As he reached part of the main deck, his heart swelled to hear a familiar laugh. "He got me pretty good.. Gonna have to get stitches according to the doctors."  Thatch explained to someone, Marco pushed his way through the clutter of brothers to finally see Thatch, blood soaked clothes and cloth Band-Aid to the left side of his face, his face although happy, you could tell he was pained. 

"Thatch." Marco called out to grab the brunettes attention. "Marco! I came back alive like you asked." He grinned, Marco gave a frown, and walked up to punch his brothers’ shoulder. "You seem to have just barely done that!" Marco argued, although he was upset of the state of his brother, he was more than relieved he was alive and okay. "Just a slice to my face, no real problem! May have a scar but scars are cool!" Thatch boasted, receiving a roll of Marcos eyes. "Sure, just don't scare me again, people made it seem like you were dying." Marco said, crossing his arms. Marco guessed he over exaugurated a little at that though, but he was still worried what happened.

 He rose a brow to Thatch’s sudden smug grin, "Awh, did I worry you pineapple?~" Thatch mused jokingly, that stupid nickname Thatch got to roam the ship, Marco although annoyed to the name, felt flustered to that comment, his face felt hot he wasn't sure why but he quickly shook his head to shake the feeling he felt.  "Could have died for all I care now! " Marco retorted, turning away like he was about to leave "I could have, or still could.." Thatch’s voice trailed, Marco whipped back around panic surging back through him, "What!?" Thatch let out a laugh, though it was brief as he held the side of his face in pain, "I'm kidding, I'll make a quick recovery once I get stitches."  he replied through gritted teeth, Marco let out a relived sigh but still whacked Thatch in the shoulder once more. 

 “I’m sorry!” Thatch winced, rubbing his shoulder. "Well, stop joking around like that before I personally kill you myself." Marco replied, "You wouldn't~" Thatch teased, seeming to be fine once more, "Wanna test me?" The two bickered back and forth, till one of the doctors came to take Thatch away to get his stitches, "See you after I get the stitches!" Thatch said, "Glad I don’t have to see you cry!" Marco joked as Thatch reached the infirmary doors, the last he saw before Thatch went to the infirmary was him flipping him off. 

                              ---------------------------------------------------                  

The rain fell hard on the wood of the ship, booms of thunder rumblings every so often, the wood soaked of the almost cold velvet liquid that drained from the lifeless body held tightly in Marcos arms. Marcos body trembled as his cold shaking hands, dragged through his fiancés hair, a soft weak gasp of air escaped Marcos lips as another sob left his throat. Why did it have to be him? Why so soon?  Marco didn’t want to come to terms with it, it was just a nightmare he wasn’t waking from yet, he felt like he could wake any second to his lovers soothing words, his warm touch, but with every second passing in this nightmare was another second he dreaded. 

The sound of the heavy rain and thunder drowned out Marco sobs, his cursing that he just threw to the empty hallway as to why the gods took the light of his life away from him.  Marcos voice grew hoarse, he knew he was probably going to get sick after tonight, but he didn't care, he'd rather sit there near freezing to death from the wind and rain that chilled him and his lovers body than leave his side. He wasn't ready for it the be the last time he got to see Thatch, the last time he got to hold Thatch. All he could do was hold on to the moment he had to grieve over the loss of his lover. 

"Oh.. what I'd give to have you back." Marco weakly rasped to the body in his arms, the peaceful face of what one could almost take as sleeping had there not been such a gory scene displayed to be told it was an eternal rest.  He felt like he could hear Thatch's voice telling him everything was going to be okay, but his lips weren't moving, nothing was assuring him. He was going crazy as his head started to spin after all this crying and screaming he's done. He just wished to hear Thatch breathe, to make some sound like this was all some sick joke, but all he was met with was silence.

