AN: Hi everyone! I hope you enjoy reading. This story takes place within the same universe as "Impossible is a Temporary Condition" starting with the party for Ace's promotion. The first chapter contains excerpts from the flashback in ITC.
Just to be clear, this story is just for fun and my own musings of 'what ifs.' The One Piece characters and story do not belong to me.
Chapter 1: Fine, I'll Go
Ace casually leaned up against one of the long counters in the galley.
"Don't even think about it." Thatch very calmly stated to the new commander.
"I wasn't doing anything." denied Ace, a look of mock innocence plastered over his face.
Thatch turned around with a spoon in hand. His smock was very clean but there was a single smudge of flour on his right cheek. "Do-Not-Eat-Anything." He punctuated each word with a swipe of his spoon through the air.
"Awww, come on Thatchie. I'm starving." Ace whined.
Thatch laughed as he turned back around and resumed prepping for that evening's party. "I don't think anyone who has eaten a dozen eggs, a quarter pound of toast, three bowls of ramen and several sandwiches today alone can claim to be starving."
Ace pouted, he was hungry. It had been a full three hours since lunch and his stomach was twisting in its emptiness. There was a plate of doughnuts next to him. An unguarded plate of doughnuts! Ace smirked as he reached a sneaky hand over to the tempting circles of fried dough.
"If you want to keep your fingers, then I suggest you freeze right there buddy." Thatch threatened from his place in front of the stove.
Ace whipped his hand back and planted it firmly behind his head in a show of obedience.
Thatch turned around again and frowned at the innocently smiling young man. He sighed and then tossed Ace an orange. "The party is in two hours. That will have to hold you until then."
Ace beamed at his friend. "Thanks, Thatchie!"
"Yea, yea," Thatch waved him off. "Now get out of my kitchen!" The chef pointed to the door with the very sharp point of the knife in his hand. Ace got the not so subtle hint.
The new commander moved toward the door just as two other cooks came through carrying a large platter of rice balls. 'Lucky!' he thought and agilely ducked under the silver tray on his way out. Ace grabbed an extra snack on his way out the door. The rice ball flew into his mouth and was gone before he had even taken a step out of the galley.
….
Sadie was having a perfectly quiet day. She reclined on her cot alone in her room. For the time being it was solely her own, as her best friend and roommate had been promoted. The young woman turned the page of her book. It was nice how peaceful her room on the Camelo was without a certain excitable red-head. She hummed happily to herself as she enjoyed the story in front of her.
Tsubaki came charging into Sadie's quarters without knocking. Sadie looked up from her book to scoff at the woman. "You know, you're supposed to knock before you enter someone's room." She went back to her book as Tsubaki promptly ignored her and sat on the empty bed across from Sadie.
Tsubaki fluffed her wavy locks as she settled into a comfortable position and leaned up against the wall. "This is my room too."
"No, it's not." Sadie didn't even look up from her book, "This hasn't been your room for a week now. Not since you got transferred."
Tsubaki raised a finger to her cheek, playing at serious thought, "I dunno Sades, I think that it remains my room too until someone else moves in with you."
Giving up on reading her book, Sadie set it aside, open with the pages down on her bed. "Tsubaki, why are you here?" Sadie tiredly looked at her energetic friend and tucked her legs into her side.
The winning smile that Tsubaki flashed her friend was full of ideas. "You are coming to the party tonight!" she declared.
"No." Sadie intoned while picking her book back up to end the conversation.
"Aww, come on! You never come out to the parties!"
"You know I don't like those things." Sadie met her friend's eyes trying to emphasize how much this was not happening.
"Yes, but this is the party to celebrate the new 2nd division commander! You have got to meet him. He is so hot!"
Sadie closed her eyes and nodded sagely, "Yes, well he did eat the mera mera no mi."
Tsubaki laughed and threw the pillow from her former bed at her friend. "You know that isn't what I meant."
Chuckling around the pillow that she now held in her lap, the book tossed aside in surprise, "Yeah I know, but I also know that you find any man who bares their chest attractive."
"Perhaps." agreed Tsubaki with a sly grin.
"So, the real reason you want me to go, is so that you can meet the new commander?" a curtain of Sadie's raven hair fell forward over the pillow.
