Pairing: Ace/Marco
Warnings: violence and character death of a villain.
Notes: Thank you, to lunarshores for betaing!

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Walking through the city on a rainy day was hard. Umbrellas bumped against each other as people jostled past, and Ace wrinkled his nose. He was glad he'd forgone his own umbrella, but a hood wasn't enough to keep out the rain fully.

"How far away is this place," Ace mumbled. Marco glanced at him, looking as miserable as Ace felt. His nose was pink from the cold, and Ace reached to rearrange Marco's scarf to cover his face a little more.

"A few more roads away," Marco said as Ace pulled back. His voice was muffled, but Ace could see he was smiling. He offered a mitten covered hand out to Ace, who took it happily, bare fingers wrapping round wool.

There were a lot of benefits to being able to control fire, and while Ace may be damp, he was comfortably warm. He focused on his hand, hoping that some of his warmth would pass into Marco too.

They walked down the road, avoiding umbrellas and annoyed pedestrians, until Marco directed them to a side street. He tugged Ace along, opening a small, dark door on the outside of a generic, brick building. There was a sign on the outside, but Ace wasn't able to get a look at it before he was dragged inside.

"I need drink," Marco said to himself, shaking his arms and peeling himself out of his scarf and coat. His mittens were the last to come off. He tucked them in his pocket and wiggled his fingers, reaching out for Ace's hand. Ace grinned and tucked Marco's hand in his pocket, warming him up properly.

They walked down the little corridor they were in until they reached an open doorway. Inside, the most gorgeous bar Ace had seen sat, and he looked around with wide eyes as they entered. Dark wood was accentuated with golden patterns, the chairs in the pub comfortable looking and patterned. It was a nice place, that was for sure, and Ace wondered what exactly they were here for.

"Oh?" a woman's voice called out. A woman leant over the bar, standing straight and reaching for a bottle behind her as Marco took them to the bar. "What a surprise," she said with a kind smile, pouring rum into a glass.

"And who's this?" she said, turning to Ace. She poured him a glass too, and Ace sat down on a stool beside Marco, having released his hand a moment ago. He took it, nodding his thanks.

"Portgas D. Ace," Marco said, leaning an elbow on the bar counter. "And you can tell the old man listening that he's going to be leading the second division if the rest of us get our way."

Ace shot Marco a glare. He'd rejected the offer due to uncertainty, but the reasons to keep denying the position were becoming fewer and fewer. The entire crew were cheering for him to lead the second division, and Ace knew he'd likely accept once Shiki had been dealt with.

"I'd expect nothing less," a man said, coming out of a room behind the bar. He had grey hair and an impressive aura. He drew attention, though Ace had the distinct feeling he could be completely unobtrusive if he chose to be.

"Pour me a glass Shakky," the man said, moving around the bar to take the stool beside Ace. A glass slid in his direction and the man took a sip, smiling widely as he set it back on the bar.

"So then, Ace, how's life on Whitebeard's ship treating you?" the man asked, and he seemed genuinely interested. Ace had no idea why, but he wouldn't be rude.

"We're not here for small talk, Rayleigh. Host us a celebration after Shiki's dealt with, and you can have Ace to yourself for the whole party." Marco was smiling, and the man gave a bark of laughter.

"Being a bird for all those years didn't do anything to stop how cheeky you can be." Rayleigh shook his head, placing a hand on Ace's shoulder. "If you manage to get rid of Shiki then this bar is yours!"

Shakky cleared her throat, and Rayleigh sighed.

"Metaphorically. I suppose we'll have to host on the Moby Dick." He let his hand fall from Ace's shoulder, and Ace relaxed. Something about Rayleigh put him on edge, but he wasn't entirely sure what it was.

"Been a while since you've had a celebration," Marco said, downing the last of his drink. He looked over at Ace, smiling briefly before returning to Rayleigh.

"Roger did like a good drink," Rayleigh said, and Ace was able to pin everything together. Rayleigh had been part of his father's crew, the same Rayleigh who had saved Marco from Shiki the first time around.

Ace remained silent.

"We didn't come all the way inland in this miserable weather for a chat," Marco said, and the air grew tense. Shakky moved, handing a large envelope to Rayleigh, and Ace watched as papers were pulled out.

"These," he said, leafing through a stack, "are for the ones who will be posing as staff. No one knows they're pirates, as we arranged."

Rayleigh set the papers on the bar, and Ace looked at them. He was used to documentation, and the papers look sound. They were just the copies that had already been handed to the agency catering the event, but it was still important to check the little details. Marco didn't re-check them, and the small gesture of trust filled Ace's chest with glee.

"And these little ones," Rayleigh continued, "are your tickets. You're on the guest list already, though you'll have to forgive me for the name I put down."

The tickets read 'Gold Ace + 1', and Ace's mouth thinned in anger. It was a common enough surname, he supposed, but it was a name Ace had gone to great lengths to detach himself from.

"It'll catch Shiki's attention," Raleigh said softly. "You look nothing like Roger."

Ace looked at him sharply, the anger fading with Rayleigh's simple sentence. He didn't look like his father: good. There was more than one person who had given him life, and Ace could put his mother's name aside for one night if it stopped Shiki.

And anyway, Shiki loved elaborate displays. What was more elaborate than Ace flaunting whose son he was?

Ace set the tickets down on top of the papers and smiled at Rayleigh. He would like to learn more from Rayleigh, but now wasn't the time. He would save his questions for their celebrations.

