hiding

Someone's moody

Marco woke up rubbing his eyes, already knowing Alexia was awake and out somewhere on the Moby. Her spot next to him was still warm, letting him know that he had barely missed her again; just as he had every morning for the last four weeks. It had been an unspoken arrangement between them. Every night they fell asleep curled up against each other, Alexia always managed to slip out before he would wake up, and then they would go about their day as if nothing had changed. This seemed to provide Alexia with sleep free from nightmares. Marco himself found it much easier to fall asleep every night as well, contradicting his usual sleepless state. He didn't know when he had last gotten this much sleep.

The deck was busy as the Moby began to dock at the next island. It had been almost three weeks since they had last been on an island, and everyone was excited for a chance to unwind.

"Yoi," Marco stopped Jozu groggily as he walked out on deck, "No one called me to scout the island."

"Alexia and a few of the men from the first division went out early this morning to do it themselves." Jozu admitted, "It was Alexia's idea really. I know there isn't technically a vice or assistant position for commander, but she would definitely be one if there was. She's really stepped up by assisting you with leading the division lately."

Marco hummed in agreement, heading towards the island to find Alexia. Marco knew Jozu was right. Just three and a half weeks ago, they had gained a new brother in the first division ranks. Alexia herself had taken the new recruit out to scout, showing him the basics. When Whitebeard had sent out a few members from every division to one of his territories to defend against a few Naval ships attempting to gain control of it; Alexia was the one to help the men prepare and mobilize. If Marco hadn't wanted to keep an eye on her for his own piece of mind, he probably would have sent her with them to help lead them. Marco had found Alexia maintained the first division's paperwork with precision, along with a few of the other divisions. He never found an overwhelming stack of papers on his desk for him at night anymore. Alexia not only made sure the first division continued to complete their chores but kept up on their training as well; all while maintaining her own.

Marco unbuttoned his jacket as he walked, silently cursing the hot weather. As much as he didn't care for winter islands, he definitely didn't like feeling as if he was in an oven either. The island they had landed on was a summer island with humidity levels that were beyond ridiculous. Servana, the island they were on now; was definitely one focused towards tourism and partying. Bars and hotels were found everywhere around town, which was rather large. It all appeared to be Marine free. Servana itself was supposed to be more of a mutual island between Marines and pirates. Not like it ever stopped Marines from attempting to arrest pirates here before.

Thatch's boisterous laugh could be heard from a bar around the corner, giving Marco a good idea of where Alexia would be. The bar itself was open to the streets, the kitchen itself being the only part of the building with walls. Marco felt himself getting annoyed as he watched Alexia, Thatch and Ian enjoy themselves. Well it was more of Alexia and Ian themselves he was annoyed with. Ian and Alexia had grown very close since she had saved his life over a month ago. Marco had found it was too close for his comfort.

Marco told himself that it wasn't jealousy, if he was jealous that would mean he had feelings for her. And there isn't any chance in impel down he, the first division commander, had time for feelings for someone.

"Where the hell are your clothes?" Marco snapped, approaching them at the bar.

"Umm did I do something wrong Marco?" Alexia sounded confused as she looked down at what she was wearing. She had to admit she wasn't wearing much, only a black bikini top and shorts; but then again normally if she wasn't wearing a midriff, she didn't have sleeves, "I'm sorry that you don't approve of my clothes but it happens to be hot as hell, not to mention your not wearing much a shirt yourself."

"Well it doesn't matter what I do. Find yourself some clothes, jesus." Marco found himself snapping again, "Why didn't you tell me when you went out to scout the island? Last I checked I was the division commander, not you."

Marco's eyes widened in shock as Alexia flung the contents of her fruity alcoholic beverage in his face, drenching him. She attempted to keep her face blank, but her eyes showed confusion and slight hurt.

"Of course, not commander." Marco flinched at the monotone voice she used as she called him that, "Maybe you should take a chance to cool down, the heat seems to have gotten to you."

Marco groaned, mentally kicking himself as she walked away from him; Ian following her as he gave Marco a passing what the hell look.

"Well that was totally called for and not awkward for anyone." Thatch let out a low whistle.

"You're a damn jack ass if you ask me." Izo hissed, coming around the corner.

"Are you always following us just for these moments yoi?" Marco sighed.

"It doesn't matter what I'm doing. What matters is whatever in great fuckery that was!" Izo smacked Marco upside the head roughly, "That woman has done nothing but work faithfully under your command, lessen your workload and keep your division in order. Alexia has taken your training seriously and she has grown immensely. She may have a cocky attitude, but she has become quite a dependable asset to you and hasn't done anything to deserve what you just did to her."

"I know." Marco rubbed the back of his head as he looked down at the ground.

"Wait you know? Then what in the hell was that?" Izo stopped as he was about to strike Marco again, looking at him critically.

"I don't know yoi. Honest to god I don't know." Marco admitted, looking guilty.

"Bird brain here is jealous, that's what it is!" Thatch laughed, taking another sip of booze, "Did seeing her so friendly with Ian really piss you off that much?"

"I'm not jealous!" Marco turned red, "There's nothing to be jealous of! I don't care who she talks to or what she does."

"Obviously that's not the case." Thatch sat a bottle of booze in front of the bar next to him, offering Marco a seat that he begrudgingly took, "You've trained her since practically day one, you share a bed with her, she wears your clothes half the time, and she's the only person your willing to let on your back when you go scouting, which may I just mention is not fair at all. And that look on your face whenever someone harms her."

"What you did to Darin two islands ago." Izo chimed in, "That even you admit was over kill. No normal person would get you riled like that."

"I don't know what you're talking about. Just drop it yoi, I apologize to her later." Marco rolled his eyes, starring off towards the coastline.