Holding a hand up to her chest as if she were totally shocked, "You think I have an ulterior motive? Sades, how could you?" She hung her head with a hand to her face to catch the imaginary tears.
Sadie sighed and rolled her eyes at Tsubaki's pretend drama. "Okay, so not to meet the new commander, then who is it that we are trying to meet?"
Tsubaki's smile peeked out from between her fingers before saying innocently, "I only want to introduce you to my commander."
"Tsubaki!" Sadie scolded mildly, getting fed up with her games.
"Okay Okay!" Tsubaki held up a hand to silently communicate she would get to the point. "I am totally in love with Marco!" She looked up dreamily at the ceiling. "His blonde hair, and deep blue eyes just make me melt."
"Open shirt." coughed Sadie.
Tsubaki narrowed her eyes at her less then subtle friend. "Okay and yes, he had a B-E-A-U-TIFUL chest." She sighed.
"Isn't he always half asleep?" Sadie pointed out.
"No!" Tsubaki shook her head defensively, "That's Ace-kun, the new second commander. Marco has a casual expression that leaves him looking like he could fall asleep even in the most dire situations, but he never would. It makes him so cool." Tsubaki almost swooned there in the room just thinking about his said coolness.
"Well I don't think I'd want a guy that is half asleep or looks like it. I want a guy who can stay awake." Sadie reasoned.
"Fine, so we will not be setting you up with the 2nd commander."
Sadie nodded as Tsubaki continued, "But please come with me." Tsubaki put her hands together in a praying gesture to beg her friend. "Introducing you is the perfect reason to get some face time with him. PLEEAASE!" Tsubaki blinked her sad green eyes, while she implored Sadie to come along.
"Okay, okay! Just stop looking at me like that." Sadie hid behind the pillow in her lap. "Sheesh" Peeking out over her pillow shield she spied Tsubaki's mischievous aura. "No." She tried to sound confident, but came out more like a sigh of disbelief.
"What? I haven't said anything." Tsubaki's honey tone didn't match the predatory posture of a cat ready to pounce.
"I don't know, but whatever it is that you are thinking, count me out." Sadie could feel herself losing ground by the second. Tsubaki had this incredible ability to get her to do things she would never normally do. It was like she had some sort of magic Sadie adjuster.
"Awww, come on Sades!" Tsubaki whined. "I was just thinking that we should go ahead and get ready for the party."
"Not a problem." Sadie replied tossing the pillow back to the head of Tsubaki's old bed. Tsubaki looked at her friend hopefully, but it shifted into a pout when she continued, "I'll wear what I'm wearing now."
"Don't you thin-"
Sadie cut her friend off while leafing through the fallen book looking for her place, "Why should I get dressed up when the guys are going to be sporting their typical outfits…or lack thereof?"
Tsubaki bent over and held her stomach as rolls of laughter peeled from her. "Sades, Oh my gosh! Hahaha! Is that Sadie speak for, they are going to show up without shirts?" She looked up at her bookworm friend with tears standing in her eyes.
Frowning, Sadie shook her head at Tsubaki. "I just don't understand. Why should I go out of my way for a stupid party?"
Tsubaki got up to sit next to her clueless friend. "One day you will thank me. I know we can find the perfect outfit for you." Sadie started to argue back, but Tsubaki continued before she got the chance. "No dresses, I know."
The two women made their way over to the Moby Dick where Tsubaki's room was now that she was a member of the 1st division.
Tsubaki called into the room as she opened the door. "Willow! I'm back!"
As they entered, a curvaceous woman turned around from her seat in front of a vanity mirror. The sea-foam dress she wore complimented her darkened macchiato skin. Her short ebony hair hung around her face in playful curls. "Hey Tsubaki! Hi Sadie-chan!" she chirped.
Sadie gave a small smile and waved at the stunning woman before settling in to lean against the wall. Tsubaki meanwhile, made a beeline for her closet.
Willow looked at Tsubaki and then at the less than thrilled expression on Sadie's face, before understanding crossed her features. She threw Sadie an apologetic glance, already fully aware that Tsubaki was a force of nature in her own right.
She turned back to the mirror in front of her to apply the rest of her eyeliner as she addressed Sadie. "I'm glad you are coming out Sadie. It's always nice to have you tag along." she paused briefly as she focused on the line she was drawing on her lid, "They really held nothing back for tonight. I hear they managed to bring food from all four blues for the occasion. So, everyone should get a little taste of home." Willow turned around to look at the quiet girl, "Remind me, where are you from?" she asked sweetly.
