A few housekeeping notes before we begin. This story got the least votes in the poll so I'm not going to bother making the chapters longer. Feels weird finishing a chapter so quickly, though... Also, and important question for you guys: do you want me to only use Sabo and Ace's perspectives or would you like me to use other characters as well? I was planning on just using theirs but I can actually make it work both ways. So please vote :D

Also, can I rant? THERE IS SO MUCH SNOW. SO MUCH. That is all.

Recommendations~

Of ink and feathers by MyLadyDay: Only one chapter so far but it's a GREAT chapter. The setting described is pretty simple thus far (it just started, so of course it is!) but it is VERY amusing I'm looking forward to good things from this author :)

Knight in Fiery Armour by Aerle: A oneshot that takes an interesting twist on Ace joining the Whitebeard pirates or, in this case, knights. Involves jousting and adorableness :D

"That's sexual harassment, ya damned jerk!"

Ace's boss stared at him blankly, watching the exchange between his employees. The youth wasn't paying much attention to him, though, too busy glaring daggers at his co-worker, trying to erase the feel of the bastard's hand sliding lower and lower down his side. He'd just asked for help when one of the metal beams fell on him. He caught it with one hand—probably pulled a muscle while doing it, too—but, torch in the other, was having trouble thinking of a way to switch position without the damn thing falling on his head. The last thing he needed was a trip to the hospital right now. Oh he helped, alright, hefting the beam to the floor before getting a little too close and personal for the youth's liking. The bastard just never let up, getting more liberal with his actions ever since this shit started last week and Ace was sick of it. Maybe, maybe he wouldn't be pissed if it was a hot girl feeling him up, but some burly, filthy man? No. Just no. Never again.

And how had the beam fallen in the first place? The boss was the one who delivered them earlier during his shift. Safety protocol my ass.

Speaking of, his employer-of-the-week strode up, arms folded in displeasure. "What's with all the yelling?"

Ace's head snapped to the man, eyes raging. Asshole number two had borne witness to many of his co-worker's attempts at… could you even call it flirting? No, no, definitely not; flirting didn't involve groping people against their will. "Are you serious? You saw what he was doing!"

The man snorted. "Man up and get back to work. We need this finished before noon." With that he turned away, heading back to his station.

"Screw you!" he shouted, placing the torch back in its hold before he moved to the welder's gloves covering his calloused digits. He glared harder as his boss turned back to him, eyes narrowing.

"What was that?"

His co-worker tried to interject, stepping between them. "Look, I was wrong, alright? It's my fault. Boss, just—" His words went unheard as Ace shoved him aside. It was almost like he wasn't there at all.

"I'm sick of your bullshit!" the youth continued, muscles clenched as though he was ready to tear into the other—physically. "You don't follow safety regulation, you cut corners and you don't even try to resolve conflicts between your employees. Fuck you, I quit." Throwing his gloves at the dirt, he turned sharply and stormed away, ignoring the pervert's calls for him to wait. Lousy job, lousy pay, lousy boss—he wouldn't miss it.

Okay, so maybe Ace could have been a little more subtle about how he confronted his boss. And maybe he was regretting getting so pissed off because he was short on cash. He'd been honest about every word he said but, as Sabo taught him long ago, sometimes it's important to hold your tongue. It was true, he hated the job and he hated his boss with a passion, but he felt an insurmountable guilt rise from the pit of his stomach knowing that his brother would be the only one putting bread on the table, figuratively speaking, until he found a new place that would accept him.

He certainly wouldn't be getting any recommendations after that stunt, either.

Legs hanging over the edge of the rock beach he found himself at, he heaved a depressed sigh. Yeah, it was a stupid move, but he couldn't take any more of that—that bastard harassing him like that. The feel of his bulky hands caressing his thigh… it was enough to make him throw up. He didn't like men, not like that. He didn't like women much, either, come to think of it…

Actually, Ace hated being touched in general—sexually or otherwise. He liked his space and there were very few people he let close to him. Sabo was one of those people, of course—the first, if he recalled correctly. It took a long time and a lot of patience on his brother's part, but eventually he let him in. Now he couldn't even imagine pushing him away.

Strangers, however, especially men, were prohibited. Ones with lewd thoughts most of all, feeling him up like that… disgusting!

Suddenly his phone buzzed, shocking him out of his internal rant. He pulled the device from his pocket and held it to his ear as he answered. "Yo."

"Hey, you busy right about now?"

Ace blinked, looking around at the empty beach and blue skies above. He hadn't realized how secluded he was. "…Maybe."

"So you're not." Damn bastard knew him too well. Or maybe he was just that predictable. In any case, it was nice to hear from his buddy again. Sanji hadn't contacted him in a while—busy moving to the city. He'd gotten a job offer at some big-shot restaurant or something so he was leaving their hometown to go there. Ace was pretty happy about that; he rarely got to see the man, living so far apart. "You have your license?"

The youth snorted as though the insinuation appalled him. "Course I do. Why?"