With the papers and tickets that would grant them entry to Shiki's gala – and how exactly Rayleigh had procured the items, Ace wasn't sure he wanted to know – there wasn't any reason for them to linger. Marco began to stand, slowly suiting himself up against the cold outside, and Ace downed his rum, nodding to Rayleigh and thanking Shakky.

The rain was still hammering down outside and Ace laughed at Marco's sigh. They stepped into the downpour and headed to Ace's old house. They had decided to stay there until the gala, their nakama who would form the staff moving into the district too. Whitebeard had a lot of people who owed him a lot of favours, and he'd called as many in as he could to make their plan work.

They didn't talk until they arrived at Ace's block, and Ace could see the relief on Marco's face when they stepped out of the rain. They were soggy as they rode in the lift, shaking themselves free of as much rain as possible.

"I need hot chocolate," Ace muttered as he put his key in the door.

There was an odd feeling to the apartment, and Ace froze. Marco bumped into him, instantly alert when he recognised that Ace felt something was wrong.

The sound of a pan clinking came from the kitchen, and Ace knew someone was in his house. Instantly, he let his fire warm inside of him, preparing to use if it Shiki had decided to try and surprise him.

Ace barely had time to register exactly who was in the kitchen before he was pushed backwards, an intruder, though not a threat, clinging to him with watery eyes.

"Ace!" Luffy warbled. "You went missing."

Ace wrapped his arms around Luffy and hauled him up. Luffy clung to him tightly, and Ace knew he was crying. He should have contacted Luffy earlier, he realised in hindsight, but they'd gone longer without seeing each other before so Ace hadn't thought it would be a problem.

"I'm sorry, Luffy," he said, smiling. Luffy looked at him, tears dry and nose wiped clean. Probably on Ace's shirt, but he had plenty of clothes still here. He hadn't exactly planned to run off to sea when he had, and there had been no clear opportunity to come back and pack up everything.

"You can play with the phoenix if you want though," Ace said, turning a cruel grin to face Marco as he wandered slowly to the kitchen. Luffy was instantly taken with the idea and left Ace to follow Marco, questioning him as they entered the kitchen.

With little choice, Ace joined them. Brook sat sipping at some tea, and he nodded politely.

"I'm sorry for the intrusion," he excused, but Ace didn't mind in truth. He'd missed Luffy. "I'm making some pasta if you'd like some."

And so that was how Ace's kitchen table came to be filled with a skeleton, a phoenix (in true bird form), and an amazed Luffy. Months ago, Ace would have thrown them all out in fear of being caught by the government, but he now sat eating pasta with them, laughing as Brook elaborated on some recent adventures. It was a wonder what confidence and the protection of a family could offer.

When dinner had been eaten, they moved to the lounge. Marco let Luffy play with his tail feathers as they took up one sofa (Marco's favourite), and he and Brook took the other.

"Do you think you could have babies, and I can have one of the chicks?" Luffy said, voice entirely serious and eyes trained on Marco.

"I don't think it works like that," Marco said, arranging himself to sit on Luffy's lap. Well, as much of himself as he could fit on Luffy; it was only panic that had forced Marco to shrink in size, he'd told Ace, back when Shiki had trapped him with seastone.

Luffy made a noise of disappointment.

"I didn't think so, but I was hoping you'd lay mystery eggs." He grinned, turning to Ace. The smile fell off of his lips, and his mood became serious.

It was times like this that Ace knew Luffy's dream was more than just a dream. One day, they'd all see him become the pirate king, and Ace couldn't wait for that day. He was proud of who Luffy had become, even if seeing him completely serious looked odd on him still.

"Do I need to punch Shiki?" he said, and Ace understood the full reason Luffy wanted to see him.

"We have a plan," Ace replied, sitting back. His sofa was really rather comfortable. Maybe he could get it moved aboard the Moby Dick. "We're going after Shiki at his gala. Whitebeard's planned it all out."

Ace couldn't stop the excitement from bleeding into his voice, and Luffy grinned, teeth flashing.

"We're having a party when it's over," Ace offered. He wouldn't allow Luffy to go against Shiki (not this time; it was Ace's fight and he needed to do it with his own nakama), but he wanted him to meet his nakama. Luffy would always be his brother, after all.

"If he hurts you again, I will punch him," Luffy said, hands clenching around Marco's feathers. Ace watched the flames curl against Luffy's fingers, but Marco didn't appear to be in any discomfort. "You won't be able to stop me."

As if Ace could control anything Luffy ever did. He'd be a fool to think so.

After Luffy and Brook had left – both protected against the rain and hardly distinguishable as notorious pirate captain and skeleton – Ace locked the front door and sat on the same sofa as Marco, sighing.

Marco looked down at him as he stretched out. He was still in his bird form, and he pecked Ace's shoulder gently, fire fading as he shifted back into a human. They shifted until they were comfortable, Ace tucked against Marco's chest, Marco's legs either side of his own and arms settled on Ace's belly.

"Thanks for letting Luffy play with you," Ace said, closing his eyes and leaning back against Marco. "He'll still want that ride though."

Marco kissed the back of Ace's head, lifting one of his hands up to run through Ace's hair. His entire body felt as though it had turned to jelly, and Ace sighed happily, smiling as Marco massaged his head.

"That's nice," he said quietly, falling into a light doze as Marco continued to play with his hair, other hand joining the first.

It was dark when Ace woke. One of Marco's hands was still tangled in his hair, and the other draped over his chest. He was snoring softly and Ace smiled, sliding out of his embrace and standing. His back ached a little so he stretched, watching Marco frown and shift in his sleep, searching for Ace's warmth.

