It's finally here! The final chapter for this story. I'm sorry it took so long, but first there was my BigBang and I also wanted to post the ThatchIzo version of this universe first. It's called Running from Fire (check my profile ;) )

Anyway, thanks again everyone who read, followed, favourited and especially everyone who left a review. And of course the lovely people who made fanart, you guys are fantastic. Many thanks to my betas as well, Vergina-spva and MyLadyDay.

Enjoy the chapter ^^

Reborn in Fire

Epilogue

Marco looked at Ace's sleeping form next to him, his arms wrapped around Marco's torso. They had been talking for hours, despite their tiredness, to finally clear the air. Marco had promised Ace to answer all of his questions, and Ace had taken full advantage of that. Starting with basic stuff such as his age, Ace asked some things about his childhood – Marco had never been secretive about that – but had soon moved on to the part Marco had always kept in the dark, the few years before he changed his name.

Marco had felt like the world had been lifted off his shoulders as he realised not just his secret about having met Ace had been holding him back, but all his other secrets had as well. When Ace didn't have any questions anymore, he had offered Marco the same treatment. Ace had always been honest with him, but it gave Marco the opportunity to find out things Ace just hadn't got round to telling him, or just never thought about.

After that, they had been lying in silence for a while, and soon, Ace had started to drift off. The silence made doubts enter Marco's mind again. He couldn't walk, might never be able to again. His family was a mess right now, as Thatch was still in a coma and there was no guarantee he would ever wake up again. Izo was slowly falling apart, and Pops' health wasn't what it had been. Could he really be so selfish as to drag Ace down with him? Ace was young, and while Marco believed him when Ace said he loved him, could Marco really be worth all this trouble?

Never had Marco expected that Ace would take him back after breaking his heart so thoroughly. He regretted how he had handled things, he shouldn't have assumed to know how Ace would react, after all.

But now that Ace had been willing to take him back, to pick up where they left off, without any secrets this time, Marco couldn't stand the thought of losing him again. Whether it would be because Ace decided his family situation, and Marco's own, was too much to handle, or simply because he fell out of love. Was it worth the risk?

Marco realised his sleep deprived brain was becoming more depressed by the second, and he decided to get some sleep. Hoisting himself to a sitting position with difficulty after prying himself loose from Ace's grip, Marco pulled his wheelchair closer when suddenly two warms wrapped themselves around his body again.

"Wh're you goin'?" Ace mumbled sleepily as he rested his head against Marco's back.

Marco placed his hand on Ace's, which was resting on his stomach. "I was going to go to my own bed."

"Why?"

Marco turned his head. "To sleep, of course."

Ace seemed to be a little more awake and sat up. "There's nothing 'of course' about that. You can't sleep alone, I know you. You're just gonna lie there, overthinking every single thing, and eventually pass out, maybe getting two hours of rest," he said, reprimanding. Then, his features softened. "Stay here. I know you sleep better with someone warm next to you."

Marco looked at him for a moment, before leaning in and kissing him on the lips. Ace made a content noise as he opened his mouth.

The kiss was slow and deep, reminding Ace of their first. He remembered well how they had been sitting in the restaurant, until Ace couldn't take it anymore. He didn't regret taking the first step – now he realised that if he hadn't, Marco wouldn't have done it either. Still, it was hard to believe that Marco, who had been so cool and composed, had been trying to drive Ace away. Looking back, Ace wouldn't change a thing about their relationship, except maybe the attempts on their lives, though they had brought them closer together. And of course, he would have preferred it if Marco hadn't stomped on his heart. If only Marco had told him right away…

It didn't matter anymore. He had Marco back, and Marco would never hold anything from him again.

Marco sucked on Ace's tongue, and Ace couldn't hold back a moan. Kissing Marco did things to him nothing else could. As long as he had Marco, he was sure things would be okay.

Pulling back, Marco caressed Ace's cheek. "My life is a mess right now," he said earnestly. "With my family, with me… Are you sure you want to get in the middle of that?"

"You ask me after you kiss me like that?" Ace huffed.

"I'm serious."

Ace's face softened. "I know. But whether we're together or not, I'm part of your family now, not to mention Second Division Commander." He grinned proudly, but then gently caressed the stubble on Marco's chin. "Your mess is my mess. Together we'll get through it."

Marco took Ace's hand and kissed it, closing his eyes as he did so. "I'll never know what I've done to deserve you," he mumbled.

