Marco sat at the table reserved for the family in the reception hall as the bride and grooms were announced. Swirling his bourbon he sighed not bothering to look around for you. He'd given up. Eventually, couples and friends took to the dancefloor. "Care to have a dance with your favorite sibling?" Lyn nudged him. "Maybe in a bit-yoi." He shrugged making her frown. Before she could follow up, Luffy pointed toward the entrance, "Who's that?"

"She's gorgeous," Lyn murmured. Thatch pushed the blonde's shoulder and turned his head. That's when he saw you, floating into the room in a fitted black off the shoulder dress, with Jaime in tow. He watched you glance around for him completely enamored. Such a gorgeous woman searching for him? His chest fluttered as his stomach flipped with nerves and excitement. "You should probably go." Thatch murmured. "Right, right." Marco stood, straightening out his suit before making his way toward you. Surprised, you jolt when met with Marco. The dark woods illuminated by the party did not help you identify the male until he greeted you. It's safe to say your cheeks grew rosy, embarrassed to have let your guard down especially in front of this man. "Marco!" Jaime cheered as he hugs his leg. A rare sight to behold. Your son has never been so excited to see a stranger and grant them a welcoming embrace. To learn just how much he trusts Marco made your heart melt, but more so, assured you that the blonde is someone worth keeping around. "Hey munchkin," the blonde smiled softly and bent to scoop Jaime up, "welcome to the party-yoi" he looked down at you with the same soft expression, "You look amazing."

"Thank you." You said as you scanned the tall male. The entrance fairy lights gave Marco a glow revealing his slicked-back hair, and tuxedo fit over his muscular body. You're locked in a daze failing to close your mouth. Your core begins to heat up, as well as butterflies flutter in the pit of your tummy. You wanted to do so many things with the attractive fellow to quench your thirst. Luckily, Jaime's excitement distracts Marco from noticing the vulnerable side of you, giving you time to compose yourself as you follow them forward. "You look handsome as well." You complimented, reverting to your flirtatious side. "I pulled up wondering if I got the place right. I started searching for you, but I had no idea I was supposed to search for you in a tux. I thought you would be in sweats like usual. No offense." Marco turned with blush and let out a chuckle, "Thank you. I don't think my new sister would have allowed me to stand at the altar in my loungewear."

"Is it true there are other kids here?" Jaime asked. "Yes, do you wanna see where the kids are? There are games, movies and so much more-yoi." he turned to you, "Have you guys eaten?" Before you could say a single word, Jaime interjects, "I want to go! I want to play!" He shakes excitedly. "Didn't you want to talk to Marco first?" You reminded. The toddler peers up conflicted. "Y-yeah but I also want to see the playground. Marco can come with me and we'll play, right?" The toddler sends his sitter the puppy dog eyes to no avail. "How about we get something to eat first and then you can go play? Only adults who are staff can stay in the play room, but parents can watch." He tapped Jaime's nose gently as he leads them to a table. "I'm not hungry." He whined. "We ate before we came." You added. "I wasn't sure if we were going to show up or be here for long since Jaime goes to bed early."

"Oh, well that's alright. We can go to the play room and I can show you around-yoi." Marco rubbed Jaime's cheek, "We can play for a little while." The toddler beams then cheer as he gets what he wants. "Maybe after he's done playing we can eat." You assured. "Or have a drink maybe?" The blonde glanced at you to which you smile softly, flattered by his flirtatious hints. "Sure, that sounds nice."

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The journey across the venue was like a nature walk. A miniature cabin set up for the children decorated with colorful lights and fun activities. A baby sitter steps forward using the lower fence as a barrier between the entrance and exit of the children's cabin. The receptionist smiles with such enthusiasm. "Hello, welcome to the wonderland sector! How may I be of service?" You quirk a brow at the young lady. 'There is no way in hell anyone is that happy about their job.' You thought. "We're dropping off Jaime here," Marco directed her attention to the toddler in his arms, "But I was hoping we could come in with him to get him acclimated-yoi."

