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“I’m sorry I can’t come with you.” Marco watched as Ace shrugged, that familiar bright grin plastered across his freckled face.
“I’ll be fine on my own, I’m the big bad second division commander now, remember? And you need to stay here and look after pops,” Ace replied and playfully shoved Marco.
“I’m going to miss you, Firefly. Come back safe, alright?”
Marco smiled when he saw the grin on Ace’s face falter ever so slightly, his cheeks lighting up with a dusting of pink. Ace was bold and brash, and yet he was still easy to fluster; he really was going to miss his partner.
It was going to be rough without Ace, he just hoped he would be back sooner rather than later, and he could get back safely. Marco understood why Ace wanted—needed to go and chase after Teach, it just didn’t make that awful pit in his stomach feel any less daunting.
A kiss and an embrace, and Ace was gone. The striker nothing but a flicker in the distance, devoured by the horizon. Marco felt his shoulders slump, hand running through his hair as he let out a weary sigh. Ace was strong and competent, he didn’t doubt him.
It was just… He shook his head. He had to have faith in him, or he would drive himself and everyone around him insane.
–
The first letter came a few weeks later, the News Coo dropping off the mail, setting the envelope down on Marco’s windowsill. He blinked his tired eyes and stared unmoving for a moment. He’d been focused on his work when the telltale crying of the coo pulled his attention away. He rolled his chair over to the window, blinking slowly before he recognized the handwriting, a smirk pulled his lips as he opened it up.
Hey birdbrain! Everything's going alright and I’m fine. I’m in this small village where no one even knows who pops is! Everyone's been friendly, the first night I saved a kid from a boar and the village threw a feast. The food was amazing and you’d love the pineapple. I wish I could send you some back!
Marco’s eyes crinkled with fondness, his smirk becoming a warm smile as he finished reading. It seemed Ace was doing what Ace did best, helping others and eating. The letter read as jovial and bright. He ignored that sinking sensation that twisted and churned in his gut.
He dropped what he was doing in favour of pulling out blank paper and picking his pen up again, dabbing the pointed tip in ink and starting to reply to the letter. He needed to match that bubbly energy, Ace was good at reading between lines; hell, he did that even when there wasn’t any hidden meaning.
Signing the bottom with love, he waited until the ink was dry before folding it up neatly, ready for when the mail was to be sent once again. He stared out at the bright ocean, the glimmering reflection of the sun that danced with the breeze. He closed his eyes and thought about his beloved all those miles away.
—
Ace had just set up camp for the night. It had been a month since he’d left the Moby, and he was no closer to Teach, but at least he felt he was on the right path. Finishing the circle of stones in the centre of his camp, making sure the wood was pointed correct, just like he’d learned all those years ago before he pointed his finger into a gun motion, whispering pow to himself as a spark leapt from his finger tip and ignited the wood, a roaring fire to light his evening and keep him company.
He heard the flapping of wings, his ears pricked at the sound, and he glanced over his shoulder, seeing a News Coo perch, squawking at him before pulling out a letter.
“For me? Thank you!” He gently petted the bird before taking the letter. His smile grew when he saw the bad handwriting, it was from Marco.
I’m glad you're eating well and meeting new people. I know this is an important mission for you, but I’m glad to hear you are getting out and experiencing new things. I wish you luck, but again, be careful.
I don’t want to sound like a nagging hen, Ace rolled his eyes, you are just the most important person to me. Everyone misses you; in fact, everyone is sending their love and their well wishes. I love you, Firefly.
–
Weeks drifted by before Marco got another letter. He flew up to the main sail and perched on the mast, staring out at the dimming light as the curtain of night slunk across the world, bringing its inky blackness and twinkling stars. He adjusted his glasses before he started reading by the light of his brilliant blue flames.
I am so fucking pissed at myself! I was so close Marco, so close! He was right there on the same island as me! I could have found him, could have stopped him but I’m an idiot! I’m so sorry I’m not as strong as you guys or as smart. If someone, anyone had come with me this would have been done by now!