"Don't get me started on that," Ace said softly and intertwined his fingers with Marco's hair. "I love you."

Marco smiled, his eyes looking tired. "I love you too."

Ace wrapped his arms around him. "Now, go to sleep."

Marco hummed as he buried his face in Ace's chest. It didn't take long for his eyelids to slip shut, and, breathing in Ace's scent, for a moment, everything in his life made sense again.

Marco was reading a book in his hospital bed when he suddenly heard a knock. No one of his family ever knocked, nor did Ace, or Shanks when he had come to visit. The nurses did, but they only did it to announce themselves – they had started doing that when Ace had been in Marco's room and they were caught in a compromising position.

It was two days since Marco and Ace had talked, and things were going well. They had started over with their relationship, though kissing Ace was something Marco didn't think he could ever get enough of. And his hands may have wandered a bit last night, just when a nurse had come in. Perhaps it was for the best, because Marco thought it was better to take things slow. They had done that in the beginning of their relationship as well, but for completely different reasons – although Ace hadn't known that at the time.

Ace was currently being examined by a doctor – or rather, doctor in training, as Ace's friend Law had been appointed to the job. Marco felt sorry for Ace already.

Not spending time with Ace meant he had time to think, and Marco hated that, because Thatch was the only thing on his mind right now. Izo had only left Thatch's side once – aside from the time he came along to rescue Ace – to shower, but that was just because Pops was the one who sent him away.

Reading offered a bit of a distraction, and now, hopefully, Marco's visitor would as well.

Marco placed his book on the stand next to the bed and called for the person to enter. His visitor turned out to be a tall, black haired woman, whom he recognised as Laki, the mother of one of the children from his aikido group. Said aikido group came storming in after her, and the line was closed by a blond woman Marco didn't know.

"Sensei!" several of the children called out as they made their way to his bed. Some even climbed onto it, not that Marco minded. He got several bouquets of flowers pushed into his face, which the blond woman took from the children, chuckling all the while.

"We were worried when you didn't show up for training," Joyce said.

Marco grimaced. He felt guilty for leaving them stranded, having missed multiple trainings in the past months, and this time he hadn't even let them know beforehand.

"Obviously, you have a good excuse," Laki commented. "The children heard you were in the hospital, so they wanted to visit you."

"What happened to you?" Andrea asked. "They wouldn't tell us at the dojo."

"And when will you be back?" Mira added.

Marco sighed and rubbed his temples. "I'm afraid I might never come back," he said sadly.

The group gasped.

"I fell off a motorcycle," Marco started to explain. How and why, the children didn't need to know. "I've had an accident before, and now my body couldn't take it. I can't walk anymore, much less practice aikido."

It was silent for a moment, before all the children started to talk at the same time. Marco couldn't get a word in between.

Laki clapped her hands to silence the kids, and Marco was grateful for that. He sighed again. "I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault," Arthur said. He was the boy Marco had thought looked a lot like Ace when he was younger, but, somehow, that seemed to be a little farfetched now. It only proved how obsessed he had been with what had happened ten years ago, and Marco was glad he was starting to get over it. It would make his relationship with Ace much easier.

"Isoka has recovered, actually a while ago already," Laki said.

Marco nodded. He had heard as much, but, apparently, Isoka, the previous trainer Marco had taken over from, had been busy with other things, and Marco had been asked to continue training the children. He hadn't minded, not in the least, as he had enjoyed teaching. It killed him that he wouldn't be able to anymore.

The previous time he had lost the ability to walk, it had been agonising. He had wanted to learn how to walk as soon as possible to resume his mission. Now, he didn't have a mission anymore, not since Ace had impressed upon him that what happened to Sabo hadn't been his fault. So this time, he didn't really care that much. It was annoying, sure, as he couldn't drive anymore, and society was not one to take that many precautions for people in wheelchairs.

There were two reasons, however, that he wished he could walk again. One of them was Ace, and the other, the children of his aikido class.

"She'll be taking over again, then?" Marco asked, in response to Laki's remark.

She nodded. "So the children are in good hands."

"We'll miss you, though," Mira said.

Marco smiled weakly and ruffled her hair. "I'll miss you too."

"Does Ace know?" Joyce suddenly asked quietly.

Marco looked at her. Of course, the kids hadn't failed to notice what a wreck he had been the first training after their breakup. Marco had tried to hide it, failing miserably, and he hadn't escaped telling the children he had broken up with Ace, which had resulted in indignant reactions from the most of them. Marco had had a hard time explaining that it was for the best.

