Hello everyone, here is the next chapter!

I am sorry this is so late, but here it is!

This is a bit of this and that

Hope you enjoy

Read and relax

Deuce gave a nod as they decided on how this would be, and Ace seemed okay with the rules they had come up with as well. The rules were that they would continue as normal, but Marco did want to try and get closer to Ace, but if Ace didn't want that at that moment or wanted to be alone, Marco would leave. Ace said she might not want to go after a relationship right now, but she wasn't totally against it she felt like. Deuce was still feeling annoyed at Marco, as he had caused a lot of stress and anxiety for Ace, but done was done, and now it was at least out in the open. Marco also promised to act courtal and would give distance to Ace if she wanted or needed it.

When they had spoken, Shanks said he would still love to have a little chat with Ace alone, and Ace still needed to drink a milkshake and the one she had gotten was now melted, so Marco, Benn, and Deuce left. When they were outside, Marco looked at Deuce. "I truly did not mean to add any stress to Ace's situation, yoi. That was never my intent." Deuce nodded. "I get it, I do, I think. I just, she has really been upset lately. But it might be better now." Marco nodded. "I hope so, yoi. I will see you back at the boat." Deuce nodded and Marco then left. Deuce still felt annoyed, but Marco really didn't seem to have meant to cause any harm. Which kinda frustrated Deuce. He wanted to fix it by hurting Marco, but he really was a kind man. But at the same time, maybe he could be good for Ace. But if he stepped one toe out of the way again, nothing would keep Deuce back.

As Marco was gone, Benn spoke. "What now?" Deuce hummed. "I will go call someone for Ace." Benn looked at him. "A certain blond haired man?" Deuce nodded. "Yep." Benn chuckled. "Make sure he has the whole story, so they don't lose a first commander." Deuce hummed. "I will think about it." Benn nodded. "I get that. You got my number." Then Benn left as well, and Deuce decided to wait close by for when Ace and Shanks were done.

-x-

Marco walked back to the boat and Pops looked at him. "Son, is everything okay? What did Benn want?" Marco sighed. "Everything is fine, just needed to have a chat, yoi. I can explain more later, preferably in private." Pops nodded, accepting that. It was some hours later that Ace and Deuce came back to the boat, and Ace didn't have anything special on or had a new braid, as she usually did when out with Shanks. But after all, this time had been different. No one commented on it as well, which was good.

When evening came, Marco went to Pops room, and they sat down for a card game, Pops asking what had happened earlier, to which Marco sighed. "I think I might have feelings for Ace, yoi." Pops blinked, before he nodded. "I see. I have seen you giving her some looks now and then." Marco nodded, he wasn't surprised about Pops having noticed that. Pops then spoke again. "But why did Benn come and get you? And Deuce?" Marco sighed, before he explained how he had this sudden urge to tell her one night, when she was asleep, but she hadn't been asleep and this had stressed her, and Marco explained why. That Ace was scared it was all a trap again, and that they had brainwashed Deuce, so not even he was safe.

When he was done, Pops nodded. "I see. But is it okay now?" Marco nodded. "Yes. We had a long chat, and we set some ground rules. Nothing much will change, I hope. She is unsure if she wants to pursue a relationship right now, but isn't totally against it either, yoi. And we will just see how things go." Pops nodded. "I hope everything goes fine, son." Marco nodded. "So do I. Deuce also mentioned Sabo might drop by, and I am sure Ace will like that, yoi." Pops nodded. "Ace might need that right now, another friendly face." Marco nodded, he felt the same. They then chatted some more as they played, before Marco went back to his room after forcing Pops to sleep.

It was a week later that Sabo dropped by, and nothing special had happened in that period. Marco did try to be around Ace, but if Ace looked even a bit uncomfortable, Marco left, and if Ace left, Marco didn't follow. Ace also seemed really happy to see Sabo, hugging him tightly, before Ace and Sabo left for Ace's room, probably to speak. When they later returned outside, Sabo did give him a bit of a stare, and Marco wasn't surprised by it, so he tried to ignore it. But something about the stare felt very unnerving.