Days passed and Marco found out just how much work planning a wedding actually was. The main flowers would be sunflowers and the theme color was blue. Thatch was not really bothered with the menu, only the cake and snacks. The invites had been sent and the island and date set. Hopefully the marines wouldn’t get wind of it. The last thing Marco wanted, was to fight on his wedding day. His wedding day... He couldn’t really believe that he was going to marry. It was just as surreal as when he and Thatch had their first romantic date and kiss..

Shaking his head he looked over at the huge budget. It would take a lot of their money, but even when Marco protested, every single person said it was fine and they could live with getting less money. Everyone wasso hooked and hyped for this wedding. Marco wasn’t sure if it was because of the HUGE party or the fact that he and Thatch would say yes to each other and be bond together. Maybe a combination of both?

“Hey love. Stressing over the wedding?” Thatch placed a mug of hot tea on the table and gave Marco a quick kiss on the cheek. Marco smiled and looked at the clock. 9.45 pm. Had he really been doing this for 3 hours? He stretched his body, before taking a sip of the tea. “Not stressing, just trying to put it all together, yoi.”

Thatch chuckled and sat on their bed. “We got most preordered already and Izo has full control on the decoration. The music is also set and all we’re missing is our clothing. You know Izo would thorw a fit if we just put on our usual attire.” The cake’s design and taste had been decided earlier that day and the menu had always been a huge buffet of different kind of things. After all, this wedding would feed around 2500 people or more. Just the Whitbeard crew alone was 1600 people and then there were their allies.

Marco sighed and went to sit next to Thatch, drinking his evening tea. “You’re right, but I still can’t believe how expensive it is. We’ll need to do some raiding to even pay for the fabrics, yoi.” Thatch grinned at that. “Sounds like a good date. You and I stealing from the marines or rivals or even some shitty noble? I could really use some time off from the kitchen.”

Placing the now empty mug back on the table, Marco grinned too, before crawling onto Thatch’s lap. “Well my love, why don’t we do that soon then? I know of a shitty noble not far from here. We can have Izo and Kingdew as back up, not that I think we need it, but you know how Oyaji is, yoi.”

“I would love to go on a date with you and that sounds like a fun one.” Thatch grinned, before Marco captured his lips for a deep and passionate kiss. Maybe it was risky, but both were getting a little restless and frustrating with all this wedding planning and the crew cooing and teasing most of the time. Aside from all the odd suggestions about what to do and what to wear on their special day, Marco didn’t mind the teasing. It was just getting old and he needed to get away from it just for a few hours.

As said, the two lovers went to raid a noble, who were really a shitty person, but also aligned with the marines. However, there were no marines nearby and so the raid went smoothly, the noble not even realizing he’d been robbed or that his slaves were freed, before Marco, Thatch and the slaves were back on the sea. They hadn’t planned on extending the family, but they couldn’t leave slaves behind.

He stopped in front of Marco, both just looking at each other, as Ace and Izo was lining up and sending the signal to the muscians. “You look stunning.” Thatch breathed, a happy smile danced on his lips. Marco smiled too, cheeks dusted in pink. “And you’re gorgeous, yoi.”

It was then the music started and Thatch held his hand to Marco, who grabbed it and their hand tangled together. Ace and Izo walked first and stopped in front of Whitebeard and looked at the couple, who now walked towards them, Bink’s Sake playing softly in the background. Marco and Thatch could barely keep their eyes from each other, which had a few chuckle silently. They also took their time to get to Whitebeard, but no one bothered, seeing how happy the two were.

As they stopped, they finally looked at Whitebeard, who was smiling brighter than he had done in years. Tears of happiness was in his eyes,but he didn’t bother. His sons were happy and getting married. He was blessed with the task to bind them into marriage. How could he nt be happy?

“My dearest family. Who would have thought that we would be gathered like this for a wedding? And then on top, the wedding of two family member, who found a lover deeper than the ocean and stronger than me? It makes me so happy to see them having found the purest love of all and I’m blessed to bind them in marriage on this day.” Whitebeard started, his voice loud and strong enough to carry to all, yet it sounded gently and calm.