"He does." Marco wondered if he should tell them Ace was currently in the hospital too. A smile made his way to his face. "We're back together again."

He was met with cheers.

Ace chose that exact moment to enter the room. He looked a little surprised at the crowded room, but then smiled. He was merely wearing a hospital gown, which was a giveaway, even for the kids.

Joyce jumped from the bed. "You were hurt too?"

"Yeah." He smiled at her. "Not as bad as Marco, though. It's nice you came visit him."

Marco was about to retort that he hadn't been the one to almost die, but decided against it with all the kids in the room.

Ace turned to the blond woman, who was holding Laki's hand. "I don't believe we've met. I'm Ace."

She smiled and extended her free hand. "Conis."

"Conis?" Ace pulled a thoughtful face. "Why does that name sound familiar? Oh!" he suddenly exclaimed. "Have you by any chance dated Sanji?"

Ace carefully sat down on the inflatable bed in Marco's living room. It was the second night since they had left the hospital, though only the first he spent at Marco's place, as the previous night had been a party he couldn't recall everything from. It had been awesome, though. All his friends had been there, and they seemed to have finally forgiven Marco. Well, the rest of them, Luffy had no hard feelings anyway.

The more protective ones, Zoro and Nami, had made a peace offer in the form of booze, although Ace hadn't seen Marco drunk again. Perhaps that was for the best anyway, seeing what had happened last time. While that had been amazing, neither of them was currently in the shape to repeat that anytime soon.

Thatch still hadn't woken up, and Ace knew Marco was starting to fear the worst. Especially for Izo. Marco had considered staying at the hospital for Izo, but he didn't like using Pops' money like that – as his insurance had only covered the first few days. There had been no need for him to stay any longer, nor had there been for Ace.

That caused them to currently lie on an inflatable mattress, as Marco couldn't walk up the stairs. He had only moved to this house after he had learned to walk with crutches the last time this had happened. They still needed to find a solution for that. Ace's offer to carry him up the stairs was rejected. At least as a long term solution.

Wrapping his arms around Marco, Ace crawled close to him, kissing his cheek. Marco turned his head to kiss Ace on the lips and intertwined his fingers with the dark strands.

Ace suddenly felt an overwhelming need to touch Marco, to feel him. At the hospital, they had kept it relatively chaste, except that one time Marco had grabbed his ass just as a nurse came in, so he had barely had the chance to feel Marco up.

Ace placed both his knees on either side of Marco's hips while he continued kissing him. He soon felt hands sneak up his upper legs, sliding up to cup his ass.

"Ace, I thought we'd take it slow," Marco said in the moment they both took to regain their breath.

Ace just shook his head. He needed something, maybe not actual sex, that wouldn't work right now, but something…

Impatient fingers started to unbutton Marco's pyjama shirt. Marco closed his eyes and sighed, caressing Ace's hair as he started to lick Marco's abs. Ace was as impatient as ever, but Marco couldn't say he didn't enjoy it. He may not be able to walk, but everything above the waist worked fine.

Ace sucked on his nipple, and Marco sighed happily. They were still tiptoeing a bit around each other, sensing how far they take things when it came to touching, aside from the occasional make-out session. Marco was glad Ace had now decided to take things a bit further.

The sudden sound of Marco's phone made both of them look up, slightly annoyed.

"Who would call this late?" Ace grumbled.

"Could you get it, please?" Marco asked. His phone was on the table and it would take him forever to reach it.

Ace nodded and got up from the bed, his excitement from their make-out session clearly visible – as were the marks on Marco's chest, he noted.

Marco watched as Ace picked up the phone and frowned as he saw who was calling.

"Who is it?" Marco asked, propping himself up as much as he was able.

"It's Pops." Ace pressed the answer button and placed the phone against his ear. "Hey Pops. Everything okay?"

Suddenly, Marco saw Ace's eyes widen. "Really? We… We'll be right there."

"Is everything alright? Ace? What did Pops say?" Marco asked worriedly.

Ace placed the phone on the table, his back turned to Marco. Then, he slowly turned around, an enormous grin on his face. "Thatch's awake."

Of course, Thatch's waking up had been celebrated in the appropriate way, although that had had to wait until he was allowed to leave the hospital. They didn't like parties there.

Ace could almost see the weight being lifted off Marco's shoulders when he told the news, and, in the weeks after, Marco bloomed up again. Only now Ace realised how much Marco had been holding back at the start of their relationship. Marco laughed more now, and not with the sad smile that Ace had seen so often.

