Listen I love cool, calm and collected Marco as much as the next person.
How he probably knows what his little smirk does to you and his laid back and nonchalant attitude that holds a softer more tender side just for you and how he always makes it a point that you can come to him for anything, even if he’s busy working with a patient, he’ll effortlessly continue with his doctors precision while he’s looking at you a playful but gentle twinkle in his eyes as he asks “what brings you to me today, pretty birdie?”
But
Imagine younger Marco, maybe in his early 20’s.
Kinda lanky since he’s growing (I like to headcanon he had a late growth spurt, then suddenly one day outgrew all his clothes overnight) he's a bit clumsy with his long limbs and isn't exactly the most suave guy or a big charmer.
But his big smile, cheerfully bright personality added with his willingness to be silly and a big goof ball, is it’s own sort of charm that works wonders when he acts himself.
He isn’t exactly a flirt though, maybe he experimented on an island or two, but he definitely prefers a steady relationship to a fling or a single shared night of passion. So when he likes you or is interested, he’s ready to play the long game.
Having to sneak away from the crew to spend just a few minutes with you, it seems like a small time but in the moment it was everything, maybe even waiting by the ships den den mushi and immediately picking it up after the second ring, then pouting once he realises it wasn’t you calling.
If you were willing to join the White Beard Pirates, he would absolutely beg Pops to bring you on, unintentionally holding your hand since he knows people get intimidated by his Pops, and it would absolutely leave him devastated if you somehow were scared of his dad.
All while Marco lists of all your great traits, and how even though the ship has been working perfectly fine since before you, Marco insists that that you joining the crew is the best decision ever! Even though he’s still just an apprentice and doesn’t have a lot of say on the ship Marco is very adamant about this.
And White Beard watches with an amused grin, at how his son lights up talking about you, still holding your hand not to reassure you anymore, but because he wanted to. While you stand next to him, face flushed red at how loud he was singing your praises, but still smiling happily at him.
Honestly how could he say no to his son when he's so clearly in love.
Now this is already cute but imagine the hijinks with his devil fruit
The crew was having fun drinking and partying on an island. Unfortunatly, since you got here some guy hasn't left you alone the entire time, now Marco knew you could handle yourself, but once the guy looks like he's about to touch you does he intervine and instincts take over.
Marco's arms turn into his blue flaming feathers, while everyone watches as he makes his way towards you both, at first you thought a fight was gonna happen while Marco gets in between you both, he then puffed out his chest almost bumping the guy back and slightly spreads out his wings before letting out a loud... squawk.
Marco squawked.
He continued to squawk and flapped his wings around while hopping from side to side until the guy left you both alone.
He then turns to you with a bright smile, like none of that happened and easily starts up a conversation, leaning in close and wrapping one of his wings around you.
His wings are slightly puffed up, while he tries to subtly comb back his hair in a way to preen them back, with a big dopey smile and ignoring all the teasing the rest of the crew gives you both, since he was not at all embarressed about protecting you from a creep while also laying down some subtle bird flirting (it was not subtle at all).
But hey this silly bird guy was yours, and hey, you would be lying if you didn't love his silly antics
Instead of working on commissions or ArtFight attacks, the worms in my brain tell me to do art studies of Marco so I can draw him better.
Also bonus first time drawing Marco and Harpy (my self insert/OC I ship with Marco) Harpy is mostly based off of my Big Bird Problems thing I made a while back.
Harpy doesn't usually get to wear a lot of cute or girly clothing (though she really wants to) due to her size and reputation/image.
She also has to get most clothes custom made to her preportions, and also leave space for her wings to move comfortably. Whenever she does get new clothes, she visits the White Beard pirates to ask Marco how she looks (these often turns into dates as they rarely see each other at times and Marco just thinks she looks too cute to not ignore some duties to take Harpy out)