Marco's frown deepened, and Ace couldn't hold back his smile a Marco's hands twitched, an eye opening blearily to find Ace's whereabouts.

"What are you doing over there?" Marco asked, voice higher than usual and sleepy. He sat up, frown miserable on his face.

"Come on," Ace said, grabbing Marco's arm and hauling him to the bedroom. "We have a proper bed here."

Marco went willingly, still half asleep and leaning into Ace. They snuck under the covers quickly, Ace removing his clothes before he settled in. Marco moved awkwardly under the duvet, throwing his clothes out after he'd got rid of them.

"I promise I'll wake you up with a treat in the morning," Marco said, already drifting back into slumber. "Just stay nice and warm…"

Ace tried not to laugh, but he did as told and threw an arm over Marco's belly, shuffling close. He was comfortably warm and kissed Marco's shoulder as he closed his eyes. This would be the last peaceful night they had before Shiki's gala, and Ace couldn't think of any better way to spend it than in a little cocoon of warmth with Marco.

.

Ace hadn't really thought about what Marco's treat would be. In fact, he'd forgotten it entirely so, when he woke up with a smile on his lips and a spreading warmth on his belly, Ace was surprised to see Marco between his thighs, licking the length of his cock.

"You're cruel," Ace said, biting his bottom lip and shifting his hip. The head of his cock brushed against Marco's nose, and air hit his erection. It felt good, really good, and Ace wanted more.

"I promised I'd wake you up with a treat," Marco said with a grin, teeth gently grazing the very top of Ace's cock. The sensitive skin tightened as Ace jerked his hips, shuddering as Marco flicked his tongue over the slit.

"And I always," Marco began, taking Ace in fully, wetting his cock with a noisy suck, "keep my promises." He pulled back and licked his lips, hand still moving up and down, wrist rotating as Ace let his head fall back, breath coming in shorter pants.

Marco's hand continued to massage his dick, but his tongue moved lower. Ace felt Marco run his nose over his balls, tongue trailing after. The sensation made Ace shift, pushing down to encourage Marco and his stupid, gorgeous tongue. It didn't stop there though, and Ace's back arched as Marco sucked at the skin, tracing around one of his balls with the tip of his tongue, hand still jerking him off.

Moaning deep in his throat, Ace's hands gripped at the sheets around him. He heard a noise of satisfaction escape Marco and couldn't decide whether to try and kick him or just give into the feeling of his tongue at the base of his cock.

He gave in, of course, rolling his hips against Marco's palm. It felt good, ridiculously good, and Ace could feel sweat slide over his skin as he came close and closer to orgasm.

"Will you fuck me?" Ace said, able to get the words out before he let out a heavy breath, closing his eyes tightly as his world jolted in pleasure.

"You want me to?" Marco asked, voice deep and sultry, though Ace could tell his question was serious. He pulled back from Ace's dick, hand smoothing over Ace's thigh. His leg twitched, and Ace moved forwards, kissing Marco gently.

"I really want you to," he replied, and Marco nodded. He already knew where Ace kept the lube and he left to fetch it, stretching over the bed to Ace's bedside drawer.

"You asked very nicely," Marco said with a grin, kissing Ace deeply. Ace ran a hand over Marco's tattoo, biting at his lips before running an arm around his shoulders and pulling him close. He could feel Marco's erection against his own, and it sent thrills running through his entire body to think it would be inside of him soon.

"I really, really want you," Ace said as he pulled back. Marco's lips were wet, and his eyes were hooded, desire clear in his gaze.

Ace fell back with Marco's guidance. He watched as Marco spread his legs, lube bottle in his hand and soft smile on his lips. He covered his fingers in lube, squeezing some more over Ace's opening as he spread Ace open. It was a little strange to be so exposed, even more strange when Marco's finger slowly entered, but it wasn't a terrible strange.

Ace liked it.

He liked it even more when Marco added more fingers, stretching him comfortably. Ace's erection had flagged against his stomach, and he moved his hand over it lazily, locking eyes with Marco and tilting his head for a kiss.

Marco delivered, fingers slipping free and leaving Ace with an empty feeling. He frowned into the kiss, pulling back.

"Don't stop," he demanded, feeling his muscles clench in abandonment. Marco only offered a smile in return, opening the wrapper to a condom he'd picked up while grabbing the lube.

"Don't worry," he assured, and Ace lay back, placated for the moment. He watched as Marco touched himself, making sure he was coated with lube, and he licked his lips, wanting to be filled with something more, something better, than just fingers.

Marco was slow as he entered, and he stopped at one point.

"Never too much lube," he said against the shell of Ace's ear, and Ace gave a snort of laughter, focusing on breathing as the incredible sensation of being stretched and filled overtook him. His arms were around Marco's shoulders, but they slipped down to claw at Marco's back when he began to move, slowly building the pressure as he rocked them.

"Shit," Ace said, closing his eyes. He couldn't bring himself to touch his cock in fear that he'd come too soon.

Kissing the side of his jaw, Marco curled himself a little tighter, re-angling his cock inside of Ace ever so slightly. He brushed Ace's prostate, and Ace gasped, giving a low moan as Marco filled him again.

Marco's arms were by Ace's shoulders, and as Ace felt the gritty pressure building at the base of his stomach, he wrapped his hand around Marco's wrist, squeezing as he came. Marco lowered himself, slowing his pace through Ace's orgasm and kissing him languidly, a groan escaping his throat as he came too.

They lay still for a moment, the only movement their shallow breaths. Ace looked at Marco and shifted his hips a little, the sensation of Marco still inside of him not an unpleasant one.