The way the words graced the paper was rough, the ink well and truly dented into the paper, written with harsh anger and a tight grip. Marco felt his brows furrow, he could feel the anger leaping off the page and could only worry for his partner. He understood how frustrating it was to be so close and miss his shot.
Marco also wished Ace hadn’t missed Teach, then he would be on his way home sooner, into his arms faster. He glided down from his perch and headed into his office, his mind running a million miles, so many things he wanted to say, but he knew what Ace needed to hear, and that’s what was important. Ace didn’t need to feel any more guilt dragging him down.
–
Ace flopped down on his makeshift bed—the body of the Striker packed with blankets and a pillow—lazily looking into the night sky as he opened up the newest letter. He rubbed the bridge of his nose when he read the comforting words from Marco, pinching hard to stop the tears from forming.
Why was Marco so loving and kind? All Ace ever did was fuck up. He bit the inside of his cheek as a strangled sob bubbled up in his throat.
Ace, you are doing the best you can, and that's all you need to be doing. Even if you came back ‘empty-handed’, no one would be mad or disappointed. We miss you, I miss you. Don’t be hard on yourself, Firefly, just come home soon.
He drew a breath through his teeth and grimaced. He missed Marco so much, he missed the only place he’d ever felt like home. Was this all a mistake?
–
“Marco, this came for you while you were out.” Izou handed him the letter, Marco taking it with a grateful nod. “How is Ace doing?” he asked, tilting his head to one side as Marco opened the letter.
“Better than last time yoi.” He felt relief in his chest as he cleared his throat to read to Izou.
You’ll never guess who I bumped into in Arabasta! Luffy! My little brother! He’s grown so much and has his own crew. All of his crew are great, they put up with him better than me and Sabo ever could have.
We got to spar, catch up and eat lots of food. Fucked around with the marines and had a great time. Even helped my little brother overthrow a government.
“What?” Izou interrupted and peered over Marco’s shoulder at the letter.
“That is what it says… “ Marco laughed, and Izou rolled his eyes, shaking his head.
I am pretty sure even with taking this long to spend time with Luffy and save the country I am so close to getting Teach, I think the bastard has let his guard down. I’ll be home sooner than you know.
I love you!
“Awww, sweet,” Izou teased, smirk on his painted lips as Marco chuckled, folding up the letter.
“Shut up,” he said and nudged Izou, a smirk on his face. “He’ll be home soon, it’ll be good to have him back.”
Marco nodded in agreement with Izou as he leaned on the rails, watching clouds crawl across the pastel blue sky.
–
He was so close he could feel it; he was on the same island as Teach. The energy that buzzed around him was electric. Ace wanted nothing more than to burn everything in his wake until he found that piece of shit traitor. He was tired, wanting to go home, wanting Teach to face the justice of his peers for the heinous actions he’d committed.
Ace put his hands in his pockets, feeling the crumpled letter. It had been a few days since he’d gotten the mail, but he had been too desperate to close in on his target. He pulled it out, ripping it open, reading the letter as he chewed on his thumb with nervous energy, impatient.
Seeing the heartfelt message warmed him, took away the anger in his heart for a moment. He didn’t have time to return the message, he was so close, but he would be back with his partner and family in no time.
This was it!
–
Marco leaned on the rails, tired eyes barely focusing on what was in front of him. The waves rolled in, a storm on the horizon, the wind picking up as it tickled his hair against his face. Lost in thought, as all his time off the clock tended to be as of late. He couldn’t recall when he had gotten his last letter from Ace.
The gnawing in his stomach gnashed and chewed, and not even the power of the phoenix could calm the rising nervousness and prickles of nausea the uncertainty had brought with it. He snapped out of his daydream when the News Coo settled near him.
He almost snatched the bundle from the poor bird, unfolding the paper, looking for a letter from his lover. Nothing…
That was when he saw it…
Splashed across the newspaper, the main article, in large letters. His stomach dropped, and he felt the bile rise as his vision went blurry. He gasped and put his hands over his mouth.
Fire Fist Ace Captured - Execution Imminent