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“So, you want us to go undercover?” Tate asked, arms crossed. It wasn’t the worst thing they’ve done. But it felt like a joke.
Ace looked between the commanders and the nurses. “We didn’t say that,” Thatch said, smiling at her. He wouldn’t ever force them to go undercover.
“But you invited us to ask if we would.” Tate continued. Still angry at them. He wanted to make them admit it. They wanted her to go undercover at a bar to see if they could get any new information on a marine. She would be undercover for a week at least, having to deal with a bunch of stupid men who she couldn’t pull rank or drop name with.
Marco frowned. “It would make things easier, but we’ve done alright before. We can just-“
“I’ll do it.” Ace said, raising his hand. Everyone’s eyes turned to him. He would go undercover at a bar?
Tate’s jaw dropped. “This won’t be a normal mission-“
“It’s fine. I’ve helped out at a bar before. It can’t be that much harder.” Ace said, smiling. They looked at each other for a bit. Once Ace had the green light, he packed up and headed out to the island. He would make it a week before they did. Giving him enough time to gather something before they showed up. It was their protected island that the marine decided to set a base on. There was no way the marines thought it would go over well.
A week of waiting to hear from the island or Ace. That something went wrong with the mission and either the marine was dead or the island was blown up. But no news arrived. While some argued that no news was good news, Marco didn’t feel confident about it.
“If it makes you that uncomfortable, we’ll stop a few hours out. Send smaller bouts and you can go undercover too.” Izou said, annoyed with Marco. The other had passed the room 12 times in the last hour alone. It was said as a joke, but Marco turned with relief on his face. As if he was waiting for someone to say he should go check in on their youngest. With a draw of straws, those chosen to go were Marco, Izou, and Thatch. Haruta handing them each a snail camera. He wanted all the pictures of Ace pretending to be a normal human.
The three arrived in the afternoon. Hair died and clothing swapped. Covering any tattoos that would give them away. Though anyone looking close enough would still be able to tell. The bar Ace was working at should be opening soon. They took the time to talk to the mayor of the island. Checking in and heading to the bar.
Izou pulling them to hide a bit as the Marine in questions walked into the bar. The three looked at each other, following him in. They watched him take a seat next to the stage. Sitting two tables back and to the right. The bar is filled with people. When a young man popped up next to their table. “Hiya. Names Saffy. I’ll be your waiter tonight.” The voice sounded familiar enough to have them break sight of the marine. Looking up, there was their youngest sibling. Dressed in a floral button up that was open and a black crop top, and a skirt. The skirt and button up were the same green and flowers.
“Hello,” Izou said, trying to figure out what else about Ace seemed off. The tattoos were all hides behind cloth.
“Did ya need a moment? Our menu can be big for newcomers.” Ace said with a wink. His voice pitched weirdly. It was taking them a hot minute to get over it.
“We’ll have what you recommend.” Thatch said, passing over the menus. Ace nodded, writing down their order.
They glanced back at the marine. “That will be out in a bit, honey. Hope ya enjoy the show!” He said, walking away. They settled into their seats, waiting. Ace brought them several plates full of food. Just as he did for other tables. Leaving nothing to chance. Then vanished from sight.
Marco began to worry when the music started. Their eyes all traveled to the stage. They had expected for a woman to come out on the stage. They would turn their attention back to where Ace went and the marine a few tables over. That was until Ace appeared on stage. Along with a few others. They danced, spinning around each other. Letting their skirts drift up a bit. But not far enough for anything to be seen. Watching as Ace moved thought the stage before stopping in front of the marine who lifted a hand. Ace leaned down, smiling at the marine almost innately before spinning around and going to the next person near the stage.
They watched how Ace captured the hearts of everyone at the bar. How he swayed around the stage, calling all the attention to him. When the dance was over, they bowed. The next dance had Ace leaving the stage. He jogged over to the marine, reaching out a hand. The marine lifted him to help Ace off the stage. Where Ace patted his shoulder and went back to work.
When Ace got closer to their table, Izou was the first to whisper. “What was that about?”
Ace smiled, leaning in. “Wasn’t that the plan? To seduce the marine so we had access to all his plans?” Laughing lightly. Marco glanced over to the marine, who was watching them.
Izou kept the smile on their face. “Not the plan, but we’ll talk about that later. We’ll call the ship.” Letting Ace get back to ‘work’ while they set up the rest of this. The marine’s eyes following Ace for a while.
When the others arrived, the four went to meet them. Haruta took a double take before laughing. “You clean up.” Tate said, looking Ace over. Ace laughed with them. Filling them in on everything he learned over the week. More than what you would have thought given how hot headed he is. Apparently, it’s easy when the islander took one look at his back and worked to keep him safe. The lady at the bar helped him put on the makeup every day. Even letting him borrow her clothes.
“Still, never thought you would dress up like that. Thought you’d be a bartender.” Izou said, a little annoyed. They could have been making Ace dress up this whole time and missed out.
Ace smiled brightly, “I can do that too. But it was easier this way. Plus, people often underestimate women, especially when they think they are ugly.” They all stared at Ace. Who pulled off the skirt and stop too well. Looking buffer than the typical lady, but just as hot. How Ace would think he looked ugly, they would need to learn who told him that. It would have to wait until later, though. There was still a marine that needed dealing with.