It was good that Marco was feeling better, because Ace had problems of his own he had to deal with. The realisation had hit him that he had killed someone. It wasn't like he regretted it; moreover, he would do it again if he had to. By killing Teach, he had saved Marco, and Thatch probably as well, as Teach would have gone after him again. Akainu hadn't batted an eyelid when he saw Teach lying dead and had even blown his corpse up after, so Ace didn't doubt that he would have killed Teach himself once he was finished with him.

The police had found the corpse, but it had been so badly damaged that they hadn't been able to identify it. They thought it possible that it was Teach Marshall, as he had been the owner of the warehouse, but they had also discovered his assassin alter ego, so he could have also have fled town. There had been no mention of bullet holes in the papers and the cause of death had been thought to be the explosion. In any case, Ace was in the clear, and Akainu couldn't hurt him or anyone he cared about anymore.

But while Ace didn't regret killing Teach, the fact that he had killed someone made him make connections with his father, the man he loathed the most. Marco's reassurances that Ace was his own person hadn't made the nagging feeling go away completely. It was always there, in the back of his head. Marco, observant as ever, had noticed how Ace reverted into himself and had told Ace to call Whitey.

Ace had been confused. He had met Whitey Bay at Marco's birthday, and she seemed nice enough, but why would he call her out of the blue? Until Marco handed him her card. She was a psychologist, and because of her close ties with the family, Ace wouldn't have to worry about confessing to murder causing him trouble.

Talking with her had really helped him, and Ace cheered up visibly, much to Marco's relief and joy. Everything was going great now in Ace's opinion. Marco's family had been restored, leaving Marco with no worries left. Aside from the fact that he couldn't work as an arson inspector anymore, not in the least because the fire station was hardly wheel chair friendly. However, Marco didn't seem to mind that much. He had liked being a firefighter, but had mostly felt obligated to push through after what had happened to Sabo, which also went for being an arson inspector. When Ace asked if he hadn't liked his previous job, Marco had answered with a smirk that he had mostly liked the view he had had.

Not just Marco's bullet wounds started to heal – which, Ace noted with jealousy, healed without leaving a scar, unlike the wound on Ace's back that had left a mark – but also, once again, Marco started to relearn how to walk, although the physiotherapy was intense and left him in much pain. Ace tried to support him as much as possible, but after his own recovery, he had to start working again.

The first time Ace saw Marco walk, albeit with crutches, Marco had managed to walk all the way from his house to Ace's. Ace was surprised when he opened the door and saw Marco standing on the doorstep – after all, Marco had a key to his place, so he didn't have to ring the doorbell. He blinked a few times, before wrapping his arms around Marco's neck and kissing him passionately.

"I'm so proud of you," he whispered in Marco's ear.

Marco managed a pained smile, and Ace was quick to invite him in so he could sit. They ended up kissing on the couch until Luffy came home and demanded attention.

Marco had to walk as often as he could without overdoing it. Ace accompanied him frequently, but with his work, he didn't always have the time. Fortunately, Luffy was there to entertain Marco when Ace wasn't, and they spent a lot of time together, mostly playing video games. In turn, with Marco's walks, Luffy had someone to walk him. Ace loved the fact that the two most important people in his life got along so well, even though Luffy was hardly picky of who he proclaimed his friends.

On a Saturday, Ace drove Marco to the cemetery where Sabo was buried to visit him properly. Luffy hadn't been able to come along this time as Ace couldn't take two people on the back of his motorcycle.

Ace found out Marco had been the mysterious delivery person who brought Sabo flowers all along. Even if it had caused Marco so much pain, Ace was glad he cared so much about Sabo. Marco confessed he had even been to Sabo's funeral, even if he hadn't stayed long because of the guilt.

When he said it, Ace's mind flashed back to that day. The casket had been in another room, so people could pay their respects in private. Ace had gone several times, still not believing Sabo was actually gone. When he had gone again, there had been someone in the room, a blond man. Ace hadn't seen him at the service, but as he was blond and Sabo had been too, Ace had assumed he must have been some relative. He had seemed quite upset and was murmuring something Ace hadn't caught. He then turned around to leave, and Ace had hidden himself. He now realised it had been Marco he had seen.

