Ok with it being May 5th I thought I would take time out of my busy uni life and write a quick one shot on Luffys Birthday.

Warning: do not read if you are not up to date with the current manga chapters as this does have spoilers!

It has been another year that Luffy hasn't seen Shanks. Another year of not knowing if he is greater or stronger than his idol. Luffy would never admit it but he sees Shanks as a sort of farther figure thanks to being brought up by Dadan, whom he sees as a female version of his Grandpa!

Luffy could not believe that it was his birthday and that he had been at sea for nearly a year. With everything that has happened to him and his crew it feels a lot longer. Gathering his crew and defeating powerful pirates and gaining bounty's these where all great experiences, looking back at them. At the time even though he did not show it Luffy was scared. Not for his own life or well being, but for his crews. They are more like a family than a pirate crew and being away from them is painful on this day that should be joyful.

The best thing that has happened to Luffy this year was that he is finally on the grand line with a crew of friends, trying to be the king of the pirates. The worst thing to happen to him was Ace dyeing in front of him.

Luffy had walked to a secluded part of Amazon Lilly and was looking out to sea, holding his hat in his hands, with tears rolling down his face.

"Ace ... Why did you protect me from him? What am I going to do since we can't meet each other ever again? What will my crew say? They all respect you. And Dadan ... She's ... she's ... she's going to ... to ... to be so upset. Why Onii-chan? It was your dream to make Whitebeard king of the pirates but he's dead as well! What is going to happen Ace? Where is that so called dad of mine? He should be here it's my birthday!" said Luffy quietly.

Jinbei was watching him with a sad look in his eyes and holding back his own tears.

"Ace-kun if you can hear me help you brother please! He's hurting so much." He said

"Jinbei I know your there come out please." Said Luffy

Jinbei went and sat next to Luffy casting a glance at his hat.

"Jinbei do ... do you know where Ace's hat is? I need something of his!" said Luffy

"Sorry Luffy-kun I don't, but I know your brother would be upset to see you like this." Said Jinbei, "Isn't that the hat Red-hair wore until 10 years ago?"

It is. It gives me strength when I need it but I need Shanks now. I ... I ... I just need a father figure today!"

"Why?"

"It's my birthday and I have lost my big brother I need someone to help me through this. Jinbei what do I do?"

"Remember his, as a man is not truly dead until he is forgotten."

For the rest of the day the supernova Luffy and ex-Shichibukai sat together thinking of their friend/brother who they had lost so recently.

As Jinbei says a man is never truly dead until he is forgotten by people.

Hope you enjoyed and plese review!

lilmouse :)