day went on. When they had dinner later home, everyone gathered, he contemplated telling everyone now, but would wait a bit. He didn't feel it fit right now. When they were done eating, Izou asked when he would see Ace again, and Marco hummed as he looked at Izou. "I'm going out with Ace to a thing tomorrow, yoi. We are taking his motorcycle." Izou blinked. "Motorcycle? You mean a deathtrap?" Marco chuckled. He knew Izou didn't like them as they could be dangerous. "I am sure Ace has control, Izou." Izou crossed his arms. "Fine. But if you crash, call me so I can tell you 'I told you so'." Marco nodded. "I will." Izou didn't seem happy but accepted it, and Marco was looking forward to tomorrow, since he would be seeing Ace again. Izou wanted to try and speak to Ace about the Aveil deal, but he could take it later as he didn't want to interrupt their date.

When the next day came, he went outside when he heard the motor to a motorcycle and Ace came on a black and red motorcycle, motorcycle gear on. When Ace was close, he moved the stand down and took off his helmet and smiled at him. "Ready? My Honda Hornet is. It is a good motorcycle." Marco nodded, he had heard about that motorcycle before. "I will be honest, I was sure you would have a more rare one, yoi." Ace chuckle. "I have 10 motorcycles, this is the one I like best for comfort and first time riders. But I have some in the million range in price that looks awesome, but not the best, especially for the passenger. And, it is your first time on one." That was true.

Ace then got off and moved to a case he had and took out some outfit and handed it to him, a biker outfit. "Here, we will be safe." Marco blinked but took it. "Is it required?" Ace shook his head. "No, only a helmet is required, but a motorcycle can be dangerous, so we will be safe." That was good. Marco took it on and it fit good, before Ace looked at him. "So, before we go, some things I want to teach you." Ace then taught him some easy signs to tell he wanted Ace to slow down or stop, to always lean with him and if he felt it was too much, what to do, and if he didn't lean with him, they could fall, which was good to know, before he was handed a helmet and they got on the motorcycle, Marco behind Ace, and Ace made sure he was fine, which he was, before Ace started the motorcycle and Marco felt excited for this.

Then they were off and it was so cool. It was a completely different feeling than a car. After some minutes, Ace moved a hand and held a thumbs up to him, which Marco did as well, a sign he was good, and Ace sped a bit more up and went past some cars, and with every turn, Marco leaned with Ace as he had his arms around Ace, and it felt a bit weird the first times, but he got used to it. As they were about halfway, on a straight path, Ace leaned back and moved his hands out to the side, and Marco got the hint and did the same, which made him laugh. This was amazing! He then at times when they were going straight, did it again, just feeling free. It was so cool.

As they were a bit over halfway, they came to a turn where a car was a bit in their lane that Ace needed to avoid. They didn't hit the car, but it made the motorcycle wobble and while Ace tried to fix it it looked like, it didn't work and they were headed off the road, and Marco felt confused when Ace moved one hand and grabbed his, before he moved the cycle to fall as they slid off. Their speed was about 50, so they did slide a bit, but Ace never let go of his arm and Marco felt glad he had on motorcycle gear now.

As they came to a stop, Ace looked at him as he lifted his screen on the helmet. "You good?" Marco nodded, feeling shocked and a bit shaken. "I am, did you fall on purpose, yoi?" Ace hummed. "I did. That wobble would not be recoverable. It was either to fall like this, safe, or maybe hit another car, a tree, roadblock, you name it." Marco nodded and Ace stood up and helped him up and Marco felt shaken, but glad Ace had such control. A car then stopped and a woman looked at them. "Oh my God! Are you okay?! Should I call anyone?!" Ace hummed and took his phone up, which was fine. "No, we are good. Thanks for stopping. If you see any cars coming this way, please blink at them." The woman nodded. "Are you sure?" Ace nodded. "I am, we are fine, I just need to grab my cycle and maybe call for it to be towed." The woman nodded and drove off.

Ace then went and got the bike, which was a bit scratched and missing a few screens, before they got it to the safety of the side and Ace looked at it before he sighed. "We can't use this. I don't want to chance it, the handle is a bit off I think. I will call a shop and have it towed as I want it repaired. No leaking, which is good." Marco nodded. "I can call for a ride, yoi." Ace looked at him. "Who are you thinking?" Marco hummed as he took his phone out. "Izou, he is available." Izou was, and Marco wanted to do this. Ace nodded and called the shop.

