Chapter Text
Marco was downright exhausted. He couldn’t wait to get back to his room, adjust his nest as it was likely messed up, and cuddle into it. And if Ace was there then he was coming along with him. Ah. It was one of those nights where he craved affection and closeness and nothing else. It was a bit early to be turning in especially for him since he was usually up late to spend time with his brothers and sisters or to do some paperwork. Or because he just couldn’t sleep. But right now, all he wanted to do was pass out.
And since it was still pretty early for bedtime, he was surprised that Ace was in his room. Usually, he was off enjoying the night while it was young. Or overthinking. Instead, he was here sitting on his bed rather than in his nest. Well good. He didn’t want to have to put it back together entirely like when Ace flopped into his bed. The blond had noticed that he was being respectful of the nest which was appreciated. It was a comfortable and safe spot for him. It would be distressing if it was destroyed.
“Isn’t it early, yoi?” Asked Marco as he started to strip off his open shirt. Time to get ready for bed.
“Kinda” answered Ace. “Someone brought me here after I face planted on deck. Just decided I would wait for you. Isn’t it—“
“Isn’t it what?” Asked Marco, turning to look at Ace. He had untied his sash and undone his belt to drape them over the back of his chair. “Ace?”
Rather than answering him, Ace quickly jumped up from where he was on the bed and hurried over to him. He then put his hands on Marco's middle, eyes awed. “It’s our little baby bird… You’re showing”
“Don’t call them that” mumbled Marco as he looked down. Ace was right. There was a slight bump. Easy to spot on his lean frame but even easier to miss if you’re not looking. The Phoenix was surprised that he had missed it himself. He was usually so in tune with what was going on with his body. Enough to notice even the slightest of changes. Guess they would have to tell the other commanders and Pops soon judging by the size.
“Can I call them a tiny pineapple?” Asked Ace, shit-eating grin on his face.
“No, yoi”
“Puffball?”
“ No ”
“Sparks”
“ No”
“Then—“
“You’re not calling them any ridiculous names”
“Fine, grumpy feathers. I won’t call them anything ridiculous” His hands rubbed over the protrusion then grey eyes looked into blue.
Marco had to admit. It was nice. To have someone else’s hands rubbing his stomach, expressing how much they loved the tiny life inside him. It was different from the rubs that had come from crewmates. This was someone that loved him and the tiny life more than a brother or a son. Someone that would be with them through everything.
“Marco? You okay?” Aces voice snapped him back to reality
“Fine, yoi. I’m going to lay down, will you join me?”
“Hell yeah, I will” Ace would strip down, getting ready to join Marco in his nest once he was invited in. The blond adjusted everything until he was happy with it then laid down on his side, gesturing for Ace to join him.
Ace would settle in behind him, pressing a kiss to his back then pressing his cheek to it. Marco knew he was listening to his heartbeat. The freckled man always said it was soothing to listen to the fact that someone else was alive. Remind himself that they were both making it to the next day. Ace wrapped his arms around the blond. Even though the phoenix was taller, Ace never let that stop him from holding his boyfriend. It was surprisingly easy to drift off for both of them. Safe and cozy in the nest that Marco had built out of instinct, nestled in close to each other.