Tsubaki stilled in sifting through her wardrobe and Sadie paused just a second too long before answering, causing Willow to tilt her head in confusion. Sadie smiled reassuredly at the woman before answering, "I'm actually from the first half of the grand-line."
"Really? You're from Paradise, huh?!" She returned her gaze to the mirror while pulling out her lip-gloss. "I'm originally from the South blue, not that I care to go back, but I can't wait to see what the cooks have whipped up for us."
Tsubaki threw some clothes at Sadie startling her slightly. Sadie held up the pale pink party dress and started to fume silently. Her cheeks reddened and her lips were pressed into a firm line as she turned her ferocity on her friend. However, she stopped after seeing the playful smile on her lips. Scoffing, Sadie threw the ridiculous dress back at her, "Nice try, but that's so not happening." She crossed her arms staring down her friend, daring her to try and force another dress on her.
Willow laughed quietly in front of the mirror as she put the finishing touches on her make-up. Tsubaki pouted, but recovered quickly, "Ehh, it was worth a shot."
Tsubaki dived back into the clothes searching for another option. Meanwhile, Willow had moved to her bed, having finished her own preparations, and was happily watching the exchange. Sadie silently shook her head no as Tsubaki held up another outfit hopefully, this one was overly frilly. Tsubaki's whole frame wilted at the rejection, but not to be defeated, she continued her quest.
Willow looked at Sadie critically, making her uncomfortable. Sadie chose instead to watch Tsubaki over meeting Willows chocolate eyes. After a moment, Willow stood and swooped in next to Tsubaki to look for something appropriate for the troublesome girl.
Sadie herself, stared up at the ceiling, mentally banging her head against the wall. She hated this stuff, and would simply prefer to wear her typical tank and jeans. On the other hand, she had agreed to this torture, and would have to make the most of it. Noticing how quiet the room had gotten, Sadie looked back to the other two by the wardrobe. They were both grinning like madmen, and it made her think that they might attack her. Her grave stone would read, 'Here lies Sadie, Death by Fashion.'
They parted to reveal a very feminine sky blue top. The short sleeves were trimmed in lacy decal and there was an obvious cinch just below the bust line. It was either a very long shirt, or else a very short dress. Neither of these appealed to Sadie. "Nope, try again." Sadie deadpanned.
Tsubaki's face took on a stubborn edge as she dug in her heels. "No, this one is perfect." she whined.
"Come on Sadie," Willow encouraged, "Just try it on, you may like it."
Seeing that they wouldn't let this go otherwise, Sadie sighed and took the damned shirt-dress-thing. She quickly peeled off her tank top and slipped the girly article over her head. Tsubaki and Willow both gazed at her with shinning eyes. Apparently, this was their definition of perfection.
Sadie rejected it almost immediately, "Still a n-" she paused in giving her negative answer. The stars that had shone in both of the girls' eyes were falling and breaking on the floor. She hadn't even said no yet, and they were already making such ridiculously sad faces. Closing her eyes, she tried to decide how much she hated it. She admitted that it was comfortable. The fabric wasn't clingy or itchy, and she could deal with the lace. Opening her eyes to look in the mirror, she observed how it fell nicely over her hips. She shot an accusatory glace at the women, "Not a dress?" she questioned.
Tsubaki seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. "Not a dress." she affirmed. "You can wear leggings with this and it will be absolutely ador-" she stopped short seeing the warning glare from Sadie, "absolutely perfect." The momentary dark aura that Sadie released hadn't dampened Tsubaki's spirit in the least.
"Well great! Now that that's settled, I'm off to meet Yumi." declared Willow as she made her way to the door. "See you both at the party!"
Later that evening, the two women walked into the bustling dining hall. Tsubaki's red hair flowed freely, framing her face and accentuating her green eyes. She had chosen to wear an emerald green dress that hugged her torso tightly and then swelled into a short flowy skirt. Next to her, Sadie's hair was clipped back on one side with a small white flower accent. The rest of her raven hair streamed down her back in a dark sheet. She wore the pale blue top that Tsubaki had talked her into along with a pair of dark leggings.