Marco then called Izou, who picked up as he was probably in the middle of getting ready. "Marco, how fast did you go? You're not supposed to be there before another 20 minutes!" Marco hummed. "We're not there, the cycle can't go anymore as we fell, yoi. Can you give us a ride?" He heard something fall on the other end of the call before Izou spoke frantically. "Are you okay?! Did you crash! Should I call 911! Should you call 911! Where are you?! I am on my way!" Marco moved a hand up, even if Izou couldn't see it. "We are fine, Izou. But the motorcycle is not, yoi. I will send the location." Izou said fine and sent it, and then they hung up. He then told Ace Izou was on his way, which was good. Ace also said the shop would come and pick up the cycle quickly.

They then moved to sit on the railing and spoke, helmets off. The shop came first for the motorcycle and Ace helped it on the back of the truck and fastened it, before it was off. Then Izou came a bit later, jumping out the car, makeup not done, one eye bare as the other was done. Marco looked at Izou. "You didn't need to rush, yoi." Izou rushed over to them. "You crashed! How can I not rush! Are you okay!" Asked Izou as he started to check Marco over, and Ace hummed. "We're fine. We just slid a bit since I had to avoid a moron in my lane. We have equipment on." Marco nodded. "Yes, and I wanted to give you the chance to say 'I told you so' in person, yoi." Izou blinked, before he swatted him on the head. "Don't joke like that! I didn't want you to crash!" Marco chuckled. "And we didn't crash, we slid." Ace nodded. "Yes, and the handle was a bit off so I didn't want to chance it." Izou looked at Ace. "You are very smart to not chance it. Get in the car." They did and Izou drove them the rest of the way.

When they got there, Izou asked if he should get them, and before Marco could answer, Ace did and said they could grab a cab home, which was okay for him, and Izou left after they had gotten the gear off and placed it in the car. Then they went on as Izou drove off. They then had a great time, it was a pre-viewing of a movie and then after it was drinks to discuss the movie if they liked. But when it was over, Ace grabbed him and they left and Marco wondered why, when they headed and Ace showed him to a sort of amusements park, a small one yes, but it was also very fun. It was on the docks, and they had a blast. They did rides, took pictures in the booth, ate awful food, did some more rides, and ended it by just looking out at sea, holding hands, and Ace leaned his head on his shoulder as he hummed. "You know, Marco, when you asked me out, I was a bit shocked."

Marco hummed. "Well, I hope you don't regret saying yes to the date, yoi. And I have to say, I am really enjoying myself. And something about you just seemed… nice." Ace hummed. "I don't regret it at all, it has been so perfect. You're so… nice, calm, and the fact you're good looking helps." Ace ended with a chuckle, and Marco looked at Ace. "You're pretty handsome yourself." Ace hummed. "Oh, I know." They then stood and enjoyed the calmness, before they took one last ride, before they left with a cab home, Marco being dropped off first. They then decided to meet again on Tuesday, after work, to meet at 4:30 at Marco's place and would see what they would do. They might just stay in or head out.

Everyone should be away that day and the last one to leave would be Curiel, who had the evening shift and would leave at 4pm. And Marco really enjoyed being with Ace. He would also try and tell everyone this week some time, he would think about it and speak with Pops about it.

When Tuesday came, Marco walked to the door when the doorbell rang and opened it to see Ace, which had him blink. The clock was almost 3pm, and their date wasn't before 4:30pm. "Ace, you're early, yoi." Ace nodded. "Yeah, sorry. I could use some help." Marco blinket. "Sure, with what?" Ace gave a small sound. "I got stabbed in the back." Marco blinked and moved a hand out to help Ace in, as someone stabbing you in the back could really be awful. "I'm sorry, was it someone close?" His hand was now on Ace's back, and Ace gave a small groan. "No, I mean literally." Marco blinked and noticed his hand was warm and felt wet, and moved it away from Ace's black shirt to see it covered in red.