“Marco and Thatch have both decided to say their vows to each other now. lase start, Marco.” Whitebeard looked at Marco, who turned to face Thatch, cheeks now redder than before, but he didn’t think about it. He took Thatch’s hand and looked into his eyes.

“Thatch. You were a pain in the ass when you first decided to join us. Always asking such annoying questions, not bothered with getting a daily bath on the sea. However, it slowly turned into a fun activity and I refound my inner brat. You taught me to not put the whole crew’s problems on my shoulder. You taught me to share and you became my best friend. Having you at my side when I was lost or needed to talk. I don’t know how you manage to get so close, but I don’t want it to change. Your cheerful personality, your smile and your warm embrace is addictive and I want to have you at my side every day. From this day forward, I promise to be at your side, caring for you on the best and worst days. I love you, yoi.”

A few cheers and whistles was heard, making Marco blush even more. His heart hammered in his chest, though his face was one big smile. He’d said all he wanted to say, not going blank as he’d feared. 

Thatch started to blush lightly too at the words of his lover. “Marco. From the very first moment I met you, I knew you were different. You intrigued me. Nt ony because of your powers, but your personality. So stern and responsible, not what I expected from a pirate. Then I saw you smile and I knew I could be your friend. My daily sea baths was just a way to get to know you. And I did. After all, I became your friend and closer to you. I don’t know how long I’ve had these feelings for you, but it doesn’t matter. All that matters is now. You’re my soulmate, the one I want to be with. I promise to spend the rest of my life with. In good and bad days. I love you with all I am.”

More cheers and were some sniffing? Thatch didn’t know, as all he focused on was Marco, who had turned a shade redder, but was still smiling.

“Now you’ve given your vows, I will with the blessing of the Sea Goddess, now pronounce you husband and husband. May you always be best friends and love each other. You can now kiss.” Whitebeard smiled.

Under the cheers and whistles from the family, Thatch and Marco shared their first kiss as a married couple. For a brief moment everything around them toned out and all there was, was them.

After the ceremony, the party started. Thatch and Marco couldn’t really let go of each other. People came to congratulate them and cheer with them. Booze floated freely and most were already tipsy, as food was yet to be served. It itched in Thatch’s fingers to cook, but he’d promised Jessica he would let her handle it. She knew what he liked and how he liked it.

Marco and Thatch was sharing a passionate kiss, when a laughter gave Marco the chills. It wasn’t one of their family’s laugh. Marco broke the kiss and stared at the beach from where the laughter came and he groand a little. Not long after, the owner of the laugh was in front of them. “Someone tols me that you two lovelies have promised to love each other forever. Congrats, Marco, Thatch. Guess that means I have to win both  of you to get the birb to join me.”

“Hey Shanks. Thanks. How the heck did you know where we were and what is going on?” Thatch looked baffled, while Marco looked around to see if he could sense any guilt in his family. “Ah you know, my nose got wind of a party and when I came, someone told me it’s your wedding. Why didn’t you invite me?” Shanks faked whined, earning a hit on the head by Benn.

“Sorry to crash your wedding, but he was impossible to keep away. Congratulation to you two. I’ll keep him at bay.” Benn said and dragged his captain with im, much to Marco’s relief. As both were gone, Thatch leaned towards Marco and whispered into his ear. “He’ll get drunk and after we had some cake, you and I can ditch them and go to our room and complete our wedding.”

Marco shuddered lightly and pulled Thatch into a hungry kiss. That did sound like a great plan. It took a few hours though, but thanks to their family, Shanks didn’t get to bother them all that much. There were a few speeched too, one from Ace and one from Izo. Whitebeard also held a speech, as did a few others, though they were mostly drunk speeches.