Tsubaki looped her arm through Sadie's and began to drag her into the throng of the party that was already in full swing. There was a large buffet set up with mountains of food that would soon be gone due to the crew's ravenous appetite. The musicians were playing an upbeat tune that already had several people dancing. But, the two friends were heading to one of the empty spots at the long tables.
Sadie just let herself be dragged into the room by Tsubaki whose eyes were fixed on a certain blonde commander. Swooping down like a hawk, the red head claimed her place in the available seat across from Marco.
….
Ace was eating like this was his last meal. He was totally consumed by his food when his friend's greeting caused him to pause momentarily.
"Ah, Hi Tsubaki-san, yoi." Marco grinned
Ace, looked up at the two girls standing on the opposite side of the table. They had both obviously gone to a lot of trouble for the party, but it didn't really do anything for him. He would never understand why women made such a fuss over their hair and crap.
"Hi commander." said the red-head obviously flirting.
"Don't be so formal. You can call me Marco-yoi." Marco replied casually with a cheerful expression.
'Whoa, did Marco just flirt back?' Ace thought giving the more outspoken woman a second glance. 'Is she his type?' He shrugged mentally. His friend was free to chase any tail he wanted.
"Ok, Marco-kun." the girl twittered.
Ace mentally gagged, 'What was that?!' He wasn't able to stomach the sugary flirtations going on next to him and pulled his gaze away. His eyes landed on the less flashy of the two women. The other girl was shorter by a few inches with long dark hair. She seemed a little too serious for a party and Ace couldn't help himself. He feigned sleep and let his face smash into his food. The resulting shocked gasp was his first prize.
He heard Marco dismiss his prank. "Oh don't worry-yoi." Ace has these narcoleptic episodes."
Ace wished he could sneak a peek at the woman's expression. It was sure to be a hilarious mask.
"Oh by the way." the flirty woman wasn't deterred by his theatrics. "This is my best friend Sadie! Sadie this is my new commander Marco-kun."
The giggly woman's words grated on his ears. 'So the brooding one's name is Sadie?' "Ah Sadie, my goodness you've grown. It's been a few years since I last saw you." rang Marco's voice.
"Wait, you've already met Marco-kun?" Ace almost lifted his head here, the disappointment in the red-head's voice was almost worth ending his prank prematurely.
"Sorry Tsubaki, but I have been on the crew for five years. Did you really think I hadn't met him before?" Sadie's voice was more playful then he would have thought.
The silence that followed was dull, he would have to wake-up soon.
"So, how many years has it been since the last time you two have talked?" questioned Tsubaki.
'Yup, boring! Why were these women even pirates if all they were interested in was dating?'
"Hmmmm," Marco thought aloud. "Two or three years. Wow has it really been that long-yoi?"
"Ya, it was right after that incident on Yettin." Sadie recalled.
"That's right!" Marco slammed his palm down on the table jolting Ace's face deeper into his food, "Haha, I had almost forgotten how you—"
'Change that, this could be interesting!' Ace grinned.
Sadie coughed cutting him off, "Well it was a long time ago, no need to bring that up again."
"No, what happened?" said Tsubaki obviously pleased about this turn of fortune. For some reason that didn't sit well with the new commander and he took pity on the girl he was teasing. Ace grunted and sat up sharply. Looking around blearily, he spied the disgusted look of shock on both women's faces. 'Worth it!' he cheered internally before grabbing the end of the sash around Marco's waist to wipe his face.
"Oi! What the hell?" screamed Marco.
"Sorry." Ace lifted a hand in a little wave and smirked completely unapologetic.
"That does it-yoi." Marco's devilishness turned toward the new commander and saved Sadie for the moment.
….
The two men were soon wrestling on the ground with a crowd growing around them rapidly. Sadie couldn't see them through the mass of bodies, but she didn't really care. Tsubaki on the other hand was very displeased with the turn of events and looked at Sadie, silently accusing her for the loss of conversation.
Rolling her eyes, Sadie lead the way to the buffet table. "Let's get some food before it is all gone."
Shrugging it off, Tsubaki followed in good humor. "So, what did happen on Yettin?"
"Snow, ice and I'm not telling." Sadie stuck a pink tongue out at Tsubaki over her shoulder.