"Absolutely!" The receptionist opens the door. "Welcome, little Jaime to our playhouse. We hope you enjoy your stay. We have several activities, movies, and snacks of sorts. Does your son have any allergies or preferences?" Marco sets Jaime down and takes his hand to keep him from wandering off, "Uh, he's deathly allergic to nuts, pets, lactose and he likes to read and play video games. Does he need to be signed in or anything?" You gape, surprised he would remember the details although it shouldn't astonish you so much since Jaime has been taken care of without trouble. Your heart flutters suddenly finding him attractive for the second time of your arrival. You watch as Marco signs in and writes down the forms. It should be your job to do so as the parent, but somehow you don't want to. You're intrigued he's taken control and it's...nice! A nice feeling to know some of the responsibility is lifted off your shoulders. That is until he nudges you into signing for Jaime, and as you stare at the paper clip you see only one option. Everything was filled out perfectly as you would. "Just...sign my name?" You asked skeptically. Marco hummed, "It has to be signed by his parent for legal reasons." You sign your name hesitantly and return the paperclip. For precaution, you're both given a red bracelet to prove both of you are Jaime's guardian. "Please enjoy your stay~!" She chirped.

Jaime stares with wonder at all the possibilities he didn't know where to start, yet as he takes his first step he grows nervous and peeps at Marco the most for assistance. Marco noticed Jaime's change in demeanor and glanced around to find an activity to ease him in. "There are puzzles over there," he pointed to a small table with only a few children sitting quietly, "wanna try that-yoi?" Jaime stares at the kids running back and forth. "Ok..." He replied. Marco took him to the table and sat down in the chair obviously meant for a child and adding his height made it look comically small. "Oh look -yoi," he grabbed a puzzle and placed it in front of Jaime, "they have a Pokémon one." You chuckle and watch amused as Jaime responds to the blonde. It takes you awhile to calm the boy yet with Marco it's as if the two resonate. The boy pushes his glasses then adds the puzzle after next adapting to his surrounding. In time he began to lead Marco until he started communicating with another kid. Soon enough the boy gained enough confidence to be left alone. "Are you going to be ok now?"

"Yes!" He chimed. "Okay, we'll come back in a couple of hours." You kiss his forehead before stepping out of the playhouse but not without looking back concerned. "Have fun kiddo." Marco waved following you out, "They have our numbers, don't worry. If he needs you they'll call."

"You remember my number?" You raise a brow amazed. It's both creepy and interesting how he learned a lot about you for the past few months. Part of you was content and the other half was on guard. You didn't want him to get too close. "Well, I do have it in my phone." He chuckled, "It's an important number after all...for Jaime obviously." There was a silence in between as you admired the tall pine trees and dried leaves underneath the heels. An aesthetic you secretly enjoy and wish to be part of it. Living in a cabin, in the woods away from everything. "This is nice. Do you live like this every day? Nothing but nature and you?" Marco glances around taking in the scenery as well, "The drive into the city can be a little long but it's a nice way to decompress-yoi."

"I see that." As you both make it to the party area, you begin to feel a little out of place having been a long time since you've mingled with anyone except work. Sensing your apprehension he looked down at you then the dancefloor. He offered his hand as a slow song began to play. "Wanna dance?" It took you a good minute for you to accept after realizing your position to give back to the person whom Jaime adores; and as you lend him your hand, a static sensation rushes through you curious if he sensed the same thing from the corner of your eye. He slipped one arm around your hip and held your hand with the other pulling you into his torso. He began to lead you in a simple slow dance relishing the closeness and taking in your warmth and the scent of your perfume.

At the same time, the anxiety from before gradually relinquishes replace with comfort. You start to focus on the little things. How your face barely reaches his chest, how your hand looks so small within his calloused ones. The way he boldly left his hand on your hip rather than your waist, his tux which seemed to restrain his muscular body sent a shiver down your spine. Suddenly, your heart flutters giving you goosebumps as the gap in-between closes. Nothing around mattered except for you and Marco and as the song plays beautifully in the background, you raise your head to meet his gaze. He'd been watching you glace around and eventually relax in his hold. His cheeks warmed as your eyes swayed up to meet his. Not expecting to share such an intimate moment with you caught him off guard. "Thanks for coming-yoi." You jolt as he gently squeezes your hip letting out an unavoidable grunt. Your entire face grows red as you look elsewhere hoping he didn't hear you.

"You're welcome." You squeaked and took a deep breath. "It's the least I can do for someone who actually takes care of my son, unlike my last sitter." You sighed. "I still don't know your motive, but so far it doesn't seem malicious." He frowned very briefly, "Not everyone has motives. Jaime is a great kid and deserves to have fun at daycare. Just like you work hard for him and shouldn't have to worry." You smiled softly taken aback by his comment. It's been so long since you've been praised and as odd as it is, you like it, but there is no chance of telling him that. Unconsciously you rest your head on his chest and let the night waste away with a dance.