The cake was huge and Marco wondered how the hell Thatch had managed to make that one, let alone keep it cold. It had different flavors and Marco groaned happily, as the taste of rum-glazed pineapple filled his mouth. He kissed Thatch again, before taking a piece of cake, gesturing Thatch to do the same. As soon as they had told everyone that they could get a piece of cake, both Thatch and Marco left the party behind. Now it was time to be alone for the newly wed couple.

Marco groaned annoyed. His hair didn’t sit like he wanted it too. It was all over the place and he couldn’t tame it. Where the fuck was Izo? Thatch rocked his own hair. Usually Marco just ruffled his hair, sometimes combing it. It usual worked, but this morning it was just a mess and he wanted to look perfect for his husband-to-be.

“Knock, knock. Are you ready?” Izo entered the room and laughed, as Marco tried to get his hair to sit somewhat nicely. “What have you done to your hair?” He chuckled and took the brush out of Marco’s hand. Marco sighed in relief and let Izo styly his messy hair. “I tried to style it before it was completely dry, yoi.”

Izo still had an amused grin on his perfect painted lips. “I knew it was you who needed the most help to get ready. How are you feeling?” He put put some cream in Marco’s hair and with his hand and the brush, he managed to fix the mess Marco had made of his hair.

“I am fucking nervous for some reason. Not that I am getting cold feet, I want this. I want to marry Thatch and I love him more than I have ever loved someone, but still... I don’t know ... My body is shaking on the inside and I can’t really remember what I want to say to Thatch, yoi.” He looked at his desk, where a tray of food and coffee stood. “You brought breakfast, yoi.”

“I sure did. From what I know, being a mess before your own wedding is normal. Marco, you’ll remember your vow to Thatch and everything will be fine. Eat, enjoy your morning and try and relax. I’llget you when it’s time.” Izo gave Marco’s cheek a soft kiss, before leaving. Marco grinned and felt blessed that Izo was his brother.

In another room, Thatch had just finished his breakfast and was slowly getting dressed. For this special day, he didn’t put his hair up into a pompadour, but kept it down in a low pony tail. Marco loved it when he had his hair down and frankly, Thatch liked to keep it down now and then. Today he did it for Marco.

A peaceful smile played on his lips. Soon he was the husband of the man he loved with a his being. The butterflies in his stomach had moved to the entire body and he tried to calm his nerves. Would he remember to tell Marco what he wanted to say to him? 

“Damn you look amazing.” Izo smiled and let his finger glide over the yellow shirt he’d made for Thatch. the fabric was soft and breathable and the sleeves didn’t go all the way to his writst, just as he liked it. Thatch hummed and fixed the neckline. “It’s the hair, isn’t it?” Thatch grinned, as he saw that Iz’s eyes was fixed on his hair and not his shirt.

Izo hummed. “Tryind to seduce Marco before you even get to be blessed by Oyaji?” He chuckled and sat on Thatch’s chair. “As if you mind. I’m sure you designed our clothes to make us want to rip it of each other.” Thatch eyed Izo, who simply chuckled and had a mysterious glint in his eyes. The cook knew that glint and shokhis head lightly. “Perv.”

“Nervous?” Izo avoided to comment on being called a perv. “A little... No a lot, but also excited. I never thought I would ever marry and especially not Marco.” Thatch still had truble believing his luck. Izo hummed. “And you wouldn’t have, if he hadn’t askd you. While I know you’re a romantic of heart, marriage is just not in your mind. However, I’m happy for you and I got to plan a wedding.”

Thatch laughed and fixed his belt. His pants were black and stumped, just as his regular pants. He only wore lenghty pants in winter or on colder days and today wasn’t cold at all. Izo smied and fixed his own clothes lightly. Being Thatch’s best man, meant he would be here to make sure Thatch looked his best. Ace would help Marco calm his nerves. Hopefully.

“So how hot am I?” Thatch turned and Izo let his eyes wander over his freind’s and brother’s body. A pleased hum left his lips. “Like a man Marco would eat right away. Perfect. Can’t wait to see Marco’s face when he sees you and your face seeing him.”