Marco felt panicked. "We need to get you to the hospital!" Ace shook his head. "No, no hospital. The blade will cause too much attention. It didn't hit anything special." Marco didn't know what to do. Yes, he had some training, but not much. But someone else did. He helped Ace inside as he yelled "Curiel! I need you!" Ace gave him a look. "No! He needs to report this!" Marco shook his head. "No, he had helped family before without reporting it." Ace nodded. "I hope you're right." Curiel quickly came down from the second floor when Ace was in the living room. "What is it, Mar- Oh, Ace. Why are you here?" Marco looked at Curiel. "Someone stabbed him in the back. And you can't tell anyone." Curiel blinked. "What?! Do you mean figuratively or literally?!" Ace hummed. "Literally." Curiel got his phone up. "We need to call an ambulance!"

Marco spoke fast as he got a hand out. "No! We can't!" Curiel blinked. "Why not!" Ace spoke before Marco could. "The knife is from the Henkel's." Marco didn't know what that meant, but Curiel looked shocked. "One look at that, the police will be all over you." Ace nodded. "Yeah, so you see, I can't go to the hospital this time. It hit nothing vital, even Marco could have fixed me up. Which he should have." The last part was said with a small look, which had Marco move a hand up. "Hey! I am no doctor, yoi!" Ace looked at him. "You're supposed to support me!" Marco gave a look back. "I am! I got help, yoi!" Ace looked at him half mad, and Curiel spoke. "What am I missing here?" Marco looked at him. "Not the best way or time, but Ace and I are dating. We have a date in an hour and half, yoi." Curiel looked shocked, and didn't respond for some seconds, before Ace spoke. "Hey, bleeding over here!" That had Curiel move and lift Ace's shirt, and he could see Curiel looking shocked at the amount of scars on Ace's back, but quickly got his bearings and looked at the knife in his back, which didn't look to have a handle. Marco knew about the scars, but he hadn't gotten a good look last time, when Ace was naked, and he hadn't really seen his back then, only his front, which did have some scars as well. But this was Ace, so it made sense. He had a dangerous job.

Curiel looked at the knife, and felt a bit around. "Doesn't look like it hit anything dangerous." Ace nodded. "Yeah, already knew that. I know how it feels when it hits an organ or bone, this didn't. The reason I headed here." Curiel nodded. "Marco, I need pliers, the first aid kit, dark towels, and lukewarm water." Marco nodded and ran to get it. When he came back, Curiel still looked at the wound, and Ace seemed very okay with this, by the fact he had a knife in his back. Curiel then got the pliers and told him to have a towel ready for when he pulled the knife out, which Marco prepared and said he was. Curiel then looked at Ace. "This will hurt. I have no anesthesia." Ace hummed. "Been through worse. I know the procedure. Breathe out as you pull." Curiel nodded. "Yes. On 3. 1, 2, 3." And Curiel pulled the blade out as Ace breathed out, and besides a small shudder, Ace didn't react. It also wasn't too long of a blade, which was good. But it has markings, probably yo the ones Ace mentioned, which would cause stir if he went to the hospital.

When the knife was out, Marco pressed the towel to the wound, while Curiel got things from the first aid kit, and then asked him to move the towel, before Curiel did his best to clean it, before he patched it up. Since Curiel was a doctor, they had a med-kit with some needles and thread. When he was done, Curiel nodded. "You're patched up now, I have no pain meds to give besides paracetamol." Ace hummed. "That should do it, I have what I need should it get worse. Change bandages when needed, clean it every other day. I know what I am doing." Curiel nodded. "Good." Curiel then moved to take the blade, most likely to toss out the evidence, when Ace took the blade. "Ah, I could use this maybe, so I will keep it. Thank you for your help, I will of course pay you." Curiel blinked. "It was no issue, I don't want payment." Ace hummed as he moved his shirt down. "I always pay my dues. You helped me." Marco looked at Curiel. "Ace won't take no for an answer, yoi." Curiel nodded. "Okay."

Ace then looked at him. "How would you feel about a movie date? I know a good cinema, I can get some good seats." Marco blinked. "We're still on, yoi?" Ace hummed. "It was just a small blade in my back, no issue. I could use a new shirt though." Curiel hummed. "Well, seeing how you ran away with a gunshot wound, which was bleeding, I think Ace will be fine, but I would recommend a doctor's visit, but I have a feeling the answer is no." Ace chuckled. "Bay needs a break from me, if it starts to hurt badly, bleed badly, or feel infected, I will head to the doctor." Curiel nodded. "Sounds good. You seem to have control." Ace nodded. "I do, not my first rodeo. Again, thank you for your help." Curiel nodded. "No issue."