But then, some hours later, an enemy attacked them, which was a bit annoying as they had a visitor, but Sabo seemed to be a good fighter and it was interesting seeing him fight with his pole. And it helped that the enemy wasn't that strong. As the fight was going on, he suddenly felt someone staring daggers at him and turned to see Sabo looking at him, and now as Marco had turned, Sabo stared directly into his eyes. And while Sabo was someone who Marco felt was strong and shouldn't be messed with, it didn't help that as Marco turned and Sabo looked him dead in the eyes, that Sabo was still fighting, having an enemy in front of him. While Marco watched him, Sabo moved his hands to be on the enemy's head and snapped his neck, making him go limp. But before he fell to the deck, Sabo grabbed his head, his hands coated in Haki, and continued to crush the head with his bare hands. Marco wasn't sure if it was possible, but for him, it was like it went in slow motion, and never once did he or Sabo break eye contact.

It was clearly implied that if Marco ever did anything wrong to Ace, that the next one to meet this fate would be Marco. He felt that if he got the same fate this enemy did, he would be lucky to be killed so fast. And Marco, who had to say he basically never felt fear, felt fear at seeing how Sabo delivered that message, not a warning; a promise. Even while also staring into his eyes the whole time, as if staring into his soul with a promise of a slow death if he messed up. He swallowed and gave a small nod, to say he got it, and Sabo glared a bit more, before he moved on to continue the fight, now being back to just using his pole. It was clear that Sabo made sure to not use his pole on that enemy, to show Marco that Sabo was in fact not afraid of getting his hands dirty. Sabo was terrifying, and Marco was sure, if he messed up, Sabo would rile the Revolutionary Army after him, same with Shanks probably.

When the fight was over, they won pretty easily, just some minor injuries, the day went on, and they docked the next day. As they docked, Sabo did drag Ace off the boat, saying he knew the island and needed to show Ace something, something about a boutique. Many did head off to the island as well, but most of them would head off when night came, to party.

And it was an hour later that Sabo and Ace came back to the boat, and Ace had on a new outfit. In front, it looked like just some jeans with a red, sleeveless neckholder top that sat to her figure,but when they walked past him, it showed that in the back the fabric went in a cross down from her neck, before it went to the side to connect to the front, with the lowest part going around the back ending in a bow with the fabric. It was a very pretty piece and it fit Ace well. Ace didn't look too happy, but it really fit her well. Sabo smiled at her. "Now, I've learned a new braid! It will take a bit of time, but I need to try it on you." Ace gave a breath, but nodded. "Fine, since it is you." Sabo smiled, before Ace sat down so Sabo could do the braid. Marco was curious about this, as Ace looked so nice with different braids as her hair was so beautiful. And she usually hid it. But he would keep a bit of a small distance as he knew Ace wasn't the happiest when she had on clothes like this, as she felt exposed. And Marco didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable.

-x-

Sabo sat and braided Ace's hair, and they spoke about nothing and everything, which was nice. Sabo knew Ace liked that. He also had a few moments he needed to really concentrate to remember how to make this braid, as it had looked so good in the magazine, and he had a feeling Ace would like it. It took a small while, before Sabo moved and clapped his hands. "Done!" Ace gave a nod and moved to look in the mirror, before she blinked.

The braid he had made included all her hair and got it away from her face, being semi tight close to the head, before the braid itself was very loose and stood a bit up like round scales. Sabo felt it looked amazing and it really fit Ace. he did notice Marco keeping his distance, which was good, Marco seemed to really respect the rules Ace had told about. Which was good.

Izou looked at Ace when it was done. "That braid really fits you. Makes you look like a warrior." Ace blinked, before she nodded, hand moving to lightly touch the braid. "I like it, even though it stands a bit out." Sabo moved to stand beside Ace. "It is amazing, and you are amazing." Sabo then hugged Ace and Ace took the hug. The day then went on, and Sabo could stay until tomorrow, when the pirates would leave as well, so Sabo would head his own way and back to the Revolutionary Army.

-x-

Marco looked at the clock, which was nearing 4pm, dinner was starting at 5pm, and many would eat on the island they were at. It was a large island, but it was also a calm and good one, not much happened here as it was a strong island that could defend itself. But then he suddenly had an idea of something he wanted to try. So when he saw Ace next time, he walked over to her, Sabo by her side. Marco said her name, which had her turn to him, while Marco made sure to stop a bit away, before he continued. "Would you like to join me for dinner on the island, yoi? I know of a nice outdoor restaurant, and the weather is nice today." Ace seemed to think a bit, before she nodded slowly. "Y-yeah, we can do that." Marco wasn't sure if she really wanted, so he spoke again. "Do not feel like you need to say yes just since I asked, yoi." Ace shook her head. "I don't, I would love to head off to eat." Marco smiled, that went well