-x-

“I love you so much.” Thatch smiled, before pulling Marco close, giving her a deep kiss. She smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck. For a moment all that excited, was them and their bodies. As the kiss broke, Marco’s eyes shined with pure happiness. Thatch gently caressed her cheek, love shinning in his eyes.

A soft chuckle left her. “Thought I would do something nice for you, since you’re always so nice to me, yoi.” She didn’t let go of her, loving to hold him close. “Also, I met Ace. Really a lovely young man. Why haven’t you befriended him outside work, yoi?” Her eyebrow was slightly raised.

Thatch scratched the back of his neck. “I tried, but we had a misunderstanding and I think he’s feeling awkward about it. You see, he thought I was flirting with him and was confused when I mentioned you and tol dme straight out that he didn’t want to be a secret fling.” He chuckled lightly, making Marco snort.

“Told you enough times that you’re a big flirt.” She gave him a soft kiss. “Anyway, I gave him my number, because I’m sure you two will hit off well. He did say he’d missed you, yoi.” Her arms left his neck. “It’s up to him now, yoi.”

Thatch took her hand and kissed it lightly. “You are the most wonderful girlfriend a man could ever have.” Smiling, Marco went back to the couch and Thatch headed to the kitchen, where he would make a wonderful dinner for her.

-x-

A week later, a text from an unknown number came to Marco. She frowned lightly, but smiled brightly when reading it. It was from Ace, saying that if Thatch wanted to hang out, he wold be in the Rip-Off bar Friday from 9 pm. Marco texted back, writing she will tell Thatch that. Short after, another text popped up, Ace giving her thumbs up.

-x-

After the first evening out, Thatch and Ace son became good friends. Marco didn’t feel left behind, as Ace was just as charming and friendly as he’d been the first time she met him. He started to hang out with her too and both of them at the same time.

“... That is how Luffy got his scar.” Ace laughed, as he poured his fourth portion of food onto the plate. By now, both Marco and Thatch had gotten used to how much Ace ate. Marco suspected a high metabolism, but was still not that close with the younger male to ask him about it. She knew he had narcolepsy, after he fell asleep while taking on his boots.

“Your brother sounds like he’s a danger to himself, yoi.” Marco chuckled. She loved to hear Ace talk about his ‘brothers’. It was so clear that Ace loved them dearly and that they would always be part of his life. She looked forward to meet them one day.

Ace snorted. “He’s a walking disaster, but always have the Devil’s Luck with him. Besides great friends, who keeps him at bay most of the time. The group he’s frends with are the oddest group I’ve ever seen, but thhey fit together with Luffy there.” Ace shrugged. “Anyway, why is your name spelled M-A-R-C-O? Isn’t it a man’s name?”

“It’s because the nurse and doctor messed up when I was born. Not that they thought I was a boy, but my mother said Mako and they heard Marco and wrote it like that, yoi.” Marco shrugged. She was used to people asking her about it and it didn’t really bother her. In fact, employers often thought she was a man, even if she had a picture on her applications, so she was called for an interview more often than others, when she needed a job after school.

Ace laughed at that and Thatch smiled softly. He’d heard the story many times, but it was funny though. What doctor and nurse would make that mistake? He didn’t mind how her name was spelled or pronounced. Some said Mako, others Marco and as long as she wasn’t bothered, neither was he.

-x-

“Marco...” Thatch looked at her, as she sat next to him, cuddled up against his side, while they watched a movie - one they had seen a dozen of times, but it was just background noise to their cuddling session. She hummed, inidacting she was still awake and listening.

“About Ace... I don’t know how to say it, but .... Well ... Remember when I said he thought I was flirting and turned me down because I had told him about you?” Thatch sounded a little uncertain and insecure, something that he rarely was and Marco titled her head to look at him, before shifting her position, sitting on his lap.