Curiel then looked at him. "So, you're dating Ace?" Marco nodded. "I am, yoi. Pops already knows, same with Thatch, Haruta, and Izou." Curiel nodded. "Are you happy?" Marco nodded and smiled, moving to hold Ace's hand. "I am." Ace smiled back, and Curiel nodded. "Then I have no issue with this, a bit mad I was left out, but I get it. Ace's reputation is a bit… much." Marco nodded. "I get it, he might be a bit of a dangerous man, but he is very kind." Ace chuckled. "Oh, if you knew about half the things I do." Marco looked at Ace. "Maybe one day I will?" Ace hummed. "Yeah, one day." Then they smiled at each other, and Curiel hummed. "This seems healthy, which is good." Ace nodded. "Yeah, best relationship I've been in. Now, I know a movie which starts in 45 minutes, if you're up to it? Would start the date early." Marco hummed. "Oh, I don't mind, yoi." Ace smiled. "Good, I got my car back here, I can deliver it to be cleaned while we watch the movie." Marco nodded and moved to look at Curiel. "I will see you later, yoi." Curiel nodded. "Sounds good, I need to leave for work soon anyhow. Have a good day." Ace and Marco smiled, saying they would, before they got to the car and drove off.

As they were driving, Marco looked at Ace. "You sure you're good?" Ace nodded. "I am. Not my first stabbing." Marco nodded. "I noticed when I saw your body, yoi." Ace chuckled. "Yeah, I got some scars. Not too bad though." Marco hummed. "But more than most." Ace hummed. "Most have like one scar, or zero." Marco nodded. "True, yoi. Which movie were you thinking about?" Ace hummed. "You'll see." He said with a chuckle, and they drove, before they soon reached the place Ace left his car to be cleaned, them seeming to expect it was bloodied, then they got a new shirt for Ace, before they went to the cinema. This would be a nice date, and he was glad Ace was fine. He was also glad Ace trusted him enough to come to him for help. He had a feeling this would be a nice relationship, a long lasting one.

-x-

Whitebeard looked at the computer at his work, going over some things to get prepared for some meetings tomorrow as he would soon head home, the clock 4pm, when his phone called, the number being private. Whitebeard moved and answered it as normal. "Edward Newgate speaking." The line hummed. "Hi, Mr Newgate, this is Lilith Levine with the FBI." Whitebeard blinked and sat more up. "Yes hi, can I do anything for you?" Lilith hummed. "Yes. If you, and your oldest son Marco, as well as Vista and Thatch, could come up to our office on Runnel Lane 11 tomorrow? Between 10am and 1pm, if you have the time?" Whitebeard didn't like this, he had a bad feeling. And why include Vista and Thatch? He could get Marco as he was with Ace and they seemed interested in him. He didn't like this at all. But he couldn't say no, and they should have the time, so Whitebeard nodded. "Yes, we can come by around noon, which floor is it?" That was a tall building if he remembered. Lilith hummed. "Just tell the receptionist you're here for me, see you then, ta-ta." And she hung up.

Whitebeard frowned, he really didn't like this, he didn't like Lilith he felt, he felt she knew something he didn't. He needed to have a chat with his children, especially with Marco, Vista, and Thatch. And maybe with Ace as well. This was not good and he felt like it would go bad.

When he finished up work a bit later, he headed home. But when he got outside of his building, about to open his car, a voice spoke to his left. "It is quite the large building you have, Newgate." Whitebeard remembered that voice and turned to see Lilith there, which had him shocked. She had on a beige coat this time, looking calm and maybe a bit smug. "Lilith?" Lilith hummed. "Now, this is just a random encounter. But do you know how dangerous that man is?"

Whitebeard blinked. He knew she meant Ace, but wouldn't say that. "Who?" Lilith hummed. "Ace D Portgas. And as a small helpful thing before our meeting. When you get home, search up 'Porter Daniel Rhyder', might help you see things more clearly. Now, I have business in this building." And headed into the building next to them, which was a restaurant. This didn't sit well. He would head home and search up this name, and take it from there. He didn't like this.

And that's the chapter! Hope you enjoyed!

I know a lot happened in this, but I hope it was good!

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