Sabo then spoke as he looked at Ace. "I can go do some paperwork then, I got some from Dragon to do. I'll be in your room then." Ace nodded. "Okay." Ace then looked at him. "When were you thinking of leaving?" Marco hummed. "Whenever works for me, yoi. We can go now if you wish." Ace nodded. "Now works. Let me just change maybe…" Marco nodded. "You can change if you wish, yoi. I have no issue with waiting." Ace then seemed to think, before she spoke. "Or, I can keep this. This top is a bit comfortable." Sabo looked at her. "Are you sure? You don't need to wear this top if you don't want to." Ace looked at Sabo with a smile. "I mean, it is nice, and I would like to try and show off the mark." Sabo nodded. "Okay. You know where I am." Ace nodded. "I do. Have fun with your paperwork." Sabo chuckled. "I don't mind it actually, when it isn't too much." Sabo then hugged Ace, before he left.

Marco then looked at Ace. "Would you like to head off now, yoi?" Ace nodded and gave a smile. "Yeah, I would." They then headed off the boat and onto the island, chatting a bit as they walked. They didn't speak about anything special, just normal small chatter. When they reached the restaurant Marco had in mind, they got a table a bit to the side and sat down, ordering some drinks and food. Nothing too special. Marco ordered a steak and a beer, while Ace went for a steak as well, but with a soft drink.

As they waited for the food, Marco looked at Ace. "I hope you don't feel uncomfortable, yoi. I know it was on short notice." Ace shook her head. "No, it is fine. I mean, I would love to get to know you more." That had Marco smile, glad about it. "Anything special you would like to know, yoi?" Ace shrugged. "I don't know what to ask." Marco hummed, before he just started on the story on how he had met Pops all those years ago and joined him. Ace did seem interested. When he was done, the food came and they started to eat. As they did, Marco knew a question he wanted to ask. "How do you feel about living on the Moby, yoi?" Ace hummed. "Fine. I know I can be paranoid of people, but I feel it is going fine now." Marco nodded. "I feel very bad for making you think it was all a trap, yoi. I had no idea why I felt the need to confess, but something told me to just do it. I had no idea you were awake." Ace was silent for a few seconds, before she spoke. "I mean, it's okay now. I just… overreacted."

Marco shook his head. "I don't think so. I mean, you had a reason, yoi. You've been hurt before." Ace nodded and looked to feel a bit uncomfortable, so Marco decided to change topics. "How did you and Deuce meet, yoi?" Ace smiled, before she started to tell how they met, and it was an interesting story. As she was telling it, Marco couldn't help but just look at Ace. She was so gorgeous and her personality was even better, and everything about her was perfect he felt. As she spoke, she made a motion with her hands, which happened to knock into a server, who then lost the drinks he was carrying. Causing them to shatter, making everyone look at them, and Marco could see Ace looking very uncomfortable and bad, like she wanted to run, but that would cause a bigger scene. Marco then got an idea.

Marco made a small motion to get Ace's attention, and when Ace looked at him, Marco half whispered. " When I create a distraction, you run. Meet by the statue in town." Ace blinked. "Wha-" Before Ace could finish, Marco, already having planned this in his mind, abruptly stood up, his glass of beer in his hand, before he threw it at the wall so it shattered loudly, making everyone look at him as Marco spoke, half yelled. "There was a huge spider on the wall, yoi!" Marco then glanced at Ace and made a motion with his hand to bail, and Ace did, making a run for it. Which no-one seemed to notice it as they looked for the spider by the wall or looked at him shocked. Marco then apologized, before he paid for everything, also leaving a generous tip.

Marco then went to the statue in town and found Ace there, sitting on a bench and looking at the people bussing around. Marco then sat down next to her, and Ace spoke. "Thank you, you didn't need to do that." Marco hummed. "I know, I wanted to, yoi. Would you like to head back to the boat, or maybe go for a small stroll?" Ace blinked. "Where were you thinking of walking?" Marco hummed. "By the cliffside, but if you don't want to, we won't, yoi." Ace nodded. "No, we can take a walk." Marco smiled, and they stood up, calmly making their way towards it, not really speaking. When they got to the cliffside, Ace took in the view. "It is very pretty." Marco nodded. "It is, yoi. Every time we visit this island,I come here and just look at the view." Ace nodded, not continuing their conversation.