They sat by Sabo's grave for hours, Marco listening to Ace's stories, until it became dark. Ace said goodbye to Sabo, leaving food as usual, while Marco placed flowers on the grave. Ace was already heading back to his motorcycle when he saw Marco was still standing next to the grave, his eyes closed as if in prayer. Ace kept a respectful distance until Marco opened his eyes and smiled warmly at him.

"He would have loved you," Ace said as they walked back to the car park. They couldn't hold hands, because of Marco's crutches, so Ace opted for walking as close to Marco as possible.

"You think so?" Marco inquired.

"Of course! And not just because he trusts Lu's instincts."

Marco laughed. "Just Luffy's?"

Ace scratched the back of his head. "I guess he wouldn't have agreed with all the choices I have made in life. But in the end, they led me to you. Although I wonder what would have happened if we met before, like soon after it happened. You wouldn't be dating me now, that's for sure."

"Why do you think that?" Marco asked as they reached Ace's motorcycle.

Ace let out a laugh. "Don't tell Gramps I said this, but I was a real brat growing up. It's only because of Luffy's persistence and ability to make people like him that I accepted him into my life. I would have driven you crazy."

Marco took a step closer. "You turned out fine, in any case."

Ace chuckled. "Do you mean inside or out?"

"Both." Marco pressed their lips together.

When they let go of each other, Ace swung his leg over his motorcycle and put on his helmet while he waited until Marco had taken his seat. Marco wrapped his arms around Ace's waist, making Ace smile, and he started the vehicle.

Ace drove them to Marco's house. It had become quite late already, as they had stayed rather long at the cemetery. Marco started on dinner right away, because even if he was using crutches, Ace wasn't allowed in the kitchen. Because he couldn't stand by himself, at least not for long, and he needed his hands for cooking, Marco used a stool on high legs to sit on while he cooked. He had bought it the last time he was in this situation.

Ace smiled and let himself fall on the couch. Marco's house was rapidly becoming his second home, if it wasn't already. Taking Phoenix out of his cage, Ace let the bird fly around a bit before he landed on his shoulder. Marco had told Ace the bird liked to do that for some reason, and Ace didn't mind at all.

"Come on, let's pick out a movie for tonight," he said to Phoenix.

A while later, Marco called out for Ace to set the table, and Ace happily complied. He then moved to the kitchen to carry the dish of food to the living room. The corner of Marco's mouth turned downwards slightly. Ace knew he didn't like to seem helpless, but carrying a dish while walking with crutches was difficult, and Ace didn't mind helping.

Phoenix flew off his shoulder and landed on Marco's, as it if felt Marco's change of mood.

While they were eating, Ace told Marco about something that had happened at work. Law had continued his prescription for the narcolepsy medication, so he didn't have to worry about falling asleep in his food anymore.

After dinner, they moved to the couch, leaving Phoenix to sit wherever he wanted as they started watching the movie Ace had picked out. Marco had draped his arm around Ace's shoulder, as Ace snuggled up to him. Not for the first time, Ace realised he was content like this. Having Marco here so close to him, it felt nice, domestic even. A smile tugged at his lips. He had never expected he wanted something like this. Before Marco, he had bounced from one lover to another, no matter their gender.

Marco immediately had had a certain effect on him. No, that wasn't true. The first time Ace had seen him, he had assumed Marco was boring. Boy, had he been wrong. Fortunately, he now knew better, after several months and murder attempts. But now, even if that threat had lifted, Ace knew he was happy like this. He wanted to spend his life with Marco, as cheesy as it may sound.

Ace noticed Marco looking at him, and he wondered if Marco was having the same sappy thoughts. There was a warm look in his eyes, and Ace leaned in to kiss him. Marco responded, wrapping his arms around Ace and pulling him in his lap. Neither of them watched the movie anymore, too caught up in each other.

Their kiss was slow and deep, but not lacking passion. Marco's hands ran up and down Ace's back, before moving to his upper legs.

Ace pulled back slightly, biting his lip. "Do you wanna go upstairs?" He felt a little insecure about asking. They hadn't been intimate since getting back together, both because they were taking it slow and because of Marco's situation, so Ace wasn't sure if he was crossing a line here.

Marco smiled and brushed some hair out of Ace's face. "Very much."

Relieved, Ace grinned and turned off the TV. He then picked up Marco bridal style, despite his protests. Phoenix would find his way back to its cage. Eventually, Marco gave up his struggle and, wrapping his arm around Ace's neck, started to kiss him.