"Are you going to make me breakfast?" Ace asked. Marco kissed him, pushed up and pulled out slowly, pulling the condom off and tying it.

"I suppose I can," he said, shuffling off of the bed and leaving the room, most likely to throw the condom away and start Ace's meal.

"I'm very lucky!" Ace called after him, wiping the mess on his stomach off with the covers. He'd wash them today anyway.

For two people planning to go undercover and take down one of the government's top scientists, Ace thought they were rather calm. They spent the morning naked, poured all over each other at almost every moment. Ace wasn't ashamed to say that he came three more times and had needed a nap just after lunch.

Late afternoon arrived, and the atmosphere changed. The gala was that night, and a grim faced member of Marco's division showed up at the door.

"Delivery for Portgas D. Ace," he said when Ace opened the door, loudly. "Your suits, sir," he continued, winking as he continued to thank Ace for his patronage to the 'dry cleaners' and t wishing him a good evening.

Inside the suit protectors were two sheets of paper – instructions for them both and a map of the venue. They memorised the map, scanned the plan they'd devised on the Moby Dick, and Ace burnt the papers to a crisp.

It was Marco's suggestion that they part to get dressed, and it was shot down automatically.

"I want to see you get dressed up," Ace grinned, moving behind Marco and into the bathroom. "I promise I won't jump you. I'm too tired, and I don't think I have any more come in me anyway."

Ace saw Marco wrinkle his nose, but then he was gone and in the shower. He tried not to think too much about the upcoming evening as he let the water wash over him, but it was incredibly hard. What they were about to do would change the entire world.

Devil fruit users had always faced persecution. No matter where they went or how much they tried to hide, the government was always after them. Everyone knew Shiki had powers, and yet the government kept him because he was useful to them. If they took Shiki out, not only would the government know that they weren't going to stand for this anymore, but the entire world would see the corruption in plain light, not just mumbled whispers.

When he was dry, Ace fumbled with his suit. He managed, until the tie, and he exited the bathroom sheepishly. Marco was dressed, bow tie perfect on his crisp, white shirt, and Ace looked at him with a desperate frown.

"Come here," Marco said, and Ace went quickly, smile beaming across his face. Marco would sort him out, thankfully.

Marco's hands worked quickly, and he finished, holding onto the end of Ace's tie instead of letting him go. He pulled Ace close, fingers trailing up the fabric of the tie until their lips met. Ace lingered after the kiss, resting his forehead against Marco's and closing his eyes.

"It'll be over tonight," he whispered. Marco wrapped his arms around the small of Ace's back, pulling him tight.

"It'll be the start tonight," he countered, and electricity ran through Ace at the thought. Marco was right. This was the start of a new rebellion. The government wouldn't be able to hide the truth about Shiki after tonight and the world would rock with the aftermath.

A black car was waiting for them outside, and Ace locked up, hiding the key under the welcome mat. Some of Whitebeard's men would be in here later that evening to collect Ace's things. They'd keep his apartment, using it in the future if they needed a place to stay on land. It was important to have options covered; they'd definitely be coming back to take on the government more than once.

The drive to the venue was sat in silence. The chauffeur – a woman Ace recognised as belonging to the third division – told them everything was according to plan before she fell silent. Ace's fingers brushed Marco's as he set his hand on the empty seat between them, watching the outside world fade from lower income districts to the elaborate wealth of the rich.

As they drew closer and closer to the gala, the wealth only became more extravagant. Giant statues of nameless people, awarded for something terrible such as enforcing the death of devil fruit users, seemed to stand on every street corner, and the pavement was pristine. Ace hated to think how much money was being pumped into appearance for this one part of the city, especially when he walked past the homeless and the hungry commonly in his area (and his was far from the worst).

Their progress slowed, and they joined a long queue of traffic. Ace watched people of supposed importance and glamour as they passed him, smiling widely. Women were dressed and made up impeccably, the men all sleaze and smoothness. Everyone here was fake.

As they stepped free of the car, Ace first, he felt a rush of confidence. Stepping into this crowd was no different to stepping into the carnival. Gold Ace could become his new Hiken, and Ace drew calm from this thought.

The gala was being held in a large, marble building. Ace had no idea what its use aside from tonight was, but he had to admit it looked gorgeous. At least his taxes were paying for a beautiful event.

"Shiki won't be appearing until an hour before he presents his findings," Marco whispered as they passed the entrance. Their invitations were checked, and they were allowed through, no one finding any interest in Ace's name.

Rayleigh's gamble was paying off, it seemed.

They moved through the venue slowly, engaging in small talk with some guests – Ace was involved in jewellery making and Marco the stock market – while they mapped the event. They had the blueprints of the building and had memorised them, but things moved inside. Ace had already seen one exit blocked by a huge flower arrangement, and they knew now where they could escape from if worst came to worst.

They were mid-conversation with an elderly couple when Shiki made his grand appearance. He entered the hall as if there was nothing to it, dressed up in fine clothes. Ace had to hold back a snort of laughter at the cape he'd brought along too.

"He's playing dress-up," Ace muttered, for Marco's ears only.

"Long live the king," Marco replied, voice flat and unamused look on his face. Who exactly did Shiki think he was?

No reporters had been allowed into this hall – they were all setting up in the room where Shiki would make his speech – and so Shiki moved easily through the crowd, gliding through as if he were a swan on a lake. The crowd parted before him, simpering and adoring, and Ace watched in disgust. Shiki had so much blood on his hands, yet these people truly celebrated him.

