fierybluebird | [Voice / Written]

[Hugs. Okay now he really wants to kill the Malnosso. Kidnapping and torturing him is one thing, but touch Marco's crew, make Ace cry, and usually there's not a force in the universe that could protect from that.]

If you did... I bet she was proud, okay? [Just holds him tight in both arms and nudges the door to the apartment complex open.] Come on, let's get you home. You can show me the picture.

[He hugs him back, still not believing that fact he might have met his mom.]

D... do you really think so... [He follows him inside, and nods in the direction of the hall.] I've got in hung up in my room.

How would anyone not be proud of you matey? Even Pops was, you gotta know that. [Another ruffle and follows along.]

Good, I'd have liked to meet her.... and thanked her, eh?

... I'm glad. [He blushes a little, smiling as he walks into his room, and comes out with a frame with a picture of Rouge.]

Me too...

[Setting up the groceries to make dinner and pauses when Ace returns with the picture to grin softly.] She's beautiful. You can see a lot of resemblance. [Another tousle of Ace's hair.]

So everyone really blacked out the whole weekend?

[He blushes even more at the compliment, rubbing his nose in embarrassment. He's always happy to hear good things said about his mom.]

She really is pretty.

[He nods.] Yeah, we can't remember a thing.

Guess I don't have to worry about missing it then.

[Starts cooking~!] Anything else exciting?

[He rests his elbow on the counter, leaning into his hand, and shakes his head.]

Other than everyone falling in love, no.

Did you?

[Sticks his tongue out teasingly.]

[He shakes his head with a light smirk.] Nah, I wasn't that unlucky.

[Snaps his fingers as though disappointed.] Damn. It would have been hilarious to come back to a little sister-in-law.

[He just laughs.] Sorry to crush your hopes, then.

Aye. That is your goal next time I disappear for a month. Get married. Or make me think you did.

Although I'd hate to have missed the bachelor party. [Scratches his scruffy chin in thought at this and keeps cooking.]

You'd better not disappear again. [The outburst was so sudden, it even surprised Ace.

But he smirks nonetheless.] All right, I'll see what I can do in terms of a girlfriend.

[But now he is a little suspicious.]...why?

[A shrug.] To keep you busy. [Obviously a good reason. He's not explaining the bachelor party thing though, he considers that self-explanatory. If Luffy gets to be his best man, Marco gets to throw the bachelor party. All when Ace marries an as-yet unknown person :|]

And so I'll have something great to tease you about. And then you can have babies and I'll play with them. [He says... as if Marco would ever be allowed near the kids.]

[He smiles.] A regular party would be plenty for that.

[And the smile turns flat.] Oh, I'm never letting you near my kids. If I ever have any. [Which he kinda doubts.]

What? I'm great with kids! I was good with you, right?

[... Kind of.]

[He is going to open his mouth to say something....

but then closes it and shakes his head.] ...sure.

[Frowns.]

Ahhh... what's wrong now?

Eh? Nothing! Really. It's just that you weren't all that great at handling me.

[A teasing smirk.]

[Lightly whacks.] I was great. You were a super baby.

[Normally, he would shove him for that. But today, he's just happy he's back and laughs.]

Sparkles and all?

Of course~! [Sparkles vaguely, but makes sure not to get it in the food. He has no idea what happens then, and he doesn't want to find out.]

See? Wildly entertaining to kids.

[He smirks and rolls his eyes.] Yeah, too bad I'm not a kid.

So I don't entertain you anymore? I'm wounded. [So deadpan and covers his heart with his hand dramatically.]

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