In the bedroom, Ace placed him on the bed and immediately crawled on top of him. Marco's hands roamed his body, and Ace realised how much he had missed this. Clothes were soon discarded while they tried to maintain as much contact with their bodies as possible. Ace moved back a little to admire Marco's naked form, chewing his lip in anticipation.

Marco pulled himself up on the bars of the headboard until he was in a sitting position, perhaps to see Ace better, but Ace didn't care. Pushing Marco's legs apart, he dipped his head low and licked along Marco's length.

Marco's breath hitched, but then he started: "Ace, you don't have to–"

Ace looked up, challenging, daring him to finish his sentence. His tongue darted out again to Marco's erection, and Marco's words died in his throat.

Grinning at his victory, Ace took Marco in his mouth properly, his eyes fluttering close. Marco let out shallow pants as Ace took him deeper, until he felt him hitting the back of his throat. Sucking gently, Ace pulled back, opening his eyes as he looked up. Marco was staring back at him, intensely, and it almost caused Ace to choke. Marco's gaze was filled with desire, but it was more than just lust. There was also love.

Ace couldn't tear his eyes away as he continued his movements. Marco's hands were still holding on to the bars, knuckles white, and it wouldn't have surprised Ace if the bars had snapped.

It didn't take too long before Marco's head fell back, and he cursed under his breath. Ace recognised it as a warning, but did nothing to pull away as Marco came into his mouth.

When he was done, Ace sat up and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Marco's grip on the bars had loosened – and Ace noted they had bent slightly – as he was trying to catch his breath. Smiling, Ace leaned in and kissed him.

Slowly, Marco seemed to come down from his high and wrapped his arms around Ace as he returned the kiss. "That was amazing," he said, pressing a kiss on Ace's forehead.

Ace smiled and snuggled closer.

Marco hummed, and Ace could feel the vibrations running through him. "Let's do something about you, shall we?"

Ace moved until he was sitting between Marco's legs, his back pressed against Marco's chest. Marco kissed his hair and let his fingers run down Ace's chest, gently combing through the happy trail leading to his groin.

Ace let out a small whine when he didn't move any further down – he had managed to blow Marco without touching himself, but only barely. Marco chuckled, and Ace swallowed. Marco's voice was still husky in his post sex state, and that baritone did wonderful things to Ace. He had noticed it before, when they celebrated Marco's birthday at Pops' house and Marco had been talking to him during sex. He might have a kink there, but for now, he didn't care.

"Marco, talk to me," he all but begged.

Marco hummed in surprise. "What do you want me to talk about?" he whispered in Ace's ear while taking his erection into his hand.

Ace moaned and pressed his ass back against Marco. "Anything! I don't care! Just… talk."

Marco seemed to catch the gist, as he hummed again before he started to speak. Ace probably only caught half of what he was saying, as Marco's hand had started to move as well – and it had been a while for Ace. Ace let his head fall back against Marco's shoulder, and, between sentences, Marco kissed and nipped at his exposed neck.

Ace closed his eyes as he let the words wash over him. Marco's voice was like silk, or honey… Ace couldn't think clearly anymore.

"I love you."

A smile appeared on Ace's face as those words seemed to be enough to push him over the edge. He was still panting when he opened his eyes again, his head still resting against Marco's shoulder.

"I hadn't realised you liked me talking so much," Marco said, an amused undertone to his voice.

Ace hummed. "I like your voice." He looked up. "Especially all rough from arousal."

Marco chuckled again, before sliding down so he was lying on the mattress, taking Ace with him. "I'll remember that."

Ace placed his head on Marco's chest and let his fingers run up and down the coloured skin from Marco's tattoo.

"Ace?" Marco suddenly asked.

Ace looked up.

"Have you ever considered getting one of these?"

"You mean your jolly roger?" Ace asked. "Isn't that your thing?"

Marco ran his fingers through Ace's damp hair. "You're part of the family. Hell, you're even a division commander."

Ever since Whitebeard had called Ace 'Second Division Commander', Ace had taken over Marco's tasks of director. Marco had trouble travelling anyway, plus they already knew him there.

"Where do you think I should place it then?" Ace plopped himself up on his elbows. "I could do it on my other arm… What do you think?"

Marco moved, turning on his side. "I see a nice canvas here." He gently bit down into Ace's back, who let out a surprised yelp. "You complained about the scar from Akainu's knife. You could cover it up with a tattoo."

Ace turned on his back, his eyes wide, before he started to grin. "Are you having pervy thoughts about you taking me from behind with our tattoos pressed together?"