Tsubaki mimicked her expression sending both girls into a fit of giggles. They were both still giggling as they picked up plates and made their way down the buffet. Willow had been right, there were international treats here from just about every single sea. There were blue-finned elephant tuna filets, conache pies, sea king steak, armored stone fish stew, croquembouche, aligot, takoyaki, ramen, doughnuts and several other delicious smelling dishes. Between the delightful sight and scrumptious smells the girls were all but drooling as they piled their plates.
Satisfied with their hull, they turned back toward the tables. Tsubaki was disappointed to see that the fight earlier had dissolved into an arm wrestling tournament. Marco was surrounded by an impenetrable wall of muscle and testosterone. Sadie just shook her head and bumped her hip with the red-head's to get her attention. When Tsubaki looked at her, Sadie tilted her head in silent communication to follow her.
Tsubaki followed her friend, but still threw a wistful glance back in the 1st commander's direction. Sadie led them to the table furthest back in a slightly quieter part of the room. The table was less crowded here, and the girls sat in the middle of a sizable gap. Tsubaki sighed as she sat down opposite to Sadie and picked at her food.
Sadie watched her with quiet eyes as she started to eat. Starting with a pork bun that practically melted in her mouth. She closed her eyes enjoying the savory saltiness that tickled her taste buds.
It only took one bite for Tsubaki to recover from her disappointment at the 'Lack of Marco' their dinning location offered. Her face lit up as she devoured heavenly bite after heavenly bite.
"Mmmmm" Sadie moaned in the midst of a food-gasm.
Tsubaki looked at her friend's thoroughly satisfied face and stole a piece of the desirable morsel. After popping the dumpling in her mouth, she echoed Sadie's pleasure. "Oh my dear sweet Raftel! This is heaven in food form!"
"Hey!" Sadie complained, "Go get your own!"
"Mn-nn," Tsubaki shook her head playfully making another stab at Sadie's plate. Sadie held her plate up out of reach causing Tsubaki to try and climb over the table in an attempt to steal more.
A deep chuckle startled the girls out of their playful banter. "Well now, what is this?" Vista's mustache twitched in amusement. They were comically frozen. Sadie with one arm shifted into water to extend her reach away from Tsubaki who had one foot on the table's surface about to launch herself at the plate. Upon seeing Vista, they both returned to more sensible positions seated on the benches and plates on the table. Their faces burned as Vista sat next to Sadie. He had abandoned his normal open faced black suit and cape for a black vest with golden buttons. The top three buttons were left open to accommodate the large muscles of his chest.
"I'm so glad to see you out my little Water Lily!" Vista chimed.
Sadie gave him a withering look. He knew that she didn't like his little pet names, but that had never stopped him. "Hi Uncle Vista." she sighed.
Vista's lip trembled and Tsubaki smirked. Vista tackle hugged the petite water user while rubbing his cheek against hers. "I've missed my little Water Lily! Why do you hide from Uncle!"
Tsubaki was hiding behind her hand as she tried not to dissolve completely into a laughing fit. Between Vista's overly affectionate hug and Sadie's reluctant acceptance, it was quite the challenge not to bust out in pure glee.
"Okay-Okay!" Sadie chided, while trying to extract herself from Vista's large arms. "It's good to see you too. You act like it has been forever since you've seen me."
"It's been a whole week!" Vista whined.
Tsubaki had to turn around to hide her laughter. She couldn't help it. Vista only acted this way around Sadie and it was so adorable!
"Not even. Six days if you count today." Sadie calmly returned, tucking a few lose strands of hair behind her ear.
Having mostly contained her amusement, Tsubaki turned back around and half chuckling asked, "So, what brings you to this remote part of the room Commander Vista?" She leaned her chin into her palm as she rested her elbow on the table and a smile plain on her face.
Vista's mustache twitched in excitement as he beamed at the two girls. "I came to ask my precious Lotus Blossom for a dance!"
Tsubaki started nodding enthusiastically, "That's a great idea!" She innocently smiled at her friend's look of betrayal.
Sadie held her hands up in an attempt to decline, but found herself being dragged towards the dance floor. As Vista pulled her along, she hopped on one foot reaching out to the friend who had sold her out for a few laughs. Once she resigned herself to public embarrassment, she swore revenge on the fashion queen. 'This means war!' Sadie promised herself.