As if there were some magnetic pull between them, Shiki locked eyes upon Ace. There was half a room between them, and Ace met his stare with a level gaze, turning away and engaging Marco in what he hoped seem like casual conversation.

"He noticed me," Ace said softly, smiling and laughing, pretending he'd cracked a joke. Marco smiled along too, sipping at his drink.

"He's making his way over," Marco commented, grabbing a champagne flute from a passing waiter, handing it to Ace.

Shiki's heavy footsteps stopped as he stood next to Ace. Shiki was tall and broad, but he had nothing on Whitebeard. Ace was unafraid to look up into his eyes, smile playing on his lips. The entire room seemed focused on them, but just this room wasn't enough.

"What a… surprise to see you," Shiki greeted. The grip on his glass had tightened, and Ace wondered if he'd smash the glass.

"Well, my partner and I couldn't miss such an event." Ace's smile widened, and he leant closer to Shiki. "You deserve all this celebration!"

There was a momentary look of fury on Shiki's face, but he covered it quickly. He had to be graceful and a man of importance tonight. Letting himself get upset by a few comments wouldn't do, Ace supposed.

"If you cause any trouble-" Shiki began, and that was when Ace knew their plan would work. Shiki cared too much about his reputation, and he knew they held the key to his undoing. If they showed him up, there was no hidden exit Shiki could take to get out of it. The government had protected him on the grounds that he'd provide them with what they wanted.

And Ace, not Shiki, had what they wanted.

"We won't," Ace promised faithfully. They weren't there for trouble; they were there for a revolution.

Shiki left them after that, a sheen of sweat gleaming on his brow. He'd barely spared one glance at Marco, and that was exactly how they'd hoped. Marco was no one to Shiki, which would make his reaction even better.

A portly looking man called for them to enter the press room, and Marco led them into the huge room. It held plenty of seating, but there were two reserved under Ace's name at the very back and end of the room. They were beside a huge, glass wall, though it wouldn't be standing for much longer. The glass wall led out into a courtyard and then up – where Ace and Marco were planning to lead Shiki.

If he wanted his phoenix, Shiki would have no choice but to follow and reveal his powers. There was no doubt in Ace's mind that he'd pursue. After they were gone, their nakama inside the venue would make sure videos and reports went viral, condemning Shiki.

Of course, they had to fight Shiki when they left the gala, but Ace was fully confident they could do it.

He hoped.

For now, Marco was warm at his side, and Ace slipped his hand into Marco's, offering a shaky smile. Marco squeezed his fingers, bringing them to his lips to kiss.

"So if Luffy's coming to our ship, how much food will we need?" Ace tried not to laugh at the question, turning to Marco with a considering look on his face.

"He can out-eat me," Ace began, ignoring the look of disbelief that spread across Marco's face. "By a lot."

"Rayleigh's dodged a bullet in not needing to supply the food," Marco muttered, his eyes drifting to Ace's lips.

"I want to kiss you," he said, voice quiet and higher than usual. Marco was pleading with him, Ace realised, and he wanted nothing more than to kiss Marco back.

"After this is over, you'll get the best kiss I've ever given you," Ace promised. They needed no attention or distractions until their moment of revealing. Plus, Ace felt as though he'd more likely throw up on Marco than kiss him, on account of the butterflies swirling in his stomach.

Shiki took his place on the panel at the front of the room. At his side were scientists, their lanyards all printed with the government's insignia. Shiki wasn't amongst friends here, which would mean less resistance for Marco and Ace.

One of the officials stood up, introducing Shiki and stating that they'd be taking questions on his latest research once he'd been through his presentation. Shiki looked uncomfortable, and it was easy to guess why. His presentation wouldn't have the live evidence he'd wanted. Of course, he was likely to be presenting other information than that on his phoenix project, but it would pale in comparison.

Reporters shuffled expectantly, and cameras were powered on as Shiki stood. He was composed, mouth thin and eyes darting over the crowd. He seemed to lock eyes with Ace before the lights dimmed, his presentation beaming onto the screen that covered the wall behind him.

Ace paid little attention as Shiki talked about his revolutionary weapons. He spoke of a colleague he planned to work with in order to manufacture the weapons, but it was no one Ace had heard of before. Marco twitched at the name Clown, but he didn't seem tense or annoyed, and so Ace returned to stroking the back of Marco's hand, waiting for the presentation to be over.

The phoenix project was skimmed over, Shiki turning his shoulder to the crowd as he presented a bullshit amount of 'data'. The crowd hummed in excitement as Shiki provided a single photograph of Marco, back how he'd looked with seastone strapped around his leg. The change between then and now was incredible, and Ace wondered how life had ever taken such a turn.

The presentation ended in pleased applause, and the lights came on softly. Now would be the time for questions and now would be the time they took to the stage.

"Can we see the phoenix?" a reporter said, halfway through the questions on Shiki's plans to increase weapon production.

The reporter looked familiar, though she wasn't who Ace was expecting when Whitebeard had said he'd have a friend take care of the question. Shakky held up the camera she was holding, tilting her head curiously for Shiki's answer.

As planned, other voices joined in her request, and Shakky slunk back, turning her camera to Marco and Ace. She'd catch the entire thing before anyone else.

Ace stood, fire burning inside of him, ready to unleash. He sent a small flame upwards and the room fell silent, muffled screams dying out as Ace made it clear all he wanted to use his powers for was to grab attention.

"Shiki's experiments have been nothing more than cover for torturing devil fruit users!" Ace shouted, climbing onto his chair. "He keeps his position in the government because he gives them what they want – control over Users and dead bodies."