"Now I do." Marco snorted. "Way to ruin the moment."

Ace laughed and pulled him into a kiss. He couldn't wait until he had his tattoo.

On Ace's birthday and New Year's, a big party was being held, since Ace was one of the Whitebeards now. It was time to show everyone he was officially a member. Marco of course already knew, as did Pops, but the others were surprised when Ace suddenly jumped on a table and removed the shirt everyone had already been surprised he had been wearing, his back turned to the audience.

Taking up almost his entire back shone the Whitebeard logo, more elaborate than any of the others.

Marco started to applaud, and, soon, the rest followed. Ace could only grin broadly.

"Are you nervous?"

Marco straightened his tie in front of the mirror and looked over his shoulder at Thatch, grinning. "Nah."

"Liar."

Marco just kept grinning. He was far too excited to be nervous.

A knock on the door made him look up. "Could you get that?"

"Of course. It's your big day, you don't have to lift a finger. Well, something has to be lifted tonight…"

Marco snorted. "You're spending way too much time with Izo, you know that?"

Thatch shrugged with a grin and opened the door. "Marco? You're eh… Gramps-in-law is here."

Marco turned around when Garp entered the small room. Garp looked around, a little suspiciously, before his eyes rested on Marco.

"Listen, I wanted to talk to you before this whole circus starts."

Thatch snickered in the corner, but shut up when Marco glared at him, and coughed. "I'll just go check if the 'circus' is ready to go." Snickering, he fled the room.

Marco sighed and focused his attention on Garp. "How can I help you?"

Garp scratched the back of his head. He almost seemed… nervous. "Just listen, you. Just because my brat is about to become your brat, doesn't mean he's not my brat anymore, alright?"

Marco smiled and nodded. "Got it."

"Good." Garp coughed a few times. "I should… Yeah."

"I think there might be a seat next to Pops," Marco called after him, and couldn't help but grin when Garp froze in the doorway for a second, before fleeing.

Smiling, Marco turned back to the mirror and ran his hand through his hair another time. Okay, maybe he was slightly nervous.

Another knock on the door drew his attention, and this time, it was Izo in the doorway. He was wearing a beautiful silk kimono and his make-up was perfect. If one didn't know any better, they would think this whole ceremony was for him.

"Are you almost ready?" he asked Marco. "Someone is getting impatient."

He had barely spoken the words or a figure came bouncing into the room.

"Come on, Marco! Everyone is waiting!" Ace grabbed his arm to pull him along, before he froze. "Or is it bad luck to see each other?"

Marco smiled. "Maybe, but I think that goes for brides. And no one is wearing a dress here."

"I tried, okay?" Izo huffed and crossed his arms before his chest.

Ignoring him, Ace played with the fabric of Marco's jacket. "You look really good in white. I can't wait till tonight when I can tear that suit off…"

Marco chuckled and leaned in to kiss him.

"There is plenty of time for that later," Izo's voice interrupted them. "Come on, everyone is waiting for you." He pushed the both of them out of the door.

Marco took Ace's hand, which was lightly sweaty. "Nervous?" he asked with a smirk.

Ace grinned back. "Maybe a little. But I take comfort in the fact that there will be food after."

Marco snorted. "Now I'm wondering if you look forward to spending your life with me, or me making you breakfast for the rest of your life."

"The first of course," Ace said hastily, before adding with a grin, "the latter is just a bonus."

Marco elbowed him in the ribs, but couldn't help the smile that crept up his face. He couldn't wait until their new life together would begin.

It hadn't surprised Ace when Marco had brought up the subject of children. It had become clear to him long ago that Marco wanted nothing more than to be a father, and that he would be perfect for the job. Now that they were married and had their life in order, it would have been the right time.

At least for Marco. Ace wasn't so sure about himself. He liked children, sure, and he could handle the children at the Second Division, but to be a dad? The age difference between him and Marco had never bothered him, but it did mean Marco was ready to start a family when Ace barely felt like an adult.

Still, he hadn't been able to refuse. Marco's face had lit up when he talked about having a child, and adopting a child could take months, or longer. Ace had figured he would be ready by then.

Time, however, had gone by way too fast, and, right now, they were on their way to pick up their son. Their son. When they found out they would get a boy, only a few months old, deciding on a name hadn't been hard. They had decided to honour the boy who had had a great impact on both of their lives, Sabo.