….
Ace was straining his muscles against Marco's. Their arms were locked on top of an unlucky table. The surface of the wooden table was marred with splinters and dents after hosting several arm wrestling matches. Both men were red in the face as they attempted to overpower the other man. It was clear that they were very nearly matched, but they were too stubborn to relent.
Ace was winning by a single centimeter. His hand had pushed Marco's hand just slightly off center, but The Phoenix wasn't giving up another millimeter. Their hands shook with the combined strength being poured into the limbs. The wood beneath their elbows creaked threateningly under the strain.
A cheer drew the attention of many who were watching the bout between the first and second division commanders. Some even left, deciding that the tournament had unfortunately ended in a draw.
"And for all the loyal fans listening at home!" Thatch lowered his face so that it was right in front of the joined fists. He held a hand up to his mouth holding an imaginary speaker. "We are still sitting at an epic stand still! It is incredible how long both of our competitors have managed to do nothing! Seriously ladies and gentlemen, I think that they may have changed the contest without telling the rest of us. Maybe it is now a who can hold their hand the stillest contest, or can make their face redder! On that last count, I think Ace is winning, although he may be cheating using that devil fruit of his!"
Ace and Marco both gritted their teeth in agitation, but neither wasted energy on the goofball.
"Oh WOW! There has been some progress! Marco's face just surpassed Ace's and now looks like a delicious red wine. Speaking of wine, today's broadcast is brought to you by-"
Both Marco and Ace punched Thatch in the face and screamed, "SHUT-UP!"
The fourth division commander went flying across the room and crashed into the far wall. He sprang back up and flipped over the crowd back toward his friends. "Now that was action!" He grinned no worse for wear.
Ace was miffed about the contest being cut short, but he was all smiles laughing with the two older commanders.
Thatch threw an arm over each Fire-Fist and The Phoenix, pulling them in for a rough hug. "While the two of you have been locked in a stand-still, Vista has been stealing the show."
Ace looked over where Thatch indicated. There was a large crowd surrounding the dance floor. Thatch removed his arm and the three made their way over to see what the fuss was all about.
Vista was prancing around the somber girl from earlier. He watched as the swordsman pulled in the girl and began spinning her around fast enough to lift her feet up off the floor. It was impressive in a 'that's cool' kinda way. His brows raised as the dance ended. The girl could have won their whose face is reddest contest hands down. He watched as she dashed away from the crowd. Teasing people like that was always fun, but it lost something if they were so serious they couldn't take a joke. He sighed guessing she was indeed too serious to be a good target.
The fifth division commander smiled sadly at the girl's retreating form. The music picked up a new tune, and the floor was full of agile dancers once again hiding the man from view.
"Well gents, I'm going to find a dancing partner of my own." Marco grinned widely, with just the touch of a blush coloring his cheeks.
"Sure. And while you are there, why don't you ask the doc to check out that stupid head of yours." teased Thatch as he pushed Marco's arm playfully.
Marco returned with a taunting punch to Thatch's shoulder. "Jealous-yoi?" Marco left his friends by the dance floor presumably in search of the red-head from earlier.
"What about you Ace?" Ace turned to see Thatch with a hand stroking his goatee and critically gazing at him up and down.
Ace waved his hand in front of him, "No way."
"Awww, you telling me that little Ace here doesn't have at least one girl he has his eye on?" Thatch's face split into a feral grin.
"Nope not a one. Well, at least not one I would want to spend a lot of time with." scoffed Ace. "They are all craaaazy!"
Thatch barked out a laugh. "Are you sure you are nineteen and not ninety? You sound like an old man scorned by women everywhere!"
Ace quirked an eyebrow at the man's reaction. 'Is it really that funny?'
Thatch took longer than necessary to collect himself. He was looking at Ace with eyes that were open with desire to tease the young man within an inch of his sanity.
However, it was about that time that Marco returned successful. The flirtatious woman from earlier was practically drooling on his arm as they made their way to the dance floor.
Thatch's gleam refocused on the first division commander. "Well if women aren't on the menu, how about we poke fun at Marco while he tries to be the cool commander with his gal." The elder commander's smile was 100% ornery making him look years younger.
AN: Please review
(for followers of ITC - we are past all the repeated material now.)