After a bit, Ace spoke. "Marco?" Marco hummed, which had Ace continue. "What would you do if I didn't want to pursue a relationship?" Marco hummed. "Then I wouldn't either. I am not here to force this, also forcing a relationship never works, and it is wrong, yoi. We would part as friends." Ace just nodded, and after a few seconds, Marco spoke again. "Do you want to not pursue anything, yoi?" Ace shook her head. "No, or, I am still a bit unsure, but I would like to try. I just needed to know your answer." Marco nodded, he got that. Ace was unsure, and that was understandable. Marco sent a reassuring look with a smile at Ace. "We will take this at a speed we are both comfortable with, yoi. We will take it slow." Ace nodded and gave a small smile back to him. "Thank you, Marco." Marco shook his head. "It is nothing, yoi. I want you to be comfortable." Ace nodded. "That means a lot."

They then enjoyed the view, and after a few seconds, Ace spoke. "Can we try something small?" Marco looked at Ace. "Of course. What are you thinking?" Ace looked a bit unsure, before she held her hand out. "I know it isn't much, but just… hold hands." Marco nodded. "Sure we can, yoi." Marco carefully moved to take Ace's hand, and they just held hands and watched the view, which Ace seemed to enjoy. Which in return made Marco glad, but he tried to not make it show too much and make Ace had a feeling if he smiled too much, Ace would get uncomfortable and Marco would feel like he would smile like an idiot as Ace was so perfect without knowing it. He was glad Ace seemed comfortable and wanted to try something. Yes, it was just holding hands, but he felt for Ace, it was more than enough right now. After some minutes, they decided to head back to the boat. They did hold hands a bit as they walked, but when others were coming into view a bit away, Ace let go and they just walked side by side, and that was fine. Marco was just glad he had gotten to hold her hand, and that she seemed to enjoy herself.

As they walked, they met some people who had nothing better to do than look at them and murmur how they were from the Whitebeard crew. Ace did seem a bit uncomfortable, so Marco looked at her. "You can get my vest if you want to, yoi." Ace blinked. "But then you would be naked?" Marco hummed. "No, I still have pants, yoi." Ace blinked. "But your…" Marco hummed, knowing what she was about to say. "I wouldn't mind. What do you say, yoi?" Ace seemed to think for a second, before she nodded, and Marco took his vest off and Ace took it on. That way Ace no longer had her back exposed. When they neared the boat, Ace did give it back, and Marco took it back on, whileAce gave a smile to him. "Thank you, for the vest." Marco hummed. "No issue, yoi. You looked a bit uncomfortable." Ace nodded. "Yeah. Not used to open backs…" Marco nodded. "I get that. It is not for everyone to have skin shown, many don't like it, yoi." Ace nodded. "I know, but I also want to show off the mark, it just takes some time getting used to." Marco nodded. "That I get, and you don't need to feel pressured to show it off, many have the mark in a place it isn't always visible, yoi. What I want for you is to not feel pressured." Ace smiled. "I don't." That was good to know.

When they got to the boat, Ace looked at him. "This was nice, Marco. Thank you for this small… date." Marco smiled. "It is nothing, yoi. I really enjoyed myself as well. Have a good day onwards, Ace." Ace nodded and smiled. "Same for you… yoi." Marco gave a chuckle. "Are you mocking me, yoi?" Ace hummed. "No, I like it. It is… you." That made him smile, before they said goodbye. Then Marco headed his way and went to stand next to Pops' chair, just keeping a watch. After an hour, Sabo and Ace came out, and Sabo made sure to lock eyes with him, giving a small nod of approval, which Marco returned. He was sure Ace had told about the date and how it went, and Sabo was happy with what Ace had said, which was good. He felt that meant Ace had enjoyed herself, and that was something good. Ace also had on new clothes now, which didn't have an open back, which was fine, but the braid was still in her hair. The braid really did look stunning on her. It truly made her look like a warrior.

And that's the chapter! Hope you enjoyed!

So we have now started with the Ace/Marco, and I have some stuff planned

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

I hope you enjoyed, and if you want to, I do love feedback, so don't be afraid to leave a review, or send a PM!

If you also want to, I have a Twitter, my name is Azuruko , and I have a discord, my tag/username is just azuruko, as well as a server (Instant invite: discord . gg / 6hzMhbR ) where everyone is welcomed! Updates is also posted there, both on discord and on twitter