"Because I lost mine."

Ace heaved himself onto his feet, standing on the large rock overlooking the water with a raised eyebrow. "You get caught speeding too many times?"

"No, you shithead—I mean I actually lost it. Must've been during the move. Anyway, can you come pick me up? The owner wants me to head to Baratie to meet the team."

"I don't have a car."

"I have a car."

He grinned. "Then I'll see you in ten."

"Thanks."

"Wait!" he shouted suddenly, startling the one on the phone. "Where are you right now?"

"Idiot."

It took a while to find Sanji's new place. Why? Well, because Ace wasn't all that familiar with the nice side of town. He admitted that in the deepest reaches of his mind he was a little jealous of his friend for being able to afford living there. At the same time, he knew Sanji had earned it; he was one hell of a cook. When he was younger and lived back in his hometown he remembered the younger blond coming over frequently to make meals for him and his brother. Those were good times.

And now the blond had a nice ass car.

He was happy for him—really he was! But… there was some part of him that was just a tiny bit envious as well.

"This thing has air conditioning!" he cheered as he got behind the wheel, his old friend slipping into the passenger's seat with a befuddled look.

"Is it really that big of a deal?"

"Yes," Ace answered with firm resolve and a dead-serious look on his face.

Sanji blinked before shaking it off, likely wanting to avoid asking why. He knew about the brothers' financial situation, after all. Removing a pack of smokes from his pants pocket, he slipped one out and pressed it between his lips, searching his suit for his lighter.

"Not in the car!" Ace begged, horrified at the thought of the smoke ruining such a beautiful creature.

A blue eye met his curiously. "It's my car, you know."

"But… but…" Ace's lower lip quivered as he petted the dashboard, looking to the cook with heartbroken eyes.

Eventually Sanji broke their locked gaze, sighing. "Fine," he relented, halting in his search for a light. "Let's just go; I gotta be there in half an hour."

"Relax, we have plenty of time." As he went to turn the ignition he paused, face going blank as the gears in his head began to turn, rusted and worn as they were. Then he remembered something vital. "Where is it?"

The blond turned to him again, jaw going slack. "I thought you knew."

Shit.

"Why would I know? Not like I have the money to eat at some five star restaurant," he pointed. Noting the panic rising up behind Sanji's calm demeanour, Ace sighed and pulled out his phone. "I'll ask my brother; he should know."

The blond deflated in relief. "Alright, thanks."

Quickly his fingers moved across the handheld, finding Sabo's contact. He knew the blond would be up by then; Ace left around sunrise for his shift but Sabo had to head to that Trafalgar guy's place. As he thought about it more, it probably wasn't the best idea in the world to call him. He might be in the middle of a lesson, after all, and it wouldn't look good if he abruptly stopped whatever he was doing to talk on the phone. Text was probably safer.

'Where's that Baratie place?'

He sent the message and turned to his friend, grinning to help ease his nerves. "Just give him a minute." Ace wasn't worried about his brother not answering. Despite how often he used his phone to bother Sabo with stupid, mundane things the man never once turned the device off or failed to respond. Out of everyone in the world, he was the person Ace could rely on most. Sometimes he felt bad for annoying him with trivial things—like that time he was in a bad mood and broke the microwave while Sabo was helping his friend with a funeral—but knowing that the blond was always there for him, even for the smallest things, made him feel great.

Were he ever in trouble, his brother would be there for him the whole way through.

His phone buzzed and, smiling, he saw that he had a text from Sabo.

'Ace. Not now.'

A deep frown took the place of said smile. Then again, there were some days when the bastard wouldn't answer his damn questions.

'No, seriously. Tell me. Baratie. Now.'

"Taking his sweet time, ain't he?" Sanji mused, though his expression showed he wasn't upset.

"Sorry," Ace apologised, "I think he's in the middle of something." And again he was notified.

'North Street. Take a right on Grand Line. Big white building, can't miss it. Now would you tell me what this is about?'

He grinned. "Alright, I know where that is." Sliding the cell back in his pocket, he started the car and backed out of the driveway. The ride got awfully quiet—awkward even—and Ace found himself drumming his fingers against the dashboard at a red light not long after.

Just as the light was about to change he realized he hadn't replied to his brother. Cursing inwardly, he once more retrieved the device, this time tossing it to his friend in the passenger's seat. The blond blinked at him, silently asking his question. "Thank him or something for me so that he knows we got it."

Sanji did as he said, not bothering to look at the message Sabo sent.

The car started up again, driving along the road. Ace grabbed his phone at some point and put it away, sighing. His day has started out bad and though he was happy to have a chance to see his friend again, he wasn't over that heated argument earlier in the morning.

"Rough day?" Sanji questioned, the butt of his cigarette tapping against the door.

Groaning, Ace made a right. He knew where Baratie was now and they still had a few blocks to go. "Men piss me off."

"I hear ya," the cook replied with a chuckle. "Always bothering my angels… What happened?"