Choosing the name of his childhood friend had put Ace a little at ease, but he still doubted his parenting skills. Marco could handle it, he figured, so their kid would turn out okay, even if Ace screwed it up.

He sighed and looked out of the car window. Maybe he should have said something… It was too late now, anyway. He couldn't back out at the last minute. He couldn't do that to the boy.

Marco seemed to notice his restlessness and placed a hand on Ace's as he drove. "Can you believe it? In an hour or so, we'll be parents."

He sounded so happy… Ace couldn't ruin that. So he forced a smile on his face as he turned his head towards Marco. "Yeah, it'll be great."

They parked the car at the adoption agency and went inside. They had to fill in the final paperwork, and afterwards, they were asked to wait. It took agonisingly long, and Ace was biting his fingernails. Marco took his hand again and squeezed reassuringly.

Finally, the lady from the adoption agency came in, a baby cradled in her arms. Marco rose to take the child from her, turning around to Ace radiating with joy. Seeing Marco holding the child, now their son, made Ace swallow. The way Marco looked so fondly at the child almost made him jealous.

"You want to hold him?"

Marco's voice startled him, and he shook his head. "That's okay."

Marco raised an eyebrow. "He's your son too, you know? And you'll have to hold him in the car, since I have to drive."

After everything was finalised, Ace took the baby over from Marco, trying to keep calm. He was sure he would drop Sabo at some point, or forget him somewhere, and Sabo would grow up to hate him…

Taking a deep breath, he tried to calm himself, until an arm slipped around his shoulders, and Ace looked up. Marco smiled at him. Ace finally relaxed. Marco was here, so it would be okay.

That feeling didn't last too long, as later that night, Ace found himself in the nursery they had been building for the last few weeks, and which finally had an occupant.

Sabo was sleeping peacefully, but instead of being endeared, Ace feared him waking up. What would he do? What should he do when Sabo cried? Why didn't he study more for this?!

The door to the nursery opened, startling Ace, and Marco came in, looking sleepily. "What are you doing here?" he asked, as he sat down next to Ace.

Ace shrugged. "I couldn't sleep."

Marco smiled. "I understand that you can keep looking at him all day, but you need your rest."

Ace looked away.

"You've been quiet all day," Marco remarked. Then he sighed. "Ace, if you weren't ready to have a child, why didn't you say so?"

"I never said…" Ace started, but then cast his look down. "I know how badly you wanted children. And since you're so obviously a great father, I figured you could handle it when I screwed up."

Marco raised an eyebrow. "When?"

"Obviously. I can't believe you let me go through with this!" Ace said accusingly as he rose from his seat and almost forgot to be quiet. "I'm gonna be a horrible dad, and Sabo will hate me!"

Marco stayed silent for a moment, before he too rose. "Tell me this. Who always makes sure there was enough food in the house for Luffy?"

"I do, but–"

"Who takes care for him when he's sick?"

"Me, but also–"

"Who plays with him?" Marco continued undisturbed.

"I do–"

"Who reprimands him when he's been bad?"

"Me, but Gramps too!"

Marco hummed. "Please don't use Garp's parenting skills as reference material. But do you see where I'm going with this? You're already a great parent, for Luffy. And the children in the Second Division adore you, not to mention my aikido class. You've got this, Ace, I promise. Of course, you're new at this, but you'll learn. I have some experience with taking care of Haruta, but I had thirteen brothers as back up then, plus Pops. And we'll make mistakes, all parents do. But Sabo won't hate us, because we'll try our best."

Ace looked at him with large eyes. "Do you mean that?" he asked hoarsely.

Marco smiled and nodded. "Yes." He brushed a lock of hair out of Ace's face. "You'll be an incredible dad."

As if on cue, Sabo woke up and started crying. Marco nodded at Ace encouragingly.

Taking a deep breath, Ace picked Sabo up.

"Check for a dirty nappy," Marco suggested.

"Doesn't smell like it." Ace gently rocked Sabo to and fro, and slowly, Sabo started to calm down, until his eyes fell shut again. "Look at that," Ace whispered, a mixture of surprise and happiness on his face. "I did it."

Marco smiled. "I told you you'd be great." He wrapped his arms around the both of them, his husband and his son.

Ace beamed at him, before affectionately looking back at the child in his arms. "I think you mean, we're gonna be great."

End

AN Ace's remark about meeting sooner stems from an idea I have to write an alternative version of this story in which they do meet sooner. It's a future project, though, if I go through with it ;)