Written for 30_onepiece (though I'm actually still waiting for official approval for this claim...), Set 7- Claim #18 cute, 839 Words, Rating T (Just to be safe!)
Disclaimer: Had I owned one piece, a certain fire-wielder would have appeared much more (as would Whitebeard's crew) and some rather upsetting events would never have happened to him. Well, that's what fanfiction is for I guess- Fiction written by slightly (over)obsessive fans to fulfill our wonderful fantasies.
Author's note: This is the first post of my writings after a very long hiatus. I am a little rusty. I am also trying to force myself to write more consistently though I might not always have the inspiration. Thus, this might not be the smoothest/ best of writings. I would highly appreciate constructive critics as I am doing my best to improve.
This will theoretically be a series of roughly chronological order, giving brief insights into Ace's life after joining Whitebeard's crew. It'll be 'AU' where I fill in the gaps left by the mangaka and will diverge from the manga after the Marineford arc. Beyond that… Hope you enjoy the story!
This shot occurs just after Ace is defeated after challenging Whitebeard and is sulking abroad the ship.
The problem with being too strong was that sometimes, a person could become overconfident. And so it occurred that on one of those dull afternoon when there was absolutely nothing whatsoever to be done on the Moby Dick, two of Whitebeard's commanders chatted casually in a corner, unaware that they were being carefully observed.
"Isn't he cute?" The joker of the ship, needless to say, was the one to start this latest mischief, his mind whirling with ways to create some entertainment.
"Thatch... It's only his fifth day on the ship and he's already just failed his fifteenth assassination attempt this morning. And if he's not getting beaten by pops, he's sulking in some corner. How is he cute in any way?" Marco, First Division Commander of the Whitebeard pirates, slouched lazily against the wall as he listened to his friend's latest inane theory.
"Ah, but isn't it cute how he tries so hard? And the sulking is amusing too. I think it's nice to finally have a little brother on this ship. The kid's barely eighteen and already so ambitious. I think that he'll provide us with a lot of fun!" Thatch smiled, brown eyes sparkling with thoughts of how he could drag Ace into his numerous pranks. The Moby Dick could definitely use another prankster. He has to work fast, though, before Marco get to him and corrupts Ace with his boring responsibility.
The phoenix could only sigh at the thought of his friend's new, troublemaking scheme. "Maa... Why are you my friend again? You're going to get hurt trying to play around with him."
"Aww, Marco. I didn't know you cared! Don't worry. With luck, the puppy will be joining in our fun by tonight." Thatch eyed Marco warily and took some comfort in that Marco appeared to be even more laconic than usual. Just in case, though... "Don't try to interrupt our bonding, Mr. Boring."
"Maa... That would be too troublesome, Thatch."
"Good." Reassured, Thatch carefully picked his way over to Portgas D Ace, eyes never once leaving his prey.
Unfortunately for the prankster, he was not perceptive enough to see the blossoming humour gleam in Marco's eyes. "I wouldn't dream of interrupting your fun. Not when it would lead to more amusement for me."
Portgas D. Ace sat crouched in a corner, emitting the most unwelcoming aura that he could while trying to keep his over-eager flames from sprouting and revealing his dark mood. He was not sulking. He was brooding, because it was ridiculous that someone so idiotically strong like Whitebeard could have such stupid subordinates who did not realize that he could hear them gossiping. So what if they were far enough that most people would not be able to hear them? They were still idiots all the same.
Thatch strolled up to him, a placating smile on his face, and Ace directed a blistering glare him. Ace had to forcefully suppress the urge to hiss in warning. Unfortunately for him, he failed to understand how Thatch, having long since gone through the angsty period of youth and having had the chance to tease far too many other teens on the ship to insanity, would have simply found Ace's attitude utterly adorable. As a result, Ace could only bristle as Thatch's smile grew.
"Whatever it is, no. Go away." Ace operated on a pretty simple philosophy in life with regards to idiots. Usually, he simply ignored them. They were beneath his notice, anyway, and would wander off once they got bored when he refused to respond. However, seeing as he was in a particularly dark mood, and since Thatch & Marco had contributed significantly to said mood, he had skipped forward to step two- scare them the hell off. Hence the glare and overall bad attitude.
"Hello, I'm Thatch. Let's be friends." Thatch squatted down before him, undaunted, holding out a hand with his palm up and fingers waving towards him in invitation.
Ace narrowed his eyes.
"So, what did I tell you?" Marco's usual languid drawl was laced with amusement. He smirked down at Thatch, as his friend lay sprawled across his back on the deck. "Portgas is not cute. And he is definitely trouble."
Ace smirked contently from his spot a slight distance away as he listened in on duo. This was a much more pleasing and acceptable topic than the one before. Clasping his garish orange hat, he smiled. At least beating Thatch, still one of Whitebeard's famed commanders despite his crazy antic, proved that he had not lost his touch. And that he was still strong enough to protect Luffy for now. "Don't worry Luffy. I will be strong by the time you start your journey across the seas. I will find us both a place where we can be free."
Caught up in his memories, Ace did not notice as Thatch and Marco gazed at his soft smile. He did not hear the Thatch's near silent whisper. "See, he is cute. That smile proves it." Nor did he observe Marcos thoughtful nod of agreement.
AN: Ace would be perhaps 17-18 here (since he left Luffy when he turned 17) so I would think that the guy would still be a bit bratty, even if he is strong enough to assemble a crew. He's probably achieved quite a bit of success to be able to meet Whitebeard so soon so this would be his first big loss in a while- something that he will take a while to accept. In the meantime, he'll probably sulk -excuse me, 'brood'- while he thinks through the loss.