A few mutters broke out at Ace's words, but he wasn't done yet. Ace looked into Shakky's camera, ignoring the anger he could feel building from the panel. No one had shot him down yet because he hadn't given them reason to – he wasn't a threat enough yet, and this was a respectable venue. However much they wanted to, they couldn't just pile his body with seastone bullets.

"Shiki caught his phoenix in a clash against the Whitebeard Pirates!" Ace announced, throwing his arms wide. "He is a User himself, yet the government let him carry on protected because he does exactly what they want."

Ace grinned, locking eyes with Shiki. There was nothing but anger in his eyes, and Ace was glad. An angry Shiki was an irrational Shiki. An irrational Shiki was one who would charge into battle and follow them.

"But he's told the biggest lie tonight." The crowd shrank back as Ace's fire flickered over his hands, excitement and nervousness seeping through his control. "His biggest lie is with his phoenix!"

That made them move. Ace watched as government officials stood and began making their way to him, Shiki left alone at the table, hands clenched into tight fists. Angry didn't even cover what Shiki looked anymore; he was furious.

"He had the phoenix once, years ago. Since then he's been trying to look for it, but he never found it." Ace let his hands fall, one brushing Marco's shoulder.

Ace watched anxious faces fade to shock as Marco transformed. His wings spread out, and he stood up on his legs, high enough for Ace to climb onto when they needed to escape. Shocked cries died down, and Ace stared blankly at Shiki. The government officials had come to a stand-still, clearly unprepared for this situation.

"Shiki was planning on torturing the phoenix to get his weapons against Users. He's tortured countless others – others whom he shares an affinity with!" Ace move forwards as Marco pushed up, wings sending them flying.

They were in the air quickly, flying over the heads of the crowd and towards Shiki, goading him. Ace tucked his head low when Marco turned to the side, crashing through the glass wall. He landed on the ground, body low and flat, and Ace sat up, watching Shiki as he walked calmly through the broken glass.

"You," he hissed, footsteps becoming lighter. Ace's heart hammered in his chest, and he sunk lower against Marco's back, preparing for the push upwards they'd make in a moment. "You've ruined everything."

Ace wasn't sure whether Shiki was talking to him or Marco, but it didn't matter. Marco shot upwards as Shiki flew towards them, hands slapping against the empty part of the building and bringing them with him. Ace could hear screams from below, and he couldn't hold back his grin. The truth was out.

Fire burnt Ace's shirt as they flew upwards, his flames ready to battle. Shiki floated in the air, rubble at each side, as Marco came to an almost-stop, wings beating slowly to keep them steady.

"All you had to do was hand the fucking bird to me!" Shiki roared, the building to his right splintering with his anger. "If you had done what I wanted, everything would have worked out okay. You could have carried on your simple life, and I'd not be a wanted man."

The government had already moved, then. Shiki had most likely been hoping to appease them at the gala, but that was now as shattered as the glass Marco had broken.

Shiki moved quickly, rubble flying at Marco as if it were nothing. Flying high, Marco dodged the largest chunks, shielding Ace from the smaller ones and allowing his body to heal the damage.

"We need to take him further," Ace said, sitting up on Marco's back and bringing his hands together. He took a deep breath, collecting his fire and pouring it into a stream, aimed straight at Shiki.

He avoided the attack, of course, and Ace switched to firing smaller bullet-flames, twisting so that he sat backwards on Marco as they began to fly over the city. Wind howled around Ace, but he didn't feel the chill in the air. He didn't see the city below and missed the people looking up, taken by the bright bird and building tops being ripped and hurled into the sky.

"You're just like that man!" Shiki shouted over the skies, Marco landing on one of the abandoned warehouses. Ace could see the ocean when he jumped off of Marco's back, and he felt strengthened by it. His freedom was there, ready for the taking, and nothing would stop Ace now.

Shiki set down on the roof of the warehouse, feet clunking against the metal as he took a few steps towards them. His eyes were narrowed, and jaw clenched tightly.

They had a moment to react before Shiki tore the warehouse roof off, hurling it at them. Marco took to the sky, flying straight at Shiki as Ace rolled out of the strip of metal's way, hands outstretched and fire shooting towards Shiki's back.

Shiki's left sleeve caught fire, but he snuffed it out quickly, whirling to face Ace. He pulled something from his sleeve, something small, but Ace couldn't quite see what it was. Without looking, Shiki fired the weapon towards Marco, ripping up part of the roof to follow, and both attacks caught his wing, bending it back with a horrifying crunch.

Ace watched as Marco shifted, good hand instantly trying to dig into the small wound Shiki had given him, trying to get something out.

"It's seastone!" Marco shouted, above the wind and the clang of metal. Fear pooled in Ace's stomach, and he crouched low, preparing to dodge Shiki's attack no matter what.

Moving with the confidence of someone who had exactly the power he'd craved, Shiki took slow steps towards Ace, dodging the warning flames Ace sent at him. Ace wanted to watch the situation, plan before he made a move, and he needed Marco to get the seastone out of his arm.

Three things happened in quick succession. Shiki bent low, the warehouse shuddering at his command and tilting. It sent Marco falling towards the ground below, fingers still buried in his arm and unable to grab onto anything. Ace moved to help, but a terrible pain split his side and he looked down in horror, blood slipping from a small hole above his hip.

Instantly, Ace's knees buckled. He wrapped a hand around the wound, shock overtaking him. His fire, his constant companion even when he'd hated it was gone.