Ace pulled his mouth taut, his face scrunching up as he went over how to word it in his head. He didn't want to make it sound like he was sexually harassed… even though he was. "A guy at work didn't understand personal space."

Sanji snorted. "That's the worst. Some shitty bastard stated bothering Nami-swan at my going away party last week. I was ready to kill him."

They were coming up to an intersection and, spotting a green light, Ace continued on. "Yeah, well—" The screech of tires cut him off and he glanced to his left. Something sped towards the car but he couldn't see what, loud noise screaming at his ear. He didn't react—didn't have time to react—tumbling and pain muddling his mind. They rolled, scrape of metal against pavement overpowering his every sense.

It burned.

His head throbbed.

He could not breathe.

Opening his eyes a crack he saw the sky, blurs of blond and red peeking through the foggy edges of his vision. He was tired—so, so tired. The blond came closer—Sabo? No…

"Ace! Stay w—me, damn it!"

He opened his mouth a tad, coughing. A sticky wetness spilled onto his chin. "Sanji…?"

"Yeah—me, Ace."

Sirens. The crackle of flames.

The blur pressed something to its skin. "Why won't—swer? Pick up!"

Two other blobs moved closer. He felt something touch his skin. He hated that feeling. "W-what…" he managed to croak out, barely a whisper. "What… happ…"

A strange, soothing voice hushed him, something slightly cool pressing against his hand, the feeling welcomed in the fever the world fell to. Turning his head he saw the car, crushed on one side—couldn't tell which. "S-san," he coughed. "S-sorry… car…"

"I don't care—car. Don't sleep, Ace."

"—with us."

"—mon, buddy."

The voices got harder and harder to distinguish, his mental haze thickening. Everything burned. Everything ached but he didn't have the strength to cry out. His eyes slipped into a welcomed darkness, all noise fading out.

Sleep made the pain go away.

A/N: Car accidents are hard to write from the perspective of the injured, mhmm. I tried to show his confusion and disorientation but... I think I failed u_u Been a while since I had to write a scene like that. Sorry, lovelies. I tried. Actually, I almost forgot to update this story. I'm writing a really long oneshot about Marco working in a prison and... well... it's taken up most of my attention. Lots of fun with that one :D But yeah, almost missed my deadline for this fic's next update because of it. But I made it! A day early, too! Sadly updates will slow once school starts again Monday... but I won't go on full hiatus again til midterms. (Haven't even met my profs and I'm thinking about midterms... damn university.) So how'd you like the chapter? Hope you enjoyed! I know, I know, you probably all saw it coming with that ominous few paragraphs I wrote in Sabo's perspective last chapter, but well. I tried. That counts for something, right?

To my lovelies~

MyLadyDay: Yep, I don't like when stories suddenly have the characters together. Don't worry, there will be build-up ;) We'll be sure to spread the word about awesome MarcoAce fics.

Justa Little Puppy: Lol Sabo's persuasive :P Yeah, Stefan needs more love. Suggestions shall continue! Ace breaking the microwave seems to be a fan favourite XD

Aerle: I understand, stuff like that happens to me all the time XD Lol I just expanded on the recommendations from last chapter. All of those questions and more will be answered! ...Eventually. Since you're new to my stories, I'll warn you that eventually takes a long time to come :P Sabo's always been one of my all-time favourites to write, even if I like other characters like Marco and Ace more XD I'll do my best to get you to like the pairing! :D I'm not surprised it's the first you've read, I think I'm the only one who writes it :P ...I'll practice German at school =3=

Kitsune Foxfire: Sabo's an asshat, we all know that, and this fic will show his sinister side :P Divide? Pssh, that's nothing. Here he's making Law read children's books. Now THAT is risky living. Stefan is going to be in it more, I think. Probably.

G: Here's an update!

Gundum-grrl: I say feel worse for Ace because he's having a REALLY bad day :P Marco and Ace need to become better acquainted first but eventually they'll hook up ;)

ssspooky: Lol glad you enjoyed XD You're welcome~

Mizunou: We shall see later if Law is really stupid or not :P

Thea Death End: Awe, thanks XD I'll be sure to remember to be awesome :P

Leite Destiny: Really happy you're liking them! Well all 4 of the main characters will have backstories and you'll get to learn more about them so don't worry :) Just right now things are barely started XD Nope, Sabo's not related to Doflamingo. Yep, we have enough Luffy stories so this one'll focus on his brothers ^^

spoons-are-evil: Well he's just not involved in the plot much, that's all I'm saying :P Sabo and Law are a lot of fun, really XD Awe, don't say that! Most of the time they'll be hating each other XD

UchihaLuci: Here is the continuation!

Yvonne Park: The chapters switch from Ace to Sabo. I mentioned that in the author's notes :P So next chapter will be about Sabo, the one after that will be Ace, and so on.

Shirani-Chan: Haha good to know! XD

(So that's the update. Hope you guys had nice holidays and I'll see you again next time. Stay warm! Adieu~)