“Spit it, yoi.” She looked into his eyes, demanding he said what he had to her face. Thatch bit his lip lightly, before speaking his mind. “I felt a little upset, because I ... uhm ... felt attracted to him and while I could never dream of cheating on you, I ... I still feel that way around him and lately ... Marco I love you and you know me, but ...”

He was cut off by her lips against his, hands slowly going under his shirt. “I would lie to say I didn’t feel the same around Ace. Want him to join us? Or do you want him alone? If it’s the latter, I only wish the same, yoi.” She spoke against his lips, while she teasingly let her hands dance over his skin.

Thatch shuddered and smirked at her words. “Why not just ease him into our relationship? With him around, I feel even more complete, something I thought wasn’t possible. I think I’m falling in love with him too.” He wrapped his arms around her.

She hummed pleased and wrapped her arms around him, still under his shirt and placed her head on his chest. “I love you, Thatch, but I do feel I’m falling for the freckled male too, yoi.”

-x-

Ace leaned back, sitting in th emiddle of the couch, Marco and Thatch at each side of him. At first he had politely declined to sit between them, but since Marco and Thatch only sat next to each other when they had a cuddling session, he had hesitantly accepted. Now he didn’t mind, actually liking it.

Marco shifted her position and used the armrest as back support and placed her legs on Ace’s lap. It was summer and she was wearing a sundress, which went to her mid tighs. Doing this, the dress showed more of her legs than usual, though she didn’t think further about it, being comfortable around Ace.

The freckled boy did blush lightly, as Marco had never done anything like this before. He eyed Thatch, who absently had started to caress her feet, making her sigh happily. Ace swallowed heavy, fighting down the blush and tried to act casual, though he did like the sight and the feeling of her legs.

“I’m sure she’ll love it if you caressed her legs.” Thatch’s voice suddenly sounded in his ear and had him almost jolt. His words made Ace blush and stare with eyes wide open at Thatch. He’d just thought that it would be nice to do that. COuld Thatch read minds?

Thatch smirked and used his free hand to cup Ace’s face. “You’re so cute when blushing.” He leaned his face a little forward. “Makes it harder to resist you.” Ace could feel Thatch’s breath against his lips and it had him shudder.

A chuckle behind him did snap him out of his thoughts though. “Thatch that’s not how you do it with Ace, yoi.” Marco shifted her position again and moved to sit on her knees, facing Ace, who’d turned his attention towards her. His mind went completely blank, not really processing what was going on.

“Ace. Do you like us? As in more than you think you should, yoi?” Marco asked him in all seriousness. Swallowing heavily, Ace nodded, not really able to deny it any longer. Not with how intense her stare was or how her hands on his lap felt like. She smiled at his answer and leaned forward, kissing his cheek, before whispering something into his ear. “We feel the same, so it’s okay for you to show it. If you want to, of course. We would love to take our relationship to the next level, making you our lover, yoi.”

Ace’s eyes widened lightly and he felt the heat going to his face. A polyamory relationship? Was that really possible? Was it allowed? He blinked. Was he seriously thinking about accepting the proposal? Yes he was. He wanted them both. He’d never felt this content in his life before. Well, not content like this. He was content with Luffy and Sabo, but it was different with Marco and Thatch.

He realized that Marco was still only inches away from his face and he acted before his insercirties and doubts could get the better of him. He pulled her onto his lap and kissed her, humming pleased, as she kissed him back. Next to him, Thatch let his fingers go through Ace’s hair, proving it was alright.

As he broke the kiss with Marco, she was smiling happily, but he didn’t get to say anything or try and take it back, before his face was turned and another pair of lips was placed on his. His heart was beating fast and he felt like he’d butterflies in his stomach, but he also felt happy. It just felt right.

“I take this as a yes, love.” Thatch smiled, as he broke the kiss with Ace. A goofy grin formed on the younger male’s lips. “Guess I can’t settle with just one person. I’m greedy.” He felt a boost of confidence filling him.