The third thing trapped him completely. Metal screeched as Shiki sent it towards Ace, pressing down on him. A jagged edge cut into his side, and Ace let out a cry of pain, torn between curling up or digging his fingers into the wound. He had no idea how deep the bullet went, and he could feel himself weakening. If he was going to live, he needed to do it quickly.

"Stupid boy," Shiki said, teeth flashing as he grinned, stepping closer. "You're going to learn what it's like to drown."

Shiki moved down, slamming his palms against the warehouse. He seemed to struggle with an enormous, invisible weight, until the entire warehouse shifted, pulling out of the ground and towards the ocean. The motion jarred the metal against Ace's side, and he felt it pierce his flesh. He gritted his teeth, trying to stay as still as possible, though it was hard.

Ace's fingers moved, slipping against wet blood. His entire side was bloody and what clothes hadn't been destroyed by his fire earlier had definitely been ruined by blood. He gasped as his fingers pressed into his wound, mindful of the metal cutting into him, seeking out the bullet. If Marco could do it, so could Ace. There was no other option, unless he wanted to die.

"I've waited for this day for so long," Shiki said, crouching down in front of Ace. One of his hands pushed the metal down, and Ace gritted his teeth. His hand was pushed further in and he fought not to make a sound. He needed Shiki to think he couldn't get it out, or he might suffer another bullet.

"He was the reason the government found out about my powers," Shiki said, leaning in lower. Ace had no idea who Shiki was referring to, but it was clear he hated the man he was talking about. "And you're the reason they almost put me in Impel Down."

His fingers brushed against something small, caught between thick lumps of soft tissue. Ace felt his hand numb when he touched it, and he knew it was the bullet.

Shiki stood, stilling the warehouse. Ace could hear the rush of the sea below them, and his stomach dropped. He didn't want to believe this was it, not when he was so close to being free and living.

Ace's fingers closed around the bullet, tearing it out of himself with a shout. Blood poured down his side, but Ace's flames were back, and he pushed the metal off of himself, heating it until it bent to his will.

Shiki looked furious, surprised at how Ace had managed to free himself, and he made to shoot Ace again, hand trembling as he raised his arm. He never got a chance to shoot, however, and the gun skittered across the remainder of the warehouse roof, within Ace's reach.

Marco stood over Shiki, half-human, half-bird. Talons had Shiki pinned to the metal of the warehouse, and there was a wild look in his eyes. Ace looked at him in relief, bending down to pick up the gun.

"That was a nasty wound you gave me," Marco said, voice low and dangerous. His talons dug deeper, and Shiki pressed his fingertips against the metal around him, ripping the warehouse apart once more and throwing it up.

The entire roof began to fall then, the infrastructure completely torn apart. There was hardly anything to cling to, and Ace lowered himself down, ignoring their progression towards the sea. He tucked the gun under his chest, hand hidden from Shiki's sight.

Marco had no choice. He let go of Shiki and flew higher, looking down at Ace.

"You shouldn't have sold yourself to the government," Ace said, pushing himself up into a crouch. His side hurt, and he could feel blood trickle down his side, but he wasn't going to let that stop him. The gun in his grasp was light, and Ace felt nothing when he fired it, bullet lodging itself in Shiki's shoulder.

The effect was dramatic. The warehouse instantly droped from under their feet, falling faster towards the sea. Shiki began to fall too, hands trying to reach out and grasp something – anything – that would help him. There was nothing though, and Ace tried to keep his eyes open as he fell too, watching a desperate man try and cling to life.

As he fell, Ace felt a hand slip into his empty one. He turned to the side, eyes watering as he looked at Marco, fully human and alive. They were both alive.

Ace wrapped himself around Marco in an instant, not caring that his stomach had escaped his body moments before. His arms circled Marco's shoulders, and his legs tightened around his waist, kissing Marco as if they were never going to stop falling. He wanted Marco to know exactly how he felt, exactly how loved he was, and exactly how free they were now that Shiki had been dealt with.

Bright blue burst into colour around them as Marco unfurled his wings. They slowed instantly, gliding on the currents instead of passing desperately through them. Shiki was nothing more than a tiny spec now, and Marco let Ace drop down, throwing him upwards with a strong talon before Ace could land on his back. It was an awkward way to do things, but Ace didn't fancy taking a quick dip in the sea, especially with the amount of rubble falling from the sky.

If Shiki managed to survive the weakness of the seastone and then the ocean herself, he wouldn't be able to survive the earth and metal rushing to fall on top of him now.

They stayed circling the area until they were sure Shiki wasn't about to surface, Ace's fingers tangled in soft, flame-covered feathers. He couldn't believe it was over.

Marco turned, drifting towards where the Moby Dick would be anchored, away from the city and in open waters. The deck was quiet when they touched down, and Marco shed his bird form with a groan, holding the arm Shiki had broken. A violent bruise marked the skin, and Ace met Marco's eyes with worry.

"Seastone's nasty, and Shiki's was strong." The skin had already begun to lighten, Marco's powers kicking in fully.

"It'll take a day to heal this arm properly," Marco commented, wiping away some of the blood at Ace's side with his suit jacket. "This, on the other hand, needs proper medical attention."

He vanished, returning with a doctor and a hefty medical bag. She smiled at Ace, launching into how amazing they had been, and how everyone must have seen the videos by now. Ace listened as she explained that the media were turning on the government and being questioned, while other Users were grouping together and trying to get in contact with the media, with the government, and even with Whitebeard himself.

"Lie down, I need to stitch this," the doctor said, not bothering to ask him to control his flames. She was a brave one, that was for sure, though Ace didn't think he had any energy to burn anyone right now.

She sewed him up quickly, warning him not to stretch himself. It was a clean wound, she said, and injected him with something as a precaution, due to the cut being made by warehouse metal. She left after a thorough exam, returning to watch the news.

"You can go in if you want," Ace said, still lying down on the wood of the deck, staring up at the stars. "I'll be fine out here."

Marco lay down beside him, taking the gun Ace had still been holding and pushing it out of reach.

"You didn't do a bad thing," Marco said, taking Ace's hand and rolling on his side. He was pressed up against Ace, warm and everything Ace had ever needed from someone. "If you hadn't shot him, we'd probably be dead by now."

Ace nodded, closing his eyes and rolling over, curling himself against Marco. He was exhausted, physically and mentally, and he hated to feel guilty about Shiki. And he did, just the smallest bit.

"His death has already caused an uproar," Marco said, hugging Ace tightly and resting his chin against the top of Ace's head. "We'll be able to help so many more people now."

And, really, that was the truth. Exposing part of the government's corruption and stopping a terrible man was only the start. Whitebeard had made it clear they would continue, and Ace knew he'd be fighting alongside them all the way.

"We can topple them completely," Ace said, pulling back so that he could look Marco in the eye. "We'll make a fresh start for everyone. No one needs to face persecution because of who they are."

He leant forward, kissing Marco gently and sealing his promise.

.

Music played loudly behind Ace, and he ducked out of the way of a line of people, dancing merrily. One toppled over, and the rest followed, raucous laughter echoing into the evening sky.

Scanning the Moby Dick, Ace caught sight of Sanji still dishing out huge portions of food, Thatch at his side helping. Chopper sat on Whitebeard's lap, most likely running a test of some sort while he could. Ace looked around for other familiar faces, smiling as he located the other Straw Hats, though one in particular was missing.

He found Luffy at the head of the ship, lying on top of the figurehead with Marco at his side. Marco was preening his feathers, Luffy's hands playing with the long, golden tail feathers he'd taken a liking to.

"Ace!" Luffy cried when he set eyes on him, wide grin in pace. "Marco's going to take me for a ride later."

He looked so happy that Ace felt no envy, even though he loved riding on Marco's back as they crossed the ocean more than anything. Luffy kicked his legs a little, chin resting on hands as he looked out around them.

"I got to see Rayleigh again too," he announced, sounding very pleased with himself. His hands untangled from Marco's feathers, and Marco shifted, climbing back onto deck and passing Ace, leaving the brothers alone.

"You know, there's a lot of things to see in the world," Luffy said, trademark smile stamped across his face. He shifted, sitting up, and Ace sat next to him, looking out at the sunset.

"Shall I tell you a secret?" Luffy said with a wide grin, as if what he was about to say wasn't a secret at all.

Ace sighed, throwing an arm around Luffy's shoulders and pulling him close.

"Go on then," he said, wondering what Luffy would come up with next.

"Phoenixes are real," Luffy said, giggling loudly. Ace looked at him, unimpressed, but the laughter was too infectious and he found himself clutching his stomach, eyes closed tightly and laughter bubbling from his chest.

Luffy was right, though. There were a lot of things for Ace to see, and it was all thanks to Marco that he'd opened his eyes. The government wouldn't be toppled from their lone act, but this was just the start.

Something bigger and better was on the horizon, and nothing would stop Ace from reaching for it. Not now that he was free. Not now that he had so many people behind him. Not now that he had Marco.

"You could come with us now," Luffy ventured, though Ace could tell he didn't believe in his words.

"You don't need to keep checking on me," Ace replied, ruffling Luffy's hair. "I didn't choose this ship just because it was the first one I saw."

Luffy wiggled his toes, humming happily to himself.

"Sanji promised me more meat," Luffy said, pulling himself off of the whale figurehead and leaving Ace behind. "I'm starving."

There was no way that Luffy was starving, but Ace knew his little brother well. Luffy was a bottomless pit, and they were lucky to have Sanji helping out with the food. No one else would have been able to keep up with the demand, even on a ship as vast as the Moby Dick.

Rolling onto his stomach, Ace rested his chin in his hands and watched the sun creep closer to the horizon. The stars were already out, and he was content to watch the beauty of the open seas for a while. He felt a presence behind him, but Ace didn't bother to move until Marco sat down, pushing a plate in front of him.

"I managed to wrestle some away from your brother," Marco said, taking a bite of chicken drumstick as he spoke. "It's a shame his crew are so loyal to him. His cook's pretty amazing."

Ace shifted his weight onto one elbow, using the other hand to pick up food.

"Sanji's a god," Ace murmured, sighing happily as he bit into his steak.

"Should I be jealous," Marco said, nudging Ace's shoulder with his elbow.

Setting his plate on the ship, Ace sat up, raising an eyebrow at Marco.

"You're absolutely, one hundred percent, stuck with me now," he said, voice serious. Ace managed to hold back his smile for a moment, breaking when Marco rolled his eyes.

"There's no one I'd rather be stuck with," Marco replied, holding up a spare drumstick. Ace took it with a smile, letting his head fall onto Marco's shoulders as they watched the light disappear, the sun finally hidden.

"Thank you," Ace said quietly. Marco slipped an arm around his side, careful not to press against his wound. Their breathing synchronised, and Ace felt at complete peace.

Fear would never hold Ace back again, because now he knew what life could be like, how life was supposed to be. Being here with Marco, with an entire world before them, was what it meant to be free.

.

I can't believe it, but we're done! Thank you so much for sticking with this story until the end, I hope you enjoyed it. I definitely plan to write these two a lot